What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mission
Snow! Tick. Skiing! Tick. Christmas! Tick.Stalker! Er…When Conrad and his ex split up three months before their upcoming work ski trip, Conrad’s unwavering passion for the slopes overshadows his reservations about a holiday anywhere near his ex and his new partner. But as ‘friends’ keep hinting he should cancel, he wishes he’d seen sense earlier. Now it’s too late to get his money back.A clash of heads at check-in with a handsome stranger sets Conrad’s heart racing. Arlo is bound for the same Austrian resort, sparking Conrad’s daydreams of shared slopes, shared après-ski, shared hot tubs and more…while fully aware that spotting Arlo in the mountains will be almost impossible.Little does Conrad know Arlo has orchestrated this moment. Now all Arlo has to do is convince Conrad he has the best of intentions. After all, if they don’t click by the end of the flight, Conrad will never know he’d been stalked.WarningThere is a short description of sexual assault.Please note that this story was originally released as a short story as part of the Winter Wonderland Prolific Works giveaway. The story has been revised with over 25,000 words of added content.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2023
47 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Elsborg
100 books1,677 followersBarbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the south of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Volcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
November 12, 2023
I’m sitting here baffled and a bit shocked by the fact that this is the first Barbara Elsborg book that is really and truly awful. And a Christmas read at that.
I don’t know what happened but I didn’t even recognize the writing. The guys were…I don’t know what age but they acted like 18 years old teens (and one of them was a pilot!). Actually,when reading Arlo’s first dialogue with his brother I thought he was a child. I really though the brother was the other MC and I didn’t understand why we have the child’s POV. He was also always thinking about sex. Just like a hormonal 18 years old he only wanted to have sex . Gosh, this was so bad . There is nothing jolly, swoony and Christmassy here. For the first 25% we are informed of the abuse Conrad suffered with his bf and how he kept going back for more. So a mood downer from the beginning. Then he kept looking for more misery by going on a ski trip planned by his ex with coworkers who didn’t stand him. And then he meets Arlo but he can’t enjoy the trip because he’s trying to fend off his ex’s schemes and murder attempts.
The characters are so ..weird. The boss, Arlo, Arlo’s family. The interactions are also awkward, the banter is forced and there is absolutely nothing funny in this book , the villain is one dimensional and so cartoonish it made me laugh, the romance is sappy and it’s not even insta, it’s beyond insta right into the creepy territory. And the epilogue one year later? Omg, so ..strange and cringe and just …freaking weird with their chelo quartet 🤣🤣
I thought of rating one star but I liked Conrad.Kind of.And also, I’m a bit reluctant to give one star to Barbara Elsborg.
*****SPOILER****
And then Conrad is attacked, assaulted and almost raped and instead of pressing charges , you know, maybe to prevent another person going through the same he instead gives the bad guy a lecture and oh oh “he stood up for himself” 🙄 Standing up for himself would have been pressing charges not telling him in a fit (very similar to a playground dressing down) “You’re a meany!!” Allow me another eye roll. !
******END OF SPOILER*****
Dear authors, you don’t have to release a book every Christmas or Halloween or Valentines Day if you lack a story or inspiration. It’s really not an obligation to have a Christmassy book this time of year, I promise.
I don’t know what happened but I didn’t even recognize the writing. The guys were…I don’t know what age but they acted like 18 years old teens (and one of them was a pilot!). Actually,when reading Arlo’s first dialogue with his brother I thought he was a child. I really though the brother was the other MC and I didn’t understand why we have the child’s POV. He was also always thinking about sex. Just like a hormonal 18 years old he only wanted to have sex . Gosh, this was so bad . There is nothing jolly, swoony and Christmassy here. For the first 25% we are informed of the abuse Conrad suffered with his bf and how he kept going back for more. So a mood downer from the beginning. Then he kept looking for more misery by going on a ski trip planned by his ex with coworkers who didn’t stand him. And then he meets Arlo but he can’t enjoy the trip because he’s trying to fend off his ex’s schemes and murder attempts.
The characters are so ..weird. The boss, Arlo, Arlo’s family. The interactions are also awkward, the banter is forced and there is absolutely nothing funny in this book , the villain is one dimensional and so cartoonish it made me laugh, the romance is sappy and it’s not even insta, it’s beyond insta right into the creepy territory. And the epilogue one year later? Omg, so ..strange and cringe and just …freaking weird with their chelo quartet 🤣🤣
I thought of rating one star but I liked Conrad.Kind of.And also, I’m a bit reluctant to give one star to Barbara Elsborg.
*****SPOILER****
And then Conrad is attacked, assaulted and almost raped and instead of pressing charges , you know, maybe to prevent another person going through the same he instead gives the bad guy a lecture and oh oh “he stood up for himself” 🙄 Standing up for himself would have been pressing charges not telling him in a fit (very similar to a playground dressing down) “You’re a meany!!” Allow me another eye roll. !
******END OF SPOILER*****
Dear authors, you don’t have to release a book every Christmas or Halloween or Valentines Day if you lack a story or inspiration. It’s really not an obligation to have a Christmassy book this time of year, I promise.
November 11, 2023
Fabulous story.
I have the biggest grin on my face.
I even want to go skiing in Austria. I hate the cold and have only skied once in my life but I want all the fondue and raclette. Bring on the cheese and champagne and the hot chocolate, I’ll be in the hot tub.
Conrad is the sweetest guy. He’s been treated so badly by his ex bf Mark. He deserves so much better and along comes Arlo with his big heart and his even bigger family. Conrad gets swallowed up in the Lehner family love. They are the family that every wants to be in.
Perfect feel good Christmas story.
*Runs off to Amazon to check out raclette grills*
I have the biggest grin on my face.
I even want to go skiing in Austria. I hate the cold and have only skied once in my life but I want all the fondue and raclette. Bring on the cheese and champagne and the hot chocolate, I’ll be in the hot tub.
Conrad is the sweetest guy. He’s been treated so badly by his ex bf Mark. He deserves so much better and along comes Arlo with his big heart and his even bigger family. Conrad gets swallowed up in the Lehner family love. They are the family that every wants to be in.
Perfect feel good Christmas story.
*Runs off to Amazon to check out raclette grills*
December 9, 2023
The book starts with Conrad as a total doormat to an asshole. It's OTT on Conrad’s misery with Mark as a caricature horrible BF. It was hard to have any respect - or even sympathy - for Conrad as he’s written. He's probably meant to have issues stemming from his childhood, tho I didn’t make it far enough to know if it’s ever spelled out, but the pathetic is laid on pretty thick: no one’s ever loved him, his parents didn’t want him, he’s got no friends, etc etc. Then the good guy, Arlo, put me off by jumping to sexual banter too fast. They’re strangers who just met on a plane! DNF @27%
December 11, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
I really loved the connection between Arlo and Conrad, and respected how Arlo treated Conrad, especially confessing that he’d admired him for a while before trying to connect with him. These guys are both really sweet. Conrad also ends up meeting and impressing Arlo’s family, who are truly charming people, and the way Arlo’s family embraced Conrad was delicious. I loved how sweet this all was, and how gentlemanly Conrad behaved, even when put into some rather harrowing situations by Mark, who’s clearly jealous.
This story is a revision re-release with significantly more pages than the previous short work. There are sensitivity warnings for sexual assault, and they should be taken seriously. I honestly wasn’t prepared for how brutal it got, though Conrad’s survival instinct is vigorous.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
I really loved the connection between Arlo and Conrad, and respected how Arlo treated Conrad, especially confessing that he’d admired him for a while before trying to connect with him. These guys are both really sweet. Conrad also ends up meeting and impressing Arlo’s family, who are truly charming people, and the way Arlo’s family embraced Conrad was delicious. I loved how sweet this all was, and how gentlemanly Conrad behaved, even when put into some rather harrowing situations by Mark, who’s clearly jealous.
This story is a revision re-release with significantly more pages than the previous short work. There are sensitivity warnings for sexual assault, and they should be taken seriously. I honestly wasn’t prepared for how brutal it got, though Conrad’s survival instinct is vigorous.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
December 4, 2024
I really enjoyed parts of this sweet winter ❄️/ Christmas 🎄🎅🏻/ skiing ⛷️ story.
But it was a lot. There was almost too much packed into 150 pages:
Childhood trauma, being neglected, abusive relationship with a narcissist, trust issues, the opposite of having trust issues, failed past relationships, overbearing family, falling in looove at first sight, stalking, cello prodigys, racing down Hahnenkamm and eating Sachertorte 🇦🇹
Maybe a little less would have been more!
But it was a lot. There was almost too much packed into 150 pages:
Childhood trauma, being neglected, abusive relationship with a narcissist, trust issues, the opposite of having trust issues, failed past relationships, overbearing family, falling in looove at first sight, stalking, cello prodigys, racing down Hahnenkamm and eating Sachertorte 🇦🇹
Maybe a little less would have been more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2023
Wonderful Christmas romance with a good balance between funny and lovely moments and some drama with a narcissistic ex.
I really liked the characters (except the ex, of course) even though Alto was pictured a bit over the top childish/naive.
I really liked the characters (except the ex, of course) even though Alto was pictured a bit over the top childish/naive.
November 14, 2023
Liked the story before when published as part of the Winter Wonderland giveaway, and this edition has added content. Would just point out that Coldplay's song was Viva La Vida...Ricky Martin did La Vida Loca 😏.
November 30, 2023
4.5
I absolutely love Barbara Elsborg holiday stories! This one just corroborated that feeling. in fact i will go back and read some of her other stories. she does such great job on the setting for each one of them. they are never like something you have already read by someone else.
I absolutely love Barbara Elsborg holiday stories! This one just corroborated that feeling. in fact i will go back and read some of her other stories. she does such great job on the setting for each one of them. they are never like something you have already read by someone else.
January 28, 2024
Totally insta - no matter that Arlo claimed that he had stalked planned this for months ahead which means he had feelings for Conrad first. Still, Conrad didn't know him before. A bit creepy, me thinks. But it seemed that Arlo and Conrad fit together, so good for them. I loved the Lehner family; they provided such wonderful entertainment in the story that had a very horrible character in form of Conrad's ex.
The story is said to be expanded from the original one of Winter Wonderland Prolific Works giveaway. I don't read the original story - so I don't know whether this improved it or not.
By the way, Coldplay's song is Viva La Vida! ... La Vida Loca is by Ricky Martin (and its full title is LIVIN' La Vida Loca). I ended up looking for cello/violin/string quartet cover of Coldplay's song on YouTube after reading this story. And BOY, they were good!
The story is said to be expanded from the original one of Winter Wonderland Prolific Works giveaway. I don't read the original story - so I don't know whether this improved it or not.
By the way, Coldplay's song is Viva La Vida! ... La Vida Loca is by Ricky Martin (and its full title is LIVIN' La Vida Loca). I ended up looking for cello/violin/string quartet cover of Coldplay's song on YouTube after reading this story. And BOY, they were good!
November 26, 2023
Finally a Christmas story that didn't feel like a"need to have a book ready for the Christmas sales". It actually was the first book this season I really enjoyed, with all the ingredients you want from a holiday story, including a nice airline pilot, a sweet accountant and a skiing trip to Salzburg (not far from where I am from, which was an added bonus).
It was pretty much insta love, but that didn't bother me too much.
I also loved that the "stalking" that took place in the beginning did not lead to lots of unnecessary drama, but was solved in an adult fashion.
Yes the main characters were both too good to be real and the coincidences ridiculous (of course there was a second Cello available in the house for Conrad to play, I mean, who hasn't one of those stored in his attic) ...
Loved it and it got me in the mood for my upcoming trip to Austria, where I hear the first snow had just arrived... 4 stars and recommended
It was pretty much insta love, but that didn't bother me too much.
I also loved that the "stalking" that took place in the beginning did not lead to lots of unnecessary drama, but was solved in an adult fashion.
Yes the main characters were both too good to be real and the coincidences ridiculous (of course there was a second Cello available in the house for Conrad to play, I mean, who hasn't one of those stored in his attic) ...
Loved it and it got me in the mood for my upcoming trip to Austria, where I hear the first snow had just arrived... 4 stars and recommended
January 9, 2024
Already forgot
this book--except rape? hijinks?
true love? murder try?
this book--except rape? hijinks?
true love? murder try?
April 13, 2024
The first chapter was brutal. Full of malice and misery.
Mark deserved a punch and I wish Conrad had provided it.
This did not read like a Barbara Elsborg. DNF
Mark deserved a punch and I wish Conrad had provided it.
This did not read like a Barbara Elsborg. DNF
December 26, 2023
Not happy when I find books by fav authors accidentally. I rely on GR monthly new releases (of your authors) lists to tell me what's coming out. And this one was an epic fail!
But yay I did find it and of course, loved it.
A bit darker and more somber than my other xmas reads. But also, this pair is a very cute couple so apart from awful Mark, the rest of the story is top notch.
Loved loved.
But yay I did find it and of course, loved it.
A bit darker and more somber than my other xmas reads. But also, this pair is a very cute couple so apart from awful Mark, the rest of the story is top notch.
Loved loved.
November 23, 2023
**2.5 Stars**
I liked the free short from the WinterWonderland Giveaway a bit better even though there was a LOT of missing stuff. The nice thing about this version was that it gave me that missing stuff so I didn't feel like I was whizzing through someone's holiday romance. Unfortunately, the writing style made the story feel really forced, like the author felt they needed to write this but wasn't really into it, if that makes sense. I loved Conrad but I'm not so sure about Arlo (he did come across as a bit stalker-ish and too clingy) but the two of them together seemed to make sense.
I didn't hate the story but it lacked excitement no matter how hard it tried. Maybe it was wrong book, wrong time? I don't know, I just know it turned out to be a just okay read. *sigh*
WARNING There is an on page assault that may very well be a trigger for some! It was difficult to read.
● Holiday/Christmas
● Fast easy read
● A sort of meet cute
● Sweet
● Past and current abuse (on page)
● Light on sex
● A horrible ex
● One horrible family/one really great family
● A sort of stalker (lol)
● More than likeable MCs... Conrad & Arlo
● The writing style threw me (it felt forced)
● An okay read, didn't knock my socks off
● Needed another read through to check for mistakes (not a lot but enough to interrupt my reading)
● Maybe it was me and not the story, I don't know
November 12, 2023
This is an extended version of a previously free story story on Prolific Works, but as I hadn’t read the freebie I went into this blind - and loved it. It’s a warm hug of a Christmas story (although read the trigger warnings regarding one particular scene).
I really liked Conrad as a character despite at the beginning being a little frustrated with him and wishing he’d stick up for himself more when we saw the recap of his relationship with his ex - the horrible Mark. However the book needed those scenes so we could see how much Conrad grows over the course of the story.
Arlo - the lovable stalker! - I just loved from the beginning. Barbara Elsborg writes these cute, ditsy, chatty characters like no other author at the moment. I also loved the protective big brothers and the loving family and how they semi adopted Conrad too.
This is a great Christmas read that can be done in one sitting in a few hours. One of my favourites so far of this year’s Christmas releases.
I really liked Conrad as a character despite at the beginning being a little frustrated with him and wishing he’d stick up for himself more when we saw the recap of his relationship with his ex - the horrible Mark. However the book needed those scenes so we could see how much Conrad grows over the course of the story.
Arlo - the lovable stalker! - I just loved from the beginning. Barbara Elsborg writes these cute, ditsy, chatty characters like no other author at the moment. I also loved the protective big brothers and the loving family and how they semi adopted Conrad too.
This is a great Christmas read that can be done in one sitting in a few hours. One of my favourites so far of this year’s Christmas releases.
January 15, 2024
I love heroes like this
Conrad is a real sweetheart. He didn't deserve the parents he was stuck with or the boyfriend he thought he did deserve. He's an excellent skier and an amazing cellist. Best of all, we see him get his happily ever after. (and former boyfriend gets exactly what he has coming to him while Conrad lives his best life with the man who truly loves him.)
An excellent holiday read.
