Group Hug by Ariella Talix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What can I say but Wow. This is a fantastic MMF romance with wonderful, completely relatable characters and plenty of steamy moments. Petra, Weston and Callum completely grabbed my heart right from the start and I really wanted things to work out for them. Their storyline takes a few twists and turns along the way but I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just say get reading now!
~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Group Hug by Ariella Talix
Ariella Talix is the nom de plume of a bestselling author who lives in America’s Heartland.
Her goal is to preserve the dignity of family members who would rather not be associated publicly with a woman who writes such scandalous and stimulating novels. She’s not going to stop writing them, though.
She loves her family, pets, great books, not-so-great books that still entertain, and art.
Born and raised near the beaches of southern California, Ariella Talix traveled the world extensively and then found her true home in the Midwest. She has a second-degree black belt in Karate and has been a professional artist for many years. Her work is displayed in countries all over the world.
A sudden brainstorm prompted the first of her novels, Make Believe, and since then the ideas just keep tumbling out like an avalanche.
~ ~ ~ PREORDER~ ~ ~ ~
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Being a romance author with writer’s block for six months is not easy. Even more so when romance writer Elijah no longer dreams up romance after the manipulation and abuse he went through with his ex. He never would have under any circumstance envisioned himself at Enchanted Juniper Resort. Following the negative reviews from his latest novel, he finds himself at a crossroads.
Austin had landed the job of his dreams as a head chef in a romantic heart. He loves the scenery he wakes up to, but his heart suffers from being single.
When a chance to be a fake boyfriend to Elijah arises, how could he say no? The fake relationship would hopefully spark inspiration for a novel. Will this help Elijah believe in love again?
Who would have imagined a chef and a romance writer as love interests? This drew me to the novel, as well as the cover and it being an MM romance. I don’t read a lot of these so when one catches my interest, I have to read it.
From the cover I was expecting a quick fun read, but this packed a lot more emotions from me than what I was expecting.
Seeing ‘A Lake Juniper Novel’ gives the impression that this will be part of a series. I hope there is.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Arriving Home
By: Chelsea Lauren
This is a fantastically written MM romance. It feels so real and not forced at all. It reads like a Hallmark movie, which for a holiday book is exactly what I was looking for. Elijah and Austin are fantastically written and well developed characters. They had overcome so much to end up where they are when the story begins. These battles they had fought are part of what makes them such endearing characters to me. This was such a well written romance that I definitely recommend!
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved this book. I have read many M/M love stories but this was one of my favorites. I have read books from this author before and I like how she integrated the coffee shop from the other book. The writing in this book made it a fast read, but it didn’t feel rushed. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a cute and relatable Christmas love story.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series)
This book woke me up at 2:30 am to finish it and I have a hard time saying no to books when they call out to me, especially in the middle of the night.
I fell in love with Elijah and Austin from the very beginning, by the end of the book I was even deeper with them. They both overcame so much pain in their lives. They carry the scars and are the people they are because of those struggles.
There were some incredibly hot moments, but the romance was definitely in the forefront. I wish all friends and family were as accepting as the people in this book.
There is some drama and angst but I feel it was necessary and made their story that much sweeter in the end.
Ms. Lauren is a new to me author and I’m so glad I found her. Definitely keeping my eyes out for additional books by her in the future.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Arriving Home was a book that after reading countless amazing reviews just fell flat for me. I think I had an expectation in my head that the characters just didn’t live up to! The author definitely wrote a cute holiday romance I just dont think I had all the details before diving in!
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lots of emotions will be stirred while reading this book and you will definitely not be disappointed. Eli and Austin are wonderful characters who I bonded with and so wanted to see happy after all they had dealt with. Both characters have a lot to work through from past hurts that is for sure! The Evergreens, Eli’s family, were quirky and I loved that. I look forward to exploring more of this wonderful authors work.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren. This is another holiday romance but this one is of the M/M genre. Its the story of Elijah who is a romance writer and very successful until his heart get shattered and he has the worse case of writers block he’s ever had. Elijah normally hates writers retreats and being social but thinks if he attends the retreat at the Enchanted Juniper Resort he may break through his block. Enter Austin who has just landed his perfect job of head chef at the resort and he is on cloud nine. He gets free rent plus beautiful scenery but the only problem is its mostly couples here and he gets very lonely especially since its the holidays. When he and Elijah meet sparks don’t fly but he and Austin hatch a plan because Elijah has no house so they agree to pretend to be a couple so he can stay with Austin until the end of the year. The only problem is love has no pretend clause. Feelings get involved and they become more than pretend. Will they be able to get past their past and make it work? Read this fun story to find out!
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an enjoyable read. It is a MM Romance which was sweet and engaging and at times heartbreaking because both of our main characters have pasts and demons that they are trying to work through. The author does an amazing job of writing about the after effects of an emotionally abusive relationship and how the pain still lingers and affects your life after the relationship has ended.
This is Austin and Elijah’s story. Elijah is a writer who is suffering a writers block. After his last book beared his soul about his past relationship with his narcissistic ex it has left him feeling vulnerable and exposed. So to help with this block he goes on a writers retreat in the hopes that a change of scenery will help. And that’s where he meets Chef Austin.
This is a story of overcoming pain and learning to love again in a healthy way. We join Austin and Elijah as they navigate these new feelings all the while trying to overcome their own demons. Their road isn’t easy and there is plenty of pain and and suffering along the way but one thing is clear is their desire and longing to be together. With the added twist of their fake relationship for Elijah’s family, it just shows them how wonderful things could be. But does it have a chance to actually succeed in real life instead of being a fantasy.
This book is beautifully written. You can’t help but fall in love with the characters and I desperately wanted them to find the love they truelly deserved but will they be able to overcome all the obstacles in their past and the ones in their future to stand any chance of finding it?
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is part of the Juniper series and follows Elijah and Austin. Elijah is an author and Austin is a chef. Elijah is having problems with writing and Austin, being single, must serve couples. Elijah ends up at the resort Austin works at. Unfortunately, Elijah has nowhere to stay after the holidays and agrees to be Austin’s “fake” boyfriend. Here, he hopes this will be the inspiration he needs.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What I expected with this book was definitely not what I got with it. Bear with me, that’s a good thing. In my honest opinion, there aren’t enough well written, well developed, and just… over all good MLM books. RWRB; was good. SoA; also good. I loved those stories. I love reading them. But a lot of the lesser known MLM books I’ve read have either turned into DNFs or were less than what I expected.
This book exceded my expectations. I was expecting a cute little fluffy romance with some character background for some light development here and there. Some decent smut here and there, with the typical moment where they fall in love and push each other away, and then everything’s all right in the end.
That’s not what this book is.
First of all, huge props to the writer for the way she wrote this. Also in my experience, a lot of gay romances and sapphic romances are written a certain way where they don’t exactly feel the most realistic, and they just… they don’t feel right.
This book was nothing but perfection. Austin and Elijah fought each other and everything from the very get go, and both had so much trauma to heal from before they could be healthy together. It was written beautifully, with amazing character moments that genuinely made me cry. It took me a lot longer to read than I expected; partially because I just got over being ill, and partially because I found myself needing to absorb more and more of the book to take in every detail. It’s raw, powerful, and a book of healing and love. Elijah’s moments with his family and how they treated Austin were top tier. I immediately ordered a second copy of this book, and I’m sure I’m going to get more as a gift to give to all of my other queer and LGBT friends. I’m not a large part of the queer community, but as I member, I fully think this should be talked about MORE than RWRB, and damn near as much as SoA.
Highly, highly, highly recommend.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren
Arriving Home is part of the Lake Juniper Series and is a wonderfully written MMF Romance that will pull you in from the beginning and doesn’t let go till the end. There are trigger warnings but if you can push through its worth trying. This is a fast-paced story about Elijah and Austin. Both have secrets and pasts that make it hard to find love. What a sweet holiday romance that I can totally picture being a beautiful Christmas movie. The characters are relatable, fully developed and make the story come to life. Austin is a Chef at the resort and Elijah is a best selling Romance author who is in a six month writers block. With the advice from his therapist he finds himself at a writers retreat hoping this will help get him out of his slump. Austin and Elijah have been through a lot in there past but can they learn to trust one another? These two definitely have chemistry and there’s definitely a few sizzling scenes. These two definitely pulled at my heart strings a few times I found myself tearing up but I pushed through. What will happen when Austin suggests being a fake boyfriend for the Holidays? Can Elijah find the inspiration he needs to vet over his slump? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is part of the Juniper series and follows Elijah and Austin. Elijah is an author and Austin is a chef. Elijah is having problems with writing and Austin, being single, must serve couples. Elijah ends up at the resort Austin works at. Unfortunately, Elijah has nowhere to stay after the holidays and agrees to be Austin’s “fake” boyfriend. Here, he hopes this will be the inspiration he needs.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I have read from an author and she now has a new fan. This is a book from the series Lake Juniper. I have not read a male/ male romance in a long time but I’m so glad I picked this one up. I could not help but to fall in love with both of these characters. They both had some problems to work through but with the right person nothing is impossible. I read this book in one sitting and I can’t wait to read the next book of this series.
Elijah is a best sleeping author but he is now in a stump. He sees a writing workshop is available and he decides to go. Elijah meets a lot of romance writers and he feels like he doesn’t belong there. He is about to go but he meets a very handsome chef : Austin. They get to know each other and Austin has an idea to become a fake boyfriend for the holidays. Elijah thinks this is a great idea so he can get some inspiration for his new book. When they go to his family’s house for the holidays things start to heat up. Will Elijah get what wants for his new book or will get something he has never expected to see again, love?
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Arriving Home is gay romance with a snowy, festive setting. It has a lot of cute, Hallmark-esque tropes but also addresses deeper and darker topics. Both of the main characters, Austin and Elijah, have a lot of healing to do as they learn to trust each other and open up.
This is a refreshing read for anyone who finds the Holiday season difficult, as we see Elijah and Austin struggling with things like being in noisy, crowded spaces and dealing with uncomfortable family situations. As well as this, we see them finding ways to cope and help each other out.
Arriving Home gets five stars from me! I’d recommend it to M/M romance fans who are looking for an engaging Holiday read! I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was so much more emotional and had more depth to it than I was expecting when I went into it. I loved the characters and how they forged their connection based on their own experiences. In such a romantic and couple heavy setting they really were on the outside and yet this seemed to make their relationship all the more special.
This author is still very new to me and this is only the second book that I have read by her. However, this book has definitely cemented the fact that I want to read more of her work. I engage so easily with the stories and the characters and I enjoy each and every book I read. This was a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed and I am looking forward to more from this series.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren- 5 out of 5 stars
This is the first book of the Lake Juniper Series. The story does contain some sensitive topics such as abuse that may be a trigger for some readers, but I encourage you to give it a go. Overall this was a very well written MM romance novel with some spicy scenes. What else would you expect from two complex and completely loveable individuals who have such great chemistry? Eli, a writer, and Austin, a chef, simple yet oh so sexy. I recommend and can’t wait for more.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One can never go wrong reading a Holiday’s romance story, and this one is no exception! I fell in love with this book because it was based around a romance writer who was in a writers block due to romance issues of his own. It was definitely a relatable situation that brought me into the book and didn’t let me go. While the author does add additional whimsy outside of what may happen in most peoples lives, it is definitely important to remember that this is a story. Chelsea Lauren certainly has an act for not shying away from real life problems though, such as abuse and addiction. Please keep this in my prior to choosing to read the book. Even though it has a few triggering events, the story was remarkable and shows that love can still exist after heartache.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is an interesting story, Elijah books himself on an author’s retreat hoping to find that spark again but what he finds is so much more. Austin just happens to be working the author’s retreat and when the two meet the sparks fly. Neither man is sure of the step to take but they cannot deny what they feel.
It was nice to see the way their relationship progressed through this story. Each man is dealing with his own trauma and must decide if he wants to take a chance with his heart. Who knew a fake relationship would take them on a journey to this? Their story is sweet and low angst. It was nice to see how they supported each other and were willing to fight for what they wanted.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a really sweet book. I love holiday themed romance books and this one did not disappoint. I am not usually invested in MM romances because I do not connect with them. I found their relationship was very sweet but did develop quickly. The spicy scenes were not for me but for someone who can connect with them it would appeal to them. I appreciated the overall holiday tones though.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute romance story that I enjoyed reading. I enjoyed how the author used details to pull me into the story with the characters. This is a well written story about what happens when you agree to be a fake boyfriend for the holiday season but what you don’t know is that you are part of a plot for a story. I enjoyed these characters and what they brought to the story. They are connectable, relatable and have great chemistry. I found myself hoping they would get their HEA. I enjoyed watching their growth which made the story easy to read. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. This is a story that will bring the Christmas spirit as well as a little romance. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Both of the main characters in this book have a past they are trying to heal from. Elijah is a best selling romance author who is in the middle of a writing block. His latest book is very personal and he is reeling from a few bad reviews. So, he follows the advice of his therapist and books a spot at a writing retreat. Austin has recently been hired as the head chef at the resort where the writing retreat is located. He works a lot and keeps saving to send his mom and sister money. Then he sees Elijah staring at a blank screen and avoiding all of the other authors who are excited to mingle, so he introduces himself. They start talking, taking walks around the resort, and open up one night in the hot tub. They both have a past that they are trying to avoid talking about and that they are trying to heal from. Austin needs a place to stay for the Christmas break and he talks Elijah into taking him home as his fake boyfriend. Austin tries to help Elijah heal and Austin is starting to understand what a family should be like. This was a good read and a sweet romance with a bit of spice!
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am a sucker for a well written male male or MM romance. Not to mention I am a Halloween girlie so for a holiday romance to grab me is a challenge in itself. Also please there is some triggering content so check out other reviews to make sure it is right for you. I really liked this and the characters Elijah and Austin will have you happy kicking your feet.
Reviews by @michellerenee6590
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren is the first book of the Lake Juniper Series. The story follows Eli, a writer, and Austin, a chef. Eli goes on a writer’s retreat and meets Austin. There is mutual attraction which leads to them ending up in a fake dating situation. I really liked this story. I really connected with Eli and adored Austin from the start. The characters had great chemistry. The characters are both complex and completely loveable. I feel that the theme of abuse was handled well and was very realistic. I’m not really sure that we needed the fake dating trope because there was plenty there to give the characters a good struggle. Nevertheless, it was fun to watch these two together. There was a nice winter/holiday backdrop that made me feel content. This is a really good story.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Arriving Home is a New Adult MM romance tale. This is the second book I have read by Chelsea, and it pulled on my heartstrings.
The Evergreen family where a little cooky, a lot loud, brash, and definitely an eclectic bunch that are in your face, but you can’t help but like them. Sounds a bit like my family. But it is not all sunshine and roses in this story as both characters are complex with lots of flaws and pain and have a lot of issues but Eli by far has so much to unpack before he should even think of a relationship thanks to the cruelty of his previous relationship. It makes my heart ache for what he went through and there is definitely a lot of angst.
The story does contain some sensitive topics such as abuse that may be a trigger for some readers. There is pain, suffering, longing, wants, denial, fear and much more. We see inner struggles and journey along as they work through the demons and hopefully find love.
I like Chelsea’s writing style and I wanted a little more in the end, but the story felt like there was more too be said before it ended, and I needed a few questions answered but it just kind of stopped.
Any way I look forward to what Chelsea gives us next.
As I said about Underneath The Whiskey this book will not be for everyone, but I encourage you to give it a go.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What an intriguingly interesting romance. Two complicated people coming together in a beautiful winter romance. Elijah and Austin have a lot to overcome. It was a journey that I wasn’t sure I wanted to take but I am glad I did. These two had quite the adventure and they were a pair to watch as they grew in their relationship. It’s a unique romance that I’m glad I read. Go ahead and take a chance, you will enjoy this too.
✽ 
ღ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ღ ✽ 
Elijah is a best-selling romance author. Dreaming up romance was easy until his love was manipulated and abused. Now, love feels like a figment of his imagination.
Nearing a six-month writer’s block, in the thick of the holiday season, Elijah finds himself at Enchanted Juniper Resort. He’s never liked writing retreats, or well, socializing, but when negative reviews pour in from his most personal novel yet, he has to choose between succumbing to the fear of his craft, or learning to work through it.
Austin just landed a dream job; head chef at the most romantic place he’s ever been. He wakes up to snow-capped mountains and doesn’t have to drain his income in rent. Only downside? The guests are always couples. He loves love, but his single heart aches.
That is, until a stunningly troubled writer walks into the resort for the annual writing retreat. With the pressure of having nowhere to stay once the resort closes for Christmas, Austin proposes being Elijah’s fake boyfriend for the holiday. Elijah agrees, in hope the charade sparks the inspiration he needs for his novel.
But love doesn’t play charades. When the Christmas lights burn out, they are forced to answer the question they’ve both avoided. Can their fairytale romance persevere, or will the ghost of their pasts shatter the magic?
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren
Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren
Chelsea Lauren is a contemporary romance author. Chelsea has been writing ever since she had vivid dreams in middle school. The only cure was to write them down, and only then, did Chelsea realize she could become an author.
She’s an upstate NY native, establishing roots in her hometown with her husband and St. Berdoodles, Kaiya and Willow.
Chelsea is the founder of Represent Publishing, a self-publishing company dedicated to helping authors strengthen their writing, edit, and publish their novels. Her passion lies in helping others accomplish their dreams.
When Chelsea isn’t writing or working on her business, you can find her devouring books, snuggling with her pups, or having game nights with her friends.
Author Interview with Chelsea Lauren
✽ ღ PREORDER ღ ✽ Elijah is a best-selling romance author. Dreaming up romance was easy until his love was manipulated and abused. Now, love feels like a figment of his imagination.
Nearing a six-month writer’s block, in the thick of the holiday season, Elijah finds himself at Enchanted Juniper Resort. He’s never liked writing retreats, or well, socializing, but when negative reviews pour in from his most personal novel yet, he has to choose between succumbing to the fear of his craft, or learning to work through it.
Austin just landed a dream job; head chef at the most romantic place he’s ever been. He wakes up to snow-capped mountains and doesn’t have to drain his income in rent. Only downside? The guests are always couples. He loves love, but his single heart aches.
That is, until a stunningly troubled writer walks into the resort for the annual writing retreat. With the pressure of having nowhere to stay once the resort closes for Christmas, Austin proposes being Elijah’s fake boyfriend for the holiday. Elijah agrees, in hope the charade sparks the inspiration he needs for his novel.
But love doesn’t play charades. When the Christmas lights burn out, they are forced to answer the question they’ve both avoided. Can their fairytale romance persevere, or will the ghost of their pasts shatter the magic?