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Grumble Monkey and the Department Store Elf
2 hours 19 minutes
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar collection Heartwarming.
Kit Jefferies, a part-time department store Christmas elf, is an artist who loves life and his family. Unfortunately, his car dies at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere as he is heading home for Christmas. Enter Nick St. George.
Nick is a very unhappy man—he's achieved his professional goals only to find the rest of his life bleak and empty. Deciding there was only one way to make everything right, he is on his way to San Francisco on a dark mission, and even the horrible sleet storm that blocked his path won't deter him. That's when he found Kit.
At first, Nick is pretty sure rescuing Kit was a big mistake. Kit's personality is just too, well, effervescent. But as the miles go by, Kit begins to bring light to his dark heart. It might even be bright enough to illuminate a Christmas miracle.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar collection Heartwarming.
Kit Jefferies, a part-time department store Christmas elf, is an artist who loves life and his family. Unfortunately, his car dies at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere as he is heading home for Christmas. Enter Nick St. George.
Nick is a very unhappy man—he's achieved his professional goals only to find the rest of his life bleak and empty. Deciding there was only one way to make everything right, he is on his way to San Francisco on a dark mission, and even the horrible sleet storm that blocked his path won't deter him. That's when he found Kit.
At first, Nick is pretty sure rescuing Kit was a big mistake. Kit's personality is just too, well, effervescent. But as the miles go by, Kit begins to bring light to his dark heart. It might even be bright enough to illuminate a Christmas miracle.
2 pages, Audible Audio
First published November 30, 2013
1 person is currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
B.G. Thomas
77 books240 followersB.G. Thomas lives in Kansas City with his husband for nearly fifteen years and was legally married in 2014. Ehey have a fabulous little dog, Sarah Jane. He sees his wonderful daughter just often enough to miss her when she isn't there! He has a romantic soul and is extraordinarily lucky to have many friends.
He loves science fiction & fantasy, horror, romance and more, has gone to SF&F conventions his entire adult life, and been lucky enough to meet many of his favorite writers. He is a “Star Trek” and Joss Whedon fan from way back!
He has written all his life, it is where he finds his joy. In the 90’s, he wrote for gay magazines, but stopped because they wanted him to cut out story and romance, and write only sex.
Then through a few friends, he discovered the growing market of M/M Romance and was thrilled beyond words. FINALLY, a way to write the stories he always wanted to write. Adventure, romantic comedy, science fiction, and more, but with gay characters. And he wouldn't have to fade to black! People wanted to read the erotic as well. Plot and sex! HURRAY!
B.G. Thomas very much believes in The Law of Attraction and that "thoughts become things." A lot of things all started happening at once. He heard the words, "Leap, and the net will appear," and something re-kindled inside. He sent out a story and was thrilled when it was almost immediately accepted.
He believes that we are divine expressions of the Universe, each and everyone. "It is never too late!,” he states. “Pursue your dreams! They will come true!"
He loves science fiction & fantasy, horror, romance and more, has gone to SF&F conventions his entire adult life, and been lucky enough to meet many of his favorite writers. He is a “Star Trek” and Joss Whedon fan from way back!
He has written all his life, it is where he finds his joy. In the 90’s, he wrote for gay magazines, but stopped because they wanted him to cut out story and romance, and write only sex.
Then through a few friends, he discovered the growing market of M/M Romance and was thrilled beyond words. FINALLY, a way to write the stories he always wanted to write. Adventure, romantic comedy, science fiction, and more, but with gay characters. And he wouldn't have to fade to black! People wanted to read the erotic as well. Plot and sex! HURRAY!
B.G. Thomas very much believes in The Law of Attraction and that "thoughts become things." A lot of things all started happening at once. He heard the words, "Leap, and the net will appear," and something re-kindled inside. He sent out a story and was thrilled when it was almost immediately accepted.
He believes that we are divine expressions of the Universe, each and everyone. "It is never too late!,” he states. “Pursue your dreams! They will come true!"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
December 25, 2013
1.5 stars
I’m going to say something that I rarely say: I really did NOT like this book. Let me clarify: I hated it.
The bare bones of the story are actually quite interesting. I won’t give it away, but if someone showed me the outline of this, I would’ve thought, “this is gonna be SO GOOD”.
