The Snuggle is Real

Christmas Falls: Season 2 #1

by D.J. Jamison

I never saw this Christmas gift coming...

When my ex-wife lands in rehab, I get a surprise for the holidays. A 7-year-old girl who's got no place to go. I love my former stepdaughter like she's my own, but I have no idea how to give her everything she needs.

In a holiday-crazed town like Christmas Falls, it seems inevitable I'll let her down.

Unless I finally let go of my pride an accept help from the new director of the Holiday Hope Foundation. Mason West is eager to lend support however he can. And when I let him, he goes above and beyond.

For Charlie's sake. Not mine. Even if I maybe, kind of, wish that it was for me.

I've never been into men before, but Mason is so sweet, so giving, so...perfectly sized to snuggle in against my holiday sweater. Maybe if I can figure out what all this means, I can gain more than a daughter for the holidays.

Maybe I can keep the gift I’ve always wanted most—a family of my own.

Christmas Season 2 revisits a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie. It's a multi-author M/M romance series.

Genres: Christmas, M M Romance, Holiday, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Found Family

272 pages, Paperback

Published November 7, 2024

About the author

DJ Jamison writes a variety of queer men finding extraordinary love through M/M Romance! She is a lifelong reader and has always loved writing and editing, with a ten-year journalism career before she began publishing romance. She has books in ebook, print, and audio, as well as German, French, and Italian translations.

DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.

Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany

Join her FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/DJandCompany

Follow her on Ko-Fi for bonus content: www.ko-fi.com/ReadingDJ

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING 4.5 STARS

The Snuggle is Real is the first book in the multi author series, Christmas Falls: Season 2. This one is by D.J. Jamison. I love this little town of Christmas Falls and all of it’s over the top Christmas celebrations. I also fell in love with the cover of this book. How could I not?!!



Ford Donnelly has lived in Christmas Falls all of his life. He is a roofer by trade but the winter is his slow season so money is tight. But living alone, he knows how to make a dollar stretch. It’s almost Thanksgiving when the story begins and Ford gets quite the surprise. His former stepdaughter needs a place to go while her mom, his ex-wife, goes to rehab. Little Charlie is seven years old. Even though he has no legal ties to her, he is the closest thing to a dad Charlie has ever had and he loves her like his own. He will do anything and everything to give her a wonderful Christmas while she’s staying with him, even if it means accepting help from the local charity foundation.



Mason West moved to Christmas Falls to take the position as director of the Holiday Hope Foundation. He has so many ideas of how they can grow the foundation to help even more people. Mason might have been a bit smitten when he first laid eyes on the huge man in flannel, Ford. But when he met Ford’s little girl, Charlie, he fell in love with her. He knew he would do whatever it took to get Ford to accept help so they could give this little girl a happy Christmas.

As Mason and Ford spend time together, they get closer. Ford is a bit confused because he’s never been attracted to a man before but there is just something about Mason. Somehow when all three of them are together, it feels like they are a family. But he has to keep reminding himself that this time with Charlie is just temporary. Her mom will be out of rehab at some point and taking her away from him again.



I loved this story. It is sweet and steamy and so swoony. I found it to be so heartwarming, filled with the true meaning of Christmas. The ending was perfect. There are so many amazing authors involved with this series. I can’t wait to look through them and pick which one I want to read next.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a Christmas fairytale! The relationship between Mason and Ford is very whirlwind and moves at a really fast pace, but it seems to work really well for them and they both get the happy ever after that they're looking for.

I like how the message of this book is that Christmas isn't about how much you spend on your kid, or how much you buy them - it's about spending that time with them and making memories, and making sure they know that they're loved. This is my exact ethos around Christmas - it's the things you do and the people you do it with that makes those core Christmas memories, not what someone bought you or how much they spent! I honestly spent so long shouting at Ford to wake up and realise this 😂😂😂

I loved how Mason's Swallow Cove family were involved too - Ash and Sawyer are my favourite couple in that series so far, so it was great to see them interacting with Mason and visiting Christmas Falls.

