Holiday Romance books

Alex’s traditional family Christmas Compromise means spending the holiday at a second-rate theme park, Poseidon’s Planet, but Alex doesn’t mind. He enjoys the rides and the company of his family, and it’s a good break from his going-nowhere existence back in Indiana. Then he meets a certain sexy employee in a pirate costume, and Alex’s vacation gets even better. But thrill rides last only a short time, and sooner or later everyone has to return to real life. Alex long ago gave up on marrying a handsome prince—will he have to give up on his pirate as well?

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar "Warmest Wishes."

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Grant Cary, a twenty-eight-year-old grad student, has let his Kwanzaa shopping go to the very last minute. In his rush to get home, he quite literally bumps into Will Sheritan, a fortysomething software developer, in the elevator. But luck favors (or curses) the adventurous, because their elevator shuts down due to a blackout. Grant and Will learn about each other’s pasts and find more than just a casual interest.

Will has never celebrated Kwanzaa, and he’s reluctant to enter into a relationship, but exploring a new tradition—with a new friend—might brighten his lonely holiday. And if Will accepts Grant’s invitation to join his family for the Karamu feast, Grant might get his Imani gift early.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar "Warmest Wishes."

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The situation seems ideal: a month off work and a sweet deal to extend his stay in an unexpected paradise. Needless to say, Aaron is thrilled to snag an extra few days in Scotland after his work conference to soak up the magic of the country.

However, his plans to tourist his way around Edinburgh before his January 1st flight home are thwarted by a strange influx of people into the capital. Add in trains that don't run on New Year's, fireworks, first-footing, and running into the same gorgeous stranger as he exits every other shop, and Aaron really should have googled what “Hogmanay” was before he found himself whisked into the whirlwind of Scottish revelry and the impossible draw of that sexy stranger who tastes like scotch and, impossibly, already feels like the beginnings of home.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar "Warmest Wishes."

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Jared’s been all over the world as a traveling manny with Holiday Helpers, and the itch to put down roots is is starting to eclipse his wanderlust—especially since his current family is a handful. 

After culinary school, Wes did some wandering of his own, exploring Central America before settling as a resort chef in his mother’s homeland of Costa Rica, a place he loves and plans to stay. If he’s learned one thing, it’s to be wary of flings with vacationers. Still, he can’t stand to watch two little Swiss kids lose their belief in Saint Nicholas, so he’ll lend a hand to the manny assisting the family. It won’t be easy to recreate a traditional European Christmas in a tropical paradise. 

Between a snowball fight on a sunny beach and sledding down an active volcano, Jared and Wes discover some renewed holiday magic of their own. Can they make it last a lifetime?

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar "Warmest Wishes."

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Pagan punk musician Lucas is fully prepared to spend this Yule with the rest of the band and his beautiful bass guitar when Oliver, his boyfriend of almost a year, asks if he wants to join the rest of the Han family for their annual winter celebration. It comes as a shock since Ollie has gone to great lengths to keep the two apart, and Lucas always assumed he was the reason. Since they’re planning to be together long-term, Lucas can't say no to meeting Ollie’s parents, but he better brush up on his manners and his Mandarin because this is going to be a holiday season like no other—and it has some surprises in store for both of them.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar "Warmest Wishes."

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After Andrew’s boyfriend dumps him just before Christmas, he decides to take a job far, far away from city life. It’s a dishwashing job on a remote island off the coast of Georgia. Expecting sunshine, palm trees, and some quality alone time, Andrew is surprised to find alligators, mosquitoes, rattlesnakes, and Garrett—a devilishly handsome naturalist. Andrew desperately tries to resist Garrett’s charm, because a twice-broken heart before Christmas is just not an option. Besides Andrew’s new friend Anna might already have a thing for Garrett.

But where do Garrett’s interests lie, and will Andrew find out before he’s surprised by a visit from his ex?

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar "Warmest Wishes."

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All his life, astrophysicist Peter has dreamed of seeing the comet that last appeared on his birthday—and won’t be seen for another thirty-eight years. Since it could be his only chance, he travels to New Zealand. But his dream might be quashed after all when his rental car breaks down on the way to the observatory. He doesn’t even have a place to stay.

Fortunately a New Zealand native with a heart of gold offers assistance. But is kindness the only thing drawing the two men together?

Rangi can’t leave Peter stranded so close to Christmas, and his family has plenty of room—and love—to share. While Rangi is attracted to Peter, he’s seen too many of his friends get their hearts broken by tourists. Will they manage to see the comet on its decades-long journey across the sky… and take advantage of a rare opportunity that might never come again?

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar "Warmest Wishes."