So, what happened?
The characters happened. I am seriously irritated and offended by Nick. I get it, he’s had a hurtful, difficult past and is hardened by it. But, his inner monologue was cruel, borderline-bigoted, judgmental, classist, and hateful. His references to the other man’s “faggy” ways and his apparel and hating on women/mothers who don’t work REPULSED me. And for a man who drives a Bentley and brags about all his money and worth and riches, wearing an Eddie Bauer winter coat? Not that impressive, dude. Sorry…I was so pissed by this point, even those minor details threw me over the edge. My blood pressure WAS DANGEROUSLY high during the first 25% of the book.
Then, there’s Kit. Oh by golly, he sure is swell. And though he found himself in a poopy situation and shucks, didn’t know how the heckamaroo he was gonna get out of it, he for goodness sakes was sure gonna give it his 100% effort!!! WHO IS THIS GUY? This kind of character is adorable in a book like “Mending Noel”. But in this book it was almost ridiculous. And truthfully, I may have liked him or warmed up to him (ok, maybe I did a little by the end) if I wasn’t already, again, so irritated by Nick.
I really need to know how the kind of hate speech that was going through Nick’s head in the beginning of this book made it to print.
I know a lot of people seemed to like this book, so I’ll just chalk it up to pressing my personal buttons. And, if I actually DNF’d books, I wouldn’t have gotten to the redeeming point of the story that tries to explain this behavior all away. So, I’m at least glad I finished it.
I’m just…grrrr…I’m a grumble monkey that’s for F’ing sure. Bah humbug.
November 29, 2014
2.5 stars
I didn't like this story much. I didn't hate it, but I definitely didn't enjoy it -- the thing is, I have to agree with some of the things that Susan mentioned in her review (she wrote the review few hours before I posted this one, funny how we thought alike when I didn't even know she was reading this too!).
Nick's inner monologue was NOT amusing. In fact, when he got to the point where he slammed on women who didn't work, on housewives, I scrunched my nose in disgust, and put this story down in exchange for some other stories. I simply wasn't entertained by it. Even if Nick didn't mean it, if HE MENTIONED IT, that mean that that thought passed on Nick's mind at one point. Because it wouldn't never come out of his mouth if it never been an issue. I know it was just one tiny little thing, but it did push my button. I just couldn't respect any man who thought that way. Not one bit. Gay or otherwise.
Hey, I would probably be more understanding, if Nick was truly having a hard life after he was being threw out by his parents (oh, what an original idea. Not), but he didn't, really. He was able to get a trust fund and had enough money. I could love a grumpy characters, heck, I even thought Scrooge was a redeemable character -- unfortunately, Nick wasn't simply grumpy, he was kind of judgmental and annoyed the heck out of me.
Kit was probably set up as some kind of an opposite attract for Nick -- one who embraced his sexual identity, who was proud of being who he was, who was loved by his family, who was kind, who couldn't even say curse words, and saw everything in rainbow-colored glasses ... he was okay for me UNTIL After spending JUST few hours only of road trip with Nick?!? I simply wasn't convinced, that's all.
Maybe, like Susan, I was being a grumble monkey myself seeing that everyone else was loving it. Maybe I had the same push button with her. I did liked it slightly better than she was (hey, Susan gave this 1.5!). At least that twist of what Nick was actually going to do when he arrived in San Francisco was kinda shocking and different. But I didn't find the story lovely, and it was a bit hard to enjoy a story when you disliked the main character in it.
So for now, I prefer going back to my Merlin/Arthur holiday fluffy fanfic marathon, thank you very much...
I didn't like this story much. I didn't hate it, but I definitely didn't enjoy it -- the thing is, I have to agree with some of the things that Susan mentioned in her review (she wrote the review few hours before I posted this one, funny how we thought alike when I didn't even know she was reading this too!).
Nick's inner monologue was NOT amusing. In fact, when he got to the point where he slammed on women who didn't work, on housewives, I scrunched my nose in disgust, and put this story down in exchange for some other stories. I simply wasn't entertained by it. Even if Nick didn't mean it, if HE MENTIONED IT, that mean that that thought passed on Nick's mind at one point. Because it wouldn't never come out of his mouth if it never been an issue. I know it was just one tiny little thing, but it did push my button. I just couldn't respect any man who thought that way. Not one bit. Gay or otherwise.
Hey, I would probably be more understanding, if Nick was truly having a hard life after he was being threw out by his parents (oh, what an original idea. Not), but he didn't, really. He was able to get a trust fund and had enough money. I could love a grumpy characters, heck, I even thought Scrooge was a redeemable character -- unfortunately, Nick wasn't simply grumpy, he was kind of judgmental and annoyed the heck out of me.
Kit was probably set up as some kind of an opposite attract for Nick -- one who embraced his sexual identity, who was proud of being who he was, who was loved by his family, who was kind, who couldn't even say curse words, and saw everything in rainbow-colored glasses ... he was okay for me UNTIL After spending JUST few hours only of road trip with Nick?!? I simply wasn't convinced, that's all.
Maybe, like Susan, I was being a grumble monkey myself seeing that everyone else was loving it. Maybe I had the same push button with her. I did liked it slightly better than she was (hey, Susan gave this 1.5!). At least that twist of what Nick was actually going to do when he arrived in San Francisco was kinda shocking and different. But I didn't find the story lovely, and it was a bit hard to enjoy a story when you disliked the main character in it.
So for now, I prefer going back to my Merlin/Arthur holiday fluffy fanfic marathon, thank you very much...
December 3, 2013
If 'Grumble Monkey and the Department Store Elf' is a typical example of the writing style of B.G. Thomas, then I will definitely be reading more of this author's work. He has incorporated two of my favorite types of characters, the grumpy curmudgeon, and the young, flamboyantly gay man. He has mixed them together on Christmas Eve, stuck driving together in horrible snow and sleet conditions, and shaken them up a bit to see what comes of the mixing. Ahhhh, such fun!
Nick is a thirty-two year old businessman. A rather uptight businessman, if you ask me. Nick is the kind of man who doesn't go to gay pride events. Why should he? Straight people don't have pride days. Ridiculous concept. He despises outlandishly gay men for perpetuating the stereotypes and people with silly nicknames. So when he meets Kit (short for Kitten, because his sister couldn't pronounce Keaton), and he's wearing a giant elf hat and rhinestones on his jeans, it's a wonder Nick actually agrees to give him a ride since Kit's car broke down. It's sort of incredible what can happen when two different people are stuck in an adventure together. Kit starts to break down some of Nick's reserves and Nick looks at Kit a whole lot differently.
Interestingly enough, Nick and Kit have a very common ground. Art. Nick is an art dealer with a well known gallery in New York, and Kit is in his final classes at the Art Institute of Chicago. Fate? Kismet? It was funny to watch Nick realize that all these things he "professed" to hate, were really things his wealthy and standoffish parents had hated. Since they kicked Nick out at twenty-two for being gay, it didn't matter what they thought or felt so why had he hobbled himself all these years? Kit reminded him of hope, of optimism, of joy, and of love.
This is a great Christmas story. I enjoyed watching the dynamic between these two men and the changes they each brought to the other. A newfound peace within himself for Nick and a touch of maturity and confidence for Kit. Thank you, B.G., for great characters and a lovely story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Nick is a thirty-two year old businessman. A rather uptight businessman, if you ask me. Nick is the kind of man who doesn't go to gay pride events. Why should he? Straight people don't have pride days. Ridiculous concept. He despises outlandishly gay men for perpetuating the stereotypes and people with silly nicknames. So when he meets Kit (short for Kitten, because his sister couldn't pronounce Keaton), and he's wearing a giant elf hat and rhinestones on his jeans, it's a wonder Nick actually agrees to give him a ride since Kit's car broke down. It's sort of incredible what can happen when two different people are stuck in an adventure together. Kit starts to break down some of Nick's reserves and Nick looks at Kit a whole lot differently.
Interestingly enough, Nick and Kit have a very common ground. Art. Nick is an art dealer with a well known gallery in New York, and Kit is in his final classes at the Art Institute of Chicago. Fate? Kismet? It was funny to watch Nick realize that all these things he "professed" to hate, were really things his wealthy and standoffish parents had hated. Since they kicked Nick out at twenty-two for being gay, it didn't matter what they thought or felt so why had he hobbled himself all these years? Kit reminded him of hope, of optimism, of joy, and of love.
