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Christmas Falls #1
Grinch Kisses
I'm the grinch who saves Christmas … Yep, you read that right. Every year I save Christmas--and Christmas Falls--by organizing a massive festival that sustains tourism for our little town. But it turns out when Christmas is your life 24/7, the shine wears off the twinkly lights after a while. The holidays are a heck of a lot of work, and when I go home, I want peace and quiet, not fa-la-la'ing on my porch. That all changes when my sister brings me an early Christmas gift. One I didn't ask for. One that's tall, broad, and handsome...
Suddenly this season got a whole lot brighter.
Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.
Suddenly this season got a whole lot brighter.
Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2023
432 people are currently reading
782 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Jamison
83 books1,001 followersDJ Jamison writes a variety of queer men finding extraordinary love through M/M Romance! She is a lifelong reader and has always loved writing and editing, with a ten-year journalism career before she began publishing romance. She has books in ebook, print, and audio, as well as German, French, and Italian translations.
DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany
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DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
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December 4, 2023
RATING 3.5 STARS
Grinch Kisses is book one in the Christmas Falls series which is a multi author series that revolves around the beautiful little town of Christmas Falls, Illinois.
Griffin “Griff” Calloway is forty three years old. He is the holiday festival coordinator of the huge holiday festivities that take place between Thanksgiving and Christmas in Christmas Falls. After his divorce seven years ago, Griff moved back to Christmas Falls where his family lived, thinking it would be a fun place for his two kids when they visited. But then their mother moved them to California and his relationship fizzled with his children. It has been four years since he has even seen them.
Logan Reid is the close friend of Griff’s sister. She’s going home for the holiday and needs a fake boyfriend to keep her mother from meddling in her life. So her gay best friend, Logan, is the perfect choice. Logan lost his parents at a young age and floated between foster homes until he aged out of the system. As a result, he has deep trust issues. He never feels he belongs and tends to move from city to city frequently. Griff’s sister, Jess, is convinced that by bringing him with her to Christmas Falls, it will help him to fall in love with the holidays all over again.
“It just figured that I’d go years without meeting anyone that truly stirred me, then immediately get the hots for my sister’s date.”
Griff is bi-sexual and as soon as Griff and Logan meet, there is an obvious chemistry, that first zing when you know you’ve just met someone special. But as far as Griff thinks, Logan is his sister’s boyfriend. Which makes him off limits. And of course, Logan can’t betray his friend, Jess, by telling Griff the truth.
“Griff made me want to believe in the impossible.”
This is a sweet story of finding the one person you are meant to be with. The person that restores your faith in the world, and that helps you to see the world in a more positive way. I loved the little town of Christmas falls. For some reason, though, I had trouble connecting with the story. I’m not completely sure why. There was something missing in the information given on Griff’s lack of relationship with his kids. Maybe more back story with the relationship with his ex-wife would have helped? Why she allowed the distance to grow between their kids and their father? I did love Griff’s family and the way they just pulled Logan right into their midst. It was a sweet story full of all things Christmas but just for me, it didn’t grab me the way I hoped.
“Could this little Christmas town be the place I finally belonged?”
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Grinch Kisses is book one in the Christmas Falls series which is a multi author series that revolves around the beautiful little town of Christmas Falls, Illinois.
Griffin “Griff” Calloway is forty three years old. He is the holiday festival coordinator of the huge holiday festivities that take place between Thanksgiving and Christmas in Christmas Falls. After his divorce seven years ago, Griff moved back to Christmas Falls where his family lived, thinking it would be a fun place for his two kids when they visited. But then their mother moved them to California and his relationship fizzled with his children. It has been four years since he has even seen them.
Logan Reid is the close friend of Griff’s sister. She’s going home for the holiday and needs a fake boyfriend to keep her mother from meddling in her life. So her gay best friend, Logan, is the perfect choice. Logan lost his parents at a young age and floated between foster homes until he aged out of the system. As a result, he has deep trust issues. He never feels he belongs and tends to move from city to city frequently. Griff’s sister, Jess, is convinced that by bringing him with her to Christmas Falls, it will help him to fall in love with the holidays all over again.
“It just figured that I’d go years without meeting anyone that truly stirred me, then immediately get the hots for my sister’s date.”
Griff is bi-sexual and as soon as Griff and Logan meet, there is an obvious chemistry, that first zing when you know you’ve just met someone special. But as far as Griff thinks, Logan is his sister’s boyfriend. Which makes him off limits. And of course, Logan can’t betray his friend, Jess, by telling Griff the truth.
“Griff made me want to believe in the impossible.”
This is a sweet story of finding the one person you are meant to be with. The person that restores your faith in the world, and that helps you to see the world in a more positive way. I loved the little town of Christmas falls. For some reason, though, I had trouble connecting with the story. I’m not completely sure why. There was something missing in the information given on Griff’s lack of relationship with his kids. Maybe more back story with the relationship with his ex-wife would have helped? Why she allowed the distance to grow between their kids and their father? I did love Griff’s family and the way they just pulled Logan right into their midst. It was a sweet story full of all things Christmas but just for me, it didn’t grab me the way I hoped.
“Could this little Christmas town be the place I finally belonged?”
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
December 7, 2023
This was such a good Christmas book - it had the perfect sweet & fluffy Christmas vibes without being over the top or cheesy. Really good book to get into the Christmas spirit, Loved the town of Christmas Falls & looking forward to more of the series0
December 4, 2023
I loved this!!!
Another small town Christmas m/m romance. Absolutely perfect.
Griff and Logan. Grumpy/Sunshine, grinch and cinnamon roll, both absolutely adorable.
I chose this because it was a Christmas MM and my friends had given it a good review. I didn't look at the author or know much about it.
So imagine my surprise when chapter two started with Logan in Granville, talking to Wes and Beckett from Don't Bang Your Stepbro.
Ohhh, it's that Logan? Yep.
It was good to unexpectedly find myself in a familiar universe that I enjoyed.
Another small town Christmas m/m romance. Absolutely perfect.
Griff and Logan. Grumpy/Sunshine, grinch and cinnamon roll, both absolutely adorable.
I chose this because it was a Christmas MM and my friends had given it a good review. I didn't look at the author or know much about it.
So imagine my surprise when chapter two started with Logan in Granville, talking to Wes and Beckett from Don't Bang Your Stepbro.
Ohhh, it's that Logan? Yep.
It was good to unexpectedly find myself in a familiar universe that I enjoyed.
November 29, 2023
Definitely got me in the mood to put my Christmas decorations up tomorrow!
November 15, 2023
I was looking forward to the books from this series as I love a Christmas setting. This is the first one in the Christmas Falls series and I absolutely loved it.
Griff is the town's event planner and Logan came to Christmas Falls as a favour to his best friend, Jess, and he's pretending to be her boyfriend. When Griff and Logan meet... Well, let's say there was enough electricity going back and forth between them that they could've lit up the whole town!
I loved Logan's happy easy-going attitude and how he truly enjoyed everything that was going on in town. The attraction he felt towards Griff was immediate and when that changed into something else, Logan started wondering what it'd be like to stay in one place for good, because as a former foster kid, he always lacked that feeling of belonging.
Griff made me laugh so much. He was always so stressed and didn't enjoy himself at all, he was a top problem-solving guy regarding his job, but not so much regarding his private life. Logas was exactly what he needed to realise he wasn't enjoying life and just going through it missing on a lot of things.
This book was so beautiful and sweet, swoony and so christmassy that I felt my heart so warm while I was reading it. It's a low angst story with great MCs that just wanted to feel loved and a town that just helped them both to get their HEA. I loved it, enjoyed it and it had that cozy vibe that made me feel good inside.
Griff is the town's event planner and Logan came to Christmas Falls as a favour to his best friend, Jess, and he's pretending to be her boyfriend. When Griff and Logan meet... Well, let's say there was enough electricity going back and forth between them that they could've lit up the whole town!
I loved Logan's happy easy-going attitude and how he truly enjoyed everything that was going on in town. The attraction he felt towards Griff was immediate and when that changed into something else, Logan started wondering what it'd be like to stay in one place for good, because as a former foster kid, he always lacked that feeling of belonging.
Griff made me laugh so much. He was always so stressed and didn't enjoy himself at all, he was a top problem-solving guy regarding his job, but not so much regarding his private life. Logas was exactly what he needed to realise he wasn't enjoying life and just going through it missing on a lot of things.
This book was so beautiful and sweet, swoony and so christmassy that I felt my heart so warm while I was reading it. It's a low angst story with great MCs that just wanted to feel loved and a town that just helped them both to get their HEA. I loved it, enjoyed it and it had that cozy vibe that made me feel good inside.
December 23, 2023
4 sweet holiday romance stars!! ❤️❤️
Lots of tropes; fake boyfriend of sister; age-gap; grumpy-sunshine.. all in all; nice homey Christmassy plot with no angst, suspense or misunderstanding (which is always a win for me) Highly recommended as a holiday M/M read 👍🏻👍🏻
Lots of tropes; fake boyfriend of sister; age-gap; grumpy-sunshine.. all in all; nice homey Christmassy plot with no angst, suspense or misunderstanding (which is always a win for me) Highly recommended as a holiday M/M read 👍🏻👍🏻
December 18, 2024
"Because with every day we spent together, this thing we called life felt a little easier. When Logan was around, people smiled easier. Colors seemed brighter. Festival season, one of the most stressful times of my life, felt almost…magical."
Okay lets get this out of the way. Maybe I am the Grinch. I dont really enjoy Christmas, I dont really enjoy Christmas movies, nor do I enjoy romcom holiday movies, like Hallmark shit, but I went into this knowing that was what I was going to get and Im okay with that. This was just a sweet, easy Christmas read, where you know that the two main characters are going to live HEA and nothing horrible is ever going to happen because this is literally a Christmas Hallmark Movie, in book form. Or what I assume is a Christmas Hallmark Movie, Ive never actually watched one. But you get what I mean. This is a happy go lucky, fall in love with a stranger in a short amount of time because of the Christmas magic type thing and well I wont say its realistic or the most emotionally deep and interesting read where I wanted to cry my eyes out if they didnt end up tother, but I had a really good time and it made me smile. I mean thats what the holiday spirit is all about right or some shit, I dont know. These types of stories have a place for me, usually they arent Christmas themed so Im not going to hold that festive shit against it. It was a good time and I enjoyed both characters. I mean Griff really isnt a Grinch and I Logan is just a sweet dude with some baggage so of course they deserve each other. The only thing I wish I got more of, was the relationship between Griff and his children, though we get a little peak in the epilogue, I would of loved for that to be more in the forefront, but this is like I said a very sweet and happy go lucky Christmas book and who has time for real in depth emotional character shit right? Anyways, I liked it, I had fun, probably would pick up another book in this series.
Okay lets get this out of the way. Maybe I am the Grinch. I dont really enjoy Christmas, I dont really enjoy Christmas movies, nor do I enjoy romcom holiday movies, like Hallmark shit, but I went into this knowing that was what I was going to get and Im okay with that. This was just a sweet, easy Christmas read, where you know that the two main characters are going to live HEA and nothing horrible is ever going to happen because this is literally a Christmas Hallmark Movie, in book form. Or what I assume is a Christmas Hallmark Movie, Ive never actually watched one. But you get what I mean. This is a happy go lucky, fall in love with a stranger in a short amount of time because of the Christmas magic type thing and well I wont say its realistic or the most emotionally deep and interesting read where I wanted to cry my eyes out if they didnt end up tother, but I had a really good time and it made me smile. I mean thats what the holiday spirit is all about right or some shit, I dont know. These types of stories have a place for me, usually they arent Christmas themed so Im not going to hold that festive shit against it. It was a good time and I enjoyed both characters. I mean Griff really isnt a Grinch and I Logan is just a sweet dude with some baggage so of course they deserve each other. The only thing I wish I got more of, was the relationship between Griff and his children, though we get a little peak in the epilogue, I would of loved for that to be more in the forefront, but this is like I said a very sweet and happy go lucky Christmas book and who has time for real in depth emotional character shit right? Anyways, I liked it, I had fun, probably would pick up another book in this series.
December 15, 2023
✰3.5 stars✰ rounded up
Cute cute cute!
Griff was grumpy but way less of a Grinch than I anticipated. I loved seeing him soften for Logan though.
Very swoony and attraction at first sight. I’d also love a little vacation to Christmas Falls myself!
I did think the side plot with the relationship with the kids didn’t really add anything and wasn’t built upon so it almost get out of place and unnecessary.
It’s a sweet holiday read and definitely a good one, but you have to be willing to overlook a couple forced characteristics or plot points. Which wasn’t hard to do, and I had a good time reading!
Cute cute cute!
Griff was grumpy but way less of a Grinch than I anticipated. I loved seeing him soften for Logan though.
Very swoony and attraction at first sight. I’d also love a little vacation to Christmas Falls myself!
I did think the side plot with the relationship with the kids didn’t really add anything and wasn’t built upon so it almost get out of place and unnecessary.
It’s a sweet holiday read and definitely a good one, but you have to be willing to overlook a couple forced characteristics or plot points. Which wasn’t hard to do, and I had a good time reading!
September 30, 2024
Another good read by D. J. Jamison. I’ve been struggling with books I should be enjoying, so I thought I’d read something I was pretty sure I’d enjoy. As usual, D. J. didn’t disappoint.
This is a sweet Christmas story that takes place in a town called Christmas Falls where Christmas is everything. The main character is Griff, who’s better known around town as the grinch. Enter, Logan, a lost man pretending to be Griff’s sister’s boyfriend. Merrymaking ensues as these two try not to fall in love. Both men are carrying a lot of baggage. Griff is estranged from his teenage children and Logan is still dealing with the loss of his parents and the rejection of six different foster homes. Of course they find their HEA and it’s very satisfying.
This is a sweet Christmas story that takes place in a town called Christmas Falls where Christmas is everything. The main character is Griff, who’s better known around town as the grinch. Enter, Logan, a lost man pretending to be Griff’s sister’s boyfriend. Merrymaking ensues as these two try not to fall in love. Both men are carrying a lot of baggage. Griff is estranged from his teenage children and Logan is still dealing with the loss of his parents and the rejection of six different foster homes. Of course they find their HEA and it’s very satisfying.
December 28, 2025
This was a cute little Christmas novella. It didn't knock my socks off or anything, but it was better than others I've read this year. I actually felt some Christmas spirit from this one! Griff and Logan were sweet and all, but I'd say my favorite part of the story was actually the town of Christmas Falls 🎄🎅🏻 ❤️ I would love to visit and get lost just walking around discovering all the fun places and things to do during festival season! 😍
November 7, 2023
3.5 ⭐️, rounded up
- small town romance
- age gap
- fake dating (not between mcs)
- grinch x sunshine
- instant attraction
What joy Griff had for the holidays got sucked out after his divorce, estrangement from his kids, and his position as chief event coordinator for the Christmas Falls weeks long holiday festival. Living and breathing the Christmas holiday has dulled its shine, but things start looking up when Griff meets Logan… Only downside? He’s dating his sister.
Honestly, Grinch Kisses gave me all the cozy Christmas/holiday vibes I was looking for. Griff & Logan’s story is sweet and funny, but also hit my right in my feels. Their romance was a bit too rushed for my liking, which is why it’s more of a 3.5 ⭐️ for me, but overall it was adorable and I enjoyed it!
- small town romance
- age gap
- fake dating (not between mcs)
- grinch x sunshine
- instant attraction
What joy Griff had for the holidays got sucked out after his divorce, estrangement from his kids, and his position as chief event coordinator for the Christmas Falls weeks long holiday festival. Living and breathing the Christmas holiday has dulled its shine, but things start looking up when Griff meets Logan… Only downside? He’s dating his sister.
Honestly, Grinch Kisses gave me all the cozy Christmas/holiday vibes I was looking for. Griff & Logan’s story is sweet and funny, but also hit my right in my feels. Their romance was a bit too rushed for my liking, which is why it’s more of a 3.5 ⭐️ for me, but overall it was adorable and I enjoyed it!
December 11, 2023
Didn't connect with either MC. Griff, or "Grinch," wasn't likeable at all and Logan or Hogan or whatever his name is was just a sad sack all the way through. Griff's family was way too obtrusive and his kids seem really shitty so not sure why the author thought anyone would care about them at all.
The idea of a whole town with a Christmas theme is kinda fun and quirky though, so I'll see what else this series has in store.
The idea of a whole town with a Christmas theme is kinda fun and quirky though, so I'll see what else this series has in store.
December 2, 2024
Cute little Christmas story, perfect for getting you in the Christmas spirit! Very much a Hallmark Christmas movie, but make it gay, type vibes. And I am here for it!
November 23, 2023
This was a sweet, low angst holiday book that really needed more development around Logan’s deep rooted abandonment issues and Griff’s almost nonexistent relationship with his teenaged kids.
There just wasn’t enough around either of these issues. They could’ve lent themselves to a more emotional and meaningful relationship between the men - and the reader.
There was no decent reason why Griff had a virtually no contact with his kids. There was a divorce but it was because he and his ex wife just weren’t in love. And he had been a good dad.
Logan grew up in foster care, after the untimely death of this parents, and had been in 6 different homes. He hadn’t had a family for so long. The chaos and family surrounding Griff really overwhelmed him and then it just kinda didn’t. So not sure why it was glossed over.
