Christmas Cupid

Holiday Hearts #1

by Cassie Lein

The small town I live in has everything I need. Including the one man I’ve been crushing on since highschool. When it’s time for our town’s annual Secret Santa Event, we’re sent on a collision course, forced together in the most awkward way. What happens when the tension that has been building for the last decade ignites into a flame of desire? What if we’re everything the other has been waiting for. Will we be more than just one night or will our flame be extinguished before it even has a chance to burn?

Christmas Cupid is a standalone M/M adult romance. While it can be read as a standalone it will be part of a shared world. This book contains mature situations and content.

Genres: M M Romance, Christmas, Novella, Contemporary, Holiday, Ebooks, LGBT

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2022

About the author

Cassie resides in Northern Illinois on a farm with her husband and six kids. When not writing she can be found reading or chauffeuring her kids or showing pigs. Cassie is a huge advocate for foster care and adoption. Enjoys a good horror movie, a dark romance, and alcohol. Lots and lots of alcohol. You did just read she has six kids right?

Reviews

[Diane Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town love for the WIN!!

This was such a sweet and st3amy read! I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was the perfect holiday storyline. I think the author did a great job of delivering a small town romance with the love story of Cain and Aiden. The meddling mom was perfection! I loved so many things about this but I don’t want to give the story away! lol Read this novella today! 5stars 5peppers

[Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

In December, everyone dreams of only one thing - for Christmas to come. And I can already imagine Santa putting Cupid on his shoulder and making him grant Christmas wishes.

I read the book in a few hours, and I'm still struggling to gather all my thoughts and write this review. But I can say one thing for sure - I WANT MORE! And if possible let it be more from Cain and Aiden.

Christmas Cupid made me feel the magic of Christmas and the power of wishes and hopes coming true. This book is the most charming combination of first love and two particularly stubborn men who refuse to admit their feelings. Let's not forget the relatives who love to interfere in your love life and are always ready to...help. Or not, that much...but in the case of Cain and Aiden, things worked out.

God, I can't remember the last time this story unfolded so smoothly, logically and not filled with negative experiences for the characters. Don't get me wrong - I like a variety of books, but this story just enchanted me.

These two were so perfect that they warmed my heart and made me empathize with them in their emotions. For a second I was transported to their small town, I could smell the scent of the trees and feel the excitement they felt being so close to each other but not being able to touch or share their feelings.

Cain and Aiden as characters were great built. We got to see both of their perspectives, which was great! I loved that we were able to learn not only more about life and daily routine, but also about the families and their past.

I think the author has real talent because for this short story she managed to build a wonderful character and setting.

And before I forget - Cara and Mrs. Morale are UNIQUE. Especially Cain's mother. This woman won me over.

In conclusion, Christmas Cupid was the perfect read for my December marathon. I want to thank Cassie Lein for providing me with a free preview copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily and share my honest opinion.

[Abigail Telles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very captivating, it took me awhile to start reading it cause I was busy but when I finally had the time to sit down and read it I couldn’t stop and ended up finishing it in one sitting. It was very cute and funny all at the same time. It also moves at a decently fast pace, but I loved that. Not to mention the spice in this book is very well written. I absolutely loved this book and will definitely read more from this author.

[Kailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

On a work trip and had some time to kill,  so I decided to find a quick read. I have a lot of options from all the stuff your kindle days and landed on "Christmas Cupid". The Christmas vibes felt fitting.

Overall this was 80% smut, but it was repetitive. There was a lot of overuse on specific ways to set the scene and so after the first half, it just kind of felt like a fan fiction. There were some cute moments, but everything moved so fast. Since this was a short story, it probably would have been better to focus on one area to make this seem more immersive. I just didn't feel like I connected with any of the characters. The writing also dragged at times and it almost read as someones account of the situation over drinks.

If you want something that has no stakes, not much backstory, and is solely focused on spicy scenes - you may enjoy this for what it is.

[Michelle Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a small town romance novella? Might I suggest this book? It MM and just a really good read. You get pulled in from the beginning because you can’t help but go aww how cute! This is quick read, practically insta-love. Slowish burn. Because seriously they just keep shuffling around each other. It’s a cute little Hallmark movie but with MM content. A really good one to read for this holiday season

[Jenn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Light MM Read!



This is a quick, feel good, spicy read that I gobbled up in one sitting! It’s the story of Cain and Aiden who have lusted over one another from afar for years, and everyone knew it but them. I loved the meddling family members who helped get these two together, and I loved watching them come together as a couple. If you need a lighter but well written MM read, grab this - I promise you won’t be disappointed!

[Mandy Robitaille · Rating 5 out of 5]

listened via audio

oh my goodness, this was so so cute. the mutual pining had me melting into a pile of goo, and I loved the meddling from all the family/friends. if you're in the mood for some holiday fluff, pick thisfriendship.

the narration was great too! Casper Callis was new to me but I really enjoyed this narration and look forward to hearing him again!

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not one usually for mm but man Cassie did the thang!! I loved Aiden and Cain so much . Even Cara cains sister was super likable. this was such a cute Christmas story and the spice chefs kiss definitely is a 5 Star Christmas read for me , and I don't even like Christmas.

[Deanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, sweet and smutty! I was looking for a zero angst book to read with a HEA and this hit the spot completely

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute story and I really love the cover but when they got together it got a little bit repetitive

[bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book has EVERYTHING… sweetness, spice and coziness! it was such a good fast little read and breather inbetween darker books. if you’re looking for a light read after all the dark romances this is the book you’re looking for!!!

y’all need to read this asap !! i will be reading more from the author 💖💖💖

[Leilani Noack · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I’ve read a small town romance but Cassie did an amazing job with Aiden & Cain. Such a beautiful story and I want to see more.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Cain and Aiden's story. It was a beautiful Christmas Novella that had me wanting more! I am so glad that they guys got their HEA. Cassie did an Amazing job writing this story. I recommend this book especially if your looking for a little Christmas happiness! I can not wait to see more of Cassie's work in the future.

Casper Callis did AMAZING with this audio! I absolutely love his voice and he did such an Amazing job with the transitions between the characters. I already loved this story so much but Casper really brought it full circle with this audio. PERFECTION!!!!!

[Dawn Siemer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Painful

I got halfway through this book. The first half, the guys are pining after each other. They've liked each other 8 years. One is too shy to even talk to his crush, so I think they barely know each other. The other guy isn't so shy, but is waiting for the other guy to ask him out for no reason.

So the shy guy's mom sets them up for Christmas. The date she chooses is horrifying for a first date, especially for guys who haven't admitted they're attracted to each other. I stopped there because it felt gross.

[Lauryn_alexus · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of this book was really cute so I was excited to read it, but the writing was not very good. It felt very unedited, like if someone were to just post their story on fan fiction website. Also, the sex scenes were very intense which didn’t fit with the rest of the story so they were very jarring to read.

[Kristin Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect, feel-good Christmas romance with just a little heat!

Meddling relatives, a town-wide gift exchange, and a happily ever after for main characters…what more could you ask for. Grab a copy of Cassie Leon’s Christmas Cupid’! You won’t regret it.

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you getting anything from a secret Santa?

Well Aiden and Cain sure did! I really LOVED this small town romance. I honestly couldn’t get enough of them. I am so glad I got the chance to read this. You will not be disappointed in this book. It was the perfect holiday romance between two characters who have loved each other for a long time. For me, this story is one of my favorite MM books of this year. If I could give this book a higher rating I would lol.

I really loved the dynamic between Cain and Aiden. To me they meshed really well together with their personalities. Cain is very much an alpha but doesn’t really know how to express himself, whereas Aiden knows what he wants but is a bit shy at making the first move. One thing that really caught my eye was the way these two really liked each other but just didn’t know how to express it lol, with a little shove in the right direction they found their way. So adorable!

Spice? Yasssss! It was so good! Their chemistry was so HOT! But it was so good to read. I loved the Christmas theme that went along with this book. So cute!

Overall, I really loved the story. It was so cute! I really hope to read more from Cassie because she did awesome with this book. It is one of my favorites and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Cupid ( Holiday Hearts Book 1 ) Tropes 💜Small Town 💜M/M 💜High school Crush 💜Holiday Romance. To say that all my expectations are exceeded every single time I pick up one of Cassie’s books truly is an understatement . Christmas Cupid was no different. It really was the perfect holiday read . Sweet and sexy , fun , angsty , humorous, steamy , heartbreaking and heartwarming and 100% addictive. From page one I found myself falling completely in love with both Aiden and Cain . These two have known each other since senior year of high school and there was always an unspoken and undeniable attraction between them . It’s not until 8 years later though that fate steps in as well as certain circumstances and finally gives them the chance to admit their feelings . I do not want to give to much away as this really is he most wonderfully written story that’s best enjoyed by going in with a completely open mind and no spoilers. What I will say is that I genuinely loved loved loved it so freaking much . No reslly . It’s not often I get to pick up a feel good love story that makes me smile , laugh, cry and root so so hard all at once . Mainly because I read dark themed romances almost all the time . But Cassie’s books are my go to whenever I’m looking for a change . Christmas Cupid is a must read for anyone who loves M/ M romance with all the feels

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Cupid is a great introduction story into a MM romance read. It was a very cute and fun read. We get some meddling family members and a small town rooting for two people who have loved each other for years. This is book one of the Holiday Hearts Series.

Cain and Aiden were super cute together and adding this during the Christmas season made for some light hearted reading. While their relationship was part of a rushed feel, I don't truly feel it was rushed. They have known each other since high school and have been friendly with each other the whole time. We see the inner monologue of each guy and we know that they each like the other and have for a long time, but they both don't think the other is interested. This is where the meddling family come together. A secret Santa gift brings the two men together and they are able to truly express how they feel about each other.

There was some scenes of miscommunication and jumping to conclusions. They weren't sure how the other felt and instead of talking it out, they assumed incorrect information.

I can't wait to read the rest of the series as this one was a really cute read. I enjoyed the relationships of the whole town and can't wait to see who gets matched up together.

[Booksbystarlightandshadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a great Christmas novella; I'm not usually one for small town romances but this and the other one in the series I have read, Summer Sweethearts, just hooked me straight away. This is sweet without being too much, insta-love but with a history, low angst and plenty of humour.

Cain and Aiden are just adorable and I loved them from the start. The will they/wont they tension between them is perfect in this as they have kept their feelings for each other under wraps for years. Both of them thinking the other isn't interested but too anxious to put themselves out there to find out until they are given a not so subtle shove! The secret santa plotline is inspired and I liked how it introduced other characters in the series as well as also helping to set up book two.

My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely and I have added all the authors works to my TBR

[Danielle Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved rereading this new edition of Christmas Cupid. I absolutely love how the Holiday Hearts series is just a very sweet, fun, and spicy quick read. It made a perfect read for the end of the holiday season going into the new year.

Original review 😊:
8 years after Cain & Aiden met in high school, they still haven’t admitted to liking each other. Will a push from a Secret Santa get them to admit what’s always been there?

❤️ Cain & Aiden were so sweet & adorable trying their best not to admit to themselves or others that they liked each other. But when they finally do, 🥵🌶️ times are here, leading to a HEA.
❤️ idyllic small-town setting where everyone helps each other out, even strangers to town. And I loved the idea of a town-wide Secret Santa. Definitely something only a close knit community could do.
❤️ Cain’s mother & sister were very entertaining with very helpful pushes towards our male leads.

⭐️Highly recommend for those wanting a sweet, cute, funny, sexy, HEA, Christmas time, MM novella.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The phrases that I thought of most while reading Christmas Cupid was "small town romance" and "slice of life". Seriously, the town that MC's Cain and Aiden grew up in was so idyllic that they have a town wide secret santa swap every year where everyone takes part and gives a thoughtful gift or act of service that perfectly suits the receiver of the gift. It was very sweet. Everyone was accepted in this town, even those who just suspiciously blew in.

Also "slice of life". You follow Cain and Aiden throughout their day from when they shower and trim their beard, to what they eat for breakfast. This is a nice slow paced story that will have you relaxing as you read. There's some misunderstandings between the MC's, as well as much time they're just plain being too scaredy cat to speak their feelings. But their small town is ready to push Cain and Aiden forward in their possible relationship where needed.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating:☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️(5/5)


🚨Spoilers below read at your own risk🚨


Highly recommend this quick, cute novella!!! The fact that these two have had a crush on each other for 8 years and not once did one of them try to make the move had me shocked!!! Honestly, I'm shocked. It took Cain's family getting them for the town's gift exchange for them to finally end up together! Had I been them, I would have tried to set them up a long time ago!!!! 8 years is more than a cruel punishment to not just Cain and Aiden but everyone else who saw these two falling for each other! This novella was just so short!!! I wish I had more!! For a small little town they sure know how to celebrate christmas. Seeing Aiden interact with people through his bookshop made me wish I could also sit in and enjoy some coffee there! 

[Lorelei Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute long-time crush to lovers read! Short read, MM romance, small town, meddling/matchmaking family members (mostly mom). It’s a holiday romance, but really only mentions the Secret Santa gift exchange and a few other things… not super Christmassy, so it’s good to read all year round!
Aiden moves to Cain’s town during his senior year of high school. There is instant attraction, though neither really acknowledges it to the other. Fast forward 8 years later, and they’re still tiptoeing around each other. It takes a meddling mom (and sister, but mostly mom) forcing them into an awkward position to get their tension to erupt. And erupt, it does!
I’ve been loving on some MM romances lately, and this is a good one! There’s so much tension that you could cut it with a knife! And the spice is just right! If you’re a fan of light-hearted MM reads, check this one out!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your decade crush becomes more than a passing fantasy…. Collision course? Of course why not ? Everything this book has got has been well written, I was sure smitten . Santa and Cupid although it sounds stupid , absurd anything dafter. This is the low down hoho down of their happy ever after. One magical night ,out of sight good. But are they together or lost in the woods? These two were dancing around a love profound ,it took meddling family members to turn this around. A perfectly divine slow-burn Christmas romance that’s both steamy and dreamy ,beautifully sweet heat that’s full of warmth and holiday joy for them both to treasure . A well written and crafted romance M/M book that is hard to overlook as it’s so well devised . No surprise that I found it enticing as the spice is nice but the storytelling is really neat too.

[Kyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, mm, Christmas novella! I was immediately hooked and wish the book had been longer because I loved it! I want more from these amazing characters! If you like small-town romance and a sweet story this is for you. It’s feel good, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect Christmas story. Cain and Aiden have been dancing around each other since high school, each liking the other but too afraid to make a move. Flash forwards many years and add in some mother meddling and these two are once again sucked into each other’s orbit. It’s the perfect story to curl up in front of your Christmas tree with hot cocoa and let the words come to life. I really enjoyed it, and I can’t wait to see what Cassie writes next, I’m a fan; I’ll be back for more. Happy holidays!

[Danielle Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

8 years after Cain & Aiden met in high school, they still haven’t admitted to liking each other. Will a push from a Secret Santa get them to admit what’s always been there?

❤️ Cain & Aiden were so sweet & adorable trying their best not to admit to themselves or others that they liked each other. But when they finally do, 🥵🌶️ times are here, leading to a HEA.
❤️ idyllic small-town setting where everyone helps each other out, even strangers to town. And I loved the idea of a town-wide Secret Santa. Definitely something only a close knit community could do.
❤️ Cain’s mother & sister were very entertaining with very helpful pushes towards our male leads.

⭐️Highly recommend for those wanting a sweet, cute, funny, sexy, HEA, Christmas time, MM novella.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing about this novella is that I wish that it was a more fleshed out novel. Cain and Aiden are such a cute couple that giving them a full story would be awesome.

How they've managed to dance around each other for 8 years since their meet cute and not at least dipped a toe past that is beyond me. They're adorably well matched and everyone is rooting for them in one way or another. Just insert a meddling mom and sister.🤣

A double booked massage? Woo! We're headed in the right direction for sure now! 🥵 When these two finally admit their feelings, it's an inferno up in here!

Always check the TW/CW:
💥None

Anywho! Time to wrap this up with the goodies:
Read: 4🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 3🌶🌶🌶
HEA

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nadia Hinojosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first MM romance I have ever read. I was not sure if this was something that would appeal to me, to be honest. Previously, I have read Reverse Harem and Omegaverse which included MM, but not only MM, I enjoyed them very much. I really enjoyed reading this book. Of course, I had to read it because it is a Cassie Lein book!
I recently saw that a few of my other favorite authors are writing or releasing new books in this genre. I know now that I am totally open to reading more books in this genre. The story line was so sweet and the MMCs were sweet and sexy. I also loved many of the supporting characters in this book! I hope to read about them soon! Thank you, Ms. Lien, for opening my eyes (and mind) to new genres and authors!

[Helen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cain and Aiden have secretly been in love with each other for years. Or maybe not so secretly as everybody except them could see it! Until one christmas when some meddling family members decide to try and set them on the right track.
This is a small town, M/M romance novella. It does have some steamy scenes between the 2 male leads but then I do like that! It was quite a sweet story with no unnecessary angst once they realised they both felt the same way. I hope the author writes Cara's story next and as this is a new author I will be looking out for more from her as I can see she will go far