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(Hope Valley Christmas)
Festive Friends With Benefits
All Vic wants for Christmas is a second chance at love…he just doesn’t know it yet.
When Vic Marlow agrees to spend December helping out his best friend, he doesn’t expect to run into an old flame. He’s there to work and be with family, not take a trip—albeit a tall, built, sexy one—down memory lane.
Sean Richmond left his past behind nineteen years ago. He’s worked hard at putting that life behind him, so it’s a shock when it suddenly shows up in the little Peak District village he calls home.
With the magic of Christmas in the air, the festive spirit sparks a fire that never quite died. Maybe this is their chance to explore what fate stole from them all those years ago.
Festive Friends is an MM second chance holiday romance, with overly supportive friends and family, awesome pets, and all the snuggly holiday feels.
When Vic Marlow agrees to spend December helping out his best friend, he doesn’t expect to run into an old flame. He’s there to work and be with family, not take a trip—albeit a tall, built, sexy one—down memory lane.
Sean Richmond left his past behind nineteen years ago. He’s worked hard at putting that life behind him, so it’s a shock when it suddenly shows up in the little Peak District village he calls home.
With the magic of Christmas in the air, the festive spirit sparks a fire that never quite died. Maybe this is their chance to explore what fate stole from them all those years ago.
Festive Friends is an MM second chance holiday romance, with overly supportive friends and family, awesome pets, and all the snuggly holiday feels.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2023
26 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Annabelle Jacobs
52 books405 followersAnnabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with her three rowdy children, and two cats.
An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.
An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 25, 2024
3,75 stars.
I'm surprised how much I enjoyed this sweet christmas novella.
The MCs were both around 38/40 years old, one with a teenage son. They reconnected unexpectedly after 19 years.
No miscomunication, no drama, just two adults falling in love. Loving and meddling secondary characters.
I'm surprised how much I enjoyed this sweet christmas novella.
The MCs were both around 38/40 years old, one with a teenage son. They reconnected unexpectedly after 19 years.
No miscomunication, no drama, just two adults falling in love. Loving and meddling secondary characters.
December 23, 2023
After a hot hookup almost two decades ago, Sean and Vic reconnect over the holiday season when Vic is in the area to help out his ex wife/best friend. Their story is sweet and steamy, and honestly was such an adorable read!
December 26, 2024
3.5 - I very much enjoy older MC’s, these guys are 38 which is nice, one has a non-irritating teenage son. Pretty good chemistry for a second chance story. Good communication. Very easy to read. Nice set up for book 2. Maybe just a little too low-angst for me to really love it.
March 1, 2024
Second chance. It is a gift and should be treated as such. Sometimes it’s with life and sometimes it’s with love. Regardless, both are precious. Sean and Vic crossed paths two decades ago and sparks flew. They were good together and held the promise of great potential. But unforeseen circumstance split their paths and they never spoke again. Memories were cherished…but life went on.
Vic found love in his son’s sparkling eyes and discovered the joys of co-parenting with his best friend. Hailey was a solid friend when he needed her and after a tequila-fueled tango, they were shocked to learn she was pregnant. They married briefly until accepting they loved each other dearly but were never in love. After an amicable divorce, they raised their son in between two homes full of love. Joe is seventeen and about to leave their nests and head to college. Vic hasn’t looked too hard but Mr. Right hasn’t appeared yet.
Hailey found her true love, married, and is preparing for the final stretch of her pregnancy. Hailey and her wife recently took ownership of the family pub and have loads to do before the new year. Vic is happy to lend a hand when Hailey’s wife is pulled out of town for a few weeks. He’ll have some quality time with his son, help Hailey finish up projects at the pub, and enjoy some quiet time in the country. Or that’s the plan.
But when he walks into the pub and hears a deep laugh that still frequents his dreams, he’s knocked off-kilter. What is Sean doing here? Does he remember him? If the time wasn’t right before, could it be now? No. He’s only in town for a few weeks. And at any rate, Sean left him.
Sean still regrets the missed opportunity with Vic. He doesn’t resent the fact that his family needed him. He’s lucky to still have his parents and is happy with his life. Mostly. He has a job that he loves, a dog everyone loves, and can’t imagine living anywhere else. Country life suits him. If he’s missing anything, it’s a partner who fits into his quiet life. When a curly-haired blast from his past appears out of nowhere, he wonders if he’s dreaming. Sean doesn’t do casual with men, but with Vic all his walls crumble and he finds himself in new vulnerable territory.
Jacobs does what she does best, delivering a gentle, genuine, and gorgeous romance. Both Sean and Vic are lovely men looking for something. Timing IS everything and although college wasn’t their time, they’ve been granted a boon. Annabelle balances the heat and humor with realistic challenges. I loved Vic’s relationship with his son. Hailey is larger than life and comes across as a force to be reckoned with but I didn’t mind her addition to the story. It was refreshing to see an ex who wasn’t a vicious villain. And without Hailey’s pickle with the pub, Sean and Vic wouldn’t have reconnected. If anything I was thankful for her. Family and friends round out a stellar cast. My lips consistently twitched in a smile and my heart felt lighter by the end. If you like small towns with their meddling neighbors and unconventional family ties, I think you’ll fit in perfectly here.
