turkey talkRating: 4.5 stars
Buy Link:
Amazon | All Romance | Amazon UK
Length:  Novella


Turkey Talk by Bru Baker

Carson is spending his first Christmas without his family because he doesn’t have vacation days built up at his new job. But Carson promised his mother he would be cooking a turkey and having company. The problem is Cason doesn’t know how to cook a turkey and he doesn’t have company. Lucky for him, while he’s shopping for the bird, he comes upon a sign advertising help cooking holiday turkey. When Carson calls, he gets Tom who walks him through the basics, makes him laugh, and offers Carson his personal line. As Christmas nears, Carson continues to call Tom under the guise of talking turkey when what he really wants is to hear Tom’s voice.

Every time Carson thinks to ask Tom for more than a phone friendship, something happens. Unfortunately, Tom is flying to California for the holidays and afterwards Turkey Talk will be closed, leaving Carson alone once again. When a turkey emergency comes up on Christmas Eve, Carson calls Tom to rescue him. What he doesn’t expect is for Tom to come calling.

Turkey Talk is my favorite of the Dreamspinner Advent calendar so far. This is an adorable story about finding companionship that turns into something more in the most unexpected of places. It’s absolutely a keeper. Carson and Tom are fun and flirty and the story is captivating. I love the emotion this author puts into this story. Carson’s despair at not being with his family for holidays and his loneliness are real things and make him such a viable, three-dimensional character. I absolutely adored this sweet story and will be adding it to me must read again list.


christmas miraclesRating: 4.25 stars
Buy Link:
Amazon | All Romance | Amazon UK
Length: Short Story


Christmas Miracles of a Recently Fallen Spruce by Brandon Witt

Paxton plans his Christmas down to the letter—from extra place settings at his annual Gay Boy Christmas dinner, to extra gifts for the forgetful friends when it comes to the Naughty Elf Exchange, to his Christmas Eve snowshoe hike in the dark. It’s that last thing that really makes his Christmas. Until the snow mobile driver who isn’t paying attention adds a kink in Paxton’s plans. Logan’s presence brings with it a sprained ankle and broken snowshoe. Together, Paxton and Logan have to make it a couple of miles to Paxton’s jeep, but that means a night spent together awkwardly and surprisingly unexpectedly. But in the light of day, will Logan see Paxton as the five he is, or will things between them remain a perfect ten?

I adore this author so reading this story was a no-brainer for me. I’m also not surprised by the fact that this story was sweet beyond all means. First, let me point out that the Gay Boy Christmas was perfect as is, but to add in the Naughty Elf Exchange (and in turn, Paxton’s contribution) was the best. This story is another unexpected meeting and maybe a little opposites attract. I loved the chemistry between Paxton and Logan, even when Paxton was thinking too hard on it. This author worked well with the length constraint of this story in making well thought out and presentable characters, as well as a short story that held all of my attention. I absolutely adored it. My only complaint is that it was too short. I want more of Paxton and Logan.

A review copy of this book was provided by Dreamspinner Press.

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