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Noel I Won't
Will I give my heart away this holiday season? Noel, I won't.
When my first head chef gig implodes and I find out my dad has a health crisis, I go home for the holidays.
Only to find the lovable farmboy next door has moved in.
He's helping my parents run our family's Christmas tree farm. Has moved into my house. Has seemingly *replaced* me.
He may be gorgeous and a hard worker and even sweet when he wants to be, but I can't step aside for him. Can't let my parents continue to struggle with the farm.
Not even when we find new life for the farm--and for me as a chef.
Not even when Hopper warms my bed every night.
I might be falling in love--with Hopper, with my hometown, with a life I could never envision when I was eighteen and desperate to leave. But I vowed long ago that I'd never be happy in small-town Nebraska.
But when Hopper asks me not to leave him, what can I say except...
Noel I Won't.
When my first head chef gig implodes and I find out my dad has a health crisis, I go home for the holidays.
Only to find the lovable farmboy next door has moved in.
He's helping my parents run our family's Christmas tree farm. Has moved into my house. Has seemingly *replaced* me.
He may be gorgeous and a hard worker and even sweet when he wants to be, but I can't step aside for him. Can't let my parents continue to struggle with the farm.
Not even when we find new life for the farm--and for me as a chef.
Not even when Hopper warms my bed every night.
I might be falling in love--with Hopper, with my hometown, with a life I could never envision when I was eighteen and desperate to leave. But I vowed long ago that I'd never be happy in small-town Nebraska.
But when Hopper asks me not to leave him, what can I say except...
Noel I Won't.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2025
105 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Jamison
78 books993 followersDJ Jamison writes a variety of queer men finding extraordinary love through M/M Romance! She is a lifelong reader and has always loved writing and editing, with a ten-year journalism career before she began publishing romance. She has books in ebook, print, and audio, as well as German, French, and Italian translations.
DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany
Join her FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/DJandCompany
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DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
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December 17, 2025
Noel I Won’t by D.J. Jamison is a stand alone, MM, holiday romance. I have to admit when I started this, I didn’t much care for Noel. He’s a bit prickly. But he softens up as Hopper steals his heart.
Noel Grisold is a very gifted chef. He grew up in small town Nebraska on the Grisold Christmas Tree Farm. Although he was always accepted at home, he was tormented during his years in school for his sexuality. When he turned eighteen, he left home and eventually ended up in Chicago working as the head chef at a restaurant. Until he found himself unemployed. When his dad has a health crisis back home, Noel finally decides to take a short trip home for Thanksgiving. He’s been hearing a lot about a man he went to school with, Hopper, working at the farm and he wants to make sure that he isn’t trying to take advantage of his parents or take his place in the family.
Hopper Kelly is twenty eight years old and lives and works for the Grisold’s on the tree farm. He loves working there, even though it seems no matter how much he does, it isn’t enough. Business has tapered off and there is just too much to do to find time to do more. When Noel announces he’s coming home for a visit to check on his dad, Hopper is both glad and annoyed that it took him this long to finally make the trip. His dad needed him and Noel hadn’t been there.
When Noel arrived home, I admit he was hard to like. He was suspicious of every single thing Hopper did. But as time went by, he saw the truth, how hard Hopper was working for his parents. It didn’t take long for the sparks to fly between these two. They were perfectly matched. But Noel’s time was limited. He had to return to Chicago to try to put his life back together. He’s a chef and living on his parents Christmas Tree Farm was not his life’s plan. Could it be, though, that once he opens his eyes to possibility, that there is more here than he thought?
This was a sweet, steamy story. It made me want to go to their farm and be a part of all of their events. I definitely wanted to taste all the delicious things that Noel was making. Once Noel had an idea, he was full steam ahead, doing all he could do to bring the farm back to it’s former glory. Hopper was so sweet and I loved the way they accepted him as part of the family.
Noel Grisold is a very gifted chef. He grew up in small town Nebraska on the Grisold Christmas Tree Farm. Although he was always accepted at home, he was tormented during his years in school for his sexuality. When he turned eighteen, he left home and eventually ended up in Chicago working as the head chef at a restaurant. Until he found himself unemployed. When his dad has a health crisis back home, Noel finally decides to take a short trip home for Thanksgiving. He’s been hearing a lot about a man he went to school with, Hopper, working at the farm and he wants to make sure that he isn’t trying to take advantage of his parents or take his place in the family.
Hopper Kelly is twenty eight years old and lives and works for the Grisold’s on the tree farm. He loves working there, even though it seems no matter how much he does, it isn’t enough. Business has tapered off and there is just too much to do to find time to do more. When Noel announces he’s coming home for a visit to check on his dad, Hopper is both glad and annoyed that it took him this long to finally make the trip. His dad needed him and Noel hadn’t been there.
When Noel arrived home, I admit he was hard to like. He was suspicious of every single thing Hopper did. But as time went by, he saw the truth, how hard Hopper was working for his parents. It didn’t take long for the sparks to fly between these two. They were perfectly matched. But Noel’s time was limited. He had to return to Chicago to try to put his life back together. He’s a chef and living on his parents Christmas Tree Farm was not his life’s plan. Could it be, though, that once he opens his eyes to possibility, that there is more here than he thought?
This was a sweet, steamy story. It made me want to go to their farm and be a part of all of their events. I definitely wanted to taste all the delicious things that Noel was making. Once Noel had an idea, he was full steam ahead, doing all he could do to bring the farm back to it’s former glory. Hopper was so sweet and I loved the way they accepted him as part of the family.
November 6, 2025
I'm definitely in the Christmas mood after reading this book!
The Christmas tree farm sounded so cool, I've never been to one but I would love to go to this one and have some hot chocolate and make a wreath.
Noel was so oblivious to the fact he could have everything he dreamed of without needing to go back to a city - cities suck, Noel!!!
Hopper was adorable and fell so hard so fast. I loved how he hyped Noel to everyone who asked about him being a chef 😍
The appearances from the Granville and Riverton series were all fun and I love how this story world keeps expanding - we even get a tie in to Christmas Falls with Grif and Kody!
Can't wait for the next book!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review
The Christmas tree farm sounded so cool, I've never been to one but I would love to go to this one and have some hot chocolate and make a wreath.
Noel was so oblivious to the fact he could have everything he dreamed of without needing to go back to a city - cities suck, Noel!!!
Hopper was adorable and fell so hard so fast. I loved how he hyped Noel to everyone who asked about him being a chef 😍
The appearances from the Granville and Riverton series were all fun and I love how this story world keeps expanding - we even get a tie in to Christmas Falls with Grif and Kody!
