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The Christmas Throwaway
Christmas is a time for giving - what do you do when no one gives a damn?
For Zachary Weston Christmas means sleeping on a churchyard bench in the freezing snow with nothing better in his future. Thrown out of his home for being gay, he is left without money or, it seems, anywhere to go.
Until a stranger shows him that some people do give a lot more than a damn.
Ben Hamilton is a rookie cop in his small home town. He finds a young throwaway, fresh from the city, sleeping on a bench in the churchyard on a snowy Christmas Eve. Can he be the one to give Zachary his own Christmas miracle?
For Zachary Weston Christmas means sleeping on a churchyard bench in the freezing snow with nothing better in his future. Thrown out of his home for being gay, he is left without money or, it seems, anywhere to go.
Until a stranger shows him that some people do give a lot more than a damn.
Ben Hamilton is a rookie cop in his small home town. He finds a young throwaway, fresh from the city, sleeping on a bench in the churchyard on a snowy Christmas Eve. Can he be the one to give Zachary his own Christmas miracle?
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2020
121 people are currently reading
1382 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Scott
307 books2,714 followersRJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews
December 3, 2011
So I guess a couple of things you should know about me are that I was CFO for a residential treatment center for abused adolescents for the past ten years, and that I am a gay man. Some of the kids were gay, some not. All had suffered some level of abuse - mental, physical, sexual. These were 12 - 17 year old kids, most of whom were abandoned or neglected, beaten, raped, prostituted out. We were one step down from psychiatric hospitalization, and some of the stories I could tell you...you cannot imagine. Really.
And I loved so many of these kids. The boys and the girls. But there were a few special kids, and one in particular, who was a throwaway, a young person tossed out of their homes for being gay, or for getting on a parent's nerves, or whatever, but tossed out with nowhere to go and usually no money. Mom and dad not in the picture anymore, thank God, but he and his sister were...thrown away... like some of us would throw away garbage. This particular young man had a lot of issues, and his life was hard, but he and I bonded over my dog (we could bring our pets in and he learned empathy from working with pets, and he loved my lab Samantha). He was 15 or 16, and just opening up about his sexuality, and just a beautiful and kind and sweet young man and if I could have adopted him I would have in a freakin minute.
Anyway, that is my background.
So, in this fantastic, stunningly crafted tale of humanity and hope, Zachary is a 17 year old throwaway. A young man tossed out of his home for being gay, beaten and broken, a little over a week before he turned 18, with just a few dollars in his pocket and the clothes on his back. The week before Christmas, Zachary's dad drives him out from home at gunpoint.
Ben is a police officer, working back in his hometown, fresh out of college, coming back home to work to make a difference and to keep the people in his town safe. And he chances upon Zachary, asleep on a bench in front of the local church, exhausted and tired, on Christmas Eve. When he sees this fragile young man, something in him makes him take the young man home for a meal, a shower and a warm bed, rather than rousting or arresting him.
When Ben takes him to his mother's home, Zachary sees what family can be - loving, fun, sharing, looking out for one another rather than being afraid, beaten and controlled. Will Zachary find the strength to take a stand for himself and what he wants in life? And will the budding attraction between Ben and Zachary bloom into something special?
RJ Scott has written a touching, heartbreaking and heartwarming story of hope, giving and receiving, and Christmas miracles. I was so deeply touched by the delicate, sentiment here - pure Christmas spirit without the glitter or schmaltz, tenderness without overkill. I read this novella last year, and loved it. When I brought it back up from my archive this year, I was reminded how truly special this story is.
And, to finish my story from earlier, this beautiful young man who I began to love, like a son, ran away right before Christmas from our facility, and I only saw him one more time. He was prostituting himself, living with an older man who was his pimp. When I approached him, he was strung out, looking for a fix, and recognized me. His come on stuttered to a stop, and he took off before I could get the words, "Let me help" out of my mouth.
Not all throwaways find a home.
If you can, spare a prayer for him this Christmas.
Tom
And I loved so many of these kids. The boys and the girls. But there were a few special kids, and one in particular, who was a throwaway, a young person tossed out of their homes for being gay, or for getting on a parent's nerves, or whatever, but tossed out with nowhere to go and usually no money. Mom and dad not in the picture anymore, thank God, but he and his sister were...thrown away... like some of us would throw away garbage. This particular young man had a lot of issues, and his life was hard, but he and I bonded over my dog (we could bring our pets in and he learned empathy from working with pets, and he loved my lab Samantha). He was 15 or 16, and just opening up about his sexuality, and just a beautiful and kind and sweet young man and if I could have adopted him I would have in a freakin minute.
Anyway, that is my background.
So, in this fantastic, stunningly crafted tale of humanity and hope, Zachary is a 17 year old throwaway. A young man tossed out of his home for being gay, beaten and broken, a little over a week before he turned 18, with just a few dollars in his pocket and the clothes on his back. The week before Christmas, Zachary's dad drives him out from home at gunpoint.
Ben is a police officer, working back in his hometown, fresh out of college, coming back home to work to make a difference and to keep the people in his town safe. And he chances upon Zachary, asleep on a bench in front of the local church, exhausted and tired, on Christmas Eve. When he sees this fragile young man, something in him makes him take the young man home for a meal, a shower and a warm bed, rather than rousting or arresting him.
When Ben takes him to his mother's home, Zachary sees what family can be - loving, fun, sharing, looking out for one another rather than being afraid, beaten and controlled. Will Zachary find the strength to take a stand for himself and what he wants in life? And will the budding attraction between Ben and Zachary bloom into something special?
RJ Scott has written a touching, heartbreaking and heartwarming story of hope, giving and receiving, and Christmas miracles. I was so deeply touched by the delicate, sentiment here - pure Christmas spirit without the glitter or schmaltz, tenderness without overkill. I read this novella last year, and loved it. When I brought it back up from my archive this year, I was reminded how truly special this story is.
And, to finish my story from earlier, this beautiful young man who I began to love, like a son, ran away right before Christmas from our facility, and I only saw him one more time. He was prostituting himself, living with an older man who was his pimp. When I approached him, he was strung out, looking for a fix, and recognized me. His come on stuttered to a stop, and he took off before I could get the words, "Let me help" out of my mouth.
Not all throwaways find a home.
If you can, spare a prayer for him this Christmas.
Tom
December 21, 2019
4 Stars
This seems to be yet another one of those M/M Christmas “classics” that has somehow slipped my radar (for almost a decade!), but better late than never, I always say!
I enjoyed this one a good deal. Truth is, I read it in one sitting, which pretty much says it all.
We have teenager Zach, who has been kicked out of his home for being gay. With nowhere to go and no one to turn to, he finds himself sleeping in a churchyard, in some small-town, in the lead up towards Christmas. It’s there that local rookie cop, twenty-something Ben, finds Zach and brings him to his mother’s home for the holidays.
