In This Bed of Snowflakes We Lie

by Sophia Soames

Oskar Høiland hides from life. It just makes things easier that way, not having to face all the fears and drama of living. He especially hides from other people, because Oskar has grown up fearing the snide remarks and the quick glances that strip him of the tiny scraps of confidence he still has left. He is just going to keep existing. Work hard to complete his medical degree and perhaps watch a few more series on Netflix in peace and quiet over Christmas.

Erik Nøst Hansen should be an almost fully-fledged adult. He should be able to sort out the mess that festers in his head and stop lying. It’s just hard. And it’s bloody terrifying to even acknowledge the thoughts that swirl around in his head at night when he can’t sleep. He also needs to figure out how to talk to the boy downstairs. The one with the golden curls and the crooked smile. The boy who is completely monopolising Erik’s messed-up heart.

A story of falling in love and being brave. A Christmas tale with a difference, set in the university dorms of central Oslo, where lies are uncovered, snowflakes are falling all over the place, and beds are made to lie in. There is a slightly unconventional family. A mess of animal onesies. Too much food and a very Merry Christmas.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Holiday, Christmas, Contemporary, LGBT, New Adult

202 pages, Unknown Binding

First published November 14, 2019

About the author

Author of Contemporary M/M romance with all the feels. This is where flawed men discover happy endings, in truly European fairy tales.

Reviews

[☆ Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was New Adult, charming cuteness with a good number of heart-tugging feels, plain and simple.

Shy and reserved second year med student Oskar had severe anxiety, and was acing all of his coursework, but otherwise mostly stayed hidden away in the safety of his dorm room.



At least until he found cute, drunk, third year "guy from upstairs" Erik passed out in his bed, which made him simultaneously want to boot the boy out the door and never allow him to leave.



And after a restless night perched on the edge of the same bed, waking to find the quirky stranger gone, Oskar had even more questions (and conflicting feelings) on the subject than he'd had the night before.

He never knew it could be like this. That just the thought of having someone sleeping next to you could fill you with fear. Yet fill you with all these feelings.

There is this volcano of questions clouding his thoughts to the point of his head aching. Who the heck is this guy anyway? What if he had still been here? What if through some strange blip in the universe this guy is just meant to be here, here for a reason? What if this hasn’t been a crazy accident? A fluke of some drunken madness, and Oskar has just flipped him off like he is nothing. An inconvenience and a hassle.

His face is burning. His eyes wet from feelings he doesn’t quite understand.

Both MC's were nothing short of adorable and pretty perfect for one another right from the start, and I especially loved how Erik seemed to always know what to do or say to help calm Oskar's constant hurricane of overwhelming emotion.

The long, zigzag process of the boys becoming comfortable with one another was full of fits and starts, but once Oskar went home with Erik for Christmas with his odd, super-affectionate family, they were on the same page as for their feelings.



I loved seeing how Oskar's worries and fears inexplicably reacted to the hustle and bustle of Erik's large, crazy family, because that was the very last thing that I'd expected to happen. I don't typically use flowery words like "lovely", but that would actually apply here.

I found the steam to be fairly limited; however, the “GET THE FUCK BACK IN THERE!” penetrative sex scene, fuck me, that scene was hilarious and was pretty much *everything* that I needed.



Hungry bottom much? ;- )

There were, however, a few aspects of the book that didn't work as well for me, such as:

1.) Both of the MC's, plus a side characters, suffered from moderate to severe anxiety, which was FUUUUUCKING EXHAUSTING. One severely-anxious character per book is *more* than enough for me, TYVM.

2.) The story was told in present tense, which is my very least favorite to read.

3.) Throughout a large part of the story, the story used very few contractions, so the guys' conversations felt much more formal and stilted than the situations remotely required.

Overall, this book was a big hit for me, so I'd rate it at just over 4 stars, and look forward to reading other stories from this author.

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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.

See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)

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[Lisazj1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Reread November 2021

Perfect way to kick off my holiday reading! I love Erik and Oskar and all the rest more every time I read them. 🥰

*Reread November 2020

*twirls and sparkles* This was perfect!! Just as sweet and adorable and filled with swoons as it was the first time, and God, did I need this! So I guess this one is going to be another holiday tradition for me. 🥰🥰

And I still want the Nøst Hansen family to adopt me. ❤️

******

1st read November 2019

4.5 stars! OMG, I am a big, melty, happy puddle of smiley-swoon, with my cheeks hurting from grinning so much. 😍

Not a perfect story. Both boys had issues *though don't we all*, and sometimes all the emotional shifts and anxiety attacks were chaotic and jumbled and frankly exhausting but it felt real and true with both Oskar and Erik.

