| Title | : | A Family for Christmas |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 177 |
| Publication | : | First published November 16, 2016 |
This story is a standalone book with a satisfying happy ending 44,000 words approx
A Family for Christmas Reviews
-
Reread November 2022
I didn't like this book nearly as much the second time around. Truth be told, I was a bit bored with it. The relationship felt rushed. Plus, an office romance is never a good idea.
Original 4 star review:
I needed a cheerful, sweet story, and this one gave me plenty to smile about.
When shy, slightly awkward Rudy invites Zac, the colleague he's crushed on for weeks, to spend Christmas at his family's sprawling, drafty 17th century house in the country, he hopes against hope Zac will agree.
Rudy has a big, accepting family, with plenty of love to go round. Zac has no one. He's a former foster kid used to keeping people at a distance. Zac doesn't trust that anyone could love him, or that he could love in return. But Rudy's family is so welcoming, Zac's walls begin to crumble.
When Rudy's mom assumes Zac is Rudy's boyfriend, neither man wants to ruin the fantasy. So they pretend, which is certainly no hardship, especially when hand holding leads to kissing leads to more (oh, so much more). Superhero boxer briefs may or may not be involved.
The Christmas described in this book is EPIC: games (including a rousing, and rather naughty, game of sardines), food, wine, ridiculous aprons, little brothers who kick ass at Twister, and lots of critters (Holly the cat steals the show).
So much laughter! So much JOY. I really want Rudy's family to adopt me, you guys.
The way Rudy and Zac dance around each other is ADORABLE. Rudy wants more than a holiday fling, but can he convince Zac to say yes?
Hint: there's an epilogue. -
In a word, Dorktacular. : )
Northcote's latest novella, "A Family for Christmas," is fun, sweet, clumsy, cute, sexy, innocent, heart-warming and more than a little bit charming. Highly recommended.
Virginal, but not totally inexperienced, Rudy is shy and unassuming, but he's had a major crush on his standoffish new co-worker, Zac, since the day he joined Rainbow Futures, the LGBT+ youth education charity where they both work.
Zac grew up in foster care and group homes, where he learned that the only person he should trust is himself, hence his tendency to shut himself off. He does his job, goes to the gym, then goes home. Rinse and repeat.
Then tequila happens.
Zac reluctantly agrees to attend an after work function and... tequila. 'Nuff said. I'm telling you, folks, tequila is a drug, not a liquor.
Rudy and Zac share a steamy kiss, then Zac helps Rudy home and they share Rudy's bed for the night, but nothing happens, other than Zac agreeing to spend the Christmas holidays with Rudy and his family.
Zac's never had a real family, so when he arrives at Rudy's family home, he's almost immediately enthralled with being so immediately and wholly included in all things family. Which makes Zac question if his intoxicating attraction to Rudy is 100% Rudy or is it partly due to this new familial inclusion, something that he's always envied and secretly longed for.
Most of the conflict in this one is derived from Zac's internal struggle to give in and fully accept the love that both Rudy and his large family are thrusting at him with both fists and open arms vs. protecting himself from possible disappointment and heartache.
But this is a Christmas story, by Jay Northcote no less, so of course the boys get their HEA and all is right with the world when 'The End' finally comes. There's also an epilogue to help cement the relationship, which I loved.
Oh, and there's an adorable rescue kitten, too, named Holly.
So if you're looking for a light, fun, fulfilling seasonal tale, this one rates a solid 4.25 stars for me and I'd highly recommend giving it a shot. : )
------------------------------------------------
My ARC copy of the story was provided by the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review. -
My Christmas story for 2016 :) I accidentally wrote pretend boyfriends again. Oops.
I doubt I will have final files ready in time to take pre-orders so look out for it on release day if you like the sound of it. It will be Amazon exclusive/KU for 90 days and will go wide after that.
I should have ARCs ready for review bloggers around a week before release. If you're not already on my blogger newsletter and would be interested in getting hold of a copy to review, please sign up here:
http://jaynorthcote.us8.list-manage.c... -
3.5 stars!
"A family for Christmas" was sweet and cute, a great book for the holidays. I found Rudy, so adorably awkward his crush on his co worker Zac, was so sweet. Thank goodness he found the courage to talk to him and somehow he ends up taking Zac to meet his family for Christmas. I thought Zac was a bit stoic at first but we get hints that his had a bad childhood so, his built this wall around him and at the end I understood why.
Once Zac meets Rudy's family though, and sees what it's like to be a part of that love he starts to open up to Rudy. I love watching his heart melt, those stolen kisses and looks between this two guys, so adorable. The only thing I wish there was more time between Rudy and Zac, maybe less with the whole family I felt it focus too much into the family activities than building up the relationship. But nonetheless a totally feel good kinda book and enjoyable. <3
-
Just like the blurb says, shy and sweet Rudy is crushing hard on his enigmatic coworker Zac. He knows Zac is way out of his league, but a tipsy night out with coworkers gives Rudy the opening to invite Zac home for the holiday weekend.
Zac is closed off for many understandable reasons, but Rudy and his family and the spirit of Christmas opens him up to perhaps, just maybe, consider a happy ending for himself.
I enjoyed this, despite it not being as sexy or as emotional as some of Northcote’s other previous works. However, this was still a feel good, warm, holiday read! -
Though I do not celebrate the holiday, I have come to love my Christmas stories. They serve to give me the hope that I suppose the actual holiday and family should be giving me, but don't. So thank you, Jay. A Family for Christmas was just what I needed this week.
Rudy is a kind of happy-go-lucky guy. He's shy and inexperienced, but he's happy and enjoys his life. He has a decent flat, with a garden and loads of family that he actually gets along with. He loves his job, too, and his coworkers are kind of an extended family for him. And he has a massive crush on the new guy, Zac.
Family is something that Zac has never had, being brought up in the foster system. He's used to fending for himself and not depending on anyone else for anything. He started working at Rainbow Futures, an LGBT+ youth charity , about a month ago, and he loves it. He has no interest in socializing, though. He goes in to work, then goes to the gym and then home...day after day. It isn't that he doesn't like his coworkers, he is just too afraid to relax and trust.
And then there was tequila.
Tequila can loosen the most stubborn person. And after the company outing where so much of it was consumed, he and Rudy kiss. A glorious kiss that could turn into so much more. But too much tequila has other less pleasant side effects, too... but, Rudy still managed to ask Zac to come home with him for Christmas.
All through A Family For Christmas I could really identify with Zac. I didn't grow up in the foster system, like he did, but the whole idea of family get togethers and actually enjoying them is so very foreign to me. Like a Lifetime special. And I know people whose families get along (mostly, at least) and they get together for the holidays and they love it. And, like Zac, I'd feel so very out of place.
Rudy's family was brilliant, though. They weren't afraid to laugh at themselves (male stripper kitchen apron, complete with tassels on the nips) and they were so welcoming, that Zac didn't have a choice but to relax. And if Rudy's mom assumed they were boyfriends, well, maybe they could relax and play along, there, too. Because, like Rudy, Zac is developing quite the crush and maybe exploring that couldn't hurt.
My seriously "awwwww" moment though? Seeing Zac totally and completely disarmed by a kitten.
A Family for Christmas was such a sweet story, full of good feels. The steamy bits were steamy and the ending was a strong HFN. I don't think it will take them too long to progress to their HEA, though. Because when you find "the one", you just know.
-------------
ARC of A Family for Christmas was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review. -
Re-read November 2018
Still a nice Christmas story, even though I still didn't quite like Zac.
--------------------------------
This was quite adorable, but Zac did get on my nerves a bit.
Rudy is 24 years old and works at Rainbow Futures. He has had a crush on coworker Zac ever since Zac started working there. But Rudy is convinced Zac doesn’t want a 24 year old shy geek, who's never had a boyfriend.
Zac doesn’t want to do the whole social thing with his colleagues. He is there to work, not make friends. Friendships can only hurt him. But when he gets asked to join everyone for drinks one night, Zac feels he has no choice but to go.
To Zac's surprise he and Rudy end up talking. And because there are drinks involved Zac lets slip to Rudy that he has no family. And that he was in fact planning on spending Christmas alone. So Rudy invites him to join him and his family. Zac cannot resist the lure of spending the holidays with a warm family so he accepts...
I absolutely loved shy Rudy and his crush on Zac he couldn’t seem to hide. I also really loved Rudy’s family and how warm and welcome they were. I had never heard of the game Sardines, but it sounds like a lot of fun! And the way Rudy and Zac played it…. HOT!
