#Holiday Romance

[artsninspo]

FORGIVELESS - CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EPILOGUE

this is a part of my holiday series, to avoid spoilers make sure you read all prior parts of forgiveless first ➨ one

「 ✦ full library & archive ✦ 」

: ̗̀➛ rio's library - good girl nbc

𐙚 based on this request

summary: checking in with our favourite couple, this special edition Christmas epilogue is a heartwarming, everyday romance with a touch of holiday magic. This festive epilogue brings all the love, laughs, and holiday magic you adore from this power couple! 🎄 if you haven't read from the beginning you should start from there 💖 ➨ one

tropes: husband rio , holiday romance, jealousy/possessive partner, domestic bliss, acts of service & playful banter.

pairing: Rio (Good Girls) X Reader

word-count: ~ 1.5K

It’s your favorite time of year and also seemingly one of the busiest for an entrepreneur, mother and wife. Still you're committed to doing as much as you can for your amazing family. Giving yourself a final once over you sway to the christmas music playing faintly through the house. Grabbing your keys and going to open the door to the garage when your husband emerges startling you. His eyes look over you from head to toe and he smiles. You do too knowing he admires how nice you look in his signature color of all black but there’s something else in his expression.

“Where are you headed?” he asks.

“Christmas shopping” you respond.

“Dressed like that?” he asks.

“When I’m dressed like this the geek squad hurries up and I’m not in there for hours! You know how BestBuy is” you comment not above using your femininity to your advantage from time to time.

“And who’s this you’ve been on the phone with?” he asks.

“One of my students from the studio, he's huge into computers and is gonna help me get baby boy all set up. It’s what he does and why he comes to the studio. You know how bad sitting for so many hours is for your body” you tell him.

“Yeah right, it has nothing to do with watching you stretch” Rio mutters.

“Rio” you laugh amused he’s still jealous.

“I’m coming with you” he states like you hoped he would.

“I'm going to get stuff for the other kids too, you rolling with me today baby?” you ask winking at him.

“Bet” he nods, grabbing a jacket and following you out. The great thing about the holidays was that the family all wanted their extra time with the kids giving you and Rio extra opportunities to work longer hours before taking off for much needed family time. It was the new years party that was currently wearing Rio thin while with his expertise you were more than confident your studios party and activation would knock it out of the park. You get in the driver's seat not allowing him to drive and sabotage the plans, cutting the shopping short when it suits him. He smiles knowing your exact intentions reclining the seat.

“I thought we agreed you don’t teach classes with men?” he mutters with a raised brow going back to his jealous streak.

“I don’t but I go and look in on all classes from time to time and clean up technique.” you explain but you know he cares nothing about that. Smiling, you head to the mall and load up on stocking stuffers and squish mellows for the twins who are little enough to shamelessly enjoy the stuffies still. It scares you how quickly they grow. Rio is at your side considering the kids favorite colours and interests to narrow down your selections to what is perfect for them. It warms your heart he puts as much love and attention to detail into the kids as he does with you and your work. 

He’s more and more content with his decision to tag along when he catches the sneaky looks from men all around wanting a piece of what's his. The amount of bags he’s carrying as well as the large ring on your finger is not even a deterrent. Who wouldn't do everything for you? He smiles watching you pick out barbies for your little girl.

“If you buy all this now, what do they get for their birthdays or next year?” Rio asks having to be the rational parent in these instances. It was why he opted to give you his card and let you be. During the holidays he claims you spoil the kids too much.

“But they’re good kids and we can afford it? I’ve already done food drives and made donations to shelters, can't I spoil ours?” you ask pouting like one of them.

“They’re three and there’s two of them - they don't have enough eyes or hands to enjoy all this” Rio says, regarding the twins as he looks into the overflowing cart. Taking command of the cart and pushing it on your own you start humming before singing under your breath.

“You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch

You really are a heel

You're as cuddly as a cactus, you're as charming as an eel, Mr. Grinch” you sing and find Rio chuckling in disbelief behind you.