Conrad is a real sweetheart. He didn't deserve the parents he was stuck with or the boyfriend he thought he did deserve. He's an excellent skier and an amazing cellist. Best of all, we see him get his happily ever after. (and former boyfriend gets exactly what he has coming to him while Conrad lives his best life with the man who truly loves him.)
An excellent holiday read.
Read
January 9, 2024I needed a cute read to fill the time between reads (don’t talk to me) and this was it.
I think we could have done with more peril and more suspense with the set up but I’m happy with what it is as it served its purpose and gave what it needed to give.
Catch me reading more of the same tomorrow as I patiently wait on book mail
I think we could have done with more peril and more suspense with the set up but I’m happy with what it is as it served its purpose and gave what it needed to give.
Catch me reading more of the same tomorrow as I patiently wait on book mail
November 12, 2023
It’s Barbara…
I went into this not in the holiday spirit and finished ready to make my house puke festivity. Beautiful story by one of the best in the genre. She cannot write enough to suit me.
I went into this not in the holiday spirit and finished ready to make my house puke festivity. Beautiful story by one of the best in the genre. She cannot write enough to suit me.
November 12, 2023
A brilliant snowy story of unique characters.
Nothing about the book was boring, or predictable. I had loads of fun with Arlo’s shenanigans and his wit.
Great read from beginning to end!
Nothing about the book was boring, or predictable. I had loads of fun with Arlo’s shenanigans and his wit.
Great read from beginning to end!
December 24, 2024
4.5⭐️ 1.5🌶️
November 11, 2023
Barbara Elsborg is always a great read!
This was a great story, I loved the two main characters. The “well almost” bit at the end was SO satisfying!
This was a great story, I loved the two main characters. The “well almost” bit at the end was SO satisfying!
November 25, 2023
ok, I generally enjoy Barbara Elsborg's writing, but this one didn't do it for me. I must've read the short story it was based on, as it felt increasingly familiar as I read, but honestly it worked much better as a short story (according to the author it's been significantly expanded from the short story). Everything was just so overwrought and over the top - Conrad's background isn't just sad, it's SO VERY SAD AND UNFAIR. Arlo isn't just sweet and understanding, he's SO VERY SWEET AND LOVELY WITHOUT ANY FLAWS (although he reads like he's around 18, not an adult with a grown up job as an airline pilot). Conrad's ex isn't just a narcissistic jerk, he's THE WORST IMAGINABLE AND IS EVEN WORSE THAN YOU THOUGHT. The expanded content just makes the original story (which required some suspension of disbelief) so much more over the top (attempted murder? Assault?). It was too much. And unfortunately the writing wasn't up to the author's usual standard - it read like a running description - he said this then he did that then he said something else - without much nuance or depth. Not the worst I've read, but I can't recommend this one.
October 16, 2023
Wonderful warm hug of a Christmas book, although with some definite trauma in one MC’s past, and a (fairly brief but dramatic) episode during the story.
Two very different MCs, who complement each other beautifully with enough in common to make it believable. Arlo’s family are amazing and I want them to adopt me!
Conrad needed to believe in himself, and it was lovely to see how he developed over the course of the story.
For some reason, I didn’t read the short version of the story. This is my review for the revised, longer version.
Two very different MCs, who complement each other beautifully with enough in common to make it believable. Arlo’s family are amazing and I want them to adopt me!
Conrad needed to believe in himself, and it was lovely to see how he developed over the course of the story.
For some reason, I didn’t read the short version of the story. This is my review for the revised, longer version.
did-not-finish
December 29, 2023DNF. Quickly realized this was not for me. Not at all what I was expecting so I'm stopping at Ch. 2
December 1, 2023
3.5 Stars
Conrad is so over his ex, but now he’ll be spending the Christmas holidays at a ski resort with him, his new boyfriend, and group of their friends. He should have canceled the trip, but at first the thought he had something to prove, and now it was too late to cancel. But then he meets Arlo, and the trip doesn’t seem like such a bad idea after all. Will he still feel the same way when he finds out what Arlo did to arrange their meeting?
