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First New Year's After the Apocalypse
Wade Turner takes a drunk Jaxxon home after work hoping to get laid. What he gets instead is news that the world as they know it is ending—superbugs are sweeping the nation, leaving high death tolls in their wake, and the president has been assassinated. In this new storm of chaos everyone is referring to as the Apocalypse, Wade decides their chances are better if they stick together.
But when Jaxxon’s ex dies in a hurricane and his daughter goes missing, Wade watches the man he loves slip into despair. Desperate to save his relationship, Wade leaves in the middle of the night on a dangerous journey to save Jaxxon’s daughter—a child he’s not sure is even still alive. If he can put this family back together, maybe there will still be something worth celebrating in the aftermath of the Apocalypse.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2016 Advent Calendar "Bah Humbug."
But when Jaxxon’s ex dies in a hurricane and his daughter goes missing, Wade watches the man he loves slip into despair. Desperate to save his relationship, Wade leaves in the middle of the night on a dangerous journey to save Jaxxon’s daughter—a child he’s not sure is even still alive. If he can put this family back together, maybe there will still be something worth celebrating in the aftermath of the Apocalypse.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2016 Advent Calendar "Bah Humbug."
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 8, 2017
"What the hell. The world is ending. I don't give a fuck."
Wow, oh wow! This was fantastic! Man, I wish this was a full length novel, I could read this story for days!
I have a huge love for post apocalyptic stories. Stories about survival at the end of the world just crank my chain, you know? Getting to see how survivors continue on and try to make the best of their new world and the different ways they overcome all the obstacles that are thrown their way is fascinating to me. I'm not quite at the prepper stage yet, but I can see it as something I might entertain in the future.
I loved, loved, loved the unique take on living in a post apocalyptic world the author gave us. She portrayed it in such a realistic manner (electricity still works off and on, the internet and cell phones still work sometimes, there is still a form of quasi-government) I could actually believe that this scenario might really happen someday. Kinda troubling if you think about it, but again, fascinating nonetheless.
The writing, oh the writing! I didn't think I could be moved so much by these simple words. The story progressed gradually, the author giving us a look into Wade and Jaxxon's lives through flashbacks as Wade is on the road. We don't learn the why of it right away, instead we're fed bits of it in dribs and drabs. And even though it is a short story, it's packed full of some really amazing feels. Though subtle, the words evoked just how bleak peoples' outlooks are now that their lives have been turned upside down and really expressed each person's reactions to their new lives individually. And even though we were only told the story from Wade's point of view, I was able to really get the feel of Jaxxon as a person and was able to understand why he acted the way he did. I felt as though I got to know both of them thoroughly. How awesome is that?
Gosh, I want more of this story. If not this story, then another one set in this world. I was captivated from beginning to end. I definitely will be checking out this author's other works in the very near future. Brava!
Check out our final Jizzmas buddy read on the blog!
December 4, 2016
It is not this kind sweet Christmas story that smells of almonds, cinnamon and vanilla.
But is also not THAT apocalyptic as I thought it WOULD be. And it is good this way.
It is full of believe that bad times are always followed by better times.
It is full of anticipation and hope that EVERYTHING will be alright.
To review a short novel is always difficult, I don't want to retell the story, but only make you curious and read it by yourselves. It is different, and it is romantic, and it is worth to give it a try.
*** Copy provided to Gay Book Reviews by the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
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January 20, 2017 5 Hearts
Wow. This came out of nowhere and kicked me right in the feels. As my last read of the Advent Calendar and my last read of the 2016 year, this could not have been more perfect.
Told from the POV of Wade, we learn how he and Jaxxon came to be together. A very drunk and melancholy Jaxxon lays a kiss on his bartender and they go home together. From there, Jaxxon continues to be melancholy with small bits of true emotion that he displays to Wade outside and inside the bedroom as the men learn to live in this new world. But Jaxxon is always focused on what's lost in the apocalypse and that's his daughter who went with her mother to Florida.
This story was different than the rest of the calendar, not only with the focus not being Bah Humbuggy about Christmas but more of survival in a new world, reaching for the hope of a new year and trying to find real connection to the person you now share a life with. I really enjoyed the take on the apocalypse and how everything was now run and that the world building in the story was not a carbon copy of every other show etc. that is out there right now This new world was unique.
I was tuned into Wade as he falls for Jaxxon and only wanting the emotional connection Jaxxon cannot seem to give. It was heartbreaking to see him try so much after the news of the hurricane and just watch Jaxxon begin to slip away. When they argue and Wade decides to leave to truly find out is Jaxxon’s daughter is alive, I began to hold my breath through his journey.
I loved that as Wade traveled from Wisconsin to Florida we get more of his relationship with Jaxxon as he reflects on their time together. We get the arguments and the tender moments that bloom up from the loss of normal and we get that Wade is an amazing man who will do anything for Jaxxon. This story really is romantic in a way that was unexpected but it's the unexpected that can be gorgeous. Goodness, this book held my heart in a vice right up until the end. That end? Yeah, it made me cry a few times and all the tears were worth it. So worth it.
As the 31st book and the last read by me in this event, I dare say it was the perfect closure. *raises glass* Here's to a New New Year and the first after the apocalypse. Cheers.
*******************************************************
We Unicorn's are reviewing the Dreamspinner 2016 Advent Calendar every Sunday, Jizzmas gang bang style on the blog with the unis who are Santa Jizzians and the Grumpicorns. Check out the rest of the reviews for this story here...
Wow. This came out of nowhere and kicked me right in the feels. As my last read of the Advent Calendar and my last read of the 2016 year, this could not have been more perfect.
Told from the POV of Wade, we learn how he and Jaxxon came to be together. A very drunk and melancholy Jaxxon lays a kiss on his bartender and they go home together. From there, Jaxxon continues to be melancholy with small bits of true emotion that he displays to Wade outside and inside the bedroom as the men learn to live in this new world. But Jaxxon is always focused on what's lost in the apocalypse and that's his daughter who went with her mother to Florida.
This story was different than the rest of the calendar, not only with the focus not being Bah Humbuggy about Christmas but more of survival in a new world, reaching for the hope of a new year and trying to find real connection to the person you now share a life with. I really enjoyed the take on the apocalypse and how everything was now run and that the world building in the story was not a carbon copy of every other show etc. that is out there right now This new world was unique.
I was tuned into Wade as he falls for Jaxxon and only wanting the emotional connection Jaxxon cannot seem to give. It was heartbreaking to see him try so much after the news of the hurricane and just watch Jaxxon begin to slip away. When they argue and Wade decides to leave to truly find out is Jaxxon’s daughter is alive, I began to hold my breath through his journey.
I loved that as Wade traveled from Wisconsin to Florida we get more of his relationship with Jaxxon as he reflects on their time together. We get the arguments and the tender moments that bloom up from the loss of normal and we get that Wade is an amazing man who will do anything for Jaxxon. This story really is romantic in a way that was unexpected but it's the unexpected that can be gorgeous. Goodness, this book held my heart in a vice right up until the end. That end? Yeah, it made me cry a few times and all the tears were worth it. So worth it.
As the 31st book and the last read by me in this event, I dare say it was the perfect closure. *raises glass* Here's to a New New Year and the first after the apocalypse. Cheers.
*******************************************************
We Unicorn's are reviewing the Dreamspinner 2016 Advent Calendar every Sunday, Jizzmas gang bang style on the blog with the unis who are Santa Jizzians and the Grumpicorns. Check out the rest of the reviews for this story here...
December 31, 2016
Post-apocalyptic scenarios are not usually my cup of tea, but combined with this particular story description and as part of Dreamspinner Press’s 2016 Advent Calendar, I felt sufficiently reassured of a positive ending that I tackled this specific novella. And I am so glad I did! The beginning was dreary, pretty much as expected with the end of the world as we know it arriving in the form of superbugs that resist antibiotics, crazier weather by the day, and a lack of law and order since the president has been assassinated. Wisconsin, where former bartender Wade and now-hunter Jaxxon live, remains a little more secure for longer, but not by much.
Wade and Jaxxon are not lovers – they have only kissed once when Jaxxon was drunk - when they band together for protection against the chaos. Wade is the one who initiates their “alliance”, but it’s not an easy match. They fight, Jaxxon worries about his ex-wife and his daughter who have moved to Florida, and while there is some attraction between Wade and Jaxxon, they aren’t even really friends. And yet – Wade understands Jaxxon’s worry about his daughter and ends up doing something about the situation.
The story is told in short flashbacks while Wade travels south to try to find Jaxxon’s daughter. I liked the slow revelation of the horrible situation, the glimpses of Wade and Jaxxon’s life, and the lifting of the mystery of what happened to make Wade attempt the impossible. It’s clear that Jaxxon is selfish and not a nice guy, initially treating Wade as a convenient bed warmer when he is horny. It did make me wonder why Wade sticks with him, but then, I have not been in their situation and banding together, seeking human warmth, is a likely result of existing society falling apart. And as more was revealed, my understanding rose.
If you like apocalyptic scenarios that focus on the human factor and how relationships and rules change once society as we know it is no longer around, if you believe that family and love are stronger than chaos, and if you’re looking for a read that runs the gamut from pretty hopeless to a warm ending, then you will probably like this emotionally intense novella sprinkled with a generous helping of adventure.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Wade and Jaxxon are not lovers – they have only kissed once when Jaxxon was drunk - when they band together for protection against the chaos. Wade is the one who initiates their “alliance”, but it’s not an easy match. They fight, Jaxxon worries about his ex-wife and his daughter who have moved to Florida, and while there is some attraction between Wade and Jaxxon, they aren’t even really friends. And yet – Wade understands Jaxxon’s worry about his daughter and ends up doing something about the situation.
The story is told in short flashbacks while Wade travels south to try to find Jaxxon’s daughter. I liked the slow revelation of the horrible situation, the glimpses of Wade and Jaxxon’s life, and the lifting of the mystery of what happened to make Wade attempt the impossible. It’s clear that Jaxxon is selfish and not a nice guy, initially treating Wade as a convenient bed warmer when he is horny. It did make me wonder why Wade sticks with him, but then, I have not been in their situation and banding together, seeking human warmth, is a likely result of existing society falling apart. And as more was revealed, my understanding rose.
If you like apocalyptic scenarios that focus on the human factor and how relationships and rules change once society as we know it is no longer around, if you believe that family and love are stronger than chaos, and if you’re looking for a read that runs the gamut from pretty hopeless to a warm ending, then you will probably like this emotionally intense novella sprinkled with a generous helping of adventure.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 13, 2016
This book warmed my heart. At first it seemed a little far-fetched, not in the sense that it sounded ridiculous, just a little unlikely. I think that’s because this is such a short piece that Payseur couldn’t add as much detail as she needed for me to really feel like Jaxxon and Wade made a connection strong enough in their first meeting for them to team up. But really, after getting to know Wade a little bit more, it didn’t seem as far-fetched. He’s just a little crazy.
And by crazy, I mean out of his freaking mind. Not only does he stay in a house where his roommate doesn’t really want him there, but he leaves on a cross-country trip to go get his daughter for him and bring her home.
Maybe Wade saw something great in Jaxxon? Maybe he was that person that everyone else thinks is just angry and alone and not worth it, but Wade saw through all of that? I’m inclined to believe that because of the way this story ended, but I wish I’d have gotten to see that more from Jaxxon himself rather than just through Wade.
That being said, I did really like this story. This isn’t my first time reading a short from Jessica Payseur, and I remember being equally impressed with the last DSP anthology I picked up with her in it. I would recommend this book, for sure. The HEA warmed my heart and the more I think back about the story, the more I like it.
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
And by crazy, I mean out of his freaking mind. Not only does he stay in a house where his roommate doesn’t really want him there, but he leaves on a cross-country trip to go get his daughter for him and bring her home.
Maybe Wade saw something great in Jaxxon? Maybe he was that person that everyone else thinks is just angry and alone and not worth it, but Wade saw through all of that? I’m inclined to believe that because of the way this story ended, but I wish I’d have gotten to see that more from Jaxxon himself rather than just through Wade.
That being said, I did really like this story. This isn’t my first time reading a short from Jessica Payseur, and I remember being equally impressed with the last DSP anthology I picked up with her in it. I would recommend this book, for sure. The HEA warmed my heart and the more I think back about the story, the more I like it.
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
December 31, 2016
I have to be honest and say I was ready to not like First New Year’s After the Apocalypse by Jessica Payseur, me and everything Apocalypse related aren’t on good terms. I’m not a fan of sci fi in general but the blurb of this short made me curious. And I’m very happy I gave this new to me author a chance.
I struggled a little at the beginning of the story because I couldn’t feel a connection, a chemistry, between Jaxxon and Wade, and the way Wade basically made room for himself in Jaxxon life, made no sense to me. It was clear to me later that he felt something I totally missed and of course he took the right choice. I liked how the author kept me on my toes, I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next and I wasn’t expecting the ending but I so welcomed it.
I’m going to see what else Jessica Payseur wrote in the past, I’d like to read more of her works.
The cover art by Catt Ford is very fitting and for this I like it.
I struggled a little at the beginning of the story because I couldn’t feel a connection, a chemistry, between Jaxxon and Wade, and the way Wade basically made room for himself in Jaxxon life, made no sense to me. It was clear to me later that he felt something I totally missed and of course he took the right choice. I liked how the author kept me on my toes, I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next and I wasn’t expecting the ending but I so welcomed it.
I’m going to see what else Jessica Payseur wrote in the past, I’d like to read more of her works.
The cover art by Catt Ford is very fitting and for this I like it.
January 22, 2017
It's a strange book. It's not exactly a romance but it's not exactly post-apocalyptic fiction either, it's a mixture of the two. It wasn't a great version of either, to be honest, but it did keep my attention and I enjoyed it while I was reading.
March 4, 2018
Overall I liked this story.
The apocalypse element is kind of in the background and Wade and Jaxxon are dealing with living after the event.
Neither are particularly nice characters at the start - Wade foists himself on Jaxxon who in turn is a bolshy character. The story also kinds of flicks back to fill in some gaps but they way it was done was a bit confusing at times.
Wade did grow on me more than Jaxxon, who still seems an abrasive closed of character. Wade had some self sacrificing tendancies, vis his nourney to Florida.
But they did get the happiest ending they could, given the world uncertainty.
The apocalypse element is kind of in the background and Wade and Jaxxon are dealing with living after the event.
Neither are particularly nice characters at the start - Wade foists himself on Jaxxon who in turn is a bolshy character. The story also kinds of flicks back to fill in some gaps but they way it was done was a bit confusing at times.
Wade did grow on me more than Jaxxon, who still seems an abrasive closed of character. Wade had some self sacrificing tendancies, vis his nourney to Florida.
But they did get the happiest ending they could, given the world uncertainty.
March 9, 2022
Nice story, but a bit graphic in sex scenes, its a book for mature readers
January 3, 2017
This is the final Daily Download of the holiday series. It has been a great month of wonderful stories.
This story is bittersweet as the world is coming apart at the seams but through all of the chaos and destruction two men find each other and a relationship of sorts. They have overcome so much but when further tragedy strikes Jaxxon's life it seems to break them apart.
But there can still be miracles in this new time and maybe despite it all we can still see love and hope.
This story is bittersweet as the world is coming apart at the seams but through all of the chaos and destruction two men find each other and a relationship of sorts. They have overcome so much but when further tragedy strikes Jaxxon's life it seems to break them apart.
But there can still be miracles in this new time and maybe despite it all we can still see love and hope.
December 31, 2016
A very enjoyable holiday read. Definitely kind of grim and dark, certainly in the beginning, but it made sense as the story progressed. I can't say I was a big fan of Jaxxon's and he definitely lucked out by having Wade. Wade was a great guy who went way beyond anyone's expectations as a boyfriend.
December 31, 2016
2022 Re-Read:
I probably view this differently now that I did in 2016, but I was still able to enjoy it. I'm not sure I think these two will make it in the long run, though.
I probably view this differently now that I did in 2016, but I was still able to enjoy it. I'm not sure I think these two will make it in the long run, though.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews