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A Crush for the Holidays
Tristan
When my best friend Jake deserted me for Christmas, it made my plans go to shit. The only bright spot is the offer to use his father’s cabin, which is better than sitting in my apartment. Alone.
But instead of the holiday vibes and cosy self-indulgence I was expecting, I’ve got frozen pipes spurting water everywhere! Forced to call the only person who can help brings up memories of the guy on the receiving end of a dare to ‘kiss the next guy who walks through the door’—Jake’s yummy dad and the guy I’ve had a big, fat crush on for years. The same guy who’s now on his way here to save me. Brilliant.
Dax
With yet another hookup gone bad, I plan to spend Christmas with me, my trusty hand… and thoughts about a guy who is way off limits. Tris. My son’s best friend. The guy who threw himself at me on a dare three years ago. Whose kiss has stopped me from kissing anyone else since.
That is until said guy calls from my cabin needing my help. Being around Tris—whose holiday attire consists of the shortest shorts known to man—is really testing my patience. Instead of the quick in-and-out repair I was hoping for, a snowstorm is now keeping me stranded at the cabin with him. Alone. How am I going to fight my longstanding attraction to him when he’s constantly in my face, shaking that cute butt of his? Yeah, you guessed it… I’m screwed.
A Crush for the Holidays is an MM, age gap, best-friend’s-dad romance with some Christmas magic in the shape of a snowstorm that gives Tristan the forced proximity romance of his dreams.
When my best friend Jake deserted me for Christmas, it made my plans go to shit. The only bright spot is the offer to use his father’s cabin, which is better than sitting in my apartment. Alone.
But instead of the holiday vibes and cosy self-indulgence I was expecting, I’ve got frozen pipes spurting water everywhere! Forced to call the only person who can help brings up memories of the guy on the receiving end of a dare to ‘kiss the next guy who walks through the door’—Jake’s yummy dad and the guy I’ve had a big, fat crush on for years. The same guy who’s now on his way here to save me. Brilliant.
Dax
With yet another hookup gone bad, I plan to spend Christmas with me, my trusty hand… and thoughts about a guy who is way off limits. Tris. My son’s best friend. The guy who threw himself at me on a dare three years ago. Whose kiss has stopped me from kissing anyone else since.
That is until said guy calls from my cabin needing my help. Being around Tris—whose holiday attire consists of the shortest shorts known to man—is really testing my patience. Instead of the quick in-and-out repair I was hoping for, a snowstorm is now keeping me stranded at the cabin with him. Alone. How am I going to fight my longstanding attraction to him when he’s constantly in my face, shaking that cute butt of his? Yeah, you guessed it… I’m screwed.
A Crush for the Holidays is an MM, age gap, best-friend’s-dad romance with some Christmas magic in the shape of a snowstorm that gives Tristan the forced proximity romance of his dreams.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2024
33 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 10, 2024
Dnf 55%
Summary (and coincidentally reasons for my dnf) no spoilers.
-Tristan: I'm a sweet redhead, but a brat, too. I have it really hard, what with my mum having a disease that makes her forget who I am. I'll be sad and alone in a cabin in the woods for Christmas, knowing she's safe in her nursing home. I'll spend a week in that secluded cabin but bring only my shortest shorts and crop tops because who cares about being warm, I want too feel good in my body. It's because I was overweight as a child and got bullied. That's also why I can't take it if someone reprimands me, it brings me back to being bulllied and I get all sad. I'm also horny for my best friend's dad and try to jump him, even if he shows me how uncomfortable he is when I flirt with him or cup my package in front of him, because I see that he obviously wants me, too. I have to tell you again that I'm such a good guy inside, though. I got that from my mum, she always looked out for me even when we were poor.
Back to Dex, I want him so I'm going to have him, I'm a brat after all.
Dax:
-I have 1-2 hook-ups a week, but can't and won't commit, my hook-ups always want more from me, though! I'm such a good dad, a teacher who wants the best for his pupils and hates bullies. Only now that I'm near Tristan I can't escape his pull! I know this is so wrong! But I need to own him! But this is so wrong! Ok I give in, but I promise I won't fall in love with him.
While I was paraphrasing, I assure you the writing was not much better.
Summary (and coincidentally reasons for my dnf) no spoilers.
-Tristan: I'm a sweet redhead, but a brat, too. I have it really hard, what with my mum having a disease that makes her forget who I am. I'll be sad and alone in a cabin in the woods for Christmas, knowing she's safe in her nursing home. I'll spend a week in that secluded cabin but bring only my shortest shorts and crop tops because who cares about being warm, I want too feel good in my body. It's because I was overweight as a child and got bullied. That's also why I can't take it if someone reprimands me, it brings me back to being bulllied and I get all sad. I'm also horny for my best friend's dad and try to jump him, even if he shows me how uncomfortable he is when I flirt with him or cup my package in front of him, because I see that he obviously wants me, too. I have to tell you again that I'm such a good guy inside, though. I got that from my mum, she always looked out for me even when we were poor.
Back to Dex, I want him so I'm going to have him, I'm a brat after all.
Dax:
-I have 1-2 hook-ups a week, but can't and won't commit, my hook-ups always want more from me, though! I'm such a good dad, a teacher who wants the best for his pupils and hates bullies. Only now that I'm near Tristan I can't escape his pull! I know this is so wrong! But I need to own him! But this is so wrong! Ok I give in, but I promise I won't fall in love with him.
While I was paraphrasing, I assure you the writing was not much better.
December 8, 2024
"You can have it, baby. You can have everything I own, as long as I get you in return. "
The mutual pining made my heart squeeze! The way Dax didn't kiss anyone for 3 whole years because it wasn't Tris 🥺 Then, THAT Kiss in front of the fireplace...sheww weeee! I reread that part a few times. I loved the snowed-in, warm n cozy Christmasy feels. Falling in love during the holidays sounds so romantic.
Dax made me blush a few times with his dirty mouth. Dude has some fancy wiener pearls I've never heard of. I had to Google it, and you know what? Hell yeah! I bet they feel nice. 🤭
The ending with the tee shirt and Tris's momma had me in tears. This was ooey gooey feel-good. I loved it so much. Thank you for the arc. (Release date 12/9)
"Look at that greedy hole, slurping down the plug like you're sucking on Santa's candy cane."
No cheating, sharing, or om.
Dax goes on a date at the beginning and talks about having sex with him, but nothing happens.
The mutual pining made my heart squeeze! The way Dax didn't kiss anyone for 3 whole years because it wasn't Tris 🥺 Then, THAT Kiss in front of the fireplace...sheww weeee! I reread that part a few times. I loved the snowed-in, warm n cozy Christmasy feels. Falling in love during the holidays sounds so romantic.
Dax made me blush a few times with his dirty mouth. Dude has some fancy wiener pearls I've never heard of. I had to Google it, and you know what? Hell yeah! I bet they feel nice. 🤭
The ending with the tee shirt and Tris's momma had me in tears. This was ooey gooey feel-good. I loved it so much. Thank you for the arc. (Release date 12/9)
"Look at that greedy hole, slurping down the plug like you're sucking on Santa's candy cane."
No cheating, sharing, or om.
Dax goes on a date at the beginning and talks about having sex with him, but nothing happens.
December 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Tristan + Dax
Best friends dad | Brat | Snowed in | "Little fox"
Cute epilogue.
I had issues with some parts like their stupid lack of communication.
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Best friends dad
Age gap (42 and 24)
Christmas
Cabin
Snowed in
Pearling
Pining
Super brat
Bareback
"Don't fall in love with me"
Lots of ripped clothes
Cum as lube
Felching
"Little fox"
Tristan wears a lot of tiny shorts, tiny skirts and crop tops
Sex toys including a butt plug with a tail
Dax reveals that he hasn't kissed anyone else in the 3 years since he first kissed Tris during a game of truth or dare. Tris was dared to "kiss the next guy who walks through that door" and it was Dax. They both never stopped thinking about it since that day.
Dax brings Tris a yellow rose
A little 'daddy' and 'sir'
No OW/OM drama - Jake's mom and Dax were never married, they were friends who lived together to co parent Jake. They no longer live together now that Jake is an adult.
Adorable epilogue 3 months later - they visit Tristan's mom and she is having a good day so she remembers him. She believes they're already married though. Dax proposes with a yellow stone ring (yellow iykyk)
Dax's son approves of them. He was there to witness their first kiss 3 years prior and was aware and supportive of Tristan's pining
Strict roles
Warnings:
Tristan's mom has dementia and it's hard to watch. She doesn't remember him most of the time and says mean things to him when me visits
They forgo condoms because they're both on prep but no tests were mentioned. They just went for it.
Miscommunication trope - they both wanted each other after the cabin but wouldn't just use their words and say that
Third act breakup of sorts - they were never officially together but they were both broken hearted after leaving the cabin and going home. They were both sick over it, wouldn't shower, barely eat, etc.
Tristan + Dax
Best friends dad | Brat | Snowed in | "Little fox"
Cute epilogue.
I had issues with some parts like their stupid lack of communication.
⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists
Tropes/content:
Best friends dad
Age gap (42 and 24)
Christmas
Cabin
Snowed in
Pearling
Pining
Super brat
Bareback
"Don't fall in love with me"
Lots of ripped clothes
Cum as lube
Felching
"Little fox"
Tristan wears a lot of tiny shorts, tiny skirts and crop tops
Sex toys including a butt plug with a tail
Dax reveals that he hasn't kissed anyone else in the 3 years since he first kissed Tris during a game of truth or dare. Tris was dared to "kiss the next guy who walks through that door" and it was Dax. They both never stopped thinking about it since that day.
Dax brings Tris a yellow rose
A little 'daddy' and 'sir'
No OW/OM drama - Jake's mom and Dax were never married, they were friends who lived together to co parent Jake. They no longer live together now that Jake is an adult.
Adorable epilogue 3 months later - they visit Tristan's mom and she is having a good day so she remembers him. She believes they're already married though. Dax proposes with a yellow stone ring (yellow iykyk)
Dax's son approves of them. He was there to witness their first kiss 3 years prior and was aware and supportive of Tristan's pining
Strict roles
Warnings:
Tristan's mom has dementia and it's hard to watch. She doesn't remember him most of the time and says mean things to him when me visits
They forgo condoms because they're both on prep but no tests were mentioned. They just went for it.
Miscommunication trope - they both wanted each other after the cabin but wouldn't just use their words and say that
Third act breakup of sorts - they were never officially together but they were both broken hearted after leaving the cabin and going home. They were both sick over it, wouldn't shower, barely eat, etc.
December 12, 2024
Loved it!
This was the perfect holiday read with all the feels. And the ending was just everything, I loved it so much!
This was the perfect holiday read with all the feels. And the ending was just everything, I loved it so much!
December 22, 2024
Cute, best friends dad, age gap, only one bed, snowed in, Christmasy feel. Not my fav but it was sweet.
dnf-2024
December 15, 2024This felt clunky and awkward, probably not the writing style for me.
December 8, 2024
Jake and Tristan have been best friends for years. This Christmas Jake isn’t home, he and his boyfriend are going away. He offers Tristan his dad’s cabin for the holidays.
Tristan has a crush on Jake’s dad Dax, something off limits of course.
Dax got a phone call from a panicking Tristan, the pipes in the cabin are frozen and broken.
So Dax ends up with Tristan in the cabin, with a snowstorm outside.
Tristan is a brat, and Dax can’t resist him, duh, as if he wants to.
It’s just for the time being, Dax isn’t the guy who wants to commit, never has, never will.
Tristan wants everything, true love, marriage, kids, but he knows he’ll never have those things, the one he wants isn’t available that way.
These guys are so lovable!
There’s fun, sweetness, s€xiness, and a nice dose of hurt comfort, and this combined with some small but certainly emotional side plots, made this one a perfect Christmas story!
Tristan has a crush on Jake’s dad Dax, something off limits of course.
Dax got a phone call from a panicking Tristan, the pipes in the cabin are frozen and broken.
So Dax ends up with Tristan in the cabin, with a snowstorm outside.
Tristan is a brat, and Dax can’t resist him, duh, as if he wants to.
It’s just for the time being, Dax isn’t the guy who wants to commit, never has, never will.
Tristan wants everything, true love, marriage, kids, but he knows he’ll never have those things, the one he wants isn’t available that way.
These guys are so lovable!
There’s fun, sweetness, s€xiness, and a nice dose of hurt comfort, and this combined with some small but certainly emotional side plots, made this one a perfect Christmas story!
December 11, 2024
Arc Review
Tristan loves his job at a homeless shelter so much, he never takes time off. His boss’ make him take his owed holidays before Christmas. His best friend Jake said he would spend some time with him, however his boyfriend Lewis surprises him with a holiday to Paris. Feeling bad, Jake offers Tris his dad’s cabin for the week. Tris jumps at the chance to have a week away from everything.
Dax is Jake’s dad and is not set up for relationships. Ever since a dare at his son’s 21st birthday, he has a thing for Tris.
Dax receives a frantic phone call from Tris while he is at the cabin, saying there was water everywhere. Dropping everything, Dax heads up to his cabin to sort out the mess. The weather takes a turn for the worse, forcing him to stay at the cabin, snowed in with Tris.
What could possibly happen between Tris and Dax while they are snowed in, and being highly attracted to each other.
This is E. L. Ough’s contribution to the multi author series ‘Home for the Holidays’.
I absolutely adored this book, the writing as usual from Emma is sublime, it flows so easily, and makes you fall in love with the brat that is Tris. Emma has such a knack of writing the perfect brats. Tris knows who he is and what he wants and makes no apologies for that. Dax just loves him the way he is and realises that Tris could be the one that makes him want a relationship and a forever.
Please read the trigger/content warnings at the beginning of the book.
I love the way Emma combines her ‘Britishness’ in her writing. She is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. I always learn something new when reading her books, a true education.
“Our lips meet again. My stomach lurches, and a rush of warmth and excitement floods my body like butterflies taking flight”.
Tristan loves his job at a homeless shelter so much, he never takes time off. His boss’ make him take his owed holidays before Christmas. His best friend Jake said he would spend some time with him, however his boyfriend Lewis surprises him with a holiday to Paris. Feeling bad, Jake offers Tris his dad’s cabin for the week. Tris jumps at the chance to have a week away from everything.
Dax is Jake’s dad and is not set up for relationships. Ever since a dare at his son’s 21st birthday, he has a thing for Tris.
Dax receives a frantic phone call from Tris while he is at the cabin, saying there was water everywhere. Dropping everything, Dax heads up to his cabin to sort out the mess. The weather takes a turn for the worse, forcing him to stay at the cabin, snowed in with Tris.
What could possibly happen between Tris and Dax while they are snowed in, and being highly attracted to each other.
This is E. L. Ough’s contribution to the multi author series ‘Home for the Holidays’.
I absolutely adored this book, the writing as usual from Emma is sublime, it flows so easily, and makes you fall in love with the brat that is Tris. Emma has such a knack of writing the perfect brats. Tris knows who he is and what he wants and makes no apologies for that. Dax just loves him the way he is and realises that Tris could be the one that makes him want a relationship and a forever.
Please read the trigger/content warnings at the beginning of the book.
I love the way Emma combines her ‘Britishness’ in her writing. She is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. I always learn something new when reading her books, a true education.
“Our lips meet again. My stomach lurches, and a rush of warmth and excitement floods my body like butterflies taking flight”.
December 15, 2024
Nu-uh, stawp... this was so cuteeeeeeeeee.
Why was this so cute and sweet and fluffy and everything that's sweet out there?
Omg, I am not a fan of Christmas novels/novellas in general ( even though I love Christmas ), but this was SO FREAKING SWEET.
Tristan & Dax are so sweet together... Like cotton candy.
This is an age gap novella, best friends dad, full of love and good feelings. The drama is nonexistent, only good Christmas vibes.
Their meet cute was OMG, so Hallmark coded it's crazy. How lucky can you be to meet the love of your life like that?
The relationships T has with J is so beautiful, and I love how he was never judged. J really is special, but with a father like Dax, there's no way he would've turned out differently.
Being a novella, this is a fast burn, but I loved how Emma wrote the story in a way that it felt right. They are right for each other. They are perfect together.
This is a story about love, yes, but also about second chances. It's a story about two people who found each other when they least expected it, but then met again when the time is right.
If you are looking for a cute, lovely, sexy, funny Christmas story, this one is for you.
The only complaint that I have is that this story is not a full-on novel. I would've loved to read at least 300 more pages about these two.
Ah, also, that ending? Emma, THANK YOU!
5/5⭐️, highly recommend.
Why was this so cute and sweet and fluffy and everything that's sweet out there?
Omg, I am not a fan of Christmas novels/novellas in general ( even though I love Christmas ), but this was SO FREAKING SWEET.
Tristan & Dax are so sweet together... Like cotton candy.
This is an age gap novella, best friends dad, full of love and good feelings. The drama is nonexistent, only good Christmas vibes.
Their meet cute was OMG, so Hallmark coded it's crazy. How lucky can you be to meet the love of your life like that?
The relationships T has with J is so beautiful, and I love how he was never judged. J really is special, but with a father like Dax, there's no way he would've turned out differently.
Being a novella, this is a fast burn, but I loved how Emma wrote the story in a way that it felt right. They are right for each other. They are perfect together.
This is a story about love, yes, but also about second chances. It's a story about two people who found each other when they least expected it, but then met again when the time is right.
If you are looking for a cute, lovely, sexy, funny Christmas story, this one is for you.
The only complaint that I have is that this story is not a full-on novel. I would've loved to read at least 300 more pages about these two.
Ah, also, that ending? Emma, THANK YOU!
5/5⭐️, highly recommend.
December 9, 2024
A beautiful balance of steam and vulnerability. Tristan has had a crush on his best friends dad since the moment they met but never took a shot knowing Dax is a commitment phobe to boot. Dax has always had a soft spot for his sons best friend, yet he doesn't seem to realize it's something more. When these two end up snowed in, Tristan takes his shot, and let's just say their chemistry is next level hot. They take their time together to explore what could have been if they met another way. When the heat passes, these two men need to look deeper and allow themselves to truly feel for this man they've opened up to. I would also like to thank the author for having a best friends dad trope where the son is supportive of not only the parent but the best friend. His encouragement and steadiness, I truly believe, are what allow this relationship to be able to go to the next level. It was a great unique read in a year of amazing holiday releases where it was hard to stand apart. i feel this author accomplished this.
December 5, 2024
This was such a sweet Christmas story ❤️ the mutual pining. The sass. The banter. The forced proximity. It all worked so perfectly.
I loved how Dax’s son (Tristan’s best friend) was such a big part of the story too. He wanted them both to be happy which was so lovely to see.
Tris teased and teased poor Dax until the poor man couldn’t hold back anymore and I LOVED it!
The ending was perfect and just so sweet.
I was lucky enough to beta read it and poor Emma had to deal with my pleas to write faster because I was invested!
Perfect Christmas story 🎄
I loved how Dax’s son (Tristan’s best friend) was such a big part of the story too. He wanted them both to be happy which was so lovely to see.
Tris teased and teased poor Dax until the poor man couldn’t hold back anymore and I LOVED it!
The ending was perfect and just so sweet.
I was lucky enough to beta read it and poor Emma had to deal with my pleas to write faster because I was invested!
Perfect Christmas story 🎄
December 7, 2024
Oh Tristan ❤️ 😂
* m/m
* bratty bottom
* Age gap
* Forced proximity
* short shorts
Tristan might just be my new favorite bratty bottom!
I absolutely loved this book. It is sweet, se×y, and funny.
20 something Tristan has had a crush on his best friend's dad for years after a dare resulted in a hot kiss.
40ish Dax hasn't stopped thinking about that kiss or Tristan, but isn't looking for a relationship. He's a one and done kind of guy.
When Tristan and Dax end up snowed in together over the Christmas holiday, Tristan plays every naughty card in his hand to entice Dax. Breaking down every wall Dax has built around himself.
The author did a fabulous job with these characters. Tristan is bratty as hell, and both characters are hilarious. The one liners and banter had me rolling.
This is the second book I've read from E.L. Ough and loved. I highly recommend this book and this author.
* m/m
* bratty bottom
* Age gap
* Forced proximity
* short shorts
Tristan might just be my new favorite bratty bottom!
I absolutely loved this book. It is sweet, se×y, and funny.
20 something Tristan has had a crush on his best friend's dad for years after a dare resulted in a hot kiss.
40ish Dax hasn't stopped thinking about that kiss or Tristan, but isn't looking for a relationship. He's a one and done kind of guy.
When Tristan and Dax end up snowed in together over the Christmas holiday, Tristan plays every naughty card in his hand to entice Dax. Breaking down every wall Dax has built around himself.
The author did a fabulous job with these characters. Tristan is bratty as hell, and both characters are hilarious. The one liners and banter had me rolling.
This is the second book I've read from E.L. Ough and loved. I highly recommend this book and this author.
December 10, 2024
A Spicy Christmas Story
I loved everything about the storyline of this book. I'm a total sucker for a Christmas. snowed in together, love story.
I'm also a total sucker for your best friend's dad. This is a great story. It'll definitely put you in the mood for Christmas. Do yourself a favor and read it.
I loved everything about the storyline of this book. I'm a total sucker for a Christmas. snowed in together, love story.
I'm also a total sucker for your best friend's dad. This is a great story. It'll definitely put you in the mood for Christmas. Do yourself a favor and read it.
December 9, 2024
4,5 stars
A Crush for the Holidays is a new Holiday Romance by E.L. Ough. It's part of the Home for the Holidays multi-author series. This is the story of Dax and Tristan. I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
A Crush for the Holidays is a new Holiday Romance by E.L. Ough. It's part of the Home for the Holidays multi-author series. This is the story of Dax and Tristan. I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
December 10, 2024
Tristan & Dax
I'm rounding this up from 4.5 but I absolutely loved Dax and Tristan's story. These two had a great mix of spicy and sweet. I read through this one in a matter of hours.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I'm rounding this up from 4.5 but I absolutely loved Dax and Tristan's story. These two had a great mix of spicy and sweet. I read through this one in a matter of hours.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
December 13, 2024
Awe this one was cute and definitely fast paced. I absolutely loved it and how bratty Tristan was just made it that much better
December 9, 2024
I should have known from the trigger warning (the author is clear that she doesn't think this NEEDS a trigger warning, but put one anyway. One character has a parent with dementia is described in depth during a visit in an early chapter, which IS A TRIGGER), then warns that they're British and so things might not not sound quite right. Proceeds to use the "c" word in chapter 2 for a character musing that he might be acting like a jerk. I guess... we're meant to excuse a sexist term because "oops, I'm British"?
BIG DNF 🤯🤬🤯
BIG DNF 🤯🤬🤯
December 9, 2024
What a fabulous Christmas read this book is. Tris and Dax we destined to be together. After the kss/dare they shared three years ago this was destined to happen. Tris has been forced to take time off from his job. His bestie suggested he use his dad's cabin in the woods as a get away. The very same dad he kissed three years ago and crushed on ever since. What could go wrong just enjoying his time off alone. A broken water pipe that forces him to call his crush. Then a freak snow storm stands daddy dax there.
I'm sure you know what happens.
I found this book to be well written despite the author always mentioning her hot mess of chaos. Truth be told Emma is a fantastic author who in my opinion does not give herself enough credit. Her characters are very enjoyable and on the spicy side without being raunchy. She does the fine line well. She develops the characters to people you enjoy and feel their feelings.
Give Emma a chance don't let her fool you her talent for writing is very good!
I'm sure you know what happens.
I found this book to be well written despite the author always mentioning her hot mess of chaos. Truth be told Emma is a fantastic author who in my opinion does not give herself enough credit. Her characters are very enjoyable and on the spicy side without being raunchy. She does the fine line well. She develops the characters to people you enjoy and feel their feelings.
Give Emma a chance don't let her fool you her talent for writing is very good!
December 9, 2024
This was another amazing Christmas story by the author.
I was hooked in from the start, and I just love how her humour and snark shines through her writing 💛
Mutual pining, age gap, some kinks, and jewellery 😏😈! Sign me up! I’m here for it!
Tristan is the perfect, sassy brat! I love how he doesn’t give up, appears to be confident but has so many layers 💛 He’s true to himself, and I love his emotional side. The teasing he makes Dax go through is very creative 😈😏
Dax!!! Omg how I love me a grumpy man, who isn’t really a grump! Just a teacher who’s pining after his son’s best friend. He finds himself being tested big time when he gets weather bound at his own cabin… with Tristan…
When I read this story it’s so clear to me how much the author cares and loves her characters.
And it’s a bonus in my humble opinion that she writes sex scenes that we haven’t read over and over. She’s creative, goes her own ways. I love that!
I was hooked in from the start, and I just love how her humour and snark shines through her writing 💛
Mutual pining, age gap, some kinks, and jewellery 😏😈! Sign me up! I’m here for it!
Tristan is the perfect, sassy brat! I love how he doesn’t give up, appears to be confident but has so many layers 💛 He’s true to himself, and I love his emotional side. The teasing he makes Dax go through is very creative 😈😏
Dax!!! Omg how I love me a grumpy man, who isn’t really a grump! Just a teacher who’s pining after his son’s best friend. He finds himself being tested big time when he gets weather bound at his own cabin… with Tristan…
When I read this story it’s so clear to me how much the author cares and loves her characters.
And it’s a bonus in my humble opinion that she writes sex scenes that we haven’t read over and over. She’s creative, goes her own ways. I love that!
December 13, 2024
A great Christmas novella, with all the tropes what need; Snowed in, one bed and your best friend's dad. I knew I would love it. The characters were so loveable and it was fun to witness Triston tease Dax with his outfits and other shenanigans. This is the first book I have read with pearling and I did have to google it to get a picture in my mind. The intimate scenes are so well written, you almost feel, see and taste everything, as they explore one another, makes it a nice steamy read. This book is packed full of emotion and the epilogue struck a personal chord with me and made the book so special. Happy tears at the end. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 28, 2025
Sweet and steamy!
I don’t really know what I expected going into this book but what I got surprised me! It started off with me having low expectations because I had been reading some duds of Christmas books but as the book went on I found myself more engrossed in the story! I loved how down bad both Dax and Tristan were for each other. This story gives you a sprinkle of hurt/comfort, a dash of daddy/boy and a whole lot of love and steaminess!
I don’t really know what I expected going into this book but what I got surprised me! It started off with me having low expectations because I had been reading some duds of Christmas books but as the book went on I found myself more engrossed in the story! I loved how down bad both Dax and Tristan were for each other. This story gives you a sprinkle of hurt/comfort, a dash of daddy/boy and a whole lot of love and steaminess!
December 9, 2024
❄️ Thoughts ❄️
Thank you, Emma for my copy of A Crush for the Holidays part of the Holiday for Homes series, but is definitely a standalone.
Emma is a British author and I adored all the British quirks, it did make me a little homesick for the UK and I'm totally craving a Gregg's at the moment. There was definitely mutual pining and I loved how we learnt about their first meeting, where it all started.
Things I ❤️
❄️ Age Gap
❄️ Best Friends Dad
❄️ Snowstorm
❄️ Only One Bed
❄️ Forced Proximity
❄️ Secret Crush
❄️ Dual POV
❄️ Epilogue
Tristan turns down his music when he nears his destination so he can see better. I 100% do that 🤣
Thank you, Emma for my copy of A Crush for the Holidays part of the Holiday for Homes series, but is definitely a standalone.
Emma is a British author and I adored all the British quirks, it did make me a little homesick for the UK and I'm totally craving a Gregg's at the moment. There was definitely mutual pining and I loved how we learnt about their first meeting, where it all started.
Things I ❤️
❄️ Age Gap
❄️ Best Friends Dad
❄️ Snowstorm
❄️ Only One Bed
❄️ Forced Proximity
❄️ Secret Crush
❄️ Dual POV
❄️ Epilogue
Tristan turns down his music when he nears his destination so he can see better. I 100% do that 🤣
December 9, 2024
3.5 stars. On the whole, a fairly light quick read with a few heavier themes. There wasn't a lot of plot, but there were definitely some very big feelings. Somehow, Tristan in the first part felt like a different person to Tristan in the cottage which was a bit of a struggle for me at times. These two sides of him did combine well at the end. The last scene with Tristan's mother was a really lovely ending.
December 6, 2024
I devoured this much awaited story from the fabulous E L Ough.
Tristan is a sweet and lovable character, tough and grounded but vulnerable deep down. Dax, the commitment phobe who knew what he wanted all along, he just had no idea how to get it or accept it. Throw in a little snow storm and some Christmas magic and what do you get… the cutest HEA ever!!
I loved these two men and their fabulous story.
I also adore Jake, Daz’s son and Tris best friend. We all need a Jake in our lives.
Emma you know I adore you me writing and your latest offering just confirms to me, yet again, what a fabulous author you are.
Tristan is a sweet and lovable character, tough and grounded but vulnerable deep down. Dax, the commitment phobe who knew what he wanted all along, he just had no idea how to get it or accept it. Throw in a little snow storm and some Christmas magic and what do you get… the cutest HEA ever!!
I loved these two men and their fabulous story.
I also adore Jake, Daz’s son and Tris best friend. We all need a Jake in our lives.
Emma you know I adore you me writing and your latest offering just confirms to me, yet again, what a fabulous author you are.
December 9, 2024
This was cute. It wasn't over the top, Tristan seemed to be sort of all over the place though. I did like that we got a little bit of backstory on how they first "kissed".
My favorite scene is when Tristan was "taking care of himself" and left the windows open for Dax to hear. Dax's reaction was great!!
If you enjoy Christmas stories this one is good.
My favorite scene is when Tristan was "taking care of himself" and left the windows open for Dax to hear. Dax's reaction was great!!
If you enjoy Christmas stories this one is good.
December 9, 2024
A best friend’s dad Christmas story
This was a fun short story of Tristan and the crush on his best friend’s dad Dax. It involves snow storms, cabin in the woods, close proximity and lots of sexy times. Perfect holiday read.
This was a fun short story of Tristan and the crush on his best friend’s dad Dax. It involves snow storms, cabin in the woods, close proximity and lots of sexy times. Perfect holiday read.
December 13, 2024
book review
Awe this one was cute and definitely fast paced. I absolutely loved it and how bratty Tristan was just made it that much better
Awe this one was cute and definitely fast paced. I absolutely loved it and how bratty Tristan was just made it that much better
December 9, 2024
What a cute and at the same time spicy holiday novella this is. Tristan is such a sweet guy, but can be a brat when he wants to and Dax is a great dad and a cutie 😍 the perfect book for this season.
dnf
December 12, 2024DNF @30% ... eh, this one isn't for me. It's a new-to-me author and while there's nothing *wrong* with it (well, I did have a quibble about the ages... Dax's son is a doctor at 24-years-old? I'm... pretty sure it takes longer than that?) I just didn't really like Dax at all, *did* like Tristan, but kept skimming huge chunks as the writing style isn't for me either, then realized... why keep slogging on? 🤷♀️ This book, and I think author, too, are simply not a good fit for my taste.
December 12, 2024
Holiday Cheer Meter: 3/5
(Where 1 is as Christmassy as 'Die Hard' and 5 is more like 'Elf')
1st person, present tense, dual POV
Tristan Hayes (24), Halfway House staff member
Dax Brooker (42), teacher at Kingslee Elementary School
I'm behind in my book reviews so this is going to be in point form as I read and think thoughts...
I'm sure the author was trying to Tristan sympathetic and likable but he ended up being a bit too tragic - for no discernible reason he was given the most devastating backstory; didn't know his father, grew up poor, overweight, bullied, and has a mother with lewy body dementia who he had to place in a care facility but is a paragon of virtue, excellent cook/baker, and beloved by all - won't even call into work when he's sick.
Ugh.
Dax isn't much better, after getting his best friend pregnant he realized he was gay but lived with his ex- so they could raise their son in a happy stable family but now apparently sleeps with anything that moves and bemoans the fact that men keep falling in love with him, even though he's clear about not being a relationship guy, for no apparent reason. (As the story progressed, this bothered me less, but was still a bit off-putting.)
HA! I LOVE that Tristan turned down the music to see better.
Pearling huh? Intriguing.
OMG that is the best meet-cute! I mean it's in the synopsis but the execution was pretty fun. Three years earlier, during his best friend, Jake's, 21st birthday party Tris is dared to kiss the next person to walk through the door of the bar they were celebrating at, turns out that person is Dax, Jake's father! Delicious.
Mutual pining is fun, but it would have been nice to see more of it from Dax, he feels a little too reluctant to start anything, which is making Tris feel outrageously pushy, like it's only okay because we know they're going to inevitably get together...
...The payoff is pretty titillating so overall I'm not that upset, things really heat up between them.
AWWWW! Confession time!!!:
ARGH! Tristan being dramatic. I guess the author had to pave the way for a grand gesture.
Okay, the grand gesture was pretty predictable, but that's fun in it's own way. I can't believe she didn't go for a full circle moment that would have been *chef's kiss*
Overall a pretty good best friend's dad/snowed in book. I was happy that Jake didn't cause drama about his best friend and father getting together, aside from some necessary concern over his dad possibly hurting Tris due to his commitment issues. The snowed in stuff was fun too, but the overall tone of this book is a lot heavier than festive.
(Where 1 is as Christmassy as 'Die Hard' and 5 is more like 'Elf')
1st person, present tense, dual POV
Tristan Hayes (24), Halfway House staff member
Dax Brooker (42), teacher at Kingslee Elementary School
I'm behind in my book reviews so this is going to be in point form as I read and think thoughts...
I'm sure the author was trying to Tristan sympathetic and likable but he ended up being a bit too tragic - for no discernible reason he was given the most devastating backstory; didn't know his father, grew up poor, overweight, bullied, and has a mother with lewy body dementia who he had to place in a care facility but is a paragon of virtue, excellent cook/baker, and beloved by all - won't even call into work when he's sick.
Ugh.
Dax isn't much better, after getting his best friend pregnant he realized he was gay but lived with his ex- so they could raise their son in a happy stable family but now apparently sleeps with anything that moves and bemoans the fact that men keep falling in love with him, even though he's clear about not being a relationship guy, for no apparent reason. (As the story progressed, this bothered me less, but was still a bit off-putting.)
HA! I LOVE that Tristan turned down the music to see better.
Pearling huh? Intriguing.
OMG that is the best meet-cute! I mean it's in the synopsis but the execution was pretty fun. Three years earlier, during his best friend, Jake's, 21st birthday party Tris is dared to kiss the next person to walk through the door of the bar they were celebrating at, turns out that person is Dax, Jake's father! Delicious.
Mutual pining is fun, but it would have been nice to see more of it from Dax, he feels a little too reluctant to start anything, which is making Tris feel outrageously pushy, like it's only okay because we know they're going to inevitably get together...
...The payoff is pretty titillating so overall I'm not that upset, things really heat up between them.
AWWWW! Confession time!!!:
ARGH! Tristan being dramatic. I guess the author had to pave the way for a grand gesture.
Okay, the grand gesture was pretty predictable, but that's fun in it's own way. I can't believe she didn't go for a full circle moment that would have been *chef's kiss*
Overall a pretty good best friend's dad/snowed in book. I was happy that Jake didn't cause drama about his best friend and father getting together, aside from some necessary concern over his dad possibly hurting Tris due to his commitment issues. The snowed in stuff was fun too, but the overall tone of this book is a lot heavier than festive.
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