Beware of: Cupid’s arrow missed the first time but nailed the bullseye the second. This is NOT a threesome but Sean and Vic share ample page time with Hailey. Cute dogs, cute babies, and long-awaited kisses.
This book is for: British country boys are not quite the same as American country boys but they both are equally charming. If you need a sweet and sexy story to soothe you, this festive gem has your name on it!
Book UNfunk
Vic found love in his son’s sparkling eyes and discovered the joys of co-parenting with his best friend. Hailey was a solid friend when he needed her and after a tequila-fueled tango, they were shocked to learn she was pregnant. They married briefly until accepting they loved each other dearly but were never in love. After an amicable divorce, they raised their son in between two homes full of love. Joe is seventeen and about to leave their nests and head to college. Vic hasn’t looked too hard but Mr. Right hasn’t appeared yet.
Hailey found her true love, married, and is preparing for the final stretch of her pregnancy. Hailey and her wife recently took ownership of the family pub and have loads to do before the new year. Vic is happy to lend a hand when Hailey’s wife is pulled out of town for a few weeks. He’ll have some quality time with his son, help Hailey finish up projects at the pub, and enjoy some quiet time in the country. Or that’s the plan.
But when he walks into the pub and hears a deep laugh that still frequents his dreams, he’s knocked off-kilter. What is Sean doing here? Does he remember him? If the time wasn’t right before, could it be now? No. He’s only in town for a few weeks. And at any rate, Sean left him.
Sean still regrets the missed opportunity with Vic. He doesn’t resent the fact that his family needed him. He’s lucky to still have his parents and is happy with his life. Mostly. He has a job that he loves, a dog everyone loves, and can’t imagine living anywhere else. Country life suits him. If he’s missing anything, it’s a partner who fits into his quiet life. When a curly-haired blast from his past appears out of nowhere, he wonders if he’s dreaming. Sean doesn’t do casual with men, but with Vic all his walls crumble and he finds himself in new vulnerable territory.
Jacobs does what she does best, delivering a gentle, genuine, and gorgeous romance. Both Sean and Vic are lovely men looking for something. Timing IS everything and although college wasn’t their time, they’ve been granted a boon. Annabelle balances the heat and humor with realistic challenges. I loved Vic’s relationship with his son. Hailey is larger than life and comes across as a force to be reckoned with but I didn’t mind her addition to the story. It was refreshing to see an ex who wasn’t a vicious villain. And without Hailey’s pickle with the pub, Sean and Vic wouldn’t have reconnected. If anything I was thankful for her. Family and friends round out a stellar cast. My lips consistently twitched in a smile and my heart felt lighter by the end. If you like small towns with their meddling neighbors and unconventional family ties, I think you’ll fit in perfectly here.
Beware of: Cupid’s arrow missed the first time but nailed the bullseye the second. This is NOT a threesome but Sean and Vic share ample page time with Hailey. Cute dogs, cute babies, and long-awaited kisses.
This book is for: British country boys are not quite the same as American country boys but they both are equally charming. If you need a sweet and sexy story to soothe you, this festive gem has your name on it!
Book UNfunk
December 27, 2024
“It’s been nineteen years since I’ve felt his touch, and yet it still sets my body on fire.”
3.5⭐️
This was a super fast paced Christmas romance. Not overly Christmas themed which is good for my Grinch heart but it is super fast. A second chance romance that has zero time for breath and for some reason just ends abruptly. The ending really had me scratching my head like, that’s it? Anyways, there isn’t anything special or wonderful about this book. It has a somewhat bland story with sex scenes that are just kinda eh but I feel like if you’re in the mood for something super fast and easy without any drama or any real super depth, like here for vibes only you could pick this up and read it in an hour or two. I just feel like there is a lot of information about these characters which are good ideas that needed much more time to breathe and delve deep into. Like more about Vic and Sean’s past and their past relationships. More on Vic and his son’s relationship. A lot of things that could of made this a better more in depth book but it is only 200 pages but I feel like it could of been a full novel if given more time, and I might of enjoyed it more.
3.5⭐️
This was a super fast paced Christmas romance. Not overly Christmas themed which is good for my Grinch heart but it is super fast. A second chance romance that has zero time for breath and for some reason just ends abruptly. The ending really had me scratching my head like, that’s it? Anyways, there isn’t anything special or wonderful about this book. It has a somewhat bland story with sex scenes that are just kinda eh but I feel like if you’re in the mood for something super fast and easy without any drama or any real super depth, like here for vibes only you could pick this up and read it in an hour or two. I just feel like there is a lot of information about these characters which are good ideas that needed much more time to breathe and delve deep into. Like more about Vic and Sean’s past and their past relationships. More on Vic and his son’s relationship. A lot of things that could of made this a better more in depth book but it is only 200 pages but I feel like it could of been a full novel if given more time, and I might of enjoyed it more.
