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All Creatures Great and Small
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2017 Advent Calendar collection [ Stuffers|36583136].
Growing up an orphan meant Charlie never celebrated Christmas. He’s committed to making sure his newly adopted cat, Max, doesn’t miss out like he did. Unfortunately, he discovers that giving Max the perfect Christmas might be easier said than done—and not without risk.
Charlie’s landlord, successful and wealthy real estate developer Aemon Scotfield, is charmed by the gorgeous redhead and his shameless alley cat. He finds himself compelled to help orchestrate a memorable celebration for Max—and Charlie—despite the mishaps that seem to just keep coming. As difficult as it will be to pull off the perfect holiday, the real challenge might be walking away when it’s over.
Growing up an orphan meant Charlie never celebrated Christmas. He’s committed to making sure his newly adopted cat, Max, doesn’t miss out like he did. Unfortunately, he discovers that giving Max the perfect Christmas might be easier said than done—and not without risk.
Charlie’s landlord, successful and wealthy real estate developer Aemon Scotfield, is charmed by the gorgeous redhead and his shameless alley cat. He finds himself compelled to help orchestrate a memorable celebration for Max—and Charlie—despite the mishaps that seem to just keep coming. As difficult as it will be to pull off the perfect holiday, the real challenge might be walking away when it’s over.
34 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2017
1 person is currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 23, 2017
I'm going with 3 stars because I cannot rate a story involving a stray cat named Max; a three-legged Husky named Bucky; a greedy guinea pig; and a sweater-wearing parrot who talks like a drag queen anything less than 3 stars.
The ending was particularly cute and hilarious, but the relationship building was nonexistent. I loved Charlie, but Ameon's character was really superficial.
Indeed, I felt like I knew Charlie's colleague far better than I knew Max.
This is also a particularly chaste story: a couple kisses, no lingering glances, and almost no hint of sexual attraction.
The ending was particularly cute and hilarious, but the relationship building was nonexistent. I loved Charlie, but Ameon's character was really superficial.
Indeed, I felt like I knew Charlie's colleague far better than I knew Max.
This is also a particularly chaste story: a couple kisses, no lingering glances, and almost no hint of sexual attraction.
November 18, 2017
*3.5 stars*
A surprisingly cute, light little novella from newbie author, Kasper Quill.
I don't always have the best luck with anthologies, and I definitely don't have the best luck with first-time authors, but I was impressed by this one.
It started off a little rocky with a lot of telling and not a lot of showing, but it soon got into the groove. The MC was funny ( I LOVE funny) and the animals were adorable. The plot morphed into something that was just okay into a really sweet opposites attract story.
It wasn't perfect, but it was a really nice holiday story, and a winner for this anthology.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
A surprisingly cute, light little novella from newbie author, Kasper Quill.
I don't always have the best luck with anthologies, and I definitely don't have the best luck with first-time authors, but I was impressed by this one.
It started off a little rocky with a lot of telling and not a lot of showing, but it soon got into the groove. The MC was funny ( I LOVE funny) and the animals were adorable. The plot morphed into something that was just okay into a really sweet opposites attract story.
It wasn't perfect, but it was a really nice holiday story, and a winner for this anthology.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
January 2, 2020
2.5 Hearts
Um… this was cute with plenty of animal/pet shenanigans but for me personally, there was very little character, relationship, or romantic development as things went from point A to B with hardly an explanation.
However, one gets the gist of some hurt comfort as Aemon indulges Charlie who’s never had a true Christmas that he can remember. The spirit of the holidays still permeates this throughout, ultimately leaving one feeling warm and fuzzy in all the right ways.
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
For more reviews on this week’s Advent releases, please check out the blog!!
Um… this was cute with plenty of animal/pet shenanigans but for me personally, there was very little character, relationship, or romantic development as things went from point A to B with hardly an explanation.
However, one gets the gist of some hurt comfort as Aemon indulges Charlie who’s never had a true Christmas that he can remember. The spirit of the holidays still permeates this throughout, ultimately leaving one feeling warm and fuzzy in all the right ways.
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
For more reviews on this week’s Advent releases, please check out the blog!!
January 4, 2018
4.5 Stars
The Christmas Spirit is alive and well in All Creatures Great and Small. I will squee for days over this story. For days I tell you! It’s freakin’ adorable with just enough snarky humor to keep it from being toooo sweet. Charlie is the most amazing little shitshow you’ll ever meet. He was orphaned at a young age and bounced around foster homes until he aged out. He’s put himself through school and landed himself a good job in IT. He’s never really done Christmas since his parents passed and when he adopts a shitshow of an alley cat, Max, his dream is to give Max the Christmas Charlie himself never had.
“Max deserved a tree. After all, it was our first Christmas as a family.”
