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Christmas Falls #9
Scrooge You!: Christmas Falls, Book 9
Joel McArthur thought he knew everyone in the small town of Christmas Falls. He’s been running Ginger’s Breads bakery for more than a decade, after all.
But who is the mysterious runner who’s been passing by his shop every morning?
Hayden Bradley’s post-college plans fell through, landing him in this stupid small town he can’t get out of fast enough.
He hates Christmas and he’s tired of the endless holiday cheer.
But as Hayden finds himself spending more and more time at Joel’s bakery, he’s forced to admit that he’s developed a taste for the ginger-molasses cookies and the handsome ginger-haired baker who makes them.
Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.
Content Discussion of a past death of a parent/missing them at the holidays.
But who is the mysterious runner who’s been passing by his shop every morning?
Hayden Bradley’s post-college plans fell through, landing him in this stupid small town he can’t get out of fast enough.
He hates Christmas and he’s tired of the endless holiday cheer.
But as Hayden finds himself spending more and more time at Joel’s bakery, he’s forced to admit that he’s developed a taste for the ginger-molasses cookies and the handsome ginger-haired baker who makes them.
Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.
Content Discussion of a past death of a parent/missing them at the holidays.
Audible Audio
First published December 15, 2023
144 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Brigham Vaughn
82 books756 followersBrigham Vaughn is on the adventure of a lifetime as a full-time writer. She devours books at an alarming rate and hasn’t let her short arms and long torso stop her from doing yoga. She makes a killer key lime pie, hates green peppers, and loves wine tasting tours. A collector of vintage Nancy Drew books and green glassware, she enjoys poking around in antique shops and refinishing thrift store furniture. An avid photographer, she dreams of traveling the world and she can’t wait to discover everything else life has to offer her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
December 16, 2024
I missed reading this last year, as I had had mixed reactions to this multi-author series. Brigham Vaughn has been hit or miss with me, and as I was taking a break from MM romance I just said "nah." This season, I wanted some cheery Christmas romance to help me get through a tough break-up, so I decided I'd give the new series a try, but wanted to read this first to complete last year's series and see how these characters were introduced into the current series.
Overall, I actually really liked this rather non-angsty story of a hook up that becomes more at Christmas time. Maybe I was just in the mood? I remember last year's series had a lot of books that dealt with the possibility of one of the MCs leaving Christmas Falls, and although that is part of the plot here, it wasn't ham fisted into our consciousness with repeated moans and "woe is me" type of reflections.
I liked Joel, the baker at Ginger's Bread, but I really liked Hayden a lot. I feel his character wasn't super fleshed out, but something about him really spoke to me. I'm glad he was able to figure things out for the HEA we all want to read.
Overall, I actually really liked this rather non-angsty story of a hook up that becomes more at Christmas time. Maybe I was just in the mood? I remember last year's series had a lot of books that dealt with the possibility of one of the MCs leaving Christmas Falls, and although that is part of the plot here, it wasn't ham fisted into our consciousness with repeated moans and "woe is me" type of reflections.
I liked Joel, the baker at Ginger's Bread, but I really liked Hayden a lot. I feel his character wasn't super fleshed out, but something about him really spoke to me. I'm glad he was able to figure things out for the HEA we all want to read.
December 15, 2023
As always, really enjoyed this from Brigham Vaughn! The only issue was that Chapter 3 was missing and Chapter 2 was repeated in its place so I missed the tree lighting night, which was disappointing!
I liked how Hayden was the grumpy one even though he's so young 😂 The relationship moved fast but they felt natural together and the frustrations really came across.
Also liked the mention of Jamie and Taylor from the Road Rules series, and I'm trying to patiently wait for the next Toronto book!
I liked how Hayden was the grumpy one even though he's so young 😂 The relationship moved fast but they felt natural together and the frustrations really came across.
Also liked the mention of Jamie and Taylor from the Road Rules series, and I'm trying to patiently wait for the next Toronto book!
December 29, 2023
DNF@ 50%
Shockingly bad writing from this author.
Shockingly bad writing from this author.
July 30, 2025
Joel McArthur thought he knew everyone in the small town of Christmas Falls. He’s been running Ginger’s Breads bakery for more than a decade, after all. But who is the mysterious runner who’s been passing by his shop every morning? Hayden Bradley’s post-college plans fell through, landing him in this stupid small town he can’t get out of fast enough. He hates Christmas and he’s tired of the endless holiday cheer. But as Hayden finds himself spending more and more time at Joel’s bakery, he’s forced to admit that he’s developed a taste for the ginger-molasses cookies and the handsome ginger-haired baker who makes them.
This has been such a sweet multi author series. I have enjoyed each of them and I'm sorry to see it end. Each book takes place in Christmas Falls, in a small-town setting, but each can be read as a standalone story.
We learn right away that Hayden doesn’t want to be in Christmas Falls living in his mom’s basement, but finding a job in web design has been more than tough, and the holidays always remind him of the loss of his dad.
Joel has been one of my favorite characters throughout this series... he's a real sweetheart of a guy. He loves his life as a baker in Christmas Falls, and although Hayden is a little, well...actually a lot grumpy and younger, Joel wants to get to know him as a friend or maybe a little more, even though he knows Hayden plans to leave town as soon as he can find a job. Joel is such a sweet guy, and I enjoyed the dating, flirting and fun interactions they had as they got to know each other better.
Their honest communication times were also warm and delightful, as were the times they spent just hanging out, as well as the steamy times.
Rooting for two men trying to figure out how to make their relationship work with all the holiday activities surrounding them was a really good read that gave us a final glimpse of all the characters from the Christmas Falls series. Going to miss this bunch of goofs...oh wait...NO, NO! These characters all live as far away as my bookshelves...I don't have to miss anyone since I HAVE all the books! REREADS!!!
This has been such a sweet multi author series. I have enjoyed each of them and I'm sorry to see it end. Each book takes place in Christmas Falls, in a small-town setting, but each can be read as a standalone story.
We learn right away that Hayden doesn’t want to be in Christmas Falls living in his mom’s basement, but finding a job in web design has been more than tough, and the holidays always remind him of the loss of his dad.
Joel has been one of my favorite characters throughout this series... he's a real sweetheart of a guy. He loves his life as a baker in Christmas Falls, and although Hayden is a little, well...actually a lot grumpy and younger, Joel wants to get to know him as a friend or maybe a little more, even though he knows Hayden plans to leave town as soon as he can find a job. Joel is such a sweet guy, and I enjoyed the dating, flirting and fun interactions they had as they got to know each other better.
Their honest communication times were also warm and delightful, as were the times they spent just hanging out, as well as the steamy times.
Rooting for two men trying to figure out how to make their relationship work with all the holiday activities surrounding them was a really good read that gave us a final glimpse of all the characters from the Christmas Falls series. Going to miss this bunch of goofs...oh wait...NO, NO! These characters all live as far away as my bookshelves...I don't have to miss anyone since I HAVE all the books! REREADS!!!
December 8, 2023
crooge You! is Brigham Vaughn’s contribution to the Christmas Falls series. Christmas Falls is a multi-author collaborative series, and Scrooge You! can be read as a complete standalone. The story is a MM strangers-to-lovers romance that’s low angst with a guaranteed happily ever after. It’s told from a third person, dual point of view. Please review the content warning and take care of yourself while reading!
Hayden Bradley’s post-college plans didn’t go according to plan, and he finds himself stuck in Christmas Falls while he figures out what’s next. And he’s not happy about it. When he’s out running one morning, he wipes out in front of Ginger’s Breads and its handsome owner, Joel McArthur. Joel’s not deterred by Hayden’s prickly attitude. Instead, he finds himself intrigued as Hayden slowly starts to spend more time in the bakery. It’s clear that Hayden wants out of Christmas Falls as soon as humanly possible, but as the sparks fly and the ginger-molasses cookies bake, Hayden and Joel realize this might be a little more casual that they originally planned in the best possible way.
Scrooge You! is another lovely low angst, fluffy holiday read as a part of the Christmas Falls collaboration. It was an easy read with just the right amount of holiday vibes to get you into the spirit and avoid those book slumps this time of year! Joel and Hayden were so adorable, and I loved their grumpy/sunshine dynamic so much. Hayden was just so grumpy in the beginning of the story, and luckily Joel found that endearing because he was certainly a bit of a handful. Joel was an absolute sweetheart, and he’s definitely a great book boyfriend. You’ll get some cameos from most, if not all, of the other characters in the series and the small town vibes are immaculate, as they have been in the other stories! This book was the perfect mixture of romance, swoon, and steam thrown in for good measure. The characters of course get their happily ever after, and I’m sure you’ll be rooting for them (even if Hayden starts out eternally grumpy).
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hayden Bradley’s post-college plans didn’t go according to plan, and he finds himself stuck in Christmas Falls while he figures out what’s next. And he’s not happy about it. When he’s out running one morning, he wipes out in front of Ginger’s Breads and its handsome owner, Joel McArthur. Joel’s not deterred by Hayden’s prickly attitude. Instead, he finds himself intrigued as Hayden slowly starts to spend more time in the bakery. It’s clear that Hayden wants out of Christmas Falls as soon as humanly possible, but as the sparks fly and the ginger-molasses cookies bake, Hayden and Joel realize this might be a little more casual that they originally planned in the best possible way.
Flakes of snow had settled on his beard and Hayden smiled. Someday, when Joel was older, he’d make a really great Santa Claus. Now that was a Santa’s lap Hayden would happily sit on.
Scrooge You! is another lovely low angst, fluffy holiday read as a part of the Christmas Falls collaboration. It was an easy read with just the right amount of holiday vibes to get you into the spirit and avoid those book slumps this time of year! Joel and Hayden were so adorable, and I loved their grumpy/sunshine dynamic so much. Hayden was just so grumpy in the beginning of the story, and luckily Joel found that endearing because he was certainly a bit of a handful. Joel was an absolute sweetheart, and he’s definitely a great book boyfriend. You’ll get some cameos from most, if not all, of the other characters in the series and the small town vibes are immaculate, as they have been in the other stories! This book was the perfect mixture of romance, swoon, and steam thrown in for good measure. The characters of course get their happily ever after, and I’m sure you’ll be rooting for them (even if Hayden starts out eternally grumpy).
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2023
Last book of the Christmas Falls series and I'm sad there are not more stories! I've truly enjoyed this series and I was looking forward to reading Joel's story.