“I swear sometimes I have five kids, you're just as much trouble as them” he says tossing the barbies into the cart in concession. You turn with a smile winking at the husband of a lifetime and change your tune.

“Santa baby, just slip a Sable under the tree for me

Been an awful good girl

Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight” you begin shimmying along the isles with the cart knowing good he’s Santa 365 days a year already.

“You’re enjoying this aren’t you?” he asks amused and still sticking close.

“Of course I am” you affirm turning to give him a peck. It's all the fuel he needs to stay committed to the shopping trip. Everyone sees that his woman is happy. His posture changes as he walks alongside you with pride. You implore teamwork, getting all the gifts into your big truck and head to the electronics retailer for your oldest. Rio trails behind responding to a few text messages about liquor supply at his venues, but he doesn't miss how happy the workers are to greet you.

“I told you i’d be back with all the specs” Rio hears you comment to one of the sales associates. He watches you take a print out of all the specifications required to give your son exactly what he’s asked for and it warms his heart how attentive you are to everyone’s needs. How you make time between your business, marriage and role as a mom to make everyone feel special.

“Let me get you everything you need ma’am” the young worker says a little too smiley for Rio's liking. Knowing how he gets you to loop your arm around his settling his possessiveness..

“When he gets this, how are we monitoring screen time and parental controls?” Rio asks.

“He’s a good kid.” you interject.

“The world ain't” Rio says being glass half empty.

“Well baby, he has you and me and he’ll be alright I trust him” you tell Rio.

“You trust everyone,” Rio mutters.

“He’s literally an angel always has been” you defend your oldest boy pulling away from Rio.

“Because he’s not online all day engaging in rude and inappropriate shit” Rio explains as the employee returns rolling the new system on a dolly. His smile fades at the sight of Rio in your space exuding strong dominant energy. The sales associates posture changes and the level of service evolves from friendly to professional. 

“Thanks so much,” you say to the young man, but Rio steps forward, towering over both of you.

“Got a warranty on this?” he asks, his tone smooth but carrying an edge that makes the worker’s smile falter.

As you load the car, you feel Rio’s hand settle on the small of your back. His touch is warm, grounding, but the tension lingers.

“Still jealous, huh?” you tease, nudging him with your shoulder as a man passes both of you.

He huffs a quiet laugh. “Nah. Just making sure everyone knows who you belong to.”

You stop, leaning against the car to face him fully. “You know that’s never been in question, right?”

His eyes soften as he looks at you, the tension melting away. “Yeah, I know.”

“Good,” you said, standing on your tiptoes to kiss him. “Now help me hide all this before the kids find it.” you say and Rio does just that, also ensuring dinner is delivered from his restaurant right on time for the kids to get home. You enjoy a family dinner full of laughter and talking as the kids recount their daily adventures with your mom. Once they're in bed you settle on the couch watching a show on the couch silently regretting the shoes you wore today to lure Rio out of the house and out shopping with you. He emerges a few minutes later lifting your legs, sitting and placing yours over his. You're shocked when he presses his thumb into the sole of your foot beginning a massage and a moan of relief escapes your lips making him smile as he continues.

“Maybe next time, wear something more comfortable,” he comments. 

“They went with the outfit” you defend.

Rios eyes light before his expression settles into his signature smug smile. “Nah, you knew it’d be the nail in the coffin to this little get up and force me out with you” He reads you like a book. Your cheeks heat and your poker face is nonexistent as you sit enjoying your massage guilty as charged.

“If you knew why'd you come?” you laugh sitting forward to kiss him again. When you pull away he starts humming.

'Cause I just want you here tonight (Ooh)

Holding on to me so tight (Ooh)

What more can I do?

