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A No-strings Noel: How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy
A week of no-strings fun in a winter wonderland setting. No consequences, no expectations, no hurt feelings. Right? Henry: Finding his boyfriend in a compromising position leaves him with a week off work and no holiday to go on. It's also how he finds himself on holiday alone a few weeks later, at an English holiday village in the countryside, surrounded by Christmas cheer and happy families. He's expecting a week of relaxing days and early nights, doing his own thing, and taking some time for himself. What he's not expecting is Dom. Dom: Coming to somewhere so familiar soothes his broken heart after yet another failed attempt at finding someone to settle down with. He's ready. They never are. Seeing a lost-looking stranger on the first day of his holiday triggers his protective instincts, so he steps in to give him some helpful advice. Who knew that advice would mean they end up spending the day and then the whole week together? But he figures a holiday fling is exactly what he needs to get through this slump: no expectations, no misunderstandings, no heartbreak. Or that was the plan. Contains mature themes.
Audio CD
First published November 18, 2021
39 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Annabelle Jacobs
59 books399 followersAnnabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with her three rowdy children, and two cats.
An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.
An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
November 30, 2021
1.5 stars
Sadly, this story didn't work for me. I think my main problem is that I did not vibe with the author's writing style.
The MCs weren't well defined, especially Henry's character. Most interactions between them felt kind of awkward and unnatural. I didn't feel any chemistry between them and I skimmed through the intimate scenes. There's some miscommunication towards the end that felt very contrived and cliché, or rather the reasons for it.
Also, I don't like it when the side characters have no personality and their only purpose in the story is to be nosy about the main characters' love life. It's one of my pet peeves.
Sadly, this story didn't work for me. I think my main problem is that I did not vibe with the author's writing style.
The MCs weren't well defined, especially Henry's character. Most interactions between them felt kind of awkward and unnatural. I didn't feel any chemistry between them and I skimmed through the intimate scenes. There's some miscommunication towards the end that felt very contrived and cliché, or rather the reasons for it.
Also, I don't like it when the side characters have no personality and their only purpose in the story is to be nosy about the main characters' love life. It's one of my pet peeves.
November 23, 2021
i tend to really enjoy Annabelle Jacobs’ Christmas books because they’re almost always exceedingly cute and charming, and this was no exception. this book had an incredibly sweet - and steamy - story, and the two leads, Henry and Dom, were total babes.
i really, really enjoyed this book a lot; it’s a near-perfect Christmas-themed story. 4 stars.
i really, really enjoyed this book a lot; it’s a near-perfect Christmas-themed story. 4 stars.
November 27, 2021
Dom and Henry's relationship happens in reverse: they meet during a Christmas resort holiday, spend 24/7 together, have steamy sex, and go their separate ways at the end of the week.
But Henry sends a text signed with a kiss, and so begins a journey of text conversations and doubt (was it just a holiday fling or something worth pursuing?).
This book has so many things I love:
likeable, ordinary (and I mean that in the best way possible) MCs;
no drama but real relationship angst (Dom wonders if Henry is mature enough to settle down, while Henry is upset at being "friend-zoned");
great dialogue;
British boys;
plenty of holiday spirit;
and a true HEA.
I wish the last chapter hadn't been so rushed, but the epilogue is swoon worthy.
P.S. UK friends, do Christmas-themed parks such as the one in the story exist? Because I am utterly charmed and want to book a vacation stat!
But Henry sends a text signed with a kiss, and so begins a journey of text conversations and doubt (was it just a holiday fling or something worth pursuing?).
This book has so many things I love:
likeable, ordinary (and I mean that in the best way possible) MCs;
no drama but real relationship angst (Dom wonders if Henry is mature enough to settle down, while Henry is upset at being "friend-zoned");
great dialogue;
British boys;
plenty of holiday spirit;
and a true HEA.
I wish the last chapter hadn't been so rushed, but the epilogue is swoon worthy.
P.S. UK friends, do Christmas-themed parks such as the one in the story exist? Because I am utterly charmed and want to book a vacation stat!
November 29, 2021
2.5 stars
I’ve been reading a lot of Christmas books lately because I really want the low angst sweet and fluffy ambiance of them and I’ve been craving all the Christmas themed stories lately, and most of this book did almost everything I want a Christmas story to do, it was such a good mix of everything. For a lot of the book, It had a lot of Christmas cheers, it was super sweet and it had a very swoony romance, it was all I want in a Christmas book and I really enjoyed it. The only issue for me was that the book didn’t keep that vibe for the entire book, which just didn’t work for me because it’s not what I was looking for.
