Reviewed by Becca

TITLE: Jingle Spell

AUTHOR: Chris Ethan

PUBLISHER: Dream Trek Imprint

LENGTH: 78 pages

RELEASE DATE:  December 6, 2017

BLURB:

It’s the most horrible time of the year.
Smooches under mistletoes and tacky reindeer decorations.
Newly single, Davey has had enough of wasting his love and having his heart broken. Better to be single, he decides. No more dates. No more falling in love. No more dreaming of happy ever afters. Those are for movies.
He’s resolute.
And then Avery steps into his life, bringing care, compassion, and tenderness in his path.
Davey’s so tempted to hope again. But can an online date and a brief encounter turn into anything other than an ephemeral sexual encounter?
Is there a future for them? Will Avery stay? And most importantly, can Davey bear to offer up his heart to the season’s love—just one more time?

REVIEW:

Wow this book hit me between the eyes. My word. I’ve had several characters get to me because they’ve been through things I have, and I am drawn to Davey in the same way. He thoroughly breaks my heart. But he CLINGS to hope with all he is and this book we get to see what happens.

Davey’s day is just one great thing after another. (Note of sarcasm). He found out the guy he is seeing is playing on the Grindr app and apparently dating other men. So needless to say that didn’t end well. Plus it’s freaking Christmas. The assholes are put in force along with the world’s dumbest customers. His boss is riding him for being late and the main boss won’t give him the time off he should be getting. He decides no more men. He’s done. He’s so tired of never being enough. Maybe he will cruise the apps for a one night stand off and on and that will be it. Until a pair of grey eyes framed in glasses looks at him and takes his breath away. While cashing his customer out, he runs through a dialogue in his head, but in the end decides, no. The guy is probably out of his league anyway. So when he checks a online app he is very surprised to see a message from Ave. (Short for Avery). And they decide on a drink. Drink turns into dinner and some of the best conversation either has ever had. And both go home alone. Over the next few weeks, Davey is full of doubts as they get to know each other, but he’s trying to believe Avery really wants him for him and not sex. Especially as they haven’t done it just yet. But the past comes back to haunt them and now it’s time to decide….do they stay together and make a future together or call it quits.

I think Davey is the gay male me. Oh my word. The worries and the thoughts that constantly go through his head. Is he enough? Why isn’t he enough? Why does he keep getting dumped when he gives his all? Why do they only want sex? Does no one want a relationship? Does no one want love? Oh Davey does. So so much. His heart yearns for that special man that will be just his. He’s heard all the break up lines before. He’s heard all the excuses before. So when he meets Avery, he is already set up for sex and it to be over. Even though that will disappoint him. And he doesn’t want to be needy but damn. But Avery surprises him. He shows he’s really listening when Davey talks. He shows he’s interested. And even though the tension and buzz for sex is there, it’s so much more. Avery wants all the things Davey does. But after ending a 7 year relationship, he’s still getting over it. But something about Davey makes him happier than he’s ever been. He finds himself smiling and laughing so often. And after what his ex put him through, he didn’t really think he would again. Of course I’m in the background screaming at these two to just be together lol. But it takes time. It takes trust and faith. And when the past comes to the front, they have to learn what in life is more important. And who is more important. And they have to believe in each other that they aren’t each other’s past but instead they are each other’s futures.

I will tell you, I really recommend this book, but it had me in such tears. I’m in such empathy with Davey and know how he feels. And it just tears at you. But in a good way eventually. Because he remembers hope. So I guess like Davey, we need to hope.

RATING:   

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