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Sam is a journalist struggling with the recent transfer to his magazine’s Brazilian office. He doesn’t speak the language and isn’t all that familiar with the customs. It also isn’t easy to make friends when you’re the new guy. Then there’s James, his friendly and gorgeous coworker, who is so out of Sam’s league, he knows he doesn’t stand any chance with the handsome Brazilian. 

Just as Sam is preparing to spend Christmas away from his family, an unexpected surprise spins his lonely holiday plans around. Another unforeseen gift is James’s offer to show Sam some of the city’s holiday traditions. With his significant low self-esteem, Sam doesn’t know what to make of James’s offer and apparent interest. Can some last-minute decorations and an impromptu meal make Sam’s apartment feel more homely? 

Maybe everything could come together in a wonderful way—if Sam can find the courage and confidence to accept all James wants to give.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar "Warmest Wishes."

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Their favorite holiday is going away. Will it take their friendship with it? 

Since 1989, the birthday of the Emperor of Japan has been celebrated on December 23rd. But this is the last year; the Emperor is abdicating, and next year there will be no holiday.           

For twenty-year-old Akihito, the holiday has always been special. It’s his birthday, too, and a perfect excuse for spending the entire day celebrating across Tokyo with his life-long best friend, Kenji. But now that they will no longer get the day off and will soon face adult responsibilities, will they drift apart? Or if Akihito confesses the secret love he’s held in his heart for years, will their closeness be ruined? One thing is certain: nothing will be same by the end of the day.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar "Warmest Wishes."

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Photographer Zach is happy to pack up his gear and head to the Mojave Desert over the holidays. Ever since his ex-husband filed for divorce a day before Christmas, it’s safe to say this isn’t Zach’s favorite time of year. 

Fortunately, he stumbles upon a town where the residents seem to agree. The good people of Baker would much rather celebrate the possibility of extraterrestrials as they dance under the stars in their unique “Night Sky Festival.” The locals are interesting, to say the least, and they want Zach to join them. 

But is Zach ready to let go of his holiday bitterness? And if so, whose invitation should he accept: the cute cashier, the burly single dad, or the sexy fun-loving cop?

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar "Warmest Wishes."

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Rival archaeologists Will and Jude slept together a year ago, on the night of the Summer Solstice at a dig in Stonehenge. But they were both wearing masks, so Jude has no idea it was Will he slept with, and Will’s been harboring a powerful, one-sided crush ever since. 

Now they’re in Egypt, competing to find the lost tomb of Queen Nefertiti. Jude falls through a crack in the cave floor, and when Will reluctantly climbs down to help him, they find themselves in Nefertiti's tomb, surrounded by archaeological treasures—where they must spend Christmas stranded by a sandstorm. 

Will a few sultry hours stripped almost bare from the heat and sharing a bottle of whiskey sort out who should get credit for the discovery—and the real reason for the tension between them?

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar "Warmest Wishes."

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The festival of Tulsi Vivah ushers in the Hindu wedding season and tears away the love of Kristopher’s life. Three years of passion and tenderness are reduced to a shameful skeleton in the closet as Arjuna submits to the marriage his parents have arranged for him. His family has never even heard Kristopher’s name. 

The festival, a ritualistic wedding between the holy basil plant, Tulsi, and her eternal lover, Vishnu, is as much of a play-act as Arjuna’s upcoming nuptials, but he believes the wedding will honor his parents and please Vishnu. So why is his Tulsi plant—whose leaves heal and bless the devout, who is Vishnu's representative on earth—dying? Arjuna tends to her with all the care of a concerned parent, but it might take more than his devotion to save her. She might need Kris, with his clever green-fingers—and maybe a revived Tulsi can heal two hearts.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar "Warmest Wishes."

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The holidays are a time for second chances. 

Warren Blessing lost his wife (two years ago), and his kids decide he’s been alone too long. They send him on a holiday singles cruise so he can meet someone new. On the flight from Chicago to Miami, he sits next to an attractive man, but when the flight’s over, he doesn’t think he'll see him again. 

Fletcher Hammond is a professional mystery shopper for vacation destinations and travel. After a split from his unfaithful fiancé, he’s embarking on a singles cruise. He meets a lovely gentleman on the flight, whose conversation and cocktails help Fletcher through his fear of takeoffs, but he doesn’t expect to see him again. 

As if by fate, a meeting in the ship’s dining room renews their mutual attraction. But can they build a relationship with distance and baggage working against them? Or will they part ways when they return to port?

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar "Warmest Wishes."

Second Edition
First Edition published by Torquere Press, June 2016.

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Download a free Cheesecake Boy coloring page and desktop wallpaper of Kyle the Witch! Coloring page is suitable for printing or digital coloring in your favorite app.