I did get confused at all the side character mentions though - I did read every book in last years Christmas Falls series, but combined with the mentions of all the upcoming characters too I got a little overwhelmed and needed a murder board with red strings to remember who everyone was and how they linked together!

Looking forward to the next book in the series!

*****

I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review

[BookSafety Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.

“You know, you left something off that list of boyfriend qualities you had,” I said. “What’s that?” I stepped into his arms, resting my face against his chest. “Someone to snuggle.”

I think my mood was too shitty to enjoy this book fully. It’s a very strange mix of ‘super depressing’ and ‘christmas puked all over it’. It’s not a bad book by any means, but not right for me at the moment.

I liked all of the character’s well enough and the relationship was sweet once it started, but there were a couple stupid decisions and a moment of miscommunication that, in my humble opinion, has no business being in a christmas romance. Including dating other people when you’ve got feelings for someone and that situation isn’t cleared up yet.

Was he really that eager for a boyfriend that he’d kiss me one night and search for someone new the next? Was that moment with me not meaningful to him at all?

Yeah. That was my question too. And it’s not talked about after, either.

It sounded like a charming small town, but if I lived somewhere where christmas lasted from pre-thanksgiving to new years, I wouldn’t even make it to December, lol.

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Christmas themed
Single dad
Sexual awakening
Small town
Divorced MC
Size difference
Slow burn
Strangers to friends to lovers

⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mention of death of sibling and parent (past)
Financial insecurity
Mentions of MC’s ex in rehab
Mentions of relapse (specified drugs)
Mentions of MC’s ex driving under the influence
Some details of past child neglect
Alcohol consumption
Miscommunication
Explicit sexual content
Uncertain custody situation
Mentions of child abandonment (past)

⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: MC goes on date with at least one other person after 60% and after kissing the other MC. Date is off page. No details. Second date with other person is crashed by other MC before it starts.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Kid’s age: 7
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 263
Happy ending: Yes


Ford held out a mug of coffee, and I took it from him. Then he smoothed back my hair and kissed my forehead.




You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't super excited about this one. "Bi For You" or "Gay For You" stories leave me a bit cold, as they seem to always involve a guy that doesn't even know he's attracted to men until he meets one, special guy. That just seems fake and contrived, to me, and makes me roll my eyes most of the time.

It's the same here. The formerly straight guy, Ford, takes a liking to Mason, the gay director of the local charity. The entire time Ford is trying to figure things out it just moves so quickly and Ford has no real reflection on his newly found attraction to men (or just Mason, I guess). Seems there would be *something* going on in his head besides what we get here.

Then there is the child in this story. I'm not really fond of reading about children in romance stories that are sexually explicit. Just makes me uncomfortable. Plus, they're usually annoying. At least the author didn't give this seven year old a special way of talking like many authors do.

It's a nice story, things just moved too quickly and I wish Ford had a bit more introspection going on.

[Lily Loves 📚]

This is fine but it’s just not keeping my interest. I’m dnf’ if it but bay try next year. Christmas books are not doing for me this year at all!!

[Beagle Lover (Avid Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 holiday stars

Another wonderful Christmas Falls book by DJ Jamison.

This book revolves more around Ford, a bit of a loner, grump, and very straight, and Mason, the town's Holiday Hope Foundation leader and gay, than the town itself.

When Ford's ex-wife is sent to rehab, he suddenly becomes an instant father to her daughter by another man. Enter 7 year-old Charlie. A child Ford has neither a clue or the money to raise.

Mason sees Ford's predicament and reaches out to him. At first, Ford's pride outweighs the benefits of Mason's offer of assistance. But as he reconsiders Mason's help and agrees to accept it, he discovers Mason has more to offer than help with food, clothing and making Charlie's Christmas memorable.

But Ford is conflicted about Mason. After all, Ford has never been remotely interested in a man before. And with Mason being openly gay, how could a relationship ever work? Would being with a gay man effect Charlie?

As the holidays progress, Ford begins to develop feelings for not only Charlie, but Mason as well. He finally realizes that the three of them could be what he's always wanted...a family.

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. I didn't even mind Mason tried to date another after Ford kissed him.
I think Ford deserved it for running like a coward. I liked the family dynamic, Peppermint Bark, Charlie and grandma Dottie. They're moving on from friends to move in together too fast, but it didn't bother me at all.

[Janette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who’s ready to head back to Christmas Falls? 🙋🏻‍♀️ D.J. Jamison kicks off Season Two of this multi-author series with a sweet, single stepdad, grumpy/sunshine romance that will melt your heart. It’s the season of giving, and that sentiment has never been louder than in Mason & Ford’s story.

Right out of the gate, this book tackles some difficult topics: addiction, financial stability, and familial relationships. Nothing about Ford’s sudden custody of his former stepdaughter is simple, aside from his undeniable love and willingness to care for her. I can appreciate how he grapples with his inability to provide for them and his desire to give Charlie the holiday she deserves, and the messaging around money is an important one. It calls out the commercialism and materialistic value we often conflate with the spirit of the season while reinforcing the idea that it’s okay to accept help when you need it, no matter how proud you might be.

I really enjoyed Mason and Ford, even if Ford was a tough nut to crack at first. He’s proud, stubborn, and more than a little closed off, and I wasn’t particularly fond of how he seemed okay with others receiving assistance but not him. Sometimes it’s hard when I don’t immediately embrace one of the MCs, but in this case, it all worked out. Seeing Ford grow and change as the story unfolds is its own brand of holiday magic, and by the end, his heart of gold was on full display, a perfect match for someone as kind and caring as Mason.

I loved the first season of this series, and this next installment is off to a great start! This season’s series arc - Secret Santa - has me more than a little intrigued, and I can’t wait to see how that plays out.

*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

DJ has hit that right balance of christmas fluff with real life for a beautiful addition to the Christmas Falls series. Ford is put in a predicament when his ex leaves him with her daughter for the holidays. He needs to learn to accept held to ensure he and Charlie get the Christmas they deserve. Throughout, we have the three to learn to be a true cohesive family of love and support. What makes this story work so well is that the child (Charlie) is a main character in the relationship, not a side character. A magical balance of family and learning to accept help when needed.With cameos from the Swallows Cove men to sweeten the deal, a great holiday read overall.

[Showarst · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Snuggle is Real by DJ Jamison is part of the new Christmas Falls multiauthor series. I absolutely loved last year’s season, so I was pretty excited to learn that we would get another Christmas season in Christmas Falls. Ford is a roofer/handyman that learns he will be taking his ex’s daughter in for the Christmas season. His ex-wife is in rehab and Ford is struggling to provide for himself let alone a young girl during Christmas. Mason, Sawyer’s brother from the Swallow Cove series, is new to town and works for the Holiday Hope Foundation which helps families that are struggling. Ford resists Mason’s help but soon realizes that he will need it to give Charlie the holiday she deserves. I loved these two together and watching Ford realize that he is attracted to Mason was sweet. The ending was also just as lovely. I look forward to reading more from this season.

I received an ARC from Neon Rainbow Readers for my honest review

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I just expected more from this, after already being introduced to this author's characters and reading about the town. It either needed to be 50 pages longer to flesh out some of the plot, or 50 pages shorter because the build up was too slow. Not like it was a slow burn, it just took so long for the couple to truly meet and interact with each other that the shift to liking each other almost half way in somehow felt too fast.

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This year we're back in Christmas Falls with a whole new set of men finding their happily ever afters, starting with Ford and Mason. And Charlie, of course.

Caring for his step-daughter unexpectedly over the holidays was never Ford's plan, but he drops everything to put Charlie's needs first. Which makes his already tight budget just a little tighter. But he's determined to give his daughter the best Christmas he can. Even if it means accepting the assistance of the foundation headed by Mason.

Mason has a very, very big heart. And an even bigger crush on Ford, who really is living up to Mason's lumberjack fantasies. And while that may complicate things a little, it doesn't stop him from doing what he does best - working his magic to make sure that Ford and Charlie have the best holidays they possibly can.

And while Mason is trying to make the holidays easier for families in need, there's a sneaky Secret Santa going around providing a little extra cheer, too. I can already tell that this is going to be the underlying thread tying all these books together, like the mysterious graffiti was for Season One. And I'm here for it!

Mason's attraction isn't one-sided, though. Ford's feeling things for Mason he's never felt for another man. And working through his bi-awakening while caring for Charlie and trying to provide her with both the things she needs and the things she wants is an extra strain that Ford maybe didn't want - but probably needed.

The flirty tension between Mason and Ford is fun, and definitely helped along by the very nosy, very gossipy townspeople. Honestly, small town gossip mills are highly terrifying (at least they definitely were in the small town where I grew up). But they really do try to help rather than hinder, even if it can come across as just a smidge overbearing.

But they work through it together. They communicate. And they put Charlie first, as any good parent does. They build a solid family unit together, which is more than either Ford or Mason could have ever anticipated from this holiday season.

Overall, D.J. Jamison gave us a really great intro the Season Two of the Christmas Falls series this year. I love revisiting this town, and seeing some familiar faces while meeting new ones. I'm looking forward to the wonderful mystery of the Secret Santa, and I'm looking forward to seeing who finds their happily ever after next!

[Elyxyz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione su copia ARC
Questo nono volume inaugura la seconda stagione della serie Christmas Falls ed è ambientato un anno dopo la prima serie letta finora, sempre nel periodo del famoso Festival.
Il teatro delle vicende è costantemente il festoso paesello che prende molto seriamente il Natale e ritroviamo molti dei personaggi già incontrati, mentre altri si sono avvicendati nella gestione di qualche negozio in centro, dove molte interazioni avvengono.
Protagonisti questa volta sono Mason e Ford, rispettivamente l’uomo a capo di una associazione che si occupa di volontariato per aiutare i più bisognosi, famiglie e persone sole, indigenti e in difficoltà nello sbarcare il lunario. Mason lotta con i limiti di un budget sempre troppo stretto, ma ricorre anche alla generosità di molti commercianti che, abbiamo imparato, hanno il cuore grande e sono sempre pronti a contribuire come possono.
Ford è un residente con un passato doloroso e un lutto che non ha mai superato. Fatica a trovare lavoro, anche se è un brav’uomo, ma il suo orgoglio gli impedisce di accettare aiuti, credendo che altre persone siano più bisognose di lui.
L’arrivo della piccola Charlie, la figlia della sua ex, lo costringe a rivedere le proprie convinzioni e ad accettare l’aiuto di Mason, per dare a questa dolce bambina il Natale che sogna.
Mi è piaciuto molto anche questo volume; ammetto che, non avendo capito subito che fosse ambientato un anno dopo, ho faticato all’inizio a capire perché i nomi di alcuni commercianti fossero diversi da quelli che avevo letto pochi giorni fa, ma poi tutto si spiega e la storia si gusta.
C’è da dire che anche nei precedenti si parlava di aiutare, di generosità, di persone in difficoltà, ma qui si entra nel vivo dell’indigenza, a volte della povertà, del complesso mondo del volontariato, e tutto viene raccontato con molta umanità, senza falsi pietismi.
Mason e Ford ci mettono parecchio a carburare, ma quando succede sono bellissimi insieme, ci regalano momenti hot e molto dolci, ed entrambi meritano di essere finalmente felici.
Ve ne consiglio la lettura per continuità, mentre corro al prossimo!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in Christmas Falls and it was a greta place to start! I was looking forward to Mason’s story after briefly meeting him in DJ Jamison’s Swallow Cove series. Mason has moved to Christmas Falls as the director of the Holiday Hope Foundation. He loves being able to help those in need especially around the holidays. Though he has to admit to himself that he is a bit lonely since his family is so far. But he won’t remain that way for long after he meets Ford. Ford has kept to himself for the most part. He is doing the best he can to support himself and help his elderly neighbor. But he next expects a phone call from a lawyer about his ex-wife and her daughter. His ex wife is heading to rehab and needs him to take care of her daughter Charlie. Charlie was like a daughter to Ford in everything but blood, but had no say in her life when they divorced. Now he has a chance to be a dad to her and he’ll hold tight as long as he can. But making Charlie’s Christmas wishes come true is tricky when you are struggling with money. And though he doesn’t want to take the help that Mason offers, he’ll suck up his pride for her. This beginning a budding friendship between the two. And even more when Ford realizes that for the first time in his life, he is attracted to a guy. How can he not with sweet adorable Mason? Mason knows he is in trouble the moment he meets Ford, but could there be something between them? I loved this story! It was the perfect one to kick off this season of Christmas Falls. It was fun and cute and the romance so sweet. You definitely don’t want to miss this one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Elley Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful way to kick off the return to Christmas Falls! Ford is a long-time Christmas Falls resident who is a little down on his luck, and his ex's daughter is suddenly staying with him for the holidays. Meanwhile Mason is new to Christmas Falls, come to be the head of their charity organization (which I'm sorry, my ADHD brain just cannot remember the name of).

I don't normally like the "single dad" trope very much, but GOSH, Charlie is just too cute, and the way she brings Ford and Mason together is so natural and believable. Also, I absolutely melt at how proud Ford is so willing to humble himself to do what's best for his girl. *swoon* And Mason is so sweet and sensitive, careful to help people the best way he knows how while minding how hard asking for help can be.

The Snuggle is Real deals with some heavy issues like drug abuse and recovery (not the main characters), and themes of poverty and food insecurity, but at the same time is a very warm and light-hearted read. The small town of Christmas Falls is such a tight knit community - and I really hope the "Secret Santa" plotline is revealed further alone in the series! (Much like the holiday graffiti in season 1 of Christmas falls.)
 
This is the first book in the Christmas Falls: Season 2 multi-author series. It can be read as a stand-alone (but come on, you know you're going to want to read them all!) There's some overlap with D.J. Jamison's Swallow Cove series, as Mason is Sawyer's brother, and there are some minor spoilers for Swallow Cove book 3, Knockin' Boats.

[Demian Grimm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Snuggle is Real by D.J. Jamison is a first book in a multi-author Christmas Falls: Season 2 series with a sweet mix of romance, family, and holiday spirit. This grumpy/sunshine love story revolves around Ford Donnelly, a struggling single stepdad, and Mason West, the town’s new holiday foundation director.

The story begins with Ford unexpectedly taking custody of his ex’s young daughter, Charlie, just before Christmas. While he’s determined to give her a good holiday, his financial struggles and stubborn pride make it hard for him to accept help, even when it’s clear he needs it. Ford’s growth, from a closed-off, self-reliant man to someone willing to open his heart and home, is definitely one of the book’s highlights...and it adds just the right touch of holiday magic.

At the same time, Ford’s journey is beautifully complemented by Mason. Tasked with making sure everyone in Christmas Falls has a magical holiday, Mason’s path keeps crossing with Ford’s. And although their personalities are polar opposites, there is a growing connection between them that creates sparks they can’t ignore.

One of the best parts of the story for me is how much Charlie stands out as a character. She’s not just a cute side character or a plot point, but a vital part of the relationship between Ford and Mason. Together, they form a beautiful family that feels real and full of love, reminding us that family isn’t about perfection but about showing up for each other.

