Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Stocking Stuffers 2
AUTHORS: Clare London, Julia Talbot, Chrissy Munder, B.A. Tortuga, Sean Michael
PUBLISHER: Jocular Press
LENGTH: 210 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 17, 2020
BLURB:
These stories promise you a special and sparkling Christmas romance in every event— from workaholics faced with real-life truths, Christmas grumps who need to embrace seasonal joy, office high jinks that lead to a more rewarding connection, physical crises faced and conquered with love, and families seeking sincere, seasonal reconciliation. We believe every man deserves his share of seasonal promise, and every couple their happily ever after. Five best-selling authors bring you their own style of loving, all set in this season of fun, hope, and love!
In Pop-Ups by Clare London, Jack’s high-powered life leaves no time for anything except a casual friendship-with-benefits with his neighbour and IT expert Henry. Just before Christmas, Jack is alone at home with just his volatile PC, and Henry apparently on his way to a Christmas holiday hideaway. And that’s when, to Jack’s horror, the pop-ups start appearing.
In A Good Thing by Julia Talbot, Dan hates the season since the accident that ruined his holiday three years ago. Meeting Chris on the street, full of holiday cheer, with the Santa hat, the hot chocolate, and the relentless good will toward his fellow man, may just change Dan’s mind.
In Season’s Greetings by Chrissy Munder, Russ, greeting cards writer and general playboy, is way behind on his big Easter Card project. Is it because ever since new guy Ian was hired, Russ spends all his time writing bad Valentine rhymes to Ian’s best asset? Will someone prompt real seasonal romance, or will Russ forever be a man out of season?
In Oranges and Peppermints by B. A. Tortuga, Jeremiah has special plans for his lover for Christmas, but the Texan weather is against them. Jeremiah is determined to meet the train to bring Charles the happiest holiday possible, but when he isn’t back where he belongs in good time, Charles fights the storm to bring him back. Can oranges and peppermints make the season bright for this frozen pair?
In Unto Us the Time has Come by Sean Michael, Kenn and Chris are struggling through a separation neither of them wants, but their pride dictates. To say nothing of the pain it’s causing their kids. Armed with the realization he should change and begin to repair their relationship, Chris takes steps to win his husband back. He just hopes he can get Kenn on the same page before Santa comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve.
REVIEW:
This is a sweet collection of holiday themed romances. I particularly enjoyed the varying paths to holiday love 😉
In Pop-Ups, we meet Jack. He’s all business but technically challenged. His neighbor Henry is always coming to his rescue. They have a casual no-strings relationship, but as Jack’s holiday plan are cancelled due to a family emergency, Jack begins to have second thoughts. But as he’s thinking about what to do, the pop-ups on his computer start up, offering him perhaps a chance to change his plans? The set up is quite funny – any anyone who has dealt with IT and spam problems will relate. And Jack finally is recognizing what’s in front of him 🙂 I hope these guys have a fun Christmas break 😉
In A Good Thing, Dan has never really recovered from a bad Christmas 4 years before. There was an accident, a fire and a guy who walked away. But on Christmas eve, he meets Chris. And Chris is all about the Christmas cheer 😉 He convinces Dan to let him try to improve his holiday, and boy does he. Even though they got off to a not too hospitable start, Chris really does make everything brighter and more cheery 😉 It was good to see Dan finally recover from his bad Christmas.
In Season’s Greetings, Russ is having a devil of a time with the Easter campaign he’s working on. It’s Christmas time – in Florida! Not even any snow! And he’s got the distraction of Ian, his new co-worker who has him re-thinking his entire life. No hook-ups, no relationships, nothing. And his friend Mike is not helping! Thankfully Ian knows what he wants = he just has to get Russ to admit the same. Russ just needs a push in the right direction and Ian is just the guy to do it 😉 Loved these two.
In Oranges and Peppermints, Jeremiah and Charlie are living in the Texas wilderness in the late 19th century. After going into town to get supplies, Jeremiah gets lost in the snowstorm. Charlie can feel that he’s out there and when he comes up disaster, he’s afraid he’s lost the one person who means everything to him. He won’t let his bad leg stand in their way. This is a story of survival – of life and love.
In Unto Us the Time has Come, Chris and Kenn have been separated for a year. The kids aren’t happy and the dads are exhausted. But after a year apart and Chris hating how tired Kenn is and how he’s given up his art, he begins to realize that maybe he can make some changes that could benefit everyone. This is a truly beautiful story of figuring out what’s best for everyone.
If you’re looking for some lovely holiday themed short stories, pick up this collection. Recommended.
RATING: 
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