Kyle the Cheesecake Boy knew he was a witch ever since he first saw Sabrina the Teenage Witch on TV. Now all grown up he loves to introduce himself to new people by saying, "Hey!" Then he teleports himself directly behind them, taps them on the shoulder, and says, "I'm Kyle. You're gonna wanna be my friend. It's in your best interest." His favorite spell is a glamor spell that allows him to change his physical appearance in front of someone as they watch. But really, Kyle couldn't look any more awesome than he already does! *twinkle-twinkle*

Single 8.5x11 printable PDF for your coloring enjoyment.

Additional Kyle the Witch goodies:

Giclee prints of Kyle the Witch digital art by Wild Roan Studios

Kyle the Witch illustration by Paul Richmond T-shirt

Kyle the Witch illustration by Paul Richmond Underwear

Artwork created in collaboration between Wild Roan Studios and Paul Richmond. Model: Kyle Trudeau

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Can a raw food enthusiast find love with a guy who bakes cupcakes?

When Micah Truveen’s devoted health-food customers start showing up with white flour, Micah wants to chew nails! To make his misery worse, he finds his yoga teacher boyfriend in bed with another guy the day before Valentine’s Day. Micah decides to drown his misery at a friend’s anti-Valentine’s Day orgiastic hookup party—and meets the beautiful Queen, a gorgeous cross-dresser who’s got Southern sugah in his mouth and the right equipment under the dress. But when the hookup turns serious, Micah has to compromise to protect Queen’s secrets from his beloved grandmother. With everything against them, can two hearts rise above the flour?

Second Edition

First Edition published by Etopia Press, January 2013.

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Scott y Marco son los mejores amigos y se encuentran en una azotea en Nochebuena, cada uno de ellos escapando temporalmente de situaciones familiares muy difíciles. No tienen regalos para compartir,  pero Marco promete que algún día rescatará a Scott y lo llevará a Alaska. Los años pasan y de vez en cuando se encuentran de nuevo (la primera vez de forma planeada, la siguiente por pura casualidad), siempre en Nochebuena, y cada vez descubren que la vida tan sólo se complica más y más. Atesoran cada momento que pasan juntos pero ¿podrán realmente huir a Alaska algún día?

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Fortsetzung zu Der Einbruch in der Royal Street
Buch 2 in der Serie - Die Spürnasen

Halloween ist Beau Bissonets Lieblingsfeiertag, dazu gehört das Aushöhlen von Kürbissen ebenso wie die Dekorationen in seinem Vorgarten und er liebt es, sich in ein Kostüm zu werfen und die Nachbarskinder zu erschrecken. Aber in diesem Jahr nimmt sein Halloween eine andere Wendung; eine, die seine Fähigkeiten als Detektiv und seine Hingabe zu seinem Partner bei der Arbeit und in der Liebe herausfordern wird.

Seit Beau und Tollison vor einem Jahr den Einbruch in der Royal Street gelöst, Liebe gefunden und Bissonet & Cruz gegründet haben, läuft es privat und beruflich gut. Bis Tollisons Ex-Freund, Bastien Andros, aus heiterem Himmel auftaucht. Natürlich ist Beau misstrauisch, aber zwei Tage nach Bastiens Ankunft verschwindet dieser spurlos und Tollison sorgt sich, dass seine Vergangenheit ihn einholen könnte.

Ein mysteriöses Paket zeigt deutlich, wer Bastien entführt hat und was auf dem Spiel steht. Sowohl Bastiens als auch Beaus Leben sind in Gefahr und Tollison hat nur eine Möglichkeit: Er muss nach Zürich in die Schweiz reisen, um das Lösegeld zu beschaffen und abzuliefern, beide Männer außer Gefahr zu bringen und gleichzeitig sich selbst treu zu bleiben.

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Dane McCormick’s job negotiating leases and building out furnished office suites takes him all over the country. He stays until the job is done—and then he moves on. As satisfying as the job is, it leaves him no place to call home and no chance to build a personal life. After arriving in Greenville, South Carolina, for a job, a severe stomach virus knocks Dane for a loop. He finds a local urgent care clinic… and a tall, dark, and handsome doctor who goes well above and beyond his duties to treat Dane. The doctor’s bedside manner makes Dane forget all about his stomach flu.

Carter Baldridge has dedicated his life to caring for others. Since graduating from medical school, he has spent all his time and energy building his urgent care business. But the morning he steps into his examining room and sees Dane McCormick on the table, he realizes it might be time to devote some attention to a part of life he has neglected. The spark is there, but so is a major obstacle in the form of Dane’s peripatetic lifestyle and a bad experience in Carter’s past. Both have to decide if the risk is worth the reward.

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