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So, I think this has been my favorite of my holiday reads this year. It was a little far fetched, but it could happen, so that was okay. It was a little too quick to develop, but I didn't mind. It was a little too sexy, but....naw, you know that's not true.

THE STORY

Berg, just out of the army, finds himself cold, wet and alone on Christmas eve. Rescued by DJ, Berg hesitantly accepts a kindness and is soon overwhelmed with company, food and heat. Lots and lots of body heat.

THE CHARACTERS

(Berg) - Kissing wasn't usually on the menu for Berg; the kind of sex he had mostly involved getting off as fast as possible and never involved horizontal surfaces, except for kneeling on the floor.

Berger Pedersen- Loved him. Those of you who know will understand if I say this character reminded me of the best parts of Vadim. The gentle, insecure Vadim. Plus the physically strong Vadim. A great combination.

(DJ) - DJ fell flat on his back. Dear Santa, thank you so very fucking much. I always believed in you. Double cookies next year, I swear. Treats for the reindeer, too. I owe you big time.

DJ Delaney- He is confident, forward and so, so sexy. He's perfect in this story, it needed his tentative boldness to drive the story forward and make the pace work.

THE WRITING

I had a ridiculous shock during this book. Just after starting it I glanced to see how far along I was and my heart actually jumped to see I was 74% done. NO! There wasn't going to be enough of this story. I didn't want it to end. I really wanted to stay with these characters for much, much longer. I'd love to see more DJ and Berg in the future.

With the exception of the pushy pace, which was necessary for this short, the writing was tight. No cheesy holiday sentiment here, just straight-forward writing. Very clean. This is all about character development and the author hit the nail on the head. Well done.



I'm off to see what else J.J. Cassidy has for me to read.

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http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
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A hot and very sweet (in a manly man way - including poor communication skills :-)) christmas read. Though rather short a story both MCs are clearly outlined and characterized and their meeting and the attraction they feel is very well written. Berg, ex-military, shows some unexpected vulnerability as he meets DJ, a cop, more confident and secure, on Christmas under less than optimal circumstances. I love that there is no insta-love at all - instead it is a honest-feeling beginning of a relationship: getting to know each other, being attracted, acting on it and see where this promising start will lead. ( )

This tale starts so bittersweet with Berg showing up to surprise his army buddy and ends up being the one surprised. But the story takes a magical turn with a meet up in the driveway with DJ who comes to his rescue. It seems both of them have been very good boys this year. ( )