July 6, 2024
Cute second-chance holiday romance but VERY contrived:
Who goes out of town for two weeks right before Christmas to tend to their nan when their spouse is 8 months pregnant and they're in the middle of renovating a soon-to-be-open B&B?
And who brings someone's ex along on a holiday as a surprise?
Sean's reasons for ditching Vic back in college and never returning to London were ridiculous.
On the plus side, the MCs were mature and talked through everything, which was refreshing.
Animal rescue is important to me, so I was thrilled when Vic adopted Jax the dog and Jinx the cat.
Vic's 17-year-old son, Joe, was a good kid and didn't annoy me in the least.
Not a bad book, but I was a lil bored.
Who goes out of town for two weeks right before Christmas to tend to their nan when their spouse is 8 months pregnant and they're in the middle of renovating a soon-to-be-open B&B?
And who brings someone's ex along on a holiday as a surprise?
Sean's reasons for ditching Vic back in college and never returning to London were ridiculous.
On the plus side, the MCs were mature and talked through everything, which was refreshing.
Animal rescue is important to me, so I was thrilled when Vic adopted Jax the dog and Jinx the cat.
Vic's 17-year-old son, Joe, was a good kid and didn't annoy me in the least.
Not a bad book, but I was a lil bored.
December 24, 2023
3.5 stars
I'm very conflicted about rating this book.
I really really loved Sean and Vic: they're both amazing, loyal, committed to their families, trustworthy, sexy. They're good guys and they totally deserved their second chance.
I think their first time is one of the most beautiful sex scenes I've read this year: it was very romantic!
The setting is gorgeous: small town, forest, snow, beautiful landscape, silence and peace.
Joe, Vic's son, is also another element I loved: he's such a wonderful young man and I loved his open and honest relationship with his father.
So, what prevented me from giving an higher rate?
- The reason why Sean left Vic is anticlimatic: I was expecting something more difficult, he could have just said he needed to take care of his family instead of ghosting him.
- The end is unsatisfying because it's an HFN more that an HEA.
But what I didn't like at all was Hailey:
After Vic and Sean lost contacts, Hailey was a wonderful friend to Vic and at some point they decided to date. She got pregnant and they married but short after, they realised they were better as friends so they divorced but stayed very close for almost twenty years (she also came out as lesbian later).
Their friendship is very beautiful and I was enjoying it until she became the meddling best friend: she pushed Vic and Sean into each other without them knowing she was close to both of them, she bossed Vic around to do her bidding, she acted like a spoiiled brat and she was a very negative stereotype of pregnant women (no on could say anything to prevent her from being upset), she was constantly rolling her eyes at Vic (chapter 9, she'g got 2 brief scenes and she rolls her eyes four times), she constantly demands answers from Vic and she never minds her own business ("So are you two still casual or...?" "What happens when you go back home?").
She was annoying and rude most of the times.
And if she wasn't enough, Sean's sister also thinks she knows what's better for her brother and almot cause a damage to Sean and Vic's relationship.
Honestly this story without Hailey would have been a solid five stars: Sean and Vic's relationship has the right amount of romance and steam that I love and I'm a little bummed I couldn't enjoy it more.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
I'm very conflicted about rating this book.
I really really loved Sean and Vic: they're both amazing, loyal, committed to their families, trustworthy, sexy. They're good guys and they totally deserved their second chance.
I think their first time is one of the most beautiful sex scenes I've read this year: it was very romantic!
The setting is gorgeous: small town, forest, snow, beautiful landscape, silence and peace.
Joe, Vic's son, is also another element I loved: he's such a wonderful young man and I loved his open and honest relationship with his father.
So, what prevented me from giving an higher rate?
- The reason why Sean left Vic is anticlimatic: I was expecting something more difficult, he could have just said he needed to take care of his family instead of ghosting him.
- The end is unsatisfying because it's an HFN more that an HEA.
But what I didn't like at all was Hailey:
After Vic and Sean lost contacts, Hailey was a wonderful friend to Vic and at some point they decided to date. She got pregnant and they married but short after, they realised they were better as friends so they divorced but stayed very close for almost twenty years (she also came out as lesbian later).
Their friendship is very beautiful and I was enjoying it until she became the meddling best friend: she pushed Vic and Sean into each other without them knowing she was close to both of them, she bossed Vic around to do her bidding, she acted like a spoiiled brat and she was a very negative stereotype of pregnant women (no on could say anything to prevent her from being upset), she was constantly rolling her eyes at Vic (chapter 9, she'g got 2 brief scenes and she rolls her eyes four times), she constantly demands answers from Vic and she never minds her own business ("So are you two still casual or...?" "What happens when you go back home?").
She was annoying and rude most of the times.
And if she wasn't enough, Sean's sister also thinks she knows what's better for her brother and almot cause a damage to Sean and Vic's relationship.