Can't wait for the next book!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow, and this is my honest review
dnf
December 6, 2025DNF 62%
Not feeling this at all. There is no chemistry between Noel and Hopper. Plus with the name Hopper I keep thinking of Stranger Things! This book has all the right ingredients to make a sweet Christmas story but it just is t coming together for me.
Not feeling this at all. There is no chemistry between Noel and Hopper. Plus with the name Hopper I keep thinking of Stranger Things! This book has all the right ingredients to make a sweet Christmas story but it just is t coming together for me.
December 15, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
This is a small-town, opposites attract romance with some delightful light submission aspects as Noel takes charge of his burly pseudo-nemesis. It’s not an enemies-to-lovers read, as their mutual wariness dissolves once they are working side-by-side to save the farm. I loved how Noel rethought his suspicion after seeing Hopper’s dedication to his parents and their dreams. And, seeing the love Noel has for his parents clears up Hopper’s frustrations and jealousy. These guys are so sweet together, and steamy once they take the plunge into sexytimes. I enjoyed the many cameos of characters from both Granville and Riverton (Games We Play and Foster Bro Code series) and even Christmas Falls! I enjoyed all the call backs to previous stories by this author, and definitely enjoyed Noel and Hopper’s love story.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
This is a small-town, opposites attract romance with some delightful light submission aspects as Noel takes charge of his burly pseudo-nemesis. It’s not an enemies-to-lovers read, as their mutual wariness dissolves once they are working side-by-side to save the farm. I loved how Noel rethought his suspicion after seeing Hopper’s dedication to his parents and their dreams. And, seeing the love Noel has for his parents clears up Hopper’s frustrations and jealousy. These guys are so sweet together, and steamy once they take the plunge into sexytimes. I enjoyed the many cameos of characters from both Granville and Riverton (Games We Play and Foster Bro Code series) and even Christmas Falls! I enjoyed all the call backs to previous stories by this author, and definitely enjoyed Noel and Hopper’s love story.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
January 9, 2026
I loved this story very much. It was very christmassy and full of all the joy and love that I expected from a book set at Christmas.
Noel and Hopper were great characters. Noel came back home after his career sunk and just wanted to get away for a while, but being back at the family business and his hometown made him reconsider. Then Hopper was a grumpy guy with a soft heart that had just found a family with Noel's parents. Working at their tree farm and staying at their house had provided a home for him, something he hadn't had since his mom passed away.
I enjoyed the evolution of Noel and Hopper's relationship. How, at first, they saw each other as a threat and it slowly changed when they got to know each other. Noel's cooking won Hopper's heart, and Hopper's dedication and loyalty won Noel's.
This book has everything that a Christmas story should have. There is snow, a farm selling Christmas trees, celebrations, decorations, a love story and lovable characters.
I truly enjoyed it as it left me feeling warm inside and wishing Christmas could last a bit longer.
Noel and Hopper were great characters. Noel came back home after his career sunk and just wanted to get away for a while, but being back at the family business and his hometown made him reconsider. Then Hopper was a grumpy guy with a soft heart that had just found a family with Noel's parents. Working at their tree farm and staying at their house had provided a home for him, something he hadn't had since his mom passed away.
I enjoyed the evolution of Noel and Hopper's relationship. How, at first, they saw each other as a threat and it slowly changed when they got to know each other. Noel's cooking won Hopper's heart, and Hopper's dedication and loyalty won Noel's.
This book has everything that a Christmas story should have. There is snow, a farm selling Christmas trees, celebrations, decorations, a love story and lovable characters.
I truly enjoyed it as it left me feeling warm inside and wishing Christmas could last a bit longer.
November 23, 2025
This is a forced proximity holiday romance, featuring Noel and Hopper, and is standalone book.
When Noel returns home for the holidays after his first head-chef job collapses, he’s shocked to find Hopper, the charming farmboy next door, living in his house and helping run his family’s Christmas tree farm.
This is a sweet, low-angst Christmas romance that’s all warmth and comfort. Noel and Hopper’s connection is soft, steady, and easy to root for, with just enough tension to keep things fun. The small-town vibes, supportive family, and cozy farm setting make this the perfect light holiday read when you just want something heartwarming.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone book
MM holiday romance
Small town
Forced proximity
Returns home
City boy x Farm boy
Christmas tree farm
Size difference
Push-pull
Spicy times & dirty talk
Admit feelings
HEA
When Noel returns home for the holidays after his first head-chef job collapses, he’s shocked to find Hopper, the charming farmboy next door, living in his house and helping run his family’s Christmas tree farm.
This is a sweet, low-angst Christmas romance that’s all warmth and comfort. Noel and Hopper’s connection is soft, steady, and easy to root for, with just enough tension to keep things fun. The small-town vibes, supportive family, and cozy farm setting make this the perfect light holiday read when you just want something heartwarming.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone book
MM holiday romance
Small town
Forced proximity
Returns home
City boy x Farm boy
Christmas tree farm
Size difference
Push-pull
Spicy times & dirty talk
Admit feelings
HEA
December 30, 2025
This was such a sweet hometown reunion romance.
I loved Noel’s passion and his dedication to take care of his family when he saw the state of his parents farm. Hopper was such a grumpy goofy himbo, I feel like half his issues could have been resolved if he just talked to Noel or the parents lol.
I loved Noel’s passion and his dedication to take care of his family when he saw the state of his parents farm. Hopper was such a grumpy goofy himbo, I feel like half his issues could have been resolved if he just talked to Noel or the parents lol.
November 20, 2025
Noel I Won't is a new Holiday romance by DJ Jamison. Noel I Won't is the story of Noel and Hopper. I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
December 24, 2025
is every dude in this town gay 😭 a statistical christmas miracle i guess
❄︎ dislike to lovers
❄︎ christmas tree farm
❄︎ chef x lumberjack
❄︎ green flag city
❄︎ dislike to lovers
❄︎ christmas tree farm
❄︎ chef x lumberjack
❄︎ green flag city
November 12, 2025
With his dreams of being a big city chef up in smoke, Noel must return to the one place he'd rather not be—his family's struggling Christmas tree farm.
Feeling guilty that his fast paced life had him miss out on his father's hospital stay, Noel feels even worse when he realizes his old high school crush, Hopper, has moved in to help around the farm.
With Noel being back in the picture, Hopper is feeling a bit displaced himself, and the pair do not get off to a good start. Of course the more time the pair spend together, sparks start to fly.
Noel I Won't was such a fun and cozy read filled with great crossovers, animosity filled tension, and steam! Noel and Hopper were too cute for words, and their story definitely put me in the holiday spirit.
Feeling guilty that his fast paced life had him miss out on his father's hospital stay, Noel feels even worse when he realizes his old high school crush, Hopper, has moved in to help around the farm.
With Noel being back in the picture, Hopper is feeling a bit displaced himself, and the pair do not get off to a good start. Of course the more time the pair spend together, sparks start to fly.
