Summary:
Rowan does his best to blend in, but thanks to the ugly sweater from his grandmother, he’ll have a hard time sneaking away from the holiday party unnoticed.
What’s worse…he’s starting to think it’s not only ridiculous, but enchanted.
It’s hardly a recipe for meeting the man of his dreams. But sometimes you find a kindred spirit when you least expect it.
Like a Charm is a quick, sweet holiday read featuring two painfully shy guys, a plethora of ugly sweaters, an obnoxious neighbor, a sassy grandma, and a hint of magic.
Original Review January 2023:
Who doesn't love a good connection that starts with an ugly Christmas sweater? Like a Charm is more than just another ugly Xmas sweater cute meet, it has hints of magic, touches of fate, and all around holiday fun.
Rowan is so set on looking out for the one who is effected by the love charm he believes his grandmother has placed on the sweater he doesn't realize that sometimes fate has a way with or without the charm or maybe the charm works it's magic anyway😉. So fun, just so much fun in this Xmas short that I don't want to say more other than you can't help but find yourself grinning like a fool when you swipe that last page. Yum yum down to the very last thread.
Summary:
Wild R Farm #7
Tristan is a certified Christmas-aholic who believes every hall should be fully decked. He’ll give his boyfriend Wes anything he asks–no matter how filthy–as long as he gets to fill every corner of the house with Christmas cheer.
Jonah knows how badly Cole needs a break. He hatches a plan for a Christmas getaway, but someone has to take charge of the Christmas festivities at the farm. Tristan is the perfect man for the job.
Everyone at Wild R is ready for a perfect holiday, but one thing after another goes wrong: couples fighting, construction disasters, the oven dying. On top of that, Cole and Jonah both miss everyone back at the farm. Can the crew get themselves together in time for everyone to have a Merry Christmas?
Summary:
Tentacular Tales #1.5
RIVER
Ho, ho, ho…and tentacles? I’ve written a super secret Christmas novella in my over-the-top space saga/tentacle romance series. Who could have imagined I’d have so many actual alien fans across the universe? I can’t wait to share this new story with them, but first I need some feedback I can trust. Who better to ask than my alien boo, and mega fan, Kai? So naturally, I plan an ultra festive Christmas-themed date night to get Kai in a festive mood to listen to my story. There will be cookies, cocoa, and hopefully plenty of sexy times. But as they often say about the best-laid plans of aliens and men…
KAI
I’m learning that when it’s River’s turn to plan our date nights, I have to be prepared for almost anything. Coming home to find my house looking like the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie exploded in my living room was not what I was expecting—especially in October! But once River brings out the sugar cookies and cocoa, I’m on board. He knows the way to my two hearts. However, when I’m getting in more than just the Christmas mood, trouble arrives in the form of River’s Uncle Benji, my brother, my mother, and my father. My inner grump may go full grinch if they don’t leave us—and my precious sugar cookies—alone!
A Very Tentacular Christmas (Tentacular Tales 1.5) is a 32,000 word novella that takes place between Books 1 and 2 in the series. It features more in the adventures of Captain Starblade and Lord Vardox who are trapped on a winter moon during a snowstorm and there’s only one bed (!), the unexpected arrival of meddlesome family members at the worst possible moment, sexy Santa lingerie, bells on balls, an unintentionally erotic sculpture, and plenty of Christmas cheer!
Summary:
Jack Mathews wanted to get away from the city and enjoy some time on the slopes. He’d rented a nice cabin in the mountains and was more than ready to spend some time alone before the holidays.
Being from a large family, Ronnie Diaz decided this was a good year for him to spend a white Christmas with his dog, Chewie. He’s looking forward to some peace and quiet, but no amount of planning would have helped when the weather took a turn for the worse.
Two strangers with very different lifestyles stuck together in a snow-covered cabin with no heat or power. It might take more than a cute dog to help them survive it.
The Magi Accounts #3.4
One kiss under the mistletoe and now I’m hooked. I can’t get him out of my head… and I think I might like it.
Convincing my pride to have a holiday celebration was supposed to be a fun way to bring everyone together. But my plan went awry when my younger pride mate convinced everyone I needed a kiss. I hadn’t expected Ash to volunteer. And I certainly hadn’t expected him to kiss me on the lips and… linger.
Now, all I can think about is feeling his lips on mine again. Instead of planning gift giving and parties, I’m planning how to win Ash over. And what better way to convince him to spend time with me than to have him help me with my holiday plans?
The holidays are coming to the Ono-Nai house, and I only have one thing I’m wishing for this year—Ash.
A Holiday To Sustain Us is a fun 70K word MM urban fantasy companion story meant to be read AFTER A Purpose That Restores Us (The Magi Accounts 3). It’s from Charlie's perspective and takes place between books 3 and 4 of the main series. This is a companion novel, NOT a standalone, although the love story is resolved in this book.
Like a Charm by Jordan Castillo Price
ROWAN
“Rowan, is that you?” Gran’s voice rang through the house, strong and clear. Most grandmas you see on TV are white-haired, kindly old ladies who play bridge and bake pies. But not her.
My Gran was an enchanter. A modern-day witch.
She bustled out from her workshop in a well-worn leather apron covered with pockets and pouches where she kept the tools of her trade close at hand. Her steel gray short-cropped hair was streaked with purple, and it stood on end where she’d run an impatient hand through it while mixing her spells. “Make a little noise next time, will you?” she chided. “If it weren’t for that creaky door….”
“I texted that I was coming.”
She cut her eyes to the phone across the room in its charger, ignored. “I know you’re proud of your talent, but you take things too far.”
Whereas Gran needed herbs and tinctures to work her magic, all I had to do was think—and my specialty was fading into the background. It’s not as useless as it might sound. I’d make a great diamond thief, for instance. Or a stellar peeping Tom. But since I was too nice to go for either of those things, I’d cultivated a sideline as an assistant exam proctor. When I wasn’t helping her inventory trinkets or ship out orders, anyhow.
Gran wasn’t wrong, though. Sometimes I did feel a little too invisible. Especially with another Yule on the horizon with no boyfriend to snuggle in front of the fire.
