Nuts and Bolts Holiday

Foggy Basin

by B.L. Maxwell

Hudson Carter returned to Foggy Basin and now owns his family’s hardware store Nuts and Bolts. He not only gained a new business when he moved home, he also found the love of his life.

Jack Hulbert loves all the changes his new boss and boyfriend, Hudson, has made to the old, failing hardware store. But as the holiday season gets closer, he wants to do something different this year.

Jack is from a big family, while Hudson’s an only child. When Hudson suggests both families spend the holiday at their house Jack is hesitant but willing to give it a try knowing there will be chaos but always ready for a challenge.

A Foggy Basin Holiday Short Story

Genres: Contemporary, M M Romance, Christmas, LGBT

53 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2024

Reviews

[Lulu Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Omg, both of them are so sweet, and their flirting is just wow. I can’t believe how cute they are! I just love the two of them, and this holiday spin-off was simply beautiful. Thank you to the authors! If you're looking for a short, heartwarming story with a lot of romance, then read this book!".

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brei-ayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Nuts and Bolts Holiday and struggled to put it down. The story is amazing and I enjoyed reading Hudson and Jack's Holiday story.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

It was nice to catch up with the guys from the hardware store and watch them go through their holiday prep. Nothing earth shattering, but a sweet and just steamy enough catch up for the holidays.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nuts and Bolts Holiday is a Christmas themed continuation of Hudson and Jack's story. This is a low angst heart warming Christmas story with all the good feels. I enjoyed visiting Foggy Basin again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eveie Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a charming story, filled with fun joy and family. Love made it way. As did the snow. An enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great epilogue for Jack and Hudson's first book (Nuts and Bolts). Hudson is still a grump. But he did get the job of unravelling the lights, so understandable. Maybe next year's tree would be pre-lit. He did step out of his comfort zone, giving Jack the go ahead on decorating the store. And agreeing to go to Jack's parent's house for Christmas Day. Jack was absolute sunshine. Part savvy businessman, part joyful kid.
Their relationship continues to bloom. Hudson's worry that the age gap would hold Jack back was put to rest. The steam might be low heat, but whenever they touched, they sizzled.
Good worldbuilding. Cameos from book one. Their families, Mr Atkins. Isaac maybe finding his hot older man.
A good, cozy book. A quick read. Fun catching up and the groundwork for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!

This was such a cute little novella; it was like a bonus epilogue or something for the full length book by the same name. This one is really short, only around 40 pages, but it contained enough information that it served fine as a complete mini book.

Jack and Hudson, the two MCs, were celebrating their first Christmas together as a couple while continuing to work together on their hardware business by the same name as the title. One was all excited by the holidays and the celebrations centered around them while the other was…not. Even in this, there was no strife, they were perfectly in sync and what one wanted, the other made happen. Fluff? Yes, but it was adorable fluff and I loved it!! 4.5 stars!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack loves everything his boyfriend and new boss has made to his family’s hard-wear store . Hudson Carter returns to Foggy Basin and finds love , how good is that? Jack Hulbert thinks he’s in for a treat , his beau for Christmas and goodies to eat a real treat . Hudson however wants to share the good cheer with those they hold dear,smile for the camera Jack dear. Don’t be cross like Jack Frost does think , think of the cost not in monetary terms but peace on earth and spreading good will . Don’t go through your like with ill will. Take a leaf out of Hudson’s book and give peace another look. Great writing . I was hooked. Sweet dreamy and steamy reading , just to get the holiday feelings reeling

[Louisa Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing like getting a festive short story for a book you fell in love with! Hudson and Jack fell in love in in Nuts and Bolts and this is their first Christmas together.
Jack is a Christmas fanatic while Hudson has never really felt the need to celebrate but this year he needs to find his festive and make it special for Jack.

This was so much fun to read and loved the insight into Isaac's chance at love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short novella following the main characters Hudson and Jack after they met and fell in love in Nuts and Bolts. Here they’re seen preparing for Christmas for the first time together. Working in the hardware store, Hudson is at first skeptical of extra marketing for the holiday. Jack persuades Hudson to stock trees, ornaments, and other seasonal items.

Low angst, guaranteed HEA, seemingly a set up for another in the small town set up. The sledding scenes are fun.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is like a warm cup of cocoa on a snowy evening. BL Maxwell crafts a sweet and cozy holiday tale in Foggy Basin, where Hudson and Jack’s love story radiates charm. I loved how their differences—Hudson’s quiet, only-child upbringing versus Jack’s big, bustling family dynamic—added depth to their relationship. The holiday setting, complete with family chaos and heartfelt moments, made it feel festive and real. A quick, feel-good read perfect for curling up with during the holidays.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon L · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Merry Christmas and ho ho ho with lots of snow"

What a cute little Christmas short story by B.L. Maxwell. It's a follow-up to the book Nuts and Bolts in the multi-authored series Foggy Basin. When I saw this on Booksprout I figured a short sweet Christmas story is just what the doctor ordered.

As always narrator Guy Veryzer did a great job with the narration. I did speed up the narration, as I do with all the books I listen to, Guy's drawl is a bit slow for me.

This is the story of Hudson and Jack's first Christmas together. They make such a cute couple.

[Megan McGrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook
Narrated by Guy Veryzer
I wasn't quite as taken with the narration for this story. The story itself was sweet, but even with my read speed at 1.1x, everything was still very slow. It felt a bit like the narrator was unsure how to voice Jack's younger character. His voice was perfectly fine for Hudson and his more mature characteristics and mannerisms.

I loved revisiting Jack & Hudson from their HEA story, and it was fun to meet someone new, but there were bits that felt incomplete or unfinished. Perhaps that was intentional to draw you in to a new story, but the audiobook doesn't have some of that info an eBook might have regarding future projects.

I received an authorized copy of this story/audiobook and am volunteering my honest review.

[Traci S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio Review
The story itself is pretty cute, I enjoy established couples in romance books. It’s Christmas and a good chance to check in with Jack and Hudson with lots of family around to keep it interesting. It’s short and sweet which I like in a holiday listen. Sorry to say the narration made it challenging to vibe with characters. The narrator sounds much too old for the character ages. Jack and Hudson are young men but the narrator sounds more like a grandfather is telling their story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! Hudson and Jack are back and Christmas is on the way! Hudson isn’t quite so excited but Jack is determined to make it the best one yet! I love the gifts they give each other as they put so much thought into them. Christmas dawns extra magical when Foggy Basin gets snow, something the usually doesn’t happen!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a continuation of the original Nuts and Bolts book. This is the story of Jack and Hudson. It was fun to see them at their hardware story. The entire book is about Christmas. Decorating the story and home. Visiting with family and friends. It is a sweet and charming look into their lives. The book is well written and easy to read. I really enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[abookwithacupoftea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet, short holiday story of Jack and Hudson from Nuts and Bolts previous novel. They are both so sweet and it's heartwarming to see them interact as a couple during the holidays. While it can be read as a standalone, I wouldn't recommend it as it's nice to meet them again after reading the story of how they got together first.
I am almost sure this books sets the premises for a next couple ;-)
I got an ARC and this is my honest review

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet! Hudson and Jack are still doing well with the hardware store, Nuts and Bolts. Hudson, is invited to spend the Christmas Holiday with Jack's large boisterous family. Hudson pulls Jack into the Christmas mindset and Jack is game. Their relationshp is still solid and growing through acceptance, communication and change. Good to see the men actively work for their happiness through small challenges.. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to catch up with Jack and Hudson from the Nuts and Bolts Hardware store and and see how they spent their first holiday season together and we got a lovely sweet read with plenty of holiday decorating, celebrating and snow and maybe we’ll see them again soon if Isaac and Tig get a story.

[Robert Foland · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Nuts and Bolts Holiday" is an enjoyable holiday story. B.L. Maxwell has crafted an engaging narrative and a world populated by a well-developed cast of characters. It is a brief yet thoroughly satisfying Christmas read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yvonne M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Times are changing and Foggy Basin is in for quite a ride. I really enjoyed this book and the adventures that occurred during these changes. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves mm romance stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick trip back to Foggy Basin (which you must read the series of you haven't, it's so good 😊) Anyway loved Jack and Hudson so was really pleased to get to catch up, especially at Christmas! Thoroughly enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little follow-up. Jack is a real Christmas Elf who wants to decorate the store and sell Christmas items. Hudson is a bit more of a Grinch but would give Jack anything he wants which is cute. And of course they are both concerned over what to get the other and MAYBE there is a chance of snow this Christmas. So cute and the introduction of another potential couple.

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Hudson are spending their first Christmas together. Hudson isn't into Christmas like Jack is, so Hudson is trying to get more into it. That means Hudson is going to Jack's parents for Christmas along with Jack's big family. They will also have a surprise Christmas morning. I really enjoyed this short.

[Mrs.V · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an adorable Christmas story!
Our guys from the Nuts and Bolts hardware store are spending their first Christmas together and through panicking about what gift to get each other, decorating the shop and everything else, they are run off their feet, but that doesn’t stop them from loving each other as much as they can!

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook - enjoyable narration, the voice fits really well with the no angst and enthusiastic characters.
Story - super sweet extra short story where the MCs from the main book are having their first Christmas together, and both want it to be perfect. Hudson wasn't really a Christmas fan, but very adorable in doing everything to make Jack happy.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 4
Story – 5

Short and cute!

I haven’t read the other books in this series and I still enjoyed listening to this cute short story. Now I want to check out the other books in the series.

I received a free copy of this audiobook but my review was freely given and not required.

[Brittany Britton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nuts and Bolts Holiday by B. L. Maxwell is a cute short Christmas romance. It’s the sequel to Nuts and Bolts. Jack takes Hudson to his parents house for Christmas. Will Hudson be overwhelmed with all that is happening? Listen and find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Sigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hudson watches Jack decorate the store and then he finds out what Jack has planned. He tells Jack that whatever he thinks will sell in their little hardware store is ok.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

JUST FUN!!

FOGGY BASIN at Christmas!! Hudson and Jack celebrate Christmas with family and friends. Jack gets Hudson in the Holiday spirit. These two are so sweet together!! Happy Holidays!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!!