Oh baby, all I want for Christmas is you’ he hums perfectly letting you know the exact stanza and you laugh holding him tight and still the luckiest girl in the world.

authors note: oh man I love these two so much - i hope you ejoy reading them as much as I have fun writing them! sound off on your favourite part in the comments and don't forget to:

❣ Like to show a little love. ❝ Leave a comment—your thoughts mean everything! ↺ Reblog to help me grow and reach more readers.

a little trivia for the festive girlies -> what are the three Christmas songs mentioned (no googling)

☑ Vote below and let me know what melts your holiday heart! ☃

tags: @meadows5 @wnbweasley @becauseimher @ariiaeltheedonn @woahthatshitfat @miniaturehideoutmentality @kokobells @ffenthusiastt @sowhatariyana @1xtral1983 @theegoddessofmelanin @fictionalreads @roxytheimmortal

[torpublishinggroup]

Cover art: @lilithsaur

Designer: Lesley Worrell

In The Nightmare Before Kissmas by New York Times bestselling author Sara Raasch, the prince of Christmas is a chaotic bisexual with a big problem: the hot goth guy he drunkenly made out with at a bar is actually the Prince of Halloween—and they’re both supposed to be romantic rivals in a holiday media stunt. The only thing left to do in this steamy rom com full of tricks and treats is to make the yuletide…gay. 🏳️‍🌈

[aphantomslibrary]

🎄Holiday book shopping while on the road. 🎄

I’ll be ordering most of my bookish gifts from my local indie bookstore! Don’t forget to shop small. 🖤

[thistle-nightshade]

I'm going to affectionately compare this to red white and royal blue, but just know it frustrates me when books are compared exclusively along similar plot points. This is two "rival" nations And two princes falling in love and a PR nightmare. But the tone is also similar to red white royal blue. The reverence with which love is spoken, the desire to do something more and better, to undo the mistakes of the past and build something more with the future. The sibling and friend relationships. So much of what I loved about rwrb is also in this.

The prince of Christmas is a fuck up who finds out he isn't as messed up as he thought, who grows into his good ideas and learns to stand on what he believes, which is anticapitalist, anti comidification of holiday and traditions. He fights to get back to when many traditions could all exist in their fullness, and I like that a lot. He learns hes worthy of love.

The king of Halloween married the Queen of Dia de los muertos, and I like the aspects of both that were brought in through their son, the prince of mischief and finding joy in hard times. The prince who loves ofrendas and reconnecting to those passed. The prince who can't swear without magically producing a jack-o'-lantern. Who isn't above using a little magic to tease a friend. Who is fiercely devoted to his duty, but learns to find love anyway.

These two are silly and mischievous and sickenly cute together. A great read, one I will want to revisit every year when the weather starts to turn towards fall and winter.

[tjalexandernyc]

It's been almost a year since my holiday romcom came out. I think it's the best book I've written so far, personally, but it's not gotten the attention some of my other books have. Now that the season is rolling around again, I wanted to introduce any new followers to my 3rd child, SECOND CHANCES IN NEW PORT STEPHEN.

SCiNPS is the story of two guys, Eli Ward and Nick Wu, who used to be best friends and childhood sweethearts. Eli returns to his (fictional) South Florida hometown for the holidays for the first time since his transition, reeling from a career implosion. Nick, now a divorced single dad, is still the guy Eli fell in love with all those decades ago, even with all the changes.

This book's got it all: elder millennials! Floridian inside jokes! Demisexuality and late-in-life queer discovery! Beaches! Sobriety! Well-meaning families! Mr. Wu senior, the best dad in the world! Strip malls! Gay bars! Manatees!!!

So if you're looking for a queer holiday read this season, I hope you'll give it a try

[sweetfirebird]

Small free Christmas short m/m romance

A little holiday party fake dating short for funsies.

When Will's grumpy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside (and incidentally very hot) neighbor and maybe friend asks for Will to be his fake boyfriend for a Christmas party thrown by his sisters, Will jumps at the chance. Will has been pining dramatically for a while now, convinced that nothing would ever come of his feelings since he is an aging twink hairstylist obsessed with old movies and Charlie is the stern, older professor type. The party will give him a chance to live what he wants, so of course he says yes.

But a little spiked eggnog and some mistletoe help him realize he hasn't been the only one pining.