“Come on, then,” Gran said, “into the workshop with you. My stock won’t rotate itself.” Twice a year, I helped Gran reshuffle her groaning shelves of ingredients, perched up high on a precarious stepladder that was supposedly warded from tipping over…though I suspected she just said that, given the piece of cardboard shoved under the short leg.
It was a grueling afternoon of shifting and wobbling that ended with a cramp in my shoulder and cobwebs in my hair. But she was my Gran—and the only other one in my family with talent. So, though she was loud and outspoken where I was quiet and shy, we had a special bond, Gran and me.
Though that special bond gave her license to ask some pretty uncomfortable questions.
“Well, then. Given that hangdog look on your face and the fact that you haven’t said anything about bringing a plus-one to the Yuletide feast, I’ll take it to mean you’re still single. Some people are true introverts, and they thrive on that kind of thing. But I know how you are—too much time by yourself, getting all up in your own head—it just makes you miserable. You may be quiet, Rowan, and you may be shy. But too much alone time is doing you no favors at all!”
I sighed. “Everyone says to fake it till you make it. Maybe I could pretend to be more outgoing, but in the long run, it won’t do me much good. Believe me, I’ve tried. The minute I start acting like myself, anyone who’s attracted to the ‘fun’ me loses interest.”
“Pah! You don’t need to be fun. You’re good and kind and patient. Not to mention you have phenomenal eyelashes. You got those from me.” Gran fluttered her patently fake lashes. “By the way, you’re welcome. Now, why don’t you open your present early? Just a little something I whipped up. It might help ease you into the spirit of the season.”
I scanned her workbench, eyes stopping on the heavy box of rose quartz she bought in bulk. The stone was ubiquitous in love charms—one of her specialties. Gran hadn’t gone and crafted me a love charm, had she? She saw nothing wrong with providing that initial spark of attraction to her customers, but the idea of using magic for something like that has never sat well with me. How could I ever trust a relationship that started with magical coercion? It would feel like it was built on a lie.
“That’s okay,” I said quickly. “I can wait till Solstice—”
“Nonsense. If I gave it to you in front of the rest of the family, they’d all be jealous.” She shoved a box into my hands, then jabbed a finger at the card tucked under the ribbon. “Besides…this invitation won’t be any good to you once the party’s over.”
“Wait, what party?”
Wild R Christmas by Silvia Onyx
“Wes! Come help me!” Tristan shouted.
Wes pushed himself up from the couch where he’d been doing research for his latest case. “Just a sec.”
When he stepped into the hall, he froze in disbelief. Tristan was stuck in the doorway with at least three shopping bags in each hand. “What did you do?”
Tristan looked at him like he was a simpleton. “I went shopping.”
Wes sighed as he held the door open so Tristan could push through. Then he followed his lover to the living room where Tristan dropped the bags in the middle of the floor and plopped down beside them.
“I thought you went for a run. What the hell were you doing shopping on the day after Thanksgiving?”
Tristan again stared at Wes like maybe he’d been replaced by an alien, one without much brainpower. “Buying Christmas decorations, of course.”
“Christmas decorations?” Wes did not want to consider the possibility that all those bags were full of Santas, reindeer, and glittery balls. Tristan’s balls were all Wes required this Christmas.
“Sure. I thought we could put them up this afternoon.” Wes’s horror grew as
Tristan pulled out a red and green sweater. “Look what I got for Cole.” Tristan held up the offensive garment and Wes fought the urge to shrink backward. On the front was a wolf in a Santa suit surrounded by sheep wearing elf hats. It said “A Wolf in Santa’s Clothing.”
“That is… hideous.”
Tristan laughed. “I know. Isn’t it fantastic?”
“Tris, look… I don’t—”
“Check these out.” He held up lights shaped like reindeer. “They even blink.”
Wes knew arguing with Tristan was useless but he felt compelled to make a small effort anyway. “I usually just put a wreath on the door.”
Tristan gave him an innocent look, the little bastard. “Really?”
“Tristan.”
“Oh, it’s just a few little things,” Tristan said, clearly unconcerned about Wes’s frustration.
“Tell me you don’t have an album of cats meowing Christmas songs in there.”
Tristan put his hands on his hips, which looked ridiculous with him sitting on the floor surrounded by Christmas decor. “How insulting! Do you really not know I prefer the barking dogs? I find cats too… slinky.”
Wes groaned. “You’re going to be even more impossible than usual from now until Christmas, aren’t you?”
“I’m going to be festive.”
“A tree, stockings, maybe a few other small items. That’s festive enough. I can’t live in the middle of North Pole Central.”
Tristan rolled his eyes. “Stop being such a scrooge.”
“Tristan, I will not—”
Tristan’s sly, sexy grin derailed Wes’s train of thought. “I’m sure I can change your mind.”
“You’re always so damn sure you can get your way.” And all too often he was right.
Tristan crawled across the floor, and talk about slinky, he looked more jaguar than stallion. Wes’s cock took immediate notice. Wes dropped his legs open, knowing Tristan was playing him but not caring. No matter how annoyed he was, he wasn’t going to turn his man down. Tristan settled himself between Wes’s thighs and put his hand on the fastening of his jeans. He caught Wes’s gaze, green eyes twinkling. “Christmas is the season of giving, sweetheart. Just tell me what you’d like me to give.”
“You’re offering sex in exchange for turning the house into Tacky Christmas Wonderland?”
Tristan popped Wes’s snap. “I am. Tell me what you want.”
“Tristan.” Wes tried to sound ominous but probably just sounded horny as hell.
Tristan slid his zipper down, not easy in that position considering how hard Wes was. He licked his lips and looked into Wes’s eyes. “You want to tie me up? Paddle me? Tell me what it’s gonna cost.”
Wes’s breath caught as Tristan ran a finger over his cock, which was still trapped behind his boxer briefs. “This is insane.”
“I give something, you give something. What’s insane about that?” With a mischievous smile, Tristan opened Wes’s jeans wider and pulled his cock free.
A Very Tentacular Christmas by Chloe Archer
Chapter One
KAI
Before I can even get my key in the lock of my front door, it swings open to reveal my ‘mostly’ human boyfriend, River, lounging in the doorway—looking utterly adorable, but perplexingly out of season.
“What in the heavenly cosmos are you wearing?”
He beams at me. “I wanted to get a little festive for our date tonight.”
That…doesn’t sound good. I take a wary step back. “And why would you need to get ‘festive’? I thought we were going to have a quiet evening in?”
Yes, it’s Friday night, but it’s also been a very long week. After dealing with the Groxil supplying sketchy drugs to aliens on Earth, we’ve hit a dead end in our investigation. Wilder is in the wind and his employer is just as much of a mystery to us as before. Cutting off the drug supply seems to have put a temporary stop to dangerous events at least. That doesn’t mean I haven’t been tracking down every single lead I can in the meantime. We’ve been re-interviewing aliens affected by the drugs and revisiting critical locations, but so far we’ve turned up very little. I’ve been putting in a lot of overtime and tonight I just want to relax. I’m not sure if I’m up to whatever River has planned for us. He likes to spring these things on me as ‘fun’ surprises. Lately, he’s been very…creative with these date nights.
Being River’s boyfriend is never boring, but I’ll admit his boundless energy can be daunting. To be fair, I usually end up having a good time regardless of whatever he coaxes me into doing. But I know I’m a bit of a curmudgeon when it comes to having fun. I’m not in my twilight years yet, far from it considering how long my people live, but every now and then the thirteen year age gap between me and River feels all too real. At thirty-five, I do not enjoy going out on a Friday night, especially when I’ve had a long, busy week. I just want to go home and relax with my boyfriend.
I count my lucky stars that River isn’t like his best friend Evan, who seems to want to go out and party just about every night. For many reasons, I am grateful that River is a sci-fi nerd who prefers geeky pursuits like watching movie marathons and playing board games. This does, of course, mean he expects me to watch movies and play games with him. But I suppose that’s better than being dragged out to a noisy club.
River’s eyes are sparkling. “My sexy-grumpy boo shouldn’t underestimate me. I saw how exhausted you’ve been all week, so I organized our super fun date night right here at your house.”
Okay, that actually sounds pretty nice. But his attire has me questioning…many things. I stare down at his shirt, which features a small Christmas elf pointing his naked bum at me and sparkly red lettering that proclaims he’s ‘Santa’s Cheeky Little Helper.’ My gaze travels up to the red Santa’s hat on top of River’s head. I arch an eyebrow. “You do realize it’s the first week of October, right? I know you humans like to begin celebrating Christmas months ahead of time, but I think you might be more than a tad bit premature.”
River puts his hands on his hips and shakes his head at me, the white fluffy pom-pom on the end of his hat bouncing. “It’s all about setting the mood and creating a festive Christmas spirit!”
I frown. “Before Halloween?”
He scoffs. “Look, I have a whole thing planned tonight and I need your help, so you’ve got to get into the spirit of things!” He grabs my arm and pulls me through the door. I follow him, not knowing what to expect. My mouth drops open when I get my first look at my living room. It’s like a cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie exploded in here.
Ahem. Not that I’d know anything about those films.
There’s garland everywhere—around the archway, the windows, and the mantle of my fireplace, the latter of which is also sporting several colorful knit stockings hung in a row. A fake tree stands in the room’s corner with myriad glittering decorations, a sea of silver and gold tinsel, and rows upon rows of blinking rainbow lights adorning it. The thing is damn near blinding. Artfully arranged over the back of my oversized gray couch is a bright red throw patterned with white snowflakes. On my coffee table, which is blanketed with white ‘snow’ batting, there are several candles framed with little wreath-shaped holders all lined up in a row.
I blink several times as I take in the stupefying spectacle. “So, why exactly are we celebrating Christmas in October?”
River bounces on his toes, looking like he might burst from the sheer amount of excitement contained within his small body. The sight melts both of my hearts, and I know in that instant I will go along with whatever he wants to do tonight.
My total opposite, River truly knows how to live life to the fullest. Even if his enthusiasm is overzealous at times, it’s become something I find charming and even inspiring. He’s definitely one of a kind—and every day I’m even more grateful he’s all mine.
“Before I tell you more, you have to put this on.” From behind his back, River pulls out another red Santa hat complete with white fuzzy pom-pom on the end.
I stare at it. “Is this some kinky sex thing you haven’t told me about?”
He snorts. “Nah, of course not. Although, there will be sexy times later, but they won’t require the Santa hats.” He pauses, considering. “Well, probably not.”
I take the red fabric from him and hold it between my fingers like a dead fish. “Then why do I need to wear this piece of foolish costumery?”
He smacks my arm playfully. “Because it makes things so much more fun! And it’s on theme. Tonight—drum roll, please—I’m going to treat you to the preliminary draft of my Tentacular Tales super-secret spin-off Christmas novella!”
For once, I can’t contain my gasp of excitement as my hearts race. “A secret Christmas novella? You didn’t tell me about this.”
The smug smirk he aims in my direction is beyond adorable. “Then it wouldn’t have been super-secret and awesome, now would it?”
I roll my eyes but smile back at him. I do that a lot these days when I’m with River. “Honestly, I can’t believe you were able to hide this from me. You’re a terrible actor.”
He throws his head back and laughs. “I know! That’s why I’ve only been working on it when I’m at home instead of when I’m staying at your place.”
I glance down at the red hat in my hand. “I have to wear this in order to participate in tonight’s events?”
“Of course! I know it’s early, but try to find and embrace your inner Christmas cheer to help me with my story. I still need to revise and edit some stuff before I release it closer to the season. But since you are my number one trusted alpha and beta reader, I want your input.”
I can’t lie. I’m deeply honored and touched at this moment. As a longtime, albeit covert, fan of River’s story, I am always amazed at his creative talent. That he wants my input on his story speaks volumes about how much he trusts me and my opinion.
I put the hat on my head and cross my arms, giving him my most serious face because I am not getting misty eyed, dammit. “I am now properly adorned. Let the storytelling commence.”
River bursts out laughing. “Oh my freaking god! You’re so cute.”
Before I can say anything, he whips out his phone and snaps a picture of me.
“Hey!”
He clutches his phone to his chest. “Memories, sweet memories. Gotta document them all.”
I groan.
River cocks a hip, his posture full of sass. “Don’t even front. You like my quirky, oddball ideas and shenanigans.”