Noel I Won't was such a fun and cozy read filled with great crossovers, animosity filled tension, and steam! Noel and Hopper were too cute for words, and their story definitely put me in the holiday spirit.
November 22, 2025
This brand-new story from DJ Jamison is a sweet, low angst, holiday romance where a whole lot of assumptions and misunderstanding kick things off on the wrong foot. Fortunately, time and forced proximity shed some light on things, and Noel & Hopper eventually find their way from enemies to lovers.
When Noel’s career takes a turn and he finds himself down on his luck, he returns home to find things have changed - his parents are older, their beloved Christmas tree farm is struggling, and the magic of the holiday season is fighting to survive. On top of it all, Hopper seems to have moved in and taken his place under the guise of keeping the farm afloat.
Hopper’s finally found the life he’s been longing for with the Grisolds: a supportive, loving environmant and a place where he can make a difference. But the return of the Grisold’s own (prodigal) son threatens to upend everything and put an end to the happiness he’s found working on their Christmas tree farm.
I was thrilled to discover this story takes place in DJ Jamison’s beloved Granville universe and interconnects with Christmas Falls as well. It’s fun to see some of my favorites and familiar faces as well as how these characters fit into that world. If you haven’t read those books, don’t worry - this book definitely stands on its own.
If you’re looking for a sweet, easy-to-read, uncomplicated romance to get lost in this holiday season, I definitely recommend giving this story a try. While it’s not all sunshine and holiday cheer - subplots deal with addiction and parental relationships - the warmth and sparkle of the holiday season shines through.
When Noel’s career takes a turn and he finds himself down on his luck, he returns home to find things have changed - his parents are older, their beloved Christmas tree farm is struggling, and the magic of the holiday season is fighting to survive. On top of it all, Hopper seems to have moved in and taken his place under the guise of keeping the farm afloat.
Hopper’s finally found the life he’s been longing for with the Grisolds: a supportive, loving environmant and a place where he can make a difference. But the return of the Grisold’s own (prodigal) son threatens to upend everything and put an end to the happiness he’s found working on their Christmas tree farm.
I was thrilled to discover this story takes place in DJ Jamison’s beloved Granville universe and interconnects with Christmas Falls as well. It’s fun to see some of my favorites and familiar faces as well as how these characters fit into that world. If you haven’t read those books, don’t worry - this book definitely stands on its own.
If you’re looking for a sweet, easy-to-read, uncomplicated romance to get lost in this holiday season, I definitely recommend giving this story a try. While it’s not all sunshine and holiday cheer - subplots deal with addiction and parental relationships - the warmth and sparkle of the holiday season shines through.
November 17, 2025
NOEL I WON'T is just the holiday story I needed ❤️💚 DJ Jamison delivered a classic trope with a twist, and I ATE THIS STORY UP.
Noel and Hopper scooped my heart right out!
There is, of course, holiday vibes. But there's also coming home again, reconnecting with family and tradition, making big life choices, found family, ✨️parents getting older✨️, the hot jock drom high school who had a later in life bi-awakening you never heard about, your home town changing without you realizing it, a box full of sex toys, and a bossy chef who likes topping bigger guys.
This comes in at under 200 pages, but they flew by. I loved all the feels the story brought up, and it made me nostalgic for my mama's macaroni and cheese.
If you're a fan of the Foster Bro Code books, the guys make an appearance too!
Noel irritated me a bit at the beginning. Poor Hopper was just doing the best he could. Your honor, I loved him. But the more the story progressed, the more I was rooting for the two mcs to fall in love already LOL
NOEL I WON'T was a 5 ⭐️ read for me and I am ABSOLUTELY recommending it. I LOVED THIS STORY SO MUCH.
Noel and Hopper scooped my heart right out!
There is, of course, holiday vibes. But there's also coming home again, reconnecting with family and tradition, making big life choices, found family, ✨️parents getting older✨️, the hot jock drom high school who had a later in life bi-awakening you never heard about, your home town changing without you realizing it, a box full of sex toys, and a bossy chef who likes topping bigger guys.
This comes in at under 200 pages, but they flew by. I loved all the feels the story brought up, and it made me nostalgic for my mama's macaroni and cheese.
If you're a fan of the Foster Bro Code books, the guys make an appearance too!
Noel irritated me a bit at the beginning. Poor Hopper was just doing the best he could. Your honor, I loved him. But the more the story progressed, the more I was rooting for the two mcs to fall in love already LOL
NOEL I WON'T was a 5 ⭐️ read for me and I am ABSOLUTELY recommending it. I LOVED THIS STORY SO MUCH.
November 21, 2025
Noel comes home to his family's Christmas tree farm for Thanksgiving and to make sure Hopper isn't trying any funny business with his parents' livelihood.
Hopper is annoyed, and a little worried he's going to get pushed away from his found family. the sparks fly immediately. Soon the men realize their initial assumptions about the other were wrong.
Will Noel stay for christmas, maybe forever and will Hopper get the man of his dreams and get to keep his family?
This is a perfectly sweet, low-angst read to get you into the Christmas spirit. Even better, we get cameos from some of our fave characters from Granville, Riverton and Christmas Falls! Highly recommend!
Hopper is annoyed, and a little worried he's going to get pushed away from his found family. the sparks fly immediately. Soon the men realize their initial assumptions about the other were wrong.
Will Noel stay for christmas, maybe forever and will Hopper get the man of his dreams and get to keep his family?
This is a perfectly sweet, low-angst read to get you into the Christmas spirit. Even better, we get cameos from some of our fave characters from Granville, Riverton and Christmas Falls! Highly recommend!
Read
November 20, 2025This is a neighbours/rivals to lovers story that just makes you want to smile... set on Noel's family Christmas Tree farm, where Hopper has taken on much of the workload, jealousy and sparks fly as Noel returns home after losing his job as head chef of a prestigious restaurant and feels slighted by how Hopper has fit into his family's life...
Their chemistry is off the charts, DJ Jamison's trademark banter and just the right amount of tension make this an enjoyable read that feels like the story is just shy of slow burn status before it turns up the heat!
Adorable small town setting, lots of great interactions with characters from previous series and a truly memorable holiday story!
Their chemistry is off the charts, DJ Jamison's trademark banter and just the right amount of tension make this an enjoyable read that feels like the story is just shy of slow burn status before it turns up the heat!
Adorable small town setting, lots of great interactions with characters from previous series and a truly memorable holiday story!
November 12, 2025
NOEL I WON’T
By DJ Jamison
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an E-book ARC edition of this novella in exchange for an honest review. It Is available November 19th on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited!
www.amazon.com/B0FSLTS646
This is a 191-page Fast Paced, Cozy Hallmark Style, Cross-Over Galore Holiday MM Romance. A small-town guy turned big city chef comes home for a very short visit when he learns of a family matter that was being kept from him & his life comes crashing down around him.