Review: Arlo is so pure hearted. He sees a hurting Conrad and wants nothing more than to comfort him. Conrad has had his confidence in himself nearly destroyed by his narcissistic ex. But it turns out that Conrad is very competent in his job and hobbies. He’s funny and kind, too. It’s lovely to see how Arlo’s attention and his family’s acceptance help Conrad regain his confidence. I like how Conrad playing the cello became this tiny mystery—why was Arlo so excited that they both play the cello? Why did Arlo’s family react the way they did? So fun. I also really enjoyed how Arlo and Conrad got around saying “I love you” too soon.
I had a little bit of a hard time getting into the story. Conrad’s explanation of his relationship with his ex took more time than I would have liked. Arlo’s character is sweet, but at times he seems super naive and young. Younger and more naive than he appears later. So sometimes he’s a little inconsistent.
The author warns of a scene with an assault, and while I get its use in Conrad’s arc, it was a bit jarring in a holiday story.
But overall, this was a sweet, low angst story with a bit of steaminess.
Conrad is so over his ex, but now he’ll be spending the Christmas holidays at a ski resort with him, his new boyfriend, and group of their friends. He should have canceled the trip, but at first the thought he had something to prove, and now it was too late to cancel. But then he meets Arlo, and the trip doesn’t seem like such a bad idea after all. Will he still feel the same way when he finds out what Arlo did to arrange their meeting?
Review: Arlo is so pure hearted. He sees a hurting Conrad and wants nothing more than to comfort him. Conrad has had his confidence in himself nearly destroyed by his narcissistic ex. But it turns out that Conrad is very competent in his job and hobbies. He’s funny and kind, too. It’s lovely to see how Arlo’s attention and his family’s acceptance help Conrad regain his confidence. I like how Conrad playing the cello became this tiny mystery—why was Arlo so excited that they both play the cello? Why did Arlo’s family react the way they did? So fun. I also really enjoyed how Arlo and Conrad got around saying “I love you” too soon.
I had a little bit of a hard time getting into the story. Conrad’s explanation of his relationship with his ex took more time than I would have liked. Arlo’s character is sweet, but at times he seems super naive and young. Younger and more naive than he appears later. So sometimes he’s a little inconsistent.
The author warns of a scene with an assault, and while I get its use in Conrad’s arc, it was a bit jarring in a holiday story.
But overall, this was a sweet, low angst story with a bit of steaminess.
November 12, 2023
Barbara Elsborg proudly wears the crown of Queen of the hurt/comfort genre! And there's an equal amount of both in this new Christmas book. As well as heaps of love, both romantic and family, a bit of spice and seduction added to the perfect romance in The Mission!
I cringed every time Conrad had to deal with his no-good, lying cheating asshole ex, and the abuse he experienced at his hands and his words, his despicable behavior toward the sweetest, loyal Conrad! I hate him, that Mark, who played with Conrad's feelings, made him feel inadequate, and physically abused him and poor Conrad had enough. His parents should be partially or even maybe more blamed for not loving and showing it to Conrad! And that's why I so admire the Lehner family, who accepted and loved Conrad from the first time after meeting him.
Arlo is the cutest, most charming, soft-hearted guy, who fell for Conrad and got almost heartbroken when he saw Conrad crying, not even knowing his history, he couldn't leave it alone, his need to comfort almost made him obsessed, and a bit "stalkerish"?
We have a budding romance unfurling from the first head bump at the airport queue line and flourishing into a full-blown lovefest! Perfect Christmas, warm, inviting family and of course a super hot shmexy times, who wouldn't love a book like that? I did, so much, that I needed to re-read it right away! Seriously, people, go get it, give yourself a nice Christmas treat!
I cringed every time Conrad had to deal with his no-good, lying cheating asshole ex, and the abuse he experienced at his hands and his words, his despicable behavior toward the sweetest, loyal Conrad! I hate him, that Mark, who played with Conrad's feelings, made him feel inadequate, and physically abused him and poor Conrad had enough. His parents should be partially or even maybe more blamed for not loving and showing it to Conrad! And that's why I so admire the Lehner family, who accepted and loved Conrad from the first time after meeting him.
Arlo is the cutest, most charming, soft-hearted guy, who fell for Conrad and got almost heartbroken when he saw Conrad crying, not even knowing his history, he couldn't leave it alone, his need to comfort almost made him obsessed, and a bit "stalkerish"?
We have a budding romance unfurling from the first head bump at the airport queue line and flourishing into a full-blown lovefest! Perfect Christmas, warm, inviting family and of course a super hot shmexy times, who wouldn't love a book like that? I did, so much, that I needed to re-read it right away! Seriously, people, go get it, give yourself a nice Christmas treat!
January 8, 2024
This was such a super cute little holiday story! I really loved Conrad, and even though he kept beating himself over staying with his ex for longer than he should have, I think it was definitely something a lot of us can relate to. He was stuck in an abusive relationship, and it was difficult for him to get out of it, and I love that Arlo gave him the love he needed to see that there was nothing wrong with him and that he deserves so much better.
Arlo was such a little ball of sunshine, and I loved how he was there for Conrad, and how he was also coming out of a bad relationship and saw a bit of himself in Arlo. I liked how they were able to talk to each other about their experiences and be there for one another. And I loved Arlo's family and how they took Conrad in and how Rurik especially, as Conrad's boss, was able to help him with how his ex treated him at work.
The stalker thing was a little strange, and I wish he hadn't been called a stalker, because that's definitely worrisome behavior. But really, Arlo only saw Conrad crying one night and saw a kindred soul in his sadness, and then asked his brother about him ever little while. Once they got to the skiing lodge, that was when he did a few things to make sure they ran into each other, but he didn't find out information about Conrad from his brother, and I don't think he really crossed boundaries, so if that's a concern for you, I don't think it needs to be.
Conrad and Arlo were super cute and sweet, and I liked how Conrad grew into himself and stood up for himself. This was awesome and I loved the sweetness <3
CW: abusive relationship (in the past, but talked about in detail), sexual assault (on page), neglectful parents (in the past, talked about)
Arlo was such a little ball of sunshine, and I loved how he was there for Conrad, and how he was also coming out of a bad relationship and saw a bit of himself in Arlo. I liked how they were able to talk to each other about their experiences and be there for one another. And I loved Arlo's family and how they took Conrad in and how Rurik especially, as Conrad's boss, was able to help him with how his ex treated him at work.
The stalker thing was a little strange, and I wish he hadn't been called a stalker, because that's definitely worrisome behavior. But really, Arlo only saw Conrad crying one night and saw a kindred soul in his sadness, and then asked his brother about him ever little while. Once they got to the skiing lodge, that was when he did a few things to make sure they ran into each other, but he didn't find out information about Conrad from his brother, and I don't think he really crossed boundaries, so if that's a concern for you, I don't think it needs to be.
Conrad and Arlo were super cute and sweet, and I liked how Conrad grew into himself and stood up for himself. This was awesome and I loved the sweetness <3
CW: abusive relationship (in the past, but talked about in detail), sexual assault (on page), neglectful parents (in the past, talked about)
November 13, 2023
4.5 Stars!
What a delightful Christmas story! Not that I expected anything else considering it's a Barbara Elsborg book and she's one of my favorite authors.
Conrad's last ex is like a nightmare he can't wake up from and to make things worse now he would have to spend his Christmas trip with Mark, his new boyfriend, and his coworkers because he couldn't get a refund. But after a chance encounter at the airport with the handsome Arlo, which might not have been entirely by chance, things start looking up for Conrad.
I felt so sorry for Conrad at first, his ex, Mark was a twatwaffle who had nearly everyone fooled, and treated Conrad so badly. Thankfully, Conrad finally saw the light and dumped him, and just in time, too, so he could work on rebuilding his life and his confidence before meeting Arlo. Arlo was such a sweetheart, I loved how determined he was to meet Conrad. His brothers were a hoot, and so protective of him. LOL
I loved that there was no angst between Arlo and Conrad, they had amazing chemistry and Arlo treated Conrad like he deserved to be treated. I just loved them together.
I adored this book, I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. It was so much fun and I can't recommend it enough.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
What a delightful Christmas story! Not that I expected anything else considering it's a Barbara Elsborg book and she's one of my favorite authors.
Conrad's last ex is like a nightmare he can't wake up from and to make things worse now he would have to spend his Christmas trip with Mark, his new boyfriend, and his coworkers because he couldn't get a refund. But after a chance encounter at the airport with the handsome Arlo, which might not have been entirely by chance, things start looking up for Conrad.
I felt so sorry for Conrad at first, his ex, Mark was a twatwaffle who had nearly everyone fooled, and treated Conrad so badly. Thankfully, Conrad finally saw the light and dumped him, and just in time, too, so he could work on rebuilding his life and his confidence before meeting Arlo. Arlo was such a sweetheart, I loved how determined he was to meet Conrad. His brothers were a hoot, and so protective of him. LOL
I loved that there was no angst between Arlo and Conrad, they had amazing chemistry and Arlo treated Conrad like he deserved to be treated. I just loved them together.
I adored this book, I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. It was so much fun and I can't recommend it enough.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
December 2, 2023
2.5 stars.
The characters were likable but felt much younger than they actually were. Even the much older brothers seemed barely older than the MCs and one was supposed to be a father and CEO of a large company. They made questionable decisions - going on the holiday with the ex, stalking some guy you'd never met then manipulating a meeting, confronting an abuser and attempted rapist to tell him off instead of letting the police do their thing - that reeked of emotional immaturity. (That and the fact all Arlo could talk or think about was fucking).
The relationship got very serious very fast (literally days). Love at first sight for Arlo and almost the same for Conrad who was still only a few months out of an abusive relationship. Too much too quickly to be at all believable.
The characters themselves were sweet, the ex was appropriately evil and got his comeuppance, and they all lived happily ever after. Cute, yes, but not the kind of story I was expecting from this author who is usually a no brainer buy for me.
The characters were likable but felt much younger than they actually were. Even the much older brothers seemed barely older than the MCs and one was supposed to be a father and CEO of a large company. They made questionable decisions - going on the holiday with the ex, stalking some guy you'd never met then manipulating a meeting, confronting an abuser and attempted rapist to tell him off instead of letting the police do their thing - that reeked of emotional immaturity. (That and the fact all Arlo could talk or think about was fucking).
The relationship got very serious very fast (literally days). Love at first sight for Arlo and almost the same for Conrad who was still only a few months out of an abusive relationship. Too much too quickly to be at all believable.
The characters themselves were sweet, the ex was appropriately evil and got his comeuppance, and they all lived happily ever after. Cute, yes, but not the kind of story I was expecting from this author who is usually a no brainer buy for me.
November 11, 2023
Just a quote from a book for starters.
Conrad:
"If there's something I don't need it's a reminder of some my previous mistakes in life. Except this is mistakes plus a total pushover times 3..."
Conrad has been a victim of his narcissistic boyfriend for far too long, so his self esteem is very low until there's an incident that proverbially 'brokes the camels' back'.
But it's hard to pickup the pieces when you are on a skiing Christmas holidays stuck with your ex and the people you don't really connect to. He's doing a hell of a job and a help from a friendly "stalker" is the all additional empowerment he needs.
I've never read a book by Barbara Elsborg that I didn't like or love and the same goes for this heartwarming, relatively low angst Christmas story written in her usual manner - great character and story development, laced with humour and heat.
Definitely recommended Christmas read!
Conrad:
"If there's something I don't need it's a reminder of some my previous mistakes in life. Except this is mistakes plus a total pushover times 3..."
Conrad has been a victim of his narcissistic boyfriend for far too long, so his self esteem is very low until there's an incident that proverbially 'brokes the camels' back'.
But it's hard to pickup the pieces when you are on a skiing Christmas holidays stuck with your ex and the people you don't really connect to. He's doing a hell of a job and a help from a friendly "stalker" is the all additional empowerment he needs.
I've never read a book by Barbara Elsborg that I didn't like or love and the same goes for this heartwarming, relatively low angst Christmas story written in her usual manner - great character and story development, laced with humour and heat.
Definitely recommended Christmas read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews