. .
This Christmas, he’s hiding more than his identity…
Fresh from a life tangled with the Greek mob in LA, Adam Sgouros is starting over in witness protection—but he feels unmoored in his new small-town existence. When a sudden need to dispose of a body without drawing attention arises (Not his fault! He can explain!), Adam realizes his first Christmas in the sleepy, wintery little town of Silver Shoals is shaping up to be anything but merry.
Elijah Jensen has always been an optimist, but this year, even he’s struggling to keep his head above water. A head-cold from hell and a boat that’s falling apart at the seams seem determined to sink his holiday spirit, and all he wants is to get through the season without any more complications. Complications like a musclebound ex-gangster hijacking his boat (Accidentally! He can explain!)—and taking him along for the ride.
Stranded on the water by a snowstorm, this unlikely pair must navigate through a holiday filled with danger, unexpected warmth, and enough secrets to sink them both. Can Adam’s tough exterior thaw under the force of Eli’s unyielding optimism, or will the storm—and Adam’s past—prove too much to weather?
Set course for a low heat, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity MM novella with a comedic noir twist. Featuring a relationship between a cisgender male and transgender male main character, Deck the Hulls promises a small-town holiday romance full of festive mayhem, surprising sparks, and a love that just might break through even the iciest of hearts.
CW: Brief mentions of unsupportive family and past relationships, references to addiction and enabling, light gore.
Title: Deck the Hulls
Authors: Kat Cassidy
Length: 25k
Series: Silver Shoals, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary, Small Town Holiday Romance.
Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions
Eli stumbles to the co-captain’s chair, wrapping the blanket back over his shoulders. “You’ve got to keep driving,” he says, settling in. “I can’t. Operating heavy machinery, cold medication, all that jazz.”
Adam dutifully palms the wheel. He focuses on the view outside. The world is a white blur; the boat’s bow is barely visible through the storm. It’s a deliberate choice not to look at the captain—Eli’s too close for comfort, too distracting with his tousled blonde curls catching the dim light, and Adam’s not sure he can keep his thoughts straight if he looks at him for too long.
“At least there’ll be snow for Christmas,” Eli remarks noncommittally, his gaze also fixed out the window, clearly avoiding Adam for entirely different reasons.
It’s ridiculous, but Adam finds himself irritated by how badly he’s already botched his first impression, how quickly he’s managed to screw things up here in Silver Shoals. Doesn’t matter if he’s called Alex Simmons, Adam Sgouros, or George fucking Bailey—he’s never going to belong in a place like this.
“Yeah, fucking fantastic, more snow,” Adam mutters, unable to keep the edge out of his voice. “Just what this purgatory needed.” He catches himself, glancing at Eli.
Eli raises an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “You’ve got a real gift for holiday cheer, you know that? I thought Santa was supposed to spread joy, not, like, existential dread.”
Adam sinks a little lower in his chair. “You’ve got no idea how small this town feels,” he mumbles, the words coming out before he can stop them, not sure why he’s even trying to explain. He probably shouldn’t be telling Eli anything about himself for a thousand different reasons, but he can’t help it.
Eli chuckles, low and quiet, pulling the blanket tighter. His eyes drift shut, and for a second, Adam thinks that’s the end of it. But then Eli speaks again, his voice hushed, almost like he’s talking to himself.
“You might be surprised.”
Kat Cassidy is a queer romance author. She’s a dreamer, a schemer and, above all else, a believer in true love. She lives in Canada with her family and her lovable mutt, and she likes loud guitars and strong IPAs.
Website: https://www.katcassidyauthor.com/
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