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Five Points Stories #1
The Problem with Mistletoe
David Cooper did not believe in happily ever after—he thought he let his chance pass him by—between work, being a single father and planning a Christmas party for his mother’s charity his life is complicated enough. And then he has to ask Alex Capili, an old friend who just returned from the big city, to help run it. Spending weeks working closely together old feelings come up and David wonders if fairy tales really do come true.
Alex came home to help sell off his family’s restaurant, he was not looking for love. And happy endings only happen in movies. But nothing about this return trip home town is quite what he expected and David is still the best man he's ever known. A good father, with a heart as big as all outdoors, and disarmingly handsome.
Alex came home to help sell off his family’s restaurant, he was not looking for love. And happy endings only happen in movies. But nothing about this return trip home town is quite what he expected and David is still the best man he's ever known. A good father, with a heart as big as all outdoors, and disarmingly handsome.
396 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2019
75 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Kyle Baxter
8 books33 followersKyle is an artist, playwright, and writer. As a playwright, Kyle has had his plays performed in New York at the NY International Fringe Festival, and the Midtown International Theater Festival. As an artist and illustrator, he has had his art exhibited in both New Orleans and New York.
Born in Hawaii, Kyle grew up in Erlangen, Germany, as well as Georgia and Texas. After stints in Louisiana and New York, he resides now in Honolulu.
Born in Hawaii, Kyle grew up in Erlangen, Germany, as well as Georgia and Texas. After stints in Louisiana and New York, he resides now in Honolulu.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 15, 2019
DNF at 25%
Sadly this really didn't work for me, kept wondering what I'd missed. Long-term hurt with nothing to explain it. Some hints, there may yet be something - but it left me wondering how good a friend David was to not know anything was up with Alex. No concern for him, just me-me.
I'm fairly sure the set-up event changed in regards as whose event it was, as did some of the characters. David's mother went from tough/brave/buisness woman to first name basis and sniffling in a restuarant. It's hard to champion a character whose organising a big charity event with his big-local-name mother, soley because he's decided he wants a promotion. Though David's a nurse who spends his whole time at a desk on his phone which is a major insult to the hard working nursing profession. Which is another thing, women here are either phone-obsessed or simply odd.
At one point Alex 'borrows' a dog for a walk and it's brief intro meant the dog had more presence than David's son of indeterminable age. The kid is there to further the plot with odd adult comments at times. In my limited experience little ones are blissfully unaware of the finer points of organising a Christmas event, and more likely to tell you how many sleeps and how they have to be good so Santa comes - along with a shhh that doesn't count! The book misses the little moments; he wants spagetti with obligatory cute pronunciation, big build to get them there to talk to people then a after the meal.. so no idea if he got his pasta or not. Christmas is the event, never the child.
The focus is pulled in to many directions and it feels as if it's written organically rather than to a plan. There wasn't enough for me to connect to.
Hopefully this is a case of the writing style not gelling with me personally and others will enjoy this more.
Sadly this really didn't work for me, kept wondering what I'd missed. Long-term hurt with nothing to explain it. Some hints, there may yet be something - but it left me wondering how good a friend David was to not know anything was up with Alex. No concern for him, just me-me.
I'm fairly sure the set-up event changed in regards as whose event it was, as did some of the characters. David's mother went from tough/brave/buisness woman to first name basis and sniffling in a restuarant. It's hard to champion a character whose organising a big charity event with his big-local-name mother, soley because he's decided he wants a promotion. Though David's a nurse who spends his whole time at a desk on his phone which is a major insult to the hard working nursing profession. Which is another thing, women here are either phone-obsessed or simply odd.
At one point Alex 'borrows' a dog for a walk and it's brief intro meant the dog had more presence than David's son of indeterminable age. The kid is there to further the plot with odd adult comments at times. In my limited experience little ones are blissfully unaware of the finer points of organising a Christmas event, and more likely to tell you how many sleeps and how they have to be good so Santa comes - along with a shhh that doesn't count! The book misses the little moments; he wants spagetti with obligatory cute pronunciation, big build to get them there to talk to people then a after the meal.. so no idea if he got his pasta or not. Christmas is the event, never the child.
The focus is pulled in to many directions and it feels as if it's written organically rather than to a plan. There wasn't enough for me to connect to.
Hopefully this is a case of the writing style not gelling with me personally and others will enjoy this more.
Want to read
December 26, 2019Kindle freebie 12/26/19
January 12, 2021
Real Rating: 3.5* of five, rounded up because I'll read more from the author
I was looking for a "Calgon, take me away" read while the nightmare of this year's bungled and sabotaged transition of presidential power was playing out before my revolted and horrified eyes. A romance, with pretty boys and snow and angst that feels real enough to invest in but not to get in an uproar about, seemed just the ticket.
Eighteen (18) W-bombs. A couple are excusable...parent to child, one intentionally cheeseball one...but when you use a physical defect, I mean gesture, eighteen times in one short book, you're overdoing it. Call this the Cheeseball Test: When you see someone's body language or facial expression described the same way, substitute "fart/ed" and see how you respond.
But that growl of disgust, while it cost the story a star, aside, I found the love of David and Alex very charming. Their second chance at love was a big draw to me. I'm a sucker for second chances. They're not as common in life as in fiction, but that's why they're so irresistible to me. Also realistic to me was the homophobic, abusive parent trope. I've had multiple love relationships with men whose upbringings were a lot like Alex's, raging drunk/druggie parents with a major hate for their child's self leading them to beat, belittle, and abuse them. My own mother's rages found their target in my sexuality, as well, though the only substance she abused was tobacco. (Happily enough it's what killed her!)
David's hoity-toity family's lack of acceptance of Alex, misinterpreted by both boys in the moment, was down to his father the drunk; this problem is brought up near the beginning of the book. The source of Alex's abandonment of their hometown and flight to New York City was also his abusive father...a fact that David, whose life trajectory was more conventional than Alex's, has always felt was his own fault for a badly handled kiss under the mistletoe.
Plenty of believable cross-purposes misunderstandings, badly hurt feelings leading to long silences between former friends, a trans character whose friendship with both boys isn't very well explored, several very troubled women whose failings are central to the plot...juicy!
All the problems I've had with the unfolding of the plot...we all know David and Alex are going to end up together, it's a romance, and the HEA is de rigueur...stem from rushed resolutions and missed explorations. In order to feel truly satisfied, I'd've needed to see more of the inner workings of their rupture. Their constantly interrupted efforts to talk went on a little too long. If they'd started the conversations then been interrupted during them it would have made for more tension. As it was it never built anything except the annoying sensation of avoidance.
On balance, the reason I wanted to review the book at this length was to find out why I took three weeks to finish an afternoon's entertainment. When it feels to me like the author is not, even in the limited scope of a romance novel's length, focusing on people's interrelatedness, it's not the immersive read I am always eager to find. As a freebie at Christmas, this book came out ahead of my niggling dissatisfaction. A better example of the Holiday romantic read was, for me, A Viking for Yule (q.v.). It dug just that extra fraction deeper than this perfectly fine read did, and got a higher rating from my picky typist's fingers than this book.
I was looking for a "Calgon, take me away" read while the nightmare of this year's bungled and sabotaged transition of presidential power was playing out before my revolted and horrified eyes. A romance, with pretty boys and snow and angst that feels real enough to invest in but not to get in an uproar about, seemed just the ticket.
Eighteen (18) W-bombs. A couple are excusable...parent to child, one intentionally cheeseball one...but when you use a physical defect, I mean gesture, eighteen times in one short book, you're overdoing it. Call this the Cheeseball Test: When you see someone's body language or facial expression described the same way, substitute "fart/ed" and see how you respond.
But that growl of disgust, while it cost the story a star, aside, I found the love of David and Alex very charming. Their second chance at love was a big draw to me. I'm a sucker for second chances. They're not as common in life as in fiction, but that's why they're so irresistible to me. Also realistic to me was the homophobic, abusive parent trope. I've had multiple love relationships with men whose upbringings were a lot like Alex's, raging drunk/druggie parents with a major hate for their child's self leading them to beat, belittle, and abuse them. My own mother's rages found their target in my sexuality, as well, though the only substance she abused was tobacco. (Happily enough it's what killed her!)
David's hoity-toity family's lack of acceptance of Alex, misinterpreted by both boys in the moment, was down to his father the drunk; this problem is brought up near the beginning of the book. The source of Alex's abandonment of their hometown and flight to New York City was also his abusive father...a fact that David, whose life trajectory was more conventional than Alex's, has always felt was his own fault for a badly handled kiss under the mistletoe.
Plenty of believable cross-purposes misunderstandings, badly hurt feelings leading to long silences between former friends, a trans character whose friendship with both boys isn't very well explored, several very troubled women whose failings are central to the plot...juicy!
All the problems I've had with the unfolding of the plot...we all know David and Alex are going to end up together, it's a romance, and the HEA is de rigueur...stem from rushed resolutions and missed explorations. In order to feel truly satisfied, I'd've needed to see more of the inner workings of their rupture. Their constantly interrupted efforts to talk went on a little too long. If they'd started the conversations then been interrupted during them it would have made for more tension. As it was it never built anything except the annoying sensation of avoidance.