The fake boyfriend trope was a little anticlimactic but I did like that Logan was posing as Griff’s sister’s BF - so that was a fun spin on it.
I just felt like this should’ve been a deeper book. These issues both men had been coping with deserved more. This wasn’t bad, it was more surface level than I would’ve liked.
There just wasn’t enough around either of these issues. They could’ve lent themselves to a more emotional and meaningful relationship between the men - and the reader.
There was no decent reason why Griff had a virtually no contact with his kids. There was a divorce but it was because he and his ex wife just weren’t in love. And he had been a good dad.
Logan grew up in foster care, after the untimely death of this parents, and had been in 6 different homes. He hadn’t had a family for so long. The chaos and family surrounding Griff really overwhelmed him and then it just kinda didn’t. So not sure why it was glossed over.
The fake boyfriend trope was a little anticlimactic but I did like that Logan was posing as Griff’s sister’s BF - so that was a fun spin on it.
I just felt like this should’ve been a deeper book. These issues both men had been coping with deserved more. This wasn’t bad, it was more surface level than I would’ve liked.
December 11, 2025
Tropes: forced proximity, hurt/comfort, grumpy/sunshine, fake dating (between Logan and Jess)
Feels: 2.5/5
Steam*: 1.5/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: medium
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: past death of parents when Logan was eight, foster care, grief, past divorce of Griff / OW, distant relationship with children
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: once they meet, neither are interested in anyone else. Logan was fake dating Griff's sister, but Logan is gay, nothing happened.
3.5 stars (I'm being generous and just judging it like a light-hearted Christmas romp)
Griff is 43, and a bisexual grump who is divorced and estranged from his children. He keeps trying to connect with them but the kids are pushing him away. Despite being a big grump, he is also the coordinator of the Christmas festivities in his small town. And he's close with his parents and siblings. His sister Jess has recently broke up with her long-term boyfriend, and she ropes her friend Logan who is gay into pretending to be her new boyfriend. There's chemistry between Griff and Logan, but they don't act on it immediately because Griff doesn't know Logan isn't with Jess. Logan lost his family in a car accident when he was 8 years old, and he was bounced around and Foster care. He's never had a real home, and he longs for a family, but he knows nothing but moving around so he hasn't made himself a home.
This was an amusing light read. There were some funny and relatable moments of sibling bickering. Logan is someone that deserved a family, and it was nice that Griff's family was so welcoming and the small town community was full of kind people who are all close, and give that extended family connection.
Their relationship did move too fast. They really only knew each other for a little bit more than 2 weeks. The first couple days nothing happened because Logan was supposedly with Jess, and then the next week they were agreeing to hook up casually and temporarily, both knowing that this wasn't going to last. And then they spent the next week transitioning into boyfriends and expressing their love and desire for a permanent relationship. It was just really unrealistic and they didn't spend long enough together to really get to know each other and love each other.
Also the transition from them first kissing to having sex was lightning fast, they were having sex 50 words after their first kiss, it was just a real stark jump. Their relationship just seemed too physical at times and then to emotional, it was out of place on both ends of the spectrum. Gives you whiplash.
Some notable moments:
"“Jess told me you help with the events here?” Logan said. I glanced at Jess. “Help with?” She raised her mittened hands. “Hey, I didn’t use that word. I just said you’re involved in the festival plans.” I looked back at Logan. “I am the festival plans.” Jess snorted. “So modest as usual.” “I’m the lead festival planner. I coordinate all the events, the schedules, the volunteers. I’ve got one assistant and five scheduling apps that help me.” “And a whole fair committee and three dozen volunteers,” Jess put in. “That I have to herd like cats,” I shot back"
"Rob grinned. “I’ve been curious about that quirky little town.” Logan chuckled. “It’s definitely got character. I’ll miss Glazed Holes.” “Glazed-what-now?” I asked, and Logan and Jess cracked up, while Rob shrugged. “It’s a doughnut spot with flirty gay owners,” Jess said. “I’ll miss Miles’ come-ons,” Logan said with a sigh. I tightened my arm around his waist. “I don’t know if I like the sound of that.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 2.5/5
Steam*: 1.5/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: medium
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: past death of parents when Logan was eight, foster care, grief, past divorce of Griff / OW, distant relationship with children
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: once they meet, neither are interested in anyone else. Logan was fake dating Griff's sister, but Logan is gay, nothing happened.
3.5 stars (I'm being generous and just judging it like a light-hearted Christmas romp)
Griff is 43, and a bisexual grump who is divorced and estranged from his children. He keeps trying to connect with them but the kids are pushing him away. Despite being a big grump, he is also the coordinator of the Christmas festivities in his small town. And he's close with his parents and siblings. His sister Jess has recently broke up with her long-term boyfriend, and she ropes her friend Logan who is gay into pretending to be her new boyfriend. There's chemistry between Griff and Logan, but they don't act on it immediately because Griff doesn't know Logan isn't with Jess. Logan lost his family in a car accident when he was 8 years old, and he was bounced around and Foster care. He's never had a real home, and he longs for a family, but he knows nothing but moving around so he hasn't made himself a home.
This was an amusing light read. There were some funny and relatable moments of sibling bickering. Logan is someone that deserved a family, and it was nice that Griff's family was so welcoming and the small town community was full of kind people who are all close, and give that extended family connection.
Their relationship did move too fast. They really only knew each other for a little bit more than 2 weeks. The first couple days nothing happened because Logan was supposedly with Jess, and then the next week they were agreeing to hook up casually and temporarily, both knowing that this wasn't going to last. And then they spent the next week transitioning into boyfriends and expressing their love and desire for a permanent relationship. It was just really unrealistic and they didn't spend long enough together to really get to know each other and love each other.
Also the transition from them first kissing to having sex was lightning fast, they were having sex 50 words after their first kiss, it was just a real stark jump. Their relationship just seemed too physical at times and then to emotional, it was out of place on both ends of the spectrum. Gives you whiplash.
Some notable moments:
"“Jess told me you help with the events here?” Logan said. I glanced at Jess. “Help with?” She raised her mittened hands. “Hey, I didn’t use that word. I just said you’re involved in the festival plans.” I looked back at Logan. “I am the festival plans.” Jess snorted. “So modest as usual.” “I’m the lead festival planner. I coordinate all the events, the schedules, the volunteers. I’ve got one assistant and five scheduling apps that help me.” “And a whole fair committee and three dozen volunteers,” Jess put in. “That I have to herd like cats,” I shot back"
"Rob grinned. “I’ve been curious about that quirky little town.” Logan chuckled. “It’s definitely got character. I’ll miss Glazed Holes.” “Glazed-what-now?” I asked, and Logan and Jess cracked up, while Rob shrugged. “It’s a doughnut spot with flirty gay owners,” Jess said. “I’ll miss Miles’ come-ons,” Logan said with a sigh. I tightened my arm around his waist. “I don’t know if I like the sound of that.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
November 12, 2023
4.5 stars. It’s that time of year that all the new Christmas books are coming out and I’m loving the ones I’ve read so far. This book is part of a multi-author series and I’m excited to read more in the series. I loved the concept in this story. I wasn’t sure at first but the author handled the situation really well!
The dynamic between Griff and Logan was wonderful. I loved seeing their connection and chemistry grow and the way it exploded when they could finally be together was amazing!! The few sexy scenes included were wonderful. I wish we had seen a few more instead of them being skipped but the rest of the book made up for that!
I love when two characters are exactly what the other one needs. Griff and Logan were this to a T! They helped each other find happiness and grow into the people they were meant to be! Loved their HEA!
There was also some fun cameos from the Granville series! If you love this author I highly recommend this book! Can’t wait to read more by this author and more in this series!
The dynamic between Griff and Logan was wonderful. I loved seeing their connection and chemistry grow and the way it exploded when they could finally be together was amazing!! The few sexy scenes included were wonderful. I wish we had seen a few more instead of them being skipped but the rest of the book made up for that!
I love when two characters are exactly what the other one needs. Griff and Logan were this to a T! They helped each other find happiness and grow into the people they were meant to be! Loved their HEA!
There was also some fun cameos from the Granville series! If you love this author I highly recommend this book! Can’t wait to read more by this author and more in this series!
December 3, 2023
Super cute starter for the series
I really like DJ's low angst romances and here we get a really sweet one with a guy who runs the Christmas Falls festival without ever feeling any of its spirit.
Both Griff and Logan were interested characters and they worked well as a pairing.
I was very glad the fake boyfriend angle with Griff's sister Jess didn't go on too long once it was clear there was a genuine attraction between him and Logan.
Although this is part of a series, it definitely doesn't feel like it's shoehorning in the other books.
You get glimpses of other characters who have their own books, but only in passing, which helps to flesh out the town without overwhelming this book's plot.
I've already read Beth Bolden's book about injured footie star Jem and his childhood best friend Murphy, now I'm looking forward to catching up with other characters.
I really like DJ's low angst romances and here we get a really sweet one with a guy who runs the Christmas Falls festival without ever feeling any of its spirit.
Both Griff and Logan were interested characters and they worked well as a pairing.
I was very glad the fake boyfriend angle with Griff's sister Jess didn't go on too long once it was clear there was a genuine attraction between him and Logan.
Although this is part of a series, it definitely doesn't feel like it's shoehorning in the other books.
You get glimpses of other characters who have their own books, but only in passing, which helps to flesh out the town without overwhelming this book's plot.
I've already read Beth Bolden's book about injured footie star Jem and his childhood best friend Murphy, now I'm looking forward to catching up with other characters.
December 21, 2023
I wanted a sweet and well done holiday book and this fit the bill.
I’ve been trying to recapture the glow of my early days of reading MM. Trope heavy but easy romance with sexual intimacy and side characters with a plot that wasn’t too complicated. But the past couple years have been saturated by too many authors writing too many books and the easy uncomplicated love stories were lost.
This brought me back to the early days. It is a trope. It’s a small town holiday romance with a grumpy towny and an untethered sunshiney guy. Starts as a fake boyfriend (which I HATE). But it was good. It was easy. It was sweet. It hit all the spots and it wasn’t problematic or cheesy. This will probably be on a holiday re-read list, and no one is more surprised than me. I shelved this author years ago, but maybe she grew into herself. But this was a win for me. I’m glad I gave it a try.
I’ve been trying to recapture the glow of my early days of reading MM. Trope heavy but easy romance with sexual intimacy and side characters with a plot that wasn’t too complicated. But the past couple years have been saturated by too many authors writing too many books and the easy uncomplicated love stories were lost.
This brought me back to the early days. It is a trope. It’s a small town holiday romance with a grumpy towny and an untethered sunshiney guy. Starts as a fake boyfriend (which I HATE). But it was good. It was easy. It was sweet. It hit all the spots and it wasn’t problematic or cheesy. This will probably be on a holiday re-read list, and no one is more surprised than me. I shelved this author years ago, but maybe she grew into herself. But this was a win for me. I’m glad I gave it a try.
November 30, 2023
4.5 stars, rounded up.
This is the perfect start to a series. I adored grumpy Griff and sweet Logan. I loved Christmas Falls, a place I'd love to visit in the real world. I loved almost everybody in town, though I'm still iffy about Jess, Griff's sister. I loved watching things come together for both men, not just as a couple but in their individual lives as well. For Griff, it was his hoping to reconnect with his two children that his ex had packed up and moved across the country. She didn't exactly encourage a relationship between the kids and their father. For Logan, it was watching him finally realize, after having grown up in the foster care system, that somebody truly loved him and wanted him to stay.
I think my favorite part of the book was watching Griff let go when it came to Logan. He went from being a grumpy Grinch to a being a total romantic sweetheart. Once he was free to be with Logan, he was perfect.
I've read several of D.J. Jamison's books over the years, and I definitely wasn't disappointed with this one. A very sweet romance.
Full review can be found at -
This is the perfect start to a series. I adored grumpy Griff and sweet Logan. I loved Christmas Falls, a place I'd love to visit in the real world. I loved almost everybody in town, though I'm still iffy about Jess, Griff's sister. I loved watching things come together for both men, not just as a couple but in their individual lives as well. For Griff, it was his hoping to reconnect with his two children that his ex had packed up and moved across the country. She didn't exactly encourage a relationship between the kids and their father. For Logan, it was watching him finally realize, after having grown up in the foster care system, that somebody truly loved him and wanted him to stay.
I think my favorite part of the book was watching Griff let go when it came to Logan. He went from being a grumpy Grinch to a being a total romantic sweetheart. Once he was free to be with Logan, he was perfect.
I've read several of D.J. Jamison's books over the years, and I definitely wasn't disappointed with this one. A very sweet romance.
Full review can be found at -
November 24, 2023
Slowly easing myself into holiday reading with this relatively short fun read that takes place in a Christmas tourist destination town. It’s the first in a series by multiple authors in the same festive location. It’s told in first person dual point of view from Griff and Logan. The locals have nicknamed Griff “Grinch” since he is perpetually frowning over the all the Christmas festivities which is rather ironic since he’s the festival organizer in charge of it all. He’s very intense and attached to his schedules and lists.
Logan has accompanied Griff’s sister, Jess, home for the holidays as a fake date so that she can skip all the pitiful comments and matchmaking after a long-term relationship break up. Logan and Griff have instant chemistry but since Logan is supposedly dating Jess that’s a no go. Logan grew up in foster care and was constantly shifted from home to home and now he lives the life of a nomad moving from place to place before he can get attached and hurt again. It was a very touching and heartfelt story that had me in tears for Logan at points. He just wanted someone to keep him.
Logan has accompanied Griff’s sister, Jess, home for the holidays as a fake date so that she can skip all the pitiful comments and matchmaking after a long-term relationship break up. Logan and Griff have instant chemistry but since Logan is supposedly dating Jess that’s a no go. Logan grew up in foster care and was constantly shifted from home to home and now he lives the life of a nomad moving from place to place before he can get attached and hurt again. It was a very touching and heartfelt story that had me in tears for Logan at points. He just wanted someone to keep him.
November 17, 2023
It was an ok, low angst holiday read.
November 11, 2025
RECENSIONE A CURA DI MONICA S.
La #recensione di oggi è di Monica Rosina Sorrenti
"Buongiorno a tutti, ho avuto il piacere di leggere Baci da Grinch, di D J Jamison , facente parte della serie Christmas Falls.
Si tratta di un contemporaneo lgbt immerso nell'atmosfera natalizia. Tra equivoci, scintille e problemi da risolvere i due protagonisti si conoscono e apprezzano la reciproca compagnia. Grinch che salva il Natale potrebbe sembrare un controsenso, eppure è ciò che accade."
Continua sul blog: https://www.opinionilibrose.it/2025/1...
#prodottofornitoda #DJJamison #christmasfallsseries #quixotetraslations Quixote Translations
#recensionilibri #opinionilibroseblog #monicas78
La #recensione di oggi è di Monica Rosina Sorrenti
"Buongiorno a tutti, ho avuto il piacere di leggere Baci da Grinch, di D J Jamison , facente parte della serie Christmas Falls.
Si tratta di un contemporaneo lgbt immerso nell'atmosfera natalizia. Tra equivoci, scintille e problemi da risolvere i due protagonisti si conoscono e apprezzano la reciproca compagnia. Grinch che salva il Natale potrebbe sembrare un controsenso, eppure è ciò che accade."
Continua sul blog: https://www.opinionilibrose.it/2025/1...
#prodottofornitoda #DJJamison #christmasfallsseries #quixotetraslations Quixote Translations
#recensionilibri #opinionilibroseblog #monicas78
November 17, 2023
212 pages of holiday perfection!🎄It’s got everything you could want from a holiday novella, a bit of instant attraction, a grumpy grinch, and a bit of tragic backstory.
Plus the pacing is perfectly balanced and the transition from the “sisters fake bf” reveal to Logan & Griff getting together was done at the exact right time. I was worried it would be unnecessarily dragged out, but it wasn’t 🙌
The tropes are troping and this absolutely got me intrigued to keep on with the rest of the books in this collab series!
*I received an arc of this book, all opinions are my own*
Plus the pacing is perfectly balanced and the transition from the “sisters fake bf” reveal to Logan & Griff getting together was done at the exact right time. I was worried it would be unnecessarily dragged out, but it wasn’t 🙌
The tropes are troping and this absolutely got me intrigued to keep on with the rest of the books in this collab series!
*I received an arc of this book, all opinions are my own*
December 9, 2024
3.5 stars
Read
November 15, 2023DNF 50% - I like Logan a lot, but Griff having a bad relationship with his kids (which seems to be blamed on the kids??) doesn’t endear me to him at all, and I find it a bit weird someone who grew up in foster care doesn’t have any thoughts on the matter.
August 4, 2024
The sister/fake boyfriend ruse lasted too long and it felt more like telling than showing in spots, but this was cute. Enjoyable for a mid-summer holiday read.
December 14, 2025
Quest’anno Quixote Translation ha pensato di portarci per le feste, una serie di ben 15 romanzi scritti da penne diverse tutti ambientati nell’immaginario paese di Christmas Falls, intanto io vi presento la prima coppia, ovvero Griff e Logan.
Griff è tornato da qualche anno in città, si occupa con molto rigore di tutti gli aspetti organizzativi del festival che è una risorsa preziosa per la cittadina, i turisti di quel periodo sono manna dal cielo e lui vuole che ogni cosa vada per il verso giusto.
