What do you think?
Rate this book
An Unexpected Sanctuary
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2017 Advent Calendar collection [ Stuffers|36583136].
An aggressive super-flu pandemic wipes out a majority of the population over the course of one Christmas holiday—and brings Tobin and Kyle together. For almost a year, they’ve been trekking across the country from Colorado toward a sanctuary in upstate New York. Kyle’s survival skills have kept them alive, and Tobin wants to repay the man he loves with a very special gift of his own making. He sneaks off in search of the last few pieces� only to get himself and Kyle kidnapped by a desperate stranger. With their journey to New York on hold—possibly indefinitely—they’ll need to accept that home isn’t always defined by a place as much as the person you’re with.<
An aggressive super-flu pandemic wipes out a majority of the population over the course of one Christmas holiday—and brings Tobin and Kyle together. For almost a year, they’ve been trekking across the country from Colorado toward a sanctuary in upstate New York. Kyle’s survival skills have kept them alive, and Tobin wants to repay the man he loves with a very special gift of his own making. He sneaks off in search of the last few pieces� only to get himself and Kyle kidnapped by a desperate stranger. With their journey to New York on hold—possibly indefinitely—they’ll need to accept that home isn’t always defined by a place as much as the person you’re with.<
33 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2017
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Decker
11ÌýbooksCASSIE DECKER has been a writer most of her life, but only started writing love stories once she read her first romance novel in high school and fell in love with falling in love. After graduating college and entering the corporate workforce, she realized sharing those stories with her friends and coworkers wasn’t as scary as she thought it would be. She found rather quickly how much they enjoyed her steamy yet sweet tales of love and passion when they kept asking for more.
When she’s not writing, Cassie enjoys getting her geek on by making cosplay costumes, going to comic-cons, and drawing fan art of her favorite characters. Besides being a total nerd, she likes to knit, read, binge-watch the shows on her streaming list, and practice her ukulele if she can find the time. Cassie also loves playing in the Colorado Rockies with her husband and her corgi pup, Murphy, when she’s not busy obsessing over the fictional men plotting their love stories in her head.
When she’s not writing, Cassie enjoys getting her geek on by making cosplay costumes, going to comic-cons, and drawing fan art of her favorite characters. Besides being a total nerd, she likes to knit, read, binge-watch the shows on her streaming list, and practice her ukulele if she can find the time. Cassie also loves playing in the Colorado Rockies with her husband and her corgi pup, Murphy, when she’s not busy obsessing over the fictional men plotting their love stories in her head.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 31, 2019
3 Hearts
Who doesn’t like to see some well deserved happiness during the apocalypse?
Tobin and Kyle have understandably had a shit year on the move after a pandemic flu decimated most of the human population. They need a reprieve in the worst way and when they find a deserted town, it’s the perfect place to find some time to rest and recoup.
Their newfound luck runs out quickly when they’re captured by a stranger, or does it?
This really was too short, but the feels between Tobin and Kyle were of course sweet and tender. A nice romantic holiday quickie with “The Walking Dead� feel minus the zombies.
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 !!
Who doesn’t like to see some well deserved happiness during the apocalypse?
Tobin and Kyle have understandably had a shit year on the move after a pandemic flu decimated most of the human population. They need a reprieve in the worst way and when they find a deserted town, it’s the perfect place to find some time to rest and recoup.
Their newfound luck runs out quickly when they’re captured by a stranger, or does it?
This really was too short, but the feels between Tobin and Kyle were of course sweet and tender. A nice romantic holiday quickie with “The Walking Dead� feel minus the zombies.
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 !!
December 13, 2017
3.5 Stars
It's been a year since a deadly virus took out the majority of the global population. Two survivors, Tobin and Kyle, met in the aftermath and have been surviving together ever since. Trekking across the country to a rumoured sanctuary, the two young lovers run into some unexpected trouble when they are kidnapped by a stranger and taken to a farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. This kidnapping isn't what it appears to be and before long Kyle and Tobin are considering setting down roots in what has become their unexpected sanctuary.
It all sounds full-on Christmassy, right? Well, it kind of is; the explanation is that the initial apocalyptic event took place in the lead up to Christmas and this current story is set exactly a year after that, with Tobin working meticulously throughout the story, in secret, to make Kyle the perfect Christmas present given their limited means. It was actually very sweet, end-of-world drama aside.
I have to give props to Decker for fully immersing me in her post-apocalyptic world within 3 short paragraphs. It could have been a total info dump there at the beginning, but instead it was gripping and to the point, catching us up with the tragedy that had struck the world.
I enjoyed this a lot, yet I'm totally disappointed it wasn't a longer, more developed story. I wanted to see the disaster events in real time, and to witness Tobin and Kyle coming together and falling in love. I'm so damn greedy like that, always wanting more, more, more. But as I said, I liked what I got.
It's been a year since a deadly virus took out the majority of the global population. Two survivors, Tobin and Kyle, met in the aftermath and have been surviving together ever since. Trekking across the country to a rumoured sanctuary, the two young lovers run into some unexpected trouble when they are kidnapped by a stranger and taken to a farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. This kidnapping isn't what it appears to be and before long Kyle and Tobin are considering setting down roots in what has become their unexpected sanctuary.
It all sounds full-on Christmassy, right? Well, it kind of is; the explanation is that the initial apocalyptic event took place in the lead up to Christmas and this current story is set exactly a year after that, with Tobin working meticulously throughout the story, in secret, to make Kyle the perfect Christmas present given their limited means. It was actually very sweet, end-of-world drama aside.
I have to give props to Decker for fully immersing me in her post-apocalyptic world within 3 short paragraphs. It could have been a total info dump there at the beginning, but instead it was gripping and to the point, catching us up with the tragedy that had struck the world.
I enjoyed this a lot, yet I'm totally disappointed it wasn't a longer, more developed story. I wanted to see the disaster events in real time, and to witness Tobin and Kyle coming together and falling in love. I'm so damn greedy like that, always wanting more, more, more. But as I said, I liked what I got.
December 16, 2017
An Unexpected Sanctuary marks another short from Dreamspinner’s Advent series which totally surprised me. I’m not much for sci-fi, dystopian, or fantasy romances, so I imagine that had I read the blurb for this as an individual story, I would have skipped it. And I definitely would have missed out.
I found the idea of a flu pandemic changing the world an interesting plot choice for a holiday themed story and I wasn’t sure how that would work. However, the author did a wonderful job carrying warm holiday feelings throughout the book, reminding the reader it isn’t the gifts and decorations that make the holiday bright, rather it’s loved ones, safety, and a place to call home. Though the reader predominantly gets to know Tobin because the story is told from his point-of-view, the characters were both likeable and the romance between Keith and Tobin very sweet. I would have liked to see more of the relationship develop over the course of the story, but I found the plot interesting and the backstory very intriguing. This is one of those shorts I think would make for a great full-length novella so the characters, the romance, and their survival could be explored in greater detail. I love being surprised by stories I may not have picked or authors I haven’t tried and Unexpected Sanctuary did both. If you’re looking for a different sort of holiday story or are a fan of dystopians, I’d certainly recommend this title.
Reviewed by Annie from
I found the idea of a flu pandemic changing the world an interesting plot choice for a holiday themed story and I wasn’t sure how that would work. However, the author did a wonderful job carrying warm holiday feelings throughout the book, reminding the reader it isn’t the gifts and decorations that make the holiday bright, rather it’s loved ones, safety, and a place to call home. Though the reader predominantly gets to know Tobin because the story is told from his point-of-view, the characters were both likeable and the romance between Keith and Tobin very sweet. I would have liked to see more of the relationship develop over the course of the story, but I found the plot interesting and the backstory very intriguing. This is one of those shorts I think would make for a great full-length novella so the characters, the romance, and their survival could be explored in greater detail. I love being surprised by stories I may not have picked or authors I haven’t tried and Unexpected Sanctuary did both. If you’re looking for a different sort of holiday story or are a fan of dystopians, I’d certainly recommend this title.
Reviewed by Annie from
December 11, 2017
3.5 stars
Synopsis: A super flu has wiped out most of the population of the world, and those who remain have generally migrated to gangs, since there's power in numbers. Kyle and Tobin have been walking across the country from Colorado to New York, where rumours have a sanctuary placed. Kyle saved Tobin from some thugs soon after the pandemic wiped out most of the population, and since he has survival training from his father, Tobin feels as though Kyle has been keeping them alive in the year that has followed.
An engineering student, Tobin wants to do something nice for Kyle, so he is trying to find the final pieces to get a wind up watch working. While he is out scavenging, Tobin and Kyle are kidnapped and taken to a house, where they don't know what will happen to them.
What I liked: The world building. Kyle and Tobin, although they didn't get a lot of page time together, were sweet to each other. Tobin's continued fascination with how things worked, even though the world as they knew it had ended, was endearing, especially since he kept trying to invent things that would make their trek across country easier. Mental note: make sure I have solar panel chargers for USB, because even if the electricity goes out for good, I would still be able to read my books. Also, download a LOT more books on to my e-reader and tablet.
What I didn't like: the story was well written, but it seemed as though we just got to know Tobin and Kyle and the story was over.
Synopsis: A super flu has wiped out most of the population of the world, and those who remain have generally migrated to gangs, since there's power in numbers. Kyle and Tobin have been walking across the country from Colorado to New York, where rumours have a sanctuary placed. Kyle saved Tobin from some thugs soon after the pandemic wiped out most of the population, and since he has survival training from his father, Tobin feels as though Kyle has been keeping them alive in the year that has followed.
An engineering student, Tobin wants to do something nice for Kyle, so he is trying to find the final pieces to get a wind up watch working. While he is out scavenging, Tobin and Kyle are kidnapped and taken to a house, where they don't know what will happen to them.
What I liked: The world building. Kyle and Tobin, although they didn't get a lot of page time together, were sweet to each other. Tobin's continued fascination with how things worked, even though the world as they knew it had ended, was endearing, especially since he kept trying to invent things that would make their trek across country easier. Mental note: make sure I have solar panel chargers for USB, because even if the electricity goes out for good, I would still be able to read my books. Also, download a LOT more books on to my e-reader and tablet.
What I didn't like: the story was well written, but it seemed as though we just got to know Tobin and Kyle and the story was over.
January 3, 2018
Well who would have thought that a dystopian Christmas story would be so lovely to read? Not me. This was really well done. Tobin and Kyle - two college students from Colorado - have been together since a pandemic wiped out most of the world's population one Christmas. They have been making their way across the country and in December the next year find a place to stay in an Ohio town. But they end up getting kidnapped. It's not at all expected and they have no idea what their future holds.
I really really liked this. I used to read a lot of dystopian stuff, but frankly really life is scary enough these days! Recommended for a surprisingly sweet love story.
I really really liked this. I used to read a lot of dystopian stuff, but frankly really life is scary enough these days! Recommended for a surprisingly sweet love story.
December 19, 2017
I didn't like the premise much, but once the info-dump was over the story itself was nice.
December 6, 2017
My favorite thing about this was the setting. The idea of the pandemic happening at Christmas-time and therefore leaving the whole abandoned world fully decorated all year round was brilliant, and provided the slightly-eerie vibe I like in dystopian stories.
The fact it had come back around to Christmas, so the decorations all were timely again, combined with the gifts that Tobin and Kyle managed to make each other in spite of everything gave me all of the fuzzy happy feels I like in Christmas stories.
Those two things happening in the same story made for a delightful reading experience.
Favorite Quote:
the absence of sound is not the same as serenity.
The fact it had come back around to Christmas, so the decorations all were timely again, combined with the gifts that Tobin and Kyle managed to make each other in spite of everything gave me all of the fuzzy happy feels I like in Christmas stories.
Those two things happening in the same story made for a delightful reading experience.
Favorite Quote:
the absence of sound is not the same as serenity.
December 17, 2017
Wow! I want more please! I really, really wish this was longer.
December 3, 2017
This was one of my favorite stories in the Dreamspinner Advent anthology this year. It was my first time reading this author so I had no idea what to expect. The story starts with Tobin and Kyle coming into a small town as they try to find some shelter from the cold weather. Kyle is focused on finding them a safe house and Tobin is distracted by his desire to finish a gift for Kyle. Neither realize that while they're focused on these things, someone is watching them.
There was just the right amount of tension at the beginning. It's an apocalypse story so I definitely want to be a bit on the edge of my seat whether it's Christmas time or not. The author provided that as well as a story that also ends up having a touching and sweet aspect to the romance. I liked both of the MC's and the world the author created. I actually would have happily read a story about these two's relationship prior to this story.
There was just the right amount of tension at the beginning. It's an apocalypse story so I definitely want to be a bit on the edge of my seat whether it's Christmas time or not. The author provided that as well as a story that also ends up having a touching and sweet aspect to the romance. I liked both of the MC's and the world the author created. I actually would have happily read a story about these two's relationship prior to this story.
December 12, 2017
Well, I didn't expect an apocalyptic-level disaster story could be sweet, but damn if this story didn't give me all kinds of feelings and hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.
Full Unicornian Gangbang reviews every Sunday in celebration of DSP's annual Advent releases posted on the blog and then here.
Week 3 posts December 17th and I'd recommend reading every one of them! Nothing says Merry Jizzmas like DSP's Advent stories and reading them with your besties makes them even sweeter.
**copies of the DSP Advent Calendar were provided in exchange for honest reviews**
Full Unicornian Gangbang reviews every Sunday in celebration of DSP's annual Advent releases posted on the blog and then here.
Week 3 posts December 17th and I'd recommend reading every one of them! Nothing says Merry Jizzmas like DSP's Advent stories and reading them with your besties makes them even sweeter.
**copies of the DSP Advent Calendar were provided in exchange for honest reviews**
December 21, 2017
3.5 stars
Despite the fact that this story started with quite a bleak situation -- the majority of word's population has been wiped away by deadly flu virus -- but I found it surprisingly sweet and tender and hopeful.
This kind of post-apocalyptic setting, with two young men in love and into each other, going to find a safer place is the kind I TRULY love to see in the big screen. I adored these two. I just felt bummed that it was too short. This would be a terrific novella length at least!!
Despite the fact that this story started with quite a bleak situation -- the majority of word's population has been wiped away by deadly flu virus -- but I found it surprisingly sweet and tender and hopeful.
This kind of post-apocalyptic setting, with two young men in love and into each other, going to find a safer place is the kind I TRULY love to see in the big screen. I adored these two. I just felt bummed that it was too short. This would be a terrific novella length at least!!
December 20, 2017
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, where two young survivors of a flu pandemic that wiped out most of the world's population are traveling to what they hope to be a sanctuary for survivors in upstate New York.
Tobin and Kyle have been traveling for about a year, hoping to make it to New York State before Christmas, when they run into trouble in Ohio, only to find something even better than they could have hoped for.
I really liked this story - it was my favorite of the bunch I read - and I thought the author did a fine job sprinkling the information about what happened into the plot progression without making it feel like info dump. I believed Kyle and Tobin's relationship, forged first out of sheer desperation and need, but it was clear rather quickly that the two genuinely loved each other.
** I received a free copy of this short story from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
Tobin and Kyle have been traveling for about a year, hoping to make it to New York State before Christmas, when they run into trouble in Ohio, only to find something even better than they could have hoped for.
I really liked this story - it was my favorite of the bunch I read - and I thought the author did a fine job sprinkling the information about what happened into the plot progression without making it feel like info dump. I believed Kyle and Tobin's relationship, forged first out of sheer desperation and need, but it was clear rather quickly that the two genuinely loved each other.
** I received a free copy of this short story from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
January 11, 2018
Dystopia and Christmas in one? Yes please. I really enjoyed this story because it wasn't your typical dystopian story. There was a pleasant twist at the end that you'll have to read to see. Of the four Advent Calendar books I read from DSP, this one is my favorite. Full review at The Novel Approach.
March 25, 2018
Short, quick read.
The pandemic happened a year ago so with a bit of history and their current stop, you get a feel for how desolate life is. Kyle and Tobin have their own little unit but meeting others is a risky business, usually resulting in theft at the least.
When they are kidnapped, the worst is assumed but actually the Christmas spirit does remain.
The pandemic happened a year ago so with a bit of history and their current stop, you get a feel for how desolate life is. Kyle and Tobin have their own little unit but meeting others is a risky business, usually resulting in theft at the least.
When they are kidnapped, the worst is assumed but actually the Christmas spirit does remain.
December 26, 2017
Post-apocalyptic isn't usually my genre but this story of Tobin & Kyle is sweet and loving despite the circumstance and still leaves that feel good holiday vibe.
December 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this different holiday story. The leads are well written, as is their world, and the romantic tension. Great little read if you can pick it up cheaply.
December 10, 2018
Absolutely loved this!
January 28, 2025
One of my favorite books of all time is ‘The Stand� by Stephen King. (I loved the miniseries as well but that had more to do with my crush on Gary Sinise than on the accuracy of the show.) Regardless, I’m fascinated by post-apocalyptic stories and movies. I have no idea why except that I suspect I’d be one of the first wave to die, even though I like to imagine myself as a total badass. When I saw Cassie Decker’s contribution to this year’s Dreamspinner Advent Calendar, I was really excited as these days it’s entirely possible to imagine the entire world getting wiped out by a virus. I loved watching Tobin and Kyle dealing with life a year after the whole world fell apart.
It has been a year since Kyle rescued Tobin from three thugs after society fell apart and Tobin still doesn’t know why Kyle is stays with him, or how the man can love him. Tobin was an engineering student - basically useless now seeing as there’s no power - while Kyle’s father took him hunting, camping, and fishing since he was in diapers. Tobin would have died or been killed a long time ago without Kyle and even though Tobin has gotten a little better at some tasks, he’s fully aware of who’s keeping them alive. Tobin is very much in love with Kyle and it’s because of that love, and his desire to make something for Kyle for Christmas, that sees both men taken by one of the gangs that has proliferated in this past year.
What they think is a gang member anyway but who turns out to be a nice man trying to take care of his family and he just needs their help to fix his roof. Apparently the last group of people Max approached nicely attacked him and took everything he had, hence his desperate measures with Kyle and Tobin. Kyle and Tobin are more than happy to help and Tobin even finds another project, more suited to his particular skills, to help this family. When the repairs are done though, will it be worth it to leave, or find their own sanctuary with where they are?
A wonderful addition to this year’s Advent stories although I do wish it were longer. In my opinion, a little more backstory revolving around the challenges these two men have faced in the past year would have brought a little more complexity and depth to the characters. However, I greatly enjoyed every moment of the read.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on
It has been a year since Kyle rescued Tobin from three thugs after society fell apart and Tobin still doesn’t know why Kyle is stays with him, or how the man can love him. Tobin was an engineering student - basically useless now seeing as there’s no power - while Kyle’s father took him hunting, camping, and fishing since he was in diapers. Tobin would have died or been killed a long time ago without Kyle and even though Tobin has gotten a little better at some tasks, he’s fully aware of who’s keeping them alive. Tobin is very much in love with Kyle and it’s because of that love, and his desire to make something for Kyle for Christmas, that sees both men taken by one of the gangs that has proliferated in this past year.
What they think is a gang member anyway but who turns out to be a nice man trying to take care of his family and he just needs their help to fix his roof. Apparently the last group of people Max approached nicely attacked him and took everything he had, hence his desperate measures with Kyle and Tobin. Kyle and Tobin are more than happy to help and Tobin even finds another project, more suited to his particular skills, to help this family. When the repairs are done though, will it be worth it to leave, or find their own sanctuary with where they are?
A wonderful addition to this year’s Advent stories although I do wish it were longer. In my opinion, a little more backstory revolving around the challenges these two men have faced in the past year would have brought a little more complexity and depth to the characters. However, I greatly enjoyed every moment of the read.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on
December 16, 2017
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I’m ashamed to say that I put off reading this story until I absolutely had to. This was a shame because I actually quite enjoyed An Unexpected Sanctuary. Now why did I wait? Honestly, I had a difficult time reconciling a post-apocalyptic story with a holiday romance. Yet Decker pulled it off wonderfully.
The story is told from Kyle’s perspective and it’s apparent that there’s a bit of hero worship on his part for Tobin. That’s not to say that his feelings for Tobin aren’t real, but rather that he sees an imbalance in their relationship, believing himself to be the weaker partner, unable to contribute in a meaningful and measurable way to their relationship. Like most nerdy geeks in romances, he sees his lack of physical strength and his failures as outweighing his intelligence and successes. Because of this, he takes a major risk when he ventures out on his own at night to acquire the last few pieces he needs to finish the gift he’s been making for Tobin. Unfortunately, this decision makes it easier for him and Tobin to be captured� and this is where I worried that the story would take the dark turn that is typical of post-apocalyptic stories. Thankfully, their kidnapper’s motives were not nefarious and (without revealing any spoilers) Kyle and Tobin find their unexpected sanctuary.
I think the main reason I enjoyed this story so much was that when the moment was right, Tobin had no problem telling Kyle why he mattered � why it was Kyle who gave Tobin a reason to keep going every day. I liked that the traits that Kyle saw as his weaknesses were the very things that Tobin saw as Kyle’s strengths. It made for a very touching scene. I thoroughly enjoyed An Unexpected Sanctuary and finished the story with a smile on my face.
Please note: My review is of an unedited, pre-release copy of this book and assumes that any errors were corrected prior to publication.
I’m ashamed to say that I put off reading this story until I absolutely had to. This was a shame because I actually quite enjoyed An Unexpected Sanctuary. Now why did I wait? Honestly, I had a difficult time reconciling a post-apocalyptic story with a holiday romance. Yet Decker pulled it off wonderfully.
The story is told from Kyle’s perspective and it’s apparent that there’s a bit of hero worship on his part for Tobin. That’s not to say that his feelings for Tobin aren’t real, but rather that he sees an imbalance in their relationship, believing himself to be the weaker partner, unable to contribute in a meaningful and measurable way to their relationship. Like most nerdy geeks in romances, he sees his lack of physical strength and his failures as outweighing his intelligence and successes. Because of this, he takes a major risk when he ventures out on his own at night to acquire the last few pieces he needs to finish the gift he’s been making for Tobin. Unfortunately, this decision makes it easier for him and Tobin to be captured� and this is where I worried that the story would take the dark turn that is typical of post-apocalyptic stories. Thankfully, their kidnapper’s motives were not nefarious and (without revealing any spoilers) Kyle and Tobin find their unexpected sanctuary.
I think the main reason I enjoyed this story so much was that when the moment was right, Tobin had no problem telling Kyle why he mattered � why it was Kyle who gave Tobin a reason to keep going every day. I liked that the traits that Kyle saw as his weaknesses were the very things that Tobin saw as Kyle’s strengths. It made for a very touching scene. I thoroughly enjoyed An Unexpected Sanctuary and finished the story with a smile on my face.
Please note: My review is of an unedited, pre-release copy of this book and assumes that any errors were corrected prior to publication.
December 16, 2017
Hmmmmm apocalyptic Christmas story? Sounds similar to something I read in last year's DSP Advent. Not the same story, of course, but An Unexpected Sanctuary reminded me a little bit of that other book. Cassie Decker also had another book in last year's advent about cowboys if I'm not mistaken, which I also really enjoyed. Going into this book, I was hoping I'd get more of her well researched, effortless storytelling. And I did!
Tobin and Kyle were a match made in heaven. The relationship that they had was founded on unquestionable trust and loyalty. They'd somehow survived the sickness that wiped out over half of the population and they did what they had to in order to survive. Sticking together and learning to lean on each other was a part of that. Their year-long trek to New York brought them closer together. Spending so much time on the road with limited options for company forced them to get to know each other in the most intimate of ways.
I wasn't expecting this book to go where it did, though. We're already in a post-apocalyptic universe, but the author goes one step further and has the boys kidnapped. Nothing opens your eyes more than imminent death. Kyle realizes that Tobin is the most important person in the world to him and they both have a very strange holiday together.
I don't usually read books in this genre. Post-apocalyptic fiction isn't not my thing, but it also isn't my thing either. This book made me reconsider that. This was my second Cassie Decker read and I enjoyed this one just as much as the first, if not more!
Tobin and Kyle were a match made in heaven. The relationship that they had was founded on unquestionable trust and loyalty. They'd somehow survived the sickness that wiped out over half of the population and they did what they had to in order to survive. Sticking together and learning to lean on each other was a part of that. Their year-long trek to New York brought them closer together. Spending so much time on the road with limited options for company forced them to get to know each other in the most intimate of ways.
I wasn't expecting this book to go where it did, though. We're already in a post-apocalyptic universe, but the author goes one step further and has the boys kidnapped. Nothing opens your eyes more than imminent death. Kyle realizes that Tobin is the most important person in the world to him and they both have a very strange holiday together.
I don't usually read books in this genre. Post-apocalyptic fiction isn't not my thing, but it also isn't my thing either. This book made me reconsider that. This was my second Cassie Decker read and I enjoyed this one just as much as the first, if not more!
November 18, 2018
I can't say that I ever expected to read a story that combined an apocalyptic end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it type of book, and Christmas. But then again, I would probably grab onto that feel-good, hopeful holiday and get as much joy out of it as I could, if I lived in a dystopian world. Tobin and Kyle make a great couple with each providing love and skills necessary for their survival. And despite the rather heavy-handed introduction to Max and his family, the fit felt right. Thank goodness for granny, though. Maybe next Christmas will bring a partner for Max and the make-shift family will almost be complete. Who needs New York anyway?
December 1, 2023
Tobin and Kyle have been surviving for the last year since a pandemic wiped out most of the population. When they are kidnapped by a stranger and forced to help repair a roof. The two soon learn that home isn't always a place; sometimes, it is a person.
This was a short Christmas story about two college boys surviving a difficult situation. It was pretty sweet.
This was a short Christmas story about two college boys surviving a difficult situation. It was pretty sweet.
Read
December 16, 2017review to follow
Read
January 17, 2018 5 hearts
What is it about an apocalypse story at Christmas that screams ROMANCE at me? I don’t know but it worked here and this could possibly be my most favorite read of the 2017 Advent Calendar.
When a super-flu pandemic takes out the majority of the country, it takes our narrator and survivor Tobin Abernathy a week to venture out for supplies when he is rescued from a group of thugs by Kyle Morris. From that moment the two young men are inseparable for the next year with Kyle’s survival skills and their need to find a rumored sanctuary in New York fueling their cross country trek.
I really REALLY want to write a crap load about a book that is less than 50 pages but I won’t. I am going to say that this was amazing. With the pandemic taking place right before Christmas it leaves the world stuck in this tinseled and decorated land of holiday spirit with broken promises. Totally fitting for an apocalypse story right? It gives this eerie feeling as Kyle and Tobin make their journey walking 20+ miles a day until they reach New York.
A rest taken in an Ohio town in a fully decorated B&B gives the young men a chance to catch their breath, get a little intimacy and for Tobin to get the last piece he needs for Kyle’s Christmas present. But fate takes a turn when they are kidnapped by a burly man and taken to a barn type building that is more than what it seems.
This story has the right amount of tension and angst in the beginning with Tobin being a wonderful narrator letting us know the situation fully. He’s scared but in love and really wants to give something to Kyle who he feels has kept them alive this past year with Tobin just mildly bobbing along. But it’s what this unwanted opportunity in Ohio that will show them both that sanctuary is in the heart of those you love and who love you.
Their sanctuary is an unexpected gift, a Christmas miracle if you will, that provided a wonderfully romantic story and I would really love to see these boys every Christmas to know how they are doing.
What is it about an apocalypse story at Christmas that screams ROMANCE at me? I don’t know but it worked here and this could possibly be my most favorite read of the 2017 Advent Calendar.
When a super-flu pandemic takes out the majority of the country, it takes our narrator and survivor Tobin Abernathy a week to venture out for supplies when he is rescued from a group of thugs by Kyle Morris. From that moment the two young men are inseparable for the next year with Kyle’s survival skills and their need to find a rumored sanctuary in New York fueling their cross country trek.
I really REALLY want to write a crap load about a book that is less than 50 pages but I won’t. I am going to say that this was amazing. With the pandemic taking place right before Christmas it leaves the world stuck in this tinseled and decorated land of holiday spirit with broken promises. Totally fitting for an apocalypse story right? It gives this eerie feeling as Kyle and Tobin make their journey walking 20+ miles a day until they reach New York.
A rest taken in an Ohio town in a fully decorated B&B gives the young men a chance to catch their breath, get a little intimacy and for Tobin to get the last piece he needs for Kyle’s Christmas present. But fate takes a turn when they are kidnapped by a burly man and taken to a barn type building that is more than what it seems.
This story has the right amount of tension and angst in the beginning with Tobin being a wonderful narrator letting us know the situation fully. He’s scared but in love and really wants to give something to Kyle who he feels has kept them alive this past year with Tobin just mildly bobbing along. But it’s what this unwanted opportunity in Ohio that will show them both that sanctuary is in the heart of those you love and who love you.
Their sanctuary is an unexpected gift, a Christmas miracle if you will, that provided a wonderfully romantic story and I would really love to see these boys every Christmas to know how they are doing.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.