As with her other books, Jamison does a great job balancing tender moments with deeper, more serious topics with which she creates a story that is both sweet and meaningful.
There’s also a few cameos from familiar characters in the Swallow’s Cove series, that is a fun addition to everyone who is familiar with Jamison’s other work.

The Snuggle is Real is a sweet, cozy holiday romance with a strong sense of community and family. It’s a satisfying read that the spirit of the season - love, family, and a little bit of magic.

I received a copy of this book from Neon Rainbow Reviews, and this is my unbiased review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I read one of DJ’s books, and I’d forgotten what an astonishingly good writer she is. This story, about Ford and Mason, could have skated by as a Christmas confection about grumpy and sunshine, or responsible dad and savior of the holiday – little more than a meet cute with tinsel. Instead, it explores Ford’s painful past to explain why he struggles so hard to accept help from anyone. And we see Mason giving to everyone, but fighting his own battles – to be graceful in accepting help for his foundation, to love his family and miss them but still live his own life – and the story is richer for both the characters’ issues.

This is not to say it’s a downer, not at all. It’s everything a holiday story should be, in my opinion. It’s about real people facing life stuff and, through the miracle of Christmas (and Christmas Falls), not only finding each other, but falling right into a beautiful life. We also are treated to visits with a bunch of town characters from other books, both from the previous season and the current one. The only thing I wish I could change about The Snuggle is Real is the length – I wish there were more story, more time with Mason and Ford and Charlie.

[Bethany (Bee_TheBibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was adorable and such a great way to kick off Christmas Falls: Season 2! Mason, Ford, Charlie and Peppermint Bark got me right back into the magical world of Christmas Falls.

Mason West is new to Christmas Falls, running the town’s new foundation tasked with making sure people around town have what they need to have a magical holiday season. Ford Donnelly barely gets by during the winter months, scraping by doing odd jobs until spring but this year, he’s surprised with taking care of his ex’s daughter Charlie, something he’s excited about but not prepared for.

Even though Ford doesn’t want to accept help from the foundation or Mason, he does it for Charlie, to give her the perfect Christmas which pulls Ford and Mason together time and time again. They’re such opposites and they never expected to fall for each other, but they can’t seem to help it. And Charlie makes an impression on both of them, showing them what they could be if they just let themselves open up to each other.

Together they realize that the holidays are more about spending quality time together and making memories than they are about having the money to do things over the top and they create the perfect Christmas for them and Charlie, forcing them to see that they belong together…all of four of them when you include Pepper.

This was a really cute story that handled some more serious topics along the way and showed that family looks how you want it to look and that the holidays are about so much more than the amount of money you can spend. Looking forward to more stories in Christmas Falls!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad we’re getting another series of stories set in Christmas Falls, and this first book is an excellent way to kick things off. Mason is the director of the Holiday Hope Foundation and relatively new in town, while Ford is a local who has just been handed custody of the adorable young Charlie. Struggling to make ends meet, Ford finds himself in need of charitable help, and that's when Mason steps in to assist him.
These two lovely men are so genuine and nice, and it was wonderful to watch as they got to know each other and their relationship grew and developed. This was a sweet, heartwarming story with a touch of angst and some heat, which culminated in a terrific ending. I enjoyed every moment of it and can’t wait for the rest of the series. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[read_romance.withgloria Gloria Worlikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful start to this series. Loved going back to Christmas Falls and experience all the magic and feels it gives.

I loved this story alot, Ford and Mason were amazing characters and adding Charlie into that mix was a delight to watch them.
This story is a slow-burn and we don't get anything between the characters for almost 60% of this book but once they get together things are hot and spicy instantly which I enjoyed. Even though there was not much spice in the first 60%, I loved their interactions and how they both tried their best to make everything perfect for Charlie's Christmas. The HEA was perfect and we get to meet so many new and old characters, I am hoping we get to see stories for some of the new characters.

Overall, this story was a wonderful start to this series and I highly recommend you to check it out if you want some Christmas magic.

[Dekaydreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly better than I expected. I'm not a giant fan of series like this: multi author, set in a kitschy-to-the-point of ridiculous imaginary town, peopled by an inordinate number of gay men (I really have no problem with the superabundance of gay couples, but this particular set has grown to the point of what is it now: eight couples from the first season, plus characters from assorted other series by the collected authors, and after a while, it can get annoying. I expected as much, especially since I did not read through all the books in the first season. To my surprise, even though there were mentions of all the other characters, plus mentions of characters that will feature in this season, D.J. kept to the story line without cluttering it up with an overabundance of quirky town details.

The story is indeed sweet and well told, with a satisfying HEA for all.

[Love Is All Around · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
Questo nono volume inaugura la seconda stagione della serie “Christmas Falls” ed è ambientato un anno dopo la prima serie letta finora, sempre nel periodo del famoso Festival.
Il teatro delle vicende è costantemente il festoso paesello che prende molto seriamente il Natale e ritroviamo molti dei personaggi già incontrati, mentre altri si sono avvicendati nella gestione di qualche negozio in centro, dove molte interazioni avvengono.
Protagonisti questa volta sono Mason e Ford, rispettivamente l’uomo a capo di una associazione che si occupa di volontariato per aiutare i più bisognosi, famiglie e persone sole, indigenti e in difficoltà nello sbarcare il lunario. Mason lotta con i limiti di un budget sempre troppo stretto, ma ricorre anche alla generosità di molti commercianti che, abbiamo imparato, hanno il cuore grande e sono sempre pronti a contribuire come possono.
Continua sul nostro blog!

[Fernanda Parente · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG Mason!!!!! In my mind Mason is Jonathan Bailey, my favourite actor, wichs was eb«ven more appealing.
Ford stays with his ex-wife's daughter after she enters rehab, with little work, and due to the winter, he has difficulty providing the Christmas that Charlie, 7 years old, deserves. It is then that Mason, who runs an organization that provides aid to the neediest, steps in and helps Ford, who reluctantly ends up accepting the help. What starts as a helping hand becomes a friendship and then a relationship, but Charlie's possible departure shakes Ford and Mason.
It's a beautiful Christmas story

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

I'm so excited that we're back in Christmas Falls for another season and DJ Jamison's crossover with her Swallow Cove series gives us a sweet and heart-warming holiday story! She brings us a grown up tale with a chidI truly love that Mason is such a giving person and the love that Ford has for Charlie (his almost step-daughter) is adorable! This book is just what you need if you're feeling a little scroogish this holiday season - it will warm your heart 3 sizes and make you believe in Christmas magjc... or at least a small town of Christmas Falls.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely story set in the beautiful town of Christmas Falls. It’s a story of friendship, family both found and confirmed, a cute rescue dog, one special little girl, pride, and love. How can you not love this story? Be prepared to love Ford, Mason, Charlie, and Peppermint Bark on their journey to finding their HEA.

I received this book from the author for free and leaving my review voluntarily.

Monica

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ford has his step daughter come and stay with him whilst her mother goes into rehab.
Ford is already struggling but Mason, the head of the Hope foundation offers him ' charity' which Ford doesn't want.
However he does start to come around.
His step daughter Charlie is cute and Ford finally gets it on with Mason.

[Crisana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww this was really cute and Christmassy. I don't really care or like kids in my books but Charlie was great here and I was never bothered by her presence.
It all tidied up in a very predicable way but I liked it too much to care.
Big shout out for the dog, whom I sadly forgot the name now. I am really bad with names.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I loved this. So excited to be back in Christmas Falls! And these two are so sweet. I really loved their first kiss, it was just perfect and romantic and great timing. Not to mention biawakening is my jam and I love DJs writing style. A do gooder and an unexpected single dad? Yes please.

[lemonysnickety · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exact kind of super sweet goodness to escape the nightmarish hellscape we live in rn. If hot chocolate with whip cream and marshmallows and chocolate chips were a book

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars