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RJ Scott MM Romance Author Gay Romance

RJ Scott

Christmas Reads and Recommendations – week 1 of 6

RJ Scott/ Christmas+ Christmas 23+ reading+ Reviews+ Reviews from RJ

Christmas Reads and Recommendations RJ Scott MM Romance Author

Clare London – Santa No. 5

RJ Scott MM Romance Christmas ReviewsNo one looks good in a borrowed Santa suit. Especially in a police line-up.

Jacob Carter is struggling as the new sergeant of the village police station. There’s been a rash of Christmas gift thefts, his staff are bemused by his bossy city ways and, in return, he’s having trouble adapting to their more relaxed approach to community policing. Let alone the fact that everyone seems happy to get involved in everyone else’s diverse and often controversial lives.

He’s having even more trouble believing Nick Hollybush is a heartless criminal, despite the result of a bizarre line-up, and all the practical evidence mounting up. Especially with Nick’s sparkling eyes, the shy smile in Jacob’s direction, and their obvious chemistry.

How on earth is Jacob going to juggle the duties of a copper against the romantic desires of an ordinary man—and still keep the village’s Christmas celebrations safe?

https://www.books2read.com/santano5cl

Release: Tuesday 14 November, Wide Release

Tags: Hurt Comfort, Surprises, small town, Grumpy Sunshine, Enemies to Lovers, Rom Com, Found Family      

My quick review: N’aww, if there is one thing I love it’s a Clare London Christmas story (she loves writing Christmas as much as I do!). Recommended. 5/5


A.D. Ellis – Once Upon a Christmas House     

RJ Scott MM Romance Christmas ReviewsIvyrson is the quintessential Scrooge when it comes to anything having to do with the holidays. However, the chance to win a hefty chunk of money and free repairs on his old home is enough to entice the man to take part in a holiday-themed reality game.

Emory has had a crush on his older brother’s best friend for years. When the chance to help Ivy possibly win a reality game comes along, Emory doesn’t hesitate. After all, that’s what friends are for.

The two men have known each other forever, but living together and pretending to be a couple means getting to know each other on a whole new level. Can they convince the viewing audience their fake relationship deserves to win the grand prize? Or will Ivy and Emory get swept up in the holiday magic and find themselves falling in love for real?

Once Upon a Christmas House is a steamy, forced-proximity, fake relationship, M/M Christmas romance between a grumpy Scrooge and his best friend’s cheery little brother.

https://books2read.com/OUACH

Release: Wednesday 1 November, Amazon KU

Tags: Pretend Relationship, Friends to Lovers, Best Friends Brother etc, Only One Bed, Forced proximity         

My quick review: Aww, this was lovely… a reality show, only one bed (for real), and a slow burn Christmas Magic best friends brother love story. 5/5


V.L. Locey – The Christmas Extra (Laurel Holidays #5)

RJ Scott MM Romance Christmas Reviews’Tis the season for a second chance at love.

Stillman King likes his life in the small rural farming community of Rockmount, Pennsylvania. It’s a different pace of life than Philly, but Philadelphia was where his heart was broken, and he was happy to leave. He might be lonely, but he’s settled and has even managed to win over his snooping neighbors. Overall, his days as a small-town sheriff are peaceful with only the occasional traffic accident, drunk and disorderly conduct, or a random meandering cow to deal with. That was until the day the mayor announced that Rockmount was going to be the filming location for a Christmas romance movie starring the popular soap opera star, Tony Gugliotti. The same Tony who’d left him right after college graduation and headed west to the bright lights of Los Angeles without even a goodbye.

Hearing his former lover’s name shatters all the merry bucolic vibes that usually fill Rockmount, at least for Stillman. He’d not seen or spoken to Tony for over twenty years and had no wish to ever again. But, suddenly, here Tony was, looking just as good as he did way back when with his killer smile and movie star jawline. Hollywood descended on Rockmount and Stillman did his best to balance keeping the peace while maintaining a polite distance from his ex. Pity it’s such a small town packed with incredibly meddlesome people. All it takes is one stake out, a night stuck in the courthouse’s basement, and one kiss wound in a lighted pine tree to reignite the passion both men thought they’d left far behind.           

The Christmas Extra is a standalone small town, forced proximity, gay second chance Christmas romance with all the glitter of Hollywood, two mature men who never really got over each other, a village packed with holiday cheer as well as inquisitive neighbors, a well-meaning cast and crew, and a tinselly happy-ever-after.

http://vllocey.com/Read_The_Christmas_Extra

Release: Wednesday 15 November, Wide Release

Tags: small town, Forced proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Older leading men         

My quick review: This book had me at filming-a-Christmas-movie-in-town – I'm biased, but you all know how much I love Vicki's books 🙂  Recommended. 5/5


Aria Grace – Cupid (An mm mpreg holiday shifter romance)

RJ Scott MM Romance Christmas ReviewsCupid's arrow has Christmas plans of its own this season…

For as long as there have been Santas delivering presents on sleighs, there have been reindeer to pull them. Arrow's family of shifter reindeer has been part of the tradition from the very beginning. He loves being on the team and all the joy he brings to children at Christmas time. But there is another part of his legacy that takes an even bigger toll. As an alpha with the Cupid surname, he also carries a bit of magic for matchmaking. It just comes naturally to him and he's able to connect those who are looking for love on the regular.

Too bad he can't make that magic work on himself.

Jude, a human omega, is finally ready to admit that keeping the oceanfront cottage his great-aunt left to him might be over his head. He moved in and was able to fix it up, but the property taxes are due and he isn't sure how to make the payment. When a friend suggests renting the place to tourists during the high season, he agrees to give it a shot.

He has no idea that his first and only renter will end up piercing his heart in a way he never expected.

https://www.amazon.com/Cupid-mpreg-holiday-shifter-romance-ebook/dp/B0CH5T6DT8

Release: Monday 13 November, Amazon KU

Tags: Stranded, Forced proximity, Vacation romance        

My quick review: TBR


Barbara Elsborg – The Mission           

RJ Scott MM Romance Christmas ReviewsSnow! Tick.

Skiing! Tick.

Christmas! Tick.

Stalker! Er…

When Conrad and his ex split up three months before their upcoming work ski trip, Conrad’s unwavering passion for the slopes overshadows his reservations about a holiday anywhere near his ex and his new partner. But as ‘friends’ keep hinting he should cancel, he wishes he’d seen sense earlier. Now it’s too late to get his money back.

A clash of heads at check-in with a handsome stranger sets Conrad’s heart racing. Arlo is bound for the same Austrian resort, sparking Conrad’s daydreams of shared slopes, shared après-ski, shared hot tubs and more…while fully aware that spotting Arlo in the mountains will be almost impossible.

Little does Conrad know Arlo has orchestrated this moment. Now all Arlo has to do is convince Conrad he has the best of intentions. After all, if they don’t click by the end of the flight, Conrad will never know he’s been stalked.

mybook.to/themissionelsborg

Release: Saturday 11 November, Amazon KU

Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Surprises, Only Just Met, Vacation romance, Snowstorm    

My quick review: OMG I really wanted to punch Mark… just saying… loved this sweet bg family, snow-ski-mountain-vacation romance. 5/5


Brigham Vaughn – Scrooge You!        

RJ Scott MM Romance Christmas ReviewsJoel McArthur thought he knew everyone in the small town of Christmas Falls. He’s been running Ginger’s Breads bakery for more than a decade, after all.

But who is the mysterious runner who’s been passing by his shop every morning?

Hayden Bradley’s post-college plans fell through, landing him in this stupid small town he can’t get out of fast enough.

He hates Christmas and he’s tired of the endless holiday cheer.

But as Hayden finds himself spending more and more time at Joel’s bakery, he’s forced to admit that he’s developed a taste for the ginger-molasses cookies and the handsome ginger-haired baker who makes them.

Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.

https://readerlinks.com/l/3675473/scrooge-you

Release: Friday 15 December, Amazon KU

Tags: Age Gap, small town, Grumpy Sunshine

My quick review: TBR


Marie Sexton – Crazy Together          

RJ Scott MM Romance Christmas ReviewsIn the wake of his husband's recent passing, nightclub owner Bryan Nantel feels smothered by sympathy from his well-meaning friends. Tired of being seen only as a grieving widower, Bryan decides to spend the holiday with his father in Houston, even though he fears it will be the end of his hard-fought sobriety. But a chance encounter at the airport changes everything.

Noah Porter is a former baseball player whose career was cut short by a devastating injury. He’s not quite ready to come out of the closet, but he has every intention of losing his virginity ASAP. On a whim, he invites Bryan to spend the weekend with him at Camp Bay Chalet, a secluded B&B tucked away in the panhandle of Northern Idaho.

Bryan knows running away with a man he just met is crazy and reckless. Maybe even dangerous. But it sure beats his other options. He figures what happens at Camp Bay can stay at Camp Bay. And a bit of Christmas craziness may be exactly what he and Noah both need.

https://readerlinks.com/l/3673492

Release: Tuesday 24 October, Amazon KU

Tags: Only One Bed, Widower, Virgin, Only Just Met         

My quick review: For everyone that believes in love at first sight… a lovely Christmas story 4.5/5 (Was a little lost with some of the other characters so I really need to dig out the other books from my kindle to remind myself, STAT! LOL)


Have You Read?

The Wishing Tree

The Wishing Tree

Author: RJ Scott
Series: STANDALONE STORIES, Book 1
Tags: 2021 RJ, Christmas Themed, First, Standalone Christmas

It takes an impossible Christmas wish for Bailey to find forever love with his brother’s best friend.

Turning twenty-five and still a virgin, Bailey has barely dated, let alone acted on the private fantasies featuring his brother’s best friend, newly retired hockey star, Kai. All he wants is for Kai to love him, but after a summer when Kai’s anger drove them apart, love doesn’t seem possible at all.

When Kai goes home to Wishing Tree, he knows he owes everyone an apology, not least of all to the man he loves. He’s convinced he can be the man Bailey deserves, and he needs to show Bailey how much he’s changed.

The only problem? Bailey has secrets he’s scared will drive Kai away, and Kai is running out of time to convince Bailey that falling in love starts with a wish, and can end up in forever.

The Wishing Tree is a standalone small-town Christmas MM romance with perfect snow, twinkling lights, a first real kiss, a shy virgin with a silken kink, a retired hockey player, and all the Christmas feels.

More info →
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anne says

    November 15, 2023 at 5:46 am

    I’m excited about the Christmas Falls Books. I love shared worlds, small towns, and Christmas books!

    Reply
  2. Angela says

    November 15, 2023 at 10:18 am

    I’m actually excited for Christmas this year, I bought a little tree today and while it’s very Charlie Brown in it’s lean and not quite as fancy as all the other trees that were there, it fits perfectly in our home and I love him. Tomorrow begins the hunt for decorations that I put somewhere safe several years ago to put on my little tree to make him feel all fancy and glam because everybody deserves a little bit of glitter ✨

    Reply
  3. Rea Saulin says

    November 15, 2023 at 3:49 pm

    I’ve read The Mission by Barbara Elsborg and loved it❤️

    Reply
  4. susana says

    November 15, 2023 at 7:45 pm

    I love the cover of Clare London’s books… Looks so fun!

    Reply
  5. graeme says

    November 15, 2023 at 9:33 pm

    I’m anther TeamClare follower

    Reply
  6. Victoria Weston says

    November 15, 2023 at 9:42 pm

    Once upon a Christmas house looks awesome 💜 I hope everyone gets to spend Christmas with the people they love This year, and never take for granted the small things. Cherish every moment of your life. Have a wonderful day booklovers and merry Christmas 🎄🎅🤶⛄🎄🎅🤶⛄🎄🎉🤗🎉🤗

    Reply
  7. ButtonsMom2003 says

    November 15, 2023 at 10:38 pm

    I love reading your Christmas recommendations!

    Reply
  8. Lizzie Snow says

    November 15, 2023 at 11:16 pm

    Thanks for the Christmas book recs. Love the cover on Clare London’s Santa No. 5.

    Reply
  9. Connie says

    November 15, 2023 at 11:18 pm

    I am looking forward to Annabeth Albert’s holiday book! 🎄💕

    Reply
  10. ELF says

    November 15, 2023 at 11:20 pm

    I’m not quite ready to start thinking about Christmas, lol. Thanks for the reviews, spotlights, and giveaway!

    Reply
  11. Becky Schmidt says

    November 16, 2023 at 12:11 am

    I have found some of my favorite new to me authors off the Christmas recommendations. I will say though I am ready for the new Railers book this Christmas.

    Reply
  12. Rita says

    November 16, 2023 at 12:30 am

    The illustrated cover of Clare London’s book Santa No. 5 drew me right in. Even before reading the summary I was adding it to my TBR list.

    Reply
  13. Kristi Holaway says

    November 16, 2023 at 12:40 am

    Ooh, I’m excited to know about a new Clare London Christmas story!

    Reply
  14. Lisa says

    November 16, 2023 at 12:54 am

    The cover of The Christmas Extra really caught my eye! Two mature men, and surprisingly one with a shaved head/bald. Also, the “almost” kiss looks very sweet 😍.

    Reply
  15. Paula Cummings says

    November 16, 2023 at 1:21 am

    I like the cover of Santa Number 5.

    Reply
  16. Brad Secrest says

    November 16, 2023 at 1:23 am

    I’m digging the cover of Clare London’s Santa No. 5. I mean, Santa’s mugshot? Classic!

    Reply
  17. Kathy Daemmrich says

    November 16, 2023 at 1:37 am

    I love the cover of Clare London’s Santa No. 5, can you imagine a lineup of Santa’s?

    Reply
  18. Anonymous says

    November 16, 2023 at 1:38 am

    Scrooge You

    Reply
  19. Sherry R says

    November 16, 2023 at 1:58 am

    My eyes were attracted to “Scrooge You”.

    Reply
  20. Jennifer Shannon says

    November 16, 2023 at 2:30 am

    I love Christmas books and I’ve already started my holiday reading for this year.

    Reply
  21. Pansy S says

    November 16, 2023 at 3:17 am

    Omg Clare London has the best cover definitely. Santa in a police lineup? Lol

    Reply
  22. Carolan says

    November 16, 2023 at 3:23 am

    Santa No. 5 made me laugh and made me want to read the book! They are all lovely covers though!

    Reply
  23. Margot says

    November 16, 2023 at 3:51 am

    I liked the Scrooge You cover the best – like his smile.
    This year Christmas will be a big family reunion which I am looking forward to.

    Reply
  24. Mary Y says

    November 16, 2023 at 4:24 am

    Love the cover of Santa No. 5. The The Wishin Tree was a great read ❤️.

    Reply
  25. Marion says

    November 16, 2023 at 5:53 am

    I really want to read Santa #5 but I have to wait til Christmas. I put it on my Christmas List. In our family you are not allowed to buy anything for yourself after Remembrance Day. It is to cut down on duplicate gifts on Christmas day.

    Reply
  26. Sue A. says

    November 16, 2023 at 6:36 am

    Clare London’s Santa No. 5 book cover instantly grabbed my attention!

    Reply
  27. Manon says

    November 16, 2023 at 7:04 am

    I love Brigham Vaughn books so that is a must-read for me.
    I had an ARC for A.D. Ellis’ Once upon a Christmas House, so great

    Reply
  28. Greg says

    November 16, 2023 at 7:32 am

    The cover of Santa No. 5 just tickles me silly 😂

    Reply
  29. Barbara Elsborg says

    November 16, 2023 at 9:00 am

    Thanks so much, RJ!

    Reply
  30. Rich Benson says

    November 16, 2023 at 11:43 am

    Santa No. 5 and OUACH both sound great, and I am going to read both!

    Reply
  31. Amanda Fay Fernandez-Yerena says

    November 16, 2023 at 12:35 pm

    Cupid and The Mission are on my TBR…

    Reply
  32. Maude Allen says

    November 16, 2023 at 12:52 pm

    I’m starting Vicki’s book today.

    Reply
  33. Sarah Bennis says

    November 16, 2023 at 12:56 pm

    “Santa No. 5 ” Clare London what a Jolly, Jolly, Jolly Cover. Got me like Jacob Carter, New Village Sergeant at Nick Hollybush “SPARKLING EYES”XX

    Reply
  34. Cathy Brockman says

    November 16, 2023 at 1:11 pm

    I loved all the covers especially Clare London’s and put them all but one on my TBR list. ( not a big fan of mpreg)
    thanks for the recommendations and chance to win ( so I can buy a couple lol)

    Reply
  35. Angie says

    November 16, 2023 at 1:47 pm

    I love the cover of Aria Grace’s “Cupid”!

    Reply
  36. Alyson says

    November 16, 2023 at 3:45 pm

    I love the shared world book series. Usually my book budget does not allow for me to read the books as soon as they release; I wait until they are on sale to purchase. I am excited about beginning to read Christmas stories this year. I know that this season is not an easy one for everyone and my heart goes out to those that are struggling.

    Reply
  37. Ginger Connatser says

    November 16, 2023 at 4:13 pm

    Santa No. 5 cover is my favorite even though I love all of them.

    Reply
  38. Darla says

    November 16, 2023 at 6:05 pm

    I lik all the covers, and all of them are on my TBR list, but V.L. Locey & Aria Grace books are the first two I am staring with! I can’t wait for the holidays to come…
    Happy Thanksgiving!!! Get stuffed with all the love and food you can get this day! ❤️
    &
    Merry Christmas!!! 🎄💕It’s not about the gifts you get, but the birth of Jesus, so I hope you all can be with the people you love, and never take for granted the small things.
    Cherish every moment of your life, you never know when it will be the last.

    Reply
  39. Diane Stumpf says

    November 16, 2023 at 7:36 pm

    Looking forward to VL Locey’s newest. Love the Laurel Holiday’s series.

    Reply
  40. Kathy J in Ellicott City says

    November 16, 2023 at 9:49 pm

    I love the Clare London cover and the Cupid cover.

    Reply
  41. Martha Esposito says

    November 16, 2023 at 10:03 pm

    I am reading The Wishing Tree and I have read a lot of your Christmas books.

    Reply
  42. Gamistress66 says

    November 18, 2023 at 5:26 am

    scrooge you looks/sounds good

    Reply
  43. Sherry G. says

    November 20, 2023 at 11:17 pm

    I love the Clare London cover!

    Reply
  44. James says

    November 21, 2023 at 11:54 pm

    looking forward to all the books

    Reply
  45. Anonymous says

    November 29, 2023 at 5:07 pm

    week 1
    The Christmas Extra

    Reply
  46. Linda Hurst says

    November 29, 2023 at 5:08 pm

    week 1
    The Christmas Extra

    Reply

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