Journalism student Gabe Martin gets his first professional assignment—to write about a Christmas charity dinner that benefits a children’s home. It sounds like a total snooze-fest until Gabe learns that the event’s Santa is a mystery man. He shows up in costume and no one has a clue who he is. Uncovering Santa’s identity sounds like the perfect angle to turn a fluff piece into serious journalism.
Mack “The Mountain” McDonall, at 6’10”, is University of Wisconsin-Madison’s enormous star wrestler. When Gabe first claps eyes on him at a wrestling match, it’s lust at first sight. Gabe’s friend, Jordan, sets up the pair on a date. But when Gabe chatters on about his plans for outing Santa, Mack goes cold, and their first meeting becomes an epic fail.
As Gabe researches the children’s home, he learns that Mack has secrets a guy famous for being a brute wouldn’t want the world to know. Can Gabe find his holiday spirit, write a killer article, win the heart of a surly giant, and give everyone a very merry Christmas?
Eli Easton releases a Christmas story and I’m jumping up and down to get my copy. I can’t wait to sink my sweet tooth into the awaited goodness. I have high expectations but for valid reasons. Easton rocks sweet and sassy like no other. This year we have a dynamic and different duo. Gabe is the wild card. Everybody will love Mack, there is no question. But on the other hand, Gabe is high-octane and the dynamic speaker…either you love him or you don’t. I happened to love him which was in my favor and the reason this was one of my top holiday stories this year.
It’s easy to predict where the story is going to take us but the surprising beauty lies in the journey itself. Gabe is an outgoing journalist student chasing his first big story. He is full of life! When he finally relents and tags along to watch his best friend’s boyfriends wrestling match, he’s stuck by pure lust. Mack is unlike any man he’s ever laid eyes on. And instantly he yearns to lay more than just his blown pupils on him. He wants him and he wants him bad. Gabe quickly discovers Mack is easily spooked and if he has any chance, he needs to tread lightly. He doesn’t understand why Mack is so protective of the mystery Santa he’s decided to investigate for his first assignment. But like any good reporter, he’s determined to unveil or unbeard the secret Santa. However, his reveal may betray the very man he longs to love.
Opposites attract always hit my buttons. Gabe is loud, sassy and extroverted. His mother is Mexican and he slips Spanish slang and endearments into his endless chatter. He’s of fairly small stature but strikingly beautiful. Mack is enormous in size but quiet as a mouse. He is focused on his wrestling career and studies with limited time for anything else. He doesn’t let people in easily but once he does, he holds steadfast. He’s protective of his past and his family. They shouldn’t fit together, let alone seamlessly…but they do. When Gabe continues with his newspaper story despite the knowing risks, everything teeters on the edge of destruction. Leave it to Eli to bring it all back together with a spectacular finish. Good friends, great guys, and a glorious ending. What’s not to love about that??
Slow but steady burn. Just like self-sufficient mountain men start fires with flint and steel, patience and perseverance are crucial. The spark is there but it doesn’t roar straightaway. AND…random bits of Gabe’s bilingual expressions had me seeking Google more than I care to admit!
Easton fans, holiday story junkies and anyone who enjoys a perfectly imperfect pairing!
TITLE: Desperately Seeking Santa
AUTHOR: Eli Easton
PUBLISHER: Pinkerton Road
LENGTH: 160 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 22, 2016
BUY LINKS: Amazon