--We had approximately twenty-one day until Christmas. Twenty-one day to get started. And also get finished.--
Written in alternating chapters, dual 1st person POV, this hallmarky story about Noel making his way back home after 4 years of living in a big city, working around the clock as a chef. When he arrives, he is made aware that an old high school acquaintance, Hopper, is working on the farm, trying his best to keep it afloat. But Noel is not only struggling with being home in general because of the past he has with the town when he was the only gay kid around, but he feels threatened by Hopper swooping in to care for his parents and the property. Hopper is a lost soul. After a family tragedy, he really had nowhere to go so he lives and works hard at Grisold Tree Farm to make sure all that can be done can be completed, but there is only so much time in the day and only so much he can do.
--I had more important things to do than get hot and sweaty with my very own lumberjack fantasy.--
These two guys start off with some thick animosity that was just pure misunderstanding. Once they quickly learn everything, they need to about the going ons in each other’s lives, their tension quickly turns into romance. Their character development moves at a quick pace along with the plot. The timing in the novella is over a month and a half period and even though the novella is under 200 pages, it felt like it was longer with no detail left unturned, which in this readers opinion, is very hard to do. The plot itself was a quaint setting in-between the two towns the author has made famous in her other series, Granville and Riverton. The Tree farm had begun to struggle as Noel’s parents got older and issues begun to arise. Things started to fall thru the cracks. Noel is determined to ‘Right The Ship’ and bring the holiday magic back to the people that used to visit. With Noel in the kitchen, running almost 24/7 with meals and goodies, and helping his mom and Hopper in the shop and farm, a vision of what the Tree Farm could be again plus more begins to form.
--“I’m not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but if you put something tasty in front of me, I’m going to bite.”--
The spice was like a dragster streetcar, 0 to 100 in a blink of an eye. 3/5 🌶. I really enjoyed the trope of Reverse Stereotypes in this novella as well as mild control/sub tendencies. It added some sizzle to the quirky and cute plot. Their relationship was super sweet and hard to look away even in the simple moments. The secret looks and grazes were full of wanting and love that it was more than obvious that there was a long-term connection.
--Who taught Hopper Kelly to flirt so well? Scratch that. I didn’t want to know. As far as I was concerned, Hopper was as untouched as the season’s first snow.--
THE ENSEMBLE!!!! YALLLLLL!!!!! Ok, before I get overly excited… Noels parents filled my heart. Even though they are struggling, the vibe they gave off was still pure love for all those in their life. Hopper’s father added the little angst the novella had. The hard times in their family is true and authentic and pulled you as a reader out of the cozy setting to small spurts of time. NOW TO THE EXCITEMENT!!! If this is your first DJ Jamison read, you will get an eye full of so many characters and relationships from previous books across her extended universe. It was truly like a reunion that I never knew I needed. It was so cool how the author brought them all together in one place and making it work without making it complicated. I think I got them all but could have missed some connections. Starting with the most recent, The Foster Brothers and their partners, Holden & Shiloh, Gray & Emory, Axel & Dalton, and Bailey the youngest and final book to be released. They are in the neighboring town of Riverton and their series has more of an edge to it that is still full of heart. The other neighboring town, Granville, had a ton of townspeople and residents make appearances as well. Evan & Dawson, Kevin & Garrett, Lyle & Tru, Laurie & Tucker, and Hunter & Clark. The author’s new series was also teased, Matchmaking In Granville, coming in 2026. And lets not forget Griff and Kody making separate cameo appearances from Christmas Falls. See below at the end for a full list of novels. I also have a guide posted as well.
--You could take the lumberjack inside, but you couldn’t make him stop thinking like a lumberjack.--
This is a magical multi-holiday novella, with all the cozy feels to get your season started. It can easily be read in a sitting or over two to three days and will hook you with all the easter eggs the author dropped. It will also make you feel everything both men are experiencing whether reliving their high school trauma or feeling like a failure. The author details their moments in a way that easily flows without lingering on the negative for to long but doesn’t diminish how life can be in the real world. It might be a quaint and cute hallmark holiday story but its full of authenticity.
💜Happy Reading🫶
By DJ Jamison
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an E-book ARC edition of this novella in exchange for an honest review. It Is available November 19th on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited!
www.amazon.com/B0FSLTS646
This is a 191-page Fast Paced, Cozy Hallmark Style, Cross-Over Galore Holiday MM Romance. A small-town guy turned big city chef comes home for a very short visit when he learns of a family matter that was being kept from him & his life comes crashing down around him.
--We had approximately twenty-one day until Christmas. Twenty-one day to get started. And also get finished.--
Written in alternating chapters, dual 1st person POV, this hallmarky story about Noel making his way back home after 4 years of living in a big city, working around the clock as a chef. When he arrives, he is made aware that an old high school acquaintance, Hopper, is working on the farm, trying his best to keep it afloat. But Noel is not only struggling with being home in general because of the past he has with the town when he was the only gay kid around, but he feels threatened by Hopper swooping in to care for his parents and the property. Hopper is a lost soul. After a family tragedy, he really had nowhere to go so he lives and works hard at Grisold Tree Farm to make sure all that can be done can be completed, but there is only so much time in the day and only so much he can do.
--I had more important things to do than get hot and sweaty with my very own lumberjack fantasy.--
These two guys start off with some thick animosity that was just pure misunderstanding. Once they quickly learn everything, they need to about the going ons in each other’s lives, their tension quickly turns into romance. Their character development moves at a quick pace along with the plot. The timing in the novella is over a month and a half period and even though the novella is under 200 pages, it felt like it was longer with no detail left unturned, which in this readers opinion, is very hard to do. The plot itself was a quaint setting in-between the two towns the author has made famous in her other series, Granville and Riverton. The Tree farm had begun to struggle as Noel’s parents got older and issues begun to arise. Things started to fall thru the cracks. Noel is determined to ‘Right The Ship’ and bring the holiday magic back to the people that used to visit. With Noel in the kitchen, running almost 24/7 with meals and goodies, and helping his mom and Hopper in the shop and farm, a vision of what the Tree Farm could be again plus more begins to form.
--“I’m not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but if you put something tasty in front of me, I’m going to bite.”--
The spice was like a dragster streetcar, 0 to 100 in a blink of an eye. 3/5 🌶. I really enjoyed the trope of Reverse Stereotypes in this novella as well as mild control/sub tendencies. It added some sizzle to the quirky and cute plot. Their relationship was super sweet and hard to look away even in the simple moments. The secret looks and grazes were full of wanting and love that it was more than obvious that there was a long-term connection.
--Who taught Hopper Kelly to flirt so well? Scratch that. I didn’t want to know. As far as I was concerned, Hopper was as untouched as the season’s first snow.--
THE ENSEMBLE!!!! YALLLLLL!!!!! Ok, before I get overly excited… Noels parents filled my heart. Even though they are struggling, the vibe they gave off was still pure love for all those in their life. Hopper’s father added the little angst the novella had. The hard times in their family is true and authentic and pulled you as a reader out of the cozy setting to small spurts of time. NOW TO THE EXCITEMENT!!! If this is your first DJ Jamison read, you will get an eye full of so many characters and relationships from previous books across her extended universe. It was truly like a reunion that I never knew I needed. It was so cool how the author brought them all together in one place and making it work without making it complicated. I think I got them all but could have missed some connections. Starting with the most recent, The Foster Brothers and their partners, Holden & Shiloh, Gray & Emory, Axel & Dalton, and Bailey the youngest and final book to be released. They are in the neighboring town of Riverton and their series has more of an edge to it that is still full of heart. The other neighboring town, Granville, had a ton of townspeople and residents make appearances as well. Evan & Dawson, Kevin & Garrett, Lyle & Tru, Laurie & Tucker, and Hunter & Clark. The author’s new series was also teased, Matchmaking In Granville, coming in 2026. And lets not forget Griff and Kody making separate cameo appearances from Christmas Falls. See below at the end for a full list of novels. I also have a guide posted as well.
--You could take the lumberjack inside, but you couldn’t make him stop thinking like a lumberjack.--
This is a magical multi-holiday novella, with all the cozy feels to get your season started. It can easily be read in a sitting or over two to three days and will hook you with all the easter eggs the author dropped. It will also make you feel everything both men are experiencing whether reliving their high school trauma or feeling like a failure. The author details their moments in a way that easily flows without lingering on the negative for to long but doesn’t diminish how life can be in the real world. It might be a quaint and cute hallmark holiday story but its full of authenticity.
💜Happy Reading🫶
November 17, 2025
Noel I Won’t by D. J. Jamison is a cute Christmas story about 2 men who thought they were enemies in high school and find out they aren’t as they try to help one of their parents at their Christmas tree farm during Christmas and discover they are just what the other needs. Noel Grisold’s dream has always been to be a head chef in an upscale restaurant in the city and he thought he had reached it in Chicago when it fell apart and the restaurant closed. It had been a stressful uphill climb since he left Riverton, Nebraska, 10 years ago, but he knew it was what he wanted to do and that he had to try again. Then he got the news that his father had had a heart scare and he felt guilty that he had rarely been back to see his parents because of bad memories of being bullied in high school. He left right away to go back and check on them and see what he could do to help, but he only planned to stay for a small amount of time so he could get back to Chicago and start his search for another head chef’s job. His parents owned The Grisold Christmas Tree Farm in Riverton, Nebraska, and when he got there, he saw that things had slowed down, most likely because of his parents’ ages, so he decided to do whatever he could to help bring back what they once had in the short time he was going to be there. He also saw that Hopper Kelly, a football player in high school that hung out with his bullies, was working there. Hopper’s mother had died when he was younger and his father fell apart and became an alcoholic so Ed and Maggie Grisold had become his surrogate parents. Both men were jealous of each other, Noel because Hopper had taken over his room in the house and was his parents’ hired help and maybe taken his place in the family, and Hopper because he saw the relationship Noel had with his parents, one he hoped he had, and that Noel would always come first, even though he hardly visited. Noel also worried that Hopper was trying to take over the farm and that his father would leave it to him. They had an adversarial relationship at first but as they got to know each other and started working together they both realized that their first impressions were wrong. Black Friday was coming and that is the busiest day at the farm so Hopper was working with the trees and when Noel sees that his mother doesn’t have many baked goods for the market on the farm he starts baking. On a trip to Riverton to get supplies Noel starts to feel an attraction for Hopper but thinks he’s straight. He fixes Thanksgiving dinner for the family and that is when Hopper sees the real talent for cooking that Noel possesses. When friends out Hopper he is a little sheepish but he is also attracted to Noel. Noel wants to bring the farm back to his former glory so he calls his friend in Chicago who tells him he’ll let the event organizer in Christmas Falls call him back for ideas. And now Noel is not liking the idea of returning to all the stress and anxiety of Chicago. Hopper goes out with friends but Noel thinks he’s dating someone so when he gets home, he tells him that he’s the only person he wants. They kiss and have a hot love scene. As they go through the several events that the farm has for Christmas, they become closer. Noel implements some of the activities the event organizer suggested and they are starting to draw more people to the farm. Plus, he cooks for a dinner party for a friend and that helps him make the decision to stay when he sees the opportunities he could have by being there, which pleases his parents and Hopper. Then something happens that almost ruins it, but once Noel explains they are ready to commit to each other and declare their love. I really enjoyed this story. Noel is an amazing chef but comes to the realization that he needs time for himself and others, especially his parents, in order to make his dreams come true. Hopper had a sad childhood but liked working at the farm and looked to the Grisolds as his surrogate parents and they saw him as a son. He was always worried that if he started something with Noel that he would be leaving and he would have to deal with a broken heart, but luckily Noel found what he was looking for with both Hopper and the farm. I really enjoyed the fun scenes that Ms. Jamison included with characters from her Games We Play and Foster Bro Code series. They added some levity and it was great to see what they were up to. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like enemy to lover stories about a man who left to escape bullies and his farm life and came back when he was needed and the farm helper who was lonely and wanted a family and when they saw each other as they really were, helped to bring the farm back to life, and fell in love at Christmas.
November 21, 2025
4.5 stars rounded to 5
This is a delightful Christmas story featuring Chicago chef Noel and farm boy Hopper (honestly, where did that name come from—although I smile each time I come across it, which is often😁), meeting again after ten years on Noel’s family tree farm. With the restaurant where he worked closed, Noel has come home to check on his mother and his father recovering from heart surgery. The first person Noel encounters is Hopper. Noel is angry and jealous, believing that Hopper has taken over Noel’s place on the farm and is trying to take advantage of his parents (while also trying to ignore the fact that he had a crush on Hopper in high school and he has grown into a really hot guy). Hopper, meanwhile, thinks Noel has been remiss not coming home for so long, especially when his father was hospitalized, leaving his mom with the extra responsibility of the farm getting ready for the Christmas season (and also ignoring the sexy twink that Noel has become). Turns out both were wrong in their assumptions, and things smooth out as the air is cleared and both Hopper and Noel fight the mutual current attraction to each other. As Noel works to add events to the calendar before Christmas to help the farm be more financially viable, he and Hopper give in to their attraction and start what they think is a “secret” relationship. Feelings deepen, Hopper wants to beg Noel to stay, Noel feels he needs to return to Chicago, but over the month, options arise which offer the chance for him to stay —if he wants to embrace the life of the farm and the opportunities in his home town, and give up his hectic city life. There is a lot to think about and process before making a decision.
