Express Holiday Review: In Case of Emergency

Title: In Case of Emergency

Author: Keira Andrews

Release date: 11/30/17

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Summary: After years alone, Daniel Diaz is finally ready to shake up his orderly, solitary life. He's about to leave for a cozy Christmas getaway with his new man when he gets the call from the ER that his former stepbrother has been admitted with a concussion and a broken hand—and Cole put him down as his emergency contact. Why the hell would he do that? Daniel barely knows the guy. After all, their parents' marriage lasted less than a year and it was a decade ago! 

fine, Daniel will bring him along on vacation to make sure he doesn't starve or fall into a coma. This is supposed to be Daniel's chance to explore romance again after locking down his feelings for too long—except it turns out his could-be boyfriend is more interested in partying and being an obnoxious jerk. Daniel sends him packing, and now he's stuck with a virtual stranger in an isolated mountain cabin. 

Cole Smith crushed hard on cranky Daniel when they were teenagers. Alone with him in a romantic winter wonderland, those feelings roar back to life. Glimpsing the caring, vulnerable man under Daniel's frosty shell, he yearns to get closer. Christmas is a time for surprises, and Daniel and Cole discover a scorching connection that just might melt their hearts.

This fluffy gay Christmas romance from Keira Andrews features former stepbrothers reconnecting as adults, sexy hot-tub shenanigans, cuddling by the fire, and of course a happy ending. 32,000 words.

Review:  This book is adorable and just what I needed to get me in the holiday mood!  I have a long list of cute holiday reads for the next several weeks, and after decorating my house on Friday, this was the one I chose to kick off my Holiday TBR pile!  It was a perfect choice!

This is pure holiday fluff, but it never becomes sappy or saccharine.  It is the right blend of sweet and oh-so sexy!  

Cole and Daniel are step brothers, but really in name only.  They barely lived together, and this is much more about opposites attracting and a sort of friends (on one side)-to-lovers.  I loved watching Cole get his man, and Daniel warming up to the idea that he needs and deserves one!

Catch this adorable read soon!

5+, BIB Star New Release Review: By the Currawong's Call, by Welton Marshland

Title: By the Currawong's Call

Author: Welton B. Marshland

Publisher/GR Link:Goodreads

Vice: Historical, Priests

Rating: 5+ stars, Best of Banned in Boston


Lock this book up: 4 keys.  This book is sexy, sensual and so romantic!


Length: Novel


Satisfaction: HEA


Cover Impressions: I love it!

Synopsis:  Anglican priest Matthew Ottenshaw receives his first posting in tiny Dinbratten, two days’ ride from his Melbourne home. Determined to honour his calling as best he can, he throws himself into the footy mad, two-pub town, navigating the dusty streets, learning the gossip, and striking up a friendship with Jonah Parks, the resident police sergeant and local bona fide hero. 

A police officer and a priest often find themselves needed at the same place, and Jonah and Matthew’s friendship deepens quickly, as they set about their business of protecting the bodies and souls of Dinbratten’s residents. When a bushfire threatens the town, and Matthew’s inexperience with fire endangers the church buildings, Jonah comes to the rescue, and a reckless kiss in the midst of the chaos takes their friendship to forbidden. 

Neither Matthew nor Jonah can go back to the way things were before, but continuing their relationship puts everything at risk: their jobs, their friends, even their lives. In the outback town of Dinbratten where everyone knows everything about everyone else, how can they ever expect to keep a secret this explosive?

Impressions: This book is really something amazing and special.

I first heard this book described as a cross between The Thornbirds and Brokeback Mountain.  Needless to say, I was sold.  What I found, was really so much more.  

The characters in this novel take on that living dimension that makes you almost guilty to close the book in case they are left frozen in time.  Jonah and Matthew captured my heart, and I felt myself lost in their story.  The setting was beautifully created and I had a vivid picture of their houses, the police station, and even the local cemetery.  The secondary characters are vibrant and realistic, even when they are causing challenges.

This is one of those books that comes along that will sweep you into its world.  It is a wonderful read, and I am sure this will be in my top ten for the year.

Highly recommended!