“Ex-Mas Dreams” is a 14,600-word novelette that delivers a steamy, second-chance gay romance wrapped in a whimsical holiday fantasy. Skillfully weaving together the Second Chance, Rebound Denial, and Friends-with-Benefits tropes, the story unfolds in a Scottish castle where cozy Christmas traditions collide with the vibrant allure of a tropical Tiki paradise. It’s perfect for readers who crave the warmth of the holidays with a daring splash of exotic escape.

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Down on his luck, Gavin’s only hope is a childish letter to Santa Claus at a festive market. His wish for a new beginning is unexpectedly granted with a temporary job at the mysterious Kilted Gifting Company—but the real magic begins when he arrives at its headquarters, a remote Scottish castle where palm trees dusted with snow rise beside ancient stone walls.

Gavin’s fresh start quickly turns bittersweet when he discovers his new boss is Andrew Koya—his unforgettable high school crush, with whom he later shared a secret, intense friends-with-benefits arrangement in college. For reasons Gavin never understood, Koya ended things without a word one day, just as Gavin was hoping for more...

Thrown together in this surreal winter wonderland, their chemistry reignites with dizzying force. Koya is a whirlwind of hot and cold—one moment pinning Gavin against a wall in a desperate kiss, the next pushing him away, insisting Gavin “deserves better” than being his rebound. Convinced that he can only hope for a physical connection, Gavin sets out to reclaim their passion, not daring to dream of more.

As a fierce snowstorm descends and old desires resurface, their defenses must crumble. But when their bodies reunite, will it be enough to ignite a new beginning—or will Koya’s fears leave Gavin out in the cold forever? In a season where some loves start and others fade, can theirs be the one that rekindles?

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“Ex-Mas Dreams” delivers the beloved tropes fans of steamy MM romance crave—the angst of the Second Chance, the emotional turmoil of Rebound Denial, and the forbidden tension of Friends-with-Benefits. Yet it also explores deeper themes of vulnerability and self-worth, asking whether a connection built on physical passion can transform into lasting love. Set against a hilarious, whimsical backdrop where Scottish tradition and tropical Tiki culture spectacularly collide, this story offers a fresh and vibrant escape. It’s the perfect holiday read for those who love their romance with equal parts heart, heat, and a delightful dose of the unexpected—proving that the most magical gifts are often the ones we never saw coming.

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• Ex-Mas Dreams. (Complete)