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Save the Date
It was just supposed to be one little date…
Chicago firefighter Noah Summers lives his life in the closet; it’s just easier that way, after he’s done it for so long. Surrounded by the boy’s club that is the fire department, it’s simply second nature for Noah to go along with the lie… even when that means agreeing to be auctioned off for charity.
The prize for whichever lucky lady wins is a date, and Noah is fine with that. It’s a chance to have a nice dinner, meet someone new, and maybe get the guys off his back about why he never seems to date.
Except it’s not a woman who wins, it’s a man—a cute, sweet, wonderful man who is everything Noah never dared let himself want.
But what’s Christmas for, if not a little magic?
And the winner is…
Cary Ward loves Christmas: the snow, the lights, the music and happy people, the way the whole world seems to be wrapped in magic… even if he can’t seem to find any of that magic for himself. When his best friend drags him along with her to a charity firefighter date auction, Cary figures it’ll just be a bit of fun.
He doesn’t expect to win a date with a drop-dead sexy firefighter. And he certainly doesn’t expect to be so caught by Noah’s easy smile and teasing words. Falling for a straight guy is trouble, even if that guy is sending very mixed signals.
They can’t keep their eyes—or hands—off each other, and Cary can’t help but wonder if he’s found his own Christmas miracle after all…
Save the Date is a 40,000-word novella that features no cheating, a HEA, and enough sweet and spicy scenes to keep you warm even on the coldest winter nights.
Chicago firefighter Noah Summers lives his life in the closet; it’s just easier that way, after he’s done it for so long. Surrounded by the boy’s club that is the fire department, it’s simply second nature for Noah to go along with the lie… even when that means agreeing to be auctioned off for charity.
The prize for whichever lucky lady wins is a date, and Noah is fine with that. It’s a chance to have a nice dinner, meet someone new, and maybe get the guys off his back about why he never seems to date.
Except it’s not a woman who wins, it’s a man—a cute, sweet, wonderful man who is everything Noah never dared let himself want.
But what’s Christmas for, if not a little magic?
And the winner is…
Cary Ward loves Christmas: the snow, the lights, the music and happy people, the way the whole world seems to be wrapped in magic… even if he can’t seem to find any of that magic for himself. When his best friend drags him along with her to a charity firefighter date auction, Cary figures it’ll just be a bit of fun.
He doesn’t expect to win a date with a drop-dead sexy firefighter. And he certainly doesn’t expect to be so caught by Noah’s easy smile and teasing words. Falling for a straight guy is trouble, even if that guy is sending very mixed signals.
They can’t keep their eyes—or hands—off each other, and Cary can’t help but wonder if he’s found his own Christmas miracle after all…
Save the Date is a 40,000-word novella that features no cheating, a HEA, and enough sweet and spicy scenes to keep you warm even on the coldest winter nights.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
dnf-not-4-me
December 14, 2016DNF. I just can't... Read my update progress if you's like to know more.
February 25, 2017
As a general reviewer rule (for myself you do what the hell you want to do) I try not to 1 star a book unless it’s hugely problematic (to me) or does something super stupid and offensive like forget to tag things that could be triggering. AS A GENERAL RULE…but then this book.
So…where to being…it’s KU so I always give a little more leeway for editing issues and plot. This book had the typical “fat” instead of “fact” and the story line was closeted fire man for reasons (Noah) falls for out and proud…I cannot be bothered to go back and look up Cary’s job but trust me he had one and it sounded boring…something to do with spreadsheets at a magazine. There’s a bachelor auction and Cary’s friend Carrie (female…are you side eying cause you should be) win’s a date with Noah and gifts it to Cary. As luck would have it Noah is the potentially only gay firefighter in the auction (I say potentially cause he’s closeted and there’s this guy at his firehouse that I swear protests a little too much…statistically a few of these guys surely must…anyway back to this book). In a mere date, followed by a disastrous coffee date, a Christmas Eve dinner (do not even ask me because I have nothing amusing to say) the two are instantly in love (see what I did there) and while I’m not on board with insta-luv I don’t hate it enough to one star a book. BUT….do not read on cause it’s going to get spoilery:
At about 70% the book went into hyper drive trying to check all the “what m/m readers most like to see in their romance is” boxes. I should have seen this coming when both the men were “versatile” even though one was “fem” and the other a strapping perfect god of a fireman. Also all penises were beautiful. We got an epic fight and coming out...in the firehouse no less. We got a I cannot be with a closeted guy followed by one last night of making love and a if you change your mind find me at this party on New Year’s Eve. From 87% we get a we will be together midnight kiss AND THEN THE EPILOGUE starts from 88% on you get condomless sex, followed IMMEDIATELY by a proposal, fast forward to a Christmas wedding (these two were only together a year), coming out to unaccepting parents who first shun then begrudgingly accept by attending a wedding but hating on the groom and OH WAIT I forgot ass licking. All in the last 10%...only thing they forgot was to get a dog and a baby.
The absurdity. But listen if you like all those things and want them all in one book then this book is for you. Not me…
So…where to being…it’s KU so I always give a little more leeway for editing issues and plot. This book had the typical “fat” instead of “fact” and the story line was closeted fire man for reasons (Noah) falls for out and proud…I cannot be bothered to go back and look up Cary’s job but trust me he had one and it sounded boring…something to do with spreadsheets at a magazine. There’s a bachelor auction and Cary’s friend Carrie (female…are you side eying cause you should be) win’s a date with Noah and gifts it to Cary. As luck would have it Noah is the potentially only gay firefighter in the auction (I say potentially cause he’s closeted and there’s this guy at his firehouse that I swear protests a little too much…statistically a few of these guys surely must…anyway back to this book). In a mere date, followed by a disastrous coffee date, a Christmas Eve dinner (do not even ask me because I have nothing amusing to say) the two are instantly in love (see what I did there) and while I’m not on board with insta-luv I don’t hate it enough to one star a book. BUT….do not read on cause it’s going to get spoilery:
At about 70% the book went into hyper drive trying to check all the “what m/m readers most like to see in their romance is” boxes. I should have seen this coming when both the men were “versatile” even though one was “fem” and the other a strapping perfect god of a fireman. Also all penises were beautiful. We got an epic fight and coming out...in the firehouse no less. We got a I cannot be with a closeted guy followed by one last night of making love and a if you change your mind find me at this party on New Year’s Eve. From 87% we get a we will be together midnight kiss AND THEN THE EPILOGUE starts from 88% on you get condomless sex, followed IMMEDIATELY by a proposal, fast forward to a Christmas wedding (these two were only together a year), coming out to unaccepting parents who first shun then begrudgingly accept by attending a wedding but hating on the groom and OH WAIT I forgot ass licking. All in the last 10%...only thing they forgot was to get a dog and a baby.
The absurdity. But listen if you like all those things and want them all in one book then this book is for you. Not me…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2017
Wow... this was so unbelievably incredible. Of course with one of the MCs being a fireman the author had me halfway already. But... she just crafted such a wonderful heartwarming tale here that I am just a bit stunned. Not only did she pull out all the stops for New Year's Eve in the final chapter, but then she added icing to the cake with a tear-inducing 3 part epilogue. Cary and Noah are just amazing, and so perfect for one another. Just loved loved loved reading this...
January 30, 2021
**2.5 Stars
Not exactly sure what to say about this one. Yeah, there were problems, typos or just someone not paying attention, confusion with the names and some of the things that happened had me rolling my eyes but I saw a lot of potential here. The characters were great! I loved the MCs and I felt their chemistry, their story was sweet. I've given up disliking insta love or love at first sight because it happens, maybe more than you realize and who am I to judge.
Unfortunately, the cons out weighed the pros on this one. I certainly didn't hate it and wouldn't say don't read it, just be aware what you're getting into before you start. I guess what I came away with was, a great concept but the execution missed the mark.
TAGS
-- Holiday/Christmas -- charity auction -- uniform/firefighter -- sparks right away -- in the closet -- insta lust/love -- coming out -- great best friends -- some jerks -- loved the MCs... Cary & Noah -- sweet moments -- had some editing issues -- great concept -- execution a miss -- didn't hate it -- could do with a work over
February 25, 2017
Review soon
November 21, 2021
I enjoyed the first half a lot more then the second, with how they meet and the auction itself was a lot of fun. Each of the guys had their own shows to put on and competing to see who can get the most donated.
Their first date is lovely despite the lack of communication, its rather sweet and I adored the ice-skating. Also some sweet steamy scenes and great chemistry, with important discussions and understanding each others choices.
Majority of conflict/angst comes from Noah being closeted, except for Cary his never told anyone his gay. His worried it will affect his job, friendships and family which is understandable.
Both make some foolish moves shortly after sleeping together, with Cary being forgetful and wanting to surprise Noah. While a rather nice gesture it seemed strange considering he knew Noah wasn't out, so going to his work was silly. Seemed like an exuse for extra conflict and Noah obviously didn't defend, considering his own thoughts are a mess.
I did appreciate the coversation they have after though with them being honest about how they feel and where they stand. Cary isn't comfortable going into the closet and Noah isn't ready to be out, they're in different places and it was lovely to see them have that clear communication.
Making decision that was the best for both in long term even if it may hurt, I liked how resolved with the idea of the new year party and invite. There is some time in between that allows that bit of growth and I loved how all resolved in the end.
Sadly the pacing got a bit ridiculous towards the end with jumping forward in time, to see future and whats next for them. While sweet and happy ending, it just didn't flow well for me at times. Still an easy read, with enjoyable concept and characters 💕
Their first date is lovely despite the lack of communication, its rather sweet and I adored the ice-skating. Also some sweet steamy scenes and great chemistry, with important discussions and understanding each others choices.
Majority of conflict/angst comes from Noah being closeted, except for Cary his never told anyone his gay. His worried it will affect his job, friendships and family which is understandable.
Both make some foolish moves shortly after sleeping together, with Cary being forgetful and wanting to surprise Noah. While a rather nice gesture it seemed strange considering he knew Noah wasn't out, so going to his work was silly. Seemed like an exuse for extra conflict and Noah obviously didn't defend, considering his own thoughts are a mess.
I did appreciate the coversation they have after though with them being honest about how they feel and where they stand. Cary isn't comfortable going into the closet and Noah isn't ready to be out, they're in different places and it was lovely to see them have that clear communication.
Making decision that was the best for both in long term even if it may hurt, I liked how resolved with the idea of the new year party and invite. There is some time in between that allows that bit of growth and I loved how all resolved in the end.
Sadly the pacing got a bit ridiculous towards the end with jumping forward in time, to see future and whats next for them. While sweet and happy ending, it just didn't flow well for me at times. Still an easy read, with enjoyable concept and characters 💕
February 7, 2017
Confusing moment where Noah became Liam then went back to Noah (tsk tsk editors) but this was cute.
December 22, 2016
3.5 stars
Noah loves his job as a firefighter, so he decides to participate in an annual charity auction in which people bid for a date. Although he's firmly in the closet, Noah figures that one evening can't hurt...even if it has to be with a woman.
Cary receives a surprise of a lifetime when his close friend wins a charity auction and gives him the date with a hot fireman. At first he's worried because macho guys like that don't typically feel comfortable around more flamboyant men like him. However, Cary is completely surprised by how sweet, gracious and kind Noah turns out to be. Will good conversation, awesome chemistry and an incredible man convince Noah to come out of the closet?
I thought this was a pretty cute story! All of the characters, with the exception of one, are very likable and I liked the progression of the Noah and Cary's relationship. Some might call his insta-love, and it is, but sometimes you're in the mood for that type of read. The storyline did follow some pretty common tropes, so I predicted quite a few things that eventually happened down the road. However, I liked the characters so much that I overlooked that. There are editing issues early on in the book. In one chapter, Noah is called Liam for absolutely no reason, and I noticed typos that should have been caught by an editor.
I do wish that readers could have learned a little more about Noah's background and his family. We only heard about them in passing, and a full chapter about them may have fleshed out his character a little more.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.
For more m/m romance reviews, visit Slashsessed.
Noah loves his job as a firefighter, so he decides to participate in an annual charity auction in which people bid for a date. Although he's firmly in the closet, Noah figures that one evening can't hurt...even if it has to be with a woman.
Cary receives a surprise of a lifetime when his close friend wins a charity auction and gives him the date with a hot fireman. At first he's worried because macho guys like that don't typically feel comfortable around more flamboyant men like him. However, Cary is completely surprised by how sweet, gracious and kind Noah turns out to be. Will good conversation, awesome chemistry and an incredible man convince Noah to come out of the closet?
I thought this was a pretty cute story! All of the characters, with the exception of one, are very likable and I liked the progression of the Noah and Cary's relationship. Some might call his insta-love, and it is, but sometimes you're in the mood for that type of read. The storyline did follow some pretty common tropes, so I predicted quite a few things that eventually happened down the road. However, I liked the characters so much that I overlooked that. There are editing issues early on in the book. In one chapter, Noah is called Liam for absolutely no reason, and I noticed typos that should have been caught by an editor.
I do wish that readers could have learned a little more about Noah's background and his family. We only heard about them in passing, and a full chapter about them may have fleshed out his character a little more.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily provided my honest review.
For more m/m romance reviews, visit Slashsessed.
December 7, 2016
This was a sweet story, though there were some things that I wish had been done better. I enjoyed the book up until Cary and Noah actually got together, but after that, I felt that the story rushed to an end. I loved that Cary was so understanding of Noah's concerns about coming out, and didn't just brush them aside, but that understanding was a bit undermined later in the book rather spectacularly.
There were a couple of editing mistakes that pulled me out of the story (early in the book, the name Liam is used several times for Noah's character), and a couple of misspelled words - but since I read an ARC, these may be fixed by the final version.
I voluntarily reviewed and ARC of this book.
There were a couple of editing mistakes that pulled me out of the story (early in the book, the name Liam is used several times for Noah's character), and a couple of misspelled words - but since I read an ARC, these may be fixed by the final version.
I voluntarily reviewed and ARC of this book.
December 9, 2016
3.7 Stars
I think I would have liked it better if the epilogue had been condensed into just the events taking place one year later...rather than having those scenes set at Valentine's Day and later that summer peppered in there as well. It felt like the concert you can't leave from cause you're not sure if it's the end of the encores and you don't want to miss anything amazing until finally, 5 debut/experimental songs later, the lights come up and the bouncers make you leave so now you know it's over? Yeah, like that. Still good, but one kick-ass well-known hit would have been so much better.
(Good enough, though, that I'm going to seek out what other books might be interesting from this new-to-me author.)
I think I would have liked it better if the epilogue had been condensed into just the events taking place one year later...rather than having those scenes set at Valentine's Day and later that summer peppered in there as well. It felt like the concert you can't leave from cause you're not sure if it's the end of the encores and you don't want to miss anything amazing until finally, 5 debut/experimental songs later, the lights come up and the bouncers make you leave so now you know it's over? Yeah, like that. Still good, but one kick-ass well-known hit would have been so much better.
(Good enough, though, that I'm going to seek out what other books might be interesting from this new-to-me author.)
August 27, 2017
A really sweet story, but as other critical reviews have mentioned more eloquently than I could, the editing was awful (changing a main character's name midstory.... what) and the last third of the book did feel like a checklist of m/m romance plot devices was used in its entirety. I did enjoy reading it, but only because I cared about the poorly written but somehow charming main characters and wanted to see what the ending held in store. Which was a lot... all at once, in the final chapters. :-/
Overall 1.5/2. So much potential, but bad editing, and went off the rails at the end.
Overall 1.5/2. So much potential, but bad editing, and went off the rails at the end.
March 11, 2018
I thought the story of Noah and Cary was sweet and nice Christmas romance.
There is a moment where I can't believe something Cary does as if he has totally forgotten Noah isn't out. He says he was just caught up. But it really is just not great writing. The novella manages to stay on the rails but it would have been a better book if the conflict didn't come so quick upon them and the parts of the relationship weren't sped up.
However, Cary and Noah are engaging characters and they are good together so I enjoyed myself.
There is a moment where I can't believe something Cary does as if he has totally forgotten Noah isn't out. He says he was just caught up. But it really is just not great writing. The novella manages to stay on the rails but it would have been a better book if the conflict didn't come so quick upon them and the parts of the relationship weren't sped up.
However, Cary and Noah are engaging characters and they are good together so I enjoyed myself.
December 8, 2016
Insta-love books don't do it for me.
This book seemed more like a fairytale rather than real life. It was just too fluffy for me. I didn't particularly care for either main character. I did, however, really like Cary's best friend, Carrie's, character. Otherwise, just all around too unrealistic for me.
This book seemed more like a fairytale rather than real life. It was just too fluffy for me. I didn't particularly care for either main character. I did, however, really like Cary's best friend, Carrie's, character. Otherwise, just all around too unrealistic for me.
February 7, 2017
Thank you...
...for not adhering to the "manly"-man-only-tops trope. Ugh, so overdone; I prefer it the other way around, so that was great. I was going to give 4 stars for thinking outside the stereotype, but the typos made me remove a star. I look forward to reading your next book!
...for not adhering to the "manly"-man-only-tops trope. Ugh, so overdone; I prefer it the other way around, so that was great. I was going to give 4 stars for thinking outside the stereotype, but the typos made me remove a star. I look forward to reading your next book!
00-mm-horrible-disaster-fail-dnf
December 25, 2016This just wasn't for me :-/ ... as hard as I tried, this just ... wasn't for me. I'll elaborate this weekend.
*** ARC received from the author in exchange for an entirely honest and completely unbiased review.***
*** ARC received from the author in exchange for an entirely honest and completely unbiased review.***
December 10, 2016
I voluntarily received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this story a lot. Cary was sweet and endearing and Noah was, well, a firefighter so, smokin hot goes without saying. The storyline flowed well and the two characters together had great chemistry. Really good.
November 4, 2018
A really sweet story about nerdy Cary and hot, hot, hot closeted firefighter Noah. Did I mention Noah was hot? Well at least the author mentioned it a bunch...
Still super sweet...
I normally don't like it when someone puts down an ultimatum without even trying to talk things out first, but I sort of could see the resolution coming so I forgave this one. They really did need to have a conflict to resolve or it would have been to sugary to handle.
Still super sweet...
I normally don't like it when someone puts down an ultimatum without even trying to talk things out first, but I sort of could see the resolution coming so I forgave this one. They really did need to have a conflict to resolve or it would have been to sugary to handle.
January 1, 2017
It's a Wonderful Christmas Romance
I loved this story it was full of emotion and sweet romance, life changes and laughs. This book was unexpected delight and I'm so glad I gave it a chance.
I loved this story it was full of emotion and sweet romance, life changes and laughs. This book was unexpected delight and I'm so glad I gave it a chance.
June 6, 2017
This is a beautiful holiday romance. Cory is shy but emotional strong. Noel is a strong sweet firefighter who is closeted. I love how even though it's told through both, Noel's character is the one who shines the most. After all he needed it more. I received a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy.
December 15, 2017
Cary & Noah
MM. Noah has hidden his true feelings since he discovered he was gay. He knew his parents would not be happy and had serious doubts any of his coworkers would he supportive. Cary is so fun and his friend Carrie has the perfect gift in mind. A great setup. Explicit.
MM. Noah has hidden his true feelings since he discovered he was gay. He knew his parents would not be happy and had serious doubts any of his coworkers would he supportive. Cary is so fun and his friend Carrie has the perfect gift in mind. A great setup. Explicit.
February 2, 2017
When you can't decide if your character's name is Noah or Liam, it's not worth my time to read the rest of the book.
June 19, 2017
Loved this book
January 11, 2018
A little too simple
December 11, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
This book would probably get a higher star number of me if I had read the final edit of this book. There was a whole chapter where Noah was called Liam.
This is a Christmas love story with ribbons on. There was insta love, insta lust and insta everything. There was low angst and just the right balance between the sex scenes and story.
The chemistry between Cary and Noah was clear to see. The story was well paced. The epilogue seemed very disjointed though as you seemed to have three or four different time periods throughout it.
This is the first book by this author that I have read but I really enjoyed it.
This book would probably get a higher star number of me if I had read the final edit of this book. There was a whole chapter where Noah was called Liam.
This is a Christmas love story with ribbons on. There was insta love, insta lust and insta everything. There was low angst and just the right balance between the sex scenes and story.
The chemistry between Cary and Noah was clear to see. The story was well paced. The epilogue seemed very disjointed though as you seemed to have three or four different time periods throughout it.
This is the first book by this author that I have read but I really enjoyed it.
December 7, 2016
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book*
This was a fantastic Xmas themed story and a 1st for me from this author. I loved Noah and Cary, their chemistry was instant. The auction scene where they met was a funny and sexy. I was bummed at their separation after the scene at the station. And was anxious as I read their reunion and the ultimatum that Cary gave Noah. But was happy at the scene of Noah coming to see Cary right before the new year. The ending was great.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book*
This was a fantastic Xmas themed story and a 1st for me from this author. I loved Noah and Cary, their chemistry was instant. The auction scene where they met was a funny and sexy. I was bummed at their separation after the scene at the station. And was anxious as I read their reunion and the ultimatum that Cary gave Noah. But was happy at the scene of Noah coming to see Cary right before the new year. The ending was great.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book*
December 10, 2016
Great story
Great story, it some editing issues at the beginning where a character is called a wrong name a few times. But otherwise sweet and sexy read
Great story, it some editing issues at the beginning where a character is called a wrong name a few times. But otherwise sweet and sexy read
December 21, 2016
This is a new author for me and I was very impressed. I have been reading lots of Christmas stories and I thought this one seemed cute. I loved it. It was sweet and funny and totally worth reading. I am going to be reading more by this author.
December 7, 2016
4.25 stars
December 16, 2016
It was short but sweet Christmas story. I love Christmas stories. So this one made me happy.
December 8, 2016
Ok, my Christmas guilty pleasure, a hallmarks story for gays, but I don't care, I really enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews