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Once Upon a Christmas Con
When Cesar fell...
I was a boy in love with my best friend. I’m a man now, but I’m still afraid to tell him and risk our friendship. As a UFC fighter, I know how to feel invincible but don’t know how to protect my heart from rejection.
When Kieran awakened...
Helping my best friend get a date should be easy. My older brother is a good guy, and it’s the holiday season, full of giving and joy. So, why am I finding it impossible? It’s a romantic Christmas con, only I’m the one falling for Cesar.
Maybe it’s those romance books I’ve been given or the unexpected jealousy, but I can’t let Cesar date my brother. Not when I’m just discovering my sexuality and how to deal with my embarrassing health condition. I don’t know what it all means, but one thing I do know? Cesar is mine.
childhood friends, holiday romance, friends to lovers, pining, role reversal, bi-awakening, hurt/comfort, and slow burn.
Once Upon a Christmas Con is a part of the multi-author series Once Upon a Holiday Story. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library on wheels owned by two old ladies in love.
I was a boy in love with my best friend. I’m a man now, but I’m still afraid to tell him and risk our friendship. As a UFC fighter, I know how to feel invincible but don’t know how to protect my heart from rejection.
When Kieran awakened...
Helping my best friend get a date should be easy. My older brother is a good guy, and it’s the holiday season, full of giving and joy. So, why am I finding it impossible? It’s a romantic Christmas con, only I’m the one falling for Cesar.
Maybe it’s those romance books I’ve been given or the unexpected jealousy, but I can’t let Cesar date my brother. Not when I’m just discovering my sexuality and how to deal with my embarrassing health condition. I don’t know what it all means, but one thing I do know? Cesar is mine.
childhood friends, holiday romance, friends to lovers, pining, role reversal, bi-awakening, hurt/comfort, and slow burn.
Once Upon a Christmas Con is a part of the multi-author series Once Upon a Holiday Story. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library on wheels owned by two old ladies in love.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2024
35 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Skylar M. Cates
30 books298 followersSkylar M. Cates loves a good romance. She is happy to drink coffee, curl up with a good book, and not move all day. Her novels feature strong and passionate men. Skylar loves to craft stories where realistic characters are challenged with emotional situations. Although lately the laundry room is the farthest place she has visited, Skylar loves to chat with folks from all around the globe.
Please feel free to follow Skylar on other social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 4, 2024
I wanted to love this book - and the premise of Cesar in love with his (straight) best friend Kieran, and then recruiting him to wingman for him with Kieran's brother in a (really stupid) attempt to get over him is so fun. But man, there are so many tense changes in this book I honestly don't remember much of the plot, just the feeling of frustration at being repeatedly jerked out of the story as the tense changed from past to present and back again, sometimes within the same sentence. It changes so much, I honestly couldn't tell you if this book is written in the past or present tense. Now, this happens to be one of my pet peeves, so if it's not something that bothers you go ahead and give this book a shot - I'm pretty sure it was cute? But if grammatical/continuity/tense errors just bug you, give this one a miss.
November 29, 2024
3.75 stars.
Cesar has been best friends with Kieran from the moment they met at school, at the time Cesar came from Lima, Peru to New Jersey.
Not just best friends, no, they were glued to the hips. Where Cesar was was Kieran and vice versa.
Cesar develops deeper feelings for Kieran but will never confess. He can’t risk their friendship; he just can’t live without him.
One day when they were in their twenties, Cesar decided to get over Kieran and try to get romantically involved with someone else. He asks Kieran if he could help him get together with Kieran’s older brother Elias. Kieran agrees.
As a UFC fighter Cesar can hide his soft side behind his MMA skills, Kieran is the only one who knows the real Cesar, the emotional and vulnerable one.
Kieran isn’t happy with the idea of any other guy with Cesar than him. Could he risk their friendship?
We can watch their friendship slash relationship bloom, there are also some interesting, minor side plots. All quite mellow placed in the story.
There are a lot of inner thoughts. For my pleasure, instead of these, I would have loved to watch some more actual interaction and spoken words. In the end, it worked more than I hoped for.
And yes, there is action and it’s hot!
It’s a slow burn, with lovely characters. I do love friends to lovers content.
Overall, it is a story with a true Christmas spirit.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Cesar has been best friends with Kieran from the moment they met at school, at the time Cesar came from Lima, Peru to New Jersey.
Not just best friends, no, they were glued to the hips. Where Cesar was was Kieran and vice versa.
Cesar develops deeper feelings for Kieran but will never confess. He can’t risk their friendship; he just can’t live without him.
One day when they were in their twenties, Cesar decided to get over Kieran and try to get romantically involved with someone else. He asks Kieran if he could help him get together with Kieran’s older brother Elias. Kieran agrees.
As a UFC fighter Cesar can hide his soft side behind his MMA skills, Kieran is the only one who knows the real Cesar, the emotional and vulnerable one.
Kieran isn’t happy with the idea of any other guy with Cesar than him. Could he risk their friendship?
We can watch their friendship slash relationship bloom, there are also some interesting, minor side plots. All quite mellow placed in the story.
There are a lot of inner thoughts. For my pleasure, instead of these, I would have loved to watch some more actual interaction and spoken words. In the end, it worked more than I hoped for.
And yes, there is action and it’s hot!
It’s a slow burn, with lovely characters. I do love friends to lovers content.
Overall, it is a story with a true Christmas spirit.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Read
November 29, 2024This was an adorable besties to lovers story that gives us slow burn and queer romance books... I love the premise and the way it unfolds. It was a sweet take on the oblivious best friend trope and had great pacing and good build up. I truly appreciate Cesar and his long time crush and sympathized with his longing... I also love what finally got Kieran to wake up...
This was a lovely addition to the Once Upon a Holiday Story and a very creative use of the Book Nook...
This was a lovely addition to the Once Upon a Holiday Story and a very creative use of the Book Nook...
November 29, 2024
Once Upon A Christmas Con is a sweet friends to lovers story that will warm you up all over this holiday season!
Cesar and Kieran are childhood best friends. Both have dealt with a lot in their lives, but they've always been there to support and love each other. Kieran is high energy and seems to have a need to keep moving. Cesar is a fighter and pillar of strength for those he loves. His secret is that he's "in" love with his best friend. But he's been quiet for years and finally hopes to move on, and gets Kieran wrapped up in Christmas shenanigans, with surprising results!
Skylar has given us a fun story filled with hope, love, laughter, and plenty of spice. There are lessons about accepting ourselves and others on several levels, and it's a beautiful message we could all use right now!
If you enjoy diverse holiday romance with a great message and a cute kitten, get this book!
Open door spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)
Cesar and Kieran are childhood best friends. Both have dealt with a lot in their lives, but they've always been there to support and love each other. Kieran is high energy and seems to have a need to keep moving. Cesar is a fighter and pillar of strength for those he loves. His secret is that he's "in" love with his best friend. But he's been quiet for years and finally hopes to move on, and gets Kieran wrapped up in Christmas shenanigans, with surprising results!
Skylar has given us a fun story filled with hope, love, laughter, and plenty of spice. There are lessons about accepting ourselves and others on several levels, and it's a beautiful message we could all use right now!
If you enjoy diverse holiday romance with a great message and a cute kitten, get this book!
Open door spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)
December 2, 2024
Once Upon a Christmas Con is a part of the multi-author series Once Upon a Holiday Story. It can be read as a standalone and doesn't have a particular order.
Cesar has been in love with his best friend, Kieran, for years but decides enough is enough. He wants to get Kieran out of his system so arranges a date with Kieran's older brother, Elias. I didn't really get this part as dating in the family isn't really getting him out of his system, but the family was Cesar's safety net so I guess it makes sense. Kieran has always counted on Cesar to be there, but when he asks him to help set up a date with his brother, Kieran feels squirmy about it and doesn't really know why. Help comes to him in the form of The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library on wheels owned by two old ladies in love, who have incredible insights into what sort of books would suit a person. In Kieran's case, it's gay romance, which opens his eyes to a whole new world.
This was a good read that follows Cesar and Kieran through misunderstandings, injuries, and Secret Santas. 3.5 rounded up to 4 out of 5 (very good)
** 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!
Nov 29, 2024
Cesar has been in love with his best friend, Kieran, for years but decides enough is enough. He wants to get Kieran out of his system so arranges a date with Kieran's older brother, Elias. I didn't really get this part as dating in the family isn't really getting him out of his system, but the family was Cesar's safety net so I guess it makes sense. Kieran has always counted on Cesar to be there, but when he asks him to help set up a date with his brother, Kieran feels squirmy about it and doesn't really know why. Help comes to him in the form of The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library on wheels owned by two old ladies in love, who have incredible insights into what sort of books would suit a person. In Kieran's case, it's gay romance, which opens his eyes to a whole new world.
This was a good read that follows Cesar and Kieran through misunderstandings, injuries, and Secret Santas. 3.5 rounded up to 4 out of 5 (very good)
** 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!
Nov 29, 2024
December 3, 2024
A SWEET CHRISTMAS CON GONE WRONG!💕
I love Christmas stories and this was such a sweet, charming story about an unrequited love that becomes unexpectedly requited…
Cesar and Kieran were adorable sweet characters as best friends from childhood who were joined at the hip so to speak and emotionally connected platonically until a Christmas con with the family’s Secret Santa was planned to woo Kieran’s older brother Elias by Cesar and the jealousy and possessiveness from Kieran began… until he awakened… thanks to “The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library owned by two old ladies in love.”
“Outside of the ring, I was a secret wobble of Jell-O in love with my best friend and too terrified to tell him.”
“Cesar was made for me. We’ve always been headed toward this moment.”
This was a slow burn best friends to lovers with pining, bi-awakening, a surprising role reversal dynamic and a Christmas that they both will never forget!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
I love Christmas stories and this was such a sweet, charming story about an unrequited love that becomes unexpectedly requited…
Cesar and Kieran were adorable sweet characters as best friends from childhood who were joined at the hip so to speak and emotionally connected platonically until a Christmas con with the family’s Secret Santa was planned to woo Kieran’s older brother Elias by Cesar and the jealousy and possessiveness from Kieran began… until he awakened… thanks to “The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library owned by two old ladies in love.”
“Outside of the ring, I was a secret wobble of Jell-O in love with my best friend and too terrified to tell him.”
“Cesar was made for me. We’ve always been headed toward this moment.”
This was a slow burn best friends to lovers with pining, bi-awakening, a surprising role reversal dynamic and a Christmas that they both will never forget!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.
December 4, 2024
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
Kieran and Cesar have been best friends for years, and Cesar has loved Kieran for most of those years. But Kieran is straight and into girls, and Cesar is not, so he hides his romantic love and cherishes the platonic love for his friend, vowing to do nothing to endanger the friendship. When Cesar hatches a plan to try to move past his romantic feelings for Kieran, he inadvertently sets things in motion that start to open Kieran’s eyes to a side of himself he hadn’t been aware of, discovering jealousy when thinking of Cesar with another man, wanting him for himself. Seems something is going to need to change.
This is a slow burn, low angst, gay (for Cesar) awakening on Kieran’s part, with friends becoming lovers in a story told from a dual POV. Characters and situation are realistic and relatable, with strong family ties on both sides, the story is engaging one and it leads to a HEA for our two guys, all happening around the Christmas season. A nice lead in to the holiday season.
Kieran and Cesar have been best friends for years, and Cesar has loved Kieran for most of those years. But Kieran is straight and into girls, and Cesar is not, so he hides his romantic love and cherishes the platonic love for his friend, vowing to do nothing to endanger the friendship. When Cesar hatches a plan to try to move past his romantic feelings for Kieran, he inadvertently sets things in motion that start to open Kieran’s eyes to a side of himself he hadn’t been aware of, discovering jealousy when thinking of Cesar with another man, wanting him for himself. Seems something is going to need to change.
This is a slow burn, low angst, gay (for Cesar) awakening on Kieran’s part, with friends becoming lovers in a story told from a dual POV. Characters and situation are realistic and relatable, with strong family ties on both sides, the story is engaging one and it leads to a HEA for our two guys, all happening around the Christmas season. A nice lead in to the holiday season.
December 14, 2024
This is an angsty, sweet best friends-to-lovers romance between Cesar and Kieran. Kieran's been laboring under the misapprehension that he's completely straight until he discovers that his deep feelings of connectedness and love for his bestie are more than platonic. When he discovers the authenticity of gay love and examines his own changing feelings around Cesar, not to mention his jealousy over the idea of his best friend with anyone else, he knows he has to get Cesar to change his mind about dating Elias, Kieran's older brother. Meanwhile, Cesar is also discovering that his grand plan to overcome his years-long romantic love for Kieran is not viable because he doesn't want Elias, he wants Kieran. I really loved this story, but couldn't give it 5 stars because the proofreading is bad, plain and simple. Tenses changed from one sentence to the next frequently enough that it was noticeable and pulled me out of the story, as did the missing words and other careless oversights. All these detract from this cute story.
November 30, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Once Upon a Christmas Con is a contemporary holiday story and part of the Once Upon a Holiday multi-author collection. It’s about lifelong best friends Cesar and Kieran. Cesar is a massive grump who’s been secretly in love with Keiran for years. Kieran is a hard sunshine type who just wants people to see him and appreciate him for who he really is. The story is told in alternating third-person perspective, switching between Cesar and Kieran’s POVs. You can expect to get a detailed understanding of what motivates and concerns both of our MCs.
Overall, I think this story did a great job showing how two people with starkly opposite personalities could not only be best friends, but realize that they have deeper feelings for each other.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Once Upon a Christmas Con is a contemporary holiday story and part of the Once Upon a Holiday multi-author collection. It’s about lifelong best friends Cesar and Kieran. Cesar is a massive grump who’s been secretly in love with Keiran for years. Kieran is a hard sunshine type who just wants people to see him and appreciate him for who he really is. The story is told in alternating third-person perspective, switching between Cesar and Kieran’s POVs. You can expect to get a detailed understanding of what motivates and concerns both of our MCs.
Overall, I think this story did a great job showing how two people with starkly opposite personalities could not only be best friends, but realize that they have deeper feelings for each other.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
December 4, 2024
4.5 left me very happy
Firstly let me say I got this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
I have got to say this book left me feeling so happy and full of Christmas magic.
Kieran and Cesar have been best friends for years, Caesar is openly gay while Kieran is straight but it’s never effected their friendship in face Kieran has a brother who is openly gay and very accepted but the whole of his loving family. Caesar comes up with a plan to stop his feelings for Kieran, he asks Kieran to set him up to get his brother as his secret Santa and then he’ll take him on a date and fingers crossed Caesar would full for Elias and Elias would be a good match. But what happened next was Christmas magic.
I found this book adorable this two men are so perfect for one another. I could read about them for ages. See what their future has in store for them.
This is the only book I’ve read in the series but I would like to learn more about the magical book bus.
Firstly let me say I got this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
I have got to say this book left me feeling so happy and full of Christmas magic.
Kieran and Cesar have been best friends for years, Caesar is openly gay while Kieran is straight but it’s never effected their friendship in face Kieran has a brother who is openly gay and very accepted but the whole of his loving family. Caesar comes up with a plan to stop his feelings for Kieran, he asks Kieran to set him up to get his brother as his secret Santa and then he’ll take him on a date and fingers crossed Caesar would full for Elias and Elias would be a good match. But what happened next was Christmas magic.
I found this book adorable this two men are so perfect for one another. I could read about them for ages. See what their future has in store for them.
This is the only book I’ve read in the series but I would like to learn more about the magical book bus.
December 8, 2024
3.5 - Very cute holiday novella with one of my very fave tropes - childhood BFFs to lovers - and a sprinkle of holiday magic. Cesar is a MMA fighter with the heart of a math teacher, but he sacrifices to help out his mom. He has been in love with Kieran since forever, but this holiday, he is determined to move on. Kieran is his clueless best friend, who loves plants, has been moseying along in life, but has finally settled into working in the family business. He ends up visiting the Book Nook and some holiday magic happens and Kieran isn't quite as oblivious as he was before. This is a very sweet story with some tension because of Cesar's mom's health issues and Kieran's work issues and a bit of spice, but in the end, these MCs get their purrrfect HEA.
I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 29, 2024
This is a charming holiday romance about Cesar and his unrequited love for his straight best friend, Kiernan. In an attempt to move on, Cesar asks Kiernan to help set him up with his brother, but this request makes Kiernan realize he isn’t as comfortable with the idea as he thought. What unfolds is a slow-burn, bisexual awakening story that transforms from friendship to love, full of sweetness, emotional moments, and misunderstandings, until someone finally sees the truth.The mystical book bus, which ties this multi-author series together, adds a delightful touch to the story, as do the wonderful women who run it.
I recommend this as a great read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I recommend this as a great read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
December 2, 2024
Once Upon a Christmas Con is Skylar Cates contribution to the multi-author series Once Upon a Holiday Story. This was a sweet, lite take on the best friend's to lovers trope. Perfect for the season. Cesar and Kieran have been best friends forever. And Cesar has been in love with his best friend for almost as long. But he won't act on his feelings not wanting to lose the friendship.
It's a familiar trope. One of my favorite. Kieran's 'awakening' was awesome fun. Cesar and Kieran shared such tender feelings. All marshmallowy squishy. The Hook's Book Nook Traveling Library with it's naughty proprietors and naughtier books offer lots of support.
A quick, fun read. So sweet. I'm-a-gonna do a reread very soon.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
It's a familiar trope. One of my favorite. Kieran's 'awakening' was awesome fun. Cesar and Kieran shared such tender feelings. All marshmallowy squishy. The Hook's Book Nook Traveling Library with it's naughty proprietors and naughtier books offer lots of support.
A quick, fun read. So sweet. I'm-a-gonna do a reread very soon.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
dnf
December 3, 2024DNF @68% ... nothing problematic with this one, I was just bored. The entire book up until this point has been ... yawn. I mean, sure, I will happily read a rehashing of every romance trope known to man and enjoy the heck out of it if it's done in a way that sucks me in, but these two were just... meh. And now, at 68%, they're finally getting together, about to go to the bedroom for the first time, and I simply... don't care. So, I'm out 🤷♀️
December 4, 2024
3.5⭐️
A cute and quick best friends to lovers romance, Cesar and Kieran are thoroughly likable. I believed in their friendship, I just wish they would have trusted in it as well because for a short book, these two move slow. Thankfully they don’t go through with the colossally bad plan of setting Cesar up with Kieran’s brother Elias, because when they finally pull it together, it was pretty lovely. It’s just the pace was off for me. It’s a super slow stroll (not) getting together and then a mad dash to the HEA; I missed the good stuff in the middle. I enjoyed it, the side characters are well done, there’s some good steam, and it has excellent holiday vibes!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
A cute and quick best friends to lovers romance, Cesar and Kieran are thoroughly likable. I believed in their friendship, I just wish they would have trusted in it as well because for a short book, these two move slow. Thankfully they don’t go through with the colossally bad plan of setting Cesar up with Kieran’s brother Elias, because when they finally pull it together, it was pretty lovely. It’s just the pace was off for me. It’s a super slow stroll (not) getting together and then a mad dash to the HEA; I missed the good stuff in the middle. I enjoyed it, the side characters are well done, there’s some good steam, and it has excellent holiday vibes!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
November 5, 2024
This book was an adorable bi-awakening, best friends to lovers romance. Caesar had been in love with his best friend, Kiernan, for years. However, Kiernan is not only oblivious, but he has always been very much straight. When Caesar plots a plan to get over Kiernan by attempting to date Kiernan's brother, things go a little haywire... in a good way.
There are different subplots through the story that lead them to where they are and where they want to be. The cover has a cat in the picture, so that threw me off until it didn't. This books was cute and a sweet one for the holidays.
I received an ARC of this book from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are different subplots through the story that lead them to where they are and where they want to be. The cover has a cat in the picture, so that threw me off until it didn't. This books was cute and a sweet one for the holidays.
I received an ARC of this book from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2024
Cesar has been in love with Kieran half his life. Your never supposed to fall for your straight best friend. This Christmas he's going to find a way to move past these feelings and salvage their friendship. His plan involves Kieran's older brother Elias, and he needs Kieran's help. Against his better judgement, Kieran agrees. One step requires Kieran to meet up with the women running the Hook's Book Nook Traveling Library. Cybil gives Kieran a stack of books to read saying they are what he needs. They were an eye-opening experience to say the least. With the change in perspective, Kieran is looking at himself in a new light and regarding Cesar with new insight.
November 29, 2024
This is an emotionally sweet holiday read. The main characters, Cesar and Kieran, are lifelong friends that have always been there for one another and thy both have experienced issues. But thru it all they were there for one another. Of course Kieran has no idea that Cesar loves him something Caesar hides to keep their friendship as revealing his feeling is not worth the risk to that friendship. Everything changes when Cesar ask Kieran to set him up with his brother and suddenly Kieran realizes he wants Cesar. A great biwakening slow burn romance that reminds us before we can love others we must first love and accept ourselves. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
December 4, 2024
They are as close as can be and have been friends since childhood. Kieran and Cesar have been there for one another through the tough times that each of them has experienced. They love one another as friends, but Cesar is in love with his best friend. That is his secret. When he tries to move on with a little help from his friend that wakes Kieran up to realize that he too has feelings deep enough to swim in for his bestie. This is such a sweet friends to lovers, awakening story and the love just got deeper between this already loving and considerate duo.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2024
'In the ring, I worked my size and strength to my full advantage... Outside of the ring, I was a secret wobble of Jell-O in love with my best friend and too terrified to tell him.'
I loved this book. It was such a sweet best friends-to-lovers romance with a bi-awakening. I loved both Cesar and Kieran. Cesar loved Kieran so much for so long, but since he was straight, he needed to finally move on. Kieran didn't understand how much Cesar meant to him until he was helping set him up with his brother and didn't like the thought. It hurt how much Cesar loved him and wasn't loved that way in return. Until...
A very sweet read. 5 stars.
I loved this book. It was such a sweet best friends-to-lovers romance with a bi-awakening. I loved both Cesar and Kieran. Cesar loved Kieran so much for so long, but since he was straight, he needed to finally move on. Kieran didn't understand how much Cesar meant to him until he was helping set him up with his brother and didn't like the thought. It hurt how much Cesar loved him and wasn't loved that way in return. Until...
A very sweet read. 5 stars.
January 24, 2025
1st of all this is a M/M romance so if that's not for you skip on!
I absolutely loved this story!
Best friends to lovers but it doesn't start that way!
Ceasar and Kieran have been best friends for years
Ceasar is gay
Kieran is straight but ceasar is in love with Kieran.
Ceasar is a professional boxer and dates Joey for a bit but Joey tucks tail and runs while ceasar is taking care of his mom who has cancer
Kieran was right there helping ceasar with his mom!
Ceasar devised a plan to get over Kieran and needs Kieran to help, Kieran is onboard he says!
When the plan doesn't work out what happened after is to die for!
I absolutely loved this story!
Best friends to lovers but it doesn't start that way!
Ceasar and Kieran have been best friends for years
Ceasar is gay
Kieran is straight but ceasar is in love with Kieran.
Ceasar is a professional boxer and dates Joey for a bit but Joey tucks tail and runs while ceasar is taking care of his mom who has cancer
Kieran was right there helping ceasar with his mom!
Ceasar devised a plan to get over Kieran and needs Kieran to help, Kieran is onboard he says!
When the plan doesn't work out what happened after is to die for!
April 27, 2025
Cesar has been in love with Kieran half his life. Your never supposed to fall for your straight best friend. This Christmas he's going to find a way to move past these feelings and salvage their friendship. His plan involves Kieran's older brother Elias, and he needs Kieran's help. Against his better judgement, Kieran agrees. One step requires Kieran to meet up with the women running the Hook's Book Nook Traveling Library. Cybil gives Kieran a stack of books to read saying they are what he needs. They were an eye-opening experience to say the least. With the change in perspective, Kieran is looking at himself in a new light and regarding Cesar with new insight.
December 1, 2024
Silver Sneakers, Pop Tarts socks, "The Slutty Vegan", Pulpo al Olivo, encanelado, neon yellow gloopy cheese
This is good. The characters are wonderful and extremely likeable. Its wonderful imagery is vividly painted and easily imagined.
At first, Cesar and Kieran are adorable as long time best friends. Cesar is a MMA fighter and Kieran, an apprentice plumber. Kieran's family is large and loud. They're like the family I'd like to know.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it.
This is good. The characters are wonderful and extremely likeable. Its wonderful imagery is vividly painted and easily imagined.
At first, Cesar and Kieran are adorable as long time best friends. Cesar is a MMA fighter and Kieran, an apprentice plumber. Kieran's family is large and loud. They're like the family I'd like to know.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it.
December 1, 2024
This story gives readers a best friends to lovers romance with a slow burn, some pining, some realizations, and some sweetness and spice as well. The pacing is good, the tropes are adroitly managed and Cesar and Kieran are well suited as a pairing, despite (or because of?) their disparate personality types. Seeing how clearly both characters care for each other, and the depth of the feeling between them, makes for an enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
December 2, 2024
Cesar and Kieran have been BF's since boyhood but Cesar, a UFC fighter is in love with Kieran. Kieran is a plumber and straight. Cesar plane to Secret Santa Kieran's brother and date him, to move on from his unrequited love. He enlists Kieran's help and suddenly Kieran notices he has feelings for Cesar. Two guys - one in love - one clueless. It's a sweet Christmas story when they figure out they belong together. Both guys are adorable and perfect for each other - lovers and friends. I received a copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary opinion.
December 3, 2024
Once Upon a Christmas Con by Skylar M. Cates is a part of the multi-author series Once Upon a Holiday Story. It can be read as a standalone and doesn't have a particular order.
Cesar and Kieran are childhood best friends. Both have dealt with a lot in their lives, but they've always been there to support and love each other. I love the connection these two share.
This is a sweet friends to lovers holiday romance.
It’s a slow burn, with lovely characters. I do love friends to lovers content.
Overall, it is a story with a true Christmas spirit.
Cesar and Kieran are childhood best friends. Both have dealt with a lot in their lives, but they've always been there to support and love each other. I love the connection these two share.
This is a sweet friends to lovers holiday romance.
It’s a slow burn, with lovely characters. I do love friends to lovers content.
Overall, it is a story with a true Christmas spirit.
December 10, 2024
I completely bought Cesar and Kieran as best friends and could understand why with no indications from Kieran Cesar was reluctant to try to make their relationship romantic. Little does he know that when he asks Kieran to help him get a date with his big brother and Kieran makes a visit to the Traveling Library and is given just the right books that the date with big brother is definitely not in the cards. I absolutely adore the Library and its two librarians! It's the perfect conceit for a magical holiday romance series.
December 9, 2024
They are best friends, one has been in love with the other for years the other doesn’t know he loves him until it’s almost too late. Ceaser and Keiran have been friends for years and are so amazing together, their friendship turned relationship is was heartbreaking and beautiful to watch unfold. Keiran realizes how much he truly loves his friend as he’s trying to set him up with his older brother but is finding it hard to do. Their happy ending was beyond heartfelt and I can’t wait to read more. ❤️😀
November 28, 2024
A holiday treat. Immensely likable characters, all of them. A love story that has friends becoming much more just in time to make this holiday memorable. The angst of not being able to hope, for Cesar, and being in love with your best friend is just sadness. Kieran figuring out his attraction for his best friend gave hope its wings for our two heroes and delivered a delightful romance with the best of happy endings. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
November 30, 2024
3.5 stars
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