My one complaint is how emotionally constipated Zac was. I could understand where he was coming from, and how he was careful with his feelings, but I kind of wanted a bit more BAM! in the relationship. Instead of him doubting if he liked Rudy or not. I was waiting for his feelings to overwhelm him, but that never happened.
But other than that, this was a wonderful Christmas story.
-
This book is exactly what I'd expect a holiday story from Jay Northcote to be like. Sweet and sexy, with some feels thrown in.
I liked that I got to actually see the progression of Rudy and Zac's relationship from practical strangers, to tentative friends, to fake-boyfriends/fuck-buddies, and then to something more. Their romance is quick and relatively easy, but I wouldn't say it was insta-love.
Though readers only see a few days of their life together, Rudy and Zac's romance felt believable, and not at all forced or temporary. The romance was sweet and low-angst, one of those where I could just sit back and watch unfold.
I was a big fan of the setting - a rambling old house in the English countryside. It was the perfect setting for a Christmas romance.
Rudy's family play a big role in the story. Their incorrect assumptions about Zac and Rudy's relationship set the ball rolling. Rudy's family also teaches Zac that he doesn't need to be alone, and that he can dream for something permanent with Rudy.
I'll be honest: there are a lot of cheesy Hallmark-y moments with Rudy's big family. But I ate it all up. The payoff was worth all of the sappy family love!
If you're looking for a low-angst and easy holiday romance, give this book a try. -
What a beautiful Christmas story about family and love.
Shy and insecure marketing geek Rudy has the hots for his gorgeous colleague Zac. Only Zac doesn't socialize with anyone at work and a night out with the colleagues leads to even more awkwardness instead of the desired connection.
To Rudy's surprise, though, Zac accepts Rudy's alcohol induced invitation to spend the holidays with him and his family in the countryside.
Zac, being an orphan, just wants to experience a real family Christmas, but he finds so much more in his charming colleague.
Christmas is the perfect time to fall in love, right?
This story really entertained me. It was heartwarming and perfectly romantic. I especially liked how we get an MC here who isn't experienced and still manages to win the heart of his Prince Charming.
5 stars! -
3.5 Stars!
-
Now this was the sugary-sweet Christmas romance I was hoping for from
Jay Northcote. Just ooey-gooey feels and family, like a big cup of hot chocolate.
Rudy was just so adorable. I'm a sucker for a dorky, secretly-sexy MC, and Rudy just fit that perfectly. I liked his big, loving family and the cozy setting of the story.
Just a sweet, new adult Christmas novella to get you into the spirit of the holidays.
goodreads|
instagram|
twitter|
blog -
Jay Northcote has become my go to for perfectly perfect Christmas stories. No one wraps me up in comfy cozy Merry Jizzmas feels like he does. I mean, I just finished reading A Family for Christmas and at the same time, I’m listening to What Happens at Christmas on audio (which I read last year). So yeah, I’m a fan.
A Family for Christmas had extra warmth I felt and the author did a great job of balancing the romance with the family evolution for Zac. Zac and Rudy work together and Zac is still the “new guy”. He’s a little stand offish and keeps his coworkers at arm’s length. Rudy is adorkably shy and has had a crush on Zac from day one. Zac hasn’t not noticed Rudy, but he also is not one to let himself notice too much if you get my drift.
Circumstances happen, and the two of them share a tequila fueled kiss that went all kinds of wrong hilariously, but looking back it ended up for the best. And may I say, drunk Rudy cracked me up. I loved the moment when the tequila kicked in, “This time, Rudy ignored the burn as he swallowed. Tequila was awesome. Everything was awesome. He loved his colleagues, and this was the best night out ever.” Yep, that’s the moment. Thankfully Tequila happened though, otherwise the painfully shy Rudy wouldn’t have had the courage to invite Zac home with him for the holidays.
And while the beginning of the book was pure fun and full of crushy co-worker harmless angst, when the guys get to Rudy’s family home, the Christmas feels hit you right in the heart and keep on coming until the ending HEA. Along the way, Zac learned that he deserved love even though he “had spent years learning not to want things he couldn’t have”. Rudy was the perfect person to break down Zac’s walls. Rudy is shy and guileless while at the same time, it’s obvious, as they spend time with Rudy’s family, that Rudy knows how to love and has plenty to lavish on Zac if Zac will let him. Zac sees it every time Rudy looks at him because Rudy doesn’t know how to hide it.
