Wrapped in Wishes

by J.H. Knight

After moving around most of his life, Sean Ellis is finally putting down some roots in the friendly little town of Sterling Hollow. But those roots might be ripped out from under him after his ex-roommate leaves him high and dry. With the bills mounting and a car that barely runs, what he really needs is a Christmas miracle. And maybe a boyfriend. Luckily for him, Santa’s big day is just around the corner, and despite the spate of bad luck and unfortunate circumstances, Sean has been a good boy all year.

Bruce Cafferty hasn’t felt the Christmas spirit in a long time, and he’s pretty sure those days are behind him. Until he meets Sean, who might as well be an elf from the North Pole. Can Sean’s relentless cheer heal the ache in Bruce’s heart and show him that love is always worth a chance?

Wrapped in Wishes is a heartfelt, heat-filled small-town romance with a handful of elderly neighbors, a lot of found family, a few dogs, a secret Santa, and a drag queen named Stella.

Genres: Christmas, M M Romance, LGBT, Holiday, Family

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2023

About the author

J.H. Knight has been writing love stories since the second grade. When she’s not catering to the whims of her imaginary friends (whom she sometimes refers to as “characters”), she’s usually found in the kitchen setting dinner on fire or in the garden trying not to kill a rose bush.
A Pacific Northwest native, she loves the outdoors in every season whether she’s in the city, the mountains, or watching the sunset from her back porch. She gets through most days with a lot of laughter, a little snark, too much coffee, and a commitment to not taking life too seriously.
Never miss a freebie, deleted scene, or new release by signing up for her newsletter at https://subscribepage.io/gmScFR Visit her blog at knightwylde.blogspot.com or find her at her website, http://www.authorjhknight.com/ where you can check out her available books, follow her on social media, or drop her an email. She loves hearing from readers!

Reviews

[❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus ) · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 88%
This was a weird one, there’s more of Sean’s POV than Bruce’s even tho we get both. Their first night together was FTB but the other times weren’t 🤔
Story started to feel like it was dragging and not holding my interest so I’m stopping. There was a break up and short separation and there was ZERO apologies or groveling or even reaching out from the person that ended the relationship 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Love Is All Around · Rating 5 out of 5]

RECENSIONE A CURA DI BARBARA
Una coccola perfetta!
J. H. Knight ancora una volta si rivela un’autrice dallo stile delicato e intensamente emozionale. Una scrittrice che riesce sempre a farci vivere un amore vero ricco di sensualità ed erotismo. Una penna morbida, quasi soave, che ci regala il puro piacere di vivere immersi tra le sue pagine.
Nei suoi romanzi ci ritroviamo sempre a sognare e sospirare, a commuoverci con partecipazione e un tocco di ineluttabile dolore.
Continua sul nostro blog!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wrapped in Wishes is a lovely, cozy-yet-steamy book set during the holiday season. Bruce and Sean meet at a holiday party and hit it off right away. The book showcases their relationship as Sean helps Bruce and his family find their Christmas magic again, and Bruce helps Sean realize that he's worthy of the same magic. It's a well-rounded, well-written story that has all the Christmas feels. I think it would make an amazing movie!

I am really loving the Christmas books this year! JH Knight is a new-to-me author but as soon as I saw the blurb for Wrapped in Wishes I knew I had to read it! I love how JH brought attention to the bittersweet nature of Christmas... if you have a family or loved ones to spend the season with, it can be amazing. But if you don't, or you have a complicated relationship with your family, it can be so lonely and cold. I loved the juxtaposition of Sean's character and how he felt so much Christmas joy despite his circumstances, and Bruce, who seemingly had it all but was struggling to find his Christmas spirit. I'm a sucker for characters who are down on their luck but who take every opportunity to help others.

Wrapped in Wishes put me in the festive spirit and I whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone who needs a reminder of what Christmas is all about.

