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The Christmas Curse
Martin Gibson is cursed. Ever since a childhood clash with a Christmas elf, the holiday has brought him bad luck. In a desperate attempt to avoid the Curse—or at least protect his loved ones from its calamities—he leaves Scotland and travels to America for a Christmas utterly alone.
Anthony Bello is adrift. Fired from his job as a TV weatherman, he’s returned to West Virginia to be caretaker for his family’s vacation rental properties. When a hot Scot with an unlucky—and unlikely—story checks into one of the tiny homes he oversees, Anthony is more than smitten. Now he has a thrilling new help Martin break the Curse for good.
Will a wild winter storm let Martin and Anthony’s attraction build into something real, or will it trigger the most cursed Christmas yet? And when Martin’s transatlantic escape is over, can they bear to walk away with nothing but memories?
Get your holiday warm fuzzies with this standalone tale featuring a Christmas-tree heist, a bed-hogging dog, and the coziest hot tub ever!
Anthony Bello is adrift. Fired from his job as a TV weatherman, he’s returned to West Virginia to be caretaker for his family’s vacation rental properties. When a hot Scot with an unlucky—and unlikely—story checks into one of the tiny homes he oversees, Anthony is more than smitten. Now he has a thrilling new help Martin break the Curse for good.
Will a wild winter storm let Martin and Anthony’s attraction build into something real, or will it trigger the most cursed Christmas yet? And when Martin’s transatlantic escape is over, can they bear to walk away with nothing but memories?
Get your holiday warm fuzzies with this standalone tale featuring a Christmas-tree heist, a bed-hogging dog, and the coziest hot tub ever!
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2024
20 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Avery Cockburn
18 books503 followersAvery Cockburn (rhymes with Savory Slow Churn) lives in the great State of Maryland with one infinitely patient man and two infinitely impatient cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
December 13, 2024
~3.5~
This book was close to a 4 star read.
Unfortunately, the idea of the "Christmas Curse" (or an actual adult believing in such a Curse) was a wee bit cray-cray.
I adored Betty (the doggo on the cover), but sadly, the MCs didn't keep her, which okay, she went to a happy home, but I wasn't quite feeling that.
I enjoyed so much of this story: the Christmas tree heist, the dialogue and humorous banter, Anthony's accepting family, and that amazing soaking tub.
There's little steam or romance, although the HEA was relatively convincing, so cheers to that.
This book was close to a 4 star read.
Unfortunately, the idea of the "Christmas Curse" (or an actual adult believing in such a Curse) was a wee bit cray-cray.
I adored Betty (the doggo on the cover), but sadly, the MCs didn't keep her, which okay, she went to a happy home, but I wasn't quite feeling that.
I enjoyed so much of this story: the Christmas tree heist, the dialogue and humorous banter, Anthony's accepting family, and that amazing soaking tub.
There's little steam or romance, although the HEA was relatively convincing, so cheers to that.
December 23, 2024
4 Stars
Sweet, thoughtful, and charmingly unconventional, this M/M Christmas romance was all things warm and hopeful this holiday reading season.
Martin, a Scot with a pesky Christmas curse, decides to hole up abroad for the holidays in a serene tiny house rental in West Virginia, where he hopes to avoid pitfalls of Christmases past and maybe even break the curse once and for all.
Once situated, Martin unexpectedly meets and connects swiftly with rental caretaker Anthony, a meteorologist reassessing his own life and professional path, having recently returned to his hometown to help his parents out over the holidays.
Neither man is particularly looking for a holiday fling, but their mutual attraction, as well as their emotional and intellectual connection, is instantaneous and undeniable, making it hard not to fall into a pretty intense situation-ship that neither one of them is quite willing to leave behind once Martin’s short-lived holiday ends.
Typical of a good Cockburn story, this had wonderfully fleshed-out characters, with plenty of profundity to their getting-to-know-you conversations and enough emotional poignancy to their swiftly developing feelings that I easily bought that these two men would fall so hard and fast in a matter of days.
The curse element was a bit wishy-washy for me, personally, but with great writing, lovely characters, plenty of heart-warming Christmastime cheer, and one adorable dog, I found myself enjoying this novella-length story a good deal.
I read somewhere that this may be the starting-off point of a larger series involving rescue animals, which is a delightful prospect I can’t wait to see realised because the more Scottish lads and dogs I get in my books the better!
Honestly, I’m still just buzzing that we got this Christmas story at all, because some years we are don’t get a new Avery Cockburn book, yet this year we were fortunate enough to get two new releases (this and Cicadas: A Totally Ordinary Epic Love Story)! That’s my idea of a Christmas miracle!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
***A special thanks to the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sweet, thoughtful, and charmingly unconventional, this M/M Christmas romance was all things warm and hopeful this holiday reading season.
Martin, a Scot with a pesky Christmas curse, decides to hole up abroad for the holidays in a serene tiny house rental in West Virginia, where he hopes to avoid pitfalls of Christmases past and maybe even break the curse once and for all.
Once situated, Martin unexpectedly meets and connects swiftly with rental caretaker Anthony, a meteorologist reassessing his own life and professional path, having recently returned to his hometown to help his parents out over the holidays.
Neither man is particularly looking for a holiday fling, but their mutual attraction, as well as their emotional and intellectual connection, is instantaneous and undeniable, making it hard not to fall into a pretty intense situation-ship that neither one of them is quite willing to leave behind once Martin’s short-lived holiday ends.
Typical of a good Cockburn story, this had wonderfully fleshed-out characters, with plenty of profundity to their getting-to-know-you conversations and enough emotional poignancy to their swiftly developing feelings that I easily bought that these two men would fall so hard and fast in a matter of days.
The curse element was a bit wishy-washy for me, personally, but with great writing, lovely characters, plenty of heart-warming Christmastime cheer, and one adorable dog, I found myself enjoying this novella-length story a good deal.
I read somewhere that this may be the starting-off point of a larger series involving rescue animals, which is a delightful prospect I can’t wait to see realised because the more Scottish lads and dogs I get in my books the better!
Honestly, I’m still just buzzing that we got this Christmas story at all, because some years we are don’t get a new Avery Cockburn book, yet this year we were fortunate enough to get two new releases (this and Cicadas: A Totally Ordinary Epic Love Story)! That’s my idea of a Christmas miracle!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
***A special thanks to the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2025
I liked the setting, the story and the characters, but it was really hard to take the whole Christmas curse thing seriously.
December 11, 2024
The Christmas Curse is by far one of the coziest holiday books I have read this year. It's a low stakes, charming book about a Scottish man who believes he’s cursed escaping to West Virginia for Christmas and having very, very adorable moments with the owner’s son of the house he’s staying at. If you’re looking for something simple and sweet this is absolutely perfect.
January 4, 2025
Coś mi w tym sezonie świąteczne historie niezbyt wchodzą 👀
Było oczywiście miło i uroczo, ale jakoś nie za bardzo przekonała mnie ani insta, ani świąteczna Klątwa. Zdecydowanie bardziej podobał mi się świąteczny tytuł tej autorki sprzed dwóch lat, czyli A Christmas Harbor.
Spróbuję jeszcze ze 2-3 świąteczne historie - jak dalej nie będzie się dobrze wgrywało, to rzucam w tym roku ten gatunek w cholerę 😜
Było oczywiście miło i uroczo, ale jakoś nie za bardzo przekonała mnie ani insta, ani świąteczna Klątwa. Zdecydowanie bardziej podobał mi się świąteczny tytuł tej autorki sprzed dwóch lat, czyli A Christmas Harbor.
Spróbuję jeszcze ze 2-3 świąteczne historie - jak dalej nie będzie się dobrze wgrywało, to rzucam w tym roku ten gatunek w cholerę 😜
December 29, 2024
B / 4 stars
As with many Christmas romances, a bit of suspension of disbelief is required to accept the premise of Avery Cockburn’s The Christmas Curse – namely that a grown man could continue to believe he’d been cursed by a cranky elf at a shopping centre when he was a kid – but it’s worth getting past it in order to enjoy this sweet and charming story about two men who are a little bit lost finding each other during a very short but memorable Yuletide holiday.
Ever since the day seven-year-old Martin Gibson annoyed said cranky elf, something has always gone wrong on Christmas Day. Two days after he was cursed, his family's Christmas tree burned down and they were lucky they didn’t lose their home. In subsequent years the degree of mishap has varied from the trivial (dropping a tray full of dishes) to the more momentous (the disappearance of Beagle 2 ) and Martin is tired of worrying about something bad happening to his loved ones. This year, he’s decided the best thing he can do for them is to get far away from his home in Glasgow – so he books a short break at a secluded tiny home in West Virginia that was recommended to him by a friend. His plan is to hole up there by himself, do absolutely nothing on Christmas Day and then fly home on Boxing Day. If he can’t actually break the curse, he figures he can at least avoid it this year.
Former TV weatherman Anthony Bello was fired from his job in Pittsburgh when the higher-ups at the station decided his forecasts were too inconclusive and not what viewers wanted to see and hear. He’s returned home to West Virginia and is helping out with his family’s holiday rental business while he works out what he wants to do next. He arrives at the Harper’s Ferry tiny home to drop off some provisions – only to get an eyefull when the very naked new tenant exits the outdoor soaking tub and, startled at the sound of Anthony’s voice calling out, drops his bathrobe down the side of the mountain.
After fetching Martin another robe, Anthony introduces him to Betty, the big black Bernese Mountain Dog he’s fostered. Martin takes to her straight away and invites them both in, and the two men spend a quiet half hour or so chatting over tea and the muffins Anthony brought over. Martin talks about the football team he manages in Glasgow, and Anthony, who actually coaches his niece’s school team, doesn’t let on he knows much about the sport, immediately thinking that asking Martin for pointers would give him a good excuse to see him again. Martin suggests that maybe they could watch a match together while he’s there – and Anthony readily agrees.
But fate brings them together sooner when Martin wakes up the next morning, goes to the kitchen to make coffee and the power fritzes off. His first thought is that it’s the curse – then he remembers the date and knows it can’t be. He isn’t sure how to fix it so he texts Anthony for help – and after sorting it out, Anthony offers to buy Martin breakfast if he’ll help him to chop down a Christmas tree!
Martin and Anthony click straight away, despite their different backgrounds and outlooks, and they spend a couple of very enjoyable days together – finding a tree, rescuing a cat, stargazing, and generally hanging out and getting to know each other a little. Martin is reluctant to tell Anthony about the curse at first for fear he’ll laugh at him, but Anthony’s good humour, the way he so readily embraces his geekiness about meteorology and talks about what happened with his job make Martin feel comfortable enough to share his story. To his relief, Anthony doesn’t laugh; he takes it in his stride and offers a different perspective, the idea that maybe Martin needs to find a way to lessen the curse’s hold over him – whether it’s real or not, he believes in it - and that he should learn to stop letting his fear of bad things happening run his life. In turn, meeting Martin marks a turning point for Anthony, as, for the first time since he left Pittsburgh, he feels ready to move forward and on to a new challenge.
The romance moves fairly quickly, but the connection between the leads is very well-written and developed, and their easy companionship and obvious care and consideration for each other make it easy to believe they’ve fallen for one another in such a short space of time. The intelligence, warmth and humour in the writing, together with the author’s ability to create quirky, likeable characters and a story that is both realistic and romantic make The Christmas Curse one of my favourite seasonal romances of this year. Yes, it could have been a bit longer, and perhaps Anthony’s character could have been fleshed out more, but I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, feel-good romance to curl up with this holiday season.
As with many Christmas romances, a bit of suspension of disbelief is required to accept the premise of Avery Cockburn’s The Christmas Curse – namely that a grown man could continue to believe he’d been cursed by a cranky elf at a shopping centre when he was a kid – but it’s worth getting past it in order to enjoy this sweet and charming story about two men who are a little bit lost finding each other during a very short but memorable Yuletide holiday.
Ever since the day seven-year-old Martin Gibson annoyed said cranky elf, something has always gone wrong on Christmas Day. Two days after he was cursed, his family's Christmas tree burned down and they were lucky they didn’t lose their home. In subsequent years the degree of mishap has varied from the trivial (dropping a tray full of dishes) to the more momentous (the disappearance of Beagle 2 ) and Martin is tired of worrying about something bad happening to his loved ones. This year, he’s decided the best thing he can do for them is to get far away from his home in Glasgow – so he books a short break at a secluded tiny home in West Virginia that was recommended to him by a friend. His plan is to hole up there by himself, do absolutely nothing on Christmas Day and then fly home on Boxing Day. If he can’t actually break the curse, he figures he can at least avoid it this year.
Former TV weatherman Anthony Bello was fired from his job in Pittsburgh when the higher-ups at the station decided his forecasts were too inconclusive and not what viewers wanted to see and hear. He’s returned home to West Virginia and is helping out with his family’s holiday rental business while he works out what he wants to do next. He arrives at the Harper’s Ferry tiny home to drop off some provisions – only to get an eyefull when the very naked new tenant exits the outdoor soaking tub and, startled at the sound of Anthony’s voice calling out, drops his bathrobe down the side of the mountain.
After fetching Martin another robe, Anthony introduces him to Betty, the big black Bernese Mountain Dog he’s fostered. Martin takes to her straight away and invites them both in, and the two men spend a quiet half hour or so chatting over tea and the muffins Anthony brought over. Martin talks about the football team he manages in Glasgow, and Anthony, who actually coaches his niece’s school team, doesn’t let on he knows much about the sport, immediately thinking that asking Martin for pointers would give him a good excuse to see him again. Martin suggests that maybe they could watch a match together while he’s there – and Anthony readily agrees.
But fate brings them together sooner when Martin wakes up the next morning, goes to the kitchen to make coffee and the power fritzes off. His first thought is that it’s the curse – then he remembers the date and knows it can’t be. He isn’t sure how to fix it so he texts Anthony for help – and after sorting it out, Anthony offers to buy Martin breakfast if he’ll help him to chop down a Christmas tree!
Martin and Anthony click straight away, despite their different backgrounds and outlooks, and they spend a couple of very enjoyable days together – finding a tree, rescuing a cat, stargazing, and generally hanging out and getting to know each other a little. Martin is reluctant to tell Anthony about the curse at first for fear he’ll laugh at him, but Anthony’s good humour, the way he so readily embraces his geekiness about meteorology and talks about what happened with his job make Martin feel comfortable enough to share his story. To his relief, Anthony doesn’t laugh; he takes it in his stride and offers a different perspective, the idea that maybe Martin needs to find a way to lessen the curse’s hold over him – whether it’s real or not, he believes in it - and that he should learn to stop letting his fear of bad things happening run his life. In turn, meeting Martin marks a turning point for Anthony, as, for the first time since he left Pittsburgh, he feels ready to move forward and on to a new challenge.
The romance moves fairly quickly, but the connection between the leads is very well-written and developed, and their easy companionship and obvious care and consideration for each other make it easy to believe they’ve fallen for one another in such a short space of time. The intelligence, warmth and humour in the writing, together with the author’s ability to create quirky, likeable characters and a story that is both realistic and romantic make The Christmas Curse one of my favourite seasonal romances of this year. Yes, it could have been a bit longer, and perhaps Anthony’s character could have been fleshed out more, but I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, feel-good romance to curl up with this holiday season.
December 11, 2024
A sweet, frothy, no-angst Christmas confection that, like most holiday treats, goes down easy and leaves little lasting impression. Christmas romance in a nutshell.
I got an ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review
I got an ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review
December 10, 2024
4.5⭐️
How utterly charming 🫠😍, and I’m a sucker for the Scottish brogue. I absolutely loved this one, it’s perfect for the season and otherwise. The author tells an amazing story holding attention effortlessly as the meet cute you can sort of see coming between Anthony and Martin kicks off a tale that’s genuine and funny and sweet and steamy.
Martin has left Scotland for West Virginia to spare his family from the curse.. yes the curse.. which happens to strike on Christmas making this a lonely adventure he is not looking forward to. In Anthony he finds the perspective to embrace uncertainty which I think is a fantastic outlook (and one I haven’t learnt to embrace myself yet). I loved their banter and I loved the small town feel. If you’re looking for your next Christmas read, I highly recommend this one.
Expect
A curse
Tiny homes
A heist
Low angst
Snowed in
How utterly charming 🫠😍, and I’m a sucker for the Scottish brogue. I absolutely loved this one, it’s perfect for the season and otherwise. The author tells an amazing story holding attention effortlessly as the meet cute you can sort of see coming between Anthony and Martin kicks off a tale that’s genuine and funny and sweet and steamy.
Martin has left Scotland for West Virginia to spare his family from the curse.. yes the curse.. which happens to strike on Christmas making this a lonely adventure he is not looking forward to. In Anthony he finds the perspective to embrace uncertainty which I think is a fantastic outlook (and one I haven’t learnt to embrace myself yet). I loved their banter and I loved the small town feel. If you’re looking for your next Christmas read, I highly recommend this one.
Expect
A curse
Tiny homes
A heist
Low angst
Snowed in
December 20, 2024
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
The beginning was wholesome, cute and overall super cozy. I loved the idea of the curse and both mcs were likable and made me giggle (the cat incident was too funny 🤣!!)
Until it came to the cursed (haha see what I did there) halftime of every book. At this point it’s either gripping enough to make me binge the rest or put it aside.
While this had potential to be a five star read, the second half felt just a but weaker and made me rethink my rating.
Cute, fun read, definitely worth your time.
3.9 ⭐️ overall!
The beginning was wholesome, cute and overall super cozy. I loved the idea of the curse and both mcs were likable and made me giggle (the cat incident was too funny 🤣!!)
Until it came to the cursed (haha see what I did there) halftime of every book. At this point it’s either gripping enough to make me binge the rest or put it aside.
While this had potential to be a five star read, the second half felt just a but weaker and made me rethink my rating.
Cute, fun read, definitely worth your time.
3.9 ⭐️ overall!
December 26, 2024
Lovely Christmassy story that it isn’t too sappy. Solid characters and writing, wholesome without being cringey. Sexy Scottish accent. Cute St Bernard Dog. Fairly low on steam but I didn’t miss it at all. Very pleased to get a new release from this author, have missed reading her work.
December 19, 2024
Lovely holiday romance. Just right.
December 31, 2024
B+
What a nice way to end my year of reading! Avery Cockburn successfully made this holiday romance feel fresh and different. The main characters were relatable (despite the unlikely premise) even though they were both kind of a mess (in endearing ways). The author packed a lot into this novella, from the lost cat, to the hot tub scene, the exploring around town in the middle of the night (twice), Christmas Eve, weather events and all the conversations. I marveled at the creativity of all the small additions. That’s what made this so successful as a novella- it felt like a lot of story in a relatively short work.
What a nice way to end my year of reading! Avery Cockburn successfully made this holiday romance feel fresh and different. The main characters were relatable (despite the unlikely premise) even though they were both kind of a mess (in endearing ways). The author packed a lot into this novella, from the lost cat, to the hot tub scene, the exploring around town in the middle of the night (twice), Christmas Eve, weather events and all the conversations. I marveled at the creativity of all the small additions. That’s what made this so successful as a novella- it felt like a lot of story in a relatively short work.
December 20, 2024
I thought this was a fun holiday read! The Christmas Curse concept was a little silly, but it wasn't so overblown as to be totally unrealistic. I really enjoyed the characters and the build of their relationship was lovely. The nuanced family dynamics and MC backgrounds were great and made this world feel more lived in. Lovely!
February 5, 2025
4.5 stars
December 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It showcased the beauty of a new and then enduring love, as well as a description of places that make me want to explore. Well written with a warm cozy feel.
December 11, 2024
4.5 stars, rounding up - After absolutely loving Cicadas by this author earlier this year, I've been keeping an eye out for new releases. I'm already a sucker for a holiday romance, so this was an easy request for an ARC. (Thanks to GRR for the review copy!)
This was delightful, and just a bit of a cut above some of the other holiday romances I've been trying this season. We have a complicated set up that requires a suspension of disbelief, but then we end up with two very real and fleshed out characters (not to mention an adorable dog), and some (perhaps not so) surprisingly deep and philosophical takes on why we do what we do. We still get a grand gesture and holiday hijinx, but it all feels a bit more special than your run of the mill holiday novella. At least, it did to me. Highly recommended!
This was delightful, and just a bit of a cut above some of the other holiday romances I've been trying this season. We have a complicated set up that requires a suspension of disbelief, but then we end up with two very real and fleshed out characters (not to mention an adorable dog), and some (perhaps not so) surprisingly deep and philosophical takes on why we do what we do. We still get a grand gesture and holiday hijinx, but it all feels a bit more special than your run of the mill holiday novella. At least, it did to me. Highly recommended!
September 21, 2025
Cute and Quirky
Cute and quirky Christmas read. When Anthony and Martin meet there is an instant spark, which ultimately leads to true love. I enjoyed the two guys together, along with Anthony's wonderful foster pooch, Betty. I know the city of Glasgow pretty well and,as usual, the author captured its essence. A nice short story, which would have benefited from more detail, and character development. Felt a bit rushed, unfortunately.
Cute and quirky Christmas read. When Anthony and Martin meet there is an instant spark, which ultimately leads to true love. I enjoyed the two guys together, along with Anthony's wonderful foster pooch, Betty. I know the city of Glasgow pretty well and,as usual, the author captured its essence. A nice short story, which would have benefited from more detail, and character development. Felt a bit rushed, unfortunately.
December 14, 2024
This was a gentle and entertaining feel-good read. Definitely fine for an afternoon’s enjoyment, though it’s nowhere near as complex and moving as others by the author (I’m looking at you, Playing for Keeps!) Still, a lovely holiday story.
Martin’s renting a tiny house in America for the holiday (he’s from Scotland). Anthony helps his parents with their Harpers Ferry based rental business. Martin’s arrived early and just gotten out of the outdoor hot tub and accidentally flipped his robe off the guardrail into the yard below when Anthony arrives to make sure everything’s in place…*vbg*
It’s an adorable and warmhearted read, from meet cute to hanging out to Martin revealing to Anthony the reason he’s fled so far from home to be alone for Christmas—he believes he’s cursed, and given all the bad things that have happened to him each Christmas, well…there’s coincidence, and then there’s cursed. And Martin is determined to suffer through this Christmas alone, with no one near whose day he can mess up, no one he can hurt or lose or…who knows? It’s a little silly, but, due to all that’s happened, I got where he was coming from. Anthony determines to get to know this intriguing stranger, and brings him into the family fold while respecting his belief in his curse yet still hoping to share at least part of the holiday with him.
It’s kinda frustrating that they don’t grab more of the time they have to spend together, and very frustrating when it takes so long for them to get physical—like, at one point, they’re making eyes at each other and saying let’s go back to your place NOW…and then Anthony just drops off Martin and says see you tomorrow and Martin’s all yeah sounds good and I was all…WHAT?! What just happened, what did I miss? They were being too respectful of boundaries and each other and all, and it got befuddling. I mean, they almost leave it too late at all, wasting precious time. This is not the time to be grownups, people! Tick-tock!
But, they do fall in love and then have to scramble to figure out, was this a holiday fling, or is there more here?
Of course there’s more, dumbasses! Ahem. Sorry. THEY didn’t know they were starring in a romance.
I didn’t get as much of a “meant to be” feeling from these two, it felt like they fell in love more out of convenience/right place, right time, rather than really being made for each other in particular, but I believed in their HEA, and I love this Glasgow Lads world the author has created.
Star off though for how things wind up with Betty. WTF? I don’t care if the ending for her made sense and she wouldn’t have traveled well at her age. NOT COOL. Grumble grumble.
HEA, strangers to lovers, rental guest/host pairing, Christmas (curse!) novella. No cheating or any Other Person drama in any way, totally safe for me. Recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Martin’s renting a tiny house in America for the holiday (he’s from Scotland). Anthony helps his parents with their Harpers Ferry based rental business. Martin’s arrived early and just gotten out of the outdoor hot tub and accidentally flipped his robe off the guardrail into the yard below when Anthony arrives to make sure everything’s in place…*vbg*
It’s an adorable and warmhearted read, from meet cute to hanging out to Martin revealing to Anthony the reason he’s fled so far from home to be alone for Christmas—he believes he’s cursed, and given all the bad things that have happened to him each Christmas, well…there’s coincidence, and then there’s cursed. And Martin is determined to suffer through this Christmas alone, with no one near whose day he can mess up, no one he can hurt or lose or…who knows? It’s a little silly, but, due to all that’s happened, I got where he was coming from. Anthony determines to get to know this intriguing stranger, and brings him into the family fold while respecting his belief in his curse yet still hoping to share at least part of the holiday with him.
It’s kinda frustrating that they don’t grab more of the time they have to spend together, and very frustrating when it takes so long for them to get physical—like, at one point, they’re making eyes at each other and saying let’s go back to your place NOW…and then Anthony just drops off Martin and says see you tomorrow and Martin’s all yeah sounds good and I was all…WHAT?! What just happened, what did I miss? They were being too respectful of boundaries and each other and all, and it got befuddling. I mean, they almost leave it too late at all, wasting precious time. This is not the time to be grownups, people! Tick-tock!
But, they do fall in love and then have to scramble to figure out, was this a holiday fling, or is there more here?
Of course there’s more, dumbasses! Ahem. Sorry. THEY didn’t know they were starring in a romance.
I didn’t get as much of a “meant to be” feeling from these two, it felt like they fell in love more out of convenience/right place, right time, rather than really being made for each other in particular, but I believed in their HEA, and I love this Glasgow Lads world the author has created.
Star off though for how things wind up with Betty. WTF? I don’t care if the ending for her made sense and she wouldn’t have traveled well at her age. NOT COOL. Grumble grumble.
HEA, strangers to lovers, rental guest/host pairing, Christmas (curse!) novella. No cheating or any Other Person drama in any way, totally safe for me. Recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
August 30, 2025
More than a 3, but not quite a 4.
Very decent, low-angst read. Despite the general lack of external conflict, the author does a good job of not making this feel fluffy. Martin believing the curse could've been very OTT, but both him and Anthony being otherwise grounded helped tame the absurdity of a grown ass man actually thinking he was cursed by a mall elf decades ago.
I really liked how Anthony didn't just brush off Martin's anxiety, but also didn't back down in his belief that Martin was self-fulfilling the curse through his over corrections and overall negativity. I also liked how Martin wasn't offended by Anthony's observations regarding something that he'd been dealing with for most of his life.
Their time together was short, but sweet and definitely not insta-lovey since their affections seemed appropriate for what little they did do together. (Well, their pining for each other near the end was a tad strong, but this wouldn't be a romance if they acted like complete strangers)
Martin pointing out Anthony's family curse being similar to his own was an interesting way of showing that deep down, Martin knew the curse wasn't paranormal in origin, but more interpersonal (or in his case, intrapersonal) and also helped develop Anthony's external problems which helped keep things from being too picture perfect on his side of the story (even though his family problems never actually materialized to anything that affected the story in any way).
The ending + epilogue was sweet, though I can't help but feel a little sad that
All in all, this was a decent story. Low angst, but not conflict-less with a believable romance. My only issue with it is the almost chaste-like sex scenes. It didn't fade to black or timelapse things, but given how little action was actually on page, it felt like it might as well have. Definitely a personal thing though and not an objective criticism.
Very decent, low-angst read. Despite the general lack of external conflict, the author does a good job of not making this feel fluffy. Martin believing the curse could've been very OTT, but both him and Anthony being otherwise grounded helped tame the absurdity of a grown ass man actually thinking he was cursed by a mall elf decades ago.
I really liked how Anthony didn't just brush off Martin's anxiety, but also didn't back down in his belief that Martin was self-fulfilling the curse through his over corrections and overall negativity. I also liked how Martin wasn't offended by Anthony's observations regarding something that he'd been dealing with for most of his life.
Their time together was short, but sweet and definitely not insta-lovey since their affections seemed appropriate for what little they did do together. (Well, their pining for each other near the end was a tad strong, but this wouldn't be a romance if they acted like complete strangers)
Martin pointing out Anthony's family curse being similar to his own was an interesting way of showing that deep down, Martin knew the curse wasn't paranormal in origin, but more interpersonal (or in his case, intrapersonal) and also helped develop Anthony's external problems which helped keep things from being too picture perfect on his side of the story (even though his family problems never actually materialized to anything that affected the story in any way).
The ending + epilogue was sweet, though I can't help but feel a little sad that
All in all, this was a decent story. Low angst, but not conflict-less with a believable romance. My only issue with it is the almost chaste-like sex scenes. It didn't fade to black or timelapse things, but given how little action was actually on page, it felt like it might as well have. Definitely a personal thing though and not an objective criticism.
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December 16, 2024Poor Martin was cursed by a department store elf when he was seven years old and has had nothing but bad luck and distress every Christmas since then. Even his family is not safe from the curse so he decides to spend this year alone and the Scotsman puts an ocean between his home in Glasgow and the tiny house he rents in West Virginia. He’s worried he may have brought the curse with him so decides to spend the entire season alone, but fate has other plans for him. Enter the landlady’s son, Anthony, who is late bringing a basket of goodies to the house for the new guest and catches him in the outdoor tub—stark naked, naturally.
This scene brought my first smile but the smiles and heartwarming feels didn’t stop there as the author proceeded to endear Martin and Anthony to me throughout the brief time they have together. This love story is truly that, and it’s non-explicit, fade to black, so there’s more page time to build a relationship rather than a simple sexual attraction. There’s lots of snogging—kissing to those of us in the US. And there’s time spent talking in the hot tub, playing board games, touring the outdoors, and kissing as they sit on the floor before the fireplace (because Betty, Anthony’s adorable Bernese mountain dog is taking up the whole sofa.)
But the clock is ticking and despite their closeness, Martin has so much fear of the curse harming Anthony that he still needs his alone time. I love the way the author handled this, given the need to move the romance forward because Martin’s flight is leaving right after Christmas. Honestly, I was rooting for one of those last-minute departure gate “wait for me” scenes, and so was Martin. What happens is not going to be revealed here, but I will say that there was a very satisfying ending and as in all true romances, it was worth the wait.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by the author via GRRT for the purpose of a review.
This scene brought my first smile but the smiles and heartwarming feels didn’t stop there as the author proceeded to endear Martin and Anthony to me throughout the brief time they have together. This love story is truly that, and it’s non-explicit, fade to black, so there’s more page time to build a relationship rather than a simple sexual attraction. There’s lots of snogging—kissing to those of us in the US. And there’s time spent talking in the hot tub, playing board games, touring the outdoors, and kissing as they sit on the floor before the fireplace (because Betty, Anthony’s adorable Bernese mountain dog is taking up the whole sofa.)
But the clock is ticking and despite their closeness, Martin has so much fear of the curse harming Anthony that he still needs his alone time. I love the way the author handled this, given the need to move the romance forward because Martin’s flight is leaving right after Christmas. Honestly, I was rooting for one of those last-minute departure gate “wait for me” scenes, and so was Martin. What happens is not going to be revealed here, but I will say that there was a very satisfying ending and as in all true romances, it was worth the wait.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by the author via GRRT for the purpose of a review.
December 15, 2024
Poor Martin was cursed by a department store elf when he was seven years old and has had nothing but bad luck and distress every Christmas since then. Even his family is not safe from the curse so he decides to spend this year alone and the Scotsman puts an ocean between his home in Glasgow and the tiny house he rents in West Virginia. He’s worried he may have brought the curse with him so decides to spend the entire season alone, but fate has other plans for him. Enter the landlady’s son, Anthony, who is late bringing a basket of goodies to the house for the new guest and catches him in the outdoor tub—stark naked, naturally.
This scene brought my first smile but the smiles and heartwarming feels didn’t stop there as the author proceeded to endear Martin and Anthony to me throughout the brief time they have together. This love story is truly that, and it’s non-explicit, fade to black, so there’s more page time to build a relationship rather than a simple sexual attraction. There’s lots of snogging—kissing to those of us in the US. And there’s time spent talking in the hot tub, playing board games, touring the outdoors, and kissing as they sit on the floor before the fireplace (because Betty, Anthony’s adorable Bernese Mountain Dog is taking up the whole sofa.)
But the clock is ticking and despite their closeness, Martin has so much fear of the curse harming Anthony that he still needs his alone time. I love the way the author handled this, given the need to move the romance forward because Martin’s flight is leaving right after Christmas. Honestly, I was rooting for one of those last minute departure gate “wait for me” scenes, and so was Martin. What happens is not going to be revealed here, but I will say that there was a very satisfying ending and as in all true romances, it was worth the wait.
Note: I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and this is, of course, my honest opinion.
This scene brought my first smile but the smiles and heartwarming feels didn’t stop there as the author proceeded to endear Martin and Anthony to me throughout the brief time they have together. This love story is truly that, and it’s non-explicit, fade to black, so there’s more page time to build a relationship rather than a simple sexual attraction. There’s lots of snogging—kissing to those of us in the US. And there’s time spent talking in the hot tub, playing board games, touring the outdoors, and kissing as they sit on the floor before the fireplace (because Betty, Anthony’s adorable Bernese Mountain Dog is taking up the whole sofa.)
But the clock is ticking and despite their closeness, Martin has so much fear of the curse harming Anthony that he still needs his alone time. I love the way the author handled this, given the need to move the romance forward because Martin’s flight is leaving right after Christmas. Honestly, I was rooting for one of those last minute departure gate “wait for me” scenes, and so was Martin. What happens is not going to be revealed here, but I will say that there was a very satisfying ending and as in all true romances, it was worth the wait.
Note: I received an ARC through Gay Romance Reviews and this is, of course, my honest opinion.
December 24, 2024
Here's Avery Cockburn's "The Christmas Curse."
["Martin Gibson is cursed. Ever since a childhood clash with a Christmas elf, the holiday has brought bad luck to Martin and his nearest and dearest. In a desperate attempt to avoid the Curse, he leaves his beloved Scotland and travels to America for a Christmas utterly alone.
Anthony Bello is adrift. Fired from his job as a TV weatherman, he’s returned to West Virginia to be caretaker for his family’s vacation rental properties. When a hot Scot with an unlucky—and unlikely—story checks into one of the tiny homes he oversees, Anthony is more than smitten. Now he has a thrilling new project: help Martin break the Curse for good.
Will a wild winter storm let Martin and Anthony’s attraction build into something real, or will it trigger the most cursed Christmas yet? And when Martin’s transatlantic escape is over, can they bear to walk away with nothing but memories?"]
Contrary to what I assumed, the Christmas elf was not a real elf (or fae), but a part-time, minimum-wage mall Christmas elf. Which is less magical but more hilarious.
These two were instant love. They just had a connection and an understanding. They were each looking (even if unconsciously) for a new start, a new direction. Enter holiday romance. There was a whole Hallmark-y scene and everything (and a ton of meddling family).
#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#thechristmascurse #averycockburn #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Martin Gibson is cursed. Ever since a childhood clash with a Christmas elf, the holiday has brought bad luck to Martin and his nearest and dearest. In a desperate attempt to avoid the Curse, he leaves his beloved Scotland and travels to America for a Christmas utterly alone.
Anthony Bello is adrift. Fired from his job as a TV weatherman, he’s returned to West Virginia to be caretaker for his family’s vacation rental properties. When a hot Scot with an unlucky—and unlikely—story checks into one of the tiny homes he oversees, Anthony is more than smitten. Now he has a thrilling new project: help Martin break the Curse for good.
Will a wild winter storm let Martin and Anthony’s attraction build into something real, or will it trigger the most cursed Christmas yet? And when Martin’s transatlantic escape is over, can they bear to walk away with nothing but memories?"]
Contrary to what I assumed, the Christmas elf was not a real elf (or fae), but a part-time, minimum-wage mall Christmas elf. Which is less magical but more hilarious.
These two were instant love. They just had a connection and an understanding. They were each looking (even if unconsciously) for a new start, a new direction. Enter holiday romance. There was a whole Hallmark-y scene and everything (and a ton of meddling family).
#gayromancereviews #grr #arcs #arcteammember
#thechristmascurse #averycockburn #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
December 24, 2024
This is a sweet, predictable, Hallmark worthy and satisfying story
Avery Cockburn's tale of a Scotsman who leaves his home country and his family at Christmastime to avoid what he believes is a unbreakable curse that something bad will happen on Christmas. It could be to him or to others whom he cares about.
So, the cursed Martin Gibson travels to rural West Virginia where the caretaker for a small village of rentable tiny homes sees him as he climbs into an outdoor bath nude. He's Anthony Bello who was fired from his TV weather gig because he can't stop giving all the probabilities about what the weather will be.
Martin is an engineer who believes in certainty and the continuation of the curse can only be overcome if he cuts off everyone on Christmas Day. But the connection between the two men, both a bit adrift, is strong, and the finish to this delightful angst free story is worthy of a Hallmark movie to be sure.
And the compassion each of them exhibits for their pets, matches and indicates the type of people that are meant to be together.
Mrs. Cockburn's writing is crisp, appears very accurate for the transatlantic similarities, and some very different meanings of words. It's a fun, and quick, read that is pleasurable, and makes the story hard to escape from for reality. You want these two to succeed, for the curse to be broken, and consider the uncertainty of the weather, or life, brings serendipity sometimes.
I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for a review, but this review is solely my work and opinions without pre-review by anyone.
Avery Cockburn's tale of a Scotsman who leaves his home country and his family at Christmastime to avoid what he believes is a unbreakable curse that something bad will happen on Christmas. It could be to him or to others whom he cares about.
So, the cursed Martin Gibson travels to rural West Virginia where the caretaker for a small village of rentable tiny homes sees him as he climbs into an outdoor bath nude. He's Anthony Bello who was fired from his TV weather gig because he can't stop giving all the probabilities about what the weather will be.
Martin is an engineer who believes in certainty and the continuation of the curse can only be overcome if he cuts off everyone on Christmas Day. But the connection between the two men, both a bit adrift, is strong, and the finish to this delightful angst free story is worthy of a Hallmark movie to be sure.
And the compassion each of them exhibits for their pets, matches and indicates the type of people that are meant to be together.
Mrs. Cockburn's writing is crisp, appears very accurate for the transatlantic similarities, and some very different meanings of words. It's a fun, and quick, read that is pleasurable, and makes the story hard to escape from for reality. You want these two to succeed, for the curse to be broken, and consider the uncertainty of the weather, or life, brings serendipity sometimes.
I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for a review, but this review is solely my work and opinions without pre-review by anyone.
December 21, 2024
***** 1/2 stars
he Christmas Curse is an utterly charming holiday story by @averycockburn
Martin is sure he’s cursed. Ever since a disgruntled elf hexed him, he’s never had a Christmas that didn’t have a disaster of some sort. One which had him leave a job he loved to teach maths. He doesn’t hate Christmas, but is convinced Christmas hates him, so he’s fled Scotland to keep his family safe, choosing to spend the holidays in West Virginia.
Anthony is at a crossroads - fired from his meteorologist job, he’s back home helping manage his family’s tiny homes rental properties. Then a sweet man with an adorable accent checks into Pockaway. You’ll get:
🎄 An awkward meet cute sans clothes
🎄The daring rescue of a missing cat named Pumpkin Spice
🎄 An axe wielding mountain man, a big, boisterous family, and an iced-in Christmas Eve
🎄 Love with an expiration date
🎄 Tiny homes, cozy vibes, and ALL the warm fuzzies
🎄 A beyond cute dog named Betty
🎄Same language… but not really
Both men are a bit lost. But helping break the curse gives them both purpose. They’re funny, sexy, and perfect for each other.
“He kissed Anthony again and this kiss felt like the least cursed thing in the world.”
There’s a grand gesture worthy of a rom com. And a gorgeous HEA. A perfect holiday feel good novella.
he Christmas Curse is an utterly charming holiday story by @averycockburn
Martin is sure he’s cursed. Ever since a disgruntled elf hexed him, he’s never had a Christmas that didn’t have a disaster of some sort. One which had him leave a job he loved to teach maths. He doesn’t hate Christmas, but is convinced Christmas hates him, so he’s fled Scotland to keep his family safe, choosing to spend the holidays in West Virginia.
Anthony is at a crossroads - fired from his meteorologist job, he’s back home helping manage his family’s tiny homes rental properties. Then a sweet man with an adorable accent checks into Pockaway. You’ll get:
🎄 An awkward meet cute sans clothes
🎄The daring rescue of a missing cat named Pumpkin Spice
🎄 An axe wielding mountain man, a big, boisterous family, and an iced-in Christmas Eve
🎄 Love with an expiration date
🎄 Tiny homes, cozy vibes, and ALL the warm fuzzies
🎄 A beyond cute dog named Betty
🎄Same language… but not really
Both men are a bit lost. But helping break the curse gives them both purpose. They’re funny, sexy, and perfect for each other.
“He kissed Anthony again and this kiss felt like the least cursed thing in the world.”
There’s a grand gesture worthy of a rom com. And a gorgeous HEA. A perfect holiday feel good novella.
December 23, 2024
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
If you're looking for a holiday read that blends coziness, humor and romance, The Christmas Curse is a great choice. This is a low-angst, low/medium spice, insta-love holiday romance that introduces us to superstitious Scot (Martin) and a charming but lost property caretaker (Anthony). Martin was charming from the first page, and his chemistry with Anthony is apparent from their first awkward meeting. We've all had people come into our lives that you just connect with instantly, and that's what it was like for Martin and Anthony, and I was absolutely here for it.
Martin is hiding from a curse that has followed him since childhood, and Anthony is determined to prove to him curses are nothing more than coincidence. Their relationship grows in a believable way, and their moments of banter and shared vulnerability feel authentic. There's some whimsy throughout, but they add a layer of charm without veering into the overly sweet, and the tiny house setting is the perfect backdrop for the magic of falling in love.
This is a fluffy, heartwarming holiday romance that's worth the read!
If you're looking for a holiday read that blends coziness, humor and romance, The Christmas Curse is a great choice. This is a low-angst, low/medium spice, insta-love holiday romance that introduces us to superstitious Scot (Martin) and a charming but lost property caretaker (Anthony). Martin was charming from the first page, and his chemistry with Anthony is apparent from their first awkward meeting. We've all had people come into our lives that you just connect with instantly, and that's what it was like for Martin and Anthony, and I was absolutely here for it.
Martin is hiding from a curse that has followed him since childhood, and Anthony is determined to prove to him curses are nothing more than coincidence. Their relationship grows in a believable way, and their moments of banter and shared vulnerability feel authentic. There's some whimsy throughout, but they add a layer of charm without veering into the overly sweet, and the tiny house setting is the perfect backdrop for the magic of falling in love.
This is a fluffy, heartwarming holiday romance that's worth the read!
December 23, 2024
The Christmas Curse by Avery Cockburn a cosy read. This heartwarming story combines the charm of a low-stakes romance with the magic of the festive season, delivering a tale that's as comforting as a cup of hot cocoa on a snowy evening.
The story follows a Scottish man who believes he’s burdened by a Christmas curse. Desperate to escape his usual holiday misfortunes, he flees to West Virginia to spend the season in a charming, remote house. What he doesn’t anticipate is forming an undeniable connection with the owner’s son, who brings a whole new meaning to the idea of holiday miracles.
This book is full of tender and adorable moments, making it the perfect read for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a cosy, romantic holiday vibe. The dynamic between the two leads is sweet and genuine, and their growing bond unfolds with the perfect blend of humour and heart.
Avery Cockburn captures the festive atmosphere beautifully, from snowy settings to heartwarming traditions. If you’re in the mood for a simple, sweet, and charming holiday romance, The Christmas Curse is an absolute must-read!
The story follows a Scottish man who believes he’s burdened by a Christmas curse. Desperate to escape his usual holiday misfortunes, he flees to West Virginia to spend the season in a charming, remote house. What he doesn’t anticipate is forming an undeniable connection with the owner’s son, who brings a whole new meaning to the idea of holiday miracles.
This book is full of tender and adorable moments, making it the perfect read for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a cosy, romantic holiday vibe. The dynamic between the two leads is sweet and genuine, and their growing bond unfolds with the perfect blend of humour and heart.
Avery Cockburn captures the festive atmosphere beautifully, from snowy settings to heartwarming traditions. If you’re in the mood for a simple, sweet, and charming holiday romance, The Christmas Curse is an absolute must-read!
December 17, 2024
********** Contains Spoilers**********
I rated this book 3.5 stars, so I rounded it up to 4 stars. I’m new to Avery Cockburn’s work. This was a quick and enjoyable Christmas romance. I thought that Martin and Anthony were cute together and the addition of Bella, Anthony’s elderly rescue foster just made it even better. I just would’ve loved the book to be longer so we could get more build up within the relationship between them to make it more believable. Martin meets the owner of the tiny home he’s staying in son Anthony and the two hit it off. Martin tells Anthony all about being cursed after a childhood clash with a Christmas elf. Anthony wants to help Martin break the curse for good. I’m looking forward to reading more of Avery’s books in the future. I’d recommend this book and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
I rated this book 3.5 stars, so I rounded it up to 4 stars. I’m new to Avery Cockburn’s work. This was a quick and enjoyable Christmas romance. I thought that Martin and Anthony were cute together and the addition of Bella, Anthony’s elderly rescue foster just made it even better. I just would’ve loved the book to be longer so we could get more build up within the relationship between them to make it more believable. Martin meets the owner of the tiny home he’s staying in son Anthony and the two hit it off. Martin tells Anthony all about being cursed after a childhood clash with a Christmas elf. Anthony wants to help Martin break the curse for good. I’m looking forward to reading more of Avery’s books in the future. I’d recommend this book and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
December 22, 2024
Cursed by an elf named Tinsel Merry-Mittens when he was seven, Martin has had amazingly bad luck on December 25th. For thirty years. The curse has cost him boyfriends and a dream job with the European Space Society. This year he leaves friends and family to spend Christmas alone, in West Virginia. Anthony was the week-end meteorologist for a Pittsburg TV show, his dream job. His inability to give concise answers in regards to the daily/weekly forecast cost him his job.
They have a meet cute and are immediately attracted. But a little reluctant. Deciding on a short time affair, they fall hard.
Martin and Anthony had great chemistry, a nice steamy sizzle. But it was the conversations that were the main attraction. Full of sass and snark. Comparing Britishisms and Americanisms. Enjoyed the worldbuilding with scenic descriptions, a sweet doggie and a cute little house.
This was a sweet, quick story. Lots of fun. An original spin on instalove. I haven't read any of the Glasgow Lads stories. Must remedy that.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
They have a meet cute and are immediately attracted. But a little reluctant. Deciding on a short time affair, they fall hard.
Martin and Anthony had great chemistry, a nice steamy sizzle. But it was the conversations that were the main attraction. Full of sass and snark. Comparing Britishisms and Americanisms. Enjoyed the worldbuilding with scenic descriptions, a sweet doggie and a cute little house.
This was a sweet, quick story. Lots of fun. An original spin on instalove. I haven't read any of the Glasgow Lads stories. Must remedy that.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
December 24, 2024
Martin Gibson was cursed by a Christmas elf as a child after a disagreement. Now in an effort to keep his family and friends safe, he leaves his beloved Scotland and travels to West Virginia, USA. He plans on celebrating Christmas alone. That is until meeting Anthony Bello. Anthony is drifting a bit. After he lost his job as a TV weatherman, he returns home to help manage his family’s rental homes until he decides what to do next. Meeting Martin gives him a goal. He plans to help break the curse.
These two together were amazing. Anthony is fostering a dog who takes up the whole bed. They get caught stealing a Christmas tree. A winter storm comes and there is the best hot tub ever. Each page brings a new delight and often a few laughs. If you are looking for a great holiday story with a few laughs, enough heat to melt some snow, and the magic that is Christmas, then The Christmas Curse is just what you want. Be prepared to be enchanted.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
These two together were amazing. Anthony is fostering a dog who takes up the whole bed. They get caught stealing a Christmas tree. A winter storm comes and there is the best hot tub ever. Each page brings a new delight and often a few laughs. If you are looking for a great holiday story with a few laughs, enough heat to melt some snow, and the magic that is Christmas, then The Christmas Curse is just what you want. Be prepared to be enchanted.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 12, 2024
🌨Cute holiday romance with plenty of heart💖
4.5🌟stars
This Avery Cockburn story warmed the cockles of my heart! Two guys, a West Virginia local and a Scot on a very brief stay over Christmas, are a cute couple that, thanks to the odds of distant romances, shouldn't be. Martin's certainty that he was a Christmas tragedy waiting to happen and Anthony's forward-looking optimism set just the right "opposites but not quite" tone to the romance. And Martin's kindness and commitment to animals, including a gnarly encounter with a lost cat named Spicy: pure heartwarming stuff.
I also liked the revelations about American life Scottish Martin learns, like in a visit to the local ER and the breakfast all day diner. Things Americans take for granted. And the way the author heads them for heartbreak and then provides a possible reprieve: just the way I wanted it to end.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟stars
This Avery Cockburn story warmed the cockles of my heart! Two guys, a West Virginia local and a Scot on a very brief stay over Christmas, are a cute couple that, thanks to the odds of distant romances, shouldn't be. Martin's certainty that he was a Christmas tragedy waiting to happen and Anthony's forward-looking optimism set just the right "opposites but not quite" tone to the romance. And Martin's kindness and commitment to animals, including a gnarly encounter with a lost cat named Spicy: pure heartwarming stuff.
I also liked the revelations about American life Scottish Martin learns, like in a visit to the local ER and the breakfast all day diner. Things Americans take for granted. And the way the author heads them for heartbreak and then provides a possible reprieve: just the way I wanted it to end.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
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