This was a really bittersweet little story. I felt so much for lonely, dejected Zach, who was a total sweetheart and just wanted to be loved and cared for. His hesitancy to accept Ben and his family’s hospitality and help was understandable, as were his anxieties over what he’d do next with his life and his fears surrounding is younger sister’s welfare, who was still in that caustic household Zach had been exiled from.
Ben was a darling, too. To help a stranger the way he helped Zach went above and beyond his call of duty, but more than that, it was the way he slowly fell for the younger man, wanting to make him safe and whole again, and wishing to do nothing but be his friend and help him build a brighter future for himself.
This was definitely a slow-burn, but given Zach’s emotionally fragile situation and his age when the story began, the slow-burn was more than welcomed. And although I’m not usually one to appreciate time jumps, the jumps here, that occurred just in the very final part of the story, made sense to me given the situations and the nature of Zach and Ben’s initial meeting. I liked how their relationship progressed and my only complaint is that I didn’t get to read more of it.
Truly, The Christmas Throwaway was another beautiful and touching R.J. Scott holiday read to add to my favourites.
This seems to be yet another one of those M/M Christmas “classics” that has somehow slipped my radar (for almost a decade!), but better late than never, I always say!
I enjoyed this one a good deal. Truth is, I read it in one sitting, which pretty much says it all.
We have teenager Zach, who has been kicked out of his home for being gay. With nowhere to go and no one to turn to, he finds himself sleeping in a churchyard, in some small-town, in the lead up towards Christmas. It’s there that local rookie cop, twenty-something Ben, finds Zach and brings him to his mother’s home for the holidays.
This was a really bittersweet little story. I felt so much for lonely, dejected Zach, who was a total sweetheart and just wanted to be loved and cared for. His hesitancy to accept Ben and his family’s hospitality and help was understandable, as were his anxieties over what he’d do next with his life and his fears surrounding is younger sister’s welfare, who was still in that caustic household Zach had been exiled from.
Ben was a darling, too. To help a stranger the way he helped Zach went above and beyond his call of duty, but more than that, it was the way he slowly fell for the younger man, wanting to make him safe and whole again, and wishing to do nothing but be his friend and help him build a brighter future for himself.
This was definitely a slow-burn, but given Zach’s emotionally fragile situation and his age when the story began, the slow-burn was more than welcomed. And although I’m not usually one to appreciate time jumps, the jumps here, that occurred just in the very final part of the story, made sense to me given the situations and the nature of Zach and Ben’s initial meeting. I liked how their relationship progressed and my only complaint is that I didn’t get to read more of it.
Truly, The Christmas Throwaway was another beautiful and touching R.J. Scott holiday read to add to my favourites.
December 20, 2015
This is one of those no-brainer Christmas classics that is so filled with warm fuzzies that you can actually feel the Christmas spirit while reading. Generosity without need of reciprocation. Warmth and comfort. Love and joy. And, most importantly, family.
Do yourself a favor and read this short Christmas present from Ms. Scott. I promise it will get you ready for a happy Christmas holiday.
Oh, and there are even a few hot sex scenes, AFTER Zach is a few years older. Bonus!
Do yourself a favor and read this short Christmas present from Ms. Scott. I promise it will get you ready for a happy Christmas holiday.
Oh, and there are even a few hot sex scenes, AFTER Zach is a few years older. Bonus!
November 9, 2013
A Boy Meets Boy Review
December Book of the Month!
TWO & A HALF STARS--Holiday Christmas Romances...I read them but I do not gravitate as quickly because I am hesitant of the Santa flavored sugar jizz (Peppermint Candy Cane flavored, of course) that is dumped throughout the damn story.
A lot of reviews are like this:
I'm closer to this:
Get that Santa jizz out of my face!
So please...hear me out. I'm not a grinch, I just can't take the sugar cookie/gum drops/gingerbread sugared sugar that miraculously comes in to save the day and leaves peppermint sugar turds as a Christmas-y HEA.
So...R.J. Scott's "The Christmas Throwaway" has a positive message behind it (as all Christmas themed romances tend to do): Be kind, help the homeless, the distinction between a runaway and a throwaway, the spirit of Christmas and a picturesque family...it's like a gooey gingerbread house this story.
I'm not rehashing the blurb.
The story has a good meaning but I'm rating this story on the actual story. There are problems - continuity, characters being a bit flat and one dimensional, the actuality of any of this happening. (A kid is on the street for only a week and he miraculously gets a new family?) I can separate the message from the actual story telling. The message gets higher rating than the actual story.
R.J. Scott writes good stories, this was just not one of my favorites from her. I could tell this was one of her more of earlier works.
I was going to rate this 3 stars but the time jumping around and weird vibe I got from involving the cop's (I can't even remember his name and I'm not pressed to look) mother in the relationship...meh.
So fans of Christmas romances where reality doesn't need to be a factor would get the most pleasure out of it.
It's not bad...just not as great either. It was middle of the fence for me.
Happy Holidays!
December Book of the Month!
TWO & A HALF STARS--
A lot of reviews are like this:
I'm closer to this:
Get that Santa jizz out of my face!
So please...hear me out. I'm not a grinch, I just can't take the sugar cookie/gum drops/gingerbread sugared sugar that miraculously comes in to save the day and leaves peppermint sugar turds as a Christmas-y HEA.
So...R.J. Scott's "The Christmas Throwaway" has a positive message behind it (as all Christmas themed romances tend to do): Be kind, help the homeless, the distinction between a runaway and a throwaway, the spirit of Christmas and a picturesque family...it's like a gooey gingerbread house this story.
I'm not rehashing the blurb.
The story has a good meaning but I'm rating this story on the actual story. There are problems - continuity, characters being a bit flat and one dimensional, the actuality of any of this happening. (A kid is on the street for only a week and he miraculously gets a new family?) I can separate the message from the actual story telling. The message gets higher rating than the actual story.
R.J. Scott writes good stories, this was just not one of my favorites from her. I could tell this was one of her more of earlier works.
I was going to rate this 3 stars but the time jumping around and weird vibe I got from involving the cop's (I can't even remember his name and I'm not pressed to look) mother in the relationship...meh.
So fans of Christmas romances where reality doesn't need to be a factor would get the most pleasure out of it.
It's not bad...just not as great either. It was middle of the fence for me.
Happy Holidays!
September 29, 2011
4.5 stars
Sweet and emotional my heart broke for Zach, unloved and abandoned by the people who should have accepted him, instead he was thrown away like a piece of rubbish. He ends up being homeless and almost starving, rescued by Ben who arrives like a knight in shining armor, who takes him home to warmth and safety. The relationship between Ben and Zach evolved slowly, they had a lot of time to get to know each other before they finally became lovers. A wonderful Christmas story about acceptance, compassion and love.
Sweet and emotional my heart broke for Zach, unloved and abandoned by the people who should have accepted him, instead he was thrown away like a piece of rubbish. He ends up being homeless and almost starving, rescued by Ben who arrives like a knight in shining armor, who takes him home to warmth and safety. The relationship between Ben and Zach evolved slowly, they had a lot of time to get to know each other before they finally became lovers. A wonderful Christmas story about acceptance, compassion and love.
November 13, 2019
Oh my, what an awesome story ! I read it in one sitting, because it was too good to put down...! You get so emotionally involved with these beautiful characters, that you cherish every word. Well written, interesting and heartwarming, this is wonderful in every way. Zach gets thrown out of his home for being gay. His military minded, brutal father beat him, again, and tossed him away. Ben, a new small town cop, finds Zach asleep on a bench, brings him to his Mom's and helps him. The main and secondary people are amazing. There is a lot to deal with, because Zach was beaten, Ben's sister-in-law doctor treated him, they all guided him in some way, and Zach needed to get his sister away from their mean Dad. Ben and Zach had an attraction, but was not acted on for a long while, until he got settled, made decisions about how to proceed, and finally working and taking classes. When Zach's Mom is beaten and dies, Zach can finally get his sister to safety. Legal actions are taken, a new "family" for Zach and his sister, and new love for Ben and Zach.
Deeply emotional, intensely amazing, and your heart will be happy for a long time remembering this compassionate, touching, heartbreaking,
heartwarming love story.
Very highly recommended... ENJOY !!!
Deeply emotional, intensely amazing, and your heart will be happy for a long time remembering this compassionate, touching, heartbreaking,
heartwarming love story.
Very highly recommended... ENJOY !!!
November 13, 2013
I read this as part of the Boy Meets Boy Review’s monthly ‘Happy Hour’ chat where a bunch of us yahoo’s read a book and then all gather together in a chatroom and talk about the book. It’s awesome fun.
Moving on. 4.5 STARS
Spoilers below.
This book was very special. It was a short, relatively fast read that never left me wanting. I’m usually not a fan of fluffy books like this. This kind of fluff is almost never for me. Never ever. I like drama, action, turmoil.. this book didn’t really have an abundance of any of that, but you know what? That’s A-OK with me.
I’d like to delve a little bit into my personal life. While not affected to this same degree, I grew up in a very loving home with my grandma. My grandma reminds me a lot of Ben’s mom, always giving, loving, knowing what to say or what not to say. When I was younger I remember coming home often to find strangers staying with us, often young, sometimes a bit older, and when I was a kid I didn’t understand the importance of what my grandma was doing. I remember her telling me that some people weren’t as lucky as us, didn’t have the same things that other families had, and that they had hard lives. She’d never judge them based on their age, gender, sexual preferences, or just how lost they were. As I grew up, I started to understand what my grandma was doing, and how full our house would become around the holidays when my grandma would go out to buy and wrap presents for absolutely everyone that was with us at the time. Sometimes I remember the people that passed through our household, sometimes I don’t, but I always remember my grandma giving them everything she could afford, even sometimes giving them things she couldn’t, and telling them that if they ever needed a place again, our home would always be there. This story reminded me a lot of these special memories in my past, so that in itself made it extra special. Thanks R.J. Scott, for the very nice trip down memory lane.
If you have a moment, please go read this amazing review written by an author whose work I greatly enjoy, and whose review really touched me, T.A. Webb: Here.
Back to the book.
This book was fantastic and obviously touched me deeply in a lot of ways. I felt Zach’s pain, not from personal experience but from the fantastic writing and beautiful tale. I’ve known a lot of people like Zach, lost kids, often even younger, and knowing about the pain and hurt that they go through is so hard.
The story gradually got better. Nothing happened where I was mad at a character for their lack of doing something (which sadly, usually happens in stories that involve abuse- I almost never feel the the characters take strong enough action), but Zach was strong, silent perhaps, but he was a strong character and a good role model. By letting the pictures of himself be given to the cops, he took a huge step that I know a lot of victims of abuse have a hard time taking.
Ben was strong, moral, and extremely loveable. I’m happy that it wasn’t a tale of a man who had morals, wanted to throw them all out the window, but actually showed restraint and respect not only for himself, but also for Zach. I was so happy when they were finally together and I felt like they were both a perfect little pair.
The writing, in my opinion, was terrific. I felt drawn in, brought into a warm, welcoming place, and held there for the few hours I read the book. This isn’t my first R.J. Scott book, and it very likely won’t be my last either.
This was an unexpected surprise, like a gift, and I’m really happy the UM chose this book for our monthly chat, or else I might’ve overlooked this fantastic read.
PS. This past Thanksgiving, our family was joined by a very nice older lady who doesn’t have a family of her own. We were all more than happy to have her there. My grandma is still trying to save the world, one person at a time.
BMBR Chat will be uploaded later at:
Moving on. 4.5 STARS
Spoilers below.
This book was very special. It was a short, relatively fast read that never left me wanting. I’m usually not a fan of fluffy books like this. This kind of fluff is almost never for me. Never ever. I like drama, action, turmoil.. this book didn’t really have an abundance of any of that, but you know what? That’s A-OK with me.
I’d like to delve a little bit into my personal life. While not affected to this same degree, I grew up in a very loving home with my grandma. My grandma reminds me a lot of Ben’s mom, always giving, loving, knowing what to say or what not to say. When I was younger I remember coming home often to find strangers staying with us, often young, sometimes a bit older, and when I was a kid I didn’t understand the importance of what my grandma was doing. I remember her telling me that some people weren’t as lucky as us, didn’t have the same things that other families had, and that they had hard lives. She’d never judge them based on their age, gender, sexual preferences, or just how lost they were. As I grew up, I started to understand what my grandma was doing, and how full our house would become around the holidays when my grandma would go out to buy and wrap presents for absolutely everyone that was with us at the time. Sometimes I remember the people that passed through our household, sometimes I don’t, but I always remember my grandma giving them everything she could afford, even sometimes giving them things she couldn’t, and telling them that if they ever needed a place again, our home would always be there. This story reminded me a lot of these special memories in my past, so that in itself made it extra special. Thanks R.J. Scott, for the very nice trip down memory lane.
If you have a moment, please go read this amazing review written by an author whose work I greatly enjoy, and whose review really touched me, T.A. Webb: Here.
Back to the book.
This book was fantastic and obviously touched me deeply in a lot of ways. I felt Zach’s pain, not from personal experience but from the fantastic writing and beautiful tale. I’ve known a lot of people like Zach, lost kids, often even younger, and knowing about the pain and hurt that they go through is so hard.
The story gradually got better. Nothing happened where I was mad at a character for their lack of doing something (which sadly, usually happens in stories that involve abuse- I almost never feel the the characters take strong enough action), but Zach was strong, silent perhaps, but he was a strong character and a good role model. By letting the pictures of himself be given to the cops, he took a huge step that I know a lot of victims of abuse have a hard time taking.
Ben was strong, moral, and extremely loveable. I’m happy that it wasn’t a tale of a man who had morals, wanted to throw them all out the window, but actually showed restraint and respect not only for himself, but also for Zach. I was so happy when they were finally together and I felt like they were both a perfect little pair.
The writing, in my opinion, was terrific. I felt drawn in, brought into a warm, welcoming place, and held there for the few hours I read the book. This isn’t my first R.J. Scott book, and it very likely won’t be my last either.
This was an unexpected surprise, like a gift, and I’m really happy the UM chose this book for our monthly chat, or else I might’ve overlooked this fantastic read.
PS. This past Thanksgiving, our family was joined by a very nice older lady who doesn’t have a family of her own. We were all more than happy to have her there. My grandma is still trying to save the world, one person at a time.
BMBR Chat will be uploaded later at:
December 3, 2010
I loved it! This was different than what I was expecting, the story takes place over two years and I am more used to Christmas stories taking place over a few weeks. You really get to know Ben and Zach in this time and you can’t help but love them both. There is a very happy ending but it takes them a while to really get there.
Zach had it pretty rough and at some point in chapter 11 I just started crying and I am not sure if it was a happy cry or a sad cry. It was an emotional chapter and I don’t want to spoil it
Zach had it pretty rough and at some point in chapter 11 I just started crying and I am not sure if it was a happy cry or a sad cry. It was an emotional chapter and I don’t want to spoil it
April 20, 2020
Always a pleasure. Something about this story just sticks with you, I think because it's a story filled with hope. Especially poignant during the holidays. It has been, and will always be, a five star read for me.
January 1, 2022
Un libro molto tenero ma che allo stesso tempo affronta tematiche importanti.
Le scene romantiche sono poche ma ben scritte.
Il modo in cui l'autrice abbia dato un lieto fine al protagonista mi ha fatto emozionare, questo perché non sempre si può avere.
Le scene romantiche sono poche ma ben scritte.
Il modo in cui l'autrice abbia dato un lieto fine al protagonista mi ha fatto emozionare, questo perché non sempre si può avere.
December 11, 2023
Zach se encuentra solo, intentando dormir en un banco en las afueras de la iglesia de un pueblo cualquiera, apenas tiene una manta delgada para cubrirse e intenta llegar a su 18vo cumpleaños vivo. Cuando un joven policía se acerca y lo obliga a seguirlo a lo que el cree que es una celda, pero resulta ser la casa de su madre. Pero será capaz de aceptar la amabilidad del joven policía? Será capaz de confiar en alguien como nunca confió en su propia familia?
Es una bonita y corta historia de romance navideño, y si tiene mucho de milagro navideño. Al ser una historia corta, todo se desarrolla muy rápido y la forma como el autor logra hacernos ver el paso de tiempo es mostrando diferentes momentos de la vida de los protas indicando la edad que tiene en ese momento. Pero, quizás por eso, la historia después de la mitad del libro resulta apurada y con pocos detalles, a diferencia de la primera mitad.
En fin, los libros de este autor me gustan, así que seguro mas adelante lea mas de él.
Es una bonita y corta historia de romance navideño, y si tiene mucho de milagro navideño. Al ser una historia corta, todo se desarrolla muy rápido y la forma como el autor logra hacernos ver el paso de tiempo es mostrando diferentes momentos de la vida de los protas indicando la edad que tiene en ese momento. Pero, quizás por eso, la historia después de la mitad del libro resulta apurada y con pocos detalles, a diferencia de la primera mitad.
En fin, los libros de este autor me gustan, así que seguro mas adelante lea mas de él.
January 4, 2018
This was really a great Christmas novella and it packed a lot into under 100 pages.
Zach is a 17 year old throwaway who was kicked out of his house when his bigoted gather found out he was gay. With little money, no family and the middle of winter to deal with he makes it as far as a bus ticket will take him. He ends up in a small town and is trying to get some sleep on a bench outside a church when he is roused by Ben, one of the town’s sheriffs. While Zach is expecting to be told to just move along, he is surprised and more than a little wary when Ben offers to take him somewhere to get warm, fed and dry.
The story follows the evolution of the relationship between Zach and Ben, how Zach has to deal with his past abuse and the love of friends and family. One thing I really appreciated about this book was how Zach was treated by most of the new people in his life. He is treated with respect and as a whole person, not just a victim of his past.
When we had our Happy Hour chat over at BMBR about this story there were a few peeps that were not happy with Ben’s brother and how he treated Zach at first. While I get that, it was irritating as hell, I understood it too. His reaction was actually pretty reasonable for what he knew about Zach and he was protecting his mother. Instances like that gave the story a level of realism that kept this from being just another Christmas story. Reading about Zach’s struggle to fit into a healthy family life was painful at times and while my heart broke for him it also gave me a lot of hope for his future.
Ben’s family was amazing and exactly what Zach needed. And Ben’s mom was one of the best moms I ever read about. There were some time jumps that I know were a little bothersome to some people. I was fine with it. Some of those blanks could have been filled in, but to me it seemed like it would have to be all or nothing. And if they were all filled in it would have been a different book. I liked the Christmas novella size and balance of this story.
Zach is a 17 year old throwaway who was kicked out of his house when his bigoted gather found out he was gay. With little money, no family and the middle of winter to deal with he makes it as far as a bus ticket will take him. He ends up in a small town and is trying to get some sleep on a bench outside a church when he is roused by Ben, one of the town’s sheriffs. While Zach is expecting to be told to just move along, he is surprised and more than a little wary when Ben offers to take him somewhere to get warm, fed and dry.
The story follows the evolution of the relationship between Zach and Ben, how Zach has to deal with his past abuse and the love of friends and family. One thing I really appreciated about this book was how Zach was treated by most of the new people in his life. He is treated with respect and as a whole person, not just a victim of his past.
When we had our Happy Hour chat over at BMBR about this story there were a few peeps that were not happy with Ben’s brother and how he treated Zach at first. While I get that, it was irritating as hell, I understood it too. His reaction was actually pretty reasonable for what he knew about Zach and he was protecting his mother. Instances like that gave the story a level of realism that kept this from being just another Christmas story. Reading about Zach’s struggle to fit into a healthy family life was painful at times and while my heart broke for him it also gave me a lot of hope for his future.
Ben’s family was amazing and exactly what Zach needed. And Ben’s mom was one of the best moms I ever read about. There were some time jumps that I know were a little bothersome to some people. I was fine with it. Some of those blanks could have been filled in, but to me it seemed like it would have to be all or nothing. And if they were all filled in it would have been a different book. I liked the Christmas novella size and balance of this story.
December 4, 2010
Seventeen-year old Zach Weston (just two days shy of his eighteen birthday) is a throwaway after being beaten and kicked out of his house by his homophobic father. On Christmas Eve, he tries to find solace by sleeping on a churchyard bench, in a small town of Hill Valley. However, rookie cop Ben Hamilton finds him and decides to take the young teenager to his house for hot food and warm bed. With the care and support from the Hamiltons and Ben's friends, Zach finds that such thing as Christmas miracle might do exist.
This is such a heartwarming Christmas story, worthy of Hallmark TV-movie on a season to be jolly. One thing I truly love about it, that even if it is being a novella, the story takes place for about two years, which results in a very well-paced built-up of Zach and Ben's relationship. I often get annoyed when a relationship goes so fast like a speeding bullet. Because for me, character/relationship building is more important than just hot sex scenes ...
This story gives Zach time to grow; slowly transforming from a ganky throwaway without hope, to a man with innocent confidence. It also gives Ben time to settle down his feeling, especially he is 6 years older than Zach. I swear, Chapter 13 makes me all grinning like a fool (I won't spoil it, but this sentence "Research had given him the basics, Tab A into Slot B using Product C after ensuring Product D is firmly in place" is genius *grin*).
Definitely a good story for your Christmas season :)
This is such a heartwarming Christmas story, worthy of Hallmark TV-movie on a season to be jolly. One thing I truly love about it, that even if it is being a novella, the story takes place for about two years, which results in a very well-paced built-up of Zach and Ben's relationship. I often get annoyed when a relationship goes so fast like a speeding bullet. Because for me, character/relationship building is more important than just hot sex scenes ...
This story gives Zach time to grow; slowly transforming from a ganky throwaway without hope, to a man with innocent confidence. It also gives Ben time to settle down his feeling, especially he is 6 years older than Zach. I swear, Chapter 13 makes me all grinning like a fool (I won't spoil it, but this sentence "Research had given him the basics, Tab A into Slot B using Product C after ensuring Product D is firmly in place" is genius *grin*).
Definitely a good story for your Christmas season :)
February 6, 2012
R.J. Scott has outdone herself once again with this newest book. Zach Weston is a 17 year old throwaway, beaten severely by his homophobic father and kicked out of his home at gun point when he refused to join the army. Alone, starving and cold, Zach is rustled out of a beautiful Christmas dream while sleeping on a snow covered bench by Officer Ben Hamilton. It's Christmas Eve and Ben takes pity on the poor boy by taking him home for hot food and a warm bed instead of to jail. Zach's life will never be the same after Momma Hamilton embraces him. But what can Ben do for this boy?
This book surpasses even my favorite R.J. Scott book Oracle. Anyone interested in The Trevor Project needs to read this amazing and heart warming book of love, acceptance and compassion. I whole heartedly recommend this book to every member of the Goodreads family, you won't be disappointed.
This book surpasses even my favorite R.J. Scott book Oracle. Anyone interested in The Trevor Project needs to read this amazing and heart warming book of love, acceptance and compassion. I whole heartedly recommend this book to every member of the Goodreads family, you won't be disappointed.
December 8, 2015
So far this is the best Christmas story I've read... Yet. I was truly touched by the story. The characters are very loving and caring and didn't hesitate to open their home and their hearts when it was needed most.
Sometimes I read a story that is nothing but sex, sex and more sex and it takes away the beauty of true story that's hidden within, but you won't find that in this book. It's a Christmas miracle and love story with a very heartfelt HEA ending.
RJ hasn't disappointed me yet and if you're looking for the book to make your holiday cheerful and shine bright I highly recommend this story as part of your Christmas book reading list.
In all honesty, don't miss out reading this one.
Sometimes I read a story that is nothing but sex, sex and more sex and it takes away the beauty of true story that's hidden within, but you won't find that in this book. It's a Christmas miracle and love story with a very heartfelt HEA ending.
RJ hasn't disappointed me yet and if you're looking for the book to make your holiday cheerful and shine bright I highly recommend this story as part of your Christmas book reading list.
In all honesty, don't miss out reading this one.
November 13, 2019
Every bit as charming and heartwarming as I've been told all these years by those who've recommended it. I am glad I waited till I got this one in audio though, because Sean Crisden does a spectacular job performing it!
an audio copy of A Christmas Throwaway was provided by the author for the purpose of my review
an audio copy of A Christmas Throwaway was provided by the author for the purpose of my review
November 15, 2013
I read this twice before deciding on a rating. While there are some problems, such as pretty big time jumps and some non-Americanisms (even though the story is set in the U.S.), in the end I'm going with the way this story made me feel, and that's really good.
I really liked it, and the sweetness was perfect for a nice little holiday story. The setting may seem utopian, but sometimes you really just need that in order to get away from the bad things that happen out there in the world. I cried after reading T.A.Webb's heartbreaking review and proceeded to reread this story with new eyes. In my tender heart of hearts, I hope throwaways find happiness and HEAs just like Zach did in this story.
This story is going to be the subject of the December chat at Boy Meets Boy Reviews, so keep an eye out for more!
I really liked it, and the sweetness was perfect for a nice little holiday story. The setting may seem utopian, but sometimes you really just need that in order to get away from the bad things that happen out there in the world. I cried after reading T.A.Webb's heartbreaking review and proceeded to reread this story with new eyes. In my tender heart of hearts, I hope throwaways find happiness and HEAs just like Zach did in this story.
This story is going to be the subject of the December chat at Boy Meets Boy Reviews, so keep an eye out for more!
December 18, 2022
This (144 page) novella takes place over a two- year time period that packs lot of heart into its short self. Zach is 17 years old...soon to be 18 just before Christmas. He's been thrown out of his home because of his sexuality and also has suffered almost daily beatings from his father. Zach was turned out of his parents' home with just a small amount of money in his pocket and no clothing that was fit for winter's cold and snow. Ben, a cop, finds Zach on Christmas Eve sleeping on a church bench. This young man's life is about to change for the better if he can only find it in himself to simply trust Ben and Ben's big, warm family. When Ben takes him home to his mother...the entire family comes together on Christmas Eve to show Zack that he is worthy, and that there are so many options that can be opened for him to explore, including justice for the way he was treated at home. Ben is more than willing to help him find everything that he deserves...which he is starting to hope will also include himself being a part of that bargain. The book, as I said is short, but it's a fantastic stunningly crafted tale of humanity, hope, and love. A perfect little offering for the Christmas season. On a more somber note...if you are reading this, please be aware that even though this is a book it doesn't change the fact that the world is full of "throwaways"...some much younger than Zach, and not all of them are lucky enough to find someone like Ben and his family.
December 22, 2015
This was such a beautiful story for Christmas. About finding a home, love and acceptance, giving and goodwill. I loved it from beginning to end and gave me the warm cosy feeling inside that comes from knowing despite all the bad things that happens there is also a lot of good going on. We just don’t hear enough about these things unfortunately.
Zach has been thrown out of his home by his abusive father because he is gay and is now on the streets. I never heard the term “throwaway” used before for someone who has been thrown out of their home and the family has turned their back on them. Zach’s story as to how he landed on the streets is harrowing, upsetting and quite frankly hard to believe that this could happen today but sadly Zach’s case is all too common still and it left a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat for the boy’s predicament. When we first meet him we don’t know exactly why he has been thrown out of his home but as we gradually learn why I went through a whole scale of emotions from anger, to sadness, to anguish. This boy, this sweet, loving, tender soul who is just a few days away from his eighteenth birthday is now almost hypothermic while trying to sleep on a bench in the graveyard of the local church in a small town called Hill Valley on Christmas Eve. Through RJ Scott’s wonderful writing my heart just went out to Zach, brought all the protective instincts in me to the fore and all I wanted to do was to take him with me and give him a home myself.
He is discovered by Ben a police officer for Hill Valley after receiving a phone call and Zach just not realise how lucky he will be to be discovered by Ben. Ben against his professional judgement but because of a big heart takes him to his mother’s house and lets Zach stay for Christmas. Providing him with a warm bed, food and a roof over his head for the night. Little does Zach know how loving and accepting Ben and his family are. Ben is gay, on the police force but that’s fine, and is a rookie who will replace the retiring police officer shortly. Even in this very short time Ben gets to hear Zach’s story and oh my did I feel like crying. The abuse he suffered at the hands of his father were dreadful but the story is not only about that. It is about the loving and caring family he now finds himself in, Ben’s friends who are genuinely concerned for his well being and want him to be safe. It’s a whole new world for Zach and it’s one he hast to adjust to but one not to be refused either. That is the real message of Christmas for me in this story. I could just feel surrounded by all the warmth and love Ben’s family and friends have especially at this time of year.
Ben does not take advantage of Zach’s predicament and is the model police officer. Concerned for Zach’s well being but keeping a professional distance as well as he can. However, he finds himself falling for Zach big time. When Ben reaches his 18th birthday on 28th December it would technically leave Ben free to make advances as Zach is no longer a minor. But Ben is so beautiful, patient and understanding and knows he will not start anything until Zach has his head on straight and all the emotional baggage is behind him. Zach needs to sort out what kind of future he wants and he will go through one last trial before he he is free. He needs to protect and rescue his little sister from the hands of his father. With Ben’s help and support, knowing that ben feels more for him than just a professional interest in Zach they eventually start to exchange a few chaste kisses. Zach wants more but Ben does not rush into things for Zach’s sake which is so admirable on his part. A wonderful slow burn romance that turns into a blazing inferno by the end.
This story carries us through a number of years and Zach is almost twenty before Ben’s defences fall and lets Zach into his heart or I should say Zach with pure frustration gives him no way out – lol! I loved the final scene where all these years of caring and loving from Ben and his family come to a final conclusion. Zach has found a home, a family who cares and loves him but most importantly someone he can love and cherish in return. What more could you wish for for Christmas. A truly beautiful Christmas story, with a real message and if you haven’t read it yet then I strongly recommend you do.
Narration
I first heard Sean narrating when I listened to Amy Lane’s Keeping Promise Rock. He is one of my favourite narrators and this still remains the same. He has done a wonderful job in bringing this emotional story of Christmas to life. His voice characterisations bring the words of the author to life and true living colour, giving them flight and brought Zach so near to my heart it hurt. I sat on every single word and found myself staying in my car to listen to the end of the current chapter before getting out after I had arrived home from work.
Zach has been thrown out of his home by his abusive father because he is gay and is now on the streets. I never heard the term “throwaway” used before for someone who has been thrown out of their home and the family has turned their back on them. Zach’s story as to how he landed on the streets is harrowing, upsetting and quite frankly hard to believe that this could happen today but sadly Zach’s case is all too common still and it left a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat for the boy’s predicament. When we first meet him we don’t know exactly why he has been thrown out of his home but as we gradually learn why I went through a whole scale of emotions from anger, to sadness, to anguish. This boy, this sweet, loving, tender soul who is just a few days away from his eighteenth birthday is now almost hypothermic while trying to sleep on a bench in the graveyard of the local church in a small town called Hill Valley on Christmas Eve. Through RJ Scott’s wonderful writing my heart just went out to Zach, brought all the protective instincts in me to the fore and all I wanted to do was to take him with me and give him a home myself.
He is discovered by Ben a police officer for Hill Valley after receiving a phone call and Zach just not realise how lucky he will be to be discovered by Ben. Ben against his professional judgement but because of a big heart takes him to his mother’s house and lets Zach stay for Christmas. Providing him with a warm bed, food and a roof over his head for the night. Little does Zach know how loving and accepting Ben and his family are. Ben is gay, on the police force but that’s fine, and is a rookie who will replace the retiring police officer shortly. Even in this very short time Ben gets to hear Zach’s story and oh my did I feel like crying. The abuse he suffered at the hands of his father were dreadful but the story is not only about that. It is about the loving and caring family he now finds himself in, Ben’s friends who are genuinely concerned for his well being and want him to be safe. It’s a whole new world for Zach and it’s one he hast to adjust to but one not to be refused either. That is the real message of Christmas for me in this story. I could just feel surrounded by all the warmth and love Ben’s family and friends have especially at this time of year.
Ben does not take advantage of Zach’s predicament and is the model police officer. Concerned for Zach’s well being but keeping a professional distance as well as he can. However, he finds himself falling for Zach big time. When Ben reaches his 18th birthday on 28th December it would technically leave Ben free to make advances as Zach is no longer a minor. But Ben is so beautiful, patient and understanding and knows he will not start anything until Zach has his head on straight and all the emotional baggage is behind him. Zach needs to sort out what kind of future he wants and he will go through one last trial before he he is free. He needs to protect and rescue his little sister from the hands of his father. With Ben’s help and support, knowing that ben feels more for him than just a professional interest in Zach they eventually start to exchange a few chaste kisses. Zach wants more but Ben does not rush into things for Zach’s sake which is so admirable on his part. A wonderful slow burn romance that turns into a blazing inferno by the end.
This story carries us through a number of years and Zach is almost twenty before Ben’s defences fall and lets Zach into his heart or I should say Zach with pure frustration gives him no way out – lol! I loved the final scene where all these years of caring and loving from Ben and his family come to a final conclusion. Zach has found a home, a family who cares and loves him but most importantly someone he can love and cherish in return. What more could you wish for for Christmas. A truly beautiful Christmas story, with a real message and if you haven’t read it yet then I strongly recommend you do.
Narration
I first heard Sean narrating when I listened to Amy Lane’s Keeping Promise Rock. He is one of my favourite narrators and this still remains the same. He has done a wonderful job in bringing this emotional story of Christmas to life. His voice characterisations bring the words of the author to life and true living colour, giving them flight and brought Zach so near to my heart it hurt. I sat on every single word and found myself staying in my car to listen to the end of the current chapter before getting out after I had arrived home from work.
November 23, 2014
I'll be honest, R.J. Scott isn't a favourite author of mine. I find a lot of her writing stilted, her phrasing overly formal and awkwardly British (which wouldn't be bad except that she chooses to set her books in the United States), her characters can feel underdeveloped, and her plots often feel rushed.
All of that was the case in The Christmas Throwaway and yet the story was sprinkled with just enough Christmas crack to bump it from a 2.5 to a full 3 star rating from me. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a holiday story. Still, I wish that we'd been able to see Zach mature and come into his own rather than have rapid time jumps cheat us out of that evolution, only to be told of it after the fact.
All of that was the case in The Christmas Throwaway and yet the story was sprinkled with just enough Christmas crack to bump it from a 2.5 to a full 3 star rating from me. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a holiday story. Still, I wish that we'd been able to see Zach mature and come into his own rather than have rapid time jumps cheat us out of that evolution, only to be told of it after the fact.
December 20, 2022
Sweet and charming love story!
Wonderful story of a boy escaping is abusive father and falling in love with the police officer who found him sheltering in a church graveyard on Christmas eve. Expect plenty of tears both happy and sad, with a nice bit of making love foods in as well!
Wonderful story of a boy escaping is abusive father and falling in love with the police officer who found him sheltering in a church graveyard on Christmas eve. Expect plenty of tears both happy and sad, with a nice bit of making love foods in as well!
December 6, 2019
This was a good read. Zachary Weston 17 is having a bad Christmas he is homeless sleeping on a bench in front of a church his parents kicked him out because he is gay. When a rookie cop Ben Hamilton finds him he offers to help him. Ben takes him home and his mother Donna helps him heal she was very kind and supportive. This was an emotional read that I liked. The love story between these two wasn't rushed and Zach has time to grow up and heal. Zach gets a job and starts taking classes. When his father beats his mother to death he sees a chance to get his sister. I have read this author before this book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
December 14, 2019
***** Oh my, what an awesome story !
I read it in one sitting, because it was too good to put down...!
You get so emotionally involved with these beautiful characters, that you cherish every word. Well written, interesting and heartwarming, this is wonderful in every way.
Zach gets thrown out of his home for being gay. His military minded, brutal father beat him, again, and tossed him away. Ben, a new small town cop, finds Zach asleep on a bench, brings him to his Mom's and helps him. The main and secondary people are amazing. There is a lot to deal with, because Zach was beaten, Ben's sister-in-law doctor treated him, they all guided him in some way, and Zach needed to get his sister away from their mean Dad. Ben and Zach had an attraction, but was not acted on for a long while, until he got settled, made decisions about how to proceed, and finally working and taking classes.
When Zach's Mom is beaten and dies, Zach can finally get his sister to safety. Legal actions are taken, a new "family" for Zach and his sister, and new love for Ben and Zach.
Deeply emotional, intensely amazing, and your heart will be happy for a long time remembering this compassionate, touching, heartbreaking, heartwarming love story.
Very highly recommended... ENJOY !!!
==========
I read it in one sitting, because it was too good to put down...!
You get so emotionally involved with these beautiful characters, that you cherish every word. Well written, interesting and heartwarming, this is wonderful in every way.
Zach gets thrown out of his home for being gay. His military minded, brutal father beat him, again, and tossed him away. Ben, a new small town cop, finds Zach asleep on a bench, brings him to his Mom's and helps him. The main and secondary people are amazing. There is a lot to deal with, because Zach was beaten, Ben's sister-in-law doctor treated him, they all guided him in some way, and Zach needed to get his sister away from their mean Dad. Ben and Zach had an attraction, but was not acted on for a long while, until he got settled, made decisions about how to proceed, and finally working and taking classes.
When Zach's Mom is beaten and dies, Zach can finally get his sister to safety. Legal actions are taken, a new "family" for Zach and his sister, and new love for Ben and Zach.
Deeply emotional, intensely amazing, and your heart will be happy for a long time remembering this compassionate, touching, heartbreaking, heartwarming love story.
Very highly recommended... ENJOY !!!
==========
December 5, 2016
The blurb for this Christmas story was really promising. Zac was thrown out by his family for being gay and spends Christmas eve alone outside on a park bench. Ben is a young cop who finds him and takes him home to his family. What could have been an outstanding read for me was unfortunately quite disappointing (careful there are some spoilers ahead).
The story spans across 3 years and one of my major problems was, that it was more or less told halfway through.
Not much happening and what did happen was not convincing for me.
Can you imagine a young couple, one 18, one 24 living together one year with nothing more than a few hugs and kisses going on? And then another year before they have anal sex... Sounds more like fantasy than fiction to me. I love slow burn and I hate insta-love but this just didn't feel right.
Probably this review sounds too bad now, because it was an OK read after all. My main problem is, that from RJ Scott I expect much more than I would from another new to me author, in this case what I got was just average and that disappointed me, still this is not a terrible book and if you don't mind the lack of story it might still entertain and satisfy your needs for holiday heartwarming. For me this was a 3 star read.
The story spans across 3 years and one of my major problems was, that it was more or less told halfway through.
Not much happening and what did happen was not convincing for me.
Can you imagine a young couple, one 18, one 24 living together one year with nothing more than a few hugs and kisses going on? And then another year before they have anal sex... Sounds more like fantasy than fiction to me. I love slow burn and I hate insta-love but this just didn't feel right.
Probably this review sounds too bad now, because it was an OK read after all. My main problem is, that from RJ Scott I expect much more than I would from another new to me author, in this case what I got was just average and that disappointed me, still this is not a terrible book and if you don't mind the lack of story it might still entertain and satisfy your needs for holiday heartwarming. For me this was a 3 star read.
August 3, 2014
Good little story about an important subject: throwaways and abuse children and teenagers. If you want to know more, read T.A. Webb's review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'm happy to have read it because I'll participate to the publication of a collection of shorts on Christmas themes. The collection will be sold to get money for Le Refuge, a place for homeless or in need youths. I needed to find ideas and this is a good start.
The sex scenes were o.k. to me. The fact that they were the very first times Zac had sex makes understandable the clumsiness and the hastiness.
I'd have felt closer to Zac if I had seen him living with his parents before he met Ben though. And Ben's family seems really too good to be true. Is it possible that such perfection exist?
As I said, I found it a little too sweet for my taste, even a little Disney-like, so I give it 3½ stars rounded up to 4.
I'm happy to have read it because I'll participate to the publication of a collection of shorts on Christmas themes. The collection will be sold to get money for Le Refuge, a place for homeless or in need youths. I needed to find ideas and this is a good start.
The sex scenes were o.k. to me. The fact that they were the very first times Zac had sex makes understandable the clumsiness and the hastiness.
I'd have felt closer to Zac if I had seen him living with his parents before he met Ben though. And Ben's family seems really too good to be true. Is it possible that such perfection exist?
As I said, I found it a little too sweet for my taste, even a little Disney-like, so I give it 3½ stars rounded up to 4.
January 9, 2013
4.5 stars
Quick and sweet Christmas holiday romance novella and comfort-read. And I loved it, mostly,
...just...
the last 20% felt rushed as the “highlights” of the next years were described including . This could have been a very lovable novel by fleshing that part more out!
Quick and sweet Christmas holiday romance novella and comfort-read. And I loved it, mostly,
...just...
the last 20% felt rushed as the “highlights” of the next years were described including . This could have been a very lovable novel by fleshing that part more out!
August 1, 2012
A sweet story about Zach, an abused teenager thrown out of his home just before Christmas, and Ben, the young gay cop with a great family who finds him sleeping out in the cold one evening. Zach's past is painful, but this story is more sweet than angsty. Ben is a good man, and his careful handling of Zach is lovely to see. His family is all one could wish for.
July 27, 2016
Oh, this story tugged at my heartstrings! The opening scene alone, with Zach sleeping on an icy-cold bench in a church graveyard made me shudder in sympathy and wonder what had happened to him. It immediately pulled me into the story, and there I stayed, watching his life's drama unfold before my eyes. I was totally fascinated by both Zach and Ben, the cop who finds and rescues him, as well as Ben's amazing family and friends. It all makes for a wonderful story – Christmas or not. For me, the special atmosphere added by the holiday was wonderful, but I'm just saying, the story stands on its own and would be pretty awesome even without that added magic.
As sad as Zach's background story is, and it's pretty brutal, he never lets it get him down. Yes, the fact that he's been kicked out of his family home depresses and saddens him, but he is determined to run to the ends of the Earth before letting his father regain power over him. Luckily, he turns eighteen in three days, so he hasn’t got long to hold out. That is when Ben finds him, and he realizes two things. One, he was at the end of his rope, with no money, no food, and out in the freezing cold. Two, if this seemingly nice guy decides to arrest him, he is done for. The temptation of spending a night in a warm bed proves to be bigger than his fear though, and things develop from there.
Ben is an amazing guy. He is a professional about rescuing Zach, and controls his feelings for him admirably well, even though he is sorely tempted. But he understands that Zach needs help, after the brutal beatings from his father that he's endured for years, and that the much younger man needs to find his feet before anything more can develop between them. Yet he manages all of that without pushing Zach away, which is quite a feat!
The rest of Ben's family (his mother and sister, and after some hesitation his brother) deserve a mention as well. They all pull together to give Zach something he's never had: a loving family. Even Ben's best friend and some of his cop colleagues get drawn into the cause to help. Simply perfect! The pace of the story and Ben and Zach's developing relationship were realistic, as were some of the things Zach went through (like panic attacks) as he recovers and makes a life for himself.
If you like stories about lost boys who become amazing men despite a lack of support from their biological parents, if you enjoy a "rescue" story set around Christmas and the special atmosphere that can add, and if you're looking for a sweet story about two men who are deeply in love before they even realize it themselves, then you will probably love this story as much as I did. I think it's adorable and just the thing to make my inner romantic purr!
As sad as Zach's background story is, and it's pretty brutal, he never lets it get him down. Yes, the fact that he's been kicked out of his family home depresses and saddens him, but he is determined to run to the ends of the Earth before letting his father regain power over him. Luckily, he turns eighteen in three days, so he hasn’t got long to hold out. That is when Ben finds him, and he realizes two things. One, he was at the end of his rope, with no money, no food, and out in the freezing cold. Two, if this seemingly nice guy decides to arrest him, he is done for. The temptation of spending a night in a warm bed proves to be bigger than his fear though, and things develop from there.
Ben is an amazing guy. He is a professional about rescuing Zach, and controls his feelings for him admirably well, even though he is sorely tempted. But he understands that Zach needs help, after the brutal beatings from his father that he's endured for years, and that the much younger man needs to find his feet before anything more can develop between them. Yet he manages all of that without pushing Zach away, which is quite a feat!
The rest of Ben's family (his mother and sister, and after some hesitation his brother) deserve a mention as well. They all pull together to give Zach something he's never had: a loving family. Even Ben's best friend and some of his cop colleagues get drawn into the cause to help. Simply perfect! The pace of the story and Ben and Zach's developing relationship were realistic, as were some of the things Zach went through (like panic attacks) as he recovers and makes a life for himself.
If you like stories about lost boys who become amazing men despite a lack of support from their biological parents, if you enjoy a "rescue" story set around Christmas and the special atmosphere that can add, and if you're looking for a sweet story about two men who are deeply in love before they even realize it themselves, then you will probably love this story as much as I did. I think it's adorable and just the thing to make my inner romantic purr!
December 19, 2010
4.5 stars.
Lovely holiday story with just the perfect amount of hurt, comfort, sex and love. What a wonderfully giving family - I totally want them in my life. I love how Zach evolved and came into his own with such loving help and I really appreciated that Ben didn't jump into a relationship with him. This is portrayed as a really grown-up relationship and in the end, it and the story was really beautiful.
Lovely holiday story with just the perfect amount of hurt, comfort, sex and love. What a wonderfully giving family - I totally want them in my life. I love how Zach evolved and came into his own with such loving help and I really appreciated that Ben didn't jump into a relationship with him. This is portrayed as a really grown-up relationship and in the end, it and the story was really beautiful.
December 12, 2012
This is what really good writing in this genre looks like, folks. Deft,seamless prose, really well-drawn characters, a romance that blossomed slowly and believably, hot male characters and plenty of supporting structure in the form of a good family and just a bit of angst. Oh, and really hot sex that built up over time rather than two guys fucking on page 2. Bravo to R.J. Scott and I am definitely going to read more of her work.
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