Now Max is a cat, so by nature he really gives zero fucks, but Charlie is so excited to have his own little family now he goes all out. Poor Charlie has no clue what he’s really doing, but he tries so very hard and thankfully he gets a meet cute with his very posh landlord who is smitten with the awesomeness that is Charlie and who knows a thing or two about Christmas. The two of them have a real connection that was quick but it was too delicious to bitch about such things because I loved every little nugget the author tossed my way. Bonus points for wonderful secondary characters, knowing Charlie had a support system like he had warmed my cockles. I hope the author writes more soon, I need more Charlie and Aemon type characters in my life.
**copies of the DSP Advent Calendar were provided in exchange for honest reviews**
The Christmas Spirit is alive and well in All Creatures Great and Small. I will squee for days over this story. For days I tell you! It’s freakin’ adorable with just enough snarky humor to keep it from being toooo sweet. Charlie is the most amazing little shitshow you’ll ever meet. He was orphaned at a young age and bounced around foster homes until he aged out. He’s put himself through school and landed himself a good job in IT. He’s never really done Christmas since his parents passed and when he adopts a shitshow of an alley cat, Max, his dream is to give Max the Christmas Charlie himself never had.
“Max deserved a tree. After all, it was our first Christmas as a family.”
Now Max is a cat, so by nature he really gives zero fucks, but Charlie is so excited to have his own little family now he goes all out. Poor Charlie has no clue what he’s really doing, but he tries so very hard and thankfully he gets a meet cute with his very posh landlord who is smitten with the awesomeness that is Charlie and who knows a thing or two about Christmas. The two of them have a real connection that was quick but it was too delicious to bitch about such things because I loved every little nugget the author tossed my way. Bonus points for wonderful secondary characters, knowing Charlie had a support system like he had warmed my cockles. I hope the author writes more soon, I need more Charlie and Aemon type characters in my life.
**copies of the DSP Advent Calendar were provided in exchange for honest reviews**
January 22, 2018
There is a lot of fantasy (wish fulfillment) in this Christmas romance but I love a cat and an accident prone hero. I also liked a clueless hero paired with a steadfast one who see the less conventional hero's value.
This is a fun Christmas Contemporary Novella. A nice quick read when things are rushed and you need a moment.
This is a fun Christmas Contemporary Novella. A nice quick read when things are rushed and you need a moment.
December 19, 2017
3.75 stars rounded up
Okay, fine, I probably loved this story more so because of the number of stray animals that Charlie ended up adopting rather than his romance with Aemon. I couldn’t help it! Charlie’s first animal was a gray cat named Mad Max, and his second was a three-legged Husky named BUCKY! *my Steve/Bucky heart shipper flutters crazily* I thought Charlie being first time pet owner – and the fact that he took hundreds of photos to show his colleague was adorable.
As for the romance – it was pretty nice, clearly Aemon found Charlie to be endearing despite that their first meetings always involved some kind of mishaps. It was AMUSING and I couldn’t help chuckling when I read their banter.
I think this is Kasper Quill’s first published story? Or at least my first experience with her writing. I like her style, most definitely. Those looking for more intense romance might not find it, but heck, I’m rounding it up for the animals. Because ANIMALS in holiday story are GOLD!
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Okay, fine, I probably loved this story more so because of the number of stray animals that Charlie ended up adopting rather than his romance with Aemon. I couldn’t help it! Charlie’s first animal was a gray cat named Mad Max, and his second was a three-legged Husky named BUCKY! *my Steve/Bucky heart shipper flutters crazily* I thought Charlie being first time pet owner – and the fact that he took hundreds of photos to show his colleague was adorable.
As for the romance – it was pretty nice, clearly Aemon found Charlie to be endearing despite that their first meetings always involved some kind of mishaps. It was AMUSING and I couldn’t help chuckling when I read their banter.
“You again! I swear you are trying to kill me!”
“Not on purpose! Hold still. Don’t damage my tree.”
“That is the most preposterous idea I’ve ever heard.”
“You got a better one?”
“Now that you mention it, yes, I do. Thank you for inquiring.”
“Ponce.”
“What was that? I seem to be having some difficulty hearing you with this abundance of foliage in my face.”
I think this is Kasper Quill’s first published story? Or at least my first experience with her writing. I like her style, most definitely. Those looking for more intense romance might not find it, but heck, I’m rounding it up for the animals. Because ANIMALS in holiday story are GOLD!
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
November 15, 2017
Oh, this is a wonderful story to begin with.
This was funny and adorable. I laugh a lot. Charlie and Aemon are definitely meant to be together.
There are some adorable adopted animals too, because Charlie cannot stand a lone animal, abandoned at Christmas. So he gave max his first Christmas. But he had no idea what's real Christmas like, because since he's five years old, his parents passed away and lived with some foster parents ever since.
I cried a bit when he asked Aemon what's the Christmas like, and Aemon told him everything, and wanted to give him a real Christmas. Sigh.
"Maybe I'm just a bit sad that I don't remember Christmas with my parents, because maybe it was just as wonderful as yours.."
I enjoyed this so much, enjoyed the laughter, the love, the clumsiness, the sweetness...the animals are all adorable. And the ending was just so perfect!
