Cute Christmas story!

*3.5 stars*

Really sweet Christmas novella, rounded up because the narrator, Michael Stellman, was so freakin' cute!

I'm not sure why this narrator worked so well for me. He doesn't have much vocal differentiation between characters, that's for sure, but he sounded age-appropriate (which is hard to find sometimes) and there was something really attractive about his voice. I've looked him up (I tend to do that- stalker alert!) and though he is older than I had pictured, he has a clear, 20-something voice which was perfect for this story.

The story itself was also super sweet. It is about finding hope and the Christmas spirit, even when you've given up. I really liked Emmett, who was grumpy and jaded but warmed up over time. Sky was more of a mystery to me, but I enjoyed his optimism and mix of hippy/traditionalism.

My only real issue is that I wasn't completely sold on the ending. Calling it a HFN would even be a stretch. It is left pretty open ended, though I've heard I MUST read the bonus chapter on the author's blog.

If you like holiday stories that focus on the start of a relationship, then pick up this little gem!

*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

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Funny and cute HFN

Emmett is very angry and drunk. His friend Terry left him alone on Christmas while he’s still nursing a broken heart. Sky is a farm boy who mysteriously shows up at Terry’s apartment. Emmett thinks he’s one of Terry’s “Rebound Boys” so he treats him poorly. But Sky is actually a very sweet, warm-hearted boy who stays to help Emmett through his hangover and the holiday.
The two end up bonding and really clicking. They don’t actually “hook up” and in fact the entire story is just the couple of days when they first meet, but there is a bonus chapter that tells what happens next. (Not in audio format, of course)


**

This is a very sweet story, no heat, not even a HEA or HFN (but the bonus chapter gives us that).

The narration was nice, Emmett’s drunken slurs were funny and the sound quality was good.

If you are in the mood for a sweet, cute “meeting” story this is for you. With the follow up chapter, it will even satisfy those of us looking for the HEA.

I enjoyed it and give both book and audio a 4 of 5 hearts.

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Egg Nog and Snogging

This was a cute listen..

We meet Emmett Byrd who is drinking himself through the first Christmas spent without his cheating ex-partner. He's angry, drunk, and lonely.And worse yet, his flaky college buddy made him go all the way to San Diego Emmett lives in Chicago) so that they could spend the holidays together, only to leave Emmett to go off frolicking to some beach adventure with on-again, off-again boyfriend. Some friend huh! Enter handyman Sky, yes I did type SKY, who is just too kind for words. He spends two days with Emmett and helps jump start Emmett's healing process by giving him hope that there is love and life after a break up. Yes, starting over is hard, but regardless of the reason why you broke up with someone in the first place, should only help you see that you deserve someone who will work WITH you to have a truly worth-while relationship. Look to the Sky, I say... (OK... that WAS cheesy, but you get my meaning.)

I love these Dream spinner Press Heartwarming tales. I love the holidays and the joy of discovering the joys of finding love and kindness where you least expect it.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

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Short, sweet, but has open-ending

I actually enjoyed this short holiday story. I liked the interaction between Sky and Emmett, and some of the dialogue made me smile.
This is my fourth audiobook which was narrated by Michael Stellman, and it's been a consistently pleasant experience. His voice suited the story, and it was easy to follow along even while I was doing other tasks because he narrated it clearly and at just the right speed.
This doesn't end with a definite HEA, but I enjoyed the chemistry between the main MCs enough to not mind. And you're left with a definite feeling that these guys will get their HEA eventually so it's not like it was a sad ending.
Will definitely be looking for more stuff from this author.

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2 people found this helpful