It should be noted that there are a couple of stories with this couple and it took me a while to figure that out because there is no mention of those stories on the blurb page at DSP. You don't NEED to have read them, but once I figured out who they were (I have read the others), it made more sense.Ryan's family were okay with him being gay, they're just not okay with Scott. Ryan's highly driven mother has no respect for anyone whose primary purpose in life is not to claw their way to the top of the corporate ladder, and Scott is the antithesis of this, and Ryan loves him exactly that way. He knows exactly how his mother feels and is not above putting her in her place when necessary, although, she's smart enough to generally not say anything too snarky in front of him, however when she really gives Scott hell for "free-loading" on Christmas eve and Ryan's BIL spills the beans, Ryan makes it very clear to everyone how important Scott is to him.The part I loved most about this whole story was Ryan's (and Scott's) absolute adoration of the other. Too often the family manages to cause the one guy to basically freeze and he allows them to treat his partner badly, but Ryan didn't. He was going to protect Scott no matter what. He wasn't ashamed he loved him, they were caught making out many times and he didn't care. He would keep his man emotionally safe at all cost and I really respected that attitude. It's how it should be and it was very romantic how it all ended.My one bit of confusion was the BIL. He went from apparent homo-phobic jerk to their biggest cheerleader over a couple of days. I wasn't sure if the homophobia shtick was an act and he just needed to get to know Scott, or he had an epiphany, or what. I kept wondering if he'd been hit on the head by a Christmas tree or something since he seems to do an abrupt 180 on the relationship between the men.Still, it was an absolutely adorable story without being too sappy sugary. A perfect feel-good story, although I still thing Ryan's got a horrible mother, even if she started to thaw slightly at the end. So, I know I've read all of the Ryan & Scott stories, but I couldn't tell you about the first two because it's been a couple of years. Fortunately, you don't have to re-read them in order to enjoy this one. Ryan & Scotty are awesome. And this time they're dealing with Ryan's mother, who has decided that Scotty isn't good enough for her boy because in her eyes, he doesn't give equally to the relationship. (As if that's her call to make.) This is a wonderful depiction of real family dynamics.And may I just say Thank God that my husband and I both like our parent-in-laws. (My SIL is a different story. ;) )
What do You think about Puppy, Car, And Snow (2011)?
This was just magically perfect for my Christmas day. I am full on in love with Ryan and Scott.
—mustafiz
3.5 cute and entertaining, but did not engage my emotions
—alanie