As Zac starts to let Rudy in, Rudy gains confidence because he has to. He has to so that he can give Zac what he needs and in the end, that’s all that is important to Rudy. In amongst all the wall breaking and lovey revelations is charming banter and funny holiday moments. And, as I said, It was really all balanced out perfectly to give me the perfect taste of Merry Jizzmas that I love so.
Plus, there’s a kitten. And I love kittens.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review** -
This book made me seriously homesick.
Christmas at Rudy's (Ha! how's that for a name with a Christmassy theme!) was just a picture perfect British Christmas - an old farm house, a cosy kitchen with an aga, some chilly rooms (LOL -yes! So true!), a noise loving family, turkey, mince pies and endless cups of tea and wine! And a frozen landscape wrapped around it. Yeah! And sigh. I wanted to go to Rudy's house for Christmas, too!
Rudy IS sweet and cute, and he seriously fancies the pants off Zac. His attempts to overcome his shyness and just speak to the guy did remind me of days long gone past. Sigh. So, apart from making me homesick, this also stirred up old memories, making me melancholic! Darn - age is a silly thing!
But as much as I liked the 'adorkable' pining from afar, I was not 100% sure why Rudy has such a soft spot for the guy. He's hardly spoken to Zac before the staff night out, and doesn't really know him. But then, I guess these things happen, even if it isn't strictly logical.
Zack is very mysterious and withdrawn, hardly given anything personal away to anyone, It is obvious he's been burnt and scarred by something in the past. His back story is slowly revealed as we go along, and I really enjoyed how the author drew away the blanket on Zac's 'secrets' bit by bit. And it is infinitely heart-warming to watch him 'thaw' under the warmth of Rudy's family.
I also admit that Zac being mistaken for Rudy's boyfriend put a big smile on my face. Yes, it's an old and popular trope, but it was so well done! (And it is just cute...) I thoroughly enjoyed the little complications coming with that.
The only thing that made me scratch my head - I'm not sure I really understood why Zac accepted Rudy's offer to join him for Christmas. It seemed OOC, even though I get that he was desperate for some human companionship. But this is a little niggle - there can be no doubt that you will enjoy this light-hearted Christmas story.
And did I mention - there are KITTENS! :)
Recommended. -
Well, Mr. Northcote ... this might just be my new favorite of yours.
A Family for Christmas totally embodies the spirit of the holiday -- with adorable characters who both are not so confident in relationship, lots of family members, cute pets (CATS, CATS, CATS! This cat person is jubilant), fun games to play, foods and alcohol, and don't forget, kiss under the mistletoe ^^ .
I loved how the romance played out, although it happened only on those few days but it felt right and convincing. When I reached the end, I totally believe in them.
Yep. GOOD Christmas story. I'm happy
-
*** I love a heartwarming Jay Northcote book ! ***
Rudy is tall, 24, a blue eyed web designer/copywriter
for the Charity, Rainbow Futures, which caters to LGBTQ youth. The setting is British, where we begin with a staff party to celebrate the season, which includes tequila shots all around.
Zac, new to work, usually doesn't go to these
work related events, but he's agreed this time. After a night of drunkenness and a bit of debauchery, Rudy throws up, Zac gets him home safely, there is a memorable kiss, and Rudy invites Zac to his family's home for Christmas. Zac accepts, because he's never had a family and the chance to finally be a part of family, pets and a holiday, is irresistible.
The family thinks they are boyfriends, so they go along. Rudy's family is funny, crazy, and super loving. Zac is welcomed with open arms, and sees what he's missed his whole life. Deep emotions and a close connection are blooming between the two.
Neither has ever been in a relationship. Rudy has never had "all-the-way" sex, and Zac is privileged to be his first, and it's intense and glorious. We see the delightful progress of our guys; the inner fears working themselves out and acceptance of each other. They see the worthiness of giving it a go, and letting themselves see what happens.
HOLLY
There is lots more going on, too, plus a black lab, cats, etc. Jay Northcote is an amazing writer. This is delicious, low angst, fabulous Christmas love story.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
============================ -
A Family for Christmas is a beautiful love story about two lonely souls getting together over Christmas.
Rudy and Zac have been working together for over a month.
Rudy is attracted to Zac but he is painfully shy.
Zac is a loner he keeps to himself at work.
The whole office even Zac go for Christmas drinks, the tequila starts flowing and Rudy gets brave starts talking to Zac and he even kisses him.
The kiss does not go quite to plan and Zac takes Rudy home while they talk Rudy invites Zac to come home with him for a family Christmas and Zac accepts tired of being on his own at Christmas.
Will these two guys find some Christmas magic?
I adored this story it’s a perfect Christmas read so sweet I love these two guys together and I love Rudy’s family they make Zac feel welcome straight away.
I loved the epilogue three makes a family.
I WILL DEFENITLY be reading more Jay Northcote in 2017. -
‘A Family for Christmas’ it’s an awesome way to start off the holidays...
and put a smile on your face. This one’s got it all family, love, the best holiday of the year, a pretty awesome dog and more than one epic cat…seriously one of these cats is named ‘Hardy’ and he’s a ginger…that’s right there’s a ginger…tabby cat in this story but still he’s a ginger and if you’re still holding out there’s more…
There’s Rudy, he’s shy and a bit nerdy. At 24 years old he may not a virgin but he’s pretty close. His experience is limited to say the least, he’s just not a casual sex kind of guy, especially not now that he’s met Zac.
Zac’s the new guy in the office and Rudy’s got a crush on Zac. He’s hot and buff and keeps the world at arm’s length…or at least he tries to until a night out with some co-workers and a few shots of Tequila seem to lower his defenses and he lets it slip that he’s spending Christmas alone and Rudy’s right there to open the door for opportunity. He knows his loud, brash, loving family won’t object to one more mouth to feed on Christmas day so suddenly Zac’s spending Christmas with more family than he’d ever dreamed about having.
From start to finish ‘A Family for Christmas’ delighted me. When I started reading this it felt like I was opening a Christmas present. Everything started out interesting and intriguing and I just knew if I could get that gift wrap off…but without tearing it mind you because you don’t want to rip the pretty paper, right? Anyways, I just knew that inside that package was going to be the most amazing present and I was right because once I got that first layer of paper off it was the best present ever.
I got to share Christmas with Rudy and Zac and Rudy’s big ‘I love them all’ circus of a family, I got to watch Rudy and Zac as they danced around the Christmas tree going from co-workers to something more that neither of them could really define, to two men in a full blown relationship. Both nervous and scared that they were going to mess things up but both wanting to try.
In spite of all their trepidation there was no angst or miscommunication or other sometimes frustrating contrivances. This was simply a sweet, lovely holiday romance with a beautiful ending that left me feeling good and wanting to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
I love Christmas stories and for me ‘A Family for Christmas’ was damned near sheer perfection. If you’re looking to start your holidays with a smile and feeling good than look no further because ‘A Family for Christmas’ is just what we all need.
********************
An ARC of 'A Family For Christmas' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review -
Cute ;)
-
3.5 Stars
This was another fun, sweet and hopeful Northcote Christmas read.
Rudy is shy and a little awkward, but sweeter than honey. He’s also 24 years old, a virgin (although not completely innocent) and has the hots for his new work colleague, Zac.
Zac has a complicated past and prefers to keep things professional in the workplace. He’s not one for relationships, social or romantic, but when he shares a heated kiss with his co-worker Rudy, things begin to get a little more complicated than Zac prefers – particularly when, in the heat of the moment, Zac accepts Rudy’s drunken (but genuine) invitation to spend Christmas with Rudy and his family.
Most of the story spans three days over Christmas, following Rudy and Zac as they go from co-workers, to friends, to fake-boyfriends (woo!), to real lovers.
Although the progression of Rudy and Zac’s relationship was sweet, endearing and a little sexy, I can’t help but wish we got to witness a little more relationship development between the two; unfortunately, I don’t feel like I had enough time to truly care about them as a couple. However, I did really like all the fabulous scenes featuring the boys and Rudy’s family. The Christmas games, in particular, were a real highlight of this story for me, and put a genuine smile on my dial.
I look forward to seeing what Jay whips up for our M/M delights next Christmas (and everything he releases in-between)! -
*4.25 stars*
All the warm and fuzzy Christmas feels! I loved Jay Northcote's
What Happens at Christmas last year, so I was very giddy for his holiday story this year too. A Family for Christmas did not disappoint! Also, "pretend boyfriends" trope!
Rudy is shy, awkward and kind-hearted. He also has the biggest crush ever on his new co-worker, Zac, despite the fact that he hasn't exchanged more than a couple of words with him. And really, it's pretty difficult to steal more than a few words at a time from Zac.
You see, Zac was a foster kid and grew up pretty much on his own. He doesn't care about making friends, small talk or any kind of social interaction. He just wants to get the job done, and go home."...I’m not sure I even know how to have a relationship. It’s been so long since anyone loved me that I don’t know if I’m capable of loving someone else."
On a whim (and a few tequila shots after) Rudy invites Zac to spend Christmas with him and his family. On a whim, Zac agrees! Due to some misunderstanding/miscommunication with Rudy's mom, everybody thinks they are boyfriends! And now they have to pretend that they 're in a relatonship for the rest of the holidays.
So there are stolen kisses under the mistletoe (because everyone's looking). Holding hands (because Rudy's mom goes aww...), and gropping and making out in a dark closet (because...oh wait, nobody's looking now but lets do it anyway!).
The lines blur, and fake becomes so real. I was glad that there was no manufactured drama and despite Zac holding himself back, the "angst" didn't take over. Actually, I loved Zac's inner thoughts. The way he realises his feelings for Rudy and re-examines his motives (is it Rudy or Rudy's family he's faling in love with?) felt pretty mature and honest to me.
And then there's Rudy's family. I fell in love with every single one of them. They're quirky, unconventional, accepting and they don't do anything half-assed. Christmas in this household is a BIG deal!
There are sexy times, a wonderful epilogue, and KITTENS! Very recommended for a Christmas feel-good story.
-
Zac didn”t had a nice start in life, with no family to take care of him, so he keeps to himself. Then, at his new work place, he meets Rudy, the very cute and shy Rudy and, after a work party with a bit too much of Tequila, Rudy loosens his tongue and invite Zac for a Christmas’s family gatherings and Zac..well, Zac agrees to come.
In need of a very sweet romance (but not sugary, nor OTT), a comfort read with an awesome HEA, with no pretense and a touch of laugh ? This is it. Zac and Rudy are both sexy and lovable. The way they get into each other’s bed and heart is adorable and Rudy’s family is just the way a family should be. Really, really “cute”.
I needed some good and warm feelings : I got them. -
*** 4.25 Stars ***
Yup, this is the sweet, fluffy Christmas crack that I was hoping for when I pick up a Northcote book. He delivers adorable MCs, a little raw emotion and awkwardness, and a dash of smex like no one else. -
Historia muy mona de Navidad, happy happy, canal Hallmark, no termino de entender la atracción entre ellos..., pero qué demonios, es Navidad.
Como lectura para la época, recomendable. -
This novella needs a more festive cover. This read definitely put me in a mood for the holiday and it sucks that I have to read this in between my lunch break.
Rudy is a shy and awkward guy who had a big crush on his new colleague, Zac. Rudy is such a sweetheart and his fail attempt at seduction is too funny, but I don't want to laugh at his expense. During one of their company's drunken night out, Rudy accidentally invited Zac back to his hometown for the upcoming celebration after realizing the poor guy didn't have anyone to spend it with.
Zac is an antisocial at work and even his private life is mundane with the prerequisite daily workout. He grew up without a family and didn't have many friends. Zac had long given up of dreaming for a place he could call home. The last thing he want is to spend the holiday with a big group of strangers making small talk, but he can't find himself to reject the invitation.
There are a lot of details on the Christmas activities within the family from Christmas Eve to Boxing day. There are tons of cooking, bickering and interesting family games. Although I find that the conversation between the family members are rather stilt, I'm totally immerse in the atmosphere. Of course within the few days, Zac and Rudy grew closer together and Zac starting to realize he actually enjoy being with Rudy's family even though they are not his own. Despite the short time frame, I didn't feel the romance is rush. It was able to develop slowly and naturally and when the epilogue took place, I spot the biggest grin on my face. -
Il mio secondo Jay Northcote. L'altro era in inglese comprato su Amazon UK lo scorso anno. Jay Northcote scrive benissimo e questo lo dico basato sull'altro libro. Stavolta ho pensato di prenderlo in ebook, l'altro era un peperback, da suggerimento del Kobo. Il Kobo me l'ha suggerito in inglese ma avendo tutto quel blocco del AC 2018 ho provato a vedere se c'era in italiano. Ora sono 50-50 cioè 1 e 1.
Comunque questo libro è davvero dolce.
Sono anche tornata con questo libro al totalmente gay. Non è proprio il modo giusto per dirlo ma ultimamente, nella scelta casuale, ho beccato molto lui è gay o bi, era sposato e ha divorziato e si mette che il tipo gay che incontra. Mi piace anche così ma sembrava che avessi preso proprio quella strada. Sono felice di essere tornata al vecchio tema gay x gay e niente donne se non amiche. Beh qui non ci sono a parte la madre, la sorella e la zia di Rudy. Zac la famiglia non ce l'ha. (Continua) -
A sweet, feel-good Christmas romance with a fake-relationship and Only One Bed (sort of) and a set of superbly developed characters. A quick read, but a satisfying one.
-
Sweet, sweet, low drama Christmas story. When you're in the mood for a zero angst story, Jay Northcote never fails to deliver with her sweet British boys.
Neither the story nor the set-up are original, yet it's a feel-good story and everybody is in the mood for a book like that every once in a while.
Medium steam for this one and, of course, a happy ending.
Free with Kindle Unlimited. -
Really enjoyed this - sweet, warm, low angst and fun. Rudy & Zac had beautiful chemistry that started as friends, hesitant as it was, and then slowly evolved. As trust built, fears were relaxed. This really was very cute ❤️
-
Nice one Jay. Another goodie to add to my Christmas Cracker bookshelf. 4.5 stars from me. -
I love Christmas, I truly do. I love everything about it. I go overboard and indulge in every moment. I shop like crazy, I decorate every room, and turn the kitchen into a danger zone. The more chaotic the better! One thing I always cherish, is opening Northcote’s annual holiday story. He always delivers a tender tale with a heavy dose of heat and it’s becoming one of my traditions. Relaxing with a hot toddy while reading a hot telling from one of my favorite authors. This year we are given Rudy and Zac and I gotta say, it might be better than last year.
Rudy works for Rainbow Futures and he’s got a serious crush on the new guy, Zac. It looks like a crush is as far as it’s going to get though, because Zac is a recluse and shuts down every attempt at changing that. When his boss makes it clear he is to join the staff for a night out, he’s forced out of his hermit status. When drinks turn into shots, Rudy throws caution to the wind and makes his move. The evening does not play out as Rudy envisioned but it opens a door between them. When Zac confides he has no plans for Christmas because he has no family, Rudy offers an olive branch. He likes Zac and would love to have anything Zac is able to give, even if it’s just friendship. To his surprise, Zac accepts. He timidly takes what Rudy is offering and it looks like for the first time, he has plans for Christmas.
Zac shocked himself as much as Rudy when he agreed to go home with him for the holidays. A moment of weakness in his fierce facade allowed him to take…which is something he has learned not to do. Zac has no one and relies on no one. He has discovered the hard way, that he can’t trust anyone. But what if he’s wrong? What if he was trusting the wrong people before and will lose out on something magnificent if he turns away now? Zac thinks Rudy is sweet, naive and hot…perhaps this is the chance worth taking.
What's to like: It’s obvious where Rudy gets all of his charming personality from, his family. They are loads of fun! From traditional meals and drinks to games (Sardines!) they all kept me rolling. I enjoyed each and every one of them. Rudy has a large crew at home but they were easy to keep straight. I struggled a bit with separating their co-workers in my head and definitely preferred the time spent at Rudy’s parents home, but you’d be crazy to not want to be there.
What's to love: The visit home may begin as playing fake boyfriends after a miscommunication, but it quickly turns into something much more. Do you know how some people brighten when a certain individual is around? Zac begins to glow in Rudy’s presence. It’s so beautiful. I adored witnessing both of them change in different ways. More confident. More vulnerable. More content. Just…more. They both have special gifts and when they share them with each other, the story sparkles. Some of my favorite parts include a dark closet, a kitty and a chance to love and be loved.
Beware of: Zac is rather difficult to warm up to initially. His walls are tall and solid. Don’t be surprised if your affection grows as the story grows. He’s rather sweet once you get to know him.
This book is for: Anyone in the mood for a festive story of hope, chance and the marvelous power of love.
*4 stars*
Book UNfunk
