#shes a wedding planner and a sucker for christmas

[sndersun]

@vvhimsicals liked for a starter

❝ NO . you will not bake the christmas cookies . last year you nearly burned the kitchen﹗ ❞

[mostly-megan]

December 7th: Movie Night

Pairing: Frankie Morales x Reader

Rating: E for Everyone

Word count: 882; not beta read, we live and die by the sword

Warnings: Naughty words, but that’s it

❄️December Writing Masterlist ❄️

(A/N): What? Late? I’m not late??? (Thanks you guys for understanding, I had a stressful few days, I ope to get caught up this weekend!) Prompts from @honeymandos; Photo credit: pinterest 

“This is such BULLSHIT! He really thinks he can do THAT? Just leave the base with no orders just to win back some girl?!” Frankie howled with laughter as the lovesick love interest forlornly thought back on how he wrecked his chances with brunette female protagonist. You got to pick the movie and decided on a sickeningly sweet Christmas romance movie that was on TV, partly because you were a sucker for romance and partly because you just knew it would be horrible. 

“A Class-A Holiday” was truly ghastly; the tale of a small town girl moving to a military area and teaching the straight-laced army families, and one handsome and stubborn lieutenant in particular, the magic and importance of Christmas, family, and love. There are so many story points that would only make sense in the movie world, like the fact that she opened a Christmas store year-round and that she somehow paid off an army event-planner to make the holiday ball more Christmas-y. 

But Frankie could not move past the disgracefully terrible army uniforms, the titular class-a ensembles being truly egregious, and complete disregard for any rules or procedures “Frankie, that’s not the point, he’s got to make the romantic gesture. She taught him about the magic of Christmas and now he has to save HER Christmas,” your half-hearted defense is only making him laugh more. You lean over Frankie to set your warm mug back on the coffee, settling back into his side with your head against his chest. 

“Excuse me, Major, sir. I need to request time off-base.”

“When, lieutenant?

“Right now, sir. I’ve gotta make things right with Kelsey before I ship off.”

“........Go get your girl, Baxter.”

The two of you dissolve into giggles against each other, it was actually getting worse and worse. The movie cuts to Kelsey closing up her store for the holidays as sad music plays. It starts to snow as she puts the keys back into her pocket and heaves a dramatically heavy sigh as she starts walking, snow starting to fall. A montage of her happy moments with Lt. Baxter: the meet cute where she spills hot cocoa on him, their ice rink date, their first kiss at the town Christmas tree lighting. 

“I can’t tell if this is more insulting to military members or their families?” Frankie shakes his head in disbelief at the sappy scenes trying to pull on the heartstrings. We hear the audio from their argument about him being deployed and Frankie scoffs again at the ridiculous discussion.

“Chase, how could you do this? How could you not tell me?”

“I didn’t want to ruin our time together.”

“Well, maybe there is still something we can do?”

“No, Kelsey, we can’t! I’m going overseas with my orders and that’s it! This isn’t some stupid thing you can fix with ‘Christmas magic’! It’s over, grow up!”

“Jesus, you would never put up with this shit from me, even when I was getting deployed,” you chuckle and shift so your legs lay across his lap. “Not a chance, soldier boy. Ugh, but our last time together being at Christmas with snow falling dramatically around us with the lights a twinkling? You can’t deny that it sounds rather romantic, plus you wouldn’t have had to miss the holidays,” you fall back with your arm theatrically draped over your forehead before joining Frankie’s warm chuckle and snuggling back under his arm.

“KELSEY, WAIT!”

“Chase? What are you doing? Aren’t you supposed to be on-base to ship off tomorrow?”

“I had to tell you. I was a goddamn idiot to yell at you. You’re the best thing I’ve ever had, even if I’ve only known you for a month.”

“Chase, what are you saying?”

“I’m saying I love you and, if you’d do me the honor,” the Lieutenant kneels “Please take my ring. I can’t tell you it’ll be a short or easy engagement. It’ll probably be long and lonely, but if it means that we both know that we had each other the whole time, it’d be so worth it. Then, when I’m home, I’m yours. No more tours and the biggest Christmas wedding you’ve ever seen. So, Kelsey Matthews, will you marry me? Please? You’d make me the luckiest son of bitch the army had ever seen.”

As Kelsey throws her arms around his neck, crying and nodding, you realize that your soldier has gone awfully quiet. Peeking up, you see the faint trace of moisture around his eyes, his grip around you tightens. “I wish I could have given that nice of a speech, instead of stumbling over myself,” you cup his cheek with your hand, feeling his sad smile against your palm. “I wouldn’t give up the speech you made for the entire world. I loved it,” his hand entwines with yours as he holds it still to his cheek, “I love you, Francisco Morales.” 

The cheery end credit music plays as you lean up to kiss Frankie’s soft lips, mustache tickling from the angle. You might not have gotten everything perfect as a movie, but at least your love interest had all of those movie men beat. Because your story doesn’t have to end before the beautiful life you get to live by each other’s side.

Tagging who might be interested: @zeldasayer @winters-buck @max--phillips@rae-gar-targaryen @yespolkadotkitty @scribbledghost @plexflexico @sunshinepascal @agirllovespancakes @keeper0fthestars @freak-nasty-thick-dick-mando @youmeanmybrain @talesfromtheguild @frannyzooey @absurdthirst @softpedropascal @fairytalesintheend @lackofhonor @maybege @getinthepoolkeanu @pedroepascal @pedropascalito @mylifeliterally @catfishingmorales @miss-me-jack @ithinkhesgaybutwesavedmufasa @pettyprocrastination @autumnleaves1991-blog @tangledlove27​

[mimireadsromance]

New Release & Review-Main Street Dealmaker by Brighton Walsh 10/28/21

BLURB:

All Sadie Rollins wants for Christmas is a break. Three years ago, she stumbled into her dream job as a wedding planner, but she's been so bogged down with the minutiae of inn ownership that she can't even enjoy it. She and her twin sister might have been bequeathed the Starlight Haven Inn, but the bed and breakfast didn't come with much more than extra long hours and piles of debt. Cole Donovan was looking for a fresh start when he moved to Havenbrook. Instead, his reputation as a cutthroat divorce attorney preceded him--and tainted his introduction to the only woman he's had eyes for since his own divorce. Too bad she can't stand him. In a favor to her cousin, Sadie agrees to a little modeling in exchange for a spread in the country's leading wedding magazine. All she has to do is wear a wedding dress and pretend to be smitten with a stranger for a couple hours. Except the fake groom is no stranger, and as much as she loathes Cole, her body hasn't gotten the message. Neither, it seems, has his. But though these opposites attract, there's no way there could be any kind of a future for a wedding planner and a divorce attorney...right?

MY THOUGHTS:

Nothing makes me happier than picking up a book by a new-to-me author and falling completely in love with the story. Which is why I'm feeling absolutely ecstatic this evening. This is my first Brighton Walsh read-one that I accepted in ARC form-and the start of what I'm hoping will be years' worth of wonderful reading escapes. I loved this book so much, I pre-ordered it to have on release day, and then immediately read it again. I'm a sucker for a frenemies to lovers, we're gonna' be bed buddies but not catch feelings type of romance. Sadie and Cole's romance delivered, and then some! Whew, I was NOT expecting the heat from this book, but I sure did enjoy the burn. Their chemistry was off the charts, but I love how that wasn't the only thing that made them click. These two people are both feeling a little lost-both personally and professionally-and a little blindsided by their attraction. How would a jaded divorce lawyer and a hopeful wedding planner even make a relationship work? Brighton Walsh shows us just how in this sexy, romantic holiday story! With a little help from their personal holiday helper-the delightfully mischievous Edna (I would read a story about this woman ANY day. She is an absolute hoot!)-this couple finds their way over the walls they've constructed, making this holiday season one to remember. As a reader, I am so thrilled to have discovered a new-to-me author with an extensive backlist that I'm hoping I'll love just as much as I loved this book!

Buy Links:

https://books2read.com/dealmaker

Meet Brighton Walsh:

USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Brighton Walsh spent a decade as a professional photographer before taking her storytelling in a different direction and reconnecting with her first love—writing. She likes her books how she likes her tea—steamy and satisfying—and adores strong-willed heroines and the protective heroes who fall head over heels for them. Brighton lives in the Midwest with her real life hero of a husband, her two kids—one who’s already taller than her and one who’s catching up too fast—and her dog who thinks she’s a queen. Her boy-filled house is the setting for dirty socks galore, frequent dance parties (okay, so it’s mostly her, by herself, while her children look on in horror), and more laughter than she thought possible.

Connect with Brighton Walsh

Website: https://www.brightonwalsh.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightonwalshwrites

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrightonWalsh

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/brighton-walsh

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brighton_walsh/

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2QHFusu

Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3oGK1Yz

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2RtKIZm

[kiaronna]

Yuri on Ice AO3 Fic Recs!

Hi. I am one of those terrible people that consume a lot more fic than I comment on, because I’m a shy and lazy child. So: fic recs. To promote lesser-known authors, I’ll list from least to most bookmarked (I’ve left out some really popular ones, you can likely find those on your own). Feel free to give me recs in return!

If you’re an author on this list (and somehow see this despite my small following) and are like “mothereffer who’re you we’ve never talked” I plan on commenting on all of these this weekend, because #ficrecdays.

Symphony in a minor by Anicaruscomplex: This adorable 2 part drabble was published around Christmas and it’s been with me ever since. It’s a slice of life, but also Yuuri dealing with the temporary nature of their relationship.

what he notices most is the quiet by fishingclocks: Long distance fic. Did you know that a scene about Viktor making blini in the morning could send your heart into conniption fits? Well, now I do.

Nightfall in Osaka by ryukoishida: A perfect and soft date night for Viktor and Yuuri at the start of them being competitors. Also, the author researched actual beautiful locations for them to go to.

Step three: I’m calling you baby by polly_perks: Viktor deals with the fact that Yuuri isn’t the same man he met at the banquet. It’s sweet and crafted so well.

Scents of home by espritneo: This is the best fic I’ve ever read about Makkachin. Have you ever heard of espritneo? NO? Allow me to introduce you to this gift of a human being. Everything espritneo puts out has wonderful characterization of both Viktor and Yuuri and everyone else in their lives. Also, espritneo is versatile: canon continuations, folklore AUs, sex, time travel, and this whole puppy fic. You have no excuse not to check them out.

Seagulls on the shore (that which we grasp) by Gintsuki: Everyone has daemons and this story makes me wish daemons were canon, because it works SO WELL. This story flows like poetry.

Heart Lines by thelonelywriter: Yuuri reads Viktor’s palm, Viktor is ridiculous, and it’s adorable. Thelonelywriter, despite being lonely, has written some very quality fluff, so check them out.

Infinitesimal being by sarahyyy: An Otabek/Yuri fairytale story where Otabek is an immortal goblin, and it’s… written from OTABEK’S POV sometimes. I feel like this is so rare but it’s done so perfectly, and the lore behind it is bittersweet.

Every inch of you is perfect by lazulisong: *fans self* Every inch of lazulisong is perfect and I’ll say it as many times as I need to. Just go read everything. You’ll thank me later.

Again and Again by grayclouds: A reincarnation AU that is heart-wrenchingly beautiful and unconventional. It’s a whirlwind of different forms of Victuuri and some have me turning over in my bed at night—in one of them they don’t even exist at the same time and it still makes my stomach flip.

The road that stretches out ahead by hellodeer: Yuuri and Viktor go on a road trip. THIS FIC. I’ve read it so many times, and it’s just raw and so convincing in its story of how Yuuri finally realizes that Viktor actually loves him and intends to stay with him. It doesn’t get all the attention it deserves.

Undertow by Mhalachai: *heavy breathing* this fic is beautiful and creative and almost made me cry for Viktor Nikiforov. It’s one of the few fics that demonstrates Viktor’s insecurities and doubts and does it by successfully using supernatural Russian folklore. I am so impressed by this piece and it’s still messing with my head—it also has a companion piece that’s Yuuri-centric.

Understand Someday by triste: A wonderful piece of Victuuri family fluff, starring Yurio. You will want to hug the little tiger by the end of it. Triste has other excellent works, too!

Rumour has it by lunaetude: Viktor and Yuuri are at Hogwarts together, and are ADORABLE and very in-character, and it alludes to Viktor’s loneliness softly but emotionally. Lunaetude has multiple AUs for YOI that are gorgeous, so go read everything by that author, even if you don’t think it’s your cup of tea, because you WILL like it.

Of Dahlias and Deadlines by ingthing: have you ever read a fic and been like, this is so cute? Why isn’t this a show all by itself? Well, ingthing has a florist/wedding planner AU series that makes me say this every time they post, and everyone should read it. Viktor was born to be a wedding planner.

Easy on my knees by ineptshieldmaid: A Viktor-centric relationship study that has such a careful and touching path to them getting together, and Viktor trusting and loving Yuuri. Ineptshieldmaid has written other equally squeal-inducing fanfic, too!

High-Flying, Adored by terra_incognita: I’m a sucker for superhero AUs and this is amazing. Everybody has secret identities and it’s a love square between Viktor and Yuuri and their superhero personas—it’s quirky and emotional and addictive. Also, Yuri Plisetsky is amazing in it. You will have to suspend your disbelief a bit though, because Yuuri somehow doesn’t realize that two silver haired Russians arriving in town at the same time ARE THE SAME PERSON.

The measure of the year (the mind of men) by geckoplasm: A fic where Yuuri and Viktor are a real couple with actual communication issues, just like in the show! They screw up and make up and you always get both sides of the story in a way that is personal and eye-opening as to how two people that love one another can still have misunderstandings and cause major damage.

Adoration (noun) by crossroadswrite: pre episode 10, but an incredibly convincing and thoughtful explanation of how Viktor fell in love with Katsuki Yuuri—an AU where Viktor had originally intended to leave Hasetsu after a year.

Chasing Tail by Metallic_Sweet: This is the only fic on my list that I think is probably dead but please read it just for an A/B/O experience that you’ve likely never had before. Viktor has his scent glands removed and he is calculating in a way almost nobody depicts him as, but which I think is true to canon.

From june to September by bigspoonnoya: “This is the summer they fell in love.” This fic is essentially canon to me, it’s so well written.

Body music by fan_nerd: Um, everybody probably already knows fan_nerd because they’re a magical presence in the YOI fandom, but their reverse AU is the best. Viktor looks up to five-time champion Katsuki Yuuri and some things stay the same (being drunk at the banquet) and some things hilariously change (Yuuri actually emails Viktor before he just shows up at his house).

Dear Mama by Ferrero13: Viktor writes letters and emails to his beloved mother throughout the YOI series, and it’s HILARIOUS. Also sweet. Viktor’s writing and drama is spot on, and this whole fic is just well done.

Specks of silver in the evening sky by winchilsea: “Viktor’s kink is taking care of Yuuri” in a way that’s both eros and agape. This fic is breathtaking. *sobs into hands* I love winchilsea. Sometimes I read things by winchilsea that I don’t even know about (I read a Pacific Rim AU of YOI and I’ve never glanced at Pacific Rim) and it doesn’t matter because they are such high quality.

I’ve been up nights making you my god by kevystel: Oh, kevystel. I’m reccing this fic because it’s one of the first I found, but anything by kevystel is golden. It’s a brilliant and gorgeous relationship study.

On top of the world by springsoldier(ladydaredevil): Another superhero AU, where superman Viktor takes on Yuuri as his superhero protégé and Yuri Plisetsky fails terribly in his attempt to be a villain (he rescues kittens, y’all). It’s so, so precious and I love its Viktor.

I have my body (and you have yours) by astoryaboutwar: *UNINTELLIGIBLE SCREAMING* if you haven’t read any of her works, you need to go read astoryaboutwar RIGHT NOW. This is a heart-stopping soulmate AU where Yuuri keeps his soulmate a secret and then everything is emotional and stunningly written. *points helplessly at ‘our doubts are traitors’* Look, she’s writing this too and nobody is worthy of it. Nobody.

Nerve Endings by Phyona: Yuuri moves to St. Petersburg, and they deal with Yuuri’s anxiety. Yuuri has A LOT of anxiety, and it’s depicted at length here in ways that feel real and devastating. Later, Viktor has anxiety too, and overall I was just sitting there clenching my head in my hands, having a lot of feelings. 

Healthy Impropriety by mtothedestiel: Viktor and Yuuri in Victorian times!! Viktor is EXTRA extra, in the most perfect way, and Yuuri is just a normal Victorian guy trying to live his life. The author clearly worked really hard to keep it true to novels written during that time (Pride and Prejudice, etc).

Closer, Still by sciencefictioness: *spits out beer* did you know that A/B/O could be incredibly poetic and full of gorgous yearning and make you feel like you’ve been missing out on someone for your entire life?! Go read this.

The naming of cats by csoru: Another Yuri/Otabek rec. It’s realistic and Yuri is so in character it hurts. It actually spends time depicting their ice skating careers, and doesn’t just focus on their relationship, in true YOI style. Also it’s wonderfully written, so go check it out.

Stargazer by Fahye: No ice skating, just amazing space AU sports. Yuuri is a commoner that gets taken under the wing of space royalty to learn how to ballist.

From Almaty, With Love by BoxWineConfessions: another one that I probably don’t have to rec because if you like Yuri/Otabek, you’ve already discovered it. Yuri goes to visit Otabek for a summer and they fall in love. It captures both of them very well, and its scenes are written out so stunningly that even them lounging around in Otabek’s apartment is like a painted picture in your mind. I’m not even a huge Yuri/Otabek fan and this fic is just… sigh.

Always My Soulmate by Watermelonsmellinfellon: obviously, I’m a sucker for soulmate AUs and compilations and this is a good one. Watermelonsmellinfellon contributes a massive amount to the YOI community, and has done everything: soulmates, an AU where Yuuri is deaf, and time travel, and they actually research everything. So, so impressed.

A glide in your step by Yuu_chi: this was one of the first fics I read that threw me into the pit of YOI. It’s so, so sweet and masterfully crafted and something I always go back to; it’s a beautiful depiction of how Yuuri and Viktor got together in Hasetsu. It’s pining Viktor written before pining Viktor was even canon.

Maelstrom by feelslikefire: Viktor relives the a day of the Sochi Grand Prix over and over. A fic in which Viktor is actually initially a terrible person that gets to do character development, AND the worst day of Yuuri’s life is handled masterfully again and again.

Victor Effing Nikiforov by shysweetthing: so I would like to recommend both the story and the author, who despite being a writing god constantly descends from heaven to grace everyone with reviews and tumblr musings (her tumblr is the same as her author name on AO3). Yuuri doesn’t fail the Japanese nationals after GPF1, makes it to Worlds, and Viktor Nikiforov steamrollers him with love that Yuuri is incredibly confused by. Go read everything by this author and pray that she updates Viktor!!! With Swords at some point.

Until My Feet Bleed and My Heart Aches by Reiya: They’re rivals! Do I even have to rec this? It’s so frickin popular and THERE’S A REASON. I daydream about this fic and the worldbuilding for the AU is sublime. The author plans everything out so beautifully. In case you’ve somehow missed it, Yuuri meets up with Viktor as a kid, Viktor is Viktor and is blunt, and Yuuri’s heart breaks, resulting in him ferociously working to beat Viktor in competition. Then, there’s incredibly respectful one-sided hate sex.

Like your French girls by ebenroot: Viktor is an artist, and Yuuri his figure skating muse. Everybody knows this fic. It’s perfection.