Honestly this story without Hailey would have been a solid five stars: Sean and Vic's relationship has the right amount of romance and steam that I love and I'm a little bummed I couldn't enjoy it more.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
June 19, 2024
Another gorgeous festive romance from Annabelle
Just realised I never reviewed this at the time I had it before Christmas!
It's another one of Annabelle's loosely connected Christmas novellas with very little in the way of angst and a whole load of swoon.
I loved Vic and Sean and the spark that was still between them 18 years after their intense weekend together at uni was abruptly cut short when Sean left and ghosted Vic.
I loved Hailey, Vic's ex-wife and best friend, mother of his son Joe, who's also a fab teenager with just the right amount of grump and excitement.
The setting is fab, a wee village where Sean's a park ranger with acres of beautiful wilderness to look after, and the romance is seriously sexy and very sweet.
Throw in some animals and all is well in my festive world!
Just realised I never reviewed this at the time I had it before Christmas!
It's another one of Annabelle's loosely connected Christmas novellas with very little in the way of angst and a whole load of swoon.
I loved Vic and Sean and the spark that was still between them 18 years after their intense weekend together at uni was abruptly cut short when Sean left and ghosted Vic.
I loved Hailey, Vic's ex-wife and best friend, mother of his son Joe, who's also a fab teenager with just the right amount of grump and excitement.
The setting is fab, a wee village where Sean's a park ranger with acres of beautiful wilderness to look after, and the romance is seriously sexy and very sweet.
Throw in some animals and all is well in my festive world!
December 10, 2024
It took me awhile to really get into this story, but once Sean and Vic reconnected I couldn’t put it down. I’ve never been crazy about second chance stories because the idea of getting back together with someone I haven’t seen in 19 years seems strange. I mean if I really care about you I’m not going to go that long without seeing you.
I still thought it was a really sweet love story. I also loved all the side characters. Vic’s relationship with his ex wife was beautiful. The way they stayed friends and jointly raised their son just made me feel warm inside.
I still thought it was a really sweet love story. I also loved all the side characters. Vic’s relationship with his ex wife was beautiful. The way they stayed friends and jointly raised their son just made me feel warm inside.
December 10, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Festive Friends with Benefits is the first book in the Hope Valley Christmas series. It is a sweet reconnection romance, with a great holiday thread. I loved the moments Vic and Sean spend cutting down trees and decorating. The pacing is good, without a lot of downtime between their second meet-cute and them acknowledging their attraction. Narrator Dan Calley is sublime, giving such gruff British tenor to the story I felt like I was in Hailey’s pub having a pint. The POV alternates, and I could easily tell Sean’s voice from Vic’s. I really enjoyed how Vic called Sean out for his anti-city prejudice getting in the way of their budding romance. It’s wild how unsettled both characters were by their re-introduction, and I really enjoyed being inside their heads as they mulled over what to do about it.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Festive Friends with Benefits is the first book in the Hope Valley Christmas series. It is a sweet reconnection romance, with a great holiday thread. I loved the moments Vic and Sean spend cutting down trees and decorating. The pacing is good, without a lot of downtime between their second meet-cute and them acknowledging their attraction. Narrator Dan Calley is sublime, giving such gruff British tenor to the story I felt like I was in Hailey’s pub having a pint. The POV alternates, and I could easily tell Sean’s voice from Vic’s. I really enjoyed how Vic called Sean out for his anti-city prejudice getting in the way of their budding romance. It’s wild how unsettled both characters were by their re-introduction, and I really enjoyed being inside their heads as they mulled over what to do about it.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
December 28, 2024
It was cute. I read them in disorder and went for the second one first but I have to say I like this one better.
December 21, 2023
This book was quite swoony and full of holiday charm. Our two MCs may not have seen each other for nineteen years but that time melts away when they reconnect. I love a well written second chance romance and this one fits the bill in spades. Very good story and worth a read. I love the side bit of Vic’s best friend/ex and her wife as well as Vic and Hailey’s son Joe. Low angst, full of holiday cheer, meddling family, and adorable dogs. The title doesn’t really fit because Sean and Vic have never been friends with benefits and don’t even attempt it this time around either. The spark between them was so much more from the very start.
December 19, 2024
I broke the cardinal rule of never judging a book by its cover. I carelessly grabbed this book for the cover with a cute guy, spicy title & Christmas theme. I’m sure there are people that enjoyed this book but, it was definitely NOT me. I am also that person that has to “keep an open mind” “see it through til the end“ and can just not not finish a book. 😩 Sometimes I hate me.
December 26, 2023
This was a first from the author from me and it was super cute I thought.
After feelings and a fun filled weekend back in Uni for Sean and Vic, Sean left a few days later without an explanation and then stopped all communication with Vic a short time after that.
Years later, 19 to be exact and they run into each other in the small town while Vic is there to help his best friend who also happens to be his ex wife.
Sparks fly between Sean and Vic and they decide to give it a go.
I will say that I am a bit disappointed we didn’t get more of an ending for these two. It was more of a happy for now and not a happy ever after. I have so many questions that weren’t answered!!!
After feelings and a fun filled weekend back in Uni for Sean and Vic, Sean left a few days later without an explanation and then stopped all communication with Vic a short time after that.
Years later, 19 to be exact and they run into each other in the small town while Vic is there to help his best friend who also happens to be his ex wife.
Sparks fly between Sean and Vic and they decide to give it a go.
I will say that I am a bit disappointed we didn’t get more of an ending for these two. It was more of a happy for now and not a happy ever after. I have so many questions that weren’t answered!!!
Read
November 27, 20241.5 Stars
December 28, 2023
I enjoy Annabelle's festive romance books and this is no different. Festive Friend With Benefits is a low angst, second chance, single dad romance with some meddling from a supposed best friend/ex-wife and other well meaning townsfolk who only want happiness for their local ranger.
Vic comes to town to stay with his ex, Hailey, and their son, Joe, over Christmas but to also help do up the pub that she now owns with her current girlfriend. They all have a really great relationship and I like that it was so easy for them all to be together. What he doesn't expect is to see Sean, a guy he crushed on and spent a weekend with while at university but was suddenly left ghosted. Now he has the chance for answers and possibly a little bit more.
Sean is clearly still hurting a little over having to leave university and what happened, though he is now happy and settled with a job he loves and a tight nit community. He may be lonely but he has his dog for company and a few friends. Now Vic is in town and though he doesn't know about dealing with his departure after Christmas, there's no denying the chemistry and connection that they still share. It's a quickly developing relationship between them and it's clear that they mean a lot to each other, whether they do or don't stay together. I loved how the two men were together, though there were a couple of moments that had me questioning what they were doing.
Overall it's a heartwarming romance that gives both men the HEA that they want and deserve oveer the Christmas period. I enjoyed the characters, even with some over-meddling at times.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Vic comes to town to stay with his ex, Hailey, and their son, Joe, over Christmas but to also help do up the pub that she now owns with her current girlfriend. They all have a really great relationship and I like that it was so easy for them all to be together. What he doesn't expect is to see Sean, a guy he crushed on and spent a weekend with while at university but was suddenly left ghosted. Now he has the chance for answers and possibly a little bit more.
Sean is clearly still hurting a little over having to leave university and what happened, though he is now happy and settled with a job he loves and a tight nit community. He may be lonely but he has his dog for company and a few friends. Now Vic is in town and though he doesn't know about dealing with his departure after Christmas, there's no denying the chemistry and connection that they still share. It's a quickly developing relationship between them and it's clear that they mean a lot to each other, whether they do or don't stay together. I loved how the two men were together, though there were a couple of moments that had me questioning what they were doing.
Overall it's a heartwarming romance that gives both men the HEA that they want and deserve oveer the Christmas period. I enjoyed the characters, even with some over-meddling at times.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
September 21, 2025
A nice second chance Christmas romance. There's no real angst, Vic and Sean had hooked up whilst at uni twenty years previously, Sean had had to travel to his home for a family emergency and never contacted Vic again. There was obviously an attraction and a bond there, and I still haven't worked out why Sean didn't contact Vic to tell him why he wasn't returning to uni, the reasoning didn't really make sense to me. Still, when they meet again, the bond is obviously there, and after one or two hiccups they get back together again. One of the reasons behind the 3 stars is the ending, I dislike HFN, I like my stories wrapped up in a bow, with an epilogue. The scenery descriptions were lovely, as was the whole Christmas atmosphere. Nice story, likeable MCs and secondary characters, it just didn't set my world on fire.
December 29, 2023
Second chance love in the countryside
I loved Vic and Sean, and their incredible connection that neither of them forgot over a nineteen year span apart. It was bittersweet, watching them find out how much each had thought about the other over the years, both realising that no one else had come anywhere close to matching up in their affections.
Their attraction sprang back to life as soon as they set eyes on each other again, as if they'd never been apart, but they took a little time to get to know each other which gave us time to get to know them too. They were nice people, warm and friendly and normal, and they made a lovely couple. The affection and love between them came relatively quickly but I believed in them because of their prior connection.
Vic's son, Joe, was a great character, a normal teenager stuck to his phone, sarky, cringing when his dad showed him affection but loving it anyway. He was very well-written, and I loved his relationship with Vic which came off as very natural.
Sean's reason for leaving London was sound but him basically ghosting Vic was not believable. It was wishy-washy, too contrived for the plot and not true to what we know of Sean's character.
I wasn't keen on Hailey's deception, not warning either of them that it was inevitable they'd meet again. It wasn't nice, knowing full well how Vic felt about Sean leaving unexpectedly then ghosting him, and that it would be a complete shock and Vic was stuck there for a month. It could have turned out really badly, but she didn't care, just carried on sticking her nose in all the time. Sean's sister also tried a bit of her own meddling too, and that was just as irritating.
I love a nice epilogue, everything neatly wrapped up, an HEA months or even years later. Sometimes an HFN will do, if I know they will last. I'm not saying they'll split up but I needed an epilogue in this case to satisfy my soul and there was none so it ended a bit abruptly for me.
This is a three and a half star read because of all the bits that bugged me but Vic, Sean and Joe were all five stars.
I loved Vic and Sean, and their incredible connection that neither of them forgot over a nineteen year span apart. It was bittersweet, watching them find out how much each had thought about the other over the years, both realising that no one else had come anywhere close to matching up in their affections.
Their attraction sprang back to life as soon as they set eyes on each other again, as if they'd never been apart, but they took a little time to get to know each other which gave us time to get to know them too. They were nice people, warm and friendly and normal, and they made a lovely couple. The affection and love between them came relatively quickly but I believed in them because of their prior connection.
Vic's son, Joe, was a great character, a normal teenager stuck to his phone, sarky, cringing when his dad showed him affection but loving it anyway. He was very well-written, and I loved his relationship with Vic which came off as very natural.
Sean's reason for leaving London was sound but him basically ghosting Vic was not believable. It was wishy-washy, too contrived for the plot and not true to what we know of Sean's character.
I wasn't keen on Hailey's deception, not warning either of them that it was inevitable they'd meet again. It wasn't nice, knowing full well how Vic felt about Sean leaving unexpectedly then ghosting him, and that it would be a complete shock and Vic was stuck there for a month. It could have turned out really badly, but she didn't care, just carried on sticking her nose in all the time. Sean's sister also tried a bit of her own meddling too, and that was just as irritating.
I love a nice epilogue, everything neatly wrapped up, an HEA months or even years later. Sometimes an HFN will do, if I know they will last. I'm not saying they'll split up but I needed an epilogue in this case to satisfy my soul and there was none so it ended a bit abruptly for me.
This is a three and a half star read because of all the bits that bugged me but Vic, Sean and Joe were all five stars.
January 9, 2026
DNF @ 43%
The way Hailey was characterized was toeing dangerously close to the "I'm emotionally difficult to be around but we're going to laugh it off because it's funny" type of character with how often Vic mentioned that he was scared of contradicting her. I get she was pregnant, but it was hard to not dislike here when nearly every single scene showed her being incredibly abrasive (and pushy with how she tried to orchestrate Vic and Sean together).
I wasn't a fan of how instalovey the story was. Vic literally lays out that it had been nineteen years since he'd seen Sean and that they're "still practically strangers" but he already "likes Sean Richmond exactly like that". I could accept being physically attracted, but the implication here that Vic was already romantically attached to a freaking stranger was super disappointing. I'd like to have seen what exactly inspired that romance (and having a weekend together almost two decades ago is 100% not enough especially when it didn't even show us that in the book).
I had to call it when no clear conflict had been presented that was keeping Vic and Sean apart. I don't want to read fluffy romances any more than I want to watch a heist movie where everything goes exactly according to plan. I need wrenches in cogs, unexpected surprises, conflict that MCs need to overcome through the power of their love. It doesn't need to be anything dramatic or world ending, but it does need to exist. Vic and Sean literally erased all of that when they laid out that Vic didn't live that far and that both he and Sean were willing to see where the relationship took them.
The way Hailey was characterized was toeing dangerously close to the "I'm emotionally difficult to be around but we're going to laugh it off because it's funny" type of character with how often Vic mentioned that he was scared of contradicting her. I get she was pregnant, but it was hard to not dislike here when nearly every single scene showed her being incredibly abrasive (and pushy with how she tried to orchestrate Vic and Sean together).
I wasn't a fan of how instalovey the story was. Vic literally lays out that it had been nineteen years since he'd seen Sean and that they're "still practically strangers" but he already "likes Sean Richmond exactly like that". I could accept being physically attracted, but the implication here that Vic was already romantically attached to a freaking stranger was super disappointing. I'd like to have seen what exactly inspired that romance (and having a weekend together almost two decades ago is 100% not enough especially when it didn't even show us that in the book).
I had to call it when no clear conflict had been presented that was keeping Vic and Sean apart. I don't want to read fluffy romances any more than I want to watch a heist movie where everything goes exactly according to plan. I need wrenches in cogs, unexpected surprises, conflict that MCs need to overcome through the power of their love. It doesn't need to be anything dramatic or world ending, but it does need to exist. Vic and Sean literally erased all of that when they laid out that Vic didn't live that far and that both he and Sean were willing to see where the relationship took them.
December 27, 2023
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This was a perfect small town, UK, second chance holiday love story. Complete with meddling and loving ex-wife and son, adorable dogs and two swoony men who never quite forgot what could have been.
It’s been 19 years but neither Vic nor Sean has ever forgotten the weekend that they both hoped would be the beginning of something special.
But life had other plans and they both moved forward. For Vic that was marrying and divorcing his best friend. Not before having a child who is now a delightful combination of being sweet and kind and being a sassy teenager.
Sean has been living in his hometown living his dream as a park ranger, except for a partner who enjoys the quiet life of a small town, and nature.
Neither expects to see each other, mainly because Vic’s ex ‘forgot’ to tell them both. Sparks fly immediately, even if slightly awkward and red-cheeked. But they pick up their friendship so easily, you’d be hard-pressed to know it’s been so long.
Both compassionate and caring people they fit so well together. And I loved their banter, easy conversation, and gentle nature with one another.
There is no doubt that these two are going to have many more Hhristmases together.
This was a perfect small town, UK, second chance holiday love story. Complete with meddling and loving ex-wife and son, adorable dogs and two swoony men who never quite forgot what could have been.
It’s been 19 years but neither Vic nor Sean has ever forgotten the weekend that they both hoped would be the beginning of something special.
But life had other plans and they both moved forward. For Vic that was marrying and divorcing his best friend. Not before having a child who is now a delightful combination of being sweet and kind and being a sassy teenager.
Sean has been living in his hometown living his dream as a park ranger, except for a partner who enjoys the quiet life of a small town, and nature.
Neither expects to see each other, mainly because Vic’s ex ‘forgot’ to tell them both. Sparks fly immediately, even if slightly awkward and red-cheeked. But they pick up their friendship so easily, you’d be hard-pressed to know it’s been so long.
Both compassionate and caring people they fit so well together. And I loved their banter, easy conversation, and gentle nature with one another.
There is no doubt that these two are going to have many more Hhristmases together.
December 29, 2023
This book had many sweet spots, and several hits or misses for me. Let's talk main characters: Loved them, especially Vic. His heart has always been in the right place, helping out his ex when she is too stubborn to hire the help she actually can afford. (That's another story). Sean was great for the most part. He was a wonderful counterpart to Vic. However, why he left and why he ghosted Vic in the past didn't sit right. Too many what ifs unanswered due to immaturity.
I loved Vic's relationship with his son. His ex, I could do without. Considering she was supposed to be his best friend, she really didn't seem like a good one. I also felt like I needed an update at the end as to where Vic and Sean end up in the future, but that's just me. In the end, it was a sweet second chance romance that I enjoyed.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved Vic's relationship with his son. His ex, I could do without. Considering she was supposed to be his best friend, she really didn't seem like a good one. I also felt like I needed an update at the end as to where Vic and Sean end up in the future, but that's just me. In the end, it was a sweet second chance romance that I enjoyed.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2024
FESTIVE FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS is a seasonal second-chance romance that will wrap you up in a warm blanket, complete with hot chocolate! Sean and Vic had a brief fling before Sean's life was thrown into turmoil. Nineteen years later, they meet again and find the attraction still there.
I loved how easy this story was! There are no unnecessary miscommunications or judgements. Instead, you have a brilliant story with great characters and situations. I thought the best-friend/sister situation was a little overdone, but I loved Sam! That maybe because she brought Jax and Jinx into the picture, but still... 😁
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 3, 2024
I loved how easy this story was! There are no unnecessary miscommunications or judgements. Instead, you have a brilliant story with great characters and situations. I thought the best-friend/sister situation was a little overdone, but I loved Sam! That maybe because she brought Jax and Jinx into the picture, but still... 😁
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 3, 2024
January 3, 2024
This was an excellent second chance romance and I appreciated that the two main characters were a bit older. Vic and Sean are absolutely lovely together and the author has a wonderful writing style with both humor and heart. This was quite poignant as these two have missed out on almost twenty years. When Vic reminisced about their three perfect days together at uni, you could really tell they missed out on a chance at something special. The side characters are also well done, I liked Vic’s son Joe in particular. He is a very realistic teenager, not too precocious and not overly emo. I also loved that Vic’s ex wife Hailey is a positive and supportive female character, that can be rare in this genre. The ending is lovely and hopeful, I would have loved an epilogue set a bit in the future but that’s me being greedy for more from these two characters.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
December 22, 2023
If I visit England, I want to hang out in this lovely world Annabelle has created in their latest Christmas tale. This is the Hallmark Christmas Movie I would totally watch with second chance, single dad, local Park Ranger, good dogs, meddling best friends. I mean, come on, these are two sexy men who meet after 19 years, both not really over their brief (three days!) together. Vic and his son are in town to help Joe's mom, Vic's ex but still best friend over the holidays. Gasp, Sean is there in the pub the best friend owns with her wife. And we just swoon from there. Maybe a couple of hiccups as they find their way back to each other, but nothing long and such sexy communication. Just so perfectly snowy Christmas goodness!
Random question...it's mentioned they take their coats off when they get in the car, is that a thing some do?
Random question...it's mentioned they take their coats off when they get in the car, is that a thing some do?
January 2, 2024
A SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE! ❤️🔥
Oh this was just such a sweet, low angst romantic story by this new to me author!
Did fate play a major role in two college lover’s paths crossing after 19 years in a small town called Charnwell or was it a meddling best friend?
“Even if he’s still there, the odds of me running into him for the four weeks I’m there have to be pretty slim.”
“It’s not like he’d remember me, anyway.”
Boy was Vic wrong as Sean has never forgotten him and unbeknownst to them they have many quirks in common, one being they don’t do one night stands…
But when a second chance comes around you grab it with both hands no matter the situation but what happens when Vic must return home?…
I look forward to more books by this author especially if there’s a Jerry and his crush story…
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
Oh this was just such a sweet, low angst romantic story by this new to me author!
Did fate play a major role in two college lover’s paths crossing after 19 years in a small town called Charnwell or was it a meddling best friend?
“Even if he’s still there, the odds of me running into him for the four weeks I’m there have to be pretty slim.”
“It’s not like he’d remember me, anyway.”
Boy was Vic wrong as Sean has never forgotten him and unbeknownst to them they have many quirks in common, one being they don’t do one night stands…
But when a second chance comes around you grab it with both hands no matter the situation but what happens when Vic must return home?…
I look forward to more books by this author especially if there’s a Jerry and his crush story…
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
January 5, 2024
Vic heads to visit with his co-parent and best friend Hailey and her wife and to help out as they rehab the guest quarters of the Pub they are taking over from her wife's family. He did not realize when he headed for the holiday and to help out that he would meet again with Sean, his first crush and the one he cannot forget. It turns out once they run into one another that each of them has thought of the other over the years. The attraction is there but the reality is that although Vic will be around for about a month they live over an hour from one another. But they find a way to work on getting to know one another now and settling into a new thing that felt by the end of the story like it was the beginning of their forever. I enjoyed these two characters and the supporting cast of characters around them.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2024
This was my last read of 2023, and it was the perfect way to close out the holiday season. It’s so full of hope, possibility, and holiday charm. If you aren’t quite ready to let go of all the warm, fuzzy holiday feels, give this one a try.
Annabelle Jacobs reunites old flames in this second chance at love holiday romance. It’s been 19 years since Sean and Vic’s short-lived time together back in college, their intense, whirlwind romance cut short when Sean unexpectedly left and never returned. When Vic’s attempts to connect went unanswered, he moved on with his life, trying his best to put the past behind him. Sean attempted to do the same, but neither was ever quite able to forget their time together.
If you’re a fan of second chances - particularly when it’s more of a right person, wrong time situation - I can’t recommend this book enough. It captures the excitement and uncertainty of that kind of reunion, as well as the spark of attraction and rekindled romance.
Vic and Sean are at different places in their lives, and a lot has happened in their time apart. They have unresolved feelings and past hurts to work through before they can begin to reconcile their pasts with the present. Annabelle Jacobs is a master at developing this type of intense, emotional connection, and it’s an absolute joy to experience them falling for each other all over again.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
Annabelle Jacobs reunites old flames in this second chance at love holiday romance. It’s been 19 years since Sean and Vic’s short-lived time together back in college, their intense, whirlwind romance cut short when Sean unexpectedly left and never returned. When Vic’s attempts to connect went unanswered, he moved on with his life, trying his best to put the past behind him. Sean attempted to do the same, but neither was ever quite able to forget their time together.
If you’re a fan of second chances - particularly when it’s more of a right person, wrong time situation - I can’t recommend this book enough. It captures the excitement and uncertainty of that kind of reunion, as well as the spark of attraction and rekindled romance.
Vic and Sean are at different places in their lives, and a lot has happened in their time apart. They have unresolved feelings and past hurts to work through before they can begin to reconcile their pasts with the present. Annabelle Jacobs is a master at developing this type of intense, emotional connection, and it’s an absolute joy to experience them falling for each other all over again.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
January 9, 2024
Sean and Vic thought they'd seen the last of each other, with Vic feeling hurt by Sean's apparent rejection. Fast forward nineteen years, and suddenly they're together again. Misunderstandings must be cleared up, and Sean must learn to trust not only in Vic's forgiveness but also in the truth of his feelings. For his part, Vic must trust Sean never to reject him again. It's a sweet story of renewed love between two older adults, one of whom is the father of a good-natured teenager. I just didn't believe that the trauma that sent Sean hurrying away overnight from their burgeoning relationship couldn't have been solved by a phone call. Were the feelings Sean claims he never lost real, since he moved on enough to have his heart badly broken?
December 22, 2023
This is a second chance holiday romance with plenty to recommend it: an idyllic (if cold) setting, charming (and nosy, but mostly in well meaning and fun ways) supporting characters, and two protagonists whose connection is, in spite of some early efforts of their own to complicate things, easy and organic and worth rooting for. The chemistry is real, there’s a nice balance of sweetness and steam, and there’s the bonus of adorable animals and a mostly angst free trajectory toward a HEA. All in all an enjoyable read.
December 22, 2023
I was glad this was actually more of two guys who had something short and sweet a long while ago meeting again by chance and knowing they are attracted and interested in a chance with each other rather than an actual friends with benefits situation. These two were genuinely drawn to each other and had not forgotten their shared past encounter. We get a single dad, nosey friends and all the adorable dogs! I adored that Vic and his ex-wife were best friends and honestly cared about each other. Nice mix of sweet and spicy with a length to include both romance and story with family and friends.
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