Joel is the owner and baker of Ginger's Breads. He's happy living in a small town and having his own business as he loves baking. Sometimes he feels a bit lonely not having someone to share his life with, but it's ok because he has his bakery to spend his time on. Hayden hates Christmas Falls, he just wants to get a job in web designing and move to Chicago. He hasn't had any luck yet so he's moved to his mum and stepdad's until he can find a job in the big city. Joel and Hayden meet and start a sort of friendship that ends up being so much more.
How much I loved these two! This book has two of my favourite tropes: age gap and grumpy/sunshine. Joel was such a happy person and Hayden was so grumpy all the time... until he started smiling because he couldn't resist Joel's view on life. They were the sweetest couple and it was beautiful to see them get to know each other and how Joel knocked down all Hayden's walls.
Their relationship started as something temporary since Hayden kept looking for a job in Chicago but it eventually evolved into a lot more. They were soulmates, made for each other. It was fantastic to witness how they realised how much they had in common.
Let's not forget about those ginger-molasses cookies that Hayden couldn't resist eating! Also, Joel's determination to make it work and overall, just how things clicked between them and everything worked out. It was very romantic between them from the beginning and their love made me sigh.
It was a wonderful read and I loved seeing all the previous couples in this book. It is a perfect ending for the series.
Joel is the owner and baker of Ginger's Breads. He's happy living in a small town and having his own business as he loves baking. Sometimes he feels a bit lonely not having someone to share his life with, but it's ok because he has his bakery to spend his time on. Hayden hates Christmas Falls, he just wants to get a job in web designing and move to Chicago. He hasn't had any luck yet so he's moved to his mum and stepdad's until he can find a job in the big city. Joel and Hayden meet and start a sort of friendship that ends up being so much more.
How much I loved these two! This book has two of my favourite tropes: age gap and grumpy/sunshine. Joel was such a happy person and Hayden was so grumpy all the time... until he started smiling because he couldn't resist Joel's view on life. They were the sweetest couple and it was beautiful to see them get to know each other and how Joel knocked down all Hayden's walls.
Their relationship started as something temporary since Hayden kept looking for a job in Chicago but it eventually evolved into a lot more. They were soulmates, made for each other. It was fantastic to witness how they realised how much they had in common.
Let's not forget about those ginger-molasses cookies that Hayden couldn't resist eating! Also, Joel's determination to make it work and overall, just how things clicked between them and everything worked out. It was very romantic between them from the beginning and their love made me sigh.
It was a wonderful read and I loved seeing all the previous couples in this book. It is a perfect ending for the series.
December 21, 2023
3.5 stars. Definitely better than other books in this series. (I attempted a few but gave up quickly).
December 25, 2023
A great way to end the series
This is a really lovely wrapping up of the Christmas Falls series as everyone's favourite baker Joel gets to find his own happy ever after.
It's an age gap romance which never feels like it's out of balance and it features a bit of a Scrooge who's feeling out of place after leaving college and having to move back in with his mum and stepdad.
Brigham gives the reader a relationship that grows organically and has a very firm grounding in the friendship that grows easily between both men.
It's sexual from the start, as there's plenty of attraction between them, but I really liked seeing how Hayden began to relax more the longer he spent in Christmas Falls and the more he got to know Joel, and those pesky feelings started creeping in.
Thankfully, there's no dramady, no miscommunication or plot contrivance to put the brakes on, just both men working out that they'd really like to see where things go.
Compromise is so sexy when it's mutual and vested in improving the lives of all!
We also get to find out the secret of the mysterious graffiti, which has popped up throughout the series. It worked for me but, not gonna lie, I wish there'd been more of a deal about it when it's revealed.
Overall, though, this whole series has, in the main, been the perfect reading material for this time of year.
This is a really lovely wrapping up of the Christmas Falls series as everyone's favourite baker Joel gets to find his own happy ever after.
It's an age gap romance which never feels like it's out of balance and it features a bit of a Scrooge who's feeling out of place after leaving college and having to move back in with his mum and stepdad.
Brigham gives the reader a relationship that grows organically and has a very firm grounding in the friendship that grows easily between both men.
It's sexual from the start, as there's plenty of attraction between them, but I really liked seeing how Hayden began to relax more the longer he spent in Christmas Falls and the more he got to know Joel, and those pesky feelings started creeping in.
Thankfully, there's no dramady, no miscommunication or plot contrivance to put the brakes on, just both men working out that they'd really like to see where things go.
Compromise is so sexy when it's mutual and vested in improving the lives of all!
We also get to find out the secret of the mysterious graffiti, which has popped up throughout the series. It worked for me but, not gonna lie, I wish there'd been more of a deal about it when it's revealed.
Overall, though, this whole series has, in the main, been the perfect reading material for this time of year.
December 16, 2023
What a sweet way to wrap up the Christmas Falls series, with Joel who’s been a part of so many of these stories! His relationship with Hayden is unexpected, but is really adorable.
Joel McArthur owns Ginger’s Breads in Christmas Falls and has been making it the business he always wanted it to be over the years since he took over for his aunt and uncle. But he’s a bit of a workaholic and finds it hard to give up control, so he works long hours every day but even more during the holiday season, making sure Christmas Falls is always stocked with baked goods. He barely has time for his friends, let alone dating, but a certain early morning runner catches his eye.
Hayden Bradley is new to Christmas Falls and is only there under duress after his post-college job fell through and hasn’t been able to find anything else in web design, leaving him feeling annoyed, stressed and like a burden on his mom and stepdad. But the holidays aren’t his favorite and being surrounded by all the festivities around town have turned him into a bit of a scrooge with a defeatist attitude to match, even while he’s running around town every morning.
They officially meet after Hayden slips and falls during his run and Joel is there to help him out. Their initial interactions are tense at best, but there’s an undercurrent of chemistry between them even though they’re opposites in so many ways. Joel loves the small town life and Hayden can’t wait to get away from it, however they can’t resist the draw to each other anyways and make the most of their time in Christmas Falls together. And when circumstances threaten to pull them apart, they both start to consider what they really want and how they can make things work between them. I really liked them together, so much more than I expected.
Can’t believe this was the last Christmas Falls story, but the epilogue with all the couples was so sweet and the best way to end things for all nine books!
Joel McArthur owns Ginger’s Breads in Christmas Falls and has been making it the business he always wanted it to be over the years since he took over for his aunt and uncle. But he’s a bit of a workaholic and finds it hard to give up control, so he works long hours every day but even more during the holiday season, making sure Christmas Falls is always stocked with baked goods. He barely has time for his friends, let alone dating, but a certain early morning runner catches his eye.
Hayden Bradley is new to Christmas Falls and is only there under duress after his post-college job fell through and hasn’t been able to find anything else in web design, leaving him feeling annoyed, stressed and like a burden on his mom and stepdad. But the holidays aren’t his favorite and being surrounded by all the festivities around town have turned him into a bit of a scrooge with a defeatist attitude to match, even while he’s running around town every morning.
They officially meet after Hayden slips and falls during his run and Joel is there to help him out. Their initial interactions are tense at best, but there’s an undercurrent of chemistry between them even though they’re opposites in so many ways. Joel loves the small town life and Hayden can’t wait to get away from it, however they can’t resist the draw to each other anyways and make the most of their time in Christmas Falls together. And when circumstances threaten to pull them apart, they both start to consider what they really want and how they can make things work between them. I really liked them together, so much more than I expected.
Can’t believe this was the last Christmas Falls story, but the epilogue with all the couples was so sweet and the best way to end things for all nine books!
December 10, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up
Joel, owner of the local bakery Ginger Breads, knows just about everyone in the small town of Christmas Falls, all except for the cute runner he sees out every morning. When the runner takes a spill on the icy streets outside his bakery, Joel finally meets the much younger and very grumpy Hayden.
The pair bump into each other several more times over the following days, both feeling drawn to the other, and eventually go on a date where Joel learns why Hayden hates the holidays and Christmas Falls so much. From there things heat up pretty quickly between the two, and with Joel's help, Christmas Falls starts to grow on Hayden.
Their story was super sweet and honestly such a wonderful ending to this series!
Joel, owner of the local bakery Ginger Breads, knows just about everyone in the small town of Christmas Falls, all except for the cute runner he sees out every morning. When the runner takes a spill on the icy streets outside his bakery, Joel finally meets the much younger and very grumpy Hayden.
The pair bump into each other several more times over the following days, both feeling drawn to the other, and eventually go on a date where Joel learns why Hayden hates the holidays and Christmas Falls so much. From there things heat up pretty quickly between the two, and with Joel's help, Christmas Falls starts to grow on Hayden.
Their story was super sweet and honestly such a wonderful ending to this series!
November 20, 2025
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
Joel è il famoso panettiere di Christmas Falls di cui abbiamo già sentito parlare in più occasioni, non solo da suo cugino Arlo, il locandiere, ma anche da altri personaggi che hanno gustato le sue prelibatezze.
In questo ottavo volume è lui il protagonista, assieme al suo negozio a cui dedica quasi ogni minuto del giorno, perché ha preso molto seriamente l’eredità che gli hanno lasciato i suoi parenti e, se fin da bambino si divertiva a pasticciare imparando in cucina, ora sente la responsabilità di far fiorire il negozio e di mantenere alto il buon nome di famiglia.
Joel non è solo un gran lavoratore, ma anche un bravo ragazzo, dal cuore buono e dall’animo generoso. Ed è proprio il suo fare gentile che lo porta a soccorrere un runner scivolato sul ghiaccio dinanzi alla sua bottega, lo stesso tizio un po’ scostante che ho ha incuriosito giorno dopo giorno, corsa dopo corsa davanti alla sua vetrina.
Hayden si trova nel paesello per necessità, ospitato dalla madre e dal patrigno, perché non riesce a trovare lavoro dopo l’università.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Joel è il famoso panettiere di Christmas Falls di cui abbiamo già sentito parlare in più occasioni, non solo da suo cugino Arlo, il locandiere, ma anche da altri personaggi che hanno gustato le sue prelibatezze.
In questo ottavo volume è lui il protagonista, assieme al suo negozio a cui dedica quasi ogni minuto del giorno, perché ha preso molto seriamente l’eredità che gli hanno lasciato i suoi parenti e, se fin da bambino si divertiva a pasticciare imparando in cucina, ora sente la responsabilità di far fiorire il negozio e di mantenere alto il buon nome di famiglia.
Joel non è solo un gran lavoratore, ma anche un bravo ragazzo, dal cuore buono e dall’animo generoso. Ed è proprio il suo fare gentile che lo porta a soccorrere un runner scivolato sul ghiaccio dinanzi alla sua bottega, lo stesso tizio un po’ scostante che ho ha incuriosito giorno dopo giorno, corsa dopo corsa davanti alla sua vetrina.
Hayden si trova nel paesello per necessità, ospitato dalla madre e dal patrigno, perché non riesce a trovare lavoro dopo l’università.
Continua sul nostro blog!
December 15, 2023
Is this the perfect wrap up to the Christmas Falls series? Absolutely! This ninth and final installment gives us yet another holiday grump who meets his sunshiny match, this time in an icy meet cute that has Hayden literally falling for Joel. Or at least in front of him. 🏃+ 🧊=🙈
Scrooge You! is a grumpy/sunshine, age gap, holiday romance that brings together strangers and unlikely bedfellows, Joel & Hayden. The age gap between them is a little more than 10 years, but other than finding themselves at different places in their lives, I didn’t really sense any power imbalance or inequality between them.
Hayden’s a typical down-on-his-luck recent college grad who’s scrambling after his future plans fell through. He insists his time in Christmas Falls is temporary; he’ll be moving on as soon as he finds a job. Embrace 24/7/365 Christmas spirit? Nah, he’ll pass.
Joel’s a little older, settled, and Christmas Falls is in his blood. Taking over his aunt & uncle’s bakery when they retired was the missing piece that makes his life complete. He can’t imagine being anywhere else.
It’s fun watching these two get acquainted, from the first spark of attraction to the point of no return when it becomes clear this is more than a holiday fling. Brigham Vaughn digs deep and has them both questioning what they want and what they’re willing to give up to have it. Both Joel and Hayden are terrific characters, and I enjoyed seeing how they each grow and change throughout the story.
There’s a great curtain call moment at the end of this book, bringing together all nine couples from this series. While I’m sad the series is over, I loved seeing how far we’ve come. I highly recommend getting lost in Christmas Falls this holiday season - you won’t regret it!
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
Scrooge You! is a grumpy/sunshine, age gap, holiday romance that brings together strangers and unlikely bedfellows, Joel & Hayden. The age gap between them is a little more than 10 years, but other than finding themselves at different places in their lives, I didn’t really sense any power imbalance or inequality between them.
Hayden’s a typical down-on-his-luck recent college grad who’s scrambling after his future plans fell through. He insists his time in Christmas Falls is temporary; he’ll be moving on as soon as he finds a job. Embrace 24/7/365 Christmas spirit? Nah, he’ll pass.
Joel’s a little older, settled, and Christmas Falls is in his blood. Taking over his aunt & uncle’s bakery when they retired was the missing piece that makes his life complete. He can’t imagine being anywhere else.
It’s fun watching these two get acquainted, from the first spark of attraction to the point of no return when it becomes clear this is more than a holiday fling. Brigham Vaughn digs deep and has them both questioning what they want and what they’re willing to give up to have it. Both Joel and Hayden are terrific characters, and I enjoyed seeing how they each grow and change throughout the story.
There’s a great curtain call moment at the end of this book, bringing together all nine couples from this series. While I’m sad the series is over, I loved seeing how far we’ve come. I highly recommend getting lost in Christmas Falls this holiday season - you won’t regret it!
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
December 21, 2024
3.5 stars
Nice straightforward romance - no big drama (which I appreciated) - it's all about two people learning to shape new dreams after finding love and compromise about it. It's also a grumpy/sunshine trope in which the grumpy is the younger guy, which usually the other way around.
Maybe a little too much sex scenes for a holiday-themed story, but that's on me and not the book.
Nice straightforward romance - no big drama (which I appreciated) - it's all about two people learning to shape new dreams after finding love and compromise about it. It's also a grumpy/sunshine trope in which the grumpy is the younger guy, which usually the other way around.
Maybe a little too much sex scenes for a holiday-themed story, but that's on me and not the book.
December 23, 2023
Gorgeous, gentle romance.
* 10 year age gap
* Grumpy/sunshine
* Baker
This is a lovely addition to the Christmas Falls stories. There's some crossover of scenes that you might recognise if you've read the other books, but no requirement to read any of the others (I've read 4 in total). It's sexy but not excessively so and low angst.
Perfect for the festive season.
* 10 year age gap
* Grumpy/sunshine
* Baker
This is a lovely addition to the Christmas Falls stories. There's some crossover of scenes that you might recognise if you've read the other books, but no requirement to read any of the others (I've read 4 in total). It's sexy but not excessively so and low angst.
Perfect for the festive season.
November 19, 2025
STRANA FAMILY BOOK BLOG
La storia di Joel e Hayden si distingue per la sua delicatezza, non differente dalle squisite creazioni del super panettiere di Christmas Falls. Il loro incontro fortuito è avvenuto grazie all'insonnia di Hayden e alla sua abitudine di fare jogging. A seguito di una scivolata sul ghiaccio, proprio difronte al Ginger's Bread, Hayden ha trovato in Joel non solo un soccorritore, ma una figura capace di trasformare radicalmente la sua esistenza. Dopo la morte di suo padre, aveva perso l'entusiasmo per le festività natalizie; un'ironia del destino considerando la sua attuale residenza in una città che incarna lo spirito natalizio in ogni suo aspetto. Insomma, parliamo di un vero e proprio "Scrooge". L'attrazione tra i due è palpabile, sebbene entrambi siano consapevoli della natura effimera di questa relazione, poiché Hayden tornerà presto a Chicago, per intraprendere la carriera per cui ha studiato. Ogni scena è descritta con dolcezza, tenerezza ed emozione, cose che ho apprezzato. Anche le componenti spicy sono state gestite con una sensibilità distintiva, mai volgari e sempre ben calibrate, evidenziando il profondo legame emotivo e il bisogno reciproco. Questo ottavo volume è stato anche un tuffo nel passato, grazie al maggiore spazio dedicato ai protagonisti precedenti.
Valutazione: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy: 🌶🌶🌶
Emozioni: 💘💘💘💘💘
La storia di Joel e Hayden si distingue per la sua delicatezza, non differente dalle squisite creazioni del super panettiere di Christmas Falls. Il loro incontro fortuito è avvenuto grazie all'insonnia di Hayden e alla sua abitudine di fare jogging. A seguito di una scivolata sul ghiaccio, proprio difronte al Ginger's Bread, Hayden ha trovato in Joel non solo un soccorritore, ma una figura capace di trasformare radicalmente la sua esistenza. Dopo la morte di suo padre, aveva perso l'entusiasmo per le festività natalizie; un'ironia del destino considerando la sua attuale residenza in una città che incarna lo spirito natalizio in ogni suo aspetto. Insomma, parliamo di un vero e proprio "Scrooge". L'attrazione tra i due è palpabile, sebbene entrambi siano consapevoli della natura effimera di questa relazione, poiché Hayden tornerà presto a Chicago, per intraprendere la carriera per cui ha studiato. Ogni scena è descritta con dolcezza, tenerezza ed emozione, cose che ho apprezzato. Anche le componenti spicy sono state gestite con una sensibilità distintiva, mai volgari e sempre ben calibrate, evidenziando il profondo legame emotivo e il bisogno reciproco. Questo ottavo volume è stato anche un tuffo nel passato, grazie al maggiore spazio dedicato ai protagonisti precedenti.
Valutazione: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy: 🌶🌶🌶
Emozioni: 💘💘💘💘💘
December 3, 2024
story of Joel and Hayden
This is a holiday romance to more, featuring Joel McArthur and Hayden Bradley, and is book nine in the Christmas Falls multi-author series - Season One. This is the final book in this series
Hayden came to Christmas Falls when his post college plans fell through. He doesn’t really like Christmas after the loss of his dad, and he is trying to get his life together. He is not even looking for love but after slipping in front of the bakery in town, and the handsome baker, Joel coming to help him, love found him.
This is a lovely low angst, Christmasy story. Joel and Hayden were so cute together and I loved how Joel found Hayden’s grumpy personality endearing. The flirting, the dates, the sweet moments between them and the fact both of them fell hard and wanted something more than a fling was all sorts of hallmark goodness.
It was a great wrap up to the series. I have so enjoyed immersing myself in everything Christmas Falls. I wish it was a real place. Season two is calling my name!
Things to expect in this book are:
9th book in series
Multi author
MM romance
Small town
Baker x web designer
Age-gap (35/23)
Grumpy / Sunshine
Flirting
Living with grief
Holiday fling to more
All the Christmas vibes
Mystery solved
HEA
This is a holiday romance to more, featuring Joel McArthur and Hayden Bradley, and is book nine in the Christmas Falls multi-author series - Season One. This is the final book in this series
Hayden came to Christmas Falls when his post college plans fell through. He doesn’t really like Christmas after the loss of his dad, and he is trying to get his life together. He is not even looking for love but after slipping in front of the bakery in town, and the handsome baker, Joel coming to help him, love found him.
This is a lovely low angst, Christmasy story. Joel and Hayden were so cute together and I loved how Joel found Hayden’s grumpy personality endearing. The flirting, the dates, the sweet moments between them and the fact both of them fell hard and wanted something more than a fling was all sorts of hallmark goodness.
It was a great wrap up to the series. I have so enjoyed immersing myself in everything Christmas Falls. I wish it was a real place. Season two is calling my name!
Things to expect in this book are:
9th book in series
Multi author
MM romance
Small town
Baker x web designer
Age-gap (35/23)
Grumpy / Sunshine
Flirting
Living with grief
Holiday fling to more
All the Christmas vibes
Mystery solved
HEA
December 12, 2023
This story has been a beautiful end to the Christmas Falls series and I enjoyed it so much. This series has been fun with all the Christmassy vibes and amazing characters which I adored and loved all the stories I read.
This story is about Joel who is the town's baker and Hayden who is new in town and has come back after his post-college plans fell through. I could relate to Hayden and the struggles he was facing by not knowing what the future holds for him and feeling guilty over staying with his mom & stepdad, one thing I love about the author is that she writes tough subjects so beautifully and you almost relate to the character.
Joel & Hayden's story is strangers-to-lovers and I liked it so much. Joel was such an amazing character and I loved how he wanted to be there for Hayden, first as a friend and then later as much more. He always wanted him to smile and was rooting for him to get a job in a career he desired even if it meant he would leave Christmas Falls. Their chemistry was so beautiful and I liked how they could get each other and eventually had their HEA.
Overall, I enjoyed this book so much and also this series and highly recommend you to check it out.
* I received an ARC copy from Neon Rainbow Reviews and this is my honest review *
This story is about Joel who is the town's baker and Hayden who is new in town and has come back after his post-college plans fell through. I could relate to Hayden and the struggles he was facing by not knowing what the future holds for him and feeling guilty over staying with his mom & stepdad, one thing I love about the author is that she writes tough subjects so beautifully and you almost relate to the character.
Joel & Hayden's story is strangers-to-lovers and I liked it so much. Joel was such an amazing character and I loved how he wanted to be there for Hayden, first as a friend and then later as much more. He always wanted him to smile and was rooting for him to get a job in a career he desired even if it meant he would leave Christmas Falls. Their chemistry was so beautiful and I liked how they could get each other and eventually had their HEA.
Overall, I enjoyed this book so much and also this series and highly recommend you to check it out.
* I received an ARC copy from Neon Rainbow Reviews and this is my honest review *
January 29, 2024
Brigham Vaughn wrote a great series, Christmas Falls, ending with this title. The story is well written as are all those in this series. Joel, the over worked, extremely loved by everyone, baker yearns for someone special in his life. His desire is overruled by his love of baking and commitment to his bakery, and the town.
Hayden is only in Christmas Falls nursing his inability to find his desired job as a web designer. His hatred for Christmas is thrust in his face every waking minute in this town, where everything is has a Christmasy name. The streets, the shops, everything!
Vaughn takes the reader on a roller coaster journey through the ups and downs of both main characters as they struggle to discover what they really want from love, the quirky town, and eventually each other. You know there will be an HEA, but have no idea how it will happen. That is what makes Vaughn such a great author - nothing is taken for granted.
This is a great read as is the entire series. Enjoy!
Hayden is only in Christmas Falls nursing his inability to find his desired job as a web designer. His hatred for Christmas is thrust in his face every waking minute in this town, where everything is has a Christmasy name. The streets, the shops, everything!
Vaughn takes the reader on a roller coaster journey through the ups and downs of both main characters as they struggle to discover what they really want from love, the quirky town, and eventually each other. You know there will be an HEA, but have no idea how it will happen. That is what makes Vaughn such a great author - nothing is taken for granted.
This is a great read as is the entire series. Enjoy!
December 14, 2023
A story of belonging and feeling self worth and just taking time to reflect on what is really important deep down. Hayden feels so much pressure that his life didn't pan out the way he had hoped. He sees moving to Christmas Falls as a punishment for not landing his perfect job. Christmas is a bittersweet time of year for him, he gives off Scrooge vibes, but once we get to know him, we see a different character. He meets Joel, who had the city life, but chose to return to small town life and feels settled and content. Joel shows him that a slower pace and small town friends are invaluable and can lead to unexpected happiness. This books rounds everything up for the series and the New Year Party at the end signalled a HEA, not just for Hayden and Joel, but for the other friends we made throughout Christmas Falls. Great novellas which all had made me feel really Christmassy. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 8, 2023
Christmas Falls has been an amazing multi-author series. The only bad thing I have to say is that this was the last book, and we have to say goodbye to this fabulous universe these authors have created for us. Each book stayed true to the people & town of Christmas Falls, and I really hope these authors do this again in the future. Brigham did a great job closing out this series.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
December 20, 2023
I liked this, I read it in like a day. Joel and Hayden kind of have a good meet cute moment, and even though Joel is too busy to date and Hayden has no intentions of sticking around, you can't help who you fall for. It was plenty steamy, sweet, and filled with all the holiday goodness I've grown to expect from Christmas Falls. Also, I like how everything wrapped all up in the end.
December 16, 2023
I loved this series!
December 20, 2023
Joel the baker and Hayden's story.
Hayden has moved home as he cannot decide what to do and doesn't have a job at the moment.
One morning whilst jogging he falls down outside the bakery and meets Joel.
Slowly the two start up a relationship.
This was a great end to the series.
Hayden has moved home as he cannot decide what to do and doesn't have a job at the moment.
One morning whilst jogging he falls down outside the bakery and meets Joel.
Slowly the two start up a relationship.
This was a great end to the series.
December 16, 2023
Now, I haven't read all the books in the Christmas Falls series, but that is OK, as each can be read as a stand alone, and I found enough information in this last book about characters I did not read their book (yet) to get along just fine.
Scrooge You! is a Buddy The Elf meets The Grinch tale, that will also have your heart growing three times its size, just like Hayden's does as he and Joel fall in love.
A word of warning though, don't read if you are hungry, as you will want alllll the goodies - are there any recipes for these baked goods? Asking for a friend called Shmaneane.
I love how their attraction grew through glimpses through a shop window, to friendship, to happily every after. It wasn't all snowflakes and candy canes, they had their trials and difficulties to get through, and I loved that they did this by a great thing called... Communication!
I love this town, all the inhabitants, and how they all have each other's back.
Now to go read the books I missed.
Scrooge You! is a Buddy The Elf meets The Grinch tale, that will also have your heart growing three times its size, just like Hayden's does as he and Joel fall in love.
