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Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes
Joe knows where he is going in life. But one crazy road trip just might change everything.
Joe Blankenship knows where he’s going. He’s on track to marry the boss’s daughter and become heir apparent to a multi-million dollar medical supply business. The financial security he never had growing up is within his grasp along with a glitzy Manhattan lifestyle. All he has to do is get to New York by Christmas Eve for his engagement party.
Joe didn’t count on getting grounded in Florida thanks to a hurricane. He couldn’t have anticipated having to rent a broken-down car for the long drive north. And he certainly never foresaw being stuck with a passenger like Remy Guidry, a sweet-natured Cajun boy, social worker at a children’s home, and free spirit. Remy is the opposite of everything Joe has worked for. But he just might teach Joe, not only the spirit of Christmas, but what’s truly of value in life.
Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes is a Christmas road trip, forced proximity, opposites attract romance.
Joe Blankenship knows where he’s going. He’s on track to marry the boss’s daughter and become heir apparent to a multi-million dollar medical supply business. The financial security he never had growing up is within his grasp along with a glitzy Manhattan lifestyle. All he has to do is get to New York by Christmas Eve for his engagement party.
Joe didn’t count on getting grounded in Florida thanks to a hurricane. He couldn’t have anticipated having to rent a broken-down car for the long drive north. And he certainly never foresaw being stuck with a passenger like Remy Guidry, a sweet-natured Cajun boy, social worker at a children’s home, and free spirit. Remy is the opposite of everything Joe has worked for. But he just might teach Joe, not only the spirit of Christmas, but what’s truly of value in life.
Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes is a Christmas road trip, forced proximity, opposites attract romance.
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2023
About the author
Eli Easton
70 books2,754 followersHaving been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a game designer, an organic farmer, an avid hiker, and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
November 26, 2023
3.5🌟
LOVED THIS! It was a lovely not quite-Christmassy book and it was pretty enjoyable. Written in a single POV it tells us the story of Joe who, for the first half of the book made it a challenge not to despise him. You have to push through and to trust the redeeming story arc because otherwise it’s very easy to hate him, trust me. He is almost engaged to his boss’ daughter and while trying to get home to his gf and their engagement party hurricane Jack hits the south and he is trapped in a road trip with a charming stranger named Remy. Now, Remy is not only charming, he is also kind, smart, altruistic,and with a sunny disposition and I absolutely loved him-I longed for his POV😭
I liked Joe’s growth and how he became aware of the ppl around him, how he realized that there’s more to life than having money and I loved how smitten he was with Remy and how natural that happened. And we’re talking about 3 days approx. so you know…..insta, yet it didn’t feel forced or anticlimactic, the author did a great job there.
Now, why 3 stars and not 4 as my first instinct told me to rate?Well, and *SPOILER* this books has cheating and I know some ppl will be bothered by this but to be honest I don’t really care if it’s cheating on a partner if it’s not between the MCs so the cheating part is not what bothered me. What annoyed me is that the author tried to make us not care about the cheating by (and this is a cliché older than time) making the girlfriend a witch. And witch is an understatement, she was bitchy, demanding, spoiled, self centered and cartoonishly villainous. And I’m sooooo sick of this scenario that I had to drop a star. I should have dropped more because hysterical bitchy women in MM books should be illegal already but I loved everything else about the book so 3 stars it is.
There is no smut but there is a short, gentle and sensual sex scene and I loved it.
LOVED THIS! It was a lovely not quite-Christmassy book and it was pretty enjoyable. Written in a single POV it tells us the story of Joe who, for the first half of the book made it a challenge not to despise him. You have to push through and to trust the redeeming story arc because otherwise it’s very easy to hate him, trust me. He is almost engaged to his boss’ daughter and while trying to get home to his gf and their engagement party hurricane Jack hits the south and he is trapped in a road trip with a charming stranger named Remy. Now, Remy is not only charming, he is also kind, smart, altruistic,and with a sunny disposition and I absolutely loved him-I longed for his POV😭
I liked Joe’s growth and how he became aware of the ppl around him, how he realized that there’s more to life than having money and I loved how smitten he was with Remy and how natural that happened. And we’re talking about 3 days approx. so you know…..insta, yet it didn’t feel forced or anticlimactic, the author did a great job there.
Now, why 3 stars and not 4 as my first instinct told me to rate?Well, and *SPOILER* this books has cheating and I know some ppl will be bothered by this but to be honest I don’t really care if it’s cheating on a partner if it’s not between the MCs so the cheating part is not what bothered me. What annoyed me is that the author tried to make us not care about the cheating by (and this is a cliché older than time) making the girlfriend a witch. And witch is an understatement, she was bitchy, demanding, spoiled, self centered and cartoonishly villainous. And I’m sooooo sick of this scenario that I had to drop a star. I should have dropped more because hysterical bitchy women in MM books should be illegal already but I loved everything else about the book so 3 stars it is.
There is no smut but there is a short, gentle and sensual sex scene and I loved it.
November 20, 2023
Heartfelt and poignant, Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes is as much a Christmas romance as it is the story of a man at a crossroads.
Joe has everything he's ever wanted: a girlfriend from a wealthy family, a well-paying job with said girlfriend's father's company, culture, and more button-down shirts then he knows what to do with. So why does he pop antacids like candy and dread hanging out with his soon-to-be in-laws over the holidays?
Joe meets Remy when the two drive, or attempt to drive, from Florida to New York a couple days before Christmas. Remy is all light and smiles. He's easygoing, incredibly kind, fun, and very cute. Remy even talks uptight Joe into spending a few hours at an amusement park.
The men find themselves stranded in a hotel during a hurricane, and Joe realizes that despite the precarious situation, he doesn't want his time with Remy to end.
There's almost no steam here, but I was more than okay with that, since the story is about connecting on a deeper level.
The epilogue is merry and bright. Cheers all around!
P.S. This book would have been 5 stars had it not been for the following:
The story is told only from Joe's POV. I was bummed we didn't get Remy's voice.
There is
Joe has everything he's ever wanted: a girlfriend from a wealthy family, a well-paying job with said girlfriend's father's company, culture, and more button-down shirts then he knows what to do with. So why does he pop antacids like candy and dread hanging out with his soon-to-be in-laws over the holidays?
Joe meets Remy when the two drive, or attempt to drive, from Florida to New York a couple days before Christmas. Remy is all light and smiles. He's easygoing, incredibly kind, fun, and very cute. Remy even talks uptight Joe into spending a few hours at an amusement park.
The men find themselves stranded in a hotel during a hurricane, and Joe realizes that despite the precarious situation, he doesn't want his time with Remy to end.
There's almost no steam here, but I was more than okay with that, since the story is about connecting on a deeper level.
The epilogue is merry and bright. Cheers all around!
P.S. This book would have been 5 stars had it not been for the following:
The story is told only from Joe's POV. I was bummed we didn't get Remy's voice.
There is
March 2, 2024
*Warning- some minor spoilers ahead*
The more I sat on my review for Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes, the angrier I got. This story is not only beneath what I would expect from Eli Easton, but it felt very old-school M/M, in all the worst ways.
Maybe if I read this book 15 years ago, I would have been okay with the blatant cheating on the evil girlfriend (gag me, that's so early 2000s), but I'm NOT okay with it anymore. No one was forcing Joe to be with his rich girlfriend, who wanted to play tennis or go to the country club or whatever (the horror!), and no one made him decide to cheat on her. I don't care if he was swept up in the instalove, but I just disliked him as a person. If my friend was dating Joe, I would have said *boy, bye*.
Remy was the sweet savior with the mildly sordid past, and it was all so done before that it was hard for me to finish. And it's only a novella!
Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, but REALLY? I expect more from Eli Easton than insta-love and cheating with misogynistic undertones.
goodreads|instagram
The more I sat on my review for Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes, the angrier I got. This story is not only beneath what I would expect from Eli Easton, but it felt very old-school M/M, in all the worst ways.
Maybe if I read this book 15 years ago, I would have been okay with the blatant cheating on the evil girlfriend (gag me, that's so early 2000s), but I'm NOT okay with it anymore. No one was forcing Joe to be with his rich girlfriend, who wanted to play tennis or go to the country club or whatever (the horror!), and no one made him decide to cheat on her. I don't care if he was swept up in the instalove, but I just disliked him as a person. If my friend was dating Joe, I would have said *boy, bye*.
Remy was the sweet savior with the mildly sordid past, and it was all so done before that it was hard for me to finish. And it's only a novella!
Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, but REALLY? I expect more from Eli Easton than insta-love and cheating with misogynistic undertones.
goodreads|instagram
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2023
Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes is a novella set just before Christmas, about a road trip that gets gets sidetracked by a hurricane. While both have very different reasons for heading to New York, the hurricane isn't strong enough to stop the romantic feelings between Joe and Remy from developing.
There were moments that I loved her; specifically the
There were moments that I loved her; specifically the
December 16, 2023
4.5+ stars ...
Okay, I loved this! 🥰 You can't expect a 125 page novella to provide a lot of "depth" but I was very impressed with the story that Eli Easton packed into these pages. Not particularly Christmas-y but simply takes place during the few days leading up to Christmas.
That's what you need, Joe. Security. Stability.
Joe's childhood shaped his adult goals and severely clouded his priorities.
I'd worked hard to become Joe Blankenship, the ambitious, hard-working young businessman with a super-nova future. I'd worked so diligently creating that guy, I'd forgotten who the real me was. I'd forgotten about amusement parks, and watching old movies with someone who loved them too, about football games on Christmas Day with my mom, and about how good it felt to hold someone you really wanted.
A forced road trip with Remy in an ill-fated attempt to escape the clutches of Hurricane Jack ... and get to New York for Christmas ... when all planes out of Florida are grounded, is exactly what Joe needed to shift his mindset.
Remy taught me there was more to life than reaching for brass rings just because somebody had put them there.
Remy is the polar-opposite of Joe and he is freakin' adorable ... so much so that Joe can't possibly NOT fall for his charms! ❤️🥴❤️
Eli Easton is one of my mostest favoritest authors and she delivered again with this one! ❤️🥰❤️
Okay, I loved this! 🥰 You can't expect a 125 page novella to provide a lot of "depth" but I was very impressed with the story that Eli Easton packed into these pages. Not particularly Christmas-y but simply takes place during the few days leading up to Christmas.
That's what you need, Joe. Security. Stability.
Joe's childhood shaped his adult goals and severely clouded his priorities.
I'd worked hard to become Joe Blankenship, the ambitious, hard-working young businessman with a super-nova future. I'd worked so diligently creating that guy, I'd forgotten who the real me was. I'd forgotten about amusement parks, and watching old movies with someone who loved them too, about football games on Christmas Day with my mom, and about how good it felt to hold someone you really wanted.
A forced road trip with Remy in an ill-fated attempt to escape the clutches of Hurricane Jack ... and get to New York for Christmas ... when all planes out of Florida are grounded, is exactly what Joe needed to shift his mindset.
Remy taught me there was more to life than reaching for brass rings just because somebody had put them there.
Remy is the polar-opposite of Joe and he is freakin' adorable ... so much so that Joe can't possibly NOT fall for his charms! ❤️🥴❤️
Eli Easton is one of my mostest favoritest authors and she delivered again with this one! ❤️🥰❤️
November 16, 2023
"Running away from a hurricane" has to be not only one of the most creative use of the road trip trope, but also one of the most creative ideas for a holiday romance. I am (vocally) not a big fan of the holidays, and conversely also of holiday romance books. There's few authors whom I can actually go ahead and go for a holiday romance. But I actually look forward to Eli's. Eli can make stories set in the holidays that are actually stories that I enjoy. This is not an exception to that rule.
I loved the setting, I love how the characters act with each other, I loved their character development. I could see myself rereading this one, which is big for me. But I truly liked it so, so much.
I loved the setting, I love how the characters act with each other, I loved their character development. I could see myself rereading this one, which is big for me. But I truly liked it so, so much.
November 27, 2023
There were some questionable sentences in here that bothered me, but I’m not sure if the author intended them the way I’ve interpreted them. I couldn’t help but feel there was a lot of subtle misogyny, especially by including a one dimensional woman villain.
There is also cheating here (not between the mains) and I’m just not here for that.
Could’ve been real cute though. The volunteering scenes really got me.
There is also cheating here (not between the mains) and I’m just not here for that.
Could’ve been real cute though. The volunteering scenes really got me.
February 7, 2024
I love Christmas/Holiday stories - and one that involves realizing that there's a better life after all, is one of my favorite tropes. What can I say, it's all about analyzing your life during this time of year, you know? Making resolutions for the upcoming year. So Easton's Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes had that for me... PLUS road trip! Always a trope that I can read repeatedly.
I liked the all havocs happening during the trip, I loved that Joe's serendipity meeting with Remy, when he took that request of picking Remy up for the trip to New York, brought Joe to a better version of life. One that he didn't regret.
HOWEVER, I had to dock stars because this all involved a WOMAN VILLAIN! I no longer appreciate this in MM romance. No siree. It's SO EASY for us readers to root for Remy, when this woman that Joe is almost engaged with is a version of a bit*h. She's demanding, rude, and lack of empathy. Of course Joe will choose the better person.
Why the need to add woman villain at all?!? Joe can easily be written without an almost fiancée - he could be written as somone NOT in relationship but totally need to revise his path of life.
This part of the book, I HATED. If not because of this cheap plot, I would easily give this my 4-stars.
Thank you so much to Alou Elf from Goodreads 2023 Secret Santa Event for this gift
I liked the all havocs happening during the trip, I loved that Joe's serendipity meeting with Remy, when he took that request of picking Remy up for the trip to New York, brought Joe to a better version of life. One that he didn't regret.
HOWEVER, I had to dock stars because this all involved a WOMAN VILLAIN! I no longer appreciate this in MM romance. No siree. It's SO EASY for us readers to root for Remy, when this woman that Joe is almost engaged with is a version of a bit*h. She's demanding, rude, and lack of empathy. Of course Joe will choose the better person.
Why the need to add woman villain at all?!? Joe can easily be written without an almost fiancée - he could be written as somone NOT in relationship but totally need to revise his path of life.
This part of the book, I HATED. If not because of this cheap plot, I would easily give this my 4-stars.
Thank you so much to Alou Elf from Goodreads 2023 Secret Santa Event for this gift
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2023
Very insta and trite. Not up to Easton's usual Christmas standards.
November 26, 2023
Was this a sweet book? Yes.
Was this a Christmas story? I didn’t feel like it was.
I’m not doing well so far with Christmas books this year. None have captured Christmas at all. This was a quick read that I picked up at night and kept falling asleep after reading only a bit. I enjoyed the premise, road-trip books are so fun! I liked Joe, the button down guy who was raised by a single mother with not much money. He vowed to himself that he would never hurt financially and so he pushes himself to only strive for the best. That has gotten him in a company selling medical supplies instead of becoming a doctor, working for a boss who only cares about making more money and engaged to the boss’s daughter who he doesn’t love. In fact, we only know this woman through Joe’s eyes and sone texts and she seems like a callous person. I wish we could’ve had some actual scenes with her. Her and her father were just caricatures.
Remy was a caring, open and positive person. Basically he was the opposite of Joe in almost every way, he did have a lot of problems growing up and has become a better person because of that experience. He teaches Joe that you need to follow your heart and that being happy is more important that being rich.
I think my favorite part of this was the epilogue. It was the Christmas part of the story that I wish we got throughout the book. I do dislike time jumps that just tell us all this stuff that has happened to the characters when the rest of the story pales in comparison.
I didn’t not like this but it was underwhelming.
Was this a Christmas story? I didn’t feel like it was.
I’m not doing well so far with Christmas books this year. None have captured Christmas at all. This was a quick read that I picked up at night and kept falling asleep after reading only a bit. I enjoyed the premise, road-trip books are so fun! I liked Joe, the button down guy who was raised by a single mother with not much money. He vowed to himself that he would never hurt financially and so he pushes himself to only strive for the best. That has gotten him in a company selling medical supplies instead of becoming a doctor, working for a boss who only cares about making more money and engaged to the boss’s daughter who he doesn’t love. In fact, we only know this woman through Joe’s eyes and sone texts and she seems like a callous person. I wish we could’ve had some actual scenes with her. Her and her father were just caricatures.
Remy was a caring, open and positive person. Basically he was the opposite of Joe in almost every way, he did have a lot of problems growing up and has become a better person because of that experience. He teaches Joe that you need to follow your heart and that being happy is more important that being rich.
I think my favorite part of this was the epilogue. It was the Christmas part of the story that I wish we got throughout the book. I do dislike time jumps that just tell us all this stuff that has happened to the characters when the rest of the story pales in comparison.
I didn’t not like this but it was underwhelming.
November 28, 2023
Cute
It's a cute little holiday short. A little too short for me to have suspended all disbelief with what happens (especially concerning Allison.
In the end it's an enjoyable, single POV, holiday insta love romance with a very happy ending.
It's a cute little holiday short. A little too short for me to have suspended all disbelief with what happens (especially concerning Allison.
In the end it's an enjoyable, single POV, holiday insta love romance with a very happy ending.
December 2, 2023
Not sure what happened to my review, I posted it on Amazon back on Nov 22nd!
***
This book reminded me so much of the old Hollywood 'road trip' romances that used to star actors like Cary Grant and Colette Colberg.
Joe is such a likeable young man, you get see inside his head and discover his upbringing with a single mum was somewhat sparse so he's been determined to get to the top of his career and feel financially secure.
When he ends up giving a lift to a stranger who's heading to New York to say goodbye to his estranged mother, it sets Joe off on a period of rediscovery.
No spoilers but be aware that Joe has a girlfriend when the story starts.
I adored how we got to travel along with Joe and Remy as they cope with unexpected diversions due to some seriously dangerous weather and as they have to work together, it forces Joe to loosen up and re-examine his life's direction.
Remy is joyous, he's got such a beautiful outlook on life and he's first in the queue to help when their journey takes its first detour.
Here, we have to work past Joe's upcoming engagement as he gets closer to Remy and begins to question that relationship and his sexuality.
This takes place over such a short period of time but it never hits into "instalove" for me, I loved seeing how Joe came to realise he wasn't at all happy in his present day life.
It's only medium steam, but we do get a lot of intimacy instead and I definitely was rooting for Joe to wake up and realise he was changing himself to fit in with his rich future in-laws.
Eli is so good as bringing the emotions and putting you right in the picture and making you get all the feels.
***
This book reminded me so much of the old Hollywood 'road trip' romances that used to star actors like Cary Grant and Colette Colberg.
Joe is such a likeable young man, you get see inside his head and discover his upbringing with a single mum was somewhat sparse so he's been determined to get to the top of his career and feel financially secure.
When he ends up giving a lift to a stranger who's heading to New York to say goodbye to his estranged mother, it sets Joe off on a period of rediscovery.
No spoilers but be aware that Joe has a girlfriend when the story starts.
I adored how we got to travel along with Joe and Remy as they cope with unexpected diversions due to some seriously dangerous weather and as they have to work together, it forces Joe to loosen up and re-examine his life's direction.
Remy is joyous, he's got such a beautiful outlook on life and he's first in the queue to help when their journey takes its first detour.
Here, we have to work past Joe's upcoming engagement as he gets closer to Remy and begins to question that relationship and his sexuality.
This takes place over such a short period of time but it never hits into "instalove" for me, I loved seeing how Joe came to realise he wasn't at all happy in his present day life.
It's only medium steam, but we do get a lot of intimacy instead and I definitely was rooting for Joe to wake up and realise he was changing himself to fit in with his rich future in-laws.
Eli is so good as bringing the emotions and putting you right in the picture and making you get all the feels.
November 11, 2023
4.5 stars
What a lovely story! This is my first book of Eli Easton and I really enjoyed it. It's a classic Christmas novella with strangers to lovers, forced proximity, insta connection.
Joe is a young ambitious man, eager to be a responsible and accomplished adult and about to be engaged with his boss' daughter (the classic cold self centered woman). He finds himself stuck in Florida during a hurricane and he rents a car to drive to New York in time for his engagement; one of his clients asks him for a favour, so he starts his journey with an attractive young social worker who will unconsciously push him to reconsider his life choices.
I loved Remi, especially the fact that he never spoke badly about Joe's girlfriend: he's a genuine person who got a second chance in his life and now he's trying to make the most of it.
I also appreciated that, while they did connect instantly and felt comfortable around each other, sexual attraction wasn't the main thing that pushed them into each other arms (the spice level of this story is very very low).
I would have loved a little more romance and sweet talking, but I really enjoyed this book, it was a nice and easy reading and I surely recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
What a lovely story! This is my first book of Eli Easton and I really enjoyed it. It's a classic Christmas novella with strangers to lovers, forced proximity, insta connection.
Joe is a young ambitious man, eager to be a responsible and accomplished adult and about to be engaged with his boss' daughter (the classic cold self centered woman). He finds himself stuck in Florida during a hurricane and he rents a car to drive to New York in time for his engagement; one of his clients asks him for a favour, so he starts his journey with an attractive young social worker who will unconsciously push him to reconsider his life choices.
I loved Remi, especially the fact that he never spoke badly about Joe's girlfriend: he's a genuine person who got a second chance in his life and now he's trying to make the most of it.
I also appreciated that, while they did connect instantly and felt comfortable around each other, sexual attraction wasn't the main thing that pushed them into each other arms (the spice level of this story is very very low).
I would have loved a little more romance and sweet talking, but I really enjoyed this book, it was a nice and easy reading and I surely recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
December 9, 2023
I mean... I guess I did technically finish this one and didn't end up having to DNF, so... progress?
Interesting and unique concept, which I really appreciated, but I largely think that the length of this was too short to fully pull it off for me. Low heat, low chemistry, and low on believable build and backstory. The engagement story line felt so forced and phoned-in, with no real personality given to the girlfriend except "socialite" so to make the fact that Joe and Remy have sex before Joe breaks up with her seem less gross? I feel like she definitely could have made this work without the infidelity, which seemed really out of character for both of them. Good bones here, but the execution here just didn't work for me.
Interesting and unique concept, which I really appreciated, but I largely think that the length of this was too short to fully pull it off for me. Low heat, low chemistry, and low on believable build and backstory. The engagement story line felt so forced and phoned-in, with no real personality given to the girlfriend except "socialite" so to make the fact that Joe and Remy have sex before Joe breaks up with her seem less gross? I feel like she definitely could have made this work without the infidelity, which seemed really out of character for both of them. Good bones here, but the execution here just didn't work for me.
November 29, 2023
2.5 stars. This was cute and had some touching, emotional moments—I loved the search and rescue scenes—but it was low on Xmas vibes and generally didn’t quite hit the mark. Novellas are so tricky. I can never pinpoint how some pack the punch of a full-length novel and others just don’t. I didn’t find the relationship development between Joe and Remy to be believable and Joe turning his life completely upside down for a guy he’d barely known for a few days just felt wrong. I hated the cheating. I think this could’ve worked well as a full-length novel but in novella format, it just seemed like a bit too much to pull off.
I feel compelled to mention that Eli has written several Christmas novellas that I've really jibed with. I listen to Christmas Angel every year, it's one of my faves.
I feel compelled to mention that Eli has written several Christmas novellas that I've really jibed with. I listen to Christmas Angel every year, it's one of my faves.
December 14, 2023
3.5 stars / B-
A delayed-by-crappy-weather road trip romance wherein Joe, an executive who is set to marry the boss's daughter, can't get a flight back to New York from Florida thanks to an incoming hurricane, so rents a car to drive instead. The CEO of the company he's just closed a major deal with asks for a favour - if he'll collect a friend who needs to get to NYC to visit his dying mother. Joe isn't wild about the idea, but doesn't feel he can say no.
Remy - a social worker - is the proverbial ray of sunshine who helps Joe to finally admit that he's not happy. He's chosen this path because he and his mother really struggled when he was growing up (his dad walked out when he was little more than a baby) and opted not to go to medical school because he couldn't afford it.
The story is well written, and there's a bit of action involved when Remy and Joe volunteer to help out with rescue efforts when the area they're in is flooded, and of course, there's a lovely HEA and sweet epilogue to round it all off.
My one real criticism is that Joe's fiancée (he's bisexual) is a cardboard cut-out bitch who doesn't seem to share any of his interests or worry that he's got caught up in a potentially life-threatening weather event - all she's worried about is him getting to their big event/party on time. I recently read Nicky James' The Christmas I Know, which also features a caricature, self-absorbed fiancé - and I really wish the trope would just disappear, regardless of gender.
Otherwise, this is a solid read from Eli Easton - definitely worth a couple of hours of anyone's time.
A delayed-by-crappy-weather road trip romance wherein Joe, an executive who is set to marry the boss's daughter, can't get a flight back to New York from Florida thanks to an incoming hurricane, so rents a car to drive instead. The CEO of the company he's just closed a major deal with asks for a favour - if he'll collect a friend who needs to get to NYC to visit his dying mother. Joe isn't wild about the idea, but doesn't feel he can say no.
Remy - a social worker - is the proverbial ray of sunshine who helps Joe to finally admit that he's not happy. He's chosen this path because he and his mother really struggled when he was growing up (his dad walked out when he was little more than a baby) and opted not to go to medical school because he couldn't afford it.
The story is well written, and there's a bit of action involved when Remy and Joe volunteer to help out with rescue efforts when the area they're in is flooded, and of course, there's a lovely HEA and sweet epilogue to round it all off.
My one real criticism is that Joe's fiancée (he's bisexual) is a cardboard cut-out bitch who doesn't seem to share any of his interests or worry that he's got caught up in a potentially life-threatening weather event - all she's worried about is him getting to their big event/party on time. I recently read Nicky James' The Christmas I Know, which also features a caricature, self-absorbed fiancé - and I really wish the trope would just disappear, regardless of gender.
Otherwise, this is a solid read from Eli Easton - definitely worth a couple of hours of anyone's time.
November 24, 2023
Another Christmas Hit from Eli Easton 😊
Such a sweet story, I loved the depth of the characters and watching them grow and develop along the way. There's lots of drama, fun and adventure as Joe and Remy find their happily ever after. They're so different, but are instantly drawn to one another. Remy is a delight, and due to Remy's attitude to life, Joe begins to question his future plans. You can feel the push and pull, the vulnerability of Joe and the growing attraction between the two.The more time he spends with Remy, the more Joe questions everything he held true to believe about himself. Complicate that with them being stranded together whilst on their travels, and Joe discovers that perhaps a romance might be possible after all. This was a beautiful feel good story. I loved the interplay of Joe and Remi, the dialogue is also spot on. Through the story Ms Easton passes on a few truths about the state of society today, whilst also writing a feel good Christmas story, which left me with a huge smile.
Such a sweet story, I loved the depth of the characters and watching them grow and develop along the way. There's lots of drama, fun and adventure as Joe and Remy find their happily ever after. They're so different, but are instantly drawn to one another. Remy is a delight, and due to Remy's attitude to life, Joe begins to question his future plans. You can feel the push and pull, the vulnerability of Joe and the growing attraction between the two.The more time he spends with Remy, the more Joe questions everything he held true to believe about himself. Complicate that with them being stranded together whilst on their travels, and Joe discovers that perhaps a romance might be possible after all. This was a beautiful feel good story. I loved the interplay of Joe and Remi, the dialogue is also spot on. Through the story Ms Easton passes on a few truths about the state of society today, whilst also writing a feel good Christmas story, which left me with a huge smile.
December 16, 2023
Is it Christmas without an Eli Easton book? Not really. I loved this premise and thoroughly enjoyed these characters.
November 27, 2023
Couldn’t get through this book. I think it’s because I grew up on the East Coast and so the depiction of the hurricane makes no sense. I was trying to give it the benefit of the doubt, but as implausibility grew I wasn’t sure why I was still reading.
November 30, 2023
I wanted to give this book 3 stars but have settled at 2. The MCs were sweet enough but there is cheating involved and that isn’t going to work for me. This story is very, very similar to Nicky James’ book ‘The Christmas I Know’ but NJ’s version is so much better.
November 10, 2023
5 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ
“Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes” By Eli Easton
📕 Edition: eBook
This was a heartwarming holiday journey. 🚗✨ Joe's meticulously planned life takes an unexpected turn when a hurricane strands him in Florida, setting the stage for a delightful romance. 🌪️❤️
The dynamic between Joe and Remy is charmingly sweet, and their forced road trip unveils layers of vulnerability and genuine connection. 🌟 Despite being opposites, they complement each other beautifully, adding depth to the classic opposites-attract theme. The holiday setting adds a magical touch, making it a perfect seasonal read. 🎄❄️
Eli Easton crafted a super cute romance that captures the spirit of the season, reminding us of the importance of love, kindness, and unexpected detours. Highly recommended for those in need of a festive, feel-good escape! 📚👏
Out on ebook and KU 11/22!
Thank you @gay.romance.reviews Eli Easton for providing me with this ARC.
“Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes” By Eli Easton
📕 Edition: eBook
This was a heartwarming holiday journey. 🚗✨ Joe's meticulously planned life takes an unexpected turn when a hurricane strands him in Florida, setting the stage for a delightful romance. 🌪️❤️
The dynamic between Joe and Remy is charmingly sweet, and their forced road trip unveils layers of vulnerability and genuine connection. 🌟 Despite being opposites, they complement each other beautifully, adding depth to the classic opposites-attract theme. The holiday setting adds a magical touch, making it a perfect seasonal read. 🎄❄️
Eli Easton crafted a super cute romance that captures the spirit of the season, reminding us of the importance of love, kindness, and unexpected detours. Highly recommended for those in need of a festive, feel-good escape! 📚👏
Out on ebook and KU 11/22!
Thank you @gay.romance.reviews Eli Easton for providing me with this ARC.
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March 25, 2024Too short for any real development and yet I was glad when it was over.
Not particularly humorous, neither MC particularly likable (one too much of a caricature of ignorant rich white man and one too much of a goody two shoes turn-around), a fiancée who could be from AITA posts.
Short books don’t have to rely on stereotypes and caricatures - yet it felt like this one did.
NSFW infos:
MC sleeps with other MC (ftb) while still basically engaged to his girlfriend/fiancée (who aren’t in it for love)
Not particularly humorous, neither MC particularly likable (one too much of a caricature of ignorant rich white man and one too much of a goody two shoes turn-around), a fiancée who could be from AITA posts.
Short books don’t have to rely on stereotypes and caricatures - yet it felt like this one did.
NSFW infos:
MC sleeps with other MC (ftb) while still basically engaged to his girlfriend/fiancée (who aren’t in it for love)
November 23, 2023
OMG!! I absolutely loved this tale!! Remy (gay, single) and Joe (Bi, about to be engaged) are gorgeous young men thrown together by circumstance on a long car journey. All seems straight forward until Mother Nature takes over and throws a spanner in the works. The hurricane does dreadful damage but works it's wonders with these two darlings. A wonderful read, novella length and sadly over too soon.
December 25, 2023
I loved everything about this book except the length. I think this could’ve been a wonderful full length novel, with some added angst with Remy and Joe living far apart and Joe’s imminent engagement. Nevertheless it was super cute
November 23, 2023
Light, cute, short.
November 28, 2023
This was my first holiday read for the 2023-season, and it was a good place to start.
It had all the usual holiday romance tropes: Bad fiancée, insta love, only one bed etc., but the hurricane aspect was new to me.
Overall, it had everything needed for a good holiday story - expect for snow..
It had all the usual holiday romance tropes: Bad fiancée, insta love, only one bed etc., but the hurricane aspect was new to me.
Overall, it had everything needed for a good holiday story - expect for snow..
December 2, 2023
Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes is the story of Joe Blankenship, a medical supply sales rep, and Remy Guidry, a social worker. It’s told in first person through Joe’s pov.
The blurb gives the basic rundown of the plot. Most of the story involves events that happen in the story that show Joe how his reactions and perceptions differ from Remy’s, and how Remy’s attitudes and behavior differ greatly from Joe’s frivolous, narcissistic fiancé, and her father, who is Joe’s boss. Through Remy’s interactions with Joe, Joe learns that he’s been placing his values in the wrong things and following a wrong path he set for himself decades ago. It takes a hurricane, Remy, and forced proximity to jolt Joe out of his self-prescribed rut and show Joe there is a different way he can live his life and be happy.
I’ve read quite a few of this author’s books, and I usually like them. This story however is probably a me, not the book issue. I couldn’t get into this story for many reasons. Here’s a list:
1. This didn’t strike me as a Christmas story even though Joe is heading to New York to attend a holiday dinner with his girlfriend who isn’t yet his fiancé.
2. Joe’s girlfriend is a real witch. Even if he wants security, he was willing to sacrifice his happiness with someone who was so critical and demeaning. How long did he expect that to last?
3. Why would his girlfriend pick him as a partner if it was much easier to find someone compatible with her from her friends and sports partners? Which she quickly did after Joe and she broke up.
4. Joe was exclusive to his girlfriend, not engaged yet, but exclusive, yet he cheated on her with Remy. Joe passes it off to Remy as, ‘We’re not engaged yet,’ so Remy is okay with that. No. Joe cheated.
5. This next was a big one. Remy calling Joe, ‘cher’ all the time. At first, I thought he meant Cher the singer. By the end of the book, addressing Joe as, ‘cher’ so frequently, was driving me nuts.
6. I couldn’t relate to Remy. He was too much of a Marty Stu for me, even after he related his past. I found him bland, but maybe that was because we didn’t get his pov. The only part where I felt like he was a ‘real’ person was when Remy met Joe at the train station.
7. I would’ve liked to read more about the breakup with Joe’s girlfriend. It sounded like Joe was still a doormat instead of being firm in his decision to break-up.
Things I liked:
1) I didn’t like Joe at first, he was anxious, focused on all the wrong things, was a doormat to his girlfriend, didn’t think of others, and his voice came across as monotone and bland. He had to be guilted into helping the flood victims because he saw how Remy was going to help.
2) I did like how the author developed Joe’s character over the course of the book. From lost and selfish to awake to his dreams, and willing to go after Remy after discussing it with his mother. He still wasn’t good at figuring out things for himself. Throughout the book, it seemed that Joe always had to have someone lead him. His mother, his girlfriend, and then Remy with the flood rescue. Joe didn’t have much backbone.
3) I liked how Joe ended up finding a better job with a boss he likes and that Joe’s future looks bright.
4) Loved the rescue scenes. They were very descriptive and I felt immersed in what was happening. I feel this is where the author did her best writing.
Overall, for me personally, this book didn’t quite work, and I think it’s a me thing. Lots of people will like it. This book is a fast and easy read, but comes with a warning of cheating on a steady girlfriend. The plot was good, the characters missed for me. I give Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes, 3 Stars.
I received an ARC from the author and am giving my honest and unbiased opinion.
The blurb gives the basic rundown of the plot. Most of the story involves events that happen in the story that show Joe how his reactions and perceptions differ from Remy’s, and how Remy’s attitudes and behavior differ greatly from Joe’s frivolous, narcissistic fiancé, and her father, who is Joe’s boss. Through Remy’s interactions with Joe, Joe learns that he’s been placing his values in the wrong things and following a wrong path he set for himself decades ago. It takes a hurricane, Remy, and forced proximity to jolt Joe out of his self-prescribed rut and show Joe there is a different way he can live his life and be happy.
I’ve read quite a few of this author’s books, and I usually like them. This story however is probably a me, not the book issue. I couldn’t get into this story for many reasons. Here’s a list:
1. This didn’t strike me as a Christmas story even though Joe is heading to New York to attend a holiday dinner with his girlfriend who isn’t yet his fiancé.
2. Joe’s girlfriend is a real witch. Even if he wants security, he was willing to sacrifice his happiness with someone who was so critical and demeaning. How long did he expect that to last?
3. Why would his girlfriend pick him as a partner if it was much easier to find someone compatible with her from her friends and sports partners? Which she quickly did after Joe and she broke up.
4. Joe was exclusive to his girlfriend, not engaged yet, but exclusive, yet he cheated on her with Remy. Joe passes it off to Remy as, ‘We’re not engaged yet,’ so Remy is okay with that. No. Joe cheated.
5. This next was a big one. Remy calling Joe, ‘cher’ all the time. At first, I thought he meant Cher the singer. By the end of the book, addressing Joe as, ‘cher’ so frequently, was driving me nuts.
6. I couldn’t relate to Remy. He was too much of a Marty Stu for me, even after he related his past. I found him bland, but maybe that was because we didn’t get his pov. The only part where I felt like he was a ‘real’ person was when Remy met Joe at the train station.
7. I would’ve liked to read more about the breakup with Joe’s girlfriend. It sounded like Joe was still a doormat instead of being firm in his decision to break-up.
Things I liked:
1) I didn’t like Joe at first, he was anxious, focused on all the wrong things, was a doormat to his girlfriend, didn’t think of others, and his voice came across as monotone and bland. He had to be guilted into helping the flood victims because he saw how Remy was going to help.
2) I did like how the author developed Joe’s character over the course of the book. From lost and selfish to awake to his dreams, and willing to go after Remy after discussing it with his mother. He still wasn’t good at figuring out things for himself. Throughout the book, it seemed that Joe always had to have someone lead him. His mother, his girlfriend, and then Remy with the flood rescue. Joe didn’t have much backbone.
3) I liked how Joe ended up finding a better job with a boss he likes and that Joe’s future looks bright.
4) Loved the rescue scenes. They were very descriptive and I felt immersed in what was happening. I feel this is where the author did her best writing.
Overall, for me personally, this book didn’t quite work, and I think it’s a me thing. Lots of people will like it. This book is a fast and easy read, but comes with a warning of cheating on a steady girlfriend. The plot was good, the characters missed for me. I give Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes, 3 Stars.
I received an ARC from the author and am giving my honest and unbiased opinion.
January 26, 2024
"Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes" by Eli Easton earns a moderate 3-star rating from me. This book offers a short and cute read, perfect for a quick escape into a heartwarming story. The narrative unfolds charmingly, embracing the whimsical elements of travel and adventure. Easton's writing style brings a light-hearted tone to the story, making it an enjoyable experience overall.
However, my main qualm with the book lies in its brevity. While the short length adds to its accessibility, it also leaves the story feeling somewhat rushed. The ending, in particular, felt abrupt, leaving me wishing for more development and resolution. "Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes" delivers a sweet and charming read perfect for a brief escape. While the short length may appeal to some readers, others may want more depth and closure. A 3-star rating reflects the book's merits as a cute and light-hearted story, albeit with room for improvement in pacing and conclusion.
However, my main qualm with the book lies in its brevity. While the short length adds to its accessibility, it also leaves the story feeling somewhat rushed. The ending, in particular, felt abrupt, leaving me wishing for more development and resolution. "Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes" delivers a sweet and charming read perfect for a brief escape. While the short length may appeal to some readers, others may want more depth and closure. A 3-star rating reflects the book's merits as a cute and light-hearted story, albeit with room for improvement in pacing and conclusion.
November 27, 2023
Sweet story
Trading the brass ring for a guy with a heart of gold. Remy and Joe complement each other so well. The details around hurricanes, flooding, and rescue all seem accurate and well-researched. A lovely holiday story. Highly recommended.
Trading the brass ring for a guy with a heart of gold. Remy and Joe complement each other so well. The details around hurricanes, flooding, and rescue all seem accurate and well-researched. A lovely holiday story. Highly recommended.
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