Forget the Mistletoe

If you've read Play It Again, Charlie, you'll recognize the characters, but this is an AU because they are cute and a little sad and very cozy in all universes.

[lgbtqreads]

Fave Five: New Queer Christmas Romances (2024 Edition)

I’ll Be Gone for Christmas by Georgia K. Boone (f/f) The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch (m/m) Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake (f/f) The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky (m/m) This Christmas by Georgia Beers (f/f) Bonus: These are all Adult Romances, but for YA, check out Make My Wish Come True by Alyson Derrick and Rachael Lippincott (f/f)  and Flopping in a Winter…

[franticvampirereads]

I can’t believe it’s November already! I’m so excited to get into the holidays this year (and all the holiday reads ☺️). So here’s what I’m planning to read this month:

Vespertine (not pictured) -currently reading

Sunshine - currently reading

The Sunshine Court

Given vol 2

Rare Vigilance

Ocean’s Echo

Bone To Pick

The Dragon’s Betrothed vol 2

You Can Count On Me

I’m really looking forward to all the cozy reads this month!

And a little bonus for you, today is Moose’s gotcha day! She’s 11-years-old and just as cute and funny and grumpy as the day we brought her home. Happy gotcha day bug! ☺️❤️

[ivaninprint]

Some Christmas love to start the season.

This book takes a different twist to the trope of one of the couple not liking Christmas. Instead of the character just not liking Christmas for more asocial reasons this time there is a deep layer of trauma causing the distress. Niall as a main character doesn't start off as an easily lovable character because of it, but it left us with a lot of potential for growth at the start of the book. He is grumpy and rude but as he is the main character we quickly get insight to what is the cause of all of it. I enjoyed it that we had this deeper perspective than it being the love interest with all the turmoil. To see him grow and become healthier in his mental health was a lovely journey to follow and made me smile a whole lot towards the end of the book.

As a contrast Sam is such an happy lovely guy that is totally into Christmas as an polar opposite. Niall and Sam clash a lot, have clashed for even longer before the book starts. There is so much history between these two guys that makes you feel the pain from the start. Sam is clearly hurting from this situation but refuses to let go of Niall. This determination of his is such a joy to see and makes you root for him all through the book. Sam was a joy to have and I couldn't get enough of him.

When the book gets to the part that they're at the cabin the real magic starts. It was so much fun to see these two have some quality time. Niall slowly opening up was magical to see and made me feel so proud of him. When the time in the cabin came to an end I was sad to see them move out of their safe bubble, but the real growth started there for Niall. He now had to carry through his change with the people he usually clashes against. Him working through all that lead to an adorable ending of the book.

Concluding I really enjoyed this Christmas book that gave me fluff with big character growth.

I received an eARC and this was my honest review.

[fated-mates]

Santa is coming.

[charliespringsleftconverse]

Sweet Love Beneath The Christmas Tree - Chapter Two

Word Count: 3007 | Read on AO3

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Write's Notes: Here is Chapter Two of this little holiday trip! Can I just say, I also would like Azriel a man to put me on his shoulders so I can put the star on the tree?? What's a girl gotta dooooo! Anyway, hope you enjoy! @thevalkyriesshadow @acotargiftexchange

Warnings: This three-chapter story contains mature content such as smut in the third chapter. Reader discretion is advised. Age advisory 18+

The trunk of Rhysand’s sleek black Chevrolet Suburban overflowed with an impressive array of high-tech baby gear, a clear sign of new parenthood. She and Azriel fell into a comforting rhythm. They made quick work of unloading everything in just four trips. Once inside, they joined the others gathered around the inviting warmth of the fireplace. A train of elf shoes in every size and color was lined up in front of the hearth, while an array of musty socks—bright and bold—hung out to dry on the small brick step in front of the crackling warmth of the fire, to which Gwyn and Az added their own pairs.