Balancing that out was the sweet, funny and damn adorable way that they discover how they each make sense of the world for the other. The way they help each other make sense of themselves. Yes, it was a little bit insta-love, for Oskar anyway. Erik had been crushing *not so secretly* for months. But Sophia Soames made it work for me, and I completely didn't care. *And yes, admittedly, I'm an absolute sap, and quite happy with that. :)*

And oh Lord help me, those two taking each other's gay-sex v-cards was at the same time so hilarious and also hot in that adorable Erik and Oskar way that, it almost killed me. I giggled all the way through. They made me smile so much and filled my heart right up with feels.

Also, I want the Nøst Hansen family to adopt me. They were amazing, each and every one of them. As were all the "cool" guys from upstairs, once Oskar actually got the chance to see them as they really were.

This story was such a holiday *or any time* win for me, if I could hug that wonderful elf Gingersnap Cuddle Fluff for making my heart feel so happy, I totally would. Since I can't, I'm going to hug this story a little more. Thank you again so much for this lovely read! 😘😘

*****

This sweet gift was given to me by the equally sweet Gingersnap Cuddle Fluff and I know I'm going to love it. <3 Thank you!

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was highly recommended and without a doubt, I can see why.
It was adorable.
I don't often read YA. I don't often try new authors.
I'm so glad I made the exception...both times.

A little quirky and a lot cute, these two college boys pulled me into their world and I was enveloped with the feels.
Their worries, their anxiety, their excitement, and their enchantment.
I was besotted with them and I bet you'll join me in my starstruck gaze.

If you need a dose of holiday happiness...or just happiness, why not reveal the mystery behind the title?
Festive and bright with a family you won't soon forget, this is a tale I'll cherish and most likely revisit in the future.
Thanks for the rec, Lisa! *hugs*

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oskar and Erik

Delightful just freaking delightful. Two ridiculously adorable guys I loved them both instantly!

Oskar lives in room 212:A, solitude. He prefers it, he doesn’t like people, more because people don’t like him he thinks. He doesn’t understand life, no friends, no boyfriend, not ever once kissed Than suddenly there is a sleeping guy in his bed.
It’s Erik from the room above him, where the popular guys live. He is drunk and fast asleep. Oskar needs sleep too. Oskar has the best fluffy, comfortable bed Erik ever experienced. He wants to sleep there every night. Erik has a crush for Oskar, the beautiful boy from room 212:A

Erik pretends a lot. Disguise his uncertainties by a brave mouth. When he looks at Oskar his heart flutters and that is real, he wants real so much.
Erik is so in love, he worships the ground Oskar walks on.

There are more rooms in the building, with more students. Something beautiful happens behind those doors. When one of them is hurt. All doors open and there is help, comfort, and friendship. I can’t get enough of them. They all have the dearest, vulnerable, most amazing personalities.

“Because, I love you.” He wants to say, “Because, you are my person. You might not know it, but you are.”

An utterly delightful story. Two of the most gentle guys, both with their insecurities and anxiety.
Both so wonderfully real, my heart melted so much warmth and shy feelings.
They gave me, with their honest kindness, their sweetness, fucking thick goosebumps!

There is so much to wonder over, love, kisses and more, everything is new and has an impact on them. Utterly stunning.

An amazingly written story, so kind, humorous, delicate, bright, uplifting. This author has a special way of writing, an eye to put a light, from different angles, on very special precious moments. It made me a bit delirious, I was I love.

[Kaje Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, warm, lovely, immersive love story between the loner student hiding in his dorm room, and the extrovert upstairs with a crush who hasn't figured out how to come out. Despite issues of mental health, anxiety, depression, and family pressures, the overwhelming impression is like a featherbed embrace. The author's emotional, enthusiastic, humorous and loving prose makes this a great story for a comfort read. There's a crazy, wonderful, overwhelming big family, moments of clarity and light, and the reassurance that you don't have to be "normal" or perfect or without worries and flaws, to find true love.

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was full of cute vibes and warm, cozy feelings. Both Oskar and Erik had their struggles and felt broken and alone, Oskar with his extreme anxiety, and Erik feeling lost and overwhelmed, unsure of who he really was.

It was a bit insta-lovey, at least from Oskar’s side, but it still felt believable in its own way. I loved their dorm friends and Erik’s family, they were adorable.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 Stars

I’m rounding up because it was a lovely story and beautifully written. There was a little bit of insta love which isn’t my thing and that’s why it’s 3.5 stars. But even with that I was drawn in. Plus, if there’s ever a kind of book where insta love is ok, it’s a Holiday book. The prose was gorgeous, soothing and almost whimsical. It reminded me of Suki Fleet’s writing. (That’s a compliment.) I felt warm and comforted
by it. Add this to your Christmas reading list. 🎄

[NicoleR.M.M.]

DNF @ 23%. It’s clearly me, not the book. It frustrates me that I have over 700 books on my kindle and can’t seem to find something that holds my attention. I blame Catherine Cloud.

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute holiday whirlwind romance

This book reminded me - I need to read more Sophia Soames. I really do like her writing. There's something relaxing and melodic and nice about it. You get absorbed right into her stories, feel invested in the characters and their emotions.

The start was a little slow and at times a little confusing (in that you don't quite know where the story is going). But once the momentum and pacing pick up, the story is sweet and romantic. Note that this is a bit of instalove and forced proximity. The main characters are sweet and Erik's family is awesome. I loved all the holiday traditions and wacky, loving family.

I did rate this book 3 stars because it was good, well written and entertaining, but not quite what I would consider a 4 star book. And that's ok! I was thoroughly entertained and will miss reading about Erik's family!

I recommend this book for sure! A fun little holiday romance!

[Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.”

This ☝🏻. This is how I felt when I read this book. Oskar and Erik come together is such a tentative and beautiful way. There’s friends and fellow students who all have a unique voice who are cheering these two on, not to mention Erik’s wonderful, crazy and bananas family in a home that just oozes love. I adored the talk of food and the joy and comfort of Christmas with the ones we love and how the smallest things in life can give you the biggest joy. This book made me smile from beginning to end and is the perfect read for a rainy afternoon wrapped in a favourite blanket with a steaming mug of hot chocolate.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really a sweet story. Being in love from afar and not knowing how to tell him. Having to pretend to be someone he’s not. It gets tiring. But one drunken night, when he’s sad and lonely, turns out to be the best thing to happen.
Oskar was used to feeling like the loser. No one wants him. Hell, he’s never even been kissed. He doesn’t do well with people no matter how hard he tries. Truthfully, he’s better than he thinks, but he’s always so down on himself. But right now, his pissed off and having to calm a dormmate and friend down because of the drunken party upstairs. He goes to run to clear his head and comes back to find one of them in his bed. And the guy isn’t moving. He’s stressed and tired and tries to sleep but can’t. But that night leads to them becoming friends as Erik seems to have a weird obsession with his bed. But when Erik begs him to go home with him for Christmas, he does and the truth of some things are revealed, that leave Oskar shocked and a tad uncomfortable at first and Erik utterly mortified. But because of it, it’s allowed the door to be opened to things neither of them thought they’d ever have.
These boys are so sweet. It’s almost like a teenage drama of sorts. Erik in love with Oskar from afar and can’t say anything and Oskar, clueless, thinking he’s unloveable. But the truth is these boys are more than they give themselves credit for. Oskar has a way of being calming to those who need him. He thinks he’s not good with people, when in truth he really is. He just doubts himself too much. And Erik thinks that he has to play this role of the straight playboy, when in truth, no one cares who he really loves. And is actually waiting for him to pull his head out of his rear and make a move.
It’s a story of learning to be who you are, and accept that people do love you for it. You don’t have to change to be someone else. You just need to be true to yourself and the right one who gets you will come along. It’s about facing your fears, when the world feels like it’s going to collapse around you. It’s not always easy, but if it’s true, it’s worth it.


http://lovebytesreviews.com/

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time)]

Thank you for the gift, Resting Grinch Face Elf!

[Emily Seelye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!

I thought it was rather sweet just watching these two boys who seem so different on the surface get to know each other and realize they are more alike than first appear.

This left me with all the cozy feels!

Recommend

*I received an ARC

[Sharon Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved each and every book by Sophia Soames that I have read so I was very pleased when I was offered an ARC of In This Bed of Snowflakes We Lie. This book was not an exception. It is beautifully written and drew me in from page 1. The characters are believable and charismatic and I was cheering for them from the first page.
There are major obstacles to overcome but Oskar, who is the most damaged of the two main characters, will be able to do this with Erik's help. We want them to be together from the moment that they met.
Sophia gives us happy endings and she gives us a glimpse into the future after all is overcome and I love this.
As per usual she writes in the present tense but she does it so beautifully that it does not distract from the story.
Highly recommended.

[Lagaertha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, gritty, sweet and hilarious🌟❤️👌🏼The turmoil in both Oskar and Erik’s heads is so OTT in a funny, and sometimes a bit heartbreaking, way. The Christmas spirit is so present, and now I look forward to candles, snow, scents from oranges, cinnamon and pine - I’m ready for🎄❤️

I was kindly provided with an ARC in exchange of an honest review🌟💫

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads

Oskar and Erik’s story is a beautifully written new adult romance. It’s a story about the innocence of first love and the painful wonder of two young men growing into their adult selves. I absolutely loved this book and I devoured it in a single sitting.

When we meet Oskar, he’s an introverted, socially awkward student whose carefully ordered world is turned upside down by a boy who lives upstairs. Oskar is immediately familiar - and he’s equal parts loveable and infuriating. On the surface, Eric is Oskar’s opposite. He’s one of the confident, popular beautiful students - but in reality, he’s just as uncomfortable in his own skin as Oskar is.

Everything changes when Erik takes a chance and invites Oskar home for the holidays. Without spoilers, this is where the magic happens and this is when the book becomes something special. I love Erik’s family, I love the Norwegian setting and I completely fell in love with the connection that slowly builds between Erik and Oskar.

On many levels, this is a very simple book that explores familiar coming of age themes. It’s the writing that makes the book special. The author crafts beautiful, convincing characters and relationships that feel real and very human. It’s a quiet, gentle story but it’s an absolutely wonderful read. This is an unexpected delight - the author is new to me, the cover is unassuming and the title didn’t particularly grab my attention. But I’m very glad I’ve had the chance to enjoy this story.

[ML · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautiful. I loved it.
When one person loves you from afar and figures out how to get you to spend the holidays with them, magic ensues.
The chemistry and care that Erik and Oskar show each other made my heart sing.
These characters will stay with you long after you are done reading this book.
I fell in love with them. You will too.
I highly recommend this lovely story.

[Bekka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was absolutely..adorable? Erik and Oskar just stole my heart.
The pacing and slight feeling of things being skipped over at times makes sense reading the note at the end as this was originally released episodically like an advent calendar!

Tags: MC with anxiety, virgin MC, both MCs believe to be unworthy and the other MC to be like the bestest most special person ever, Christmas with other MCs family, side-character with OCD, side-character mentions suicidal thoughts, struggling with anxiety, first time awkwardness, lying in the snow together, bed love, insta love, pining, set in Norway (Oslo and Moss), dorm-mate makes unsolicited sexual comments about MCs sex life, MC inserts himself into other MCs bed and by doing so into his life, sleeping in bed together before sex, I love yous before kissing and sex, teenage angst and levels of feeling too much but MCs are in their twenties, everyone knows about the crush except the crushee

Trying to limit quotes...

Because he wants that. He wants to be loved, and have that over-the-top epic love story happen to him, where someone will fall in love with him so desperately that he won’t be able to help his pathetic little heart. (p. 31)

He needs to give the dressing gown back. Except his plan was to wash it and then sneak down here in the middle of the night and rub it all over Oskar, so he could steal it back and sleep with it at night. (p. 50)

…he wants Oskar to have fun. To be loved. To feel what Erik feels whenever he is home, like he’s cuddled up in this warm, fleecy blanket of love, where nothing in the world can hurt him. Apart from Lego bricks on the stairs and his dad’s over-spicy mulled wine. But Oskar clearly isn’t feeling it, so Erik does the only thing he can think to do. He wraps Oskar in a hug. Scoops him up and buries his face in Oskar’s scarf. It smells of soap and awesome beds and warm duvets and pillows that feel like clouds against your skin. “If it all gets too much, just tap me on the arm. One tap means help me, I’m struggling. Two taps mean get me out of here now. Three taps? That’s full red alert, and I promise I will get you out of the house and have you back in your own bed within the hour. Whatever the cost. Okay?” (p. 64)

How does he tell someone that he not only has the biggest crush on them, but that his whole world has been revolving around them since the first time he saw them? (p. 81)

“You know you said you owe me all these favours?” Oskar asks softly. He needs to continue talking before he chickens out. Breathe, Oskar. In… Out… Erik sighs and leans back into him. “I owe you so many favours you need to start writing a list.” He nudges Oskar’s forehead with his cheek. “What do you want, baby?” I want you to call me baby for the rest of my life. (p. 115)

“CONDOM!” Oskar shrieks and pulls out.
“GET THE FUCK BACK IN THERE!” Erik shrieks back. “Need a condom!” Oskar scrambles desperately across the bed, trying to rip open a box with his teeth.
“FUCK THE CONDOM! You’re already in there, and we fucking won’t need them!”
“I’m a fucking virgin,” Oskar provides desperately.
“I give blood. I get tested every three months, and I haven’t had sex for over a year. Get the hell back in there!”
“Why are we shouting?”
“I don’t know! You’re the fucking doctor! Now fuck the hell out of me before I slam you down on this bed and fuck you instead.” (p. 158)

“You’ve made me realise that it’s fine to be broken. We’re all broken in one way or another, but we can still live our lives and even be happy. We can find those small glimpses of good times, you know? Even when things are dark, sometimes things are really, really good. You taught me that. Remember?” (p. 164)

NSFW infos:
- One MC Oskar (22, unsure of sexuality (pan? refers to the fact that he seems to get turned on by different things he sees no rhyme or reason behind, virgin)
- Other MC Erik (almost 25, has only been with women, has been pining for other MC ever since he first laid eyes on him)
- failing at kissing
- coming in trousers first time
- first time is imperfect

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

In This Bed of Snowflakes is an exquisite college romance by Sophia Soames.

As with the author's previous books, this is set in Norway, setting the reader up for a unique read. Omg, I seriously love, love, love this story. I am torn about the writing style. Part of me hates it, as it's written in present tense, sometimes feeling very awkward. At the same time however, the writing is almost lyrical and I just let myself sit back and enjoy the ride.

Eric's, a gay college student who hides behind his drinking. He hates being closeted, but just can't take that first step. At the same time, he can't stop being enamored by Oscar. And Oscar. Oh, poor Oscar. He's a man who doesn't know how to socialize, and avoids it at all costs. The way Eric works his way into Oscar's life is great. But, I feel bad for him at the same time.

Their story is mesmerizing. It is truly a wonderful story; one of the rare ones that leaves you a better person for having read it. It's a complex mix of mental illness issues and self acceptance issues. The author dives in head first, illustrating ocd, anxiety, and social anxiety issues throughout this story.

This is the story of a desperate crush that makes one boy start having his first gay feelings. It is full of innocence and first times. They connect on a cellular level, but aren't out at school. Both men will leave the reader emotionally drained at times. Their struggles are so real, and so well developed. The tone throughout is very serious with some humor sprinkled in at times.

It's set at Christmas time, taking the men to Eric's house. Let the fun begin. I cannot praise this part enough. Eric's family is crazy and fabulous. Their caffeine issue is hysterical, as well as their outfits. The house is overflowing with love, laughter, and warmth. Everyone should be so lucky to experience a family like this.


There are so many aspects to the story that are just amazing. Love can change everything. Feeling like you belong and are loved is life changing. Opening yourself up to others can open you up to a whole new world.

This quote sums it up perfectly.
"We may be weak on our own, but together, with the right person... Well, nothing can touch us. Love does that to people. You find your person, that person who just makes you strong. Makes you happy. Makes you light. Invincible. Like you're floating on air."

In This Bed of Snowflakes We Lie is a brilliant story of learning how to be true to oneself. Sophia Soames expertly addresses an array of mental issues in this magnificent tale that's full of heart, pain, and love. Honestly, this book reminds me of a book club read that everyone needs to experience. It is so much more than just a romance.

[Joyfully Jay]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

I loved both of these guys and their quirky ways. Erik’s confident façade shelters a heart of mush—sure he’ll be ridiculed and terrorized if he does come out. Oskar has never been kissed, and barely can function in the real world, but he’s captivated by handsome Erik and unexpectedly charmed by Erik’s loud, boisterous, and loving family. They take Oskar right into their bosom—in the literal and figurative sense—and I enjoyed watching Oskar’s anxiety abating under the adoration of Erik’s whole family. I loved the tender conversations in the relative quiet of Erik’s childhood bedroom and experiencing their timid explorations into physical love. The story isn’t always linear, but I liked the parts where Oskar gets unsettled and Erik’s POV explains his backstory to fill in the gaps. I also truly enjoyed the descriptions of everyday Norwegian life and the cultural celebrations around Christmas.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.

[Calila · Rating 5 out of 5]

*A copy was provided by the author for free in exchange for an honest review*

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS. This is just an adorable, sweet, funny, cute romance about two guys really falling in love for the first time. Oskar is a massive introvert who comes out of his shell, and Erik is insecure fake (though not in a bad way) who grows into his truth. I honestly loved their relationship so much. It was just happy and adorable (yes, I'm using that word again). I love the trip they take to Erik's home for Christmas. Families are always hit or miss for me, they can end up to nosy and controlling/manipulative even from "love", but Erik's family was fun and supportive and irreverent. Their traditions were hilarious. Honestly, I recommend this wholeheartedly if you just want a happy holiday book that will make me smile and feel good.

[Mac Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable holiday romance to snuggle up on the couch with. Erik and Oskar will steal your heart, two young guys just looking for someone to love. I really felt for Oskar who didn’t feel like he fit in and struggled to interact with people, Erik certainly helped bring him out of his shell and was too cute it was almost too much.

This book has the best family Christmas, I want an animal onesie now!

[Paula´s Brief Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

No le pongo 4* por varias razones
- La primera mitad es muy entretenida, de más de 4 estrellas, pero en cuanto suena el primer I Love You la fastidiamos, debería dejarlo ahí y punto
- De verdad quiere que después de leer la trama y ver cómo se comportan y hablan los protagonistas no creamos que tienen 22 y 25 años?, Por Dios! dejemos de ser mojigatos, los adolescentes de 16 y 17 años también tienen relaciones sexuales consentidas.... aunque sea con un mayor de 18 años, no me pongas a adultos a comportarse como adolescentes que la fastidias.... Además, se supone que estos son de países Nórdicos, los mas adelantados de Europa......
- Y last but not least...... Que portada más horrorosamente horrorosa!, y se permite el lujo de dar las gracias.... Sra. Soames, no me gusta nada de nada su gusto!

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. Buried in my tbr for quite a while, and it reminded me so much of the Claire Davis/Al Stewart stories I read a few years ago [and boy do I miss their imaginative reads 😕].

This could be the start of a new author hunt 😏.

[Kitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author. In fact, it reminded me so much of another Scandinavian author who also writes about quirky characters in growing, learning, awkward and strange situations, that for a moment I thought I was reading one of that other authors' books. However, this story is different in wonderful ways. I found it to be a rather unconventional and quirky love story and I really enjoyed it! I loved Erik and Oskar. They are sweet, funny, and sometimes downright strange. (I mean, who just walks into a near stranger's room and asks to sleep in their bed?). I loved how they each thought the other was handsome and desirable, but didn't see any allure in themselves. Both lack confidence in expressing what is in their hearts until Erik reaches past his fear to invite Oskar to Christmas with his family, and that is just a fun adventure all around. I love, love, love this story and these characters, especially the way Oskar was so generous and caring to Natalie and helpful to others. I want to read more from this author based on this taste.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Anu Vaarama · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really nice and cute love story. I liked to read something placed in Norway and winter - they both are so familiar to me but a I have read mostly American and British books lately, so you see, no Oslo or snow there. The writing also was very different from the usual I read, much more straight forwarded, saying things as they are, like people talk and think in Fennoscandia, not much using small talk. The epiloque was a bit too long, otherwise the story went on with quite good speed. -Sorry my clumsy English, I just don’t find the right words.
Mukava ja söpö tarina, ja piristävää lukea vaihteeksi norjalaista: Oslo, lumi, hiihtoladut ja koko mielenmaisema oli niin paljon tutumpaa kuin britti- ja amerikkalaiskirjat joita enimmäkseen olen viime ajat lukenut. Keskustelu, ajattelu ja suoraviivaisuus oli tuttua ja ’suomalaista’. Loppua olisi kirjailija voinut reippaasti tiivistää, muuten kirja eteni leppoisaa riittävää vauhtia.

[Mim Crenshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a deep and emotional read for me. Oskar and Erik both have deep issues and in this book I saw them both grow and become so much more. The author did such an amazing job on these two characters and with the supporting characters as well. I was immersed in the Norwegian culture, that just added to the great world building that the author created.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Ζωή Παππά · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oskar and Erik are both going to the same college. Oskar prefers being alone and doesn’t like the popular guys that live at the dorm upstairs and have loud parties. Erik is one of the popular guys, really outgoing, and is hopelessly in love with Oskar. They end up meeting each other, they spend Christmas together and of course they fall in love.
This book is absolutely fantastic! It’s so well written, with wonderful and deep characters and a great message at the end. It’s a book about family and friends, about love and acceptance, about learning to be yourself and trusting others. It’s also very festive and the perfect Christmas read.
I couldn’t stop reading, it was so good!! It warmed my heart.

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. Beautifully written and just so absolutely lovely. A coming of age story that will definitely make me pick up more from this author in the future

[Dieter Moitzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

More accurately, it's 4.5 stars.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been originally posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!

I know we’re not here to share song titles or Youtube-links. But the other day I stumbled upon this amazing song, “Falling Free”, by Danish singer Eivør (she’s from the Faroe Islands, in fact), where the chorus goes, “Now I surrender / I am falling down / Hoping you will catch me / Before I hit the ground. / You are all I see/ For you, I am falling free.” Listen to the song, listen to the text, listen to the singer’s powerful voice and intensely emotional singing, and you’ll get in a nutshell what this book is about. Two young students, full of insecurities and doubts, meet, fall in love with each other against all odds, and their love is beautiful, pure, a thing meant to last. Both of them could say about the other “You are all I see/ For you, I am falling free”. This is a wonderful book about growing up, about trust, about letting go of one’s fears and inhibitions, about allowing oneself to fall free, to fall in love, to love and be loved. Wrap up this central message in a Christmas-time frame, set it up in oversnowed Oslo and rural Moss, and you get a story as sweet and moving as a story can get. I was all but sniffling while reading.

Once again, Soames writes a book that is extremely messy. The characters are messy, their development is messy, the writing is messy. The plot is straightforward, you could say, but messily so: nothing’s smooth or silky or predictable. Don’t get me wrong, this is not me complaining, quite the contrary; I love it. Everything Soames creates, almost despite herself, is messy, but it’s the same sort of messy all our lives are. I’ve come to equate that messy thing she’s got going in her novels with Scandinavia, for her main characters are always Scandinavian, at least partly. They do strange things, they have strange reactions, you don’t always understand what they want, what they say or where they think they’re heading, but in the end, everything makes sense (more or less). Everything turns out for the best. What I really like about these characters is… precisely that: that I like them. They’re never black or white, not even grey for that matter, but highly colourful, erratic, intense, lively, endearing. Life is pulsing throughout the story, life with its odd turns and twists. And nobody ever reacts the way you’d expect, and as a result, they don’t go in circles, but reach goals they never even knew they had.

Yes, I loved this book as I loved the two previous ones I’ve already read. Goose-pumps, tender tears, and feverish page-turning guaranteed. A foolproof 5 stars. Alas, I have to take off half a star, to my utter regret, because this time, the book has really been shoddily proofread and edited. Word repetitions aplenty (you can’t use “just” or “get” or “whilst” several times in a row, in one single paragraph, without me rolling my eyes), and at places a bit too much swearing that seems to obscure what the author wanted to say. I hope that will be remedied for the final, published version, which I urge you to grab, no matter what, because you’ll want to read this story! It’s Christmassy as hell, it’s cute as fuck, it has the most amazing title I’ve ever seen, and one of the sweetest love-stories ever.