Rating: 4
Angst: 3/5
Steam: 2/5

I received a free copy of this book via GRR and this is my honest review.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natale allo stato puro

[Crisana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute, I guess. The writing felt a bit off though, so I went back and realised I either love or hate the books by this author. This one was ok. The Secret Santa bit was great, the romance was just ok and the coming out to dad bit felt slightly odd but understandable once we know the full the story behind it.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

One character who loves Christmas falling for a Bah Humbug kind of guy? Sign me tf up every time. Despite both characters having shared grief, this was actually a mostly light hearted read. Bruce and Sean meet at a party, have a steamy night together, but both feel a deeper pull and want to spend more time with the other. This book was filled with all the sweet moments that come with two characters slowly getting to know each other and doing their best to impress.

Bruce's family doesn't go all out for the holidays as they find it hard with the passing of Bruce's mother. Bruce's mother loved Christmas and the holiday just doesn't feel the same without her. Meanwhile Sean, who lost his mother at a young age, fully embraces the holiday, as it was also his mother's favorite. The two share the same loss but the way they cope with it is very different. Despite this, Bruce starts to open up to the idea of the holiday after seeing how joyful it makes Sean. He finds himself wanting to put lights up and put up a Christmas tree just because he knows how happy it will make Sean. Similarly, Sean's love for the holiday makes him want to give Bruce's family the best holiday possible and he has to do that...all while keeping his relationship with Bruce a secret.

This is definitely the book for you if you love the magic of Christmas, soft holiday love, or are an avid Hallmark movie watcher. It was a cute, romantic read, and definitely got me in the Christmas spirit :)

*i received an arc and this is my honest review*

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrapped in Wishes by J. H. Knight is an opposites attract grumpy/sunshine story between two men that takes place at Christmas. Sean Ellis moved to Sterling Hollow 5 years ago after his mother had died. It had always been just the two of them but he had wonderful memories that kept him going. He had good friends that he worked with and was helpful to all of his neighbors. He loved any holiday but Christmas was his favorite and he always went all out. Until this year when his roommate had left with most of his stuff as well as his money. He was having a hard time paying his bills and was wondering if he was going to make it. But he was such an upbeat person that he was still cheerful and full of the Christmas spirit, even though times were tough. At a low point he made a wish for all the things he wanted and hoped that Santa could somehow make them come true. Then he met Bruce Cafferty at a party thrown by drag queen friend, Stella. There was an instant attraction on both their parts and they went to Sean’s apartment to act on it in a very hot love scene. They felt this was more than a one night stand so they continued to see each other. Bruce was a mechanic in town and lived with his father, brother, and nephew. He was rather grumpy and really did not like Christmas because that was the time of year his mother had died and that had affected his whole family. They hadn’t celebrated like old times since that happened because it brought back the memories of their grief. As time went on Sean and Bruce started seeing each other almost every night and Bruce even took him home to have dinner and meet his family. They all liked Sean immediately and Bruce’s father even nicknamed him “Swish”. But Bruce wasn’t out to his father because of something his mother had told him and it was hard to be in a relationship around him so they kept it to themselves, even though he was out to everyone else. When Bruce was finally ready to tell him, his father had a bad health scare that put it off again. And then Bruce decided he couldn’t do it and broke things off with Sean. Sean was devastated but circumstances brought them back together and they realized they needed to be together, no matter what his father would say, and they declared their love to each other. I really enjoyed this story. There were many poignant moments as well as lots of steamy love scenes. Sean was so hopeful and upbeat and just loved the holidays. Bruce was grumpy at first but Sean brought the best out of him and his family and they were finally able to celebrate again. Bruce’s family and Sean’s friends were all helpful and there for them, even when they were being stupid, and didn’t hesitate to tell them this. My favorite part was when Sean kept getting Secret Santa gifts that really helped him out and he didn’t know who they were from until the end of the story and he realized all of his wishes had come true. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like opposites attract and grumpy/sunshine stories with some hurt/comfort thrown in. This one doesn’t disappoint and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Marika Schiavone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sean lavora come cameriere e sta cercando in tutti i modi di sopravvivere. Il suo coinquilino è scomparso senza avvisare, lasciandogli l'affitto e le spese da pagare, la sua macchina è un vero disastro che spesso fatica a partire, eppure il buon umore del Natale in arrivo non vuole cedere allo sconforto. L'allegria e la bontà di Sean sono due caratteristiche che lo rendono unico. Durante una festa organizzata da Stella, una Drag Queen nota in città per i suoi modi espansivi e socievoli, incontra, grazie ad una piccola spinta, Bruce. Quest'ultimo lavora come meccanico e dello spirito natalizio non vuole nemmeno sentirne parlare. Durante un party per il Ringraziamento, Bruce nota, occupato a decorare in compagnia un maestoso albero di Natale, un ragazzo bellissimo a cui vorrebbe tanto lasciare il suo numero di telefono. Galeotto fu lo zampino della Drag Queen, così Bruce e Sean si trovano poco dopo essersi finalmente incontrati, o forse dovrei dire scontrati, insieme l'uno fra le braccia dell'altro. I due iniziano così una frequentazione scaturita dal colpo di fulmine, anche se la vita non sarà di certo facile né per Sean né per Bruce che, per la prima volta, sente di aver trovato qualcuno per cui valga la pena lottare e donargli il suo amore. Riusciranno i nostri due protagonisti a lasciarsi travolgere dal miracolo e dalla magia del Natale, facendo così esplodere i loro sentimenti? Oppure gli ostacoli saranno tali per cui dovranno rinunciare al vero amore? Per trovare le risposte non vi resta che iniziare subito a leggere Desideri sotto l'albero.
Era da parecchio tempo che non avevo il grande piacere di leggere un romance di J.H. Knight, mi è sempre piaciuto lo stile dell'autrice. Anche con questo libro non è stato da meno! Che bello è stato conoscere Sean, con il suo buon cuore e ottimismo contagioso, anche quando tutto sembra remargli prepotentemente contro. E Bruce, mi ha fatto tanta tenerezza, anche se spesso avrei voluto infondergli giusto un pizzico di coraggio e dirgli: andrà tutto bene, la tua famiglia ti copre le spalle. Difatti, fra le pagine di questa storia d'amore a prima vista, troviamo temi quali l'elaborazione del lutto e il coming out. Entrambi sono stati, a parer mio, trattati in modo delicato dall'autrice che ha abilmente intessuto un intreccio lineare e coinvolgente. Trattandosi di un M/M a tema natalizio non possono certo mancare tante coccole e romanticismo, così come le sorprese da parte di un Babbo Natale segreto. Mi sono piaciuti anche i personaggi secondari, tutta la famiglia di Bruce si è rivelata veramente splendida, anche Hank, padre di Bruce, dal carattere burbero, riesce a lasciarsi un po' andare grazie alla tenerezza di Sean. Non mancherà anche l'ironia e la leggerezza, ben amalgamato con quel pizzico di angst che vi terranno sulle spine quanto basta. Personalmente, ammetto che magari avrei alleggerito qui e là qualche scena, ma nel complesso mi sono comunque emozionata e verso la fine anche commossa. Insomma, se siete alla ricerca di un bel gay romance in cui la coppia matura nel corso della narrazione e insieme affronta le difficoltà della vita quotidiana, circondata da una famiglia calorosa e amorevole, diversi regali e tanta tenerezza, Desideri sotto l'albero è ciò che state cercando. Consigliato!
Per me sono 4 stelle!

[Jordan Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Wrapped in Wishes” the story of Bruce and Sean, who meet at a holiday party thrown by a mutual friend… who is actually playing match maker 🫢 For these two, it’s essentially lust at first sight but they both catch feelings and catch them quick. Bruce is Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge and Sean is Mr. Christmas Morning and the more time they spend together, the less grumpy Bruce gets and more sunshine-y and swoony he becomes… anything for Sean.

Their relationship is full of laughs, love, shared grief, and a lot of snacking, and it’s so beautiful to read. Sean is this beautiful soul thats had some unfortunate luck in the roommate and financial department, but still remains smiling and happy! When Bruce introduces him to his family, he makes it his mission to bring holiday cheer back into their lives. Both Sean and Bruce share the same type of grief and lean on each other when they need to. Sean is the Caffery’s little Christmas elf 🥹

The chemistry between Bruce and Sean is undeniable and super sweet! The way they care for one another is just the most precious of things. Bruce makes Sean see he deserves every bit of magic he thinks the Christmas season holds! It’s not all rainbows and smiley faces though… Bruce has some things he needs to work through and tries to push Sean away… but they’re made for each other. PERIOD.

Knight writes with such ease and wrote something really special with “Wrapped in Wishes.” I don’t usually love a holiday-inspired book but when I saw the tropes and blurb, I couldn’t pass this up! This story warmed my soul from the inside out and it will do the same for you!

I recommend this book to all those out there who love a HEA, who love a simple, but powerful, love story, and who want to embrace their Christmas spirit!

Rating: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 3/5🌶️🥵

Tropes:
🎄 MM holiday romance
🎄 Grumpy / sunshine
🎄 Small town
🎄 Found family
🎄 Secret Santa
🎄 Quick burn / low angst

[Mvm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a feel-good book for the holidays. Sean is down on his luck and it’s as if everything is working against him. He has money problems, no food, behind on the rent, and alone leading up to the holidays. He attends a party thrown by a resident drag queen and is introduced to Bruce. There is immediate chemistry between the two and a romance ensues. The only road block their relationship encounters is that Bruce isn’t out to his father. Sean is introduced to Bruce’s family as a “friend”. The relationship between Sean and Bruce continues to grow and Sean becomes integrated into Bruce’s family as a “friend”.

I really liked how both Sean’s late mother and Bruce’s family was woven into the story. The sentiment was prominent and added emotion to the situation. This highlighted the bittersweet nature of Christmas for may of use who have lost a loved one. I understand the angst Bruce felt on coming out to his father and his associated reaction of the continued “hiding” of his relationship with Sean. Saying anything else would be giving away the best part of the story, therefore… One of my favorite aspects of the story line was the secret Santa angle which when revealed adds a new poignant element to the book.

[Isel4books · Rating 3 out of 5]

VOTO 3 stelle e mezzo

Sean è un ragazzo ottimista per natura, nonostante la vita per lui non sia stata facile, adora le festività, soprattutto il Natale e lavora come cameriere in un locale dove ha trovato amici che sono diventati per lui una famiglia. Lo stesso vale per i suoi vicini di casa che non esita ad aiutare ogni volta che ne hanno bisogno. L’unica pecca della sua vita è essere al verde dopo che il suo coinquilino lo ha abbandonato di punto in bianco rubandogli tutti i suoi risparmi.
Bruce è un meccanico con una propria officina a conduzione famigliare. È gay e lo sanno tutti tranne suo padre, al quale non ha ancora avuto occasione di rivelarlo.
I due si incontrano ad una festa e da lì, come una perfetta favola di Natale, scocca una scintilla devastante. Ci saranno contrattempi, una rottura e molto altro, compreso un segretissimo Babbo Natale pronto a esaudire i desideri di Sean.
Una perfetta fiaba natalizia che ho apprezzato pur scorrendo rapidamente le scene intime fin troppo lunghe. I pov alternati permettono di far capire meglio i pensieri e i sentimenti dei due protagonisti e i personaggi secondari sono in perfetta sintonia con lo svolgimento della trama.
Lo consiglio a chi si vuole immergere nell’atmosfera natalizia.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sean is such a giving person so prepared to like him. I have no clue as to why ex took off with all his stuff leaving him in such a bind. He works so hard just getting by but with a great attitude. Christmas means a lot to him because that was the best time with his mom. Then you have Bruce, who really doesn’t want to be at Stella’s party but then catches Sean’s eye. I think Stella had a hand in this meeting of the 2. Bruce isn’t really big on Christmas because of losing his mom. Him and his family really don’t do it any more. I found that to be sad.

You have Sean with his happy go lucky attitude and things start rubbing off on Bruce. We all have made wishes when it comes to Santa. I really liked Bruce’s dad. He came across as the hard fun loving dad. When in reality he was just grieving. I loved the nick name he gave Sean and how he went along with it. It’s like you could see the twinkle in his eye every time he said it.

The secret Santa was the best. I totally guessed wrong on who I thought it was. I really enjoyed the interesting neighbors, friends, co-workers, and found family. This is a book about finding the joy in Christmas again that some of us lose.

Lady M.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

SWEET AND BEAUTIFUL!

The characters were wonderful with a beautiful storyline and a wonderful ending!

Two unsuspecting souls Sean Ellis and Bruce Cafferty are literally thrown together to meet at a party by a wonderful friend of theirs- Stella a drag queen and hostess extraordinaire!

I loved their chemistry and connection and how they were so wrapped up in each other but I did not care for the way Bruce- a nearly thirty five year old man was still closeted and how he hurt Sean- the most beautiful soul ever born!

I loved how Sean pieced a broken hearted family together again to enjoy the beauty of Christmas and sharing sweet memories of a loved one by just being his sweet , charming self!

I loved the advent secret santa and how they went about showing Sean their appreciation for what he does for all his neighbours and friends out of the goodness of his heart- even strangers!

This was such a sweet, poignant Christmas story with a beautiful epilogue about finding love , acceptance and found family and friends by a new to me author!

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heated Car Seat

I relished reading this sweet, touching, and quick-witted humorous story. Oh, it's very steamy too! It flows so well that the pages turned by itself.

We first meet jaded Bruce at a party he didn't want to attend, preparing to leave. But sees a beautiful and hot guest and decides to stay. Then suddenly someone crashes into him.

It's Sean, the object of his lust. Eternally optimistic, big hearted, and sunshiney Sean who is interested in Bruce.

And the story begins as the two men try to develop something more than a hook-up. We see how big-hearted and giving Sean is. Also someone is leaving Sean gifts of his greatest Christmas wishes. The cards are signed, Secret Santa. Sean has no clue as to who the could be so thoughtful and generous.

I enjoyed the quirky characters and beautiful imagery. I found Bruce's and Sean's reparté sassy and amusing. This is well-written and well-thought through. I enjoyed this book so much that I'm going to read it again. I highly recommend reading this!

[amber. · Rating 4 out of 5]

When JH knight said “I hope it brings you some cheer and maybe even a tear or two.” I wasn’t actually expecting to cry but here we are

Sean and Bruce had me smiling giggling twirling my hair kicking my feet. They were so PERFECT for each other and Sean fit into not only Bruce’s life but his family’s life so easily.

“Just wanna wrap up in you and pretend the rest of the world doesn’t even exist for a while.”
“We can do that,” Sean said with another kiss to the top of Bruce’s head. “You got me.” 🫠

Sean is just an honest to god golden retriever who would do anything for anyone and I loved that his little found family took care of him.

There were a few scenes that actually did make me tear up but they were written to beautifully that I couldn’t even be upset over the fact that I cried all over my kindle.

This was the perfect Christmas book with a dash of angst and it was exactly what I needed.


I received an arc and this is my honest review

[Tanya Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bruce and Sean catch each other's eye at Stella's Christmas with Sean literally falling for Bruce with an assist from Stella. Sean is at rock bottom thanks to the exit of his roommate who absconded without paying the last two months' rent and taking anything that wasn't nailed down. A hookup with Bruce is just what Sean needs.
Bruce seriously struggles with telling his father he's bi. He told his mother just before she died and her last words to him were "don't tell your father" with a funny little smile. His brothers, sister, and oldest nephew all encourage him to tell his father, but he can't get over his mother's last words. He may not be able to claim Sean, but he can keep his car, such as it is, running.
Sean is perplexed by a "secret Santa" that keeps leaving him just the right gifts he needs, but with the help of a stranger he just might make it through to the New Year.
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[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author should put in a warning. At about the three quarter mark in the story, there will be tears. Of course, after you finish, the tears will be happy ones.
At the first Christmas party of the season, held on Black Friday, Bruce meets Sean. When their hostess trips Sean into him. From there, it's instant lust, and the next morning they decide to see have things play out relationship wise. Huge, sweet chemistry.
There is a problem. Bruce never came out to his dad and he's afraid to. What if it ruins their relationship and destroys a family that hasn't found it's footing after Bruce's mom died.
This is a lovely story about family, found family and healing. Sean's sunshiney nature and his boundless optimism touch everyone he meets. And he works his magic upon Bruce's family.
Quick read. A little bit of angst. A few tears shed. But it's beautifully written. And a gem for the season.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a feel good, humorous, heart wrenching story about grief and meeting the man of your dreams.

Sean was a struggling lonely orphan who epitomized the Christmas cheer and goodwill towards his fellow men throughout the year...the opposite of Scrooge! He was barely keeping life and limb together after a former roommate left him with a ton of bills though he worked diligently at a restaurant and helped his neighbors.

Bruce was a mechanic who still struggled with the death of his mother years ago as did his father and the rest of his family. She had been the glue that kept the holiday spirit alive for their family.

When Sean went to dinner at their house things began to change for all of them! Maybe there are Christmas elves and good samaritans.

You'll enjoy this holiday story all through the years. We could all do with emulating Sean every day.

Thanks to GRR for the ARC and for JH for writing it!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a vision of sitting by the Christmas tree with a fire, real or not, sipping hot cocoa and reading the most excellent Christmas novel, then look no further. Bruce and Sean are hook-up-turned friends and that’s how Wrapped in Wishes is naughty and nice from the beginning. Sean is so adorable and giving and wonderful and real real down on his luck basically until he meets Bruce where sparks and mistletoe fly. But here’s where this book stands out among others. It could just be an adorable boy meets boy story but instead both MCs are dealing with the loss of a parent (their mom) and have to go through it a bit - albeit in very different ways - before they can reach their HEAs. In the midst of their burgeoning relationship, Sean gets himself a secret santa and that’s where we really turn up the feels. Did I cry tears, real tears? Absolutely did as my heart was melting. I already know it’s going to be a re-read for me.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wrapped in Wishes is well written, sweet, emotional, funny, the characters are intriguing and I really enjoyed it. Sean is absolutely amazing and I love that he finds joy in helping others even though his own circumstances are less than ideal. His holiday spirit is inspiring and he makes everyone around him so happy. Bruce is also a sweetheart and even though Christmas is not the same since his mother passed away Sean does bring happiness into his life and that of his family. They are perfect for each other but Bruce has to learn to get out of his own way if he has any hope of getting a well deserved HEA with Sean. I love Bruce's family, Sean's friends and neighbors are wonderful, the ending is perfect and I look forward to reading more books by this author.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Brit_ta_ny · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ (i feel crazy saying that but I loved it so much!)

This story was SO much more than I expected from this book! I really hadn’t anticipated falling absolutely in love with these characters and feeling oh so much for them. I am so glad I received the ARC from GRR 🥰

I think I’d expected Sean to be a super happy-go-lucky character with perfect everything and Bruce to be an absolute grumpy Grinch. But these characters had so much more depth to them and their lives weren’t quite so easily put into boxes. Reading this book had me pausing to tell my wife about what was going on and by the end of it she was just as invested in what happened 😅 I just had to talk about it!

There was a perfect amount of angst and discomfort in the story, not too much that I got all anxious for the romance but not too little that thing happened too easily. It was fucking perfect.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dealing with in and out! Sean, thought he found his base in Sterling Hollow. He has settled and is content. Then his roommate pulls a runner and leaves him with the financial fallout. He tries to meet his negative challenges with an optimistic spirit, after all, Christmas is his favorite time of the year. Bruce, feels his best days are behind him. He is weighed down by grief, indescision, and not living his truth. He is not officially 'out' and is concerned about fallout. Sean and Bruce meet at a party and connect. Their individual baggage keeps tripping them up. Really nice story exploring choices, decisions and consequences. Nicely done. Sean and Bruce are really likeable characters. Friends and family are fun. Nice flow, good story. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sean and Bruce are just regular, down to earth nice guys. Bruce and his family are very depressed this holiday and when Bruce meets Sean he is drawn into his cheerful spirit. I loved that they just clicked and all the simple things they did in private together for the Holidays. It was real life. I liked that Sean was such a happy guy despite his financial issues. He was still so generous towards others and put them first. Bruce is a mechanic and I loved how he was a secret romantic when it came to Sean. This was a cozy yet spicy holiday romance that provided all the feels of a smalltown family in need of a Merry Christmas and most importantly two men falling in love.

[Vols77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read so many holiday freaks and this one might be the best of the best. I so loved Sean and Bruce. Sean is struggling financially and maybe there really is a Santa in Bruce. I love this couple as they reminded me of the spirit of Christmas and family. True love shines as these two are destined to be together. I love how they meet as it was funny and this book also has enough drama to add some depth and complexity. I was hooked from page one and read this in one sitting. When it was over I did not want it to end as I wanted more with this couple. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both Sean and Bruce are in need of something uplifting and the holiday season winds up delivering for them both by bringing them into one another's orbits. Sean is down on his luck and could use a break. Bruce and his family are not feeling the holiday due to a loss and illness. Sean is so upbeat and as they get together and spend time together they forge a sweet connection. There is a bit of drama as Bruce is not yet out to his father but still these ordinary guys find joy in one another and the holiday season delivers them love in addition to helping each with his own issues.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Readingbks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This one was soo good! I loved everything about this book! This one is definitely a keeper! Wonderful heartwarming story! A little angst! It's filled with lots of romance, balanced witty moments throughout, tons of wonderful found family moments woven throughout, great moments of remembering those lost and loved. Beautifully written and wrapped in a gorgeous holiday bow! Sean, Bruce and all of the characters in this story were just so beautiful together! I loved it! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review! You'll want to read this one!

[Edga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Christmas Romance.

Simply a sweet Christmas story, two guys meet and fall in love. It's not plain sailing, but they overcome all problems, and end up with a spectacular HEA. Everything that happened in this story, smacked of the true meaning of Christmas. There's so much love and kindness between the characters, but not so much as to make the story too saccharin. Bruce definitely deserved a little grief for how he behaved towards Sean towards the end of the story.. boo! But he does redeem himself, very nicely, so I forgave him. The strength of family ties, and the strength of friendship are strong here. A lovely story, with a beautiful ending 4.5 stars.

[T Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me smile and actually had me weepy a few times so to me that’s an incredible WIN! The main characters are wonderful, the love story is heartwarming and the entire cast of extras, superb. The mystery Santa was especially enjoyable. This story melted me in the best possible way. I liked it from beginning and especially at the end, it was perfect. A holiday treat for sure and a heartfelt “well done” to this author for such a great story. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute holiday read that will give you all the Christmas feels! Sean is a bit down on his luck but has not lost his Christmas spirit. Bruce hasn’t felt much for Christmas in a long time until he meets Sean and opens his heart to Christmas and Sean! I loved the family togetherness and acceptance of Sean. This book was well written, steamy, with a little angst, a secret Santa , and a whole lot of love. I received this book from GRR and these are my honest opinions

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He has moved around most of his life and now he has finally found a place to call home. His roommate will leave him high and dry when they just leaves the flat. He knows he will struggle but Christmas is around the corner and he has been such a good boy. They do not have the spirit for Christmas but they may just find a place when they meet him. What is going to happen? Will life get better? See how they will get on