Laughter and lively chatter filled the spacious open room with a ceiling high enough for a tiered ring chandelier to comfortably hold several layers of lighting. The rich, sweet scent of hot cocoa wafted from the kitchen and curled around them. Mor spritzed an apple pie air freshener, infusing the air to clear the room. In the kitchen, Emerie tended to a bubbling pot of hot chocolate, its chocolatey aroma mingling with the evergreen fragrance wafting from the elegantly adorned Christmas tree. For Gwyn, the moment felt like stepping into a postcard, a perfect snapshot of holiday cheer.

Nearby, Feyre and Rhysand stood side by side by the towering Christmas tree, framed by large glass windows that offered a dazzling view of their front yard, now transformed into a sparkling light show and a vibrant carnival. At their feet lay an old storage box brimming with ornaments, remnants of previous decorating efforts. One by one, Feyre and Rhys began filling in the few remaining empty spots on the tree that Nesta and Cassian had left earlier in the day. With all the preparations that had needed to be done throughout the day both inside and outside the house, the Christmas tree had been left partially decorated. Nevertheless, Feyre and Rhysand were content to pick up where the previous decorators had left off. 

The tree was adorned with sparkling lights from top to bottom and decorated with a blend of traditional nutcracker and ballerina ornaments, classic glittering Christmas ball ornaments, and souvenirs from individual travels from the group, including a small red and green trolley from Mor’s summer escapade in San Francisco last summer. Each ornament telling a story of its own. As they worked, the tree transformed into a radiant spectacle, a true testament to the joy and spirit of the season.

Though Gwyn had poured her festive spirit into the outdoor decorations, stuffing the yard with a delightful array of inflatables, she was still yearning for the chance to participate in something that felt truly special: decorating the Christmas tree in the living room. It was the one aspect of the holiday she had been eagerly anticipating. As she reached out for the final strand of garland—a beautifully crafted red rustic ribbon—she felt excitement bubbling inside her as she began to unwrap it.

“Here, let me help you with that garland,” said Azriel. His deep and warm voice came from behind Gwyn as he reached around her body, helping her unravel the ribbon. Being 6 feet tall had its advantages for Azriel, one of them being he could stand behind Gwyn and still see over her head. “Unless you want to end up tangled in it again."

Gwyn paused, soaking in his presence as he enveloped her, his chest pressing against her back. She peered up at him and chuckled, feeling completely at ease. She loved everything about this moment—his body wrapped around hers, the scent of Christmas in the air, and the sense of family with everyone she loved in the room. If she could capture this feeling, this sense of belonging and joy, in a photograph, a tiny bottle, or even in her mind forever, this moment would have been it. “Oh, now you’re just teasing me.”

Azriel bent down and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. It sent delightful sparks down Gwyn’s body and ignited her with warmth. 

Pulling the string from his fingers inch by inch, Gwyn took a step forward from Azriel’s embrace and began walking around the tree wrapping the garland. Azriel mirrored her and walked in the opposite direction around the tree, concentrating on the high branches that Gwyn couldn’t quite reach.

In the cosy living space, Rhysand and Feyre had joined Nesta and Cassian on the soft, enormous L-shaped champagne-colored sofa that occupied most of the living room. It was big enough to fit every single one of them on it, and it had many times. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Emerie and Mor were pouring hot chocolate into the festive-themed mugs that decorated the cabinets. For the most part, the mugs were decorative pieces, but once a year they would serve their true purpose and hold hot cocoa.

“I hadn’t even realized we were missing the star,” said Feyre, her head on her husband’s shoulder.

“I think it got lost last year after the boys took it into town on New Year's,” Mor replied without glancing up from her work. A popping sound came from the kitchen, yet not a single head turned. 

“I want what you’re having!” Yelled Nesta from the sofa. Mor was undoubtedly spiking her own drink with something from the bar.

Cassian and Rhysand exchanged glances as if communicating telepathically.

Do you have the start topper? 

No. 

Did we leave it at the bar? 

Oh shit. Didn’t we place it on the town Christmas tree while drunk? 

No, that was before we went to the bar and I know I carried that in—

“Found it!” Holding high for everyone to see, in her right hand Gwyn held a big bright golden star-shaped tree topper. It glimmered and sparkled even brighter beneath the lights of the glowing chandelier. Lights reflected off it and danced across the room like tiny dancing fairies as she turned the tree topper.

A collective sigh of relief was felt in the room.

“Alright, let’s get it up there before it goes missing again.” Azriel declared, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. 

“Let me get a step stool,” Gwyn suggested as she turned toward the kitchen.

“You don’t need a step stool,�� Azriel replied, stopping her in her tracks. He turned her toward the tree and knelt behind her.

“What are you—” 

Gently nudging her legs apart with his hands and head Azriel was quick with his movements. Soon after, Gwyn found herself on his shoulders. Her feet instinctively wrapped around him wherever they could, and her hands grasped the top of his head for balance. After a moment, feeling a bit more stable, she relaxed into his touch when his hands came around her legs. Gwyn could feel her cheeks warming—she wasn't sure if it was the lights shining down on her or the surprise of the moment that was making her blush.

Azriel continued rubbing his hands up and down her legs. She was still cold from being outside, and that friction felt good. Trying not to think about heights, she focused on his touch. “You’re not going anywhere, Gwyn. Just let me know when you’re ready.”

Gwyn took in a breath and giggled. “Ready.”

Azriel walked toward the tree, getting as close as he could for Gwyn’s torso to reach the placement point. Hands shifted higher, moving gradually closer to her thighs. In response, Gwyn squeezed his head slightly, but his grip remained steady. She instinctively sat up straighter, coming closer to the back of his head. Gwyn bit her lip, momentarily losing her focus. Breathe, and just focus.

Stretching her hand out, Gwyn reached toward the tree. Almost there… Her body let out a huff when she missed. Just a little to the left next time. She just needed to focus and stretch out a little more. Taking a breath in, Gwyn gave it another try. This time she felt Azriel’s thumbs rubbing circles on her thighs. Was it soothing? Yes. Was it distracting? Also, yes. Unclear what his goal was, Gwyn nudged him with her foot. 

Azriel chuckled. He was certainly being intentional and now Gwyn knew for certain.

“I’m trying to focus, you know,” Gwyn whispered.

“Am I distracting you? I thought I was helping,” said Az, low enough for the two to hear. She could hear his smile through his voice.

“I can’t concentrate when you do that,” she whispered.

Azriel hummed.

“You’re very lucky I love you,” Gwyn said.

Gwyn nudged him again with her foot before focusing back on the tree. With another big stretch, the star was back on the tree. Perfect. The Christmas tree was finally decorated from head to toe, figuratively speaking. Patting her on the leg, Azriel gently placed Gwyn on the ground and they headed towards the sofa with the rest of the group. 

“There’s glitter in my hair, on my clothes, and somehow, in my hot chocolate,” said Nesta. 

“I figured you all might need a little pick me up or just something warm in your body,” said Emerie handing Gwyn a mug in the shape of a Christmas tree. Sitting right next to her was Nesta holding a mug in the shape of Rudolph the red-nose reindeer. The kitchen cabinet had always been full of holiday coffee cups, courtesy of Rhysand’s mother, who had started the tradition of buying interestingly shaped mugs once a year during the winter. Now, they just drank from them. Rhysand had mentioned once that, according to his mother, a holiday house could never be too cheerful or cheerful enough. Hence, the excess of cups of cheer.

“The sun should be setting soon. Are you all headed to the village as Mr and Mrs Claus and the elves? Or as normal civilians?” said Rhysand. His violet eyes glanced at each member of the North Pole, one by one truly taking the time to admire the costuming. Rhys chuckled. There was not an ounce of doubt in his body that the outfits had been Mor’s idea. Ever since her time as an Alpha Phi in college, she’d always been one to coordinate outfits and ‘glam it up’ when she could. And this certainly had her name written all over it.

“Are you going to act like you don’t know us if we do?” Cassian smiled.

“I considered it,” said Rhysand with a chuckle.

“As much as I want to keep the spirit of Christmas alive, I’m sure I can still do that in normal clothes. Plus, I would love to take this off,” said Cassian. He pointed to the green vibrant tights that molded around his muscular calves and thighs. “It’s a little too tight for my liking.” 

“Hear hear,” said Azriel, lifting his glass and taking a sip. Pushing himself off the sofa, Azriel struggled to stand straight. He stretched out his legs and wiggled his feet, but something felt off. He placed his cup to the side for safekeeping. Taking one step forward, he felt a brief pain shoot to his ankle. Maybe he just needed to give his body a good shake. He had just been working outside in the cold for roughly two hours, and sitting down might have stiffened his body more than expected. 

Everyone else, save Feyre, Rhysand, and Gwyn had stayed behind. Upstairs, the others could be heard from the shuffling of feet and the opening and closing of doors as they set off to get ready and change into more comfortable and warm clothes. 

“Everything alright, Az?” asked Rhysand. 

“I, uh. Yeah.” Azriel furrowed his eyebrows looking down at his foot. He glanced back at Rhys and shrugged. “I think I’m just a bit stiff from all the work and then warming up by the fire.”

Rhys nodded.

“You could just need to warm up your muscles again,” suggested Gwyn.

“Maybe,” said Azriel. 

He attempted to rotate his ankle one way and then the other. It felt okay. Gently placing his left foot back on the floor, he made sure not to put too much pressure on it. Taking his time, Azriel began placing more of his natural body weight on it. It felt fine. Az let out a breath. At least it’s not broken, he thought. If it had been broken he would have been yelping from the pain by now. Feeling a bit more confident, he decided to take a step forward. That’s when he felt it. Immediately holding onto the sofa, he placed all his weight on his other foot. Gwyn and Rhys were up and out of their chairs in seconds. 

“It hurts to place my full body weight into it,” said Azriel. Both of his hands were on the sofa as he slowly lifted his foot and gently rotated it to alleviate some of the pain. 

“Sit down and let me take a look,” said Rhysand. His voice was firm but still showed concern. As soon as Azriel was seated, Rhysand knelt and lifted Az’s foot. He was slow when inspecting, in case there were any additional injuries. 

“Can you rotate it?” asked Rhys. Watching as Azriel did so, Rhys nodded and murmured to himself. He then began adding pressure with his hands and fingers across Azriel’s foot asking if the fluctuating pressure hurt, to which Azriel shook his head.

“Nothing too serious. Just a sprained ankle,” said Rhys as he stood. “That leg needs to be off the ground for a bit.”

The room was quiet for a bit.

Gwyn could feel the disappointment in the silence. She knew Azriel was a man of few words but she also knew that he didn’t want to miss out on the tradition of going into town on Christmas Eve to see the lights. Placing her hand on Azriel’s, Gwyn smiled. There was always space for new traditions. “I’ll stay with you.”

“Gwy—”

“I’m staying. We’ll drink cocoa, I’ll make cookies, and we’ll watch a holiday movie. Just you and me.” Gwyn tucked a strand of coppery hair behind her ear and gave Azriel a genuine smile. She could tell that Azriel didn’t want to be the reason she stayed behind, but Gwyn didn’t mind. They had the entire trip to go into town. It wasn’t like the holiday decorations in the town center were going to be taken down overnight. They’d be able to see the light show from now until the start of the new year. “Plus, who knows when the house will be quiet again. Or did you forget how many people there’s going to be here for the holiday?”

Azriel sighed. She was right, they would be living with about seven extra people who would be making noise, likely until late in the night for the next few days. There was no getting around Gwyn when her mind was set. “You’re right, and I do think it would be nice to spend time together. Just promise me you won’t put on Elf.”

“The Santa Clause?”

“Only if we watch The Santa Clause 2.”

“It’s my favorite anyway,” said Gwyn, a bright smile on her lips. With a kiss on the cheek, she was off to the kitchen to start baking cookies. Luckily, Emerie had stocked up on sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies on her trip to the store. Gwyn much preferred these frozen delights that could be popped right into the oven over the ones in the ready-made section of the bakery. For some reason, the ready-made ones always tasted like paper to Gwyn. Had she been at home, Gwyn would have considered making cookies from Scratch but such luxury would have to wait.

After adjusting the oven to an adequate temperature, Gwyn began prepping the baking tray with an aluminum lining and buttering it before layering it with a mix of sugar and traditional chocolate chip cookie dough.

“Why are you making cookies, Gwyn? We’re about to leave,” said Emerie as she popped into the kitchen.

With a spoonful of cookie dough in her mouth, she mumbled, “Az can’t go.”

“Why not?” Emerie asked, confusion dancing in her eyes.

“He hurt himself,” Gwyn explained covering her mouth as she downed another spoonful of delicious chocolate chip cookie dough.

“Why am I not surprised? I specifically TOLD him to use the goddamn ladder when getting off the roof. Did he listen? No!” Mor stomped down the stairs. Azriel slid further down on the sofa shielding his face with a pillow at the sound of her voice afraid she’d chuck a heel at him. Sure enough, he had been warned numerous times.

“She’s going to sing that tune all weekend, brother,” Cassian said, patting Azriel on the back.

“Do you want us to bring you something from the town?” asked Nesta.

“No, but thank you,” Azriel replied.

“I wasn’t asking you. I was asking your girlfriend who kindly volunteered to stay behind, I imagine, given that she’s baking cookies for you both,” said Nesta, zipping up her gray jacket and looking back at Gwyn, awaiting a response.

“Ouch.” Cassian chuckled, tugging on his fleece chestnut gloves. 

Biting the inside of her lip, Gwyn tried to stifle her laughter and shook her head. She could have asked for a woodcarved pegasus for her bookshelf or apple cider donuts—her favorites. They were a soft, sweet treat that she could only find during this specific time of the year. Her mouth watered at the thought. Tempting, so tempting. The reality was, she wanted to experience the holiday village and markets herself. It simply wasn’t the same otherwise. Besides, there was always tomorrow. “I’m good, but thank you, Nes.”

“I’m gonna bring you something anyway,” said Nesta winking as she walked out the door. 

Gwyn chuckled. “Love you, Nesta!”

“We’ll be back late. Don’t burn the house,” Rhysand warned. He was joking, right? Waving goodbye to Gwyn, he closed the door on his way out. Gwyn waved back with one arm as she placed the tray of cookies inside the oven. He doesn’t actually think I could burn the house…does he?

[grainsofexcellence]

Agathario/Swanqueen Yule Time Tale

[torpublishinggroup]

“Someone will die…”

“Of Fun.” —Parks and Rec

Cover art: @lilithsaur

Designer: Lesley Worrell

Description:

A quirky rom-com by New York Times bestselling author Sara Raasch called The Nightmare Before Kissmas about a forbidden romance between the Prince of Christmas—a well-meaning scandal-magnet—and the gothically alluring, oh-so-restrained Prince of Halloween.

[aphantomslibrary]

A bit of holiday magic ❄️

[kla1991]

Virtual Sapphic Author Reading!

Join the Sapphic Story Hour this Thursday, December 5th, at 7 EST to hear author Georgia Clark read from her holiday romance Most Wonderful, which Bustle describes as “[A] festive, sexy rom-com: three queer love stories, one famous (and absurd) matriarch, big feelings, depth, and real humor.”

Use this zoom link to join us on Thursday, December 5th, at 7! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9564792367

[womenusingwords]

A New Leash on Love

The details… Title: A New Leash on Love Authors: Jaime Clevenger & Aurora Rey Publisher: Bella Books Editor: Heather Flournoy Publication date: November 14, 2024 Available formats: ebook, paperback  Print length: 294 pages Genre: contemporary romance Trope: return to hometown, friends to lovers, high school crush Themes: holiday romance, family, small town, Colorado, family business,…