Recommended for your holiday read!
*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest and unbiased review.*
August 30, 2020
This was incredibly cute and very heartwarming. Charlie was such an adorable character, I totally loved him.
Charlie is a 23 year old IT guy. When he rides his bike home from work one day a cat runs in front of him making him fall and hit the pavement. Instead of blaming the cat, he ends up adopting the stray.
After a bath and some food, Charlie decides to name him Max. And of course Max needs a Christmas tree for their first Christmas together. Charlie doesn’t have anyone else since he grew up in foster care, so he decides to give Max a Christmas to remember, with a tree and of course gifts.
Charlie gets some unexpected help in decorating his Christmas tree from his landlord. His very posh, but sexy landlord….
I absolutely adored Charlie. I loved how he immediately adopted Max, the stray cat. And then loved on him with his whole heart.
I couldn’t stop the silly grin spreading across my face as I showed Sam my new companion. “And here he is curled up on my coat, and here he is on the windowsill, and here’s one of him licking his paw, and here are some of him eating, and here he is investigating his litter box.”
Sam just smiled and let me show him the 113 new photos I had on my phone.
This also had a lovely dose of hurt/comfort. Charlie grew up in foster care and isn’t familiar with family Christmases.
”None of the houses I stayed in ever put up a real tree, though. One Christmas was really good because I got a stack of comic books. They were old and well-read, but I loved them. I managed to save a few from the kids in the group home. One year I got trail mix for a gift. I couldn’t eat it because it had peanuts, but it was still a gift, right? I do know a bunch of carols, but that’s because the group homes would drag us different churches or old folks’ homes to sing them. I used to pretend I was the lead singer in a band, and we were on tour.”
The romance was sweet, but not really front center. That never bothered me because Charlie was such a delight to read about that the romance was just icing on the already wonderful cake.
For me this really hit all my happy buttons. This book was just so much fun.
------------------------------
An ARC of All Creatures Great and Small was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Charlie is a 23 year old IT guy. When he rides his bike home from work one day a cat runs in front of him making him fall and hit the pavement. Instead of blaming the cat, he ends up adopting the stray.
After a bath and some food, Charlie decides to name him Max. And of course Max needs a Christmas tree for their first Christmas together. Charlie doesn’t have anyone else since he grew up in foster care, so he decides to give Max a Christmas to remember, with a tree and of course gifts.
Charlie gets some unexpected help in decorating his Christmas tree from his landlord. His very posh, but sexy landlord….
I absolutely adored Charlie. I loved how he immediately adopted Max, the stray cat. And then loved on him with his whole heart.
I couldn’t stop the silly grin spreading across my face as I showed Sam my new companion. “And here he is curled up on my coat, and here he is on the windowsill, and here’s one of him licking his paw, and here are some of him eating, and here he is investigating his litter box.”
Sam just smiled and let me show him the 113 new photos I had on my phone.
This also had a lovely dose of hurt/comfort. Charlie grew up in foster care and isn’t familiar with family Christmases.
”None of the houses I stayed in ever put up a real tree, though. One Christmas was really good because I got a stack of comic books. They were old and well-read, but I loved them. I managed to save a few from the kids in the group home. One year I got trail mix for a gift. I couldn’t eat it because it had peanuts, but it was still a gift, right? I do know a bunch of carols, but that’s because the group homes would drag us different churches or old folks’ homes to sing them. I used to pretend I was the lead singer in a band, and we were on tour.”
The romance was sweet, but not really front center. That never bothered me because Charlie was such a delight to read about that the romance was just icing on the already wonderful cake.
For me this really hit all my happy buttons. This book was just so much fun.
------------------------------
An ARC of All Creatures Great and Small was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
December 21, 2017
This story was absolutely adorable. Charlie almost runs over a cat and then instead of doing a sensible thing like calling animal control, Charlie adopts the cat. He takes Max, his new feline companion, home with him and now he is committed to making sure that Max is warm and fuzzy this holiday season. He even gets a Christmas tree for the first time ever so that Max can have a happy Christmas. I loved that Charlie was so concerned about Max and his wellbeing that he decorated just because he thought it might make the cat happy.
Aemon was Charlie's landlord and he was absolutely infatuated with him. Despite all of the trouble he went through, he wanted to make Charlie happy, which meant making sure Max had the Christmas Charlie wanted for him. I didn't feel like I got to know Aemon's character very well and I think part of that is because this book was only 37 pages and some things had to be prioritized. There wasn't necessarily a feeling of chemistry between Charlie and Aemon but Aemon did seem genuinely interested in making Charlie happy.
These boys were made for each other. Aemon was so painfully in love with Charlie and I wanted to smack Charlie upside the head and ask him HOW DID YOU NOT KNOW?!? I loved all of the adopted stray animals and all of the sweetness and cute holiday fluff. It was a contrasting followup to Trading Tridents, the previous book in the anthology, but it was so cute I couldn't pass it up.
If you're looking for overwhelming sweetness, this book might be for you.
Aemon was Charlie's landlord and he was absolutely infatuated with him. Despite all of the trouble he went through, he wanted to make Charlie happy, which meant making sure Max had the Christmas Charlie wanted for him. I didn't feel like I got to know Aemon's character very well and I think part of that is because this book was only 37 pages and some things had to be prioritized. There wasn't necessarily a feeling of chemistry between Charlie and Aemon but Aemon did seem genuinely interested in making Charlie happy.
These boys were made for each other. Aemon was so painfully in love with Charlie and I wanted to smack Charlie upside the head and ask him HOW DID YOU NOT KNOW?!? I loved all of the adopted stray animals and all of the sweetness and cute holiday fluff. It was a contrasting followup to Trading Tridents, the previous book in the anthology, but it was so cute I couldn't pass it up.
If you're looking for overwhelming sweetness, this book might be for you.
December 25, 2017
A sweet and fun read. And if you are an animal fan, this is the book for you.
I didn't like the insta-love part of the story. I never really felt that there was a connection between Charlie (not Charles) and Aemon. Their relationship came out of the blue to me. As did the changes with Charlie. At the beginning he was so set in his ways he didn't even try new things to eat. And after nearly running Max over he changes at the spot. Sorry, I didn't buy that. If this would've been a longer novel, over a longer time sure I can see it, but not how it stands now.
Charlie was adorkable, trying so hard, yet never having a clue. One of my favourite moments was when he "watered" the tree.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review
December 19, 2017
2.5 stars- cute story, minimal development
You know those Christmas shorts or movies that are a little all over the place but never fail to put a smile on your face? That’s how I felt after reading All Creatures Great and Small. This short story features a young, naïve Charlie who has a remarkably big heart, especially for unwanted animals. Charlie haphazardly stumbles into the second hero, Aemon, on the street while rescuing a scruffy stray cat, and a tentative connection ensues when they meet again after Charlie discovers Aemon is his landlord.
I found Charlie very endearing, though I didn’t get quite enough time to really get to know him or much of his story save for a brief summary. Unfortunately, I got even less time to know Aemon or watch their relationship take hold. Honestly it all felt a bit chaotic and it was over before it really started. And yet, I laughed at some of Charlie’s crazy antics as he attempted to create a memorable Christmas for him and his new pets, and I couldn’t help but think he and Aemon were a sweet, albeit unlikely, couple. So while nothing crazy remarkable happened in this short story and the relationship and character development were minimal, I smiled during and after reading All Creatures Great and Small and Charlie’s crazy menagerie certainly warrants rounding up to an even 3 stars.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
You know those Christmas shorts or movies that are a little all over the place but never fail to put a smile on your face? That’s how I felt after reading All Creatures Great and Small. This short story features a young, naïve Charlie who has a remarkably big heart, especially for unwanted animals. Charlie haphazardly stumbles into the second hero, Aemon, on the street while rescuing a scruffy stray cat, and a tentative connection ensues when they meet again after Charlie discovers Aemon is his landlord.
I found Charlie very endearing, though I didn’t get quite enough time to really get to know him or much of his story save for a brief summary. Unfortunately, I got even less time to know Aemon or watch their relationship take hold. Honestly it all felt a bit chaotic and it was over before it really started. And yet, I laughed at some of Charlie’s crazy antics as he attempted to create a memorable Christmas for him and his new pets, and I couldn’t help but think he and Aemon were a sweet, albeit unlikely, couple. So while nothing crazy remarkable happened in this short story and the relationship and character development were minimal, I smiled during and after reading All Creatures Great and Small and Charlie’s crazy menagerie certainly warrants rounding up to an even 3 stars.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
December 19, 2017
Charlie is so cute and charming, I just adored him. On his way home from work, a stray cat causes him to wreck his bike and meet the pompous, hoity man, Aemon. Aemon is proper and educated and more than a little stiff…. Running into Charlie, he seems frustrated with him as chance running into him turns into another run in and then another one; frustrated but intrigued by him, he uses Charlies lack of Christmas tree knowledge to go see him again.
Charlie thinks Aemon is a ponce, but is attracted to him anyway, especially when he keeps popping up and doing little things that make Charlie happy.
This was just a really cute, surprisingly funny and adorable Christmas time read with a very cute HEA and lots of unique rescue animals. I really enjoyed it.
5 stars from me
*I received this story with the promise of an honest and unbiased review*
Charlie thinks Aemon is a ponce, but is attracted to him anyway, especially when he keeps popping up and doing little things that make Charlie happy.
This was just a really cute, surprisingly funny and adorable Christmas time read with a very cute HEA and lots of unique rescue animals. I really enjoyed it.
5 stars from me
*I received this story with the promise of an honest and unbiased review*
December 30, 2017
This short story was okay, but as a romance, it really didn't do much for me. I never felt like I knew the character of Ameon (I'm not sure that I'm spelling his name correctly, and I'm not going to look it up); he was secondary (or, really, third or fourth) in his own romance. Instead, we got Charlie, an orphan who has never really had a good Christmas. He's involved in a minor accident and finds a stray cat, whom he adopts and decides to give a solid Christmas for the cat. I knew more about the cat's personality than Ameon's. That's not an exaggeration.
Charlie also ends up adopting several other animals, like a three-legged dog and a bird that has lost its feathers. Honestly, if this was a real person instead of a story, I'd be a little concerned that this was going to lead to an animal hoarding situation.
Charlie also ends up adopting several other animals, like a three-legged dog and a bird that has lost its feathers. Honestly, if this was a real person instead of a story, I'd be a little concerned that this was going to lead to an animal hoarding situation.
December 15, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
3.5*s of frantic pet-loving craziness!
I love romantic Christmas novellas, as they bring all the magic and excitement of Christmas to life with plenty of heartwarming passion.
This is a really amusing, and very cute Christmas romance. It does not start very auspiciously, but Aemon realises that he has met a diamond in Charlie, and decides to make up for all the sadness that Charlie has previously experienced. I am sure he didn't expect that to mean a menagerie, but it seems they are both into rescuing strays.
Slightly crazy, but definitely a love story, thank you Mr Quill.
3.5*s of frantic pet-loving craziness!
I love romantic Christmas novellas, as they bring all the magic and excitement of Christmas to life with plenty of heartwarming passion.
This is a really amusing, and very cute Christmas romance. It does not start very auspiciously, but Aemon realises that he has met a diamond in Charlie, and decides to make up for all the sadness that Charlie has previously experienced. I am sure he didn't expect that to mean a menagerie, but it seems they are both into rescuing strays.
Slightly crazy, but definitely a love story, thank you Mr Quill.
January 30, 2025
I’m an animal lover right down to my bones so when I read the description for ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ I couldn’t help but be touched by Charlie wanting to give his cat, Max, a wonderful holiday even though Charlie really had no idea what that was due to his own upbringing in foster homes. The thought of this young man wanting to shower so much love on his cat made me feel the warm glow of the season.
On his bike ride home from work one afternoon, in an attempt to miss the creature that darts out under his front tire, Charlie ends up going a** over teakettle. While he’s lying there trying to figure out what hurts, he meets a gorgeous man who talks like a ponce - Charlie’s word, not mine. Regardless, as Charlie slowly makes his way home, the ragged cat, missing a tail, with a torn ear, and a scar on his face, follows him home. Charlie figures he’ll give it a trial run and see how getting out of his comfort zone feels. He names the cat Max, in honor of Mad Max, because that’s how bad the cat fights him that first night when Charlie gives him a bath.
On the next evening’s ride home Charlie decides to get a tree so he and Max can have a real Christmas just like a real family. Of course, Charlie lives on the third floor, he barely makes it home walking his bike while the tree “rides” it, and now he has to figure out how to get the tree up the twisty stairs. That’s how he meets the ponce, Aemon, a second time. Aemon owns Charlie’s building and he’s there to pick up Charlie’s pet deposit check. Let’s just say their second meeting is just as rousing as the first.
“It may have been presumptuous of me, but I hazard to guess that you know nothing of maintaining a Christmas tree.”
“You’re correct. It was very presumptuous of you. I’m caring for my tree just fine, and I’m not going to burn your damn building down! See!” I grabbed the spray bottle off the counter and furiously began spraying the Douglas fir leaning precariously against the wall. That would show him just how well I was taking care of my tree!
I looked over to glare at Aemon and was surprised to see the corner of his mouth quirking up as if trying not to grin.
Oh Charlie. What you did at the pet store has you forever hold a place in my heart. Not so sure what Max will think, however. The third time Charlie and Aemon come together (not like that, get your mind out of the gutter) is another animal versus human altercation of which I laughed out loud. In fact, the author’s epilogue had me howling in glee because I could see it all and it was purrfect.
A fabulous addition to this year’s Advent Calendar and I’d love to have more. Please.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
On his bike ride home from work one afternoon, in an attempt to miss the creature that darts out under his front tire, Charlie ends up going a** over teakettle. While he’s lying there trying to figure out what hurts, he meets a gorgeous man who talks like a ponce - Charlie’s word, not mine. Regardless, as Charlie slowly makes his way home, the ragged cat, missing a tail, with a torn ear, and a scar on his face, follows him home. Charlie figures he’ll give it a trial run and see how getting out of his comfort zone feels. He names the cat Max, in honor of Mad Max, because that’s how bad the cat fights him that first night when Charlie gives him a bath.
On the next evening’s ride home Charlie decides to get a tree so he and Max can have a real Christmas just like a real family. Of course, Charlie lives on the third floor, he barely makes it home walking his bike while the tree “rides” it, and now he has to figure out how to get the tree up the twisty stairs. That’s how he meets the ponce, Aemon, a second time. Aemon owns Charlie’s building and he’s there to pick up Charlie’s pet deposit check. Let’s just say their second meeting is just as rousing as the first.