I lean in and kiss him on his pert little nose. “Yes, yes dear. Tell me what the agenda is this evening.”
River brightens again and grabs my wrist, pulling me toward my bedroom. “Okay, first you’re gonna get into some comfy non-work clothes, because wearing a suit for this would be a mood killer. I know you already ate dinner at the office—but I’ve made some Christmas cookies for dessert. We’ll have them with some hot cocoa and marshmallows.”
With these last few words, my eyes widen and my hearts pound with renewed excitement. “Cookies,” I whisper as I swallow back some drool, “and hot cocoa with marshmallows?”
River grins. “That’s right. Just for you, boo.”
Dark matter and dammit.My boyfriend has realized how severe my sweet tooth is and is already using it to his advantage. But I can’t complain. Already, I’m salivating at the prospect of cookies and cocoa.
I swallow. “So, where does the story fit in?”
“I’ll start reading it to you while we enjoy our dessert. After all, I’ll only have one cookie with my cocoa.”
Inside, I crow with victory. That means the rest are all mine! Even my tentacles do a happy little shimmy inside me. I lower my voice and wrap my arms around him before I nuzzle his ear. “I think this date just got a whole lot more interesting.”
River snorts again and pulls away. “Go get changed, Cookie Casanova.”
I salute him and head toward my bedroom. He hollers after me, “Don’t forget you still need to wear the hat!”
Damn.
A short time later, we’re seated on my couch in front of the television, which is now displaying the scenery of a crackling fire in the background. We snuggle under the throw blanket with our two steaming mugs of cocoa. River’s enormous platter with two dozen frosted sugar cookies sits on my coffee table within easy reach.
River leans his back against the arm of the couch and extends his legs out so his feet rest in my lap while he perches his laptop on his thighs. “Are you ready?” The slight arch of his eyebrow is challenging.
I set my cocoa down and take one of his feet in my hands. Slowly, I massage it, pressing my fingers into his pressure points with skill. My tentacles vibrate with satisfaction as his eyes roll back in his head and he moans.
“With you, I’m ready for anything.”
River shakes his head, amusement written all over his face. “I love you, you big tentacled goofball. Now, let me set the stage. Lord Vardox and Captain Starblade have put aside their differences temporarily to celebrate Christmas together while they’re both trapped on the wintry Moon of Caldikkar.
I pick up his other foot and knead the arch with my thumbs, eliciting another moan of pleasure. “How did they end up on this moon?”
River waves a hand dismissively. “It’s neither here nor there. They were both hoping to cash in on some reported goods for sale, only to find out their intel had been a bunch of baloney. And now the weather has taken a turn for the worst. Their scouting vessels cannot depart from the moon until the storm passes and the skies clear.”
“Let me guess. They get stuck somewhere that only has one bed and they have to share it for the night?”
River gives me a single finger gun salute. “Bingo!”
Now I arch an eyebrow. “Don’t you think that’s a little predictable? Also, that trope is on the overdone side, especially with holiday stories.”
He gasps in mock outrage. “How dare you, sir! The one bed trope is an evergreen trope for a reason. It will never go out of style. It will always be a classic with readers.” I shrug and he narrows his eyes. “Don’t even pretend you don’t love the one bed trope because I know you do, and I bet you were waiting with bated breath for a scenario forcing Starblade and Vardox into this very situation.”
I try but fail to keep my face impassive and he grins in triumph.
“Fine,” I admit, “you’re right.”
“The one bed trope may be overused, but it’s still much beloved for a reason. A whole hell of a lot of reasons, in fact. Anyway, are you ready to listen to this or not?”
I squeeze his foot. In my best attempt at a British accent, I say, “Make it so.”
River inhales sharply, eyes flaring with lust. “You sexy son of a bitch. You’re just gonna whip out that Jean-Luc Picard hotness on me right before I start my story? Where the fuck have you been hiding that when we’re in bed together?”
It’s my turn to smirk. “I’ve been saving it for a special occasion.”
With one free hand, River reaches down to adjust himself in his pants. “Fucking hell. You’re giving me a chubby. Save that for when we practice what Lord Vardox and Captain Starblade get down to in this story later.”
My tentacles perk up. They like the sound of that.
River clears his throat after giving me a warning glance, before he looks down at his laptop and begins.
Chapter One (Captain Starblade)Shaking the snow off his jacket, Captain Starblade strode into the one inn on this godforsaken winter moon he found himself on that residents claimed still had vacancies. Outside, the small starport was fast being blanketed in a sea of snow. As Starblade traveled from one end of the town to the other, he became more and more worried. The powerful wind whipped about with furious frenzy, causing drifts and near white out conditions. Starblade had tried to find shelter at every viable establishment he found, but to no avail. Accommodation options were disappearing faster than Starblade could make his way to a new establishment to inquire. By the time he’d learned about this last inn on the edge of town, he had to wade there in snow up to his knees.There was no way he’d be departing the Moon of Caldikkar any time soon. The shipyard where his scouting vessel remained docked had closed down. All the staff had left their posts to seek shelter. Apparently, one did not take winter storms cavalierly on this miserable rock. Now he understood why.“Damn and blast,” he muttered to himself. He should have known it was too good to be true when he’d received intel that a merchant on this moon was selling large quantities of the highly prized but elusive Tashtrock ore he’d been commissioned to find. His employer would not be pleased, especially since he’d only provide payment upon delivery.Running an ice-cold hand through his snow covered hair and down his face, Starblade got his bearings and scanned the inn’s entryway. It was nothing fancy, but appeared to be clean and well-tended. He’d certainly stayed in far shadier establishments in his time. Thankfully, the inn was warm and cozy. The building included a connected tavern off to the left-hand side of the main entrance. Starblade salivated at the tantalizing aromas of hot cooked food, and reveled in the heat emanating from a cavernous fireplace. His stomach rumbled. Chilled to the bone, he looked forward to getting into some dry clothes and enjoying a meal in front of that fire soon.Straight ahead, he spied a front desk staffed by a small, elderly Nezelon woman. As he strode forward, visions of a cozy bed and bath awaiting him, his gait faltered when he noticed the wide back of a tall man who stood at the desk several paces ahead of him. From behind, he looked strangely familiar. With a sinking sensation, Starblade realized why.As if seeming to sense his gaze, the man turned around and regarded him with a knowing smirk and stupidly attractive, stormy gray eyes.“Why, my dear Captain. I did not know you were in town. What a delightful pleasure!”Starblade narrowed his eyes at Lord Loki Fucking Vardox. His far too tempting tentacled nemesis. “What the hell are you doing here?”Vardox arched one perfectly sculpted dark eyebrow in response. “I'm getting a room to escape the storm outside.” He shook his head in disappointment and shrugged with an air of unconcern. “It seems I’m stuck here for the time being, so I suppose I shall just have to make the best of it.”“Are you fucking kidding me?” Starblade hitched his damp rucksack up on his shoulder, crossed his arms, and scowled.“Now, now, Captain. No need to be so vulgar and hostile.”“I find it far from coincidental that you are on this frozen tundra of a backwater moon at the exact same time that I am.”Vardox’s mouth twitched with amusement and he leaned against the front desk where the elderly innkeeper was looking back and forth between them with wide-eyed uncertainty. “I received some faulty intelligence that someone in this starport was selling Tashtrock ore, but it appears they were mistaken.”Starblade fumed. “It’s bad enough you’re stalking me. Now you’re trying to steal my damn jobs out from under me?”Vardox’s expression was all mock innocence. “Whatever do you mean, my sweet captain? Have you forgotten that we work for employers who operate in a free-trade intergalactic market? The buyer who contacted me was open about the fact he’d hired several people for the job but would only pay those who brought him the ore. First come, first serve and all that jazz, darling.”Starblade narrowed his eyes. It was no use trying to argue with a villain like Vardox. Besides, Starblade was too cold and tired to bother. “Whatever.” He huffed and strode forward, shoving past his nemesis to stand before the startled, wizened little woman behind the counter. “Excuse me, ma’am. I’d like to rent a room for the night, and possibly for the next little while. At least until this storm passes. My ship won’t be able to take off in these conditions.”The little innkeeper wrung her hands with concern. “I’m so sorry, sir. But I just gave away our last room to the gentleman who was in line before you.”Starblade slowly turned his head toward a now grinning Lord Vardox. He narrowed his eyes in response and turned back to the innkeeper. “Surely you have somewhere I could stay for the night? I’m fine with sleeping on the floor by the fireplace in the tavern if necessary.”“Oh, I’m afraid that would go against health code violations, dear.” The woman wrung her hands again. “Whatever shall we do?”Starblade gritted his teeth and let out a frustrated sigh. “All the other inns and guesthouses in town are full up right now. I just spent twenty minutes wading through snow up to my knees trying to get here. I’m afraid you’re my only hope. If I can’t stay here, I’m going to catch my death outside.”The elderly woman looked distraught now. “Oh dear!”“If I may be so bold,” Lord Vardox drawled, inserting himself into the conversation. “I’m more than willing to share my room with this…gentleman.”The innkeeper rallied and clapped her hands together with enthusiasm. “Why, that’s a wonderful idea, sir! And so very kind and generous of you.” She beamed at Starblade. “See! We have a solution to the problem, after all.”Starblade wanted to protest. He did. But he was also no fool. He had no other options at this point. It seemed he could either freeze his balls off outside and die of hypothermia, or he would have to endure sharing a room with Vardox.Biting back a curse, he turned to his ‘roommate’. “The gentleman is indeed most gracious. I thank you for your kindness, sir,” he ground out.Vardox looked politely amused as he dangled the key to the room in front of him. “Well, that’s settled then. If you’d be so good as to follow me upstairs, we can make ourselves more…comfortable.”Starblade’s hackles raised at that. He had a damn good idea of what Lord Vardox wanted to get up to with him tonight, but Starblade would worry about that later. Already, he was shivering from the dampness that had seeped into his clothing and his very bones. He needed to get warm and dry, and then get some hot food into his belly.Giving Vardox a stilted bow, he gestured at him to lead the way. Starblade wasn’t sure if it was supreme confidence or some odd trust that enabled Vardox to turn his back on him and lead the way. Either way, Starblade knew sharing a room with this man was going to be far from simple.
A Lot of Snow for Christmas by BL Maxwell
One
Jack
The day had been great. I’d rented a cabin for the week in Tahoe to enjoy all the fresh snow that had been predicted. Skiing had always been a part of my life, and moving away from the snow hadn’t stopped me from making as many trips to the mountains as I could. Especially when the snow was as fabulous as it had been this season.
“Hey Jack, how was your day?” Jim, one of the regulars at the ski area asked me. He’d been skiing here as long as I had and had started many years before I was even born. I hoped to still be skiing at his age which had to be in the seventies.
“One of the best ever. Great to have this much snow.” The snow crunched under my ski’s as I slid them back and forth while leaning on my poles, waiting for my turn on the lift.
“Unless you have to shovel it,” he grumbled under his breath. “Where are you staying?”
“I rented a cabin near the resort, but I haven’t checked it out yet.” Snow continued to fall as we spoke and all I could think was how incredible the skiing would be while I was here.
“You might want to take off early and make sure it’s accessible. We’ve had a lot of vacation rentals that aren’t. The snow has been so heavy the owners haven’t been able to keep up on clearing the roads.”
“I’ll do that. I got here early so I don’t mind taking off early. I have four more days of skiing and it’s looking like it’ll all be in powder.”
“Be careful. I can’t stress enough how dangerous it is right now. Avalanche patrol has been working nonstop to knock down anything that looks dangerous around the ski area, but they don’t do much to protect the nearby cabins.” Jim’s eyes—which were all that was visible of his face—tightened in worry as he looked around the surrounding area. All the trees were so heavy with snow it looked unreal.
It had been years since the Sierra had received so much snow, if ever, and no one was really prepared for so much in such a short period of time. I glanced at some of the higher peaks and reminded myself it wasn’t a good idea to ski those areas alone. No matter how tempting the powder was.
“I will. I won’t be taking any chances since I’m skiing alone.”
“It’s not just skiing that’s dangerous. I’m not exaggerating when I say this is like nothing we’ve ever seen. The road crews are having trouble keeping the roads clear, and several roofs have collapsed from the weight. I wouldn’t want to find out in June you were stuck in a cabin all that time.” He met my eyes and even as he looked relaxed on his ski’s his eyes showed how serious he was.
“Why don’t I give you a call when I make it to my cabin? Then we’ll both know I’ve made human contact, and someone up here will know where I’m at.” We exchanged numbers just as his turn on the lift came up. He waved me off as he and the three people he was with slowly glided up the hill before they were lost in the heavy snow and hidden from view.
I slid onto the lift with three strangers, and it was snowing so heavy none of us spoke all the way up. The snow muffling our voices and forcing me to duck down into my coat to keep my face warm. I had invested in excellent cold weather gear, but with this much snow, and the temperature being below average, it was truly testing the limits of what would keep me warm, while allowing me to move freely. The farther we got to the top of the lift the uglier the weather was. A heavy mist mingled with the snow and made it impossible to see more than twenty feet ahead. I slid off to the side out of the way of other skiers before locking down my boots and stomping on them a few times to make sure they were locked in enough for the heavy powder.
They’d blocked off a few of the runs out of an abundance of safety, and possibly to prevent anyone from skiing alone outside the boundary which on a day like today could be life changing, and not in a good way. Standing at the top of the first run, I took notice of how few skiers were actually out, and how deep the snow obviously was. No tracks were visible, and I was only able to tell where the trail was from it being cleared of trees.
After adjusting my goggles and zipping my coat I dropped down into the deepest snow I’d ever skied. It was light but above my knees, and the only thing that kept me upright was my speed. I knew if I slowed down at all I’d be stuck in it. Making very few turns I slid to a stop at the bottom and waited with a few other skiers. All of us probably questioning our sanity the way I was.
“How was it?” one person asked who’s knitted hat was already coated with snow.
“Deep. But at least it’s light,” I said, and looked down at the next run. “Hopefully it eases up soon, or we won’t be skiing for a few days.” I knew without Jim saying anything that this much snow wasn’t a good thing when it came to skiing, and too many times that had been proven. I wasn’t one that was interested in becoming a statistic.
Two snow boarders pushed off and slowly made their way down the next slope. Every turn was an effort, and I knew from experience they’d be in the lodge soon. I pushed off without another word and after making as few turns as possible I kept going until I was at the lift again.
“How was it?” Jim asked.
“Not easy,” I said making him laugh.
“Wait until you’re my age. I’m more comfortable with the groomed slopes myself, but I wanted to experience this since it’s so rare.” He tapped at his skis with his poles making sure his boots were still all locked down and his bindings were holding up. Deep snow was a workout for us and our equipment, and you didn’t want to break a binding halfway down and have to wait for ski patrol to pick you up. Not in this weather.
“I’m going to make a few more runs and then call it quits. The snow just isn’t letting up, and I don’t want to be driving around in the dark looking for the place I rented.”
“Good call. You wouldn’t be getting much help either. The tow truck companies, and everyone involved with emergency services are all swamped. So, you getting lost might not be seen as an emergency until you’re stuck in the snow somewhere.”
A Holiday to Sustain Us by Michele Notaro
Prologue
Ash
When I used my magic to lift away a beam, part of the mall sorta groaned loudly, and I winced but said, “Okay, I think that’s it. I don’t see anyone under the debris. Do you hear anyone?”
Simon, my team lead, said, “No,” then turned on his heel and walked away. It was hard to hold back the asshole that wanted to escape my lips, but I managed.
“Nice magic fingers,” some very muscular shifter with tawny blond hair and green eyes said. He was definitely taller than me by at least three inches or so, and was obviously a complete ass.
Clenching my teeth, I asked, “Magic fingers?”
The guy turned a smile my way, and it seemed to light his whole face up. The guy didn’t only smile with his lips—he smiled with his cheeks and eyes, too. It was almost shocking to see such a happy expression after I’d been helping Simon move shit for the past twenty minutes. If this guy wasn’t a shifter, I’d probably think he was handsome since his eyes seemed to sparkle. But he was a shifter, so no. Nope. And anyway, the guy was filthy with the dust and debris from the mall falling and blood and grime after fighting so many taragorians that had come through the veil tear today. So no. He was not handsome. I was sure I wasn’t much better in the filth department—I really didn’t want to think about what might be on my uniform.
He had kind eyes, if I was being honest. But I’d learned long ago to never trust kind eyes. They could turn cruel in a heartbeat. Making fun of me for doing magic automatically put the guy in the nope column, anyway.
Plus, he was a freaking shifter. Shifters were nearly as bad as humans, thinking we magi were below them.
The guy wiggled his fingers and shrugged. “You were doing magic, and your fingers were moving around and playing with your huge staff thingy.”
I rolled my eyes, hard. “It’s called a guisarme. And it’s my focus.”
“Dude, I know that.”
I wrinkled my nose at that. Dude. Did he think he was a college kid in those old movies I used to watch?
Whatever. Ass.
He said, “Soooo, magic fingers, I—”
“Charlie,” another shifter called over, cutting him off. “I could use your help.”
The shifter—Charlie—shrugged at me, then trooped over to help his friend, who was triaging some shifters. I stared after him for a few beats before I shook my head and searched for my team. Simon and the others were helping another group of shifters who’d been stuck inside the mall before it’d collapsed, so I jogged over to help. It annoyed me that most of the shifters probably wouldn’t want help from a mage, even though it was a mage who’d saved their asses in the first place. Well, two magi, actually.
Madeo and Jude Driscoll, the dyad pair. I’d heard they were hella powerful, but seeing them in action was a totally different story. I was kind of blown away from what they’d been able to do here today, and I didn’t think the shifters realized how lucky they’d been that Madeo and Jude had been here. If it had only been me, or even only me and my best friend Maisy, I highly doubted we would’ve been able to keep the mall standing long enough to get all those people out.
It was impressive. It was a miracle.
I’d worked large breaches with them before, but nothing so complicated, and I’d never actually spoken to them until today. I’d wanted to, but I always felt like a little peasant kid trying to approach kings or something. Not that either of them acted that way at all. In fact, they always seemed nice and willing to talk to other magi, but I’d always felt… weird. They were famous and so very, very, very good at their jobs, and I was just… me. A guy still stuck living at the compound and not really having a life outside of work.
But when Madeo had introduced himself and Jude today—all of us already knew who they were, but maybe they hadn’t realized it—he’d been really kind, even taking his time to show us how to clean and break the witch magic. Which, that was a whole other thing I didn’t want to think about. Witches. Here in our city.
I shuddered at the thought.
I was pretty sure that shifter—Charlie—was on their team, the lucky bastard. I’d love to watch Madeo weave magic for even one day because I was sure I’d learn a lot. He and Jude were practically legends to our people. I couldn’t believe I’d gotten a firsthand lesson from them.
Everyone at the compound was going to be excited when I told them.
“You alright, Ash?” Maisy asked me with a lifted brow.
I grinned at her, stepped close, and gently nudged her with my shoulder. “I’m fine. Just stuck in my head.”
“Wanna talk about it?”
I smiled at my best friend, the girl I’d loved for most of my life, and threw my arm over her shoulders, giving her a side hug. She’d always had such a kind heart, even when we were kids. It was one of the things I loved most about her. “Nah.” I kissed her hair, and she leaned into me for a moment before kissing my cheek and stepping back. She kept doing that. Showing me a little affection, then freaking out and backing away.
She’d admitted that she liked me as much as I liked her, but she was scared of ruining our friendship. And I got it. I didn’t want to ruin our friendship, either. Maisy was the best thing in my life, the only thing I really cared about when it came down to it. The last thing I wanted to do was break our friendship.
But didn’t she realize how much better, how much more wecould be if she’d give us a shot?
If she wasn’t feeling it, I wouldn’t keep bringing it up, but she was. She’d told me she was, so…
I just… really wanted to go for it with her. I thought we could be something really amazing together. We already were amazing together as best friends, so how much better could it get if we started dating?
“You know I love you, right, Ash?” Maisy’s sweet, soft voice broke through my thoughts, and I shook my head to find her staring at me with a serious expression on her face.
My gaze softened. “You know I love you, too, right? Always and forever, Mais.”
She sucked in a long breath and swallowed, nodding. “Always and forever.”
* * *
I couldn’t believeI was getting to work with Madeo and Jude. I couldn’t believe that I’d been so lucky. When it had been announced that all TRD teams had to work in groups of two, I’d been nervous about who I’d have to work with. But then Captain McKenna announced that we were working with Gray Team, and that they’d special requested us, and I’d felt immense relief and maybe even a little excitement.
It wasn’t like Madeo and Jude had requested to work with me, I knew that. Magi didn’t have a say in decisions like that—that would’ve been left up to the human captains—but just maybe they’d be happy to be working with me. Hopefully they weren’t disappointed.
In every interaction I’d had with them, they’d both been extremely kind to me. I hoped they wouldn’t mind a lesser mage helping them out. I wasn’t anywhere near as powerful as they were, so I’d have to prove to them that I could have their backs… and hopefully, they’d have mine, too.
They’d gone out with Lane, Lilibeth, and me to celebrate my best friend’s life, which had been a nice way to say goodbye to the one person that had cared about me in this world. I missed her. Goddess, I missed my Maisy.
In the months before her death, she’d encouraged me to reach out and befriend some of the other magi that we worked with. I’d only tried a little when she was alive, but now that she was gone, I decided to honor her by trying—really trying—with Madeo and Jude. They’d been really kind to her when she was alive and had mourned her with me after she’d passed, which went a long way with me.
So I was going to try. For her.
And maybe a little for me, too.
I’d been so incredibly lonely without her, and Madeo and Jude had checked in on me several times at work, so maybe they really could become friends. And maybe I could learn some things from them while we were at it.
McKenna led us down to the training floor where we were meeting Gray Team, and I was trying to hold in my nervousness at seeing the two of them again. The captains decided that we should try working together here at HQ first before we had to go out into the real world and fight taragorians.
It was a solid plan. I’d be able to work with Madeo and Jude to make sure I didn’t get in their way but was still able to do my job. Goddess, don’t let me make a fool of myself in front of them.
I shook out my shoulders before I followed my team into the gym.
All of Gray Team were already here, including Madeo and Jude. I glanced over at the shifters and noticed Simon—my team lead—sort of facing off with Cosmo—the Gray Team lead. There was a lot of posturing happening and very little words, but I guess shifters were able to communicate with their bodies in a way magi couldn’t since shifters spent so much time reading each other in their feline forms. Still, I couldn’t help but think it was ridiculous. Like two macho men in a dick-measuring contest. Not that they had their dicks out. At least, not yet, and I hoped to the goddess that I didn’t have to see it if they did.
I stood a little behind the group so I wasn’t in anyone’s hair. No need to make one of them yell at me or anything. I didn’t want to draw the Gray Team shifters’ attention to me in a negative light before we’d even tried working together. I was only a little familiar with them, in that I at least knew their names now, and I was pretty sure all of them knew my name as well. But I knew better than to step on anyone’s toes, especially a human’s or a shifter’s.
Simon submitted to Cosmo—which only surprised me a tiny bit. Simon was the alpha of the Cooke pride, but anyone with eyes could see—and feel—how powerful Cosmo Ono-Nai was.
It was kind of fitting that he was working with the most powerful magi in the US—possibly the most powerful in the world.
Simon said, “I’m Simon. This is Alvin, Eliza, Yasmin, and Rosie.”
It didn’t surprise me one bit that he hadn’t bothered to introduce me. It wasn’t like he knew I knew the Gray Team at all, so he was doing it to be a prickhole—mission accomplished, dickweed.
Cosmo said, “I’m Cosmo. This is Madeo and Jude.” Wow. He’d introduced his magi first. Did Cosmo Ono-Nai… respect magi? “And Dare, Charlie, Zara, and Kulani.”
Simon stared at Cosmo for several beats, then finally nodded in my direction. “Ash is our mage.”
I lifted my hand in an awkward wave and immediately regretted the movement even though no one said anything about it.
After Cosmo decided where everyone should go, Madeo waved me over, so I headed toward him.
“Hey, Ash,” Madeo said. “It’s good to see you again.”
I swallowed down my nerves. “Hey, Madeo, Jude. Nice seeing you, too.”
They both smiled, and Madeo said, “It’s just Mads.”
I blinked at him for a moment, then nodded. “Oh. Sorry. I forgot.”
“No need for that.” Madeo—Mads—waved my apology away. “How are you holding up?”
I glanced at his eyes, seeing only sincerity there, and took a small, shaky breath. “I’m okay.”
Mads stared at me for a long moment, and I felt like he was staring into my soul and seeing how not okay I truly was. Then he did something that I was pretty sure surprised even him.
He stepped forward and pulled me into a hug. My body froze in shock for several seconds before I realized what was happening and automatically hugged him back. He patted me on the back before he pulled away.
I was still reeling from that embrace when I was pulled into another one. Jude, and his gigantic body, pulled me into a tight hug and whispered, “Let us know if you need something, okay?”
He released me, and I stood there, dumbfounded for a moment.
Jude seemed to soften a tad before he put his hand on my upper back and gently led me away to the end of the mat. We were working our magics together first while the shifters warmed up on the treadmills.
I was grateful for the break from my team, especially after their hugs made me feel so raw… but not necessarily in a bad way. I couldn’t remember the last time someone noticed I wasn’t doing well and offered me any sort of comfort.
Actually, the last time it’d happened was when Mads and Jude had been comforting me at Maisy’s memorial dinner thing.
Mads offered me a sad smile and patted my shoulder before we got started.
We spent half an hour practicing moving in and out of each other’s shields, as well as making our veil-closing spells outside of our shields. It was admittedly a little strange trying to maneuver around Madeo’s shield, but he and Jude were as patient with me today as they had been the day they’d taught me how to break witch magic.
Cosmo actually asked Mads and Jude if we were ready to switch—instead of simply bossing us around—and when Jude agreed, the alpha lion shifter told us to switch areas after taking a five-minute drink break.
While I was taking a sip from my water bottle, that Charlie guy came over to me. At first, I thought I was mistaken, but nope, he literally walked right up to me and stood, like, two feet away. It was weird.
“Good to see you, magic fingers.” Charlie was grinning widely at me, and when I rolled my eyes, he chuckled and winked.
“That’s not my name.” Asshat was implied in my tone, but I didn’t want either of the human captains to hear what I said, so I bit my lip to keep it from coming out. They probably wouldn’t hear me from where they stood, but I wasn’t taking any chances on my first day under the scrutiny of a second human captain. I had no idea how Harriet Gray handled things on her team.
Charlie laughed. “I know what your name is, Ash.”
“Then why don’t you try using it?”
“Where’s the fun in that?” His grin was huge, his eyes shining brightly.
I huffed. “Whatever, cat eyes.”
He barked out a loud laugh. “They’re pretty eyes, though, aren’t they?” He batted said pretty eyes at me, but I refused to acknowledge just how pretty they were. And they were pretty. Because of course the idiot was absolutely gorgeous.
“Nope… mane face.” Why was I falling to his level and making up stupid names to call him?
He opened his mouth to reply, amusement in his gaze, but Cosmo called his name, waving him over.
He waved back at his alpha and started to turn around but stopped to meet my gaze again.
“Can’t wait to see what those magic fingers can do.” He waggled his eyebrows and winked at me, and even though he was an absolute idiot, I felt my cheeks flush under the attention and double entendre.
Dickhat. Total dickhat.
Author and artist Jordan Castillo Price is the owner of JCP Books LLC. Her paranormal thrillers are colored by her time in the midwest, from inner city Chicago, to small town Wisconsin, to liberal Madison.
Jordan is best known as the author of the PsyCop series, an unfolding tale of paranormal mystery and suspense starring Victor Bayne, a gay medium who's plagued by ghostly visitations. Also check out her new series, Mnevermind, where memories are made...one client at a time.
With her education in fine arts and practical experience as a graphic designer, Jordan set out to create high quality ebooks with lavish cover art, quality editing and gripping content. The result is JCP Books, offering stories you'll want to read again and again.
Silvia Onyx writes high heat paranormal romance with shifters of all descriptions. Her character-driven stories bring you right into the shifters' world. When not writing, Silvia loves to read, crochet, play with her oodles of planners and notebooks, and enjoy time with her family and beloved dogs. She also writes contemporary romance as Silvia Violet.
Chloe Archer currently calls the arctic wilds of Minnesota home but has spent much of her life abroad in places like Montreal, Edinburgh, and Tokyo. One day she hopes to live somewhere sunny and warm. She loves to travel, eat spicy food, and geek out about her fandoms. In her spare time (Ha! What’s that?) she’s an avid reader with far too many books and not enough bookcases, a wannabe tea and coffee connoisseur, and a karaoke fanatic. When she’s not making herself laugh out loud while writing adorkable gay rom-coms, she can be found walking her two Yorkies (Teddy and Jasper,) trying to finish that blanket she’s been knitting for five years or spending time with friends and family.
BL Maxwell grew up in a small town listening to her grandfather spin tales about his childhood. Later she became an avid reader and after a certain vampire series she became obsessed with fanfiction. She soon discovered Slash fanfiction and later discovered the MM genre and was hooked.
Many years later, she decided to take the plunge and write down some of the stories that seem to run through her head late at night when she’s trying to sleep.
Many years later, she decided to take the plunge and write down some of the stories that seem to run through her head late at night when she’s trying to sleep.
Michele is married to an awesome guy that puts up with her and all the burnt dinners she makes—hey, sometimes characters are a bit distracting, and who doesn’t plot when they’re supposed to be cooking? They live together in Baltimore, Maryland with two little monsters, a three-legged fiend, and a little old man (aka their two sons, their cat, and their senior dog). She hopes to rescue another cat soon, and if her hubby wouldn’t kill her, she’d get more than one… and maybe a few more dogs as well.
She loves creating worlds filled with lots of love, chosen family, and of course, magic, but she also likes making the characters fight for that happy ending. She hopes to one day write all the stories in her head—even if there are too many to count!
Jordan Castillo Price
Silvia Onyx/Silvia Violet
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EMAIL: silviaviolet@gmail.com
Chloe Archer
BL Maxwell
Wild R Christmas by Silvia Onyx
A Very Tentacular Christmas by Chloe Archer
A Lot of Snow for Christmas by BL Maxwell
A Holiday to Sustain Us by Michele Notaro