Logan arriva al seguito di Jess, la sorella di Griff fingendosi il suo nuovo fidanzato, peccato che l’incontro con il burbero Grinch, porti a Logan il desiderio di uscire allo scoperto, specialmente quando scopre che dovrà soggiornare da lui perché a casa di Jess ci sono già abbastanza parenti e non hanno più letti.
Griff ha chiuso il suo cuore ai sentimenti dopo che il suo matrimonio è finito e si è ritrovato con due figli adolescenti che non sente quasi mai, la ex moglie si è risposata e trasferita così lui si sente messo da parte.
L’intesa tra i due è spontanea fin da subito, entrambi sentono una connessione mai provata ma teoricamente Logan dovrebbe essere il fidanzato di Jess. Le cose peggiorano quando la ragazza deve rientrare per una emergenza di lavoro e la tensione tra i due uomini arriva al culmine.
"In altre circostanze, avrebbe potuto essere molto di più, ma dovevo accontentarmi di ciò che la vita mi aveva dato. Era comunque molto meglio della mano che era toccata a Logan. Quella sera mi aveva detto che amava le feste perché gli ricordavano gli ultimi momenti speciali con i suoi genitori, e che Christmas Falls rendeva quei ricordi un po’ più nitidi, un po’ più reali, invece che un sogno lontano. Ero felice che avesse trovato tutto questo qui, ma il mio cuore soffriva ancora per lui mentre parcheggiavo nel vialetto. Si meritava molto di più."
Se come me amate un po’ di atmosfera natalizia, sono onesta giusto in questo mesetto, quest’anno ne abbiamo da abbuffarci.
La prima storia mi è piaciuta molto perché i due uomini sono costretti a convivere convinti che uno sia off limits. Questo espediente alza di molto la tensione perché è innegabile che si capiscono come pochi, Logan ha avuto un passato difficile e ama da morire l’atmosfera natalizia, gli ricorda momenti felici, Griff sembra odiare tutto ciò che è la festa ma sta solo soffrendo perché ha un matrimonio fallito e un rapporto inesistente con i due figli.
Ho trovato molto carine le varie scene in famiglia, l’affetto che c’è tra loro, Logan non ha più una famiglia e ne vorrebbe disperatamente una quanto la paura di perdere tutto che lo porta a trasferirsi molto di frequente, almeno fino all’arrivo nella città del Natale, dove tutto è possibile.
Se vi piacciono le storie con poco dramma, la giusta dose di emozioni, passione e ironia, le small town dove si conoscono tutti e tutti si impicciano, dove personaggi secondari o comparse magari avranno la loro storia da raccontare, mettetevi comodi e iniziate anche voi questo viaggio.
Ringrazio la CE per la copia arc, mi fiondo sul prossimo.
4.5
Tfpeel
Griff è tornato da qualche anno in città, si occupa con molto rigore di tutti gli aspetti organizzativi del festival che è una risorsa preziosa per la cittadina, i turisti di quel periodo sono manna dal cielo e lui vuole che ogni cosa vada per il verso giusto.
Logan arriva al seguito di Jess, la sorella di Griff fingendosi il suo nuovo fidanzato, peccato che l’incontro con il burbero Grinch, porti a Logan il desiderio di uscire allo scoperto, specialmente quando scopre che dovrà soggiornare da lui perché a casa di Jess ci sono già abbastanza parenti e non hanno più letti.
Griff ha chiuso il suo cuore ai sentimenti dopo che il suo matrimonio è finito e si è ritrovato con due figli adolescenti che non sente quasi mai, la ex moglie si è risposata e trasferita così lui si sente messo da parte.
L’intesa tra i due è spontanea fin da subito, entrambi sentono una connessione mai provata ma teoricamente Logan dovrebbe essere il fidanzato di Jess. Le cose peggiorano quando la ragazza deve rientrare per una emergenza di lavoro e la tensione tra i due uomini arriva al culmine.
"In altre circostanze, avrebbe potuto essere molto di più, ma dovevo accontentarmi di ciò che la vita mi aveva dato. Era comunque molto meglio della mano che era toccata a Logan. Quella sera mi aveva detto che amava le feste perché gli ricordavano gli ultimi momenti speciali con i suoi genitori, e che Christmas Falls rendeva quei ricordi un po’ più nitidi, un po’ più reali, invece che un sogno lontano. Ero felice che avesse trovato tutto questo qui, ma il mio cuore soffriva ancora per lui mentre parcheggiavo nel vialetto. Si meritava molto di più."
Se come me amate un po’ di atmosfera natalizia, sono onesta giusto in questo mesetto, quest’anno ne abbiamo da abbuffarci.
La prima storia mi è piaciuta molto perché i due uomini sono costretti a convivere convinti che uno sia off limits. Questo espediente alza di molto la tensione perché è innegabile che si capiscono come pochi, Logan ha avuto un passato difficile e ama da morire l’atmosfera natalizia, gli ricorda momenti felici, Griff sembra odiare tutto ciò che è la festa ma sta solo soffrendo perché ha un matrimonio fallito e un rapporto inesistente con i due figli.
Ho trovato molto carine le varie scene in famiglia, l’affetto che c’è tra loro, Logan non ha più una famiglia e ne vorrebbe disperatamente una quanto la paura di perdere tutto che lo porta a trasferirsi molto di frequente, almeno fino all’arrivo nella città del Natale, dove tutto è possibile.
Se vi piacciono le storie con poco dramma, la giusta dose di emozioni, passione e ironia, le small town dove si conoscono tutti e tutti si impicciano, dove personaggi secondari o comparse magari avranno la loro storia da raccontare, mettetevi comodi e iniziate anche voi questo viaggio.
Ringrazio la CE per la copia arc, mi fiondo sul prossimo.
4.5
Tfpeel
November 3, 2025
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
“Baci da Grinch” è la prima novella di una corposa raccolta natalizia, in cui vari autori si avvicenderanno con altrettante coppie diverse. Ogni libro è autonomo e non c’è un ordine da rispettare, ma nel paesello di Christmas Falls tutti si conoscono e i vari personaggi finiscono per intrecciare le loro strade con dei rimandi nelle varie trame.
Griff “Grinch” è così soprannominato dai suoi concittadini perché è immune alla magia del Natale, che pure contribuisce a creare, poiché è a capo dell’organizzazione di un gigantesco festival natalizio che dura settimane, dal Ringraziamento fino a Natale, perché a Christmas Falls le festività sono un affare serio.
In realtà Griff ha perso la sua gioia quando il suo matrimonio è fallito e la moglie si è trasferita lontano con i figli, rifacendosi una vita con loro senza di lui.
Quest’uomo disilluso è tornato dalla sua famiglia di origine, che lo ama e lo supporta tantissimo, ma che comunque non riesce a rompere il muro di cinismo e disincanto dietro cui si è trincerato, almeno fino a quando sua sorella non porta con sé un nuovo interesse amoroso che, per la prima volta, fa nuovamente battere il cuore al nostro burbero Grinch… peccato che Logan sia fuori dal mercato… oppure no?
Continua sul nostro blog!
“Baci da Grinch” è la prima novella di una corposa raccolta natalizia, in cui vari autori si avvicenderanno con altrettante coppie diverse. Ogni libro è autonomo e non c’è un ordine da rispettare, ma nel paesello di Christmas Falls tutti si conoscono e i vari personaggi finiscono per intrecciare le loro strade con dei rimandi nelle varie trame.
Griff “Grinch” è così soprannominato dai suoi concittadini perché è immune alla magia del Natale, che pure contribuisce a creare, poiché è a capo dell’organizzazione di un gigantesco festival natalizio che dura settimane, dal Ringraziamento fino a Natale, perché a Christmas Falls le festività sono un affare serio.
In realtà Griff ha perso la sua gioia quando il suo matrimonio è fallito e la moglie si è trasferita lontano con i figli, rifacendosi una vita con loro senza di lui.
Quest’uomo disilluso è tornato dalla sua famiglia di origine, che lo ama e lo supporta tantissimo, ma che comunque non riesce a rompere il muro di cinismo e disincanto dietro cui si è trincerato, almeno fino a quando sua sorella non porta con sé un nuovo interesse amoroso che, per la prima volta, fa nuovamente battere il cuore al nostro burbero Grinch… peccato che Logan sia fuori dal mercato… oppure no?
Continua sul nostro blog!
November 26, 2024
Ik heb mij voorgenomen om tot kerst alleen nog maar kerstverhalen te lezen. Cheesy, comfort, fout als in Boney M's Mary's Boy Child of fout als in de kersttrui van Darcy in Bridget Jones's Diary - als het maar om kerst gaat. Ik heb 22 kerstromans gedownload dus ik zou een heel eind moeten kunnen komen.
Als eerste las ik Gringe Kisses en dat is geen verhaal waar ik perse blij van word. Het heeft absoluut christmas vibes maar het verhaal is mager. Hoe realistisch is het om een man met thanksgiving te leren kennen en tegen kerst elkaar de Eeuwige Liefde te verklaren en te besluiten om samen te wonen? Maar het is Griff en Logan gegund hoor. Merry christmas, boys.
Als eerste las ik Gringe Kisses en dat is geen verhaal waar ik perse blij van word. Het heeft absoluut christmas vibes maar het verhaal is mager. Hoe realistisch is het om een man met thanksgiving te leren kennen en tegen kerst elkaar de Eeuwige Liefde te verklaren en te besluiten om samen te wonen? Maar het is Griff en Logan gegund hoor. Merry christmas, boys.
November 5, 2023
4.5 stars
This book is the first book in the Christmas Falls series and I am already looking forward to diving into this small Christmas town which is straight out of a Hallmark movie.
This book is about Logan & Griff, we met Logan in Don't Bang Your Stepbro as a seasonal worker who has come to Christmas Falls as a fake boyfriend to his best friend Jess. Griff is Jess's older brother and also manages all the festivals in Christmas Falls and makes it Christmassy for the town & the tourists but in real life, he is kind of a Grinch & also a workaholic.
I loved this book from the first moment Logan & Griff, even though they tried to keep their attraction towards each other in control but they couldn't. I loved their banter, all the sweet moments and the sparks that led them into each other arms and eventually into their beds. But Logan had a past, because of which he didn't stay in one place for long, but he was just passing by Christmas Falls but he was already falling for Griff and the town.
I enjoyed this book so much, I loved how welcoming Griff's family was and how Logan got the family he always wanted. I am looking forward to reading other books in this series, make sure to check out this book and keep a lookout for other books as well.
* I received an ARC copy from Neon Rainbow Reviews and this is my honest review *
This book is the first book in the Christmas Falls series and I am already looking forward to diving into this small Christmas town which is straight out of a Hallmark movie.
This book is about Logan & Griff, we met Logan in Don't Bang Your Stepbro as a seasonal worker who has come to Christmas Falls as a fake boyfriend to his best friend Jess. Griff is Jess's older brother and also manages all the festivals in Christmas Falls and makes it Christmassy for the town & the tourists but in real life, he is kind of a Grinch & also a workaholic.
I loved this book from the first moment Logan & Griff, even though they tried to keep their attraction towards each other in control but they couldn't. I loved their banter, all the sweet moments and the sparks that led them into each other arms and eventually into their beds. But Logan had a past, because of which he didn't stay in one place for long, but he was just passing by Christmas Falls but he was already falling for Griff and the town.
I enjoyed this book so much, I loved how welcoming Griff's family was and how Logan got the family he always wanted. I am looking forward to reading other books in this series, make sure to check out this book and keep a lookout for other books as well.
* I received an ARC copy from Neon Rainbow Reviews and this is my honest review *
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