Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Holiday Huddle
SERIES: Appleton Falls (Book 1)
AUTHOR: Felice Stevens
PUBLISHER: Good Man Press
LENGTH: 169 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 15, 2025
BLURB:
Wow. I did not expect to run into Brooklyn Kings retired football star Harte McKinney in my hometown of Appleton Falls. It takes me back to my college days when I crushed on him in silence. All these years later, nothing’s changed. Even better, something in his eyes has me thinking he’s not as straight as I’d always believed.
When I find him hurt in a car crash in the snow, it’s my duty as a deputy sheriff to follow him to the hospital and make sure he’s going to be okay. Then we share an unexpected kiss, and I make him a proposal: come home with me to recuperate so we can explore these feelings behind closed doors.
Each day we spend together brings us closer, and we know we want to be together. But small towns have big eyes—we might not be able to keep what we have to ourselves much longer. My partner already suspects Harte and I are more than “just friends.” And when my mom gets an eyeful of Harte in his birthday suit…it’s time.
Let the snow fall where it may—we’re ready to come out.
There’s a fire crackling in the grate, the tree is decorated, and presents are wrapped. We’re all set to huddle together for the holidays and hope that love and magic of Christmas conquers all.
REVIEW:
I loved reading the Brooklyn Kings series. And while I loved all those amazing and brave men, Dev and Brody hold a very special place in my heart. So, when I heard that Author Felice Stevens was releasing a new series that would crossover to that series, with many of my favorites NFL football players from the Brooklyn Kings, I was already saying “Sign me up please!” Then I found out that we were finally going to get to know Harte McKinney, the backup quarterback’s story and it was a no-brainer! I remember Trick wondering if Harte was interested in him. Now we get that answer.
Harte McKinney is a lot of things. He is a 40 year old retired NFL Quarterback with a Super Bowl Ring on his fingers to prove it. But retirement simply wasn’t his choice. The Brooklyn Kings chose not to renew his contract and there weren’t any other bites. He was a good quarterback. He knew that. But he wasn’t to the level of either Dev or Trick. “There was no place for older second stringers in the world of football.” Not at 40! So what to do now. His now ex-wife dumped him and going back home held too many ghosts. Those ghost of “what-if” were loud. So when his agent suggested that he talk with Dev and Brody he took it. And after visiting their cabin in upstate New York he knew he found his “new home”. However, living the NFL life had kept him from driving in snow the last few years. And choosing to move to the new town of Appleton Falls during a snow storm probably wasn’t the best choice. Thankfully, the cute guy at the grocery store heard about his wreck and came to the hospital to check on him. It turned out that Jethro “Jet” Saunders is a local deputy sheriff and all-around good guy. The fact that Jet not only knew who Harte was, was on his football team Harte’s senior year/Jet’s freshman year and Jet has had a crush on the man since the first time he saw him made no difference. Harte needed help and he was all alone. So off the Jet’s house to recuperate was a given. But what happens when both men discover each others secrets???
Wow! I never expected this level of caring and connection so fast. Jet and Harte are so cautious about their bisexuality. And it made sense. Harte was a NFL quarterback and Jet is a county sheriff. They had no idea how that would play out. But, with the support of dear friends, caring family members and each other, they made it to the goal line and scored the most important touchdown in their lives…the love and commitment to each other 💕 I really loved getting to watch both men navigate this new turn in their lives, a committed relationship with another man.
I can’t tell you how much I loved that Dev and Brody not only befriend Harte when he moved up near them, but encouraged it. But then they supported him and Jet as they not only discussed coming out as bisexual, but when they finally did start slowly coming out. But it was the friendship that blossomed and grew that was totally in character for my two favorite NFL stars. They were the role model for NFL Stars to come out and live their true lives with the man they love. And the advice that they gave was honest and caring.
I am really looking forward to this new series. According to a note after the story “Stay tuned for more of Appleton Falls as Emerson Kane and Dominic Starr will have their story next spring!” I for one can’t wait for this book. Those two are sure to be an interesting story for sure!!!
RATING: 
BUY LINKS:
