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23 reviews for:
Men Under the Mistletoe: My True Love Gave to Me / Winter Knights / Lone Star / The Christmas Proposition
Josh Lanyon
3.78 AVERAGE
23 reviews for:
Men Under the Mistletoe: My True Love Gave to Me / Winter Knights / Lone Star / The Christmas Proposition
Josh Lanyon
3.78 AVERAGE
marilenalena's review against another edition
3.0
Only the last story in this collection had a real connection to Christmas. And no mistletoe in sight....
My True Love Gave to Me by Ava March 2.5 stars
Okay Regency romance. I tend to like regency and I think it has great potential as a setting for m/m, it being a hanging offense back then and all, but I have not often seen it done well. The problem I had with this story is that Alexander's change of heart came about really abrupt and the story ended abrupt too.
Winter Knights by Harper Fox 4.5 stars
Best story of the bunch. I really, really enjoyed this one, even if the sex scenes didn't do too much for me. I love the references to the Arthurian stories, obvious and not-so-obvious (like how Gavin/Gawain and Piers/Parsifal's personalities match those in the old stories). I love Gavin's journey of self reflection. Well worth it.
Lone Star by Josh Lanyon 3 stars
It's Josh, so the writing is good, but the story was a bit devoid of real life messiness. Twelve years apart, but no catching up to do? Nothing has changed, so we're right back where we started?
The Christmas Proposition by K.A. Mitchell 3.5 stars
Liked the story. Liked the Christmassy feel of it. Liked the sex. It's just that the end felt really tacked on. It should have ended at the wedding.
My True Love Gave to Me by Ava March 2.5 stars
Okay Regency romance. I tend to like regency and I think it has great potential as a setting for m/m, it being a hanging offense back then and all, but I have not often seen it done well. The problem I had with this story is that Alexander's change of heart came about really abrupt and the story ended abrupt too.
Winter Knights by Harper Fox 4.5 stars
Best story of the bunch. I really, really enjoyed this one, even if the sex scenes didn't do too much for me. I love the references to the Arthurian stories, obvious and not-so-obvious (like how Gavin/Gawain and Piers/Parsifal's personalities match those in the old stories). I love Gavin's journey of self reflection. Well worth it.
Lone Star by Josh Lanyon 3 stars
It's Josh, so the writing is good, but the story was a bit devoid of real life messiness. Twelve years apart, but no catching up to do? Nothing has changed, so we're right back where we started?
The Christmas Proposition by K.A. Mitchell 3.5 stars
Liked the story. Liked the Christmassy feel of it. Liked the sex. It's just that the end felt really tacked on. It should have ended at the wedding.
squishysnail's review against another edition
3.0
An enjoyable holiday read.
This is a collection of 4 second-chance-at-love holiday stories. The stories are good but it didn't quite capture me. I'm not a real fan of stories involving dropping me in the middle of a relationship between established couples.
Each story was wonderfully crafted with a rich array of characters. Maintaining a relationship is not easy and it takes work to keep the passion burning. These are at the heart of each story in the anthology. Each couple rediscovers that spark that originally brought them together gaining new appreciation of the compromises and the new facets in their changing relationship.
Good reading but not quite for me.
This is a collection of 4 second-chance-at-love holiday stories. The stories are good but it didn't quite capture me. I'm not a real fan of stories involving dropping me in the middle of a relationship between established couples.
Each story was wonderfully crafted with a rich array of characters. Maintaining a relationship is not easy and it takes work to keep the passion burning. These are at the heart of each story in the anthology. Each couple rediscovers that spark that originally brought them together gaining new appreciation of the compromises and the new facets in their changing relationship.
Good reading but not quite for me.
january313reads's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
alex_whitehall's review against another edition
4.0
Overall
An excellent collection of four Christmas novellas, these stories capture the spirit of the holidays and warm you to your toes better than a cup of spiked cocoa. A nice mix of hot sex, warm loving, and cold shoulders, you may think you know how some of these end, but others will surprise you. Check these out for Christmas, or for any time you want to curl up with some holiday cheer.
My True Love Gave to Me by Ava March
Stars: 4/5
This is my first read of anything by March, so I don't know if somewhat-flowery language is the norm, but it definitely worked in this piece. I rarely read historicals, but I'm always impressed when I do and I can FEEL how much research and knowledge went into them. March obviously knows a thing or two about the time period and uses what I assume is all the appropriate language, although sometimes it may be a bit too much for those not familiar with the terms. The story starts off sweet, but the blurb tells us that it's not going to continue, which makes their secret kisses and Alexander's hopefulness all the more difficult to bear when the fallout happens.
Because the novella's blurb (not listed above) gives away the break up, I found the beginning a bit slow, since I knew what was going to happen. However, it was worth reading through, because it developed both characters as they were as youths--hopeful and adventurous yet kind, and sweet and self-sacrificing, always wanting to do the right thing. Seeing the change between the years and how the time altered them, made the changes more significant and the struggle for Thomas to prove himself to Alexander all the more daunting. While moments of the ending were a touch saccharine for my liking, it was a proper reward for all their emotional struggles.
Winter Knights by Harper Fox
Stars: 5/5
Twining together reality and the supernatural, Arthurian legend and love, this novella brings to life the spirit of the past, the present, and the future. Initially, Gavin comes across as the hero while Piers is the faulted Catholic blinded by his hateful religion. But what I loved about the story is that Gavin isn't as right as the reader is led to believe in the beginning. He has faults, some which have majorly disrupted his relationship with Piers, not that the other man doesn't have some faults as well. There is so much going on in this story, from the various Arthurian references, the presence of the rescue workers, Gavin and Piers' relationship, and all the other factors that push the events along.
I don't want to say too much, for fear of giving away the wonderful little twists that this story provides, but I will say this was a wonderful tale and it's levels and depth were brilliantly handled.
Lone Star by Josh Lanyon
Stars: 3.5/5
While I enjoyed the characters and the resolution of this novella, overall the story didn't really grab me. In addition, the reindeer ploy was creative but I felt like its presence needed more explanation or attention. It feels like a tool to get the two men together--and it's fine if that's what it is there for, but as the reader, I shouldn't be so keenly aware of its place as a tool. While it's a minor issue, it reappears often enough to make the narrator wonder if he's crazy--and the lack of resolution leaves the reader wondering the same thing.
What I liked about the story is mainly the resolution, which felt right for the situation and the characters, who seem to be as opposite as possible. If it weren't for how this story ended, I probably would have scored this lower, because while the characters entertained me, they didn't feel exciting and new, although they played out their roles with some fresh touches. In addition, the warmth of Wet's family both among each other and to Mitch was a perfect, heart-warming touch to this holiday story.
The Christmas Proposition by KA Mitchell
Stars: 4.5/5
This story resonated a classic holiday feel although it isn't resolved by the leading man Mel learning the meaning of Christmas. Instead he learns the meaning of trust and love and taking chances and relying on others. It sounds rather trite and silly when I say it, but Mitchell does an excellent job bringing everything around.
In some ways the resolution is too easy, but in reality, the struggles Mel sees are not actually there (or no longer require his exacting attention). While this story definitely has a rich man throwing money around, I didn't feel like it suffered from the "rich man solves all problems for poor man" syndrome. A happy story with minimal angst scattered throughout as Mel tries not to be angsty and instead focuses on what he has now, since he has no hope of it in the future.
Finally, I think one of my favorite elements of this story is Bryce asking what childhood trauma caused Mel to be so mistrusting, and Mel says there is none. I just love that someone pointed out (bluntly) that just because we're screwed up now, doesn't mean there was one thing that screwed us up.
Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
An excellent collection of four Christmas novellas, these stories capture the spirit of the holidays and warm you to your toes better than a cup of spiked cocoa. A nice mix of hot sex, warm loving, and cold shoulders, you may think you know how some of these end, but others will surprise you. Check these out for Christmas, or for any time you want to curl up with some holiday cheer.
My True Love Gave to Me by Ava March
Stars: 4/5
This is my first read of anything by March, so I don't know if somewhat-flowery language is the norm, but it definitely worked in this piece. I rarely read historicals, but I'm always impressed when I do and I can FEEL how much research and knowledge went into them. March obviously knows a thing or two about the time period and uses what I assume is all the appropriate language, although sometimes it may be a bit too much for those not familiar with the terms. The story starts off sweet, but the blurb tells us that it's not going to continue, which makes their secret kisses and Alexander's hopefulness all the more difficult to bear when the fallout happens.
Because the novella's blurb (not listed above) gives away the break up, I found the beginning a bit slow, since I knew what was going to happen. However, it was worth reading through, because it developed both characters as they were as youths--hopeful and adventurous yet kind, and sweet and self-sacrificing, always wanting to do the right thing. Seeing the change between the years and how the time altered them, made the changes more significant and the struggle for Thomas to prove himself to Alexander all the more daunting. While moments of the ending were a touch saccharine for my liking, it was a proper reward for all their emotional struggles.
Winter Knights by Harper Fox
Stars: 5/5
Twining together reality and the supernatural, Arthurian legend and love, this novella brings to life the spirit of the past, the present, and the future. Initially, Gavin comes across as the hero while Piers is the faulted Catholic blinded by his hateful religion. But what I loved about the story is that Gavin isn't as right as the reader is led to believe in the beginning. He has faults, some which have majorly disrupted his relationship with Piers, not that the other man doesn't have some faults as well. There is so much going on in this story, from the various Arthurian references, the presence of the rescue workers, Gavin and Piers' relationship, and all the other factors that push the events along.
I don't want to say too much, for fear of giving away the wonderful little twists that this story provides, but I will say this was a wonderful tale and it's levels and depth were brilliantly handled.
Lone Star by Josh Lanyon
Stars: 3.5/5
While I enjoyed the characters and the resolution of this novella, overall the story didn't really grab me. In addition, the reindeer ploy was creative but I felt like its presence needed more explanation or attention. It feels like a tool to get the two men together--and it's fine if that's what it is there for, but as the reader, I shouldn't be so keenly aware of its place as a tool. While it's a minor issue, it reappears often enough to make the narrator wonder if he's crazy--and the lack of resolution leaves the reader wondering the same thing.
What I liked about the story is mainly the resolution, which felt right for the situation and the characters, who seem to be as opposite as possible. If it weren't for how this story ended, I probably would have scored this lower, because while the characters entertained me, they didn't feel exciting and new, although they played out their roles with some fresh touches. In addition, the warmth of Wet's family both among each other and to Mitch was a perfect, heart-warming touch to this holiday story.
The Christmas Proposition by KA Mitchell
Stars: 4.5/5
This story resonated a classic holiday feel although it isn't resolved by the leading man Mel learning the meaning of Christmas. Instead he learns the meaning of trust and love and taking chances and relying on others. It sounds rather trite and silly when I say it, but Mitchell does an excellent job bringing everything around.
In some ways the resolution is too easy, but in reality, the struggles Mel sees are not actually there (or no longer require his exacting attention). While this story definitely has a rich man throwing money around, I didn't feel like it suffered from the "rich man solves all problems for poor man" syndrome. A happy story with minimal angst scattered throughout as Mel tries not to be angsty and instead focuses on what he has now, since he has no hope of it in the future.
Finally, I think one of my favorite elements of this story is Bryce asking what childhood trauma caused Mel to be so mistrusting, and Mel says there is none. I just love that someone pointed out (bluntly) that just because we're screwed up now, doesn't mean there was one thing that screwed us up.
Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
idamus's review against another edition
4.0
Ava March 3 stars (Not keen on the narration though)
Harper Fox DNF
Josh Lanyon 5 stars
K A Mitchell 3 stars
Harper Fox DNF
Josh Lanyon 5 stars
K A Mitchell 3 stars
nicole_reads_everything's review against another edition
3.0
I don't read too many anthologies, as I generally find that short stories leave me wanting. But this was available for loan at my local library and I've been on a Lanyon kick lately, so I figured I'd give it a go. Unfortunately, the theme of this book--besides Christmas--was breakups and reconciliation, which is really not my favorite theme, especially in a Christmas read...
My True Love Gave to Me by Ava March
I think this was my favorite of the bunch. I liked the historical context, and the break between Alexander and Thomas felt very authentic. I liked Thomas's determination to do whatever he needed to win Alexander back, and I really liked that Alexander didn't forgive him immediately.
Winter Knights by Harper Fox
My least favorite of the bunch. The writing wasn't bad, but I did not care at all about the characters. I found the main character to be pretty unlikable, and I didn't feel any kind of connection at all to this boyfriend of his that he supposedly loved. And then there is this weird ghostly threesome that felt super out of place, like the author had just really wanted to write this threesome, and she was going to include it, even if it didn't really make sense to the story. :/
Lone Star by Josh Lanyon
My 2nd favorite of the bunch. Not a bad read, but nothing super amazing either. The writing, of course, is wonderful, and I liked the contrast of the Texas Ranger and the Ballet Dancer. I did think things felt a bit rushed, especially since it had been 12 years since they'd seen each other, and it seemed like all was forgiven and the intense feelings came back a little too quickly.
The Christmas Proposition by K.A. Mitchell
Okay, but not a huge fan of this one, my 2nd to least favorite. The sex was hot, but I didn't feel much of a connection to the characters, and the misunderstandings felt a bit silly.
Overall, not a terrible read, but I am probably feeling more generous since I got it for free. I don't know that I'd have been happy to have spent much money on this, tbh.
My True Love Gave to Me by Ava March
I think this was my favorite of the bunch. I liked the historical context, and the break between Alexander and Thomas felt very authentic. I liked Thomas's determination to do whatever he needed to win Alexander back, and I really liked that Alexander didn't forgive him immediately.
Winter Knights by Harper Fox
My least favorite of the bunch. The writing wasn't bad, but I did not care at all about the characters. I found the main character to be pretty unlikable, and I didn't feel any kind of connection at all to this boyfriend of his that he supposedly loved. And then there is this weird ghostly threesome that felt super out of place, like the author had just really wanted to write this threesome, and she was going to include it, even if it didn't really make sense to the story. :/
Lone Star by Josh Lanyon
My 2nd favorite of the bunch. Not a bad read, but nothing super amazing either. The writing, of course, is wonderful, and I liked the contrast of the Texas Ranger and the Ballet Dancer. I did think things felt a bit rushed, especially since it had been 12 years since they'd seen each other, and it seemed like all was forgiven and the intense feelings came back a little too quickly.
The Christmas Proposition by K.A. Mitchell
Okay, but not a huge fan of this one, my 2nd to least favorite. The sex was hot, but I didn't feel much of a connection to the characters, and the misunderstandings felt a bit silly.
Overall, not a terrible read, but I am probably feeling more generous since I got it for free. I don't know that I'd have been happy to have spent much money on this, tbh.
lyricalkris's review against another edition
4.0
These were surprisingly delightful. Short stories usually aren't satisfying, but all the stories here resolved nicely. Very enjoyable. Kudos all around.
momotaa's review against another edition
4.0
My True Love Gave To Me by Ava March--3.5 stars
I liked this, I have read several books by Ava March and really enjoyed them. I was a little upset by I like second chance stories only in certain situations and this one worked for me.
Winter Knights by Harper Fox-4 stars
This is not my first by this author, I am a fan. I felt a little sad at the end, though. I wasn't expecting it to go the way it had and when it was starting to, my mind was spinning it in any other way, but it made me sad.
Lone Star by Josh Lanyon --3 stars
This left me feeling a little melancholy honestly. I think
The Christmas Proposition by KA Mitchell--3-3.5 star
I was really feeling this until
I liked this, I have read several books by Ava March and really enjoyed them. I was a little upset by
Spoiler
the way Alexander just fucked Thomas and shoved him out the door, especially since it was his first time and he was so angry and I know that he felt badly about it, but God, that was really hard to read.Winter Knights by Harper Fox-4 stars
This is not my first by this author, I am a fan. I felt a little sad at the end, though. I wasn't expecting it to go the way it had and when it was starting to, my mind was spinning it in any other way, but it made me sad.
Spoiler
I was glad that Piers and Gavin worked things out, G was almost like a shithead really, but I'm glad they took the time to talk and work things out. I think I was hoping for a different situation with Art and Lance, but I did like the story.Lone Star by Josh Lanyon --3 stars
This left me feeling a little melancholy honestly. I think
Spoiler
the thing with his dad and the newspaper clippings and all, just made me sad. innis had some damn nerve! ugh. Was wishing he would get stomped to death by the reindeer. Anyhoo. I liked it, but it was just too short for me!The Christmas Proposition by KA Mitchell--3-3.5 star
I was really feeling this until
Spoiler
bryce wanted to make his declaration and dude like ran!!! I was all NOOOOO. But I did like ithemmel_mol's review against another edition
3.0
My True Love Gave To Me:
First, I disliked the booming sound of this publication. Also, after every editorial cut, the volume changed. The narrator goes on my 'avoid' list, with his random pauses after every few words and lack of voices.
It might be too late for readers of this review, but you should avoid reading the blurb. It covers 50% of the novella and the 50% groveling got tedious fast.
Winter Knights :
Beautiful story, marvelous narrator.
Lone Star:
Forgetable. Narration was all right but the edited sentenced added at a later point, sounded different.
The Christmas Proposition was a nice story although in the end I missed some emotion. I did not like the ending. Good narration.
First, I disliked the booming sound of this publication. Also, after every editorial cut, the volume changed. The narrator goes on my 'avoid' list, with his random pauses after every few words and lack of voices.
It might be too late for readers of this review, but you should avoid reading the blurb. It covers 50% of the novella and the 50% groveling got tedious fast.
Winter Knights :
Beautiful story, marvelous narrator.
Lone Star:
Forgetable. Narration was all right but the edited sentenced added at a later point, sounded different.
The Christmas Proposition was a nice story although in the end I missed some emotion. I did not like the ending. Good narration.