Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: A Winter Crush 
SERIES: A Nymph Solstice Romance
AUTHOR: Gigi Rivers
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 147 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 8, 2022
BLURB:
An MM fantasy winter holiday novella.
A mountain nymph with a crush. A man scared to have his heart broken.
Ori’s world stopped the moment he saw the human at his pottery wheel. He didn’t know why. The man was older than Ori. And much larger. In fact, he was the complete opposite to Ori. Nonetheless, Ori knew that he wanted the man’s dark eyes focused on him.
Wareth’s life is as he wants it. Sure, his closest friend says he’s lonely, grumpy, and unwilling to open himself up. But Wareth knows the truth. If you make yourself vulnerable, you’ll get your heart broken.
When an eager, young mountain nymph turns up and looks at Wareth in ways he shouldn’t, it stirs something deep inside him. But is Wareth willing to take a chance? Or will Ori’s crush remain unrequited?
REVIEW:
Ori is a young mountain nymph who lives near Ores. He visits the village and he is fascinated by the potter he sees. The man’s name is Wareth and he seems completely oblivious. He’s totally focused on his work. There is a woman who works with him but she works in the shop, not at the wheel. Ori has to figure out how to get Wareth’s attention. He comes in and says he needs a plate and Sariah, the woman there helps him. He promised to come back and he does.
Through an accident, Ori offers to help Wareth while Sariah is incapacitated. Wareth is attracted to Ori but can’t figure out why Ori would want to have anything to do with him. He’s twice Ori’s age and not nearly as attractive as Ori. He’s a bit grumpy and set in his ways and Ori is joyful and happy. He gives in and lets Ori help him and eventually he lets Ori try the wheel. Ori is determined. Warcth is surprised by his tenacity and realizes he’s misjudged him.
Wareth finally gives in an kisses Ori one night when they are working late. It’s fireworks and earthquake and they have amazing chemistry. Thing progress and Ori’s family wants to meet Wareth at the solstice. But a crisis causes Wareth to question Ori’s relationship with him. Luckily friends and cooler heads prevail.
This was adorable. I love a good sunshiny/grumpy trope. Ori is sweet and he’s been through a lot. He’s a lot more mature than Wareth things at first. Wareth has been hurt in the past and his self-esteem has taken a beating. They have to learn to communicate and luckily they have a little help. It was nice to see Sinoe from the last book in this series in a cameo here as well. Thankfully these two figure out how to make things work and it’s a lovely Solstice after all 🙂 Recommended!
RATING: 
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