A word of warning though, don't read if you are hungry, as you will want alllll the goodies - are there any recipes for these baked goods? Asking for a friend called Shmaneane.
I love how their attraction grew through glimpses through a shop window, to friendship, to happily every after. It wasn't all snowflakes and candy canes, they had their trials and difficulties to get through, and I loved that they did this by a great thing called... Communication!
I love this town, all the inhabitants, and how they all have each other's back.
Now to go read the books I missed.
December 14, 2023
Save the best to last.
Sooo great, I love this book, Joel is so amazing, sweet and Hayden is such a great guy.
The best age-gap I've read
The best end of an amazing Christmas book series
Sooo great, I love this book, Joel is so amazing, sweet and Hayden is such a great guy.
The best age-gap I've read
The best end of an amazing Christmas book series
December 18, 2023
This series is just entirely, "Stranger moves to Christmas Falls temporarily, meets a guy, will they stay???"
December 24, 2023
This story is told in dual first person by Joel and Hayden. Joel is running his family bakery, living his dream in the town of Christmas Falls. He did the big city thing and decided that his hometown was where his heart wanted to be. Hayden just graduated and like some many new graduates is having difficulty finding a career position. He’s frustrated that he’s had to move in with his mother in her latest home with his stepfather who’s a nice guy but not his late father. Christmas isn’t the same without him.
I enjoyed watching these two get to know each other. They were both intriguing characters in totally different places in life, enjoying each other’s company while realizing that when Hayden finally found a job that it would probably take him back to the city ending any possibility of a future together.
The story also show cases the festival with a lovely alternate viewpoint of the pie baking competition shown in Silent Knight. I loved revisiting some of these characters. This book did a great job with the cozy community feel of Christmas Falls and interweaving some of the characters in the other books.
I enjoyed watching these two get to know each other. They were both intriguing characters in totally different places in life, enjoying each other’s company while realizing that when Hayden finally found a job that it would probably take him back to the city ending any possibility of a future together.
The story also show cases the festival with a lovely alternate viewpoint of the pie baking competition shown in Silent Knight. I loved revisiting some of these characters. This book did a great job with the cozy community feel of Christmas Falls and interweaving some of the characters in the other books.
July 15, 2025
audio update; james Edward Jones does a brillant job in bringing these characters to life . He does a great job in separating the characters so you know who is talking when, never taking you from the enjoyment of the listening experience.
A great conclusion to this multi author universe. Bringham brings us the perfect balance of snark and heart in this grumpy sunshine holiday romance. Whereas some books in this series were too sweet for me, this one hit that balance just right.
What starts off as a miscommunication the pair keeps being brought back to each other until they just give in and give it a go. The pair balance each other out beautifully even when life gets in the way you can see their draw to each other. Overall, it is the perfect closing book to this series.
A great conclusion to this multi author universe. Bringham brings us the perfect balance of snark and heart in this grumpy sunshine holiday romance. Whereas some books in this series were too sweet for me, this one hit that balance just right.
What starts off as a miscommunication the pair keeps being brought back to each other until they just give in and give it a go. The pair balance each other out beautifully even when life gets in the way you can see their draw to each other. Overall, it is the perfect closing book to this series.
December 13, 2023
Scrooge You! by Brigham Vaughn is the 9th and final book in the Christmas Falls series by various authors. Joel McArthur runs Ginger’s Bakery after he took over from his aunt and uncle more than 10 years ago. He loves baking, the bakery, and everything about Christmas Falls, Illinois, the town where Christmas is front and center 365 days a year, but especially from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Hayden Bradley had become a real Scrooge since he graduated from college in Chicago. He was unable to get a job in his major of web designing and no one seemed to be hiring anywhere, which turned him into a big grump, especially when he ran out of money and had to go back to Christmas Falls to live in his mother’s and step-father’s basement. Early every morning he would go for a run in the streets of town since he was somewhat of an insomniac and Joel would see him through the bakery’s windows as he was setting up for his day. One day he fell and Joel went out to help him. Hayden was snarky with him because he hated everything Christmas and being in the position he was in but Joel was intrigued. Then Hayden helped with one of the events and Joel told him about the free wi-fi at the bakery so he started stopping in to use it to get job applications sent out. Joel also suggested some places in town where he might get some temporary work and when he applied at Jolly Java and got the job. As they spent more time together they realized they liked each other and then went on a date and things escalated from there. Hayden started making some friends and his opinion of the town and Christmas slowly changed. Then he got an interview for a job in Chicago and he had some real decisions to make because he had fallen in love with Joel and really didn’t want to leave him. Likewise, Joel had to decide if there was anything he could do if Hayden did get the job so they wouldn’t have a long distance relationship, which he thought probably would fizzle out. In the end they figured out what would work for them. I really enjoyed this book, as I have the others in the series. Joel is such a teddy bear with a tender heart for both Hayden and helping the people in the town. Hayden was sad, lonely, and basically mad about his situation, but with Joel’s help he came to see what he really wanted to do in his life and his view of Christmas changed. They also had some very hot love scenes once they decided they wanted to be together. Their families were also important to the story and helped them through some of their troubling times. I also like how Ms. Vaughn mentioned all of the characters from the other stories and what they were up to as this series comes to a close. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories with grumpy/sunshine older/younger characters who fall in love and have to make some changes in their lives in order to be together and find their HEA.
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