These two MCs are engaging and realistic, their attraction is strong, their encounters are spicy and hot, and they work well together to make the season at the tree farm the best it can be. Noel is a bit angsty with his mantra about returning to Chicago to rebuild his career, ignoring all that the farm and surrounding area has to offer him related to his career if he were to stay. It takes becoming emotionally involved with Hopper and meeting several characters from previous books that were friends from high school and current friends of Hopper to open his eyes to the possibilities. Events are realistic, the story flows naturally as does their relationship, the family feeling really comes through in the writing, and there is a lot of Christmas spirit to create a sweet, entertaining read for the holiday season. I can easily recommend this book, as well as any other from this author, for an engaging and satisfactory tale with a HEA and very relatable characters.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
This is a delightful Christmas story featuring Chicago chef Noel and farm boy Hopper (honestly, where did that name come from—although I smile each time I come across it, which is often😁), meeting again after ten years on Noel’s family tree farm. With the restaurant where he worked closed, Noel has come home to check on his mother and his father recovering from heart surgery. The first person Noel encounters is Hopper. Noel is angry and jealous, believing that Hopper has taken over Noel’s place on the farm and is trying to take advantage of his parents (while also trying to ignore the fact that he had a crush on Hopper in high school and he has grown into a really hot guy). Hopper, meanwhile, thinks Noel has been remiss not coming home for so long, especially when his father was hospitalized, leaving his mom with the extra responsibility of the farm getting ready for the Christmas season (and also ignoring the sexy twink that Noel has become). Turns out both were wrong in their assumptions, and things smooth out as the air is cleared and both Hopper and Noel fight the mutual current attraction to each other. As Noel works to add events to the calendar before Christmas to help the farm be more financially viable, he and Hopper give in to their attraction and start what they think is a “secret” relationship. Feelings deepen, Hopper wants to beg Noel to stay, Noel feels he needs to return to Chicago, but over the month, options arise which offer the chance for him to stay —if he wants to embrace the life of the farm and the opportunities in his home town, and give up his hectic city life. There is a lot to think about and process before making a decision.
These two MCs are engaging and realistic, their attraction is strong, their encounters are spicy and hot, and they work well together to make the season at the tree farm the best it can be. Noel is a bit angsty with his mantra about returning to Chicago to rebuild his career, ignoring all that the farm and surrounding area has to offer him related to his career if he were to stay. It takes becoming emotionally involved with Hopper and meeting several characters from previous books that were friends from high school and current friends of Hopper to open his eyes to the possibilities. Events are realistic, the story flows naturally as does their relationship, the family feeling really comes through in the writing, and there is a lot of Christmas spirit to create a sweet, entertaining read for the holiday season. I can easily recommend this book, as well as any other from this author, for an engaging and satisfactory tale with a HEA and very relatable characters.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
January 2, 2026
What he wanted in high school, now available
Many parts of this narrative are familiar, and collectively they create a compelling story of love, family, and dedication to a dream.
Noel was a head chef in Chicago when the owner cut costs by purchasing lower-quality food, which led food critics to criticize the restaurant, ultimately resulting in its closure. Noel returns to his parents' Christmas Tree farm, feeling that Hopper, the son of a couple who lost their neighboring farm, was an intruder when he assisted his parents with their farm.
Noel had known Hopper from high school, where bullying and torment made that chapter of his life something he preferred not to remember positively. Nevertheless, he soon realizes that Hopper is genuinely helping his parents with the farm and is not attempting to replace him as their son. Hopper faces his own challenges, including an alcoholic father whose antics require him to leave work and pick him up to take him home.
The romantic relationship deepens when Noel's realization is reinforced by Hopper's sincere appreciation for Noel's talents and his efforts to enhance the farm's appeal to visitors. The two form an excellent pair, with Hopper confessing that he had always been attracted to Noel, even in high school, and Noel recalling instances in which Hopper intervened on his behalf against bullies.
Ms. Jamison's precise writing, appreciation for storytelling, and the familiar world she has crafted advance the romance in a believable manner. The two are sexually compatible, collaborate effectively, and have gained a greater mutual appreciation.
The story unfolds gradually and is a pleasure to read. Both men impress others through their dedication to the farm, innovative ideas, and willingness to involve the community, both the large gay population and traditional families who visit the farm during Christmas.
Readers of the Christmas Falls series will recognize many locations and characters from that series within this book. The return of a prodigal son will resonate with many, as the story incorporates this theme early on. D. J. Jamison's skillful world-building effectively ties these elements together.
My personal hope is that we will see further expansion within the Christmas Falls series, including additional stories that carry the series' heartfelt storytelling, feature more characters, and celebrate the extraordinary events of Christmas Falls.
Many parts of this narrative are familiar, and collectively they create a compelling story of love, family, and dedication to a dream.
Noel was a head chef in Chicago when the owner cut costs by purchasing lower-quality food, which led food critics to criticize the restaurant, ultimately resulting in its closure. Noel returns to his parents' Christmas Tree farm, feeling that Hopper, the son of a couple who lost their neighboring farm, was an intruder when he assisted his parents with their farm.
Noel had known Hopper from high school, where bullying and torment made that chapter of his life something he preferred not to remember positively. Nevertheless, he soon realizes that Hopper is genuinely helping his parents with the farm and is not attempting to replace him as their son. Hopper faces his own challenges, including an alcoholic father whose antics require him to leave work and pick him up to take him home.
The romantic relationship deepens when Noel's realization is reinforced by Hopper's sincere appreciation for Noel's talents and his efforts to enhance the farm's appeal to visitors. The two form an excellent pair, with Hopper confessing that he had always been attracted to Noel, even in high school, and Noel recalling instances in which Hopper intervened on his behalf against bullies.
Ms. Jamison's precise writing, appreciation for storytelling, and the familiar world she has crafted advance the romance in a believable manner. The two are sexually compatible, collaborate effectively, and have gained a greater mutual appreciation.
The story unfolds gradually and is a pleasure to read. Both men impress others through their dedication to the farm, innovative ideas, and willingness to involve the community, both the large gay population and traditional families who visit the farm during Christmas.
Readers of the Christmas Falls series will recognize many locations and characters from that series within this book. The return of a prodigal son will resonate with many, as the story incorporates this theme early on. D. J. Jamison's skillful world-building effectively ties these elements together.
My personal hope is that we will see further expansion within the Christmas Falls series, including additional stories that carry the series' heartfelt storytelling, feature more characters, and celebrate the extraordinary events of Christmas Falls.
November 19, 2025
I always look forward to all of the holiday releases this time of year, and there are a few authors in particular who I know are going to have great holiday stories. And DJ is definitely one of those to look forward to!
Noel and Hopper have a rocky start but eventually, overtime, they slowly warm up to each other and realize things aren't always as they seem. Noel is currently unemployed after the restaurant he ran closed down, seeing as how he hasn't been home in over a decade he decided to go home just for a few weeks... Or so he thought.
Hopper's family used to run their own farm when he was a kid, but after his mom passed away and his dad turned to alcohol, Noel's family took him in. Gave him a purpose, a home, and a family. If only their fancy chef son would come home and visit... Except, when the prodigal son does return home, Hopper has to deal with feeling like an outsider and inadequate... Turns out, one conversation and lots of flirting can change everything.
In the beginning, Hopper and Noel definitely have an enemies to lovers vibe going on, these two could not stand each other at the start. Thankfully as time went on and they spent more time with each other, they started realizing that they might not hate each other as much as they thought. In fact, they quite like each other!
I loved where this story took place, what's more Christmas-y than a Christmas Tree farm?? And I loved how Noel was so passionate about hosting different Christmas events so families could create memories that would last for years. Plus, all the delicious descriptions of food was also enjoyable to read about!
I liked the slow burn between these two, there wasn't any insta-love which I appreciated. I enjoyed how these two men got to know each other gradually, nothing felt rushed or forced, the pacing just made everything feel smooth and natural.
The characters themselves were great! Especially the side characters!! We got appearances from characters that are apart of several of DJ's other series, which was so fun!! I loved all the nods to other series and the appearances from familiar characters, that just added a whole other magical element to the story. A wonderful holiday book!!
Noel and Hopper have a rocky start but eventually, overtime, they slowly warm up to each other and realize things aren't always as they seem. Noel is currently unemployed after the restaurant he ran closed down, seeing as how he hasn't been home in over a decade he decided to go home just for a few weeks... Or so he thought.
Hopper's family used to run their own farm when he was a kid, but after his mom passed away and his dad turned to alcohol, Noel's family took him in. Gave him a purpose, a home, and a family. If only their fancy chef son would come home and visit... Except, when the prodigal son does return home, Hopper has to deal with feeling like an outsider and inadequate... Turns out, one conversation and lots of flirting can change everything.
In the beginning, Hopper and Noel definitely have an enemies to lovers vibe going on, these two could not stand each other at the start. Thankfully as time went on and they spent more time with each other, they started realizing that they might not hate each other as much as they thought. In fact, they quite like each other!
I loved where this story took place, what's more Christmas-y than a Christmas Tree farm?? And I loved how Noel was so passionate about hosting different Christmas events so families could create memories that would last for years. Plus, all the delicious descriptions of food was also enjoyable to read about!
I liked the slow burn between these two, there wasn't any insta-love which I appreciated. I enjoyed how these two men got to know each other gradually, nothing felt rushed or forced, the pacing just made everything feel smooth and natural.
The characters themselves were great! Especially the side characters!! We got appearances from characters that are apart of several of DJ's other series, which was so fun!! I loved all the nods to other series and the appearances from familiar characters, that just added a whole other magical element to the story. A wonderful holiday book!!
November 9, 2025
Noel Grisold has been living life in the city and was doing his dream job as a head chef in a fancy restaurant in Chicago, but then his life took a turn. He hasn’t been home for years, but under the circumstances, he decides he needs to go home.
But he finds out that the jock he knew in high school has now been acting as a surrogate son to his parents. Hopper Kelly lost his mom and his dad is unreliable, so they lost his family farm and he’s been helping to run the Grisold farm. He’s been there when they needed someone, and their son was not. He is a big, burly lumbersnack.
But now that Noel is home, they’re both feeling a little bit displaced as the biological son and surrogate son, and have a bit of rivalry. But the more time they spend together, the more they’re realizing that neither of them has bad ulterior motives. They both care about the farm and Noel's parents. They have amazing chemistry, and actually like sharing things together. And the town Noel left is a bit more progressive than the one he left a long time ago.
Noel still has his big dreams and never planned to stay, and Hopper never wants to leave. Will they be able to find a way that they can both be happy and fulfilled?
This is a sweet, passionate, opposites-attract, coming-home, holiday story with a lot of heart and just enough tension and heat. There are a lot of cameos that fans of this author will probably recognize (I only knew the ones from Christmas Falls), but they added a sense of community and more love and friendship to the story. This was a sweet, delightful holiday treat.
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But he finds out that the jock he knew in high school has now been acting as a surrogate son to his parents. Hopper Kelly lost his mom and his dad is unreliable, so they lost his family farm and he’s been helping to run the Grisold farm. He’s been there when they needed someone, and their son was not. He is a big, burly lumbersnack.
But now that Noel is home, they’re both feeling a little bit displaced as the biological son and surrogate son, and have a bit of rivalry. But the more time they spend together, the more they’re realizing that neither of them has bad ulterior motives. They both care about the farm and Noel's parents. They have amazing chemistry, and actually like sharing things together. And the town Noel left is a bit more progressive than the one he left a long time ago.
Noel still has his big dreams and never planned to stay, and Hopper never wants to leave. Will they be able to find a way that they can both be happy and fulfilled?
This is a sweet, passionate, opposites-attract, coming-home, holiday story with a lot of heart and just enough tension and heat. There are a lot of cameos that fans of this author will probably recognize (I only knew the ones from Christmas Falls), but they added a sense of community and more love and friendship to the story. This was a sweet, delightful holiday treat.
November 22, 2025
Noel & Hopper
This story was so much fun to dive into. I love a sweet holiday romp, and when you add their initial animosity--even if it's unfounded--it just makes for a fun read. I also like that this story has the ever-popular found family element that adds even more love to go around. Noel & Hopper are the kind of guys who should have been great friends when they were younger, but their environment wasn't comfortable enough for them back then. Now, with their fictional small towns in Nebraska taking giant leaps toward queer-friendly environments, both men can find their happiness with one another. There are so many sweet & silly moments throughout this book that bring a smile to my face and make me never want the story to end.
It was a challenge to watch Hopper struggle with the relationship he had with his father, but it was wonderful to see him advocate for himself so there didn't need to be further ruin. Noel's dad having to sit on the sidelines due to his heart scare recovery was also hard to see, but in a completely different way. His take was quite a bit more humorous and utilized as such to break up many serious moments. I loved Noel's parents, and I love how supportive they were of Hopper, well before Noel ever came back into town.
I love the universe that we're given with these stories. DJ has 4 other series' characters intertwined in this story, and I am happy to say I recognized them all (although I am woefully behind on Rules We Break).
