2017 Advent Calendar - Stocking Stuffers

Sometimes the right gift can be life-changing ... On the solstice, Rory's grandfather gives him a pocket watch he claims will have Rory's life sorted and his problems solved by Christmas. Rory starts out skeptical, but when he reconnects with an ex he never thought he'd see again, he has to admit there might be some holiday magic at work after all. Deacon's life is in shambles, and he's returned to Syracuse for a fresh start. Running into Rory again feels like much more than a coincidence, and neither of them can deny the passion between them is still smoldering. With the watch behaving oddly at just the right moments, Rory and Deacon might receive the gift of a lifetime ... if they're willing to accept it.

Scott Burke has always desired a big family, but as a divorced single dad, all he has is his young daughter, Lexi. He pours himself into raising her, half-convinced he'll never find what he's looking for. When Brennan Price strolls into Scott's life, he'd better have enough patience for both Lexi and Scott if he intends to stick around. Brennan has a huge family and a successful career, but no one to call his own. Wooing Scott and his daughter is right up his alley, though, and he steps up to the challenge to prove he's enough for both of them. His attraction to Scott is immediate, but he recognizes a family man when he sees one and hatches a plan to win Lexi over. Her handsome father is sure to follow….A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2017 Advent Calendar "Stocking Stuffers."

Christmas has been a lonely time of year for Aaron since losing his family fifteen years ago. But now he's seeing Craig, and though Aaron is sure they belong together, both have been hurt in the past, so they're taking things slowly. So far, Craig has been supportive of Aaron's struggles with anxiety-struggles that cost Aaron relationships in the past. On Christmas Eve, Aaron is closing his bookshop when Craig surprises him with a specially planned evening. Will this be the night they take that final step and deepen their physical relationship? Aaron hopes so, but things aren't that simple. Craig has been keeping a secret…. Can Aaron take his place as part of a family again and accept the love he's missed for so long-or will he find that some deceptions are too big to be forgiven, even with the help of some Christmas grace? A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2017 Advent Calendar "Stocking Stuffers."

Growing up an orphan meant Charlie never celebrated Christmas. He's committed to making sure his newly adopted cat, Max, doesn't miss out like he did. Unfortunately, he discovers that giving Max the perfect Christmas might be easier said than done-and not without risk. Charlie's landlord, successful and wealthy real estate developer Aemon Scotfield, is charmed by the gorgeous redhead and his shameless alley cat. He finds himself compelled to help orchestrate a memorable celebration for Max-and Charlie-despite the mishaps that seem to just keep coming. As difficult as it will be to pull off the perfect holiday, the real challenge might be walking away when it's over. A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2017 Advent Calendar "Stocking Stuffers."

Frustrated by their stubbornness and cluelessness, Aubrey takes matters into her own hands. She decides the best gift to give Josh is something homemade and from the heart-a boyfriend they'll both love. A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2017 Advent Calendar "Stocking Stuffers."

Every time it seems like things are looking up for Eugene Kraft, disaster hits. Bankruptcy, a bigoted sibling, and a back-breaking accident have all left him with little money and less faith in the universe. His last-ditch effort at peace is the small lakeside property where he is building a tiny house from recycled materials. If he can get it livable before the cold sets in, maybe he'll be okay. Hopefully Cullen, the foreman on the construction site next door, won't notice Eugene pilfering discarded materials from his dumpster. When Cullen stops by to talk to Eugene, he's sure the gig is up-but all Cullen wants is a date. Can two things go right in Eugene's life? At first it seems possible. Projects on Eugene's house are getting completed by what he dubs "construction elves" while he's off site. But like Eugene predicted, his good fortune can't last, and soon he has a tough choice to make: give up his home… or the man of his dreams. A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2017 Advent Calendar "Stocking Stuffers."

An aggressive super-flu pandemic wipes out a majority of the population over the course of one Christmas holiday-and brings Tobin and Kyle together. For almost a year, they've been trekking across the country from Colorado toward a sanctuary in upstate New York. Kyle's survival skills have kept them alive, and Tobin wants to repay the man he loves with a very special gift of his own making. He sneaks off in search of the last few pieces… only to get himself and Kyle kidnapped by a desperate stranger. With their journey to New York on hold-possibly indefinitely-they'll need to accept that home isn't always defined by a place as much as the person you're with. A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2017 Advent Calendar "Stocking Stuffers."