A Cowboy's Christmas Luck by KC Burn
Summary:
Christmas Luck #1
Jonah Beecham is a down on his luck cowboy, stuck in Vegas with no money, no job, no friends, and Christmas rapidly approaching. Although he’d been promised a job as a bullfighter, the job falls through, and he’ll be sleeping in his truck for Christmas. In a fit of desperation, he drops a coin in an old-fashioned slot machine and wins enough to put gas in his truck… plus a little something extra. Rather than press his luck, he decides to leave the casino, but the universe isn’t done with him yet.
Zach Evans is a television writer from Los Angeles who loves all things cowboy. He’s in Las Vegas to do some research at an end of year rodeo event. Too wary to approach any of the sexy cowboys he sees, he finally takes a chance when he bumps into Jonah.
Spending the next week in Zach’s bed might seem like Jonah’s luck has changed, but when Jonah realizes he’s falling for a man who lives in a city where none of his skills are employable, he’s got a choice to make. Fear of the unknown will cost him Zach, but accepting that the universe has more luck in store for him might be more than he can handle.
Jonah Beecham is facing last resources to survive as Christmas nears and he finds himself in Vegas with no money, no friends, and no job since a promised one as a bullfighter falls through. Zach Evans is in town to do some research for the television show he writes for and despite his appreciation for everything cowboy he doesn't quite have the nerve to approach any. When a chance meeting buts Jonah and Zach together will a Vegas fling stay in Vegas or has luck turned the corner for both men and turn to more?
I have never been let down by KC Burn's writing and
A Cowboy's Christmas Luck was no different. The title says it all: cowboys and Christmas, what's not to love? Jonah definitely is need of a little luck and after putting one of his final coins in a slot machine that he happened to sit in front of give his feet a rest he may have found some extra luck. No, I can safely say he doesn't hit the jackpot but then a bump and stumble puts him in Zach's path. Talk about a great Christmas meeting!
A Cowboy's Christmas Luck may seem cliche to some, but lets face it most Christmas stories tend to be a bit on the cliche side. HOWEVER, that doesn't make it great. This short holiday novella will put a smile on your face and keep it there long after you hit the final page. You have cutesy-awkward-Hallmark-ish first meetings, heat, romance, cowboys, and plenty of heart. Somehow this little gem almost completely missed my reading radar so whether it was coincidence or a little Christmas luck😉 I came across Jonah and Zach's tale last weekend and immediately 1-clicked, opened it, and I was completely filled with holiday cheer and pure fun. Definitely goes on my win-win shelf.
RATING: 
The Law of Miracles by KC Wells
Summary:
Christmas Promise #2
Joshua Trant is doing his best to support his son Micah and Micah’s partner Greg as they approach the trial of Greg’s attackers. This was never going to be easy, especially as Greg wants them prosecuted for a hate crime, but County Attorney Alexander Rycliffe assures them he’ll do his utmost to make sure the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. Joshua hopes that whatever the outcome, Greg will be happy. What he’s finding more difficult to deal with, is the way he’s feeling about Alex. Joshua has loved two people in his life – Hayden and Rachel – and lost them both. The chance of him being lucky a third time is so slim, the thought doesn’t even cross his mind, until Love – and his kids – give him a push in the right direction…
Alex knows what it is to have loved and lost, and he thinks he’s done with men. Then Joshua Trant walks into his life. Alex soon learns there’s more to Joshua than just a handsome face, and the men finally have what both of them need – a friend. But as the months go by, it becomes obvious to everyone concerned that their friendship has the potential to develop into something deeper – if they let it.
One man who thinks he’s had his chance at love.
One man who has to let go of a past betrayal and learn to trust again.
And both are about to be shown Christmas is indeed a time of miracles. All you have to do is believe…
A slow burn for Christmas that makes the HEA worth waiting for.
Contains: two adorable mature guys who act their age, a snarky BFF, reference to hate crimes but no on page violence, delicious food, unsolicited help from well-meaning twenty-something kids, and finally a first time... and a second...
Midnight Angel by Kevin Klehr
Summary:
Dinner is overcooked. The guests haven’t arrived. And Luke is sitting alone at his dining table on New Year’s Eve. He was hoping to romance Nathan, one of the people he invited for this intimate evening meal.
As midnight draws closer, it seems an angel, who has magically appeared in Luke’s apartment, is the only person to drink champagne and watch the fireworks with.
But this angel has other ideas. He’s about to grant Luke the New Year’s Eve party he thought he wanted.
Christmas Prince by RJ Scott
Summary:
The Christmas Angel #7
Prince Raphael, the youngest son of the Montaunoit royal family, is the custodian of his country's history. At a Sotheby's auction, he outbids Marc on an item he doesn't even want. Just because he can.
Meeting the museum curator turns Raphael's world upside down, and when lust turns to love he knows he has to change.
Can Marc be the one to show Raphael that he doesn't have to stay the lonely prince forever, and that love is always an option?
This story is one of seven stories which can all be read and enjoyed in any order.
Christmas Prince by RJ Scott is not only a wonderful concluding entry in the amazing multi-author series
The Christmas Angel, but it is an incredible tale that is better than any Hallmark holiday film I've seen in many years. Lets be honest here, most of us at one point in our childhood had dreams of meeting a prince or princess and finding a HEA and with Miss Scott's
Christmas Prince we get to relive those dreams vicariously through Marc and Prince Raphael.
For some alternating POV are not always a hit but I love them because we get to see the inner thoughts of each character to give us a more rounded story so being able to see into both Marc and Raphael was a an extra delicious treat. Watching them discovering each other and that there is more to each than that first fateful Sotheby's auction is a pure delight. A classic holiday fairytale in the making.
Now, as I've said in my reviews for other entries in
The Christmas Angel series, they can be read in any order and I myself have jumped around and still have a couple to go back to before the 12 Days of Christmas are up. The Angel is the connection and even though I would love to know more about how she goes from era to the next, her journey is just part of the holiday magic of the season so there really is no reason it has to be read in order. I do however, highly recommend reading
Christmas Angel by Eli Easton first because you learn the origins of the angel. Now that isn't all that important to the timeline but personally speaking I would find myself wondering about the hows and whys she came to be and it would leave me a bit distracted from enjoying each tale completely, but again that is just my personal preference.
RATING:
Not Just for Christmas by Annabelle Jacobs
Summary:
Ben has Christmas, cats, and mistletoe on his side…. Jason doesn’t stand a chance
For Ben Slater, moving back to Bristol means being closer to his family, living with his best mate, and volunteering at the local animal shelter. But there’s also Jason, his best mate’s eldest brother. Ben’s had a crush on Jason for as long as he can remember, but the eleven-year age gap has always seemed insurmountable.
Jason Armitage works as a vet at his uncle’s practice. He owns a cute cottage on the outskirts of the city, and a loving dog. The one thing missing is someone to share it all with. His brother’s best friend seems a bad choice, but Jason can’t help taking a second look. Ben’s changed a lot since Jason last saw him; both in appearance and attitude. Gone is the shy young boy, replaced with a confident, twenty-four-year-old man.
In the run up to Christmas, the festive period gives Ben the ideal opportunity to show Jason what he has to offer. But concerns for his brother’s feelings hold Jason back. If they have any chance of making this work, Ben must convince Jason that he’s old enough to know what he wants, and Jason needs to believe that a relationship with his brother’s best friend won’t ruin their friendship.
Originally Read January 2018:
You are going to have to forgive me for this review being both late and short. How I missed doing a review when I read this story nearly a year ago I have no idea other than it just slipped through the cracks. As for the brevity of my review, well I haven't forgot the story but as I have read over 200 books and dozens of fanfiction stories in the 11-1/2 months since reading
Not Just for Christmas, unfortunately some details blur. However, I do remember the enjoyment, the thrills, and the adrenaline rush I got reading Ben and Jason's journey. Whether you read this gem for its romantic elements of holiday, May/December, crushes-become-reality, or just romance in general it won't matter because at the end of the day and the end of book you will have enjoyed a tremendously interesting blend of happiness, love, friendship, with just the right amount of drama to tie it all together.
RATING:
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Random Tales of Christmas 2018
Midnight Angel by Kevin Klehr
It was almost nine p.m. and none of my guests had arrived.
My place smelt of roast chicken. It had gone dry, yet I let it sit in the oven once I accepted no one was coming. Even with the oven turned off, the potatoes would have turned into little black rocks inside the trapped heat. I considered going down to the creek and chucking them as far as they’d go to quell my frustration.
I sat at my dinner table, eyes closed, trying to find my peace. As time ticked by, melancholy was my only companion.
Why would I think this plan would work? I had many invitations this New Year’s Eve, but my search for love kept me blind.
Three guests were supposed to be here tonight. If I was honest with myself, I’d have known one would have been here for sure. He invited himself. But he wasn’t here either, and I couldn’t blame him. He was Tim. Someone more interested in me than I in him.
For a while, Tim was dropping hints. “Here, take my jacket,” followed by “You really need someone to look after you.” “I’ve never been kissed by a man, well, not with love.” That one was followed with a longing look, waiting for my response. So I kissed him on the cheek.
And then there were the small gifts. A record of a band I once mentioned. I had to buy a turntable just to be nice. A chilli plant. Not the best present as I have a black thumb. It lasted two months. And just the week before, a letter. I never opened the envelope. I meant to throw it out several times, but something stopped me.
When Tim found out I invited Nathan and Lucy for dinner, he stuttered while telling me he had no plans. I still don’t know why I caved in and told him to come.
But Nathan was who I really wanted to see, and if I were to win his affections, it would be his best friend Lucy I’d have to win over. She’s one of those gal pals who cherishes her gay mates. I met them both at a party, and even though I’m too embarrassed to say it, I was captivated by him. His candid nature made me feel at ease. The three of us shared one-night-stand horror stories until Lucy left us alone. But she still checked on Nathan from time to time.
Nathan told me he liked to be called Nate. He talked a lot about their friend Ben who didn’t believe in romance and then asked me for my thoughts on the whole Mr Right thing. I played it cool, yet inside I wanted to break the world record for the longest kiss; his lips against mine.
Nate longed to travel, so I looked for cheap deals to Thailand, just in case I found the courage to suggest a holiday as a New Year experience for both of us. I printed details about the Full Moon Party while imagining his soft caress in the midst of techno rhythms and disco lights.
But he wasn’t here. No one was here except my tragic self.
I felt that shudder you feel when you’re at risk of breaking down. I held the table to steady myself in my seat. I was determined not to cry.
A little later, when I wanted to, no tears were shed.
“Love isn’t worth it,” I said to myself. “It’s the worst of all the four-letter words.” I longed for alcohol, but drinking alone would verify my loser status. “I promise to never fall in love.”
“I don’t think that’s a promise you can keep.”
I jumped in my seat. My knees hit the underside of the table, causing the cutlery to clatter. Then I was cemented to my chair, too scared to investigate whose voice was coming from my kitchen. I heard a flutter, like a bird getting excited that the door to its cage was open and maybe an escape was possible.
That’s it! A bird had flown into my kitchen while my mind was giving me audible hallucinations. Those two things happen all the time, right? Now I needed that drink.
A tall man strolled into my dining room, holding a bottle of rosé.
“Who are you?” I asked.
“Someone who’s here to stop you making stupid promises to yourself.”
“Are you a friend of Tim’s? A friend of Nate’s?”
“I’m your friend.”
I screamed. Not because there was a stranger in my home who may have been planning to wallop me with a bottle of wine. I screamed because wings expanded from his back.
Not Just for Christmas by Annabelle Jacobs
Ben tried not to look, but inevitably his gaze was drawn to Jason still sat on the sofa. He stood as Pete stepped back, and Ben got a proper look at him. Ben wasn’t the only one who’d changed a little over the past couple of years. The last time he’d seen Jason, his hair had been short, like an army cut, and he’d had a beard. He’d looked hot then, but now…. Ben had to forcibly shut his mouth so he didn’t gape.
Jason’s thick dark hair, still shaved at the sides, was now a good couple of inches longer on top. And he was clean shaven. Ben kind of missed the beard, but without it Jason looked much younger, and his strong jawline was a thing of beauty. He looked thinner, too. Ben frowned because Jason ate like a horse and had always been bulkier than his brothers. That thought somehow made its way out of Ben’s mouth.
“Have you lost weight?”
Jason laughed softly, one hand immediately going to his stomach. He patted his belly and sighed. “God don’t you start. Mum’s already been on at me about not eating properly.” He pulled Ben in for a quick hug. “It’s good to see you, even if you do put the rest of us to shame.”
Oh God, that voice. As smooth and deep as Ben remembered.
K Burn
KC Burn has been writing for as long as she can remember and is a sucker for happy endings (of all kinds). After moving from Toronto to Florida for her husband to take a dream job, she discovered a love of gay romance and fulfilled a dream of her own--getting published. After a few years of editing web content by day, and neglecting her supportive, understanding hubby and needy cat at night to write stories about men loving men, she was uprooted yet again and now resides in California. Writing is always fun and rewarding, but writing about her guys is the most fun she's had in a long time, and she hopes you'll enjoy them as much as she does.
KC Wells
Born and raised in the north-west of England, K.C. WELLS always loved writing. Words were important. Full stop. However, when childhood gave way to adulthood, the writing ceased, as life got in the way. K.C. discovered erotic fiction in 2009, when the purchase of a ménage storyline led to the startling discovery that reading about men in love was damn hot. In 2012, arriving at a really low point in life led to the desperate need to do something creative.
An even bigger discovery waited in the wings—writing about men in love was even hotter….
K.C. now writes full-time and is loving every minute of her new career. The laptop still has no idea of what hit it… it only knows that it wants a rest, please. And it now has to get used to the idea that where K.C goes, it goes.
And as for those men in love that she writes about? The list of stories just waiting to be written is getting longer… and longer….
K.C. loves to hear from readers.
Kevin Klehr
Kevin is the author of a number of books including the Actors and Angels series and the Nate and Cameron Collection.
The Actors and Angels series are three comedies about theatre in the Afterlife, where two friends explore their love for each other through several lifetimes with the help of a gay angel. The third in the series scored a Rainbow Award for Best Gay Alternative Universe/Reality novel.
The Nate and Cameron collection are two novellas that delve into a relationship between a dreamer and a realist, where the latter is coming to terms with loving second best. The two stories, Nate and the New Yorker and Nate’s Last Tango, are also available in one paperback edition.
And his latest novel, Social Media Central, explores a future where everyone is addicted to their screens.
Kevin lives with his long-term partner, Warren, in their humble apartment affectionately named Sabrina), in Australia’s own “Emerald City,” Sydney.
RJ Scott
USA Today bestselling author RJ Scott writes stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and most importantly, a happily ever after.
RJ Scott is the author of over one hundred romance books, writing emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing.
The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.
She’s always thrilled to hear from readers, bloggers and other writers. Please contact via the links below.
Annabelle Jacobs
Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with three rowdy children, and two cats. An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.
KC Burn
EMAIL: authorkcburn@gmail.com
KC Wells
EMAIL: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Kevin Klehr
RJ Scott
Annabelle Jacobs
EMAIL: ajacobsfiction@gmail.com
A Cowboy's Christmas Luck by KC Burn
The Law of Miracles by KC Wells
Midnight Angel by Kevin Klehr
Christmas Prince by RJ Scott
Not Just for Christmas by Annabelle Jacobs