On balance, the reason I wanted to review the book at this length was to find out why I took three weeks to finish an afternoon's entertainment. When it feels to me like the author is not, even in the limited scope of a romance novel's length, focusing on people's interrelatedness, it's not the immersive read I am always eager to find. As a freebie at Christmas, this book came out ahead of my niggling dissatisfaction. A better example of the Holiday romantic read was, for me, A Viking for Yule (q.v.). It dug just that extra fraction deeper than this perfectly fine read did, and got a higher rating from my picky typist's fingers than this book.
Want to read
November 9, 201911/9/19 Currently FREE via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Problem-Mistle...
December 12, 2019
A small town Christmas with a returning son, and the love left behind. Both MCs are in their 30s, Daniel and Alex.
Alex is a caterer/writer in NYC, who has come home because his family needs him.
David and his 6 yr. old son, Eric, have a pretty good life. He gained custody and after his short Pro-Hockey career, he is an RN, Registered Nurse.
They grew up in this tight knit community and went their own ways. Now, with their meeting again, they see what has been missing, their emotions are boiling and each has a different view from the separation. Gay Alex and Bi David have both been unlucky in romance. The only place they are truly happy, is in each others company.
Several things are going on; someone is ill, a family restaurant, dog walking, a bully, a nasty co-worker, the (CYA) Cooper Youth Association LGBT+ Charity event and more. I loved Eric, what a cool kid.
These men take awhile to sort things out, but when they finally do, it's so natural and perfect. Destiny. Sexy times are ultra light, but we do get lots of anticipation and longing.
Big changes in their lives are happening. It's a wonderful, "let go and be happy" holiday story.
ENJOY !
=======
Alex is a caterer/writer in NYC, who has come home because his family needs him.
David and his 6 yr. old son, Eric, have a pretty good life. He gained custody and after his short Pro-Hockey career, he is an RN, Registered Nurse.
They grew up in this tight knit community and went their own ways. Now, with their meeting again, they see what has been missing, their emotions are boiling and each has a different view from the separation. Gay Alex and Bi David have both been unlucky in romance. The only place they are truly happy, is in each others company.
Several things are going on; someone is ill, a family restaurant, dog walking, a bully, a nasty co-worker, the (CYA) Cooper Youth Association LGBT+ Charity event and more. I loved Eric, what a cool kid.
These men take awhile to sort things out, but when they finally do, it's so natural and perfect. Destiny. Sexy times are ultra light, but we do get lots of anticipation and longing.
Big changes in their lives are happening. It's a wonderful, "let go and be happy" holiday story.
ENJOY !
=======
December 14, 2019
Absolutely delicious story about coming back together.
May 29, 2020
I struggled to stay interested. For me the story dragged. There was very little angst and only one occasion of fade to black sex. There were decent secondary characters but not enough to keep my interest at a high. Took a week to read - read other books in between.
3 stars
3 stars
Read
December 20, 2020I like the bones of this story and I'm interested in these 2 guys, but I've lost patience with the slow pace. It keeps circling the same issues over an over with little forward progress. There are also spots where it takes some work to determine who's talking/thinking. This could've used a good editor to streamline the plot and clarify POV problems. DNF @42%
December 14, 2020
The Problem with Mistletoe
By Kyle Baxter
Published by the author 2019
Four stars
This was a good book for the season, especially a holiday season during a global pandemic. The basic rom-com set up (this would be a fun movie) is two young men in their early thirties, David Cooper (Coop) and Alexander Capili (Alex). David is a nurse in his hometown hospital, raising his eight-year-old son Eric as a single dad. There is an extensive and important backstory, during which David married his high-school sweetheart, became a pro hockey player, moved to Chicago, divorced, and returned home as a nurse. That’s a lot, but it isn’t dumped on you all at once. The revelations of these details expand our understanding of this big, handsome jock.
By contrast, Alex Capili has returned to his hometown temporarily after a fifteen-year absence, just for the holidays, to help his aunt and uncle Capili with their hugely successful Italian restaurant. (The Capilis are not Italian, the explanation of which is a favorite detail of mine in this book.) Alex’s backstory, it seems, is simple: he left Edgedale (a fictional New England town) after high school, suddenly and without saying goodbye to anyone—including David Cooper, his best friend. He went to New York City, apparently finished his education, joined a catering company called Five Points Catering, all the while developing his passion as a playwright in the off-Broadway world of the Big Apple. He has built a life away from Edgedale, and his return causes a stir in what used to be a small town.
The emotional richness of this story sits entirely within the “why” of Alex’s abrupt departure fifteen years earlier at the age of eighteen. David seems to think he left for one reason, but truly doesn’t understand what drove Alex away. Alex, for his part, doesn’t understand David’s confusion, and both of them are skittish as they try to rekindle a friendship that ended sadly.
To add to the rom-com sweetness, David’s mother, Tandi Cooper, is the widow of Edgedale’s beloved mayor, and co-founder of a local charity—Cooper Youth Services—that focuses on the needs of at-risk children and teens. The overarching plot revolves around a fundraising Christmas party for CYS that David and his mother are planning, and Alex Capili’s unanticipated role in that holiday project. For me, the most appealing secondary character was David’s son Eric, whose own backstory is as poignant as his father’s love for him is unshakeable.
The story is spiced generously with other secondary characters, beyond David’s mother and son, from Alex’s aunt and uncle, to their mutual childhood friend, a trans woman named Bonnie, and an over-zealous fellow nurse with her eyes set on David’s athletic form. The distractions of the holiday seasons and work-related emergencies keep David and Alex from sitting down and talking over the rift in their friendship. There is a moment when I wanted to smack them both and just make them shut up and TALK to each other. But this is the way of romantic comedy.
Now that Hallmark and Lifetime are both producing holiday romances with gay couples, I hope stories like this will begin to appear on the small screen to make our holidays brighter. This book, and it’s author’s fine, emotionally adept writing, certainly cheered mine.
By Kyle Baxter
Published by the author 2019
Four stars
This was a good book for the season, especially a holiday season during a global pandemic. The basic rom-com set up (this would be a fun movie) is two young men in their early thirties, David Cooper (Coop) and Alexander Capili (Alex). David is a nurse in his hometown hospital, raising his eight-year-old son Eric as a single dad. There is an extensive and important backstory, during which David married his high-school sweetheart, became a pro hockey player, moved to Chicago, divorced, and returned home as a nurse. That’s a lot, but it isn’t dumped on you all at once. The revelations of these details expand our understanding of this big, handsome jock.
By contrast, Alex Capili has returned to his hometown temporarily after a fifteen-year absence, just for the holidays, to help his aunt and uncle Capili with their hugely successful Italian restaurant. (The Capilis are not Italian, the explanation of which is a favorite detail of mine in this book.) Alex’s backstory, it seems, is simple: he left Edgedale (a fictional New England town) after high school, suddenly and without saying goodbye to anyone—including David Cooper, his best friend. He went to New York City, apparently finished his education, joined a catering company called Five Points Catering, all the while developing his passion as a playwright in the off-Broadway world of the Big Apple. He has built a life away from Edgedale, and his return causes a stir in what used to be a small town.
The emotional richness of this story sits entirely within the “why” of Alex’s abrupt departure fifteen years earlier at the age of eighteen. David seems to think he left for one reason, but truly doesn’t understand what drove Alex away. Alex, for his part, doesn’t understand David’s confusion, and both of them are skittish as they try to rekindle a friendship that ended sadly.
To add to the rom-com sweetness, David’s mother, Tandi Cooper, is the widow of Edgedale’s beloved mayor, and co-founder of a local charity—Cooper Youth Services—that focuses on the needs of at-risk children and teens. The overarching plot revolves around a fundraising Christmas party for CYS that David and his mother are planning, and Alex Capili’s unanticipated role in that holiday project. For me, the most appealing secondary character was David’s son Eric, whose own backstory is as poignant as his father’s love for him is unshakeable.
The story is spiced generously with other secondary characters, beyond David’s mother and son, from Alex’s aunt and uncle, to their mutual childhood friend, a trans woman named Bonnie, and an over-zealous fellow nurse with her eyes set on David’s athletic form. The distractions of the holiday seasons and work-related emergencies keep David and Alex from sitting down and talking over the rift in their friendship. There is a moment when I wanted to smack them both and just make them shut up and TALK to each other. But this is the way of romantic comedy.
Now that Hallmark and Lifetime are both producing holiday romances with gay couples, I hope stories like this will begin to appear on the small screen to make our holidays brighter. This book, and it’s author’s fine, emotionally adept writing, certainly cheered mine.
November 29, 2021
3.5
I thought this was very cute, if a little unrealistic at times. I simply find it unlikely that two people who loved each-other as much as the two main characters (be it erotically, romantically or even just platonically) really would have walked away and remained without contact for 15 years. Conversely, I find it equally as unlikely that people who hadn't so much as spoken in 15 years would so instantly fall back in step with one another. Having said that, once I decided to simply acknowledge it and forcefully suspend my disbelief on these matters I liked the characters and the slow burn. (Yes, it's a second chance romance that also manages to be a slow-burn, go figure.) I liked Baxter's use of color to symbolize Alex's reawakening. I liked the side characters and the happy themes. I could have done without the evil jealous woman as the obligatory foe though. All in all, it's very Hallmark Movie Channel sweet, but I liked it and will happily read book two (which I have).