This is a great Christmas story. I enjoyed watching the dynamic between these two men and the changes they each brought to the other. A newfound peace within himself for Nick and a touch of maturity and confidence for Kit. Thank you, B.G., for great characters and a lovely story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 29, 2013
Bittersweet. Nick's bitter and Kit's sweet.
A study in extremes, these two characters charge in and clash--immediately. The caustic tongue Nick hides behind is vicious and his internal dialogue speaks of one who's self-hatred is oppressive. While it is so easy to be repelled by Nick and honestly, the author does a great job of repelling the reader as much as Nick would repel others from interacting with him, but if one perseveres then the painful truth becomes more obvious and sad.
Excellent job of taking cliches and twisting it, but there is a great deal of anger and pain in this story.
A study in extremes, these two characters charge in and clash--immediately. The caustic tongue Nick hides behind is vicious and his internal dialogue speaks of one who's self-hatred is oppressive. While it is so easy to be repelled by Nick and honestly, the author does a great job of repelling the reader as much as Nick would repel others from interacting with him, but if one perseveres then the painful truth becomes more obvious and sad.
Excellent job of taking cliches and twisting it, but there is a great deal of anger and pain in this story.
January 20, 2014
2.5*
This is one of those stories that frustrates me no end, because it leaves me liking some parts quite a bit and happy, but still grumpy and frustrated about other parts.
Nick is a an asshat, no doubt about it. He's arrogant, conceited, and honestly, yes I felt for him , having such stupid, bigoted parents, but he's 30 now, successful and he was kicked out with a trust fund so personally I felt he didn't quite need all the drama and bitterness that Nick kept spewing.
I know he apologized later but I have a hard time getting over thoughts and comments like : “Then she got what she deserved. What self-respecting person would live off of somebody else? It’s practically stealing.”
After hearing about a lesbian woman who lost everything after the death of her partner. Or this one? As a (now) stay at home mother of three I deal with stupid shit like this enough.
“Your mom doesn’t work?” Nick shook his head. “Too busy watching soap operas and eating bonbons?”( so of course Kit's mom had to have FIVE children, as if to justify to the reader that it's ok to stay home and raise your children, because just having one or two wouldn't be enough to allow for that..grrrrr)
Slowly steps off soapbox,
My issue was I really didn't see Nick change and open up until he and Kit start talking art.
Had Kit not been an artist or ignorant of all things art, would anything have changed?
Then there is Kit, he's cute and sweet, but possibly a bit too much of a good thing. My dad does not swear, ever, but he doesn't sound this ridiculous either. Kit is an adult and this sounds more like a 5year old. “Golly. Kit felt his stomach fill with butterflies. Nick was so… weird. One minute he was such a total cheese nug, and the next he could be so nice.” or “You really are a grumble monkey, aren’t you? We were having a good time, and now you’re being all poopie!”
But I did like the Scrooge to hopeful and happier Nick change and I like that he's found acceptance with Kit and his family and most of all, he finally realized what his issue has been all this time and wants to change.
I also liked that sometimes one little thing can literally alter the course of a life. And that was the case here.
I think I would have liked a little epilogue of them a few years down the road, just to be sure that Nick really did get it.
On a side note
This is one of those stories that frustrates me no end, because it leaves me liking some parts quite a bit and happy, but still grumpy and frustrated about other parts.
Nick is a an asshat, no doubt about it. He's arrogant, conceited, and honestly, yes I felt for him , having such stupid, bigoted parents, but he's 30 now, successful and he was kicked out with a trust fund so personally I felt he didn't quite need all the drama and bitterness that Nick kept spewing.
I know he apologized later but I have a hard time getting over thoughts and comments like : “Then she got what she deserved. What self-respecting person would live off of somebody else? It’s practically stealing.”
After hearing about a lesbian woman who lost everything after the death of her partner. Or this one? As a (now) stay at home mother of three I deal with stupid shit like this enough.
“Your mom doesn’t work?” Nick shook his head. “Too busy watching soap operas and eating bonbons?”( so of course Kit's mom had to have FIVE children, as if to justify to the reader that it's ok to stay home and raise your children, because just having one or two wouldn't be enough to allow for that..grrrrr)
Slowly steps off soapbox,
My issue was I really didn't see Nick change and open up until he and Kit start talking art.
Had Kit not been an artist or ignorant of all things art, would anything have changed?
Then there is Kit, he's cute and sweet, but possibly a bit too much of a good thing. My dad does not swear, ever, but he doesn't sound this ridiculous either. Kit is an adult and this sounds more like a 5year old. “Golly. Kit felt his stomach fill with butterflies. Nick was so… weird. One minute he was such a total cheese nug, and the next he could be so nice.” or “You really are a grumble monkey, aren’t you? We were having a good time, and now you’re being all poopie!”
But I did like the Scrooge to hopeful and happier Nick change and I like that he's found acceptance with Kit and his family and most of all, he finally realized what his issue has been all this time and wants to change.
I also liked that sometimes one little thing can literally alter the course of a life. And that was the case here.
I think I would have liked a little epilogue of them a few years down the road, just to be sure that Nick really did get it.
On a side note
July 11, 2016
Wow! This story really is too cute for words. But at the same time it is hilariously funny, has two amazing and very real main characters, and is a great take on Scrooge waking up to smell the roses. There are few stories as full of Christmas magic as this one! It made me laugh and cry, sometimes almost at the same time, and I totally loved it from beginning to end.
At first, I was taken aback at how grumpy Nick is. Almost mean, he is selfish and nasty, not willing to give anyone the benefit of the doubt. His true story, who he is, and what made him be the man he is only emerges slowly and it's not a pretty picture. Even Nick begins to see that, but when he discovers he and Kit share an interest in art, the ice around his heart and soul begins to melt. Nick doesn't like what he sees, but he is beginning to understand how he can change it. If he will let himself, and believe me, he is his own worst enemy!
Kit, short for Kitten, his youngest sister's version of Keaton, is an amazing guy. Flamboyant, full of life, unashamed of who he is and what he wants, he thinks love makes the universe go round (and for him, it certainly does). He calls Nick a "grumble monkey", and for half the story that is certainly who he is. Kit also has the ability to make Nick see the good in himself, which shocks the older man. Kit transforms Nick without even trying, just by being himself. If it weren't for Kit, this story would have a very different ending!
If you like Christmas magic, if you believe that anything can happen if you want it badly enough, and if you're looking for a sweet, funny, and thought-provoking story, then go buy this one and read it. It is so worth it, and I know I'll have to read it again and again. Totally brilliant!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
At first, I was taken aback at how grumpy Nick is. Almost mean, he is selfish and nasty, not willing to give anyone the benefit of the doubt. His true story, who he is, and what made him be the man he is only emerges slowly and it's not a pretty picture. Even Nick begins to see that, but when he discovers he and Kit share an interest in art, the ice around his heart and soul begins to melt. Nick doesn't like what he sees, but he is beginning to understand how he can change it. If he will let himself, and believe me, he is his own worst enemy!
Kit, short for Kitten, his youngest sister's version of Keaton, is an amazing guy. Flamboyant, full of life, unashamed of who he is and what he wants, he thinks love makes the universe go round (and for him, it certainly does). He calls Nick a "grumble monkey", and for half the story that is certainly who he is. Kit also has the ability to make Nick see the good in himself, which shocks the older man. Kit transforms Nick without even trying, just by being himself. If it weren't for Kit, this story would have a very different ending!
If you like Christmas magic, if you believe that anything can happen if you want it badly enough, and if you're looking for a sweet, funny, and thought-provoking story, then go buy this one and read it. It is so worth it, and I know I'll have to read it again and again. Totally brilliant!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
October 15, 2020
I never warmed up to Nick - maybe if we had gotten a bit more information on his past and his life but it was surface and he was a jerk. Kit was just a little too good to be true but hey it's a Christmas story so you can accept that. For me Nick and Kit just never worked and I couldn't see what Kit found/liked in Nick.
December 17, 2018
3.5 stars
December 13, 2013
I really enjoyed this christmas miracle story. All the pieces felt true, although some of it is coincidental. But that's what miracles need - some luck, some fate and lots of happy.
Which is what Kit embodies - optimism, laughter and the knowledge of being loved and accepted: All the qualities that Nick didn't have growing up.
The dark elements are hinted at, but there's not enough to bring this story down into grumble monkey territory. I like the HFN conclusion - the anticipation of the future, the wish for more.
Great stuff.
Xmas story #13.
Which is what Kit embodies - optimism, laughter and the knowledge of being loved and accepted: All the qualities that Nick didn't have growing up.
The dark elements are hinted at, but there's not enough to bring this story down into grumble monkey territory. I like the HFN conclusion - the anticipation of the future, the wish for more.
Great stuff.
Xmas story #13.
January 25, 2016
Well, I chose this for the ‚Humorous‘ category of my Annual Reading Challenge and have to say - I didn’t find it funny at all! But the writing was very good and I especially liked that this was a story of a beginning and it hinted at their possible future together. It wasn’t love at first sight, no insta-love, but there was attraction that let me believe in their future. Wouldn’t mind visiting them again, a few years down the line.
December 3, 2013
Well, damn. How cute was this?
December 23, 2013
Cute clashing of two very different men. And the grumble monkey has no chance against the Elf. Entertaining, heartwarming and sweet. Good christmas read.
October 20, 2014
LOVED IT!!!!!! Getting me in the mood for the Holiday Season!!!!!
December 28, 2013
I liked this one, but I wanted to like it more. Nick was really distasteful the first part of the book and it took me awhile to warm up to him when he started to come around. Actually he was pretty cruel and Kit was WAY more forgiving than most. In fact, Kit was Nick's polar opposite to the extreme. Parts just made me plain sad and I understand that was part of it and thankfully there was an HEA/HFN. I think part of it was my expectation. I was expecting a light hearted Christmas read. With the cover and the title I was sold on that, but the dark side of the story threw me a little hard.
December 7, 2013
Such a lovely lovely story!!! Yes, it was a little bit fairy tale like, and the grumble monkey was a very grumbly grumble monkey, but still. Hach. One of my favourite Christmas stories so far this year!!
February 8, 2015
1.5 stars? With a Christmas miracle bump up to 2?
I was seriously bored.
I seriously wanted to punch Kit in the face! (Golly did I just say that?)
And by the end I seriously wanted to
I was seriously bored.
I seriously wanted to punch Kit in the face! (Golly did I just say that?)
And by the end I seriously wanted to
December 6, 2015
This was an enjoyable 4-star read up until the point when
Dear Author, you either bring it or you don't even bother with mentioning it!
Dear Author, you either bring it or you don't even bother with mentioning it!
February 21, 2016
Had me sniffing. Don't let others bad opinions rule your life.
November 23, 2014
Quick and easy and fa la la's
December 27, 2014
4.5 stars
Sad turned sweet and happy. Really liked this one!
Sad turned sweet and happy. Really liked this one!
January 17, 2015
I'M NOT CRYING THOSE ARE ALLERGIES DAMMIT. :_)
December 3, 2017
It's rare that there is an MC so toxic that I don't feel like he is redeemable, and it was a close thing here. I honestly am not really sure he was truly changed at the end, and the ending was so abrupt without an epilogue, that the ending was a HFN at best.
December 7, 2017
3.5 stars. I would have liked more background on Nick's life over the last couple of years. Other than being a grumble monkey, there's no understanding his mental state. Kit was too good to be true, but that's what Christmas stories are for - to be bright and light, and happy.
July 22, 2016
What a beautiful, moving Christmas story! You might never suspect from the cute and goofy cover and title, but this story is much more than a quirky romance. It is the best kind of Christmas story, one of hope, renewal and second chances, in the manner of “A Christmas Carol” or “It’s a Wonderful Life”. In the middle of a terrible winter storm on Christmas Eve, the paths of two very different travelers cross unexpectedly and neither will be the same. When Nick, a jaded, unhappy, man on a very dark mission, is forced by weather to pull over at a rest stop he encounters Kit, college student & department store elf, a quirky, kind-hearted, life-loving innocent, he has no feelings other than annoyance when he feels obligated to give the stranded young man a lift. But what happens during the journey opens his heart and his eyes, not only to the possibility of life and love and joy just when he needs it the most, but also to the surprising root of his own bitterness, and finally to the recognition that it’s not too late to choose a different road than the one he’s on. It’s a story of Christmas miracles with a hopeful, heartwarming finish that left me feeling a little bit like laughing & crying at the same time. I read a LOT, and I don’t always take the time I should to review the good ones, but I just had to say how truly happy I am to have read this one! I would also love to read more about this couple in the future;-)
December 4, 2013
4.5 Stars
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
What an sweet story.
Nick is a jerk. He's bitter and angry at the world. He is making his way to San Francisco because there is something critical that he feels he must do there. The roads are icy, it's sleeting like crazy and he can barely see the road. Having to make a stop to adjust his wipers, he almost hits a broken down vehicle before pulling into a rest area. The owner of that vehicle is Kit, a college student and part-time department store elf.
Kit and Nick are as different as night and day. Nick does everything in his power to not show he's gay. Kit has never been ashamed of who he is and it shows.
They are in the middle of nowhere and Kit is stuck with no way home to his family. Grudgingly, Nick offers him a ride. The drive is long, the conditions are dangerous and Nick is stuck for hours with "Chatty Cathy". Along the way, Nick reevaluates who he is - thanks to a department store elf.
The title is so cute and perfect for the story. This is a great Christmas short. I laughed a lot and got teary a few times.
Highly recommended.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
What an sweet story.
Nick is a jerk. He's bitter and angry at the world. He is making his way to San Francisco because there is something critical that he feels he must do there. The roads are icy, it's sleeting like crazy and he can barely see the road. Having to make a stop to adjust his wipers, he almost hits a broken down vehicle before pulling into a rest area. The owner of that vehicle is Kit, a college student and part-time department store elf.
Kit and Nick are as different as night and day. Nick does everything in his power to not show he's gay. Kit has never been ashamed of who he is and it shows.
They are in the middle of nowhere and Kit is stuck with no way home to his family. Grudgingly, Nick offers him a ride. The drive is long, the conditions are dangerous and Nick is stuck for hours with "Chatty Cathy". Along the way, Nick reevaluates who he is - thanks to a department store elf.
The title is so cute and perfect for the story. This is a great Christmas short. I laughed a lot and got teary a few times.
Highly recommended.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 26, 2013
Mixed feelings here. In general it was a cute story of opposites, the surly Nick and young enthusiastic Kit. Nick grudgingly offers Kit a ride home during a storm when Kit's car breaks down. Then when Kit's family is stranded by the storm and can't get home, Nick hangs around until they return. You then find out why he was driving from New York to San Francisco. His negative attitude was quite extreme and he was kind of an asshole to be honest. Granted, there may have been some reason for that, but I think what he really needed was some therapy. He had baggage. And given
I must confess that I tend to judge books more harshly than perhaps a Christmas movie, because lord knows that all those sappy Christmas movies have not a lick of rational thought in them and people fall in love in a day and have all manner of amazing conversions that real life would never occur. So I sometimes need to let things go, especially in holiday stories.
Still, I enjoyed it and liked Kit a great deal.
I must confess that I tend to judge books more harshly than perhaps a Christmas movie, because lord knows that all those sappy Christmas movies have not a lick of rational thought in them and people fall in love in a day and have all manner of amazing conversions that real life would never occur. So I sometimes need to let things go, especially in holiday stories.
Still, I enjoyed it and liked Kit a great deal.
December 10, 2013
I just love the holidays, so many lovely books. Some are humorous, some are sweet, some are sad and I find that most leave me feeling happy and hopeful. Grumble Monkey and the Department Store Elf is all of these things. I look forward to reading more from B.G. Thomas.
To read the full review please click the link below:
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To read the full review please click the link below:
http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
December 28, 2013
Another cute and sweet Christmas read! I've been very lucky this year with these because sometimes they are just eh. Not this one though! I have my own little grumble monkey at home and I loved how Kit made him happy.
October 11, 2016
This is a lovely novella with a Christmas theme but I think the audiobook could have been better.
The narrator sounded somewhat robotic in places and his voice made it hard to distinguish between characters.
4 stars for the story, 2 for the narration.
The narrator sounded somewhat robotic in places and his voice made it hard to distinguish between characters.
4 stars for the story, 2 for the narration.
April 22, 2017
Nick is an ass and I never warmed to him at all. Kit was just a bubbly eternal optimist, the complete reversal of Nick. One hopes that Kit finds someone better than Nick and uses Nick as the kickoff to getting his Learner plates in life.
3 stars
3 stars
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