Sometimes Life Just Needs a Little Plaid

After the Storm
Buy Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=55_128&products_id=1773

Reviewed by Kassa at Reviews by Jessewave. 4.5 out of 5. After the Storm is totally unexpected and equally delightful. For those that didn’t read this offering first in the anthology, you’ll definitely want to get it now. The great characters, descriptive writing, clever ending, and above all really wonderful ambiance create an unforgettable story with a great twist. This story just solidifies Munder on my must-read book list.

Reviewed by Joyfully Reviewed (anthology version)Full Review here. - When I finished reading “After the Storm”, I sat back from my computer in awe. “After the Storm” is a fantastic story within a ghost story. This is not a romance, at least not by my definition but it is very pleasing, entertaining and heart-wrenchingly sad, and one I know I will be re-reading again and again.

I am compelled to add these two reviews off the Dreamspinner Website as they were posted by actual readers:

by Romanse One Date Added: Monday 21 June, 2010
I was completely enchanted by this story. There is suffering and sadness written with a great deal of painful honesty one can‘t escape, but the entire tale is blanketed in the enduring power of timeless love that makes it an ever so delicious hurt/comfort read that I found absolutely irresistible. It helps that we understand and like Vincent very much. It‘s genius that Ms. Munder brings “to life”, in such a colorful and memorable way, a man and a love long gone. For a time, I was transported via the author’s skillful storytelling into Vincent’s life, in a lighthouse steeped in secrets and history. This is a bittersweet read. You don’t necessarily get the romantic story that you want for Vincent and you probably won’t get the ending you long to read, but you get the both the story and the ending that’s fitting , beautiful, and stays with you long after you read the words, “the end”. Thank you, Ms. Munder, may we have another?

by Tamerut Adam Date Added: Thursday 15 April, 2010
5 very tearful stars!! This story shows the true & strong beauty of a pure spirit, and how courage can be shown in many forms. Love, forgiveness, and ultimate appreciation of a different type of beauty makes this a favorite of mine :) It was a sweet, yet raw, romantic story!!

A Gift of Ash and Frost
Buy Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=55_128&products_id=1435

Reviewed by Whitney at Fallen Angel Reviews. 4 Angels This is an engaging read with characters that are well-developed in spite of the shortness of the story. Mathias quickly captures the sympathy and affection of the reader, and although less time is spent with the secondary characters, we still get to know them through Mathias’s eyes. Throughout the story, Mathias repeats his mother’s philosophy: Be careful what you wish for. In the beginning, this is a negative and somewhat self-defeating adage that suggests that reaching for something above one’s station in life will lead to disaster. At the end, however, this takes on an entirely different connotation, as Mathias realizes that being true to himself can actually lead to positive results. Readers picking up A Gift of Ash and Frost should expect an enjoyable experience. This story is well worth the read.

Reviewed by Emily: Full Review here - This is the second story from Chrissy as part of the advent calendar ~ this is quite different from the first story and is just as enjoyable. This is an intense story of a man who has been dealt a difficult hand with his life, more so than you can possibly imagine from the start of the story. As the story progresses, we learn more about Mathias as he discovers things about himself. I love the style this story is written in ~ it pulls you right into the overall setting of the story.

and The story's fast pacing drives toward the exceptionally poignant ending. This is the type of story that I really do feel I need to read numerous times in order to fully digest and appreciate all of it's intricacies and nuances ~ something that I personally love in a story. I really enjoy when each reading can reveal a bit more about the charcters and the underlying design of the story. It is a beautifully written and moving story that I greatly enjoyed and can't wait to read again.

Reviewed by Elisa Rolle - Full Review here. This is one of the best historical gay romance I read [sic] lately, my only regret is that it's too short and left me with the desire to read more."

Start from the Beginning
Buy Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=55_128&products_id=1744

Reviewed by Jenre at Well Read: Grade - Excellent. - It was all rather delightful and beautifully done, especially in some of the tender moments between the men and in the way that their feelings develop for one another..

In addition to the review itself, Jen and her commentors gave my work some quite unexpected praise that left me with a good dose of warm fuzzies for the rest of the weekend, and almost made up for my dentist appointment.

Reviewed by Lily 4 stars from Lily at Rainbow Reviews. And here with Rainbow Reviews closing. - Miles and Drew have both been forced to make changes in their lives and the care with which the author presents these changes and how the men handled them was really well done. This is not a 'meet and quickly fall into bed' story rather it's a well written story of two men slowly developing feelings and finally, when they are both ready, acting on those feelings. I really liked this story and recommend it to anyone looking for a well written romance.

Reviewed by Wave at Reviews by Jessewave. 4 stars. - The characterizations in Start From The Beginning were what drew me into the story. Both men were hurting and had undergone major health crises, consequently their lifestyles had changed considerably. The author carefully crafted how the protagonists tried to move on, each dealing with life’s blows differently, knowing that nothing would ever be the same for them again. The attraction was drawn out over a period of weeks as they learned about each other and there was a lot of tenderness and caring between them.

Reviewed by Night Owl Romance: 4 Stars and Full Review here. - Reading these characters' interactions - from Drew trying to ignore Miles, to Miles having none of it in his own way - and the progression of how their thoughts change, to reading how those changing thoughts translate into actions made this a wonderful little novella.

Here are some reviews for Stormy Weather by Chrissy Munder. Available in the Make Me a Match Vol. 2 Anthology by Dreamspinner Press.

Nikki at Rainbow Reviews: Stormy Weather is a lighthearted, fun, and romantic story. Craig is adorable and Grant is a sweet guy too. They have great chemistry, and it feels like the real thing with them.

Critter Nymph at Literary Nymphs Reviews: Stormy Weather by Chrissy Munder (4 Nymphs) is a hilarious look at computer dating. This enjoyable read will have you chuckling more than once. Who knew ordering an edamame salad could be such an experience?

Jaime at Dark Diva Reviews: This was a lovely tale of two guys who manage to find one another through the crowd, even though they don't quite know right away what they're looking at. I rather liked Craig and his simple resolve to be content with his life. He has a certain surety that he will meet the right guy, eventually, even if he hasn't, yet. Maybe that's the optimism of youth, but I think it's also about his personality, being open to chance. Grant's not so sure Mr. Right exists after his recent dating fiascos, but he's willing to try, and that's always a plus.

This really is a sweet story despite the sex scenes, which generally tend to push any story from sweet to at least sensual. In this case, they are well done and somehow manage to retain the sense established in the story of honest, uncomplicated love. The characters are easy to like, their situations are easy to sympathise with, and you just want them to see each other and more importantly, recognize each other. I like the way the story closes with them still being just who they are, honest and tender, and you just know it's all worked out for the best.

Read the 4 Nymph Review from Fallen Angels here:.

Business Before Pleasure is a quick and enjoyable read. Joel’s viewpoint/voice is very engaging as he kicks himself in hindsight and calls himself all kinds of a fool for allowing himself to be taken advantage of by his predatory lover. He is also an extremely funny drunk. The reader is formally introduced to Bryce through Joel’s alcoholic haze, and the scene is comical enough to make you laugh out loud. The reader doesn’t get to know Bryce quite as well as Joel, but Bryce has a dry humor to him that fits the story very well. Anticipation of seeing Charles, the dishonest coworker, get his comeuppance will keep the reader glued to this story to the end and entertained the whole time.

Read the 5 Star Review from Rainbow Reviews: http://www.rainbow-reviews.com/?p=1460

A most unexpected response (and entire blog post!) from WellRead: http://jenre-wellread.blogspot.com/2009/06/crying-over-you.html

Lily at I Love Books: http://lily-ilovebooks.blogspot.com/2009/06/simple-life-by-chrissy-munder.html?zx=877e1e9a04c9d755

Enigmatic Emily: http://emily83176.livejournal.com/77752.html

Reviews for Giving Gifts.
Buy Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=55_128&products_id=1437

Reviewed by Emily - Full Review here - "This is a very touching story, about a guy that I bonded with immediately as a fellow programmer. Excitement and joy radiates from him due to his friendship with Oscar. His friends can't quite believe the transformation and don't know how to relate to their fellow Tech Support employee anymore. But what Seth comes to find out is that while he was so focused on Oscar, he was ignoring those around him. My heart broke for Seth in this story, and I wanted to see him find the love that he so deserves. I really enjoyed this story, and was surprised by the unexpected turn it takes just when I thought I knew what was going to happen. I love being caught off guard like that and really enjoyed the tale of Seth's night. This is very nice story about accepting yourself and finding the love you deserve."

Reviewed by Jenre at Well Read and chosen as one of their 10 most enjoyed in the 2008 Dreamspinner Press Advent Calendar Collection. - The real strength of this story was in the way that the reader really empathises with the character of Seth. We meet him when he is feeling at his best and experience all his hopes for the night ahead, then when that comes crashing down around him we feel his sense of crushing embarrassment, then when we feel his surprise and powerful emotion as he meets someone who values him for who he is. Marvellous.

Reviewed by Elisa Rolle - Full Review Here . When you find such good characters, you can only say that it's a shame that they leave you so soon

Reviews for Fair Winds.
Buy Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=55_128&products_id=1308

Reviewed by Kathy at Dark Diva Reviews: 5 Delightful Divas in a Review you can read here. And I'm pleased to say that Fair Winds was also entered in their Book of the Month Reader's Poll.

Fair Winds was totally engaging, exciting and a perfect story about friendship, relationships and falling in love. The way that Ms. Munder ended the story was wonderful, and I can definitely see room for another adventure with the crew of Devlin’s Due… hopefully soon!

Reviewed by Scandalous Minx at Literary Nymphs: 5 Nymphs and a Golden Blush Recommended Read

I don’t know which enthralled me more; the characters, the setting or the plot. Maybe it was the combination of all three and how well they danced together like the perfect Tango. I’m truly in love with this story, and hope Chrissy Munder won’t leave this incredible tale at just one book. I personally would love to gain more time with the crew of Devlin’s Due. This is a fantastic read should not be missed, and even those who get seasick from looking at a pool will find pleasure reading Fair Winds.

Reviewed by April at Fallen Angels Reviews: 4 Angels - You can’t go wrong with Fair Winds! Rudy Haas completely makes this story great. Even though Ike is the alpha-male type, with tall, dark, and silent down pat, Rudy still steals the show with his gentle nature and gritty drive to succeed at any cost.

Reviewed by Jenre at her blog Well Read or her expanded post over at ReviewsbyJessewave where she is a guest reviewer. - All in all a great novella which kept my attention from start to finish, despite my lack of knowledge about sailing. Grade: Very Good.

Reviews for Drive Me Home.

Drive Me Home was chosen as a December Reviewer's Top Pick at Dark Diva Reviews in 2009 and also received 5 Divas and a Recommended Read.

You can read the entire review here, but how about an excerpt?

"After reading and reviewing Fair Winds, the first book I read by this very talented author, I was sure that this was going to be an excellent read. But with Drive Me Home, Ms. Munder has reached a whole new plateau and I’m still feeling somewhat stunned. Low-key and subtle are two elements that really mark this book, and I’m firmly hooked on Chrissy Munder’s writing."

And a 4.25 out of 5 from Tracy at Tracy's Place where Drive is last, but not least. It's always a pleasure to hear a reader enjoyed a story.

Eric has proven to be an interesting character, one that many readers project their own emotions on.

Read this Review by Ley over at Joyfully Reviewed..

And this very thoughtful and detailed review over at Well-Read. If you want to read the story without any spoilers (?) you may not want to click the link.

Overall, I think what pleased me most about this review was her ending comment: "Even now, days later, I am still thinking about this book, reflecting on its themes of passivity and control; mulling over what it was about Eric that made me so cross; and thinking over the implications of the ending for the two men. For that reason alone I think this deserves a grade of 'Very Good'."

I don't feel I can ask for more than someone spending time thinking about a story once they are done reading it.

Although I will say, this tickled me as well:

The slightly disorientating way of showing the point of view of the two men working under cover, the way that we never really know who they are until quite close to the end was rather chilling.