Today, I’m reviewing Bells and Whistles by Liza Kay, a m/m contemporary romance, and book eight in the Twelve Days of Christmas holiday special published by eXtasy Books.
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Title: Bells and Whistles
Series: The Twelve Days of Christmas #8
Author: Liza Kay
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 68 Pages
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publication Date: December 13, 2019
Two men, a smart little girl, and a pet cow…
Blurb: Ballet dancer Jamie has never fit in with his loud and brash blue-collar family. They grudgingly accepted him being gay, but when Jamie’s father finds him wearing one of his sister’s dresses, Jamie ends on his best friend’s sofa. An ad for a female live-in nanny position in rural Kansas seems like a Christmas gift from above and a solution to his homelessness. Never mind that Jamie knows nothing about farm life. Or cows. Or kids. At least he knows how to rock a dress.
Ben Franklin—yes, his parents are crazy like that—is a dairy farmer in desperate need of female assistance. At least that were his mother’s last words before she left for Florida with her new husband. All Ben knows is raising cattle. Now he’s tasked with raising his niece Charlie as well. The last thing Ben expected when he placed an ad for a nanny was to develop confusing feelings for the beautiful Janie.
With a little Christmas magic, the help of a pet cow, and a mischievous little girl, two men might find the true meaning of home, family, and love.
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I really enjoyed this short story. The dilemma that forces the three main characters together was well done: Ben needing a nanny, and poor Jamie, tossed out of his house, posing as a nanny under the guise of Janie. Toss in a highly-independent twelve-year-old with a mind of her own aka Charlie, and you got the set-up for a cute Christmas tale.
Even though I knew how it’d play out, it was a wonderful read because the characters are a likable bunch. There’s all kinds of understanding, sweetness, and kindness happening throughout the story. And even lessons are learned. It moves at a great pace that isn’t slow or fast. The kind of pace that allows you to munch on your popcorn while savouring the tale.
This is a perfect Christmas story for readers who want to enjoy a cozy read with minimal drama. It’s short enough to be completed in a night or two, depending on your reading speed.
The piece is well-written. I highly recommend giving Bells and Whistles a try. Be sure to pick up your copy at eXtasy Books today.
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Liza grew up in a tiny village in Germany, the kind where you know everybody and everybody knows you. She migrated to a bigger town to attend college, although her parents often wonder if she really moved out. Now, with a degree in her pocket, she’s perfectly capable of working as a librarian. Never one to do what’s expected of her, Liza currently browses different branches of employment.
She started writing in college when she found herself unable to ignore the guys living in her head any longer. And to distract herself from the stifling, non-fiction stuff taught in class. Liza is really fond of the dudes whispering in her mind—no matter if handsome or flawed, big or small, sulky or easy-going. They all deserve love and their HEAs.
When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up with a good book and a cup of tea, a cat in her lap, or a camera at the ready.
Find Liza: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads
Maggie Blackbird 