“It may have been presumptuous of me, but I hazard to guess that you know nothing of maintaining a Christmas tree.”
“You’re correct. It was very presumptuous of you. I’m caring for my tree just fine, and I’m not going to burn your damn building down! See!” I grabbed the spray bottle off the counter and furiously began spraying the Douglas fir leaning precariously against the wall. That would show him just how well I was taking care of my tree!
I looked over to glare at Aemon and was surprised to see the corner of his mouth quirking up as if trying not to grin.
Oh Charlie. What you did at the pet store has you forever hold a place in my heart. Not so sure what Max will think, however. The third time Charlie and Aemon come together (not like that, get your mind out of the gutter) is another animal versus human altercation of which I laughed out loud. In fact, the author’s epilogue had me howling in glee because I could see it all and it was purrfect.
A fabulous addition to this year’s Advent Calendar and I’d love to have more. Please.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
December 21, 2017
I'll be honest and say that my holiday reading this season is woefully behind. Life, what can you do, right? I love this time of year when all the stories full of family and love and joy come out rapid fire, it's almost too much to keep up with sometimes. But it's always nice to step back from the hustle and bustle of shopping, wrapping, and baking to immerse yourself, often for an hour or less, into a book that reminds you of what the best parts of this time of year are about. I might not have read all that many Christmas (and Hanukkah, Kwanza, etc.) stories so far this year, but I can tell you that no matter how many I do wind up reading, All Creatures Great and Small by Kasper Quill will be among my favorites.
Talk about a meet cute to remember! A stray cat, a bicycle, and a slippery sidewalk do not mix as IT guy Charlie comes to find out in a most painful way. Not to mention the pretentious observer from the car across the road. Charlie has grown up in foster care and has never experienced a "real" Christmas. When the stray cat, that Charlie names Max, finds a home with Charlie, Charlie vows to give Max the perfect Christmas, complete with a tree and everything else that goes with it. Y'all. Charlie is an adorable mess, who is about the most endearing, clueless guy I've read about in some time. I absolutely loved him to pieces. Quirky and sarcastic with a heart of gold, he was just awesome! When Charlie informs his landlord of his new roommate, he is quite surprised that the landlord turns out to be none other than Aemon Scott, aka the pretentious asshole from the car. Aemon is that perfect blend of blunt and dry that works so well (at least for us readers!) with a character like Charlie. These two are certainly a perfect example of opposites attracting.
I loved how Aemon was just so smitten by Charlie, and Charlie was so completely clueless ... until he wasn't. Light, sweet, and surprisingly touching, All Things Great and Small is part of Dreamspinner Press's Advent Calendar anthology and at only 34 pages packs quite the emotional, sentimental punch. Don't miss this one guys. Lots of heart with some cute adopted pets thrown in make this the perfect respite from all the holiday chaos.
*this review will also be posted on www.diversereader.blogspot.com*
Talk about a meet cute to remember! A stray cat, a bicycle, and a slippery sidewalk do not mix as IT guy Charlie comes to find out in a most painful way. Not to mention the pretentious observer from the car across the road. Charlie has grown up in foster care and has never experienced a "real" Christmas. When the stray cat, that Charlie names Max, finds a home with Charlie, Charlie vows to give Max the perfect Christmas, complete with a tree and everything else that goes with it. Y'all. Charlie is an adorable mess, who is about the most endearing, clueless guy I've read about in some time. I absolutely loved him to pieces. Quirky and sarcastic with a heart of gold, he was just awesome! When Charlie informs his landlord of his new roommate, he is quite surprised that the landlord turns out to be none other than Aemon Scott, aka the pretentious asshole from the car. Aemon is that perfect blend of blunt and dry that works so well (at least for us readers!) with a character like Charlie. These two are certainly a perfect example of opposites attracting.
I loved how Aemon was just so smitten by Charlie, and Charlie was so completely clueless ... until he wasn't. Light, sweet, and surprisingly touching, All Things Great and Small is part of Dreamspinner Press's Advent Calendar anthology and at only 34 pages packs quite the emotional, sentimental punch. Don't miss this one guys. Lots of heart with some cute adopted pets thrown in make this the perfect respite from all the holiday chaos.
*this review will also be posted on www.diversereader.blogspot.com*
December 20, 2017
All Creatures Great and Small is a sweet Christmas story that just makes you go aww. Charlie lives a safe if solitary life, so it seems like fate intervening when he nearly runs over a scruffy looking cat. It also brings Aemon into his life. They seem like complete opposites, as Aemon is dressed in a snazzy suit and speaks as though he’s read a thesaurus. Charlie is just adorable and seems to have a soft spot for animals that need a home that doesn’t mind imperfect pets, a trait most likely brought on by his time in the foster system where he felt too different to be adopted.
The book doesn’t delve too much into Aemon’s character—who turns out to be Charlie’s landlord—only talking a bit about how he spent Christmases with his family. Nor does it have much relationship building, showing only Aemon’s sweeter side as he helps Charlie start new Christmas traditions, with a clumsy beginning, for his newly adopted cat, Max. Though Charlie questions Aemon’s desire to help him, thinking it pity, I certainly don’t as I just wanted to whisk him away and give him the love he deserves, and clearly has for everybody, human or animal.
I also adore how, by the end, it is Aemon who is the only one who seems to have any control over the multiple animals Charlie adopts, while Charlie flails but gives them all the love they missed out on. I also love how he just can’t pass by an animal in need of a home. I’d love to see a continuation of this story, or even just the development of the relationship.
Reviewed by Jenn for The Novel Approach
The book doesn’t delve too much into Aemon’s character—who turns out to be Charlie’s landlord—only talking a bit about how he spent Christmases with his family. Nor does it have much relationship building, showing only Aemon’s sweeter side as he helps Charlie start new Christmas traditions, with a clumsy beginning, for his newly adopted cat, Max. Though Charlie questions Aemon’s desire to help him, thinking it pity, I certainly don’t as I just wanted to whisk him away and give him the love he deserves, and clearly has for everybody, human or animal.
I also adore how, by the end, it is Aemon who is the only one who seems to have any control over the multiple animals Charlie adopts, while Charlie flails but gives them all the love they missed out on. I also love how he just can’t pass by an animal in need of a home. I’d love to see a continuation of this story, or even just the development of the relationship.
Reviewed by Jenn for The Novel Approach
December 2, 2017
From the blurb, I expected a cheesy, light-hearted m/m Christmas story with a cute cat. What I got felt more like a caricature of those types of stories. Like a paint-by-numbers attempt without any of the soul.
Neither character is at all developed, the animals are thrown in for comic effect more than anything else, and the whole thing needs a good proofreading.
Plus, I had several issues:
I'll give this one two stars, because I was most excited about the cat and on that level came away more or less satisfied.
Favorite Quote:
"Dude, it's only 6:30 a.m. Who goes to work that early?" I groaned into the futon mattress.
"Those who wish to succeed. After all the early bird--"
"If you finish that sentence, I will smack you with a pillow."
Neither character is at all developed, the animals are thrown in for comic effect more than anything else, and the whole thing needs a good proofreading.
Plus, I had several issues:
I'll give this one two stars, because I was most excited about the cat and on that level came away more or less satisfied.
Favorite Quote:
"Dude, it's only 6:30 a.m. Who goes to work that early?" I groaned into the futon mattress.
"Those who wish to succeed. After all the early bird--"
"If you finish that sentence, I will smack you with a pillow."
January 3, 2018
3.5 stars A cute story about Charlie, a bit of a flake but a nice guy who ends up rescuing a cat who in the process causes him to fall off his bike and nearly cause an accident with hoity toity guy and they have words. When Charlie's landlord shows up to take the pet deposit, it's very posh Aemon who almost got in an accident with him. Charlie is a bit of a curse, but loves his new kitten and is determined to give him a perfect Christmas like he never had, including a tree. Before long there is another pet, another deposit and Aemon is sucked into spending time with flighty big hearted Charlie who is just very genuine.
Cut to years later and several reject pets later with Charlie still bringing home strays who need love. I was never sure quite what Aemon saw in Charlie, but I suppose he had to admire an optimistic guy who saw the lovability in everyone/thing no matter if they weren't perfect.
A cute story.
Cut to years later and several reject pets later with Charlie still bringing home strays who need love. I was never sure quite what Aemon saw in Charlie, but I suppose he had to admire an optimistic guy who saw the lovability in everyone/thing no matter if they weren't perfect.
A cute story.
December 21, 2017
Very cute, heartwarming, with some great humor! Charlie is a blunt spoken young man who has a secret soft heart. He adopts a tattered alleycat right before Christmas and wants to give him a nice holiday for their "first Christmas together". Fortunately for Chalie, who knows nothing about Christmas because of his childhood, he gets some help from a certain elegant gentleman--who goes from being a "ponce"in Charlie's point of view to something a lot nicer in this sweet tale. I fell in love with Charlie and his generous spirit. Aeman is that dashing, well-heeled type that make for an opposites attract kind of couple. Together--with all creatures great and small--they make a charming family.
December 29, 2017
So cute! This short story made laugh and happy sigh.
I completely identify with Charlie. It’s as if the author knows me! Aemon is so sweet and exactly what Charlie needs.
No angst, no miscommunications, no ‘big misunderstanding’ or magic peen. Actually, no smexy times at all. Just a very sweet Holiday story that will bring a smile to your face. Unless you are a Grinch!
I’m disappointed the author has not published anything else and I don’t see a website, blog or even Goodreads page!! That must be remedied soon Ms Quill. Please.
I completely identify with Charlie. It’s as if the author knows me! Aemon is so sweet and exactly what Charlie needs.
No angst, no miscommunications, no ‘big misunderstanding’ or magic peen. Actually, no smexy times at all. Just a very sweet Holiday story that will bring a smile to your face. Unless you are a Grinch!
