Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Juniper Evergreen
SERIES: Merry Elf-Mas
AUTHOR: Kota Quinn
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 221 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 10, 2023
BLURB:
June:
I never imagined I’d be starting over at the age of thirty-six, but when I lose my landscaping job due to seasonal cutbacks, my boyfriend of six years decides to dump me as well. Just like that, I’m forced to sleep on my mom’s old sofa while I look for a job. I never expected to be a mall elf, but here I am in a crazy costume, trying to avoid the sexy photographer that looks more like a supermodel than the guy behind the camera.
Alec:
It was just supposed to be one night. A moment of weakness between me and my grumpy coworker. But when I realize how June is living, my dominant and protective side flares up and I offer him a place to stay. As if June isn’t distracting enough with his larger body, sexy tattoos, and love for Christmas movies, now we’re roommates, and he’s so freaking tempting.
Juniper Evergreen is a roommates-to-lovers, age gap, MM romance featuring a beautiful photographer with “Big Daddy Energy” and a landscaper trying to find his way in life.
This story is part of the Merry Elf-Mas multi-author series. Each story can be read as a standalone, but why not come along for the ride as each of Santa’s elves finds love during the holidays?
REVIEW:
I am a huge fan of Kota Quinn and the stories of her men. What I love best is that, no matter what kink she writes or what series she is on, she somehow manages to mingle her characters for those books. And it works!
Alec, Jamie’s assistant turned photographer and big time snuggle partner to the group of Olivia Cove roomies, heads out each year to his hometown of Frostdale, Maine to hang with his Mom for the holidays. This year, thankfully, he came earlier than usual. After that debacle with his best friend Dean and his ending it with his cheating ex, he could use some try holiday cheer. Unfortunately his Mom is finally using her vacation time and going on a month long cruise. But Alec has his “found family” that includes Shae. No he’s at the Frostdale Santa’s Village doing what he loves best…hanging with his friends that work there too and using his photography skills. Juniper “June” O’Brien never guessed that, at the age of thirty-six he would be starting over. He figured out fast that being a pharmacy tech was not his calling. But working outside landscaping and with trees has lit a fire under him. Unfortunately his social climber ex didn’t see this career going anywhere. When the season comes to a close and he gets laid off Len also decides he doesn’t need him either. So now he is stuck on his parent’s lumpy couch with no job in sight and his Mom waking him up with her yoga pants routine. When she nudges him to go apply at the mall he has no idea that:
- He will wind up at Santa’s Village as a mall elf and,
- He will see (and now work with) one of the most gorgeous men he has ever laid eyes on
- And lastly, said man witnessed one of his all-time most embarrassing moments when he forgets to bring clothes in after his shower (complete with dildo in hand)!
I loved that June wasn’t model size perfect but that was what got the drop-dead gorgeous Alec’s motor revving! After what he went through with his controlling and abusive ex Len, June deserved someone that wanted him the way he was. The fact that they were so compatible with their wants/needs/desires was the icing on the sugar cookie. I loved the role reversal. And June needed someone that wanted to take care of him and looked out for him. And Alec, with his BDE…Big Daddy Energy (yeah I know what you were thinking lol) needed to care for and protect his Juni!
I love that author Kota Quinn brings so many of our favorite characters from some of her other series (Baton Blue Daddy and Olivia Cove series) in for cameos. Having June swoon for Grayson Ace was a pleasant surprise and having Alec take them to Yu Jin’s restaurant “Kismet Café” was a special treat. I wish I was there too! And having the Cove guys supporting Alec was special. I know they are going to miss his cuddles!
And oh my goodness gracious…that epilogue! As if a fun and romantic Christmas book isn’t enough we got that! This book is the real deal and I hope you enjoy it half as much as I did 💕
RATING: 
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