Noel I Won't was a great little holiday read to bring you back into Granville & Riverton (mostly the former) while sharing another sweet romance between two small town men who bond over the shared responsibilities of the family legacy. I'd love to see them again if that plays well into any future storylines, but I know this is a fun one I can read again as we get closer to Christmas.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
This story was so much fun to dive into. I love a sweet holiday romp, and when you add their initial animosity--even if it's unfounded--it just makes for a fun read. I also like that this story has the ever-popular found family element that adds even more love to go around. Noel & Hopper are the kind of guys who should have been great friends when they were younger, but their environment wasn't comfortable enough for them back then. Now, with their fictional small towns in Nebraska taking giant leaps toward queer-friendly environments, both men can find their happiness with one another. There are so many sweet & silly moments throughout this book that bring a smile to my face and make me never want the story to end.
It was a challenge to watch Hopper struggle with the relationship he had with his father, but it was wonderful to see him advocate for himself so there didn't need to be further ruin. Noel's dad having to sit on the sidelines due to his heart scare recovery was also hard to see, but in a completely different way. His take was quite a bit more humorous and utilized as such to break up many serious moments. I loved Noel's parents, and I love how supportive they were of Hopper, well before Noel ever came back into town.
I love the universe that we're given with these stories. DJ has 4 other series' characters intertwined in this story, and I am happy to say I recognized them all (although I am woefully behind on Rules We Break).
Noel I Won't was a great little holiday read to bring you back into Granville & Riverton (mostly the former) while sharing another sweet romance between two small town men who bond over the shared responsibilities of the family legacy. I'd love to see them again if that plays well into any future storylines, but I know this is a fun one I can read again as we get closer to Christmas.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
November 19, 2025
This is such a warm and sweet story. It has a very Hallmark movie with enemies to lovers feel. This is the story of Noel Grisold and Hopper Kelly. Noel grew up in Riverton, Nebraska. Back then being gay was not widely accepted and he was bullied all through high school. Upon graduation he couldn't leave fast enough. But it was also his dream to one day be a head chef at his own restaurant that propelled him forward. Well his dream job is gone and the restaurant closed due to mismanagement. Upon learning that his dad has had heart issues, Noel heads home for a visit. He doesn't intend to stay long until he sees how worn down the family Christmas Tree farm has become. His parents are older and no longer able to keep on top of everything. So he decides to stay and rebuild the farm so that when he leaves his parents will be set to carry on. One thing he didn't count on was meeting a high school football star working at the Tree Farm. Hopper's mom died when he was young and then it was just him and his dad. Actually it was just him as his dad couldn't get over the loss and drowned his sorrows in alcohol. Luckily Noel's parents pseudo adopted him and gave him family love. He is expected Noel to be flash in the pan and then gone. He hasn't come home before when his parents needed help. There are sparks when they meet but not the good kind. There are a lot of assumptions on both sides. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. This is such a sweet story. You will cheer them on as they start to work together to improve the Christmas Tree Farm. It was great to see both of them find a place where they truly belonged. I really enjoyed this book. It is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
November 25, 2025
I devoured this book in one day! DJ has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I’m gonna read anything she writes 😂
I loved this story so much. It was absolutely the perfect holiday romance. Fast paced, hot and so sweet.
Noel was so busy as a chef that he barely had time to visit his parents. But when he learns of his father’s health problems, he goes back home for the holidays help out at their tree farm.
What he didn’t expect was Hopper replacing him at his parent’s house and business. He immediately assumes the gorgeous lumberjack has a hidden agenda.
Hopper has been Noel’s parent’s support throughout their difficult times and Noel’s hostility towards him is not exactly what he expected. The chef’s attitude is grating on his nerves and he would like nothing but to bring him down a notch.
But neither can deny the attraction between them and when Noel learns how essential his help has been to his parents, he starts seeing him in a different light.
Only problem is that whatever is happening between them can only be temporary. Noel has a city to return to but Hopper is quickly making want to stay.
I loved how after their initial encounter they started working together to make his family’s business grow. Noel was able to see what an amazing man Hopper really was and how much he had cared for him for a while.
Noel’s trauma from high school didn’t allow him to accept Hopper’s help and eventually pushed him away. But now he could see how much having Hopper in his life would make him happier.
Their size difference and role reversal was hot af. I love it when the big guy lets himself be manhandled by the little guy🤭 And these two were pure fire.
This book was so good. It was so cool seeing some of my favorite characters from other series. Truly recommend it.
I loved this story so much. It was absolutely the perfect holiday romance. Fast paced, hot and so sweet.
Noel was so busy as a chef that he barely had time to visit his parents. But when he learns of his father’s health problems, he goes back home for the holidays help out at their tree farm.
What he didn’t expect was Hopper replacing him at his parent’s house and business. He immediately assumes the gorgeous lumberjack has a hidden agenda.
Hopper has been Noel’s parent’s support throughout their difficult times and Noel’s hostility towards him is not exactly what he expected. The chef’s attitude is grating on his nerves and he would like nothing but to bring him down a notch.
But neither can deny the attraction between them and when Noel learns how essential his help has been to his parents, he starts seeing him in a different light.
Only problem is that whatever is happening between them can only be temporary. Noel has a city to return to but Hopper is quickly making want to stay.
I loved how after their initial encounter they started working together to make his family’s business grow. Noel was able to see what an amazing man Hopper really was and how much he had cared for him for a while.
Noel’s trauma from high school didn’t allow him to accept Hopper’s help and eventually pushed him away. But now he could see how much having Hopper in his life would make him happier.
Their size difference and role reversal was hot af. I love it when the big guy lets himself be manhandled by the little guy🤭 And these two were pure fire.
This book was so good. It was so cool seeing some of my favorite characters from other series. Truly recommend it.
December 9, 2025
Story: 3/5
Spice: Medium (# of scenes, Kinks (size difference))
Characters: 4/5
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Overall reco:
I liked it. It was very christmassy and felt like a better written Hallmark movie. I used to love the shit out of those when I was a kid, and as I got older I didn't enjoy them as much. I think this novel is exactly why I fell out with them. This book exists in a world that will keep going past this moment. It was like someone came home for a visit, had a single kiss, and then gave up on their dreams.
I really like how Noel's story progressed. There were real feeling consequences, and understandable mistakes, and honest miscommunications. I liked his reactions to things, and while I would have liked to explore more about what it's like to that would make this a different type of book and it was fine that it wasn't explored.
Again, I really like how this resolved, story wise for Noel.
Spice: Medium (# of scenes, Kinks (size difference))
Characters: 4/5
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Overall reco:
I liked it. It was very christmassy and felt like a better written Hallmark movie. I used to love the shit out of those when