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Christmas Falls #4
Festivitäten 1: Verliebt in meinen besten Freund
Von all den Dingen, die Murphy Clark an Christmas Falls liebt, gab es schon immer eines, das er ein wenig mehr liebte als den
Seinen besten Freund aus Kindertagen, Jem Knight.
Es spielt keine Rolle, dass Jem seit Jahren kaum noch zu Hause oder damit beschäftigt ist, Footballfelder zu erobern, anstatt im Jolly Java abzuhängen oder Murphys geschnitzte Wichtel zu bewundern. Murphy hat ihn trotzdem immer geliebt.
Aber jetzt ist Jem endlich nach Christmas Falls zurückgekehrt, um ehrenamtlich das größte Weihnachtsfestival im Mittleren Westen zu leiten.
Murphy hofft, ihre Freundschaft wieder aufleben zu lassen, aber er hat nicht damit gerechnet, dass Jem ihn nicht wiedererkennt. Oder mit ihm flirtet. Oder dass die hoffnungslose Verliebtheit, die er schon immer für seinen besten Freund hegte, wieder aufflammt.
Er hat definitiv nicht damit gerechnet, dass seine Verliebtheit gar nicht mehr so hoffnungslos sein würde.
Oder dass beide erkennen, dass sie sich dieses Jahr zu Weihnachten nur einander wünschen.
Christmas Falls ist eine M/M-Romanreihe mehrerer Autoren, die in einer Kleinstadt spielt, die so viel Charme versprüht, dass sie jedem Weihnachtsfilm Konkurrenz machen könnte.
Seinen besten Freund aus Kindertagen, Jem Knight.
Es spielt keine Rolle, dass Jem seit Jahren kaum noch zu Hause oder damit beschäftigt ist, Footballfelder zu erobern, anstatt im Jolly Java abzuhängen oder Murphys geschnitzte Wichtel zu bewundern. Murphy hat ihn trotzdem immer geliebt.
Aber jetzt ist Jem endlich nach Christmas Falls zurückgekehrt, um ehrenamtlich das größte Weihnachtsfestival im Mittleren Westen zu leiten.
Murphy hofft, ihre Freundschaft wieder aufleben zu lassen, aber er hat nicht damit gerechnet, dass Jem ihn nicht wiedererkennt. Oder mit ihm flirtet. Oder dass die hoffnungslose Verliebtheit, die er schon immer für seinen besten Freund hegte, wieder aufflammt.
Er hat definitiv nicht damit gerechnet, dass seine Verliebtheit gar nicht mehr so hoffnungslos sein würde.
Oder dass beide erkennen, dass sie sich dieses Jahr zu Weihnachten nur einander wünschen.
Christmas Falls ist eine M/M-Romanreihe mehrerer Autoren, die in einer Kleinstadt spielt, die so viel Charme versprüht, dass sie jedem Weihnachtsfilm Konkurrenz machen könnte.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2023
303 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
Beth Bolden
76 books675 followersA lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
December 6, 2023
That was so sweet, I absolutely loved seeing Jem find his place again after his injury cut short what he'd hoped would be a successful final season playing alongside his best mate Deacon at the Charleston Condors.
While this series is linked to those sports romances, it stands on its own within this new holiday series from a variety of authors. I've not read any of the other Christmas Falls books yet but I didn't feel like I was missing anything.
Jem failing to recognise his childhood best friend was very funny, especially when he realised he had grown up into one seriously sexy lumberjack. He's not happy about being back in his home town, but he'd agreed in a moment of madness to help out at the annual festival.
Murphy's got some serious self-esteem issues, he pushed Jem away when they were kids when he realised that he'd be staying put and his best friend would be high-tailing it out of there to find fame and fortune with his NFL abilities.
Of course, Jem's not willing to let that stand, and he reminds Murph of all the fun times they had in the first 15 years of their lives, and he pushes to find out why they drifted apart, as he's wondered before if he'd done something wrong.
Because this is a Beth book, you can expect all the wonderful feels as these two men re-kindle their friendship and then acknowledge that there's far more going on than just a sexual attraction.
Deacon's "thoughts" appearing in his head had me chuckling all the way through and we get a sneaky little hint at his own future, post Condor retirement, in the Epilogue set at the end of this book - of course Beth doesn't give away exactly who Deac has brought with him to Christmas Falls, but I know who I'm hoping it will be!
Another really fab romance from Beth and perfect for the holiday season.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
While this series is linked to those sports romances, it stands on its own within this new holiday series from a variety of authors. I've not read any of the other Christmas Falls books yet but I didn't feel like I was missing anything.
Jem failing to recognise his childhood best friend was very funny, especially when he realised he had grown up into one seriously sexy lumberjack. He's not happy about being back in his home town, but he'd agreed in a moment of madness to help out at the annual festival.
Murphy's got some serious self-esteem issues, he pushed Jem away when they were kids when he realised that he'd be staying put and his best friend would be high-tailing it out of there to find fame and fortune with his NFL abilities.
Of course, Jem's not willing to let that stand, and he reminds Murph of all the fun times they had in the first 15 years of their lives, and he pushes to find out why they drifted apart, as he's wondered before if he'd done something wrong.
Because this is a Beth book, you can expect all the wonderful feels as these two men re-kindle their friendship and then acknowledge that there's far more going on than just a sexual attraction.
Deacon's "thoughts" appearing in his head had me chuckling all the way through and we get a sneaky little hint at his own future, post Condor retirement, in the Epilogue set at the end of this book - of course Beth doesn't give away exactly who Deac has brought with him to Christmas Falls, but I know who I'm hoping it will be!
Another really fab romance from Beth and perfect for the holiday season.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
December 19, 2023
While this is another cute book in this christmas series, I found this one a bit boring. I found myself skimming a lot, never felt too invested in the characters or the story - nothing really wrong with it just a bit boring for me.
Although, I do know authors dont bring their A games to their christmas books, so I do think I would be interested in giving this author another try. Might try the condors series, I think it could be pretty good.
Although, I do know authors dont bring their A games to their christmas books, so I do think I would be interested in giving this author another try. Might try the condors series, I think it could be pretty good.
November 18, 2023
- childhood besties
- forced proximity, ish
Jem finds himself back home in Christmas Falls for the holiday festival season after accepting a position as the grand marshal. This will be his longest stay back in his hometown since he left it all those years ago, and what better way to distract himself from his potentially career ending injury than with some Christmas Falls shenanigans.
What he doesn’t expect is the very sexy lumberjack he meets at Frosty’s his first night back home or the instant attraction and familiarity he feels towards him. Jem is even more thrown off when he learns the man he spent his night flirting with is none other than his childhood bestie—Murphy.
The two spend the rest of the holiday season together thanks to Griff asking Murphy to be Jem’s festival ‘liaison’, and rekindle their old friendship quickly. The chemistry Jem felt that first night back only intensifies the more time spent around Murphy, and things eventually heat up between them.
Silent Knight is yet another wonderful addition to the Christmas Fall series and I LOOOOVED IT. I’m a sucker for a good friends to lovers, especially when there’s pining involved, and absolutely adored Murphy and Jem’s story! They were so cute together and I was so glad these two got the happy ending they deserved!
- forced proximity, ish
Jem finds himself back home in Christmas Falls for the holiday festival season after accepting a position as the grand marshal. This will be his longest stay back in his hometown since he left it all those years ago, and what better way to distract himself from his potentially career ending injury than with some Christmas Falls shenanigans.
What he doesn’t expect is the very sexy lumberjack he meets at Frosty’s his first night back home or the instant attraction and familiarity he feels towards him. Jem is even more thrown off when he learns the man he spent his night flirting with is none other than his childhood bestie—Murphy.
The two spend the rest of the holiday season together thanks to Griff asking Murphy to be Jem’s festival ‘liaison’, and rekindle their old friendship quickly. The chemistry Jem felt that first night back only intensifies the more time spent around Murphy, and things eventually heat up between them.
Silent Knight is yet another wonderful addition to the Christmas Fall series and I LOOOOVED IT. I’m a sucker for a good friends to lovers, especially when there’s pining involved, and absolutely adored Murphy and Jem’s story! They were so cute together and I was so glad these two got the happy ending they deserved!
December 10, 2023
3.5 stars
November 30, 2023
I love Beth Bolden's story universe and I've been patiently waiting for Jem's story. Murph and Jem were very cute together!
What I didn't like though was Murphy's best friend Tasha. She was pretty aggressive in encouraging Murph to go after Jem, yet she was then trying to warn Jem off if he wasn't super serious. It felt really contradictory and it just bothered me.
I did like Jem's inner Deacon voice 😂 and I'm so ready for Deacon and Grant's story now. The build up has spanned four books and I'm just ready for all the pining!!
What I didn't like though was Murphy's best friend Tasha. She was pretty aggressive in encouraging Murph to go after Jem, yet she was then trying to warn Jem off if he wasn't super serious. It felt really contradictory and it just bothered me.
I did like Jem's inner Deacon voice 😂 and I'm so ready for Deacon and Grant's story now. The build up has spanned four books and I'm just ready for all the pining!!
November 21, 2023
Holiday romance + the Charleston Condors combine?! I’m so in! Jem and Murphy’s story was so sweet and fun to read - I didn’t want it to end!
Jeremiah (Jem) Knight was injured during the Charleston Condors football season, giving him all the time in the world to return to his hometown of Christmas Falls to be the grand marshal of this year’s big Christmas festival. But, he hasn’t been home for an extended time in a while and he’s feeling uneasy about what comes next for him, putting him in a weird headspace and making him kind of sulky about his return. While he’s forced to participate in many of the festival activities while he’s home as the town’s hometown celebrity, he finds himself having more fun than he thought after reconnecting with his childhood best friend, Murphy Clark.
Murphy Clark loves Christmas Falls and Christmas Falls loves Murphy Clark. He’s a celebrity in his own right around town, known for the gnomes he carves for the holidays and every day in between. While he may look like a sexy lumberjack, Murphy is sweet, shy and prefers to keep to himself in his workshop whenever possible, something that he can’t do as much when he agrees to help out as Jem’s festival liaison. Predictable small town life is the perfect fit for Murphy, so when Jem comes back into his life, he feels all kinds of out of sorts.
These two used to be best friends before high school when Murphy started putting distance between them and Jem went all in on sports as a way to get him out of the town. But once they’re back together in Christmas Falls as adults, they reconnect on a different level than ever before. Their childhood friendship turns into adult attraction but it’s not without its own growing pains as they figure out how to do things together and trust each other that they won't get hurt. There’s some ups and downs that I didn’t love along the way, but it all came together in a way that made me really root for these two and love their sweet connection.
The holiday vibes in this story were strong and it made me want to dive back into another Christmas Falls story soon! Can’t wait for more!
Jeremiah (Jem) Knight was injured during the Charleston Condors football season, giving him all the time in the world to return to his hometown of Christmas Falls to be the grand marshal of this year’s big Christmas festival. But, he hasn’t been home for an extended time in a while and he’s feeling uneasy about what comes next for him, putting him in a weird headspace and making him kind of sulky about his return. While he’s forced to participate in many of the festival activities while he’s home as the town’s hometown celebrity, he finds himself having more fun than he thought after reconnecting with his childhood best friend, Murphy Clark.
Murphy Clark loves Christmas Falls and Christmas Falls loves Murphy Clark. He’s a celebrity in his own right around town, known for the gnomes he carves for the holidays and every day in between. While he may look like a sexy lumberjack, Murphy is sweet, shy and prefers to keep to himself in his workshop whenever possible, something that he can’t do as much when he agrees to help out as Jem’s festival liaison. Predictable small town life is the perfect fit for Murphy, so when Jem comes back into his life, he feels all kinds of out of sorts.
These two used to be best friends before high school when Murphy started putting distance between them and Jem went all in on sports as a way to get him out of the town. But once they’re back together in Christmas Falls as adults, they reconnect on a different level than ever before. Their childhood friendship turns into adult attraction but it’s not without its own growing pains as they figure out how to do things together and trust each other that they won't get hurt. There’s some ups and downs that I didn’t love along the way, but it all came together in a way that made me really root for these two and love their sweet connection.
The holiday vibes in this story were strong and it made me want to dive back into another Christmas Falls story soon! Can’t wait for more!
December 8, 2023
I am very conflicted about rating this book, because even if it was sweet, I didn’t want to go back to reading it:/.
December 1, 2023
I was so looking forward to reading Jem's story! I'm a fan of the Condors series so I needed to know about Jem after his injury and I truly enjoyed this book.
Jem is back at Christmas Falls, his hometown, after being injured while playing football for his team which means he won't be playing again and he's feeling a bit depressed. Murphy has always lived in Christmas Falls, his hometown and where he has his business carving wood gnomes. Murphy and Jem were best friends back at school but they fell apart at high school and then Jem eventually left to play football. But then, they meet and they rekindle their friendship... and so much more.
I loved the first time Jem and Murphy met again when Jem didn't recognise his old friend. Murphy was so sweet, shy and, overall, such a good person. I understood his reluctance to Jem becoming more than a friend as he had always loved Jem, but they were amazing together! Jem didn't give up and I loved that about him. He was feeling lost about his future, but he was certain Murphy was going to be part of it.
This novel was emotional and beautiful. It had all the good feelings of the Christmas season and a couple that I couldn't help but fall in love with. Jem and Murphy were adorable together and I liked that they communicated, Jem did it more than Murphy, but it was understandable as Murphy didn't want to get his heart broken again. A tear or two escaped my eyes when reading about a certain gnome couple carved by Murphy. That moment was very touching and unforgettable.
Overall, it was a fantastic read that I enjoyed from beginning to end. I loved the evolution of both the MCs and how they found their way to be together. Their love story was very sweet, heartwarming and romantic. I just love everything Beth writes and this book was amazing.
Jem is back at Christmas Falls, his hometown, after being injured while playing football for his team which means he won't be playing again and he's feeling a bit depressed. Murphy has always lived in Christmas Falls, his hometown and where he has his business carving wood gnomes. Murphy and Jem were best friends back at school but they fell apart at high school and then Jem eventually left to play football. But then, they meet and they rekindle their friendship... and so much more.
I loved the first time Jem and Murphy met again when Jem didn't recognise his old friend. Murphy was so sweet, shy and, overall, such a good person. I understood his reluctance to Jem becoming more than a friend as he had always loved Jem, but they were amazing together! Jem didn't give up and I loved that about him. He was feeling lost about his future, but he was certain Murphy was going to be part of it.
This novel was emotional and beautiful. It had all the good feelings of the Christmas season and a couple that I couldn't help but fall in love with. Jem and Murphy were adorable together and I liked that they communicated, Jem did it more than Murphy, but it was understandable as Murphy didn't want to get his heart broken again. A tear or two escaped my eyes when reading about a certain gnome couple carved by Murphy. That moment was very touching and unforgettable.
Overall, it was a fantastic read that I enjoyed from beginning to end. I loved the evolution of both the MCs and how they found their way to be together. Their love story was very sweet, heartwarming and romantic. I just love everything Beth writes and this book was amazing.
December 10, 2023
Honestly, this book probably deserved a higher rating, but it's a victim of being in the series it's in and how quickly I'm reading it, because I'm officially bored with the "One of the people lives here and the other is only in town for the season, will they or won't they make it work" narrative. And the previous book in the series did it better. I kind of have to wonder how much input/influence the other authors all had with each other in the series to make sure they didn't step on each other's toes, trope-wise, and while they're doing a decent job of avoiding all the same tropes, the stories themselves keep giving the same vibe.
The book follows Jem Knight, an injured football player contemplating what might be his final year playing, and Murphy Clark, his childhood best friend who now carves incredibly popular wood gnomes. And Murphy is firmly entrenched in the town, and Jem is probably just passing through but also maybe not. They stopped being friends in high school because Jem was too popular and too destined to leave town when he graduated for Murphy's anxiety to cope with so he pulled out of the friendship early before his raging crush got too significant. But now Jem is back, and Murphy is in his lumberjack era, and the sparks they are a'flyin.
Like I said, this is likely a better book than I'm giving it credit for, the characters were fleshed out well and the romance felt authentic. I liked the bigger role the best friends played in it, both in real life and as the voices in their heads. I will SAY the boldness of using this book as a front to pitch the author's upcoming book in their own series was MUCH more pointed than the others have been, we love a marketing girlie. I did already finish book 5 but I think I'm going to take a break for a couple of books and let other books happen, give me a pause before diving through the back half (some of which isn't even out yet).
The book follows Jem Knight, an injured football player contemplating what might be his final year playing, and Murphy Clark, his childhood best friend who now carves incredibly popular wood gnomes. And Murphy is firmly entrenched in the town, and Jem is probably just passing through but also maybe not. They stopped being friends in high school because Jem was too popular and too destined to leave town when he graduated for Murphy's anxiety to cope with so he pulled out of the friendship early before his raging crush got too significant. But now Jem is back, and Murphy is in his lumberjack era, and the sparks they are a'flyin.
Like I said, this is likely a better book than I'm giving it credit for, the characters were fleshed out well and the romance felt authentic. I liked the bigger role the best friends played in it, both in real life and as the voices in their heads. I will SAY the boldness of using this book as a front to pitch the author's upcoming book in their own series was MUCH more pointed than the others have been, we love a marketing girlie. I did already finish book 5 but I think I'm going to take a break for a couple of books and let other books happen, give me a pause before diving through the back half (some of which isn't even out yet).
December 5, 2023
4.5 stars.
I've read several books written by or co-written by Beth Bolden, and I've enjoyed them all. I really enjoyed this one, and found it to be a great addition to the Christmas Falls series.
The romance between Jem and Murphy is super sweet and super sexy at the same time. They belong together, even if it took a few years for both of them to figure it out.
I found Silent Knight to be refreshing because Jem wasn’t constantly battling over leaving Murphy. When he went in, he went all in. I did, however, get frustrated with Murphy more than once. He didn’t want Jem to know about his old crush, and he kept fighting taking their relationship public. Thankfully, everything worked out beautifully in the end. It was a very nice story with a very sweet epilogue.
Full review can be found at -
I've read several books written by or co-written by Beth Bolden, and I've enjoyed them all. I really enjoyed this one, and found it to be a great addition to the Christmas Falls series.
The romance between Jem and Murphy is super sweet and super sexy at the same time. They belong together, even if it took a few years for both of them to figure it out.
I found Silent Knight to be refreshing because Jem wasn’t constantly battling over leaving Murphy. When he went in, he went all in. I did, however, get frustrated with Murphy more than once. He didn’t want Jem to know about his old crush, and he kept fighting taking their relationship public. Thankfully, everything worked out beautifully in the end. It was a very nice story with a very sweet epilogue.
Full review can be found at -
December 28, 2023
A heartwarming small-town MM childhood-best-friends-to-lovers romance set in holidays, which poetically I read on Christmas!
I've been waiting for Jem's story (from Charleston Condors), so happy now. Jem & Murphy, I loved them! I'd this book since its release, devoured this in around 5hrs.
Jem is charming, fun, caring. After a NFL season ending injury (hurts, last? 😔), he's the reluctant (mopey so yes lol) chief guest for holidays in his hometown Christmas falls; he's famous yet down to earth 🥰! Grumpy to be back, all changed when he met Murphy. I'm glad we got the D & J Carter's book talk here! 😍
Murphy is big (lumberjack! 🤭), shy, adorably awkward with a big crush on J for ages. He carves gnomes for a living. Their friendship fellout 15yrs ago 😔. M's surprised when J didn't recognise him (Changes, lol) at 1st & flirted. Now M's appointed Jem's liaison, Spending time together. Is there really a chance that Jem will want him? Will STAY for him?
It's a reunion, talks, new flirty undertone, Pies, dirty jokes, tease, Ice skating, recalling how "young & stupid" they were (said like 4-5x 😳🤣). It's funny (& :-|) how Jem's told not to string Murphy along!! Small towns got meddling parents & nosy people 🤭! I loved all friends scenes: (calls) Deacon (J's) & Tasha (M's), those besties being J & M's voices in head LOL 🤣.
I liked to see why Jem feels guilty🙁, his wants for future, how his town's not that bad ;). J+M's attraction is instant yet builds, the sexy times 🥵 are sensual, emotional. Love me a vers couple!! Murphy also has self-esteem issues to tackle, & why he pushed J away. YES there's a pretty sweet confrontation, I'm proud of M (no scaredy cat now 🙌:-D). M loved 1st, J fell hard 🥰. And, obvs there's plenty of Christmas festivities & Sweets!
The ending & epilogue's sweet, the gnome gift was aww 🥺😍. I'm curious what's happening in Charleston. So excited for Deacon's book!! May check out other books in this author collab!
Story ratings: Enjoyed—> 5/5
POV: 3rd Person, Dual POV
1) The Characters & relationship: 5/5
2) The feels: 🤭😔😁🥺😮😜😂😅🤨🎄🙁☺️😍😏🥵😌😳😘☃️
3) Sexy/Steamy scenes: 3/5
4) Levels: Lowish mild Angst, very Cute, not Dark
5) Build up & Style: 4.7/5
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I've been waiting for Jem's story (from Charleston Condors), so happy now. Jem & Murphy, I loved them! I'd this book since its release, devoured this in around 5hrs.
Jem is charming, fun, caring. After a NFL season ending injury (hurts, last? 😔), he's the reluctant (mopey so yes lol) chief guest for holidays in his hometown Christmas falls; he's famous yet down to earth 🥰! Grumpy to be back, all changed when he met Murphy. I'm glad we got the D & J Carter's book talk here! 😍
Murphy is big (lumberjack! 🤭), shy, adorably awkward with a big crush on J for ages. He carves gnomes for a living. Their friendship fellout 15yrs ago 😔. M's surprised when J didn't recognise him (Changes, lol) at 1st & flirted. Now M's appointed Jem's liaison, Spending time together. Is there really a chance that Jem will want him? Will STAY for him?
It's a reunion, talks, new flirty undertone, Pies, dirty jokes, tease, Ice skating, recalling how "young & stupid" they were (said like 4-5x 😳🤣). It's funny (& :-|) how Jem's told not to string Murphy along!! Small towns got meddling parents & nosy people 🤭! I loved all friends scenes: (calls) Deacon (J's) & Tasha (M's), those besties being J & M's voices in head LOL 🤣.
I liked to see why Jem feels guilty🙁, his wants for future, how his town's not that bad ;). J+M's attraction is instant yet builds, the sexy times 🥵 are sensual, emotional. Love me a vers couple!! Murphy also has self-esteem issues to tackle, & why he pushed J away. YES there's a pretty sweet confrontation, I'm proud of M (no scaredy cat now 🙌:-D). M loved 1st, J fell hard 🥰. And, obvs there's plenty of Christmas festivities & Sweets!
The ending & epilogue's sweet, the gnome gift was aww 🥺😍. I'm curious what's happening in Charleston. So excited for Deacon's book!! May check out other books in this author collab!
Story ratings: Enjoyed—> 5/5
POV: 3rd Person, Dual POV
1) The Characters & relationship: 5/5
2) The feels: 🤭😔😁🥺😮😜😂😅🤨🎄🙁☺️😍😏🥵😌😳😘☃️
3) Sexy/Steamy scenes: 3/5
4) Levels: Lowish mild Angst, very Cute, not Dark
5) Build up & Style: 4.7/5
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November 9, 2025
Voto: 3.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
“Il miglior Natale” è il quarto volume che leggo di questa serie natalizia, ma è la prima volta che incontro l’autrice Beth Bolden.
La trama è carina, piacevole da leggere se cercate un libro leggero e coccoloso, soprattutto perché non ci sono drammi né particolari imprevisti. Da un lato, questo è perfetto per chi vuole qualcosa di semplice per intrattenersi qualche ora, ma ammetto che un po’ di pepe o qualche tensione, probabilmente, mi avrebbe fatta appassionare di più alla trama.
Come per tutti i precedenti, ritroviamo un amore a scadenza, ma che in questo caso ha radici profonde, perché Jem e Murphy sono migliori amici fin da bambini, per poi interrompere il loro legame da adolescenti, per i motivi che scoprirete leggendo.
Continua sul nostro blog!
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
“Il miglior Natale” è il quarto volume che leggo di questa serie natalizia, ma è la prima volta che incontro l’autrice Beth Bolden.
La trama è carina, piacevole da leggere se cercate un libro leggero e coccoloso, soprattutto perché non ci sono drammi né particolari imprevisti. Da un lato, questo è perfetto per chi vuole qualcosa di semplice per intrattenersi qualche ora, ma ammetto che un po’ di pepe o qualche tensione, probabilmente, mi avrebbe fatta appassionare di più alla trama.
Come per tutti i precedenti, ritroviamo un amore a scadenza, ma che in questo caso ha radici profonde, perché Jem e Murphy sono migliori amici fin da bambini, per poi interrompere il loro legame da adolescenti, per i motivi che scoprirete leggendo.
Continua sul nostro blog!
November 21, 2023
This story was another amazing addition to the Christmas Falls series and I enjoyed this book so much. I love it when the main characters are childhood best friends and lose connection because of distance or other reasons but meet again years later and the sparks are still there.
Murphy & Jem were childhood best friends who later became distanced and since Jem left Christmas Falls to follow his football dream, they didn't reconnect until a career-ending injury brought Jem back to Christmas Falls and he agreed to participate in all the events which take place at the festival.
Initially, Jem couldn't recognize Murphy & flirted with him but later when he got to know who he was the attraction only developed more. Murphy always had a crush on Jem that was one of the reasons why he grew distant from him in high school so it wouldn't hurt him more when he left town but now Jem was back for the festival and he was supposed to be his liaison and spending time with Jem was just growing his feelings more.
Jem & Murphy were adorable characters and there were so many swoony moments in this book. Nothing was casual in their relationship, their kisses and the sex all were so intimate with feelings and so beautifully written, I enjoyed it so much. Though Murphy was always second-guessing and thought Jem would leave after the holidays, I was glad he had an amazing best friend like Tasha who added some sense to him and also cared for him.
I enjoyed this book so much and recommend you to check it out. I am looking forward to more books in this series.
* I received an ARC copy from Neon Rainbow Reviews and this is my honest review *
Murphy & Jem were childhood best friends who later became distanced and since Jem left Christmas Falls to follow his football dream, they didn't reconnect until a career-ending injury brought Jem back to Christmas Falls and he agreed to participate in all the events which take place at the festival.
Initially, Jem couldn't recognize Murphy & flirted with him but later when he got to know who he was the attraction only developed more. Murphy always had a crush on Jem that was one of the reasons why he grew distant from him in high school so it wouldn't hurt him more when he left town but now Jem was back for the festival and he was supposed to be his liaison and spending time with Jem was just growing his feelings more.
Jem & Murphy were adorable characters and there were so many swoony moments in this book. Nothing was casual in their relationship, their kisses and the sex all were so intimate with feelings and so beautifully written, I enjoyed it so much. Though Murphy was always second-guessing and thought Jem would leave after the holidays, I was glad he had an amazing best friend like Tasha who added some sense to him and also cared for him.
I enjoyed this book so much and recommend you to check it out. I am looking forward to more books in this series.
* I received an ARC copy from Neon Rainbow Reviews and this is my honest review *
December 1, 2023
Jem and Murphy were freaking adorable! I don't think I could have asked for a better story for Jem. His internal voice being the voice of Deacon made my reading! I loved that their friendship was showcased throughout this book and how both Jem and Murphy had best friends who got them and pushed them to go for what they really want in life.
All the holiday events and small town gossips made this the perfect holiday romance and I really hope to get back to Christmas Falls for some more of this lovely town!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
All the holiday events and small town gossips made this the perfect holiday romance and I really hope to get back to Christmas Falls for some more of this lovely town!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
December 18, 2023
I haven't read any of Bolden's books before, but I liked this story about an injured NFL player and his return to his childhood home where he reconnects with his former best friend. Sparks fly, because they were there all the time, and the result is a really sweet story that makes me want to read other books set in the Charleston Condors universe. The writing was nice and concise and had me in tears a few times. I really felt for the way these guys had hurt each other, yet found their way back into each other's lives.
Read
December 7, 2023Dnf
December 12, 2025
Short and sweet review for a short and sweet story! Jem is an absolute gem. After seeing him in the other California Condors books, I was excited for his own dedicated spinoff. He and Murphy were sweet and sexy as hell. The tenderness they shared in just about every single chapter really did it for me. Had the both of them been a little more confident to communicate more freely (something Beth Bolden has done really well in other books), this story would’ve been perfect. As it stands, this was warm and cozy, just like the meringue pies it kept mentioning. A delightful book that’d be good to read close to the holiday season!
November 10, 2025
STRANA FAMILY BOOK BLOG
La narrazione ha suscitato in me una profonda risonanza emotiva, emergendo come l'opera più toccante della serie, almeno per il momento. Jem, atleta dei Condors, fa ritorno a Christmas Falls a seguito di un infortunio che lo vedrà fermo dall'attivitàsportiva per mesi, assumendo un ruolo di rilievo in ogni evento della città. Murphy, in passato suo migliore amico, è incaricato di assisterlo. L'incontro iniziale tra i due, in cui Jem non riconosce Murphy e flirta con lui spudoratamente, è stato particolarmente divertente, così come molte altre scene che promettono di scatenare molte risate. L'esperienza narrativa è caratterizzata da un'intensità emotiva che coinvolge profondamente, favorendo l'empatia verso i personaggi principali. Lo stile di Beth Bolden si distingue dalle precedenti autrici per la sua delicatezza e una certa prolissità introspettiva; tuttavia, l'autrice è riuscita a catturare la mia attenzione, raggiungendo le corde più sensibili del mio cuore. Il finale è favoloso, romantico e, ancora una volta, divertente, grazie forse all'indimenticabile gara di torte. La lettura è caldamente raccomandata.
Valutazione: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️
Emozione: 💘💘💘💘💘
La narrazione ha suscitato in me una profonda risonanza emotiva, emergendo come l'opera più toccante della serie, almeno per il momento. Jem, atleta dei Condors, fa ritorno a Christmas Falls a seguito di un infortunio che lo vedrà fermo dall'attivitàsportiva per mesi, assumendo un ruolo di rilievo in ogni evento della città. Murphy, in passato suo migliore amico, è incaricato di assisterlo. L'incontro iniziale tra i due, in cui Jem non riconosce Murphy e flirta con lui spudoratamente, è stato particolarmente divertente, così come molte altre scene che promettono di scatenare molte risate. L'esperienza narrativa è caratterizzata da un'intensità emotiva che coinvolge profondamente, favorendo l'empatia verso i personaggi principali. Lo stile di Beth Bolden si distingue dalle precedenti autrici per la sua delicatezza e una certa prolissità introspettiva; tuttavia, l'autrice è riuscita a catturare la mia attenzione, raggiungendo le corde più sensibili del mio cuore. Il finale è favoloso, romantico e, ancora una volta, divertente, grazie forse all'indimenticabile gara di torte. La lettura è caldamente raccomandata.
Valutazione: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️
Emozione: 💘💘💘💘💘
December 8, 2023
Another very nice Christmas story set on the East Coast in a town called Christmas Falls. Apparently this is going to be a multiple book series by different authors.
In this one we have an NFL player (Charlottesville Condors series by Beth Bolden) who is having to retire because of an injury. He is returning to his home town for the first time in several years to help host a Christmas celebration held by the town yearly. He left his home town wanting to never return for several reasons, a main one being that for some reason his best friend had gone cold in their friendship, figured it was because of the small gossipy town and so he left without looking back.
This story is about reuniting with his town, his friends and family and realizing that a lot of the blame was on him. He finds a home and everlasting love was just waiting for him.
Only negative thing I can say is that, as in other books, after everything seems to have been settled then the last 10% of the story is a rehash of everything that's gone on before. Boring.
In this one we have an NFL player (Charlottesville Condors series by Beth Bolden) who is having to retire because of an injury. He is returning to his home town for the first time in several years to help host a Christmas celebration held by the town yearly. He left his home town wanting to never return for several reasons, a main one being that for some reason his best friend had gone cold in their friendship, figured it was because of the small gossipy town and so he left without looking back.
This story is about reuniting with his town, his friends and family and realizing that a lot of the blame was on him. He finds a home and everlasting love was just waiting for him.
Only negative thing I can say is that, as in other books, after everything seems to have been settled then the last 10% of the story is a rehash of everything that's gone on before. Boring.
November 30, 2024
story of Jem and Murphy
This is childhood friends to more romance, featuring Jem Knight and Murphy Clark, and is book four in the Christmas Falls multi-author series - Season One.
Jem comes back to Christmas Falls to be the spokesperson for the festival. He runs into a handsome lumberjack in the local bar but doesn’t get his name. It’s not until the mystery guy leaves that he finds out it was his old childhood friend Murphy.
This book is super cute! Jem and Murphy are such gentle souls and it doesn’t take long for them to fall hard. Such a swoony HEA too. We see lots of festival activities, which makes me want to visit Christmas Falls, and we also see cameos from other series too.
Things to expect in this MM romance are:
4th book in series
Multi author
MM holiday romance
Small town
Childhood best friends
Footballer x artist
Long term crush
Reconnected
Forced proximity
Super cute
Cameos - previous books
Swoony HEA
This is childhood friends to more romance, featuring Jem Knight and Murphy Clark, and is book four in the Christmas Falls multi-author series - Season One.
Jem comes back to Christmas Falls to be the spokesperson for the festival. He runs into a handsome lumberjack in the local bar but doesn’t get his name. It’s not until the mystery guy leaves that he finds out it was his old childhood friend Murphy.
This book is super cute! Jem and Murphy are such gentle souls and it doesn’t take long for them to fall hard. Such a swoony HEA too. We see lots of festival activities, which makes me want to visit Christmas Falls, and we also see cameos from other series too.
Things to expect in this MM romance are:
4th book in series
Multi author
MM holiday romance
Small town
Childhood best friends
Footballer x artist
Long term crush
Reconnected
Forced proximity
Super cute
Cameos - previous books
Swoony HEA
November 26, 2023
Fans of the Charleston Condors series won’t want to miss this sweet, second chance holiday romance featuring Jem Knight. I’ve spent so much time lamenting Jem’s injury and all he’s lost while reading the Condors books that I never stopped to consider all he might gain. Beth Bolden has big plans for holiday magic to make his dreams come true in this unrequited crush, former best friends reunion.
After suffering a season-ending injury, Jem returns home to Christmas Falls to serve as grand marshal of the annual holiday festival. It’s a classic small town golden boy returns home moment, and all of Christmas Falls is ecstatic he’s there, even if Jem’s not so sure. He left Christmas Falls to escape the suffocating feeling of life in a small town, and coming home has old feelings flooding back in.
Further complicating matters is Murphy, Jem’s former childhood best friend. He’s a quirky, quiet, sweet lumberjack of a guy who thrives on small town life. Reconnecting with Murphy has Jem reconsidering his feelings about Christmas Falls, and if reuniting with Jem reignites Murphy’s long-time crush, is it really hurting anyone?
I love the dynamic between Jem & Murphy. Their banter and easiness with each other speak volumes about how deep their connection runs. Despite years apart and the misunderstandings between them, these guys are bound at a base level; their souls recognize each other even if it takes their hearts and heads a moment to catch up.
Fundamentally this story is about vulnerability and taking risks. Jem’s at a crossroads, uneasy over how his season ended and where to go from here. With his identity so closely tied to football, he’s unsure who he is without it. Murphy’s never dreamed of a life outside Christmas Falls, nor has dared to dream he could have someone whose star burns as big and bright as Jem’s. Each of these guys has spent a lifetime discovering who he is, only to realize maybe he can be more. Taking a risk takes courage, but it’s worth it if it means having it all.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
After suffering a season-ending injury, Jem returns home to Christmas Falls to serve as grand marshal of the annual holiday festival. It’s a classic small town golden boy returns home moment, and all of Christmas Falls is ecstatic he’s there, even if Jem’s not so sure. He left Christmas Falls to escape the suffocating feeling of life in a small town, and coming home has old feelings flooding back in.
Further complicating matters is Murphy, Jem’s former childhood best friend. He’s a quirky, quiet, sweet lumberjack of a guy who thrives on small town life. Reconnecting with Murphy has Jem reconsidering his feelings about Christmas Falls, and if reuniting with Jem reignites Murphy’s long-time crush, is it really hurting anyone?
I love the dynamic between Jem & Murphy. Their banter and easiness with each other speak volumes about how deep their connection runs. Despite years apart and the misunderstandings between them, these guys are bound at a base level; their souls recognize each other even if it takes their hearts and heads a moment to catch up.
Fundamentally this story is about vulnerability and taking risks. Jem’s at a crossroads, uneasy over how his season ended and where to go from here. With his identity so closely tied to football, he’s unsure who he is without it. Murphy’s never dreamed of a life outside Christmas Falls, nor has dared to dream he could have someone whose star burns as big and bright as Jem’s. Each of these guys has spent a lifetime discovering who he is, only to realize maybe he can be more. Taking a risk takes courage, but it’s worth it if it means having it all.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
November 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this addition to the Christmas Falls collection, it is a lovely childhood best friends to lovers story with plenty of humor and heart. I liked how the author was able to work in a bit of Charleston Condors into Jem and Murphy’s story. I loved these two together, from their first meeting in the bar to the lovely epilogue, they have a well rounded journey with sweetness, romance, and excellent chemistry. The town and its residents are really the star for me, the world building across the series is top notch. I loved the super festive and warm feeling, the holiday spirit is strong in Christmas Falls!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
December 4, 2023
Just Beth Bolden cementing her place as one of my favorite MM authors 🥹🫶🏻
December 6, 2023
the epilogue is so cute pls😭
December 14, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
November 27, 2023
Silent Knight by Beth Bolden is the fourth book in the Christmas Falls series by multiple authors. This book is about Jem and Murphy. I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
December 3, 2023
sweet and easy and nice tbh
December 28, 2025
Okay, so since done with the Amy Aislin books, so I was kind of intrigued by the concept of this series. They are all gay romance Christmas stories that take place in the town of Christmas Falls Illinois, but they are written by different authors. Characters appear in each others books, and the locale (and all of the stores and events) are all the same.
This one, by Beth Bolden, was about Jem Knight (football player) and Murphy Clark (woodworker).
This one, by Beth Bolden, was about Jem Knight (football player) and Murphy Clark (woodworker).
November 21, 2023
5 stars
Murph and Jem were adorable, I loved their story.
There wasn'tany drama or tension between them, just two childhood best friends reconnecting after two decades and trying to sort out their feelings. Murph has always loved Jem but, at the same time, he never thought he was worthy of his affection; Jem is in the middle of a football related crisis and he also has to deal with all the emotions he feels being close to Murph again.
Their intimacy, from hugs to sweet kisses to sex was wonderful and I loved how the author got them together.
What I loved the most was that they were always honest with each other and even when they weren't ready to face some important matters, they never lied to one another.
The last chapters were incredibly sweet and swoony.
Deacon got me curious, I'll definitely read his story, out next year, 4th book of Charleston Condors series.
Recommended
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow and this is my honest review.
Murph and Jem were adorable, I loved their story.
There wasn'tany drama or tension between them, just two childhood best friends reconnecting after two decades and trying to sort out their feelings. Murph has always loved Jem but, at the same time, he never thought he was worthy of his affection; Jem is in the middle of a football related crisis and he also has to deal with all the emotions he feels being close to Murph again.
Their intimacy, from hugs to sweet kisses to sex was wonderful and I loved how the author got them together.
What I loved the most was that they were always honest with each other and even when they weren't ready to face some important matters, they never lied to one another.
The last chapters were incredibly sweet and swoony.
Deacon got me curious, I'll definitely read his story, out next year, 4th book of Charleston Condors series.
Recommended
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow and this is my honest review.
December 21, 2023
In the 4th Christmas Falls story, we have another retired athlete rebuilding his life in his 30s. I'm not really a huge fan of this trope - or of stories about athletes or sports in general - and having it fall back-to-back with the last book was a bit much for me.
I didn't really connect with Jem or Murphy's story as much as I have the others. The poor communication between the two took me out of the story. And there always seemed to be something going on with one of them, while we were reading from the other's POV, leaving rather large question marks as to what, exactly, was going on, and why our characters were reacting the way they were.
As with the other books in this series, Jem and Murphy find their happily ever after. It works out for them, eventually, and I'm glad for that. I just really don't understand how they got there.
Maybe I missed something. Maybe I was supposed to read something between the lines that I didn't pick up. But I felt pretty stupid not understanding things other characters in the book seemed to just pick up naturally. And that didn't really make me feel too jolly.
I didn't really connect with Jem or Murphy's story as much as I have the others. The poor communication between the two took me out of the story. And there always seemed to be something going on with one of them, while we were reading from the other's POV, leaving rather large question marks as to what, exactly, was going on, and why our characters were reacting the way they were.
As with the other books in this series, Jem and Murphy find their happily ever after. It works out for them, eventually, and I'm glad for that. I just really don't understand how they got there.
Maybe I missed something. Maybe I was supposed to read something between the lines that I didn't pick up. But I felt pretty stupid not understanding things other characters in the book seemed to just pick up naturally. And that didn't really make me feel too jolly.
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