I’m disappointed the author has not published anything else and I don’t see a website, blog or even Goodreads page!! That must be remedied soon Ms Quill. Please.
January 3, 2018
Very short story, but quite adorable. Charlie has never had a family after his parents died when he was a child. Life in foster care did not lead to celebrating much Christmas. His run in with a cat leads to him taking the cat in and wanting to have his first family Christmas. He meets his landlord, and although he seems a bit posh and they don't get along at first, there is something about Charlie that makes Aemon take notice. I liked watching them get to know each other and start a nice romance. Great sweet Christmas story.
November 29, 2017
Charlie adopted a rambunctious cat right before the holidays. since he never had a real Christmas he wanted his cat to have one. He keeps running into his landlord Aemon in the funniest ways.
Aemon is intrigued by his renter Charlie and his ragtag cat so he finds himself helping.
This story is so funny and cute. I loved Charlie and Max. Charlie reminds me of myself and bringing home strays.
If you like a sweet, humorous, holiday romance with animals you will love this.
Aemon is intrigued by his renter Charlie and his ragtag cat so he finds himself helping.
This story is so funny and cute. I loved Charlie and Max. Charlie reminds me of myself and bringing home strays.
If you like a sweet, humorous, holiday romance with animals you will love this.
December 3, 2018
As a short christmas story, going in with no great expectations it was fine.
Lots of slap stick animal antics by Charlie and his ever expanding menagerie. Though he did come over as a fairly naive sort of character, though a soft touch for an animal in distress!
Aemon was more of a strict school teacher type and the short format never enabled any feelings to develop for him so the romance element kind of happened without us knowing about it.
Lots of slap stick animal antics by Charlie and his ever expanding menagerie. Though he did come over as a fairly naive sort of character, though a soft touch for an animal in distress!
Aemon was more of a strict school teacher type and the short format never enabled any feelings to develop for him so the romance element kind of happened without us knowing about it.
January 2, 2018
There were a lot of cute moments in this one. Charlie and Aemon could not be more different. When they meet, it's not exactly like they click, but Aemon is apparently fascinated with Charlie and his cat. He realizes right away that Charlie seems to be over his head in some ways and he wants to help. He certainly ends up with more than he bargains for :D
December 26, 2017
This is a story of epic pet love that brings Aeman into Charlie's life.
December 19, 2017
**3.5 Stars
December 26, 2019
This is exactly what I needed today, a good book with kind, funny, and lovable characters. Charlie was a nice blend of caring soul with a little snark. His childhood in foster care tore at my heart, and his determination to make Max, his cat, have a good Christmas just about finished me off. Aemon didn't stand a chance against all of that. The epilogue had me chuckling.
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December 19, 2017review to follow
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January 17, 2018 5 Hearts
A ginger who rescues all the unwanted animals? Um… *looks in the mirror then at rescue dogs in my lap* This book was perfect for me.
I loved Charlie though is back story hurt my heat. I love his outlook on life and how he live his life as an adult. This book is funny and it made me smile more than a few times. I am not going to get into the plot of it because the blurb tells you what you need to know and this is short enough to read on ones lunch break but OMG this was adorable.
When Charlie crashes his bike because of a mangled cat what does he do? Why, what anyone else do and take it home. But when Charlie is helped by a gorgeous McHottie who Charlie thinks of as an angel turns out to be a sacred Amen of his own and this story stole my heart. The level of animals in this is outstanding and I want a Jackie of my own. Why do I imagine her voice like Jackée Harry?
Aemon and Charlie are so sweet and earnest. I love opposites attracting and Aemon sure did have some good lines for such a short story. He’s caught up in the magic of Charlie and wants to give Charlie a wonderful Christmas just as Charlie wants to give Max, the cat one.
With so many laugh out loud moments and a few major swoony ones too makes this is a perfect holiday read. I hope the author continues writing because I am intrigued and want more.
A ginger who rescues all the unwanted animals? Um… *looks in the mirror then at rescue dogs in my lap* This book was perfect for me.
I loved Charlie though is back story hurt my heat. I love his outlook on life and how he live his life as an adult. This book is funny and it made me smile more than a few times. I am not going to get into the plot of it because the blurb tells you what you need to know and this is short enough to read on ones lunch break but OMG this was adorable.
When Charlie crashes his bike because of a mangled cat what does he do? Why, what anyone else do and take it home. But when Charlie is helped by a gorgeous McHottie who Charlie thinks of as an angel turns out to be a sacred Amen of his own and this story stole my heart. The level of animals in this is outstanding and I want a Jackie of my own. Why do I imagine her voice like Jackée Harry?
Aemon and Charlie are so sweet and earnest. I love opposites attracting and Aemon sure did have some good lines for such a short story. He’s caught up in the magic of Charlie and wants to give Charlie a wonderful Christmas just as Charlie wants to give Max, the cat one.
With so many laugh out loud moments and a few major swoony ones too makes this is a perfect holiday read. I hope the author continues writing because I am intrigued and want more.
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