Brief summary
Henry just caught his boyfriend cheating on him and he’s heartbroken, so his sister books him a trip to a Holiday villa (at the start of the book, Christmas is only a couple of weeks away). He meets Dom who says he will show him around the villa and they end up spending their vacation together. They both are determined it’s just a holiday fling, but they end yo falling in love instead.
First, I absolutely loved how much of this book was about the vibe of Christmas and decorating for it and just the ambiance of Christmas, this was the exact type of Holiday book I like and it put me in such a good mood. I love a lot of Holiday cheer in my Christmas books so that worked very nicely for me in this book.
Second, I loved how Henry was a little awkward and wasn’t the best at interacting with people. I liked how he was a little shy and didn’t know how to interact with Dom at first, it was so sweet to read about. I’m not the best at dealing with people either, so I always love reading about that in books. I also loved how Henry was saying way too many things when he was stressed because I can relate to that too. Also, I loved how Henry couldn’t really pick up on the clues that Dom was flirting with him, because that's so realistic compared to my own life experiences, I just really related to Henry as a person. I like when book characters feel realistic compared to my own life experiences, so I really appreciated that part of the book.
Side note, I loved their banter so much, it was hilarious and I laughed many times while reading and I just really loved it.
Third, this had a good level of steam, which I really enjoyed. It had a lot of sex scenes and they were all diversified, which I really loved, plus they were hot. I do wish that they were longer as all of them were very short, but I’m just greedy and the sex scenes we got were very good.
Fourth, I really love when the main characters are clearly falling for each other but they’re both denying it because they think it’s only a fling. And it was done so well here, I loved how we got to see them denying they were falling in love when it was so clear they were, it was absolutely lovely to read about.
Fifth, there were a lot of references to both of their exes and the times they spent with them and how things were with them, and I understand where they came from and they were fair references but it was just a little too much for me. That's just me thing, I don’t really enjoy references to anyone that isn’t the main character in a book. It kind of makes me feel like they kind of wish they were with their ex instead of with the new person, and it’s just not what I’m looking for in a book.
Sixth, I really liked how a big part of the book showed what happened between them after their one-week holiday fling and how they transitioned from that fling to being a couple. I really enjoyed the vacation part of the story but I also really enjoyed seeing what happened after it and how they made their relationship work, they didn’t live in the same town and there was a couple of other issues they had to navigate and it was all very lovely to read about. But sadly, that second part of the book lead to a lot of angst and them thinking they weren’t right for each other and thinking that they were better off not being together and how it would be better if they didn’t see each other again. The angst just wasn’t what I’m looking for in this kind of book, I didn’t like how their lack of communication broke the sweet and low angst tone of the book, because I really was enjoying that tone. Thankfully I got my sweet and low angst tone back after a while, which I was very happy about.
Also, Dom was worried that he and Henry weren’t at the same place in life and didn’t want the same things, so he didn’t ask Henry if he wanted more with him because of those fears and then kind of ignored Henry’s hint of wanting a relationship with him … instead of just asking Henry what he wanted. I would have preferred them to communicate a bit more, I just didn’t like how they sometimes assumed what the other would want without checking if it was true or not.
All in all, this was very sweet and I quite enjoyed reading it.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
I’ve been reading a lot of Christmas books lately because I really want the low angst sweet and fluffy ambiance of them and I’ve been craving all the Christmas themed stories lately, and most of this book did almost everything I want a Christmas story to do, it was such a good mix of everything. For a lot of the book, It had a lot of Christmas cheers, it was super sweet and it had a very swoony romance, it was all I want in a Christmas book and I really enjoyed it. The only issue for me was that the book didn’t keep that vibe for the entire book, which just didn’t work for me because it’s not what I was looking for.
Brief summary
Henry just caught his boyfriend cheating on him and he’s heartbroken, so his sister books him a trip to a Holiday villa (at the start of the book, Christmas is only a couple of weeks away). He meets Dom who says he will show him around the villa and they end up spending their vacation together. They both are determined it’s just a holiday fling, but they end yo falling in love instead.
First, I absolutely loved how much of this book was about the vibe of Christmas and decorating for it and just the ambiance of Christmas, this was the exact type of Holiday book I like and it put me in such a good mood. I love a lot of Holiday cheer in my Christmas books so that worked very nicely for me in this book.
Second, I loved how Henry was a little awkward and wasn’t the best at interacting with people. I liked how he was a little shy and didn’t know how to interact with Dom at first, it was so sweet to read about. I’m not the best at dealing with people either, so I always love reading about that in books. I also loved how Henry was saying way too many things when he was stressed because I can relate to that too. Also, I loved how Henry couldn’t really pick up on the clues that Dom was flirting with him, because that's so realistic compared to my own life experiences, I just really related to Henry as a person. I like when book characters feel realistic compared to my own life experiences, so I really appreciated that part of the book.
Side note, I loved their banter so much, it was hilarious and I laughed many times while reading and I just really loved it.
Third, this had a good level of steam, which I really enjoyed. It had a lot of sex scenes and they were all diversified, which I really loved, plus they were hot. I do wish that they were longer as all of them were very short, but I’m just greedy and the sex scenes we got were very good.
Fourth, I really love when the main characters are clearly falling for each other but they’re both denying it because they think it’s only a fling. And it was done so well here, I loved how we got to see them denying they were falling in love when it was so clear they were, it was absolutely lovely to read about.
Fifth, there were a lot of references to both of their exes and the times they spent with them and how things were with them, and I understand where they came from and they were fair references but it was just a little too much for me. That's just me thing, I don’t really enjoy references to anyone that isn’t the main character in a book. It kind of makes me feel like they kind of wish they were with their ex instead of with the new person, and it’s just not what I’m looking for in a book.
Sixth, I really liked how a big part of the book showed what happened between them after their one-week holiday fling and how they transitioned from that fling to being a couple. I really enjoyed the vacation part of the story but I also really enjoyed seeing what happened after it and how they made their relationship work, they didn’t live in the same town and there was a couple of other issues they had to navigate and it was all very lovely to read about. But sadly, that second part of the book lead to a lot of angst and them thinking they weren’t right for each other and thinking that they were better off not being together and how it would be better if they didn’t see each other again. The angst just wasn’t what I’m looking for in this kind of book, I didn’t like how their lack of communication broke the sweet and low angst tone of the book, because I really was enjoying that tone. Thankfully I got my sweet and low angst tone back after a while, which I was very happy about.
Also, Dom was worried that he and Henry weren’t at the same place in life and didn’t want the same things, so he didn’t ask Henry if he wanted more with him because of those fears and then kind of ignored Henry’s hint of wanting a relationship with him … instead of just asking Henry what he wanted. I would have preferred them to communicate a bit more, I just didn’t like how they sometimes assumed what the other would want without checking if it was true or not.
All in all, this was very sweet and I quite enjoyed reading it.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
November 16, 2021
Oh I loved that. Most romances start with two people meeting, getting to know each other and build up to the hot sex.
Here instead we have a holiday encounter which is jam packed with delicious sparking steamy chemistry-filled sexy times between two men who start off thinking it's going to be a no strings fling.
Of course, it quickly becomes clear there's loads more feelings involved than either expected but both Henry and Dom are still dealing with breakups that left each of them bruised.
What I liked the best about this was the lack of over the top drama or angsting. Both men go home knowing they want more but being afraid to ask for it.
Instead, there then starts a sweet section where they get to know each other over text messages, talking to family and friends about the situation and mostly acting like grown ups.
The tension point arises in a believable way and the solution, while perhaps a little convenient still completely works within the narrative.
For most of this book we are only with Henry and Dom but it never felt restricted, I loved reading about their activities outside the bedroom as much as those with no clothes on 😁
It's also subtly funny too, never taking itself too seriously, and I loved the build up to their reunion and the Epilogue is fab.
It'd make a great Hallmark Christmas film #JustSaying
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Here instead we have a holiday encounter which is jam packed with delicious sparking steamy chemistry-filled sexy times between two men who start off thinking it's going to be a no strings fling.
Of course, it quickly becomes clear there's loads more feelings involved than either expected but both Henry and Dom are still dealing with breakups that left each of them bruised.
What I liked the best about this was the lack of over the top drama or angsting. Both men go home knowing they want more but being afraid to ask for it.
Instead, there then starts a sweet section where they get to know each other over text messages, talking to family and friends about the situation and mostly acting like grown ups.
The tension point arises in a believable way and the solution, while perhaps a little convenient still completely works within the narrative.
For most of this book we are only with Henry and Dom but it never felt restricted, I loved reading about their activities outside the bedroom as much as those with no clothes on 😁
It's also subtly funny too, never taking itself too seriously, and I loved the build up to their reunion and the Epilogue is fab.
It'd make a great Hallmark Christmas film #JustSaying
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
November 24, 2021
2,5 stars
This did not ring any bells for me, Christmas ones or any others, I'm afraid.
For some reason I didn't really gel with either MC. Both men are nice enough but -imo - come across as so much younger than they're supposed to be. There was something about their conversations that felt somewhat odd, but I can't put my finger on what bothered me exactly.
All I know is that this left me a bit uncomfortable.
The story is kind of alright, but following every little detail of two guys going to the pool, for example, had a rather soporific effect on me. Unfortunately, that also goes for the copious amount of sex. I was definitely missing more feelings and intensity.
I've had an excellent run of Christmas books so far, but, sadly, this one didn't hit the mark.
This did not ring any bells for me, Christmas ones or any others, I'm afraid.
For some reason I didn't really gel with either MC. Both men are nice enough but -imo - come across as so much younger than they're supposed to be. There was something about their conversations that felt somewhat odd, but I can't put my finger on what bothered me exactly.
All I know is that this left me a bit uncomfortable.
The story is kind of alright, but following every little detail of two guys going to the pool, for example, had a rather soporific effect on me. Unfortunately, that also goes for the copious amount of sex. I was definitely missing more feelings and intensity.
I've had an excellent run of Christmas books so far, but, sadly, this one didn't hit the mark.
December 10, 2021
This is actually one of the better Christmas romances I’ve read this year.
Cute and steamy.
Small age-gap.
Loved the UK holiday park setting.
Cover guy is a hottie
Issues:
Wish there was better characterization for Henry’s personality. One minute he seemed nervous and insecure, unsure of himself but then he would be this confident and dominant guy in other scenes..
Could have been less wordy?
Cute and steamy.
Small age-gap.
Loved the UK holiday park setting.
Cover guy is a hottie
Issues:
Wish there was better characterization for Henry’s personality. One minute he seemed nervous and insecure, unsure of himself but then he would be this confident and dominant guy in other scenes..
Could have been less wordy?
December 24, 2022
There wasn't really anything wrong with this one but it wasn't that exciting either.
November 21, 2021
3.5 stars
Cute Christmas story. I liked the realism.
Cute Christmas story. I liked the realism.
November 17, 2021
I do love an Annabelle Jacobs Christmas Story <3
This was sweet, funny, sexy and romantic and Dom and Henry were fab! I love how their relationship started, the backdrop of the "centre parcs" type holiday park (I never did the zip wire myself LOL) and the way they actually thought about their relationship after, it made it seem so more realistic. The epilogue was gorgeous and CATS! LOL I knew they had to sneak in there somewhere. LOVED it
This was sweet, funny, sexy and romantic and Dom and Henry were fab! I love how their relationship started, the backdrop of the "centre parcs" type holiday park (I never did the zip wire myself LOL) and the way they actually thought about their relationship after, it made it seem so more realistic. The epilogue was gorgeous and CATS! LOL I knew they had to sneak in there somewhere. LOVED it
October 14, 2022
I listened to this as an audiobook and Dan Calley did a great job with narration. I liked the story, but it didn’t knock my socks off. Actually this was a situation where neither of the main characters had the nerve to say how they felt. That got a little tiring, but all in all I enjoyed it.
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January 13, 2022AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/3GeIj98
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/3E6da60
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/3E6da60
November 27, 2021
3.5 rounded up
This was a sweet, enjoyable Christmas read. The concept was cute and I appreciated that the MCs each had their own baggage/hang-ups coming into the relationship. I did find Dom to be a little frustrating with his really blowing hot and cold, and I wanted him to be a little more apologetic about it/for Henry to not just immediately think it was all fine, but that was a minor gripe. I will say, given their history and the really short timeline, I felt like the epilogue didn't quite work for me. By the end of the book, I felt like they were in a good place but still veeeeeery new and tentative, and a proposal one year later just didn't feel realistic for the story, IMO.
This was a sweet, enjoyable Christmas read. The concept was cute and I appreciated that the MCs each had their own baggage/hang-ups coming into the relationship. I did find Dom to be a little frustrating with his really blowing hot and cold, and I wanted him to be a little more apologetic about it/for Henry to not just immediately think it was all fine, but that was a minor gripe. I will say, given their history and the really short timeline, I felt like the epilogue didn't quite work for me. By the end of the book, I felt like they were in a good place but still veeeeeery new and tentative, and a proposal one year later just didn't feel realistic for the story, IMO.
November 22, 2021
A heart-warming and surprisingly down-to-earth festive romance story. Maybe because it's from a British author and set in England, so it feels more realistic than the average American Christmas story. No Santa climbing down the chimney here, but our heroes going on an aerial walkway in the trees instead. It's a fictional story of course, but one that totally could happen like that in real life. Very much appreciated.
Side note: The cute cover has nothing to do with the actual story, but is for sure a pleasure to look at. And maybe or maybe not the reason why I decided to take a look into the book. :)
Side note: The cute cover has nothing to do with the actual story, but is for sure a pleasure to look at. And maybe or maybe not the reason why I decided to take a look into the book. :)
November 27, 2021
I wish Henry and Dom had more chemistry than this. But I found out it was a bit strange. While they can communicate fine at the holiday and awkward after that.
As for Dom, I liked him in the beginning but doubted that he really wanted Henry forever.
Seemed like Henry was the only one who fought for that.
Of course they have their happy ending, this was a holiday story after all. But sadly, not enough to make me happy. Ignore me, I'm just an old hard to please gramma :)
As for Dom, I liked him in the beginning but doubted that he really wanted Henry forever.
Seemed like Henry was the only one who fought for that.
Of course they have their happy ending, this was a holiday story after all. But sadly, not enough to make me happy. Ignore me, I'm just an old hard to please gramma :)
January 1, 2022
2.5 stars
RTC
RTC
November 12, 2021
Yeah this was pretty good. I liked the Christmas setting and I thought the witty banter between Dom and Henry was funny and entertaining when they really got going. Unfortunately I thought the chemistry between them both emotional and physical, though the physical was much better than the emotional, was lacking. There was a lot of descriptions of the setting and of whatever was going on but I was missing being shown the connection between them rather then just told. I also had a hard time liking Dom after he turned leaving Henry on read into somehow being mad at Henry about the situation. I liked Henry a lot I thought he was funny and real in his insecurities but also brave. I wanted this to be a swoony Christmas story that I could just fall into but I’m left a little wanting and a lot craving a deep emotional connection that just wasn’t there.
December 8, 2021
Incredibly boring. I noticed another reviewer noted that they didn't really gel with the writer's style and I'm completely with them on that. I don't mind a book written in third person. It's completely possible to do so, but this author doesn't give us any characterization of the two MCs. One is older and more staid, and the other is younger and a bit all over the place, but that's it. No insight into how the MCs come to their realizations of their newfound love, for example. And let's face it, the two guys are so immature. They act like preteens and it's embarrassing.
Another good plot ruined by shitty writing.
Another good plot ruined by shitty writing.
December 13, 2021
2.5 stars
After finding his boyfriend in bed with another man, Henry decides to spend a week at a holiday village in the countryside.
Distraction comes in the form of burly experienced holiday village-goer Dom, who’s getting over his own recent breakup.
The two men agree to a week of no-strings fun, both in and outside of the bedroom. It’s a simple arrangement with some Christmas cheer.
I really liked the set-up of Dom and Henry’s relationship. It felt natural and believable. I liked how despite the two being strangers, Dom immediately tried to make Henry feel welcome, and how Henry felt at ease with him.
The obvious sexual tension also didn’t hurt. A holiday fling should bring the heat, even if it’s winter, after all!
I did wonder at one point whether the two had jumped into feelings a bit too quickly after their recent breakups. But I suppose that can’t be helped when you’re spending everyday (and night) together in your own little bubble of outdoor activities and bedroom shenanigans. And when the connection is just undeniable.
Their week together at the holiday park was cute, with sweet moments and lots of holiday fun. ‘Charming’ would be the word to describe them.
Where things went off the rails for me was the second half. So many misunderstandings and miscommunications, and much of it because they were texting.
Was it realistic for today’s world? Yes, probably. But was it also incredibly frustrating to read? Very much so.
I wanted one of them to just smarten up and call the other. They could have avoided a lot of heartache, and it may have allowed for more page time to see the two together in the “real world” outside of the holiday park.
The epilogue was very sweet, though it felt a bit tacked on after a rushed happy ending.
Overall, while the first half of the book was quite enjoyable, the second half didn’t deliver on the holiday feels. Your mileage may vary!
After finding his boyfriend in bed with another man, Henry decides to spend a week at a holiday village in the countryside.
Distraction comes in the form of burly experienced holiday village-goer Dom, who’s getting over his own recent breakup.
The two men agree to a week of no-strings fun, both in and outside of the bedroom. It’s a simple arrangement with some Christmas cheer.
I really liked the set-up of Dom and Henry’s relationship. It felt natural and believable. I liked how despite the two being strangers, Dom immediately tried to make Henry feel welcome, and how Henry felt at ease with him.
The obvious sexual tension also didn’t hurt. A holiday fling should bring the heat, even if it’s winter, after all!
I did wonder at one point whether the two had jumped into feelings a bit too quickly after their recent breakups. But I suppose that can’t be helped when you’re spending everyday (and night) together in your own little bubble of outdoor activities and bedroom shenanigans. And when the connection is just undeniable.
Their week together at the holiday park was cute, with sweet moments and lots of holiday fun. ‘Charming’ would be the word to describe them.
Where things went off the rails for me was the second half. So many misunderstandings and miscommunications, and much of it because they were texting.
Was it realistic for today’s world? Yes, probably. But was it also incredibly frustrating to read? Very much so.
I wanted one of them to just smarten up and call the other. They could have avoided a lot of heartache, and it may have allowed for more page time to see the two together in the “real world” outside of the holiday park.
The epilogue was very sweet, though it felt a bit tacked on after a rushed happy ending.
Overall, while the first half of the book was quite enjoyable, the second half didn’t deliver on the holiday feels. Your mileage may vary!
December 16, 2021
This was an odd read for me because they didn’t feel British enough-For me. It didn’t feel Christmasy enough - for me. But I have really nothing hard-core to complain about. So I guess I could just say it didn’t float my boat. You can’t love them all.
Ding, ding…
Ding, ding…
November 19, 2021
If this story got any cuter, we would all vomit candy.
For Christmas lovers, you would definitely enjoy the different winter wonderlands that the author created. I even found myself wanting to go to this resort.
I love Henry and Dom. As individuals and as a couple. However, I wish this book was a proper length so we could experience the different struggles of their relationship.
As is, we got a winter getaway, awkward separation and series of texts followed by a conclusion and epilogue. I really wanted all the bits in between.
The sex wasn't hot but it was intimate.
We got our laughs from Henry between his disgusting ex, inability to filter himself and random public outburst on his sexual exploits.
Dom was the older more put together of the two but I loved his confidence and friendship with Nathan. I think he played a big role in how solid they felt as a couple with only six weeks and an hour drive between them.
I reckon it's the length of the novel but I found it weird that we never interacted with Dom's brothers or Henry's other two flatmates. I would have also loved more Ella time because she's a riot!
It's a cutesy novel and perfect for a quick holiday read by the fire or Christmas tree. Whatever your fancy.
For Christmas lovers, you would definitely enjoy the different winter wonderlands that the author created. I even found myself wanting to go to this resort.
I love Henry and Dom. As individuals and as a couple. However, I wish this book was a proper length so we could experience the different struggles of their relationship.
As is, we got a winter getaway, awkward separation and series of texts followed by a conclusion and epilogue. I really wanted all the bits in between.
The sex wasn't hot but it was intimate.
We got our laughs from Henry between his disgusting ex, inability to filter himself and random public outburst on his sexual exploits.
Dom was the older more put together of the two but I loved his confidence and friendship with Nathan. I think he played a big role in how solid they felt as a couple with only six weeks and an hour drive between them.
I reckon it's the length of the novel but I found it weird that we never interacted with Dom's brothers or Henry's other two flatmates. I would have also loved more Ella time because she's a riot!
It's a cutesy novel and perfect for a quick holiday read by the fire or Christmas tree. Whatever your fancy.
December 22, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
This is a fun, pseudo-forced proximity romance. As singletons on a family resort, Dom and Henry find it convenient to hang out and partner up for spa dates, dinners, and athletics, in addition to enjoying the holiday splendor. They agree to having a fling, but they connect so deeply that its hard to walk away at the end of the week. And, well, it’s a busy time for each man in regular life. Henry works in retail, and Dom runs a nursery that sells Christmas trees. Long hours and unclear expectations help separate them more than the hour commute between their towns. They text, but it mellows into a camaraderie more akin to friendship than passion. Each man frets; Henry wonders if Dom is truly interested, while Dom ponders if he’s emotionally ready for another heavy relationship, which is his true heart’s desire. What if Henry isn’t ready for that? Dom’s unwilling to risk his heart again.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
This is a fun, pseudo-forced proximity romance. As singletons on a family resort, Dom and Henry find it convenient to hang out and partner up for spa dates, dinners, and athletics, in addition to enjoying the holiday splendor. They agree to having a fling, but they connect so deeply that its hard to walk away at the end of the week. And, well, it’s a busy time for each man in regular life. Henry works in retail, and Dom runs a nursery that sells Christmas trees. Long hours and unclear expectations help separate them more than the hour commute between their towns. They text, but it mellows into a camaraderie more akin to friendship than passion. Each man frets; Henry wonders if Dom is truly interested, while Dom ponders if he’s emotionally ready for another heavy relationship, which is his true heart’s desire. What if Henry isn’t ready for that? Dom’s unwilling to risk his heart again.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
November 20, 2021
Spicy and sweet!
I really loved reading this book. Dom and Henry are both recovering from recent breakups when they meet at a holiday park. I loved this setting and the rich descriptions of all of the places and activities involved.
While both Dom and Henry expected this to be just a short holiday romance it turned out to be so much more for both of them. It’s just too bad that they didn’t communicate better with each other. 😊 The sexy time in the story was hot but the connection and feelings that these two had for each other – even if they didn’t really admit them until it was almost too late – really made the story for me.
Henry’s sister and Dom’s friend each provided great support and advice. I also got a kick out of Henry’s fear of heights and how he managed to deal with it to go on a zip-line with Dom. I also love epilogues and the one for this story was wonderful.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
I really loved reading this book. Dom and Henry are both recovering from recent breakups when they meet at a holiday park. I loved this setting and the rich descriptions of all of the places and activities involved.
While both Dom and Henry expected this to be just a short holiday romance it turned out to be so much more for both of them. It’s just too bad that they didn’t communicate better with each other. 😊 The sexy time in the story was hot but the connection and feelings that these two had for each other – even if they didn’t really admit them until it was almost too late – really made the story for me.
Henry’s sister and Dom’s friend each provided great support and advice. I also got a kick out of Henry’s fear of heights and how he managed to deal with it to go on a zip-line with Dom. I also love epilogues and the one for this story was wonderful.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
November 25, 2021
Perfect Christmas start
This was the story that happens after the Christmas fun. The actually getting to know each other. Because how well do you really know a person after a week. I loved watching these two build better after the lust fog faded. The assumptions, the wondering, the insecurity that happens when you are just starting out. And then the HEA came. The writing was great the smexy was hawt and the side characters we fun.
This was the story that happens after the Christmas fun. The actually getting to know each other. Because how well do you really know a person after a week. I loved watching these two build better after the lust fog faded. The assumptions, the wondering, the insecurity that happens when you are just starting out. And then the HEA came. The writing was great the smexy was hawt and the side characters we fun.
November 28, 2021
*2.5 stars*
Just mehhh
Just mehhh
December 10, 2021
1.5 Stars
December 20, 2021
4.5 stars
I loved the meet-cute and resulting not-a-fling. This was a fun story with lots of Christmas touches and helpful friends. I loved the epilogue
I loved the meet-cute and resulting not-a-fling. This was a fun story with lots of Christmas touches and helpful friends. I loved the epilogue
dnf
December 19, 2022DNF at 19%
Nothing in particular wrong with it, but not holding my attention.
12/18/22
Nothing in particular wrong with it, but not holding my attention.
12/18/22
November 13, 2021
This was a quick, fun, flirty romance with a bit of baggage and a lot of goodness.
One thing you don’t see much in romance is a slow, let’s really get to know each other after a fast and furious start. I enjoyed that in this story.
A festive read!
One thing you don’t see much in romance is a slow, let’s really get to know each other after a fast and furious start. I enjoyed that in this story.
A festive read!
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