I thought this was very cute, if a little unrealistic at times. I simply find it unlikely that two people who loved each-other as much as the two main characters (be it erotically, romantically or even just platonically) really would have walked away and remained without contact for 15 years. Conversely, I find it equally as unlikely that people who hadn't so much as spoken in 15 years would so instantly fall back in step with one another. Having said that, once I decided to simply acknowledge it and forcefully suspend my disbelief on these matters I liked the characters and the slow burn. (Yes, it's a second chance romance that also manages to be a slow-burn, go figure.) I liked Baxter's use of color to symbolize Alex's reawakening. I liked the side characters and the happy themes. I could have done without the evil jealous woman as the obligatory foe though. All in all, it's very Hallmark Movie Channel sweet, but I liked it and will happily read book two (which I have).
January 14, 2020
It took me a couple of chapters to fall into the cadence of the story - of late, I’ve been reading a lot of legal things for my grownup job - but I found the rhythm and kind of fell in love with this story.
A second chance at love (if they’d just get their heads out of their asses), some hurt/comfort, and a nice mix of LGBTQ rep. Latinx, Armenian, and Asian rep as well.
Im going with 4.5 stars because I’m not yet done with all these Christmas/holiday feels.
CW: Past physical abuse from a parent, addiction, homophobia
A second chance at love (if they’d just get their heads out of their asses), some hurt/comfort, and a nice mix of LGBTQ rep. Latinx, Armenian, and Asian rep as well.
Im going with 4.5 stars because I’m not yet done with all these Christmas/holiday feels.
CW: Past physical abuse from a parent, addiction, homophobia
December 5, 2019
Incredible Christmas Story
Wow! What an amazing read, I couldn't put down the book at all.
Troubled past catches up to the present, a big hurdle is overcome.
Without Spoilers, this is a story full of heartwarming moments, and heartbreaking, and even more heartwarming. Lots of emotions are felt, including pain, sorrow, regret, love, warmth, acceptance, relief, and so many more.
There's also a charity involved that relates to everyone deeply, and I'm really happy it was included.
This is by far one of the best stories I've read all year 2019. I'm so happy to have read it and stumbled into this author. I highly recommend this story to everyone.
Thank you! 🥰
Wow! What an amazing read, I couldn't put down the book at all.
Troubled past catches up to the present, a big hurdle is overcome.
Without Spoilers, this is a story full of heartwarming moments, and heartbreaking, and even more heartwarming. Lots of emotions are felt, including pain, sorrow, regret, love, warmth, acceptance, relief, and so many more.
There's also a charity involved that relates to everyone deeply, and I'm really happy it was included.
This is by far one of the best stories I've read all year 2019. I'm so happy to have read it and stumbled into this author. I highly recommend this story to everyone.
Thank you! 🥰
November 19, 2019
David Cooper and Alex Capili are old friend who could have been lovers but for fear and Alex abusive father. I call this a secod chance at a love that never was realized. David is a single father to a curious and vital young boy. there is much angst in this a they keep bringing up the past. It take Eric, Davids son running away to make them snap out of their hurt and capture the love they always had for each other.
January 3, 2020
I had a really hard time getting into this book and while there are several things that may have helped with that, the biggest thing for me was the way the trans characters in it were handled.
I almost DNFed the damn thing right at the beginning because the intro to the MCs trans best friend of course has to deadname her. Because we can't have readers believe a character is trans without emphasizing who they used to be and it's the easiest way to explain transness to a reader.
But, I kept going and tried to put it behind me. Later in the story, the MC is talking to someone about how they used a website to get information for their trans nephew, but of course had to accidentally call him her niece first, because misgendering is the easiest way to explain it. 😑 This character is never mentioned again. This could have been left ambiguous where we as readers don't know if the Aunt talking was gendering their relative correctly or it could have been explained in a more sensitive way, but since misgendering is the quickest and easiest, again that's what we got.
Still, I pushed on, hoping that would be the end of it. That this author was just really terrible at introducing trans characters, because Bonnie wasn't centered around being trans.
But wait, we have to get one more in there because looking at old pictures means we have to once again deadname Bonnie 🙄 just in case anyone forgot that from the beginning of the story. The MCs kid, who from what I can gather, has only known Bonnie to be who she is since it was mentioned she came out somewhere around the end of highschool, knows and uses her deadname to identify who she was in pictures.
So while there are things I maybe liked or disliked about the actual story, this shit is the only thing I'm going to take with me from this book, because each one of these moments made me cringe while reading and debate continuing.
I almost DNFed the damn thing right at the beginning because the intro to the MCs trans best friend of course has to deadname her. Because we can't have readers believe a character is trans without emphasizing who they used to be and it's the easiest way to explain transness to a reader.
But, I kept going and tried to put it behind me. Later in the story, the MC is talking to someone about how they used a website to get information for their trans nephew, but of course had to accidentally call him her niece first, because misgendering is the easiest way to explain it. 😑 This character is never mentioned again. This could have been left ambiguous where we as readers don't know if the Aunt talking was gendering their relative correctly or it could have been explained in a more sensitive way, but since misgendering is the quickest and easiest, again that's what we got.
Still, I pushed on, hoping that would be the end of it. That this author was just really terrible at introducing trans characters, because Bonnie wasn't centered around being trans.
But wait, we have to get one more in there because looking at old pictures means we have to once again deadname Bonnie 🙄 just in case anyone forgot that from the beginning of the story. The MCs kid, who from what I can gather, has only known Bonnie to be who she is since it was mentioned she came out somewhere around the end of highschool, knows and uses her deadname to identify who she was in pictures.
So while there are things I maybe liked or disliked about the actual story, this shit is the only thing I'm going to take with me from this book, because each one of these moments made me cringe while reading and debate continuing.
November 18, 2019
This book is so cosy and sweet. It made me happy reading it and I have never read anything like it I guess. I smiled a lot and teared up a few times when it made me remember how lonely being different can be.
It is such a page turner. The characters are real and likeable and so is the setting. But for me the book is carried by great dialogue writing. I am so happy to see a gay romance in a real normal world where there is acceptance and love in abundance. (Cosy and sweet remember?)
For me this is the perfect tonic to brighten up those darker winter days. When we have our own Christmas family problems to think off. The people who will be there and the people who won’t be there any more.
It sits comfortably in my top 10 favourite books. It is a real little nugget. Please make some more?
It is such a page turner. The characters are real and likeable and so is the setting. But for me the book is carried by great dialogue writing. I am so happy to see a gay romance in a real normal world where there is acceptance and love in abundance. (Cosy and sweet remember?)
For me this is the perfect tonic to brighten up those darker winter days. When we have our own Christmas family problems to think off. The people who will be there and the people who won’t be there any more.
It sits comfortably in my top 10 favourite books. It is a real little nugget. Please make some more?
November 18, 2019
I got this book for free, and while it is by no means perfect, what it IS, is a m/m holiday romance that could be adapted into a Hallmark movie tomorrow. Like, this feels like a spec script. It's 2.5 stars, but guess what? So are almost all Hallmark Christmas movies. They are fine. They fill the time and are marginally more entertaining that the yule log with carols channel.
You've got Alex, who moved to the big city to escape his father and chase his dreams. He comes back home to help with the family business and deal with his father's house, since he's passed away. He's currently working in catering and event planning.
You've got David, single father and former pro hockey player, who is currently a nurse who is both up for a big promotion AND helps run a charity for LGBT+ youth, which has a holiday event coming up, which needs help from someone with experience.
There is a romantic 'rival'/villain vying for David's affections (he's bi, so she's a mean lady and can wear the beachy waves that every Hallmark channel movie must feature on someone.)
There is a casual trans character (meaning, the fact that the character is trans is not the only thing that defines her) who helps run Alex's family restaurant (and has a little side flirtation with a bartender).
David's son Eric is an adorable moppet who is having trouble at school. Hallmark movies love a moppet.
Basically, it's beat-for-beat a Hallmark movie, and I think they should option it.
You've got Alex, who moved to the big city to escape his father and chase his dreams. He comes back home to help with the family business and deal with his father's house, since he's passed away. He's currently working in catering and event planning.
You've got David, single father and former pro hockey player, who is currently a nurse who is both up for a big promotion AND helps run a charity for LGBT+ youth, which has a holiday event coming up, which needs help from someone with experience.
There is a romantic 'rival'/villain vying for David's affections (he's bi, so she's a mean lady and can wear the beachy waves that every Hallmark channel movie must feature on someone.)
There is a casual trans character (meaning, the fact that the character is trans is not the only thing that defines her) who helps run Alex's family restaurant (and has a little side flirtation with a bartender).
David's son Eric is an adorable moppet who is having trouble at school. Hallmark movies love a moppet.
Basically, it's beat-for-beat a Hallmark movie, and I think they should option it.
October 5, 2019
This was my first romantic Christmas story of this season and may I say what a fantastic first story it was, too. Our heroes, David and Alex, made the story fantastic. Their losing touch and reuniting was touching, the romantic build up was smoking and their final HEA was over the top. From beginning to end this book reeled me in and I was completely hooked. The holiday theme was an added bonus. Every character, even Zooey, brought life to the pages. This book embodies the perfect story, it has every element a five star book must have, romance, drama, heartache, villains and heroes. The story was fantasy compelling. The characters were consuming and the quotes from every good book and movie every written was superb. As I said before, in my opinion, this book is the embodiment of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2019
2.5 Stars, the storyline was good but in my opinion it didn’t flow and I found myself going back and re-reading sentences to try and make sense of them. It was one of those reads where you have to finish it and make yourself read it to the end, but it kind of uses up all your energy. Slow but not steady predictable Christmas romance.
November 19, 2020
So this probably garners a 2.5, quite possibly 3/5. This is a holiday read of childhood friends to lovers that actually reads more like a second chance romance. This fact makes it difficult to quantify, because holiday reads tend to lean fluffy and this had its fair share of angst, difficult pasts, family drama, divorce etc. The writing was a little choppy as well, lending confusion at times when I lost track of who was speaking, or what exactly was going on in a particular scene. Also, naming two very distinct characters Tandi and Brandi, was really confusing at times. Additionally, this book contains my least favorite trope ever, which is a precocious child genius used as a plot device to say adorable truths to the parents, and serve as a way to bring them together. In this case, Eric, was said to be 8 but read like a 13 year old which is always a bit unsettling.
There are several places in the beginning where this almost became a DNF for me, but what kept me reading was the good parts of the book. This one is plot heavy , and I enjoyed the drama surrounding the restaurant, and the wonderful dedication to the charity to help LGBTQ+ youth. Also the cast was really diverse and extensive and that added a lot of depth to the story. For example, Bonnie, a character who got a significant amount of on page time- I really enjoyed getting to know her character and she helped with understanding the backstory which was complicated. And even though I complained about it above, the kid, actually had plot significance and a story outside his dad's relationship. I actually enjoyed the dynamic between him and Alex . There was really a lot to unpack here between the two MC's and them coming to terms with their own pasts, their past relationship and what they wanted for their future. Thinking about it, if I had come into this novel from a second chance love story perspective instead of fluffy, holiday read I might have actually enjoyed it a bit more.
All that being said, the book is solidly good, and I will probably read more from this author.
There are several places in the beginning where this almost became a DNF for me, but what kept me reading was the good parts of the book. This one is plot heavy , and I enjoyed the drama surrounding the restaurant, and the wonderful dedication to the charity to help LGBTQ+ youth. Also the cast was really diverse and extensive and that added a lot of depth to the story. For example, Bonnie, a character who got a significant amount of on page time- I really enjoyed getting to know her character and she helped with understanding the backstory which was complicated. And even though I complained about it above, the kid, actually had plot significance and a story outside his dad's relationship. I actually enjoyed the dynamic between him and Alex . There was really a lot to unpack here between the two MC's and them coming to terms with their own pasts, their past relationship and what they wanted for their future. Thinking about it, if I had come into this novel from a second chance love story perspective instead of fluffy, holiday read I might have actually enjoyed it a bit more.
All that being said, the book is solidly good, and I will probably read more from this author.
January 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this, a slow burn about 2 guys getting a second chance at love.
Yes, there is a child in the book, but I really rather liked him. One instance of fade to black sex, but you know that was alright as this was a book about finding a way back.
Yes, there is a child in the book, but I really rather liked him. One instance of fade to black sex, but you know that was alright as this was a book about finding a way back.
December 12, 2019
A great book!
This was a great book. It drew me in from the very first page and I couldn't put it down. A heartwarming and loving Christmas story. I absolutely loved David and Alex and I didn't want their story to end. The secondary characters were awesome too. Hope to get more of these characters in future books. A job well done Mr. Baxter!!!
This was a great book. It drew me in from the very first page and I couldn't put it down. A heartwarming and loving Christmas story. I absolutely loved David and Alex and I didn't want their story to end. The secondary characters were awesome too. Hope to get more of these characters in future books. A job well done Mr. Baxter!!!
December 19, 2019
This was adorable and sweet and not your typical holiday romance.
I loved so many different aspects about this story. First of all, a second chances book is always a winner, but I loved the dual POV, the common friends, family that adored both MC's and, of course, David's son, who was crucial to the story.
The more I read, the more intrigued I was by the depth of each of the characters, the background that was filled in, and the obvious feelings that were there from all those years ago.
It was a slow burn, yet peppered with high heat. I loved it. Loved the chapter headings, loved the characters, the writing style, the story.
I loved so many different aspects about this story. First of all, a second chances book is always a winner, but I loved the dual POV, the common friends, family that adored both MC's and, of course, David's son, who was crucial to the story.
The more I read, the more intrigued I was by the depth of each of the characters, the background that was filled in, and the obvious feelings that were there from all those years ago.
It was a slow burn, yet peppered with high heat. I loved it. Loved the chapter headings, loved the characters, the writing style, the story.
November 24, 2019
Sweet love story
This absolutely the most adorable holiday read ever! David and Alex’s love story was incredibly sweet. The characters were well rounded and the storyline interesting and appealing.
This absolutely the most adorable holiday read ever! David and Alex’s love story was incredibly sweet. The characters were well rounded and the storyline interesting and appealing.
November 19, 2019
Cute, but I kept questioning why David kept giving his stalkery colleague another chance instead of telling her to bugger off. I mean he was clear to her he didn't want to date her, but he kept inviting her over and going places with her.
November 16, 2019
What a Great Story!!
I loved this book so much, I couldn't get
Enough!! So heartwarming and loving!!
I want more from Kyle Baxter!!💙
I loved this book so much, I couldn't get
Enough!! So heartwarming and loving!!
I want more from Kyle Baxter!!💙
to-read-mm
June 23, 2022**FREE ON AMAZON TODAY 6/23**
**THE ENTIRE SERIES IS FREE!**
**THE ENTIRE SERIES IS FREE!**
October 12, 2020
2.5
I've read this book one year ago and I forgot to write a review.
The story starts with some women characters one worse than the other. One of them, David's colleague Zooey, will be consistently awful, not to mention totally unprofessional, during the whole story. It is a mystery to me how David reacts to her. On the subject: Adriana, the ex wife is also depicted as badly as possible. I wonder if this is a trend with this author, I'll check the book which I've just got as a freebie.
On the positive side: basically no sex on page, a diverse set of characters for provenience, sexual identity and sexual orientation, a black labrador ;-), and obviously . To add on the negative side: bad internal dialogue, some instances of behaviour unexplainable in human adults, a predictable plot, deadnaming a trans woman (at least not to her face, but it could have been possible to avoid it, for ex. saying that David had known her before her transition or something similar).
I've read this book one year ago and I forgot to write a review.
The story starts with some women characters one worse than the other. One of them, David's colleague Zooey, will be consistently awful, not to mention totally unprofessional, during the whole story. It is a mystery to me how David reacts to her. On the subject: Adriana, the ex wife is also depicted as badly as possible. I wonder if this is a trend with this author, I'll check the book which I've just got as a freebie.
On the positive side: basically no sex on page, a diverse set of characters for provenience, sexual identity and sexual orientation, a black labrador ;-), and obviously . To add on the negative side: bad internal dialogue, some instances of behaviour unexplainable in human adults, a predictable plot, deadnaming a trans woman (at least not to her face, but it could have been possible to avoid it, for ex. saying that David had known her before her transition or something similar).
November 25, 2023
You know when you stumble across a book you know you'll love? That was me with this book. I found it on Kindle Unlimited and downloaded it straight away. Two old friends who are in love coming back together and one of them having a kid? That's definitely my jam.
And my god this book was adorable and funny. So many of the gay books I try to read wind up being pointless smut but this? This was a cute, pure rom-com and I'm going to have to buy a copy to keep.
Alex and David are goals and Eric was a cheeky kid but I loved him. I wound up staying up to 4am to finish this book as I just couldn't put it down. It's just that good.
And my god this book was adorable and funny. So many of the gay books I try to read wind up being pointless smut but this? This was a cute, pure rom-com and I'm going to have to buy a copy to keep.
Alex and David are goals and Eric was a cheeky kid but I loved him. I wound up staying up to 4am to finish this book as I just couldn't put it down. It's just that good.
October 17, 2019
This is a well written Christmas romance with strong , well developed characters in David and Alex as well as the supporting characters. The author does a great job developing the story and bringing it to life with his detailed scenes as he reunites the two men. It's a touching,heartfelt story filled with drama as well as the romance.It moves quickly and fluidly and I was hooked from start to finish reading their story and would highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
October 23, 2019
Is there anything better at Christmas time than for someone to get the gift of romance? Especially when David was not believing that it was possible to have a good date let alone find a lasting connection. Such a lovely reunion that turns out to be so much more than either Alex or David were expecting and carries us along with good feelings and not only good main characters but also an interesting supporting cast.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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