Christmas Lights & Sleepless Nights

by K.C. Wells

Keith Braxton has never felt so ill, and for a man who’s known nothing but illness most of his life, that’s saying something. He’s had enough of pain, and the only thing helping him wile away the hours when it has him in its bony grip, is talking with Yuri, the nurse who works the night shift.

Yuri sits with him, listening to Keith’s stories, and laughing, crying, and blushing like crazy. He’s easy to talk to, and when Yuri speaks, the pain dims, and those precious hours give him the will to continue. Keith does most of the talking, about first love, first times, people who came into his life and left their mark… All this talking is having a beneficial effect—Keith is finally able to sleep at night, his pain eased. Which is great, because Keith’s favorite holiday is fast approaching, and he wants to see it when it arrives.

There’s only one thing that puzzles him.
Why does no one else in the hospital seem to know who Yuri is?

Trigger warning
This story respectfully discusses issues concerning palliative care, end of life and termination of treatment. This story may not be for you right now, especially if you’ve lost someone you love recently.

...but there IS a HEA.

Genres: M M Romance, Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, LGBT, Friends To Lovers

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 9, 2023

About the author

K.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.

If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT

You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:

E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...


And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.

Reviews

[Meags · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

My first tearjerker of the holiday season, this beautifully told story follows a terminal patient’s last days, as he prepares for what’s to come and reminisces about his life-defining first love.

This story was an emotional gut punch. I spent the final 30% sobbing like a mad woman and am now in need of a good nap.

… But MY GOD did I love this story.

The themes are heavy and the tone is melancholy, but the way it’s told is so lovely and emotive, and the pay-off is absolutely worth it, for the unconventional and heart-happy ending these wonderful characters received.

The story was simply stunning and I loved every minute of it, even when I was a crying mess. And, honestly, I’m not at all surprised, because K.C. Wells has been a consistent winner for me when it comes to her often emotionally-charged, weightier Christmas romances, many of which, like this one, will stay with me forever.

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one's a tearjerker and tells two intertwined stories:

The first is set in the present as 50-something-year-old Keith is dying at a hospital with only the handsome nurse Yuri to cheer him up and provide comfort.

Keith loves to talk about his first love, Michael, and Yuri listens for hours ... until Keith can't talk anymore, until he falls asleep.

The other story is set in the 80s when Keith and Michael are young fools deeply in love. That story is all first-time kisses and joyful times.

But the joy can't last.

K.C. promised a HEA, and it's a beautiful one. Expect an element of supernatural, which I love in romance. It speaks to hope.

[Trio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Christmas present ever! Literally nobody can tug on my heartstrings quite like K.C. Wells! Gah, Christmas Lights & Sleepless Nights is one of those Holiday stories I can see myself going back to re-read over again every year. Simply gorgeous.

Wells has published trigger warnings for this story, so I'm not giving anything away by telling you that Keith is facing the end of his battle with a long illness. What is continually heartening however, is the way Keith and the rest of the characters in the story deal with his experience. The caregivers are tremendous, lessening the sting of this tragic event with their compassion and love.

Wells skillfully weaves the story of Keith’s past love affair with his childhood sweetheart Michael into the story, and we gradually learn how these two young men loved and lost each other. But never fear, all of K.C. Wells’ stories have a very happily ever after, and Christmas Lights & Sleepless Nights has one incredibly rewarding ending!

I found reading this story to be emotional in the very best way, and quite cathartic. I highly recommend it.

[Peppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

No thoughts just tears😭🩷


If I am honest, I thought a really long time about how and what to write here, but since this is such an unique and beautiful heartbreaking but also healing read, I decided not to say too much about the story and let you read and experience this masterpiece for yourself.

„I love you. And now I get to tell you I love you for more days than there are stars in the heavens.“

I only want to say that it’s a really emotional and definitely not a light read … if you are sensible about palliative care you shouldn’t read it. I cried a lot (and if I mean a lot I mean A LOT) because of the way it was written and how real the whole situation was,and I can say it because I was in a similar situation years back.

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keith knows that if he makes it to Christmas it will be his last. In the hospital with debilitating pain and a progressive condition, the only thing that seems to help, besides the pain meds, is the nightly visits from a nurse named Yuri. As Yuri encourages Keith to talk about his happy memories, the pain seems to fade for a while. So what if his sister and doctors think it's a hallucination? It brings him comfort to talk about Michael, the only man he has ever loved and with that a renewed hope that just maybe he can see Michael one last time.

This story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and definitely a tear-jerker. When I had to put it down I couldn't wait to get back to it. The flashbacks to the 1980's that show Keith and Michael's love story work so well and it was a joy to read. Keith's present-day condition is anything but joyful and K.C. Wells provides a trigger warning. Keith's condition isn't treated lightly, but his support system is wonderful.

It's clear from the start that Keith is dying and while his ending may be sad, the story has a HEA that is full of love, hope, and light. If you like holiday stories that tug on your emotions but still manage to leave you with a smile and a happy heart, grab this one now!

[Cyndi (hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - I needed a good cry and boy howdy did I get one. This story was incredibly beautiful. Very, very sad, but also hopeful. I'm a very skeptical person when it comes to faith, both in a religious and secular context, so I loved the way this book created faith where there was none because it then bled into me. I wanted to believe as much as Keith did - in cute nurses who only show up at night, in magic, in love, in whatever comes next.

The sweet flashbacks to Keith and Michael as teenagers helped to take the edge off of what Keith was experiencing in the present, but the somber tone was impossible to shake. I basically cried through the entire book, but it wasn't always because I was sad. I will say that if you've recently lost someone close to you or are feeling some holiday/winter blues, this book might not be the way to go. There is an HEA, but - this might be considered a spoiler, so - it's not because Keith pulls through. You're right there with him through his last days.

I'm glad I didn't let the subject matter scare me away (or that cover photo!), but I'm also very glad I don't have anywhere to be tonight because my face is a puffy mess. Somehow this was my first time reading anything by K.C. Wells? Not sure how that happened, but I'll definitely by riffling through her extensive back catalog next year.

[Achim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't know I was in need of some tears but obviously I was. Don't worry it was the cathartic kind of tears, so it couldn't have been better. Who would have guessed that a story about a mortally ill guy telling the story of his first love to the night nurse will be my favorite holiday story this season. There's no despair, no overblown emotion, not even the usual unnecessary conflict, just a guy remembering his first love during his last days and recognizing that in the end it was also his only love. You surely guess the kind of HEA waiting for him and it would have been a perfect one if Ms. Wells wouldn't have pushed a bit too hard. A look, a hug or even a last comment would have been enough. There was no need for explanations or options or the prospect of comfortable bed.

[25 Readings Or More · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25
My eyes are not watery... Nope. At all 🙈🙈
I loved this story but damn if it didn't break my heart a little bit before putting it together and giving me the best ending ever 😍😍
What i liked the most is the fact that in a way the story is not "common"...for me at least. So it was a breathe of fresh air.

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please read the trigger warnings before picking up this one - it's not a book for everyone.

Christmas Lights & Sleepless Nights is a tearjerker of a romance that tells the story of fifty-five-year-old Keith, who is coming to the end of his battle with a long, incurable illness. He finds some measure of relief from the constant pain he's in when new night nurse, Yuri, appears, and encourages Keith to talk about his past, especially his relationship with his best friend, then lover, Michael. The author carefully weaves the story of young love and loss through the present day tale of Keith preparing to face his end, and while it can be hard to read, the author is respectful and delivers an HEA that is full of love and hope (even though they've overegged that particular pudding just a little bit.)

If you're after a different sort of holiday story, one that is heartbreaking and heartwarming (or you just need a good cry!) this might be what you're looking for.

[Manfred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keith is in hospital with a rare illness and his options for treatment are slim. The only positive is a nightly visitor, who sits with him and listens to the story of Michael, his first love as a young adult.
Reading the blurb, everyone will be aware that this is not a sugar sweet holiday story.
I must admit that I was very hesitant about the book.
I do voluntary work in a hospice, so I know what it's like to accompany someone during their final days or weeks, and spoiler alert, it is not depressing or just sad.
Still, I was really unsure whether this would be a good topic for a romance novel.
And the truth is, that I was on the verge of crying for most of the story and towards the end I was more or less crying nonstop.
So I really would not recommend this as a light read, however at the same time it was wonderful and uplifting and such a difference to a lot of holiday crap I have been reading so far this year, that I am really happy I found this little gem.
If you are up for a different kind of holiday romance, give this a try - for me it was a solid 4 star read!

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

So unbelievably good.

I knew it. When the story started I had a version running through my head and at some point they merged. A few things were a little different but I got some of it. I don’t want to give any clues away. But you will need Kleenex! More than one! The only thing I would have liked to have changed, is bill getting his comeuppance. This is going on my multiple to read shelf and one I will reread at Christmas. I would love an audio version as well.

[Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish)]

After reading the tw (palliative care, end of life and termination of treatment), I decided that this one - while probably very good - isn’t for me

[Kristy Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story about a man losing his battle with a serious illness during the holidays. It seemed like Keith had a great life as an architect with a loving family, though he lost touch with his first and only love during his early twenties. His only comfort is confiding in the new night nurse who sits with him and listens to his stories of the past. Both painful and uplifting, I thought this short novella had a lot of heart even if I had a bit of an issue with one of Isabelle’s decisions.

[J]

A short story which most of the question marks about the characters were answered in the reviews. A middle-aged man is in a hospital at Christmas dying from a respiratory disease that he's had for years. Its Christmas, his family is in and out all wondering if it is the last Christmas they will all spend together.

The dying man, in terrible pain. finds comfort in thinking about the boy he fell in love with when he was young. A new night male nurse comes to his room and the two of talk through the night about the dying man's past love. Night after night this nurse comes to his room, talks to him and helps him through his painful nights. Odd that nobody else in the hospital seems to know or see this nurse.

So, since the identity of the nurse was pre-known, I skimmed a lot of the book until the end. I can say the ending was handled well with only a few tears.

[Gisa]

This will make you cry, but it is really great nonetheless. Keith is dying and the only person who can distract him enough to actually fall asleep is Yuri, a night nurse at the hospital. Keith starts telling Yuri his life story and we go back to the 80's with him and Michael, the love of his life.
This is a beautiful christmas story and it is told from an angle I had never seen before. Keith's life story is really emotional and you get more and more involved trying to know what happened next. It makes you cheer for this loving couple and it is just heart-breaking at the same time. Even though we can imagine the ending a bit, we can't. It is still surprising from what happened to Keith, to Michael and how people deal with the fallout.

[Colleen Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get the tissues ready

Wow - what can I say about this book.

Emotional doesn't cover it at all. Heartbreaking, loving but with a positive happy ever after for ever and ever.

[Assh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yuri et Keith

Infirmier et Architecte. ........ Michael (Medecin)

Thank you. Thank you Wells. 1er favoris de 2024.

Il y avait tellement d'émotions et d'amour dans ce livre.
J'ai résister jusqu'à la fin pour ne pas pleurer et malgré cela, j'ai pleurer tous les larmes de mon corps.

.

Malgré qu'on connaît la fin depuis le debut, l'histoire est toujours autant émouvante.


📖
Keith Braxton ne s'est jamais senti aussi malade, et pour un homme qui n'a connu que la maladie pendant la majeure partie de sa vie, cela veut dire quelque chose. Il en a assez de la douleur, et la seule chose qui l'aide à passer les heures où elle le serre dans ses bras est de parler avec Yuri, l'infirmière qui travaille de nuit.
Yuri est assis avec lui, écoutant les histoires de Keith, riant, pleurant et rougissant comme un fou.
Il est facile de lui parler, et quand Yuri parle, la douleur s'atténue et ces heures précieuses lui donnent la volonté de continuer.
C'est Keith qui parle le plus, sur le premier amour, les premières fois, les gens qui sont entrés dans sa vie et ont laissé leur marque… Toutes ces discussions ont un effet bénéfique : Keith est enfin capable de dormir la nuit, sa douleur s'est atténuée. Ce qui est génial, car les vacances préférées de Keith approchent à grands pas et il veut les voir quand elles arriveront.

Il n'y a qu'une seule chose qui le laisse perplexe.
Pourquoi personne d’autre à l’hôpital ne semble savoir qui est Yuri ?
📕



🖋

------------‐--- Une distraction bienvenue ----------------

* Vendredi 16 décembre 2022

Keith Braxton commençait à avoir un mauvais pressentiment à ce sujet.

Il savait ce qui était écrit sur son dossier – le syndrome de détresse respiratoire – mais c'était seulement ce qui l'avait amené à être admis. Ce qui avait conduit à son état actuel remontait à trois ans, et il connaissait le nom par cœur.

Le syndrome de Guillain Barre.

Il connaissait également la liste des symptômes possibles et c'était une lecture déprimante.

Difficultés respiratoires. Engourdissement résiduel. Fluctuations de la pression artérielle. Arythmies cardiaques. Problèmes de fonction intestinale et vésicale. Caillots sanguins. Escarres.

Et n'oublions pas le symptôme qui imprègne chacune de mes heures d'éveil.

Douleur.

Il était dans ce lit d'hôpital depuis plus d'une semaine, mais au moins il n'avait pas besoin de l'aide d'une machine pour respirer.

Pas encore.

La douleur nerveuse, cependant, s'avérait plus difficile à traiter, et les médicaments ne parvenaient pas à la soulager.

Les nuits étaient les pires. Toutes les quelques heures, une infirmière venait le repositionner, dans le but de réduire le risque d'escarres.

Dormir? Qu'est ce que c'est? Cela commençait à ressembler à un lointain souvenir


🖋

[Deirdre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Nurse

I read this book because I really enjoy MM medical romances. But in a way it was a difficult book to read because of the subject matter. One of the main characters was suffering from an extremely painful degenerative disease that had only one final outcome. I loss my mom a couple weeks ago and this is one of the few books that I've been able to read after a lifetime of being a Readaholic. I started books but just couldn't concentrate enough to read them. Yet this book not only pulled me in and held my attention, it also made me think of all the suffering and pain that my mom went through. Even though I didn't want to think about it.

In some ways this book turned out to be cathartic. Experiencing a lot the pain and regrets of the MC, as well as the desire to be in charge of his final wishes regardless of what his family thought best. I teared up a couple times but I pushed through. I like reading about middle aged men who have lived their "best" lives yet still have regrets, such as reminiscing about the one who got away.

Seemingly realizing just now that they wasted time that could have been put into finding that life partner and enjoying their time together. Or finally giving up on that HEA that others have achieved. I liked how the author told the story in a series of memorable moments between the MC and the love of his life. The loving, compassionate, supportive young male nurse Yuri was one of my favorite characters.

He helped the main character remember some of the best times of his life and eased his pain allowing him to sleep comfortably - something I know is pretty much impossible from my own experiences in a hospital. I began reading this book not knowing what to expect except it was a medical romance. It turned out to be so much more. Thank you K.C. Wells for touching my bruised heart and giving me back the joy of reading again.

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story about true love. It is told from the point of view a man who is terminally ill. It is set in both the present and past as he remembers the love of his life. Keith knows that his time is short and his hospital stay is not going to be a long one. As his pain begins to get worse, he finds solace in his nightly visits from a young nurse who listens to him reminisces about the man he loved so long ago.
A beautiful and emotional story. Having lost two people this year this story hit hard. I know what its like to be at their bedside and know that this is the end. I enjoyed Keith and Michael. Keith is a strong man and it was nice to see the way Michael and his relationship deepened as they grew into young men. You could feel the happiness between the two as Keith talks about their past. Emotions take center stage in this book. While there is heartache in this story it is full of love and a wonderful ending showing that love truly is the strongest emotion. I was pulled into this story and was happy to see it ended as I thought it would.

[Zane Kage · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautifully poignant story...

Set in the past and present, told in the POV of Keith, the MC who is, in fact, terminal, this could have been maudlin and depressing. It was not. It was sad, yes, but it was full of love and memories and a yearning for past love that could never be. Or could it? I wasn't sure.

The story weaves back and forth between Keith's past (with a tale of the ultimate love that got away) and his present (dealing with the day-to-day of his illness with an unexpected bright light that brings him joy) until we reach the inevitability of his situation.

Should be heartbreaking, yes? And in a way it was. But with a bit of a surprise (supernatural) twist, Keith does find peace, love, and his HEA, and I easily found my smile at the end of the book. Well done, KC.

***ARC***

[Manon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quite emotional story and it may not for everyone close to Christmas. It could also mean you go through a box of tissues.

It is a story about remembering, acceptance and love. Keith‘s time is limited, he knows it but the pain is not letting him think of anything.
Yuri is there to ease the pain and let him remember, give him a chance to think about the past.

I love how Keith interacts with his siblings and family, his sometimes dark humour and acceptance. It brings out a lot we try not to think about in normal life. I would wish I would be able to deal with this like he did.

It‘s not possible to say much about the story as it would give away the plot and the ending.
If you love the author‘s writing, the book is for you, she does not disappoint.

[Deborah Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story of love found and lost, remembering the past and coming to terms with the end of life. I cried a lot but it was a good cry. The book opens with Keith in the hospital, miserable, in pain and unable to sleep and it's almost Christmas. Other than the nurses, his only visitor is his sister. Then Yuri comes to him as a night nurse and they talk, or rather Keith does. He tells of his love of Michael and how he just disappeared from his life. After Yuri's visits, Keith is able to sleep. But no one seems to know a nurse named Yuri. This is not your usual Christmas story. Nor is it your usual romance. It is a beautiful story.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written holiday romance with a unique concept. I tried my hardest not to cry as I read this little gem but failed quite spectacularly. This is a lovely, moving story, and even though it touches on a heartbreaking topic, saying goodbye to a loved one, it’s a truly heartwarming story of love and family. And it does have a beautiful HEA. There’s sadness, yes, but not a grim or morose moment in sight. I really liked how the author wrote the story within the story and how she kept readers guessing about Yuri, the mysterious night nurse. Heidi, Keith’s sister, is a great secondary character. Keith is surrounded by love in some form or another throughout everything. Recommend!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sobbing I mean the real big fat tears accompanied by the snotty nose not from relief that I’d finished the book but from how beautiful & heart wrenching but also uplifting the story was. Reading about terminal illness is not the most joyous of reads at this time of year but if you want to experience a book with all the feels which ends on the best high then this book is for you. I don’t cry easily with books but when a story grabs me & holds me & I’m invested in the outcome I know I’ve hit the jackpot & discovered a gem of a book that I will return to. An outstanding read from the first page. 😊x

[Tinnean · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a good cry

I haven't read a book that covers end of life so well. Keith is a good man who's in the hospital when his lungs start giving out on him. He's in constant pain, and the only thing that brings him comfort is Yuri, the night nurse who cares for him. Keith tells Yuri about Michael, the love of his life, who he'd lost touch with.

Traveling with Keith through his last days and his memories of Michael is a wonderful experience.

I just wish we learned what happened to Michael's stepfather.

[Mandy Tunstill · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH WOW........ Absolutely brilliant was hooked from the start could not put it down Christmas Lights & Sleepless Nights by KC Wells pulls at the heartstrings it's emotional, beautiful but full of love and compassion Keith who is ill in hospital in pain talking of loss and love with is childhood sweetheart Michael the way they lost each other but the ending is simply outstanding I recommend it so much such a beautiful holiday story one you'll never forget. 💖

[Sue Ouellet-Cofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a very long time since I've read KC Wells for no other reason than my TBR has been insane. But for some reason, the title of this story and the cover had me wanting to read it, and I'm so glad I did. I won't spoil the story except to say that Keith and Michael's love was one to stand the test of time, even during a time that forced you to hide that love. The story is short but powerful, and I most definitely cried.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

B-

Late at night a dying man reminices about a lost love with the night nurse. This has a sort of dual timeline since the MC's reminicense are told in flashbacks.

The descriptionsof Guillain-Barre syndrome is well done and packs a punch. There's a lot of sadness here, of pain (real and emotional) and loss. It's not overdone, but it makes this an atypical romance. There is an HEA, which while appreciated, feels a bit jarring in it's sweetness.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG

I very rarely leave reviews anymore. But every now and then a book comes along that touches my soul. This is one of those books.
It was beautifully written, and the love the main characters felt for each other was true. This is not a fluffy book. The love between the characters was so real, and hearing the story through Keith’s viewpoint was beautiful yet gut wrenching. My tears came many times. If I could get this book more than five stars, I would.

[Karen Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW what an emotional read this story is. Keith is layed up in hospital dying when he is visited by a night nurse Yuri and this then tells the stories Keith relays to Yuri about his first lost love. It is sad but also it is a HEA for Keith.
I highly recommend Tissues for this book.
Highly recommend KC Wells books.