Reviewed by Ami
Title: Death to Christmas Sweaters
Author: L.E. Franks
Series: 2018 Advent Calendar – Warmest Wishes
Heroes: Chess & Benjamin
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 56 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: December 1, 2018
Available at: Dreamspinner Press & Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: Chess and Benjamin are casual lovers, each hiding his devotion to the other and his wish for more. But Chess is a wealthy playboy who—Benjamin believes—will never settle down. And Chess is sure, with the way Benjamin keeps him at arm’s length, that he can’t be interested in getting serious.
They’re destined for a head-on collision as Chess plans for a holiday escape designed to send Benjamin’s ardor spiking like the temperatures in Los Angeles, while Benjamin desperately drags his feet, wanting to cool things down to protect his vulnerable heart. But when the ghosts of Chess’s Christmas past and Benjamin’s unwelcome present converge at LAX, it’s obvious there are other forces at play and about to take over.
Drawn into their respective family dramas at a joint gathering, will Chess and Benjamin finally take a stand for each other and the relationship they both want, or will the holiday finally take its toll?
Review:
Chess is an outgoing playboy who is currently casually dating a calmer and more placid Benjamin – but Chess silently wishes the relationship to be more serious, he’s just not sure if Ben is interested in that. Meanwhile, Ben is worried that he’s not enough for Chess, the way Chess seems to keep living the merry gay life, and he struggles to keep his heart intact.
Then their family members come to town, and there’s gathering for Christmas… and well, things are going out in the open whether Chess and Benjamin are ready for it or not!
I liked the way the author writes the inner conflict of Chess and Benjamin – even if it’s playing close to “they don’t talk, just make assumption” thing that often annoys me. But hey, it’s a short story and it’s close to holiday season that I feel more forgiving *laugh*. I liked the contrast of personalities between Chess and Benjamin too.
The family gathering – that brings Chess’ Great Aunt and Benjamin’s parents – is a hoot! I felt entertained by the various family members, especially Chess’, because they added fun times to the story.
It’s a pretty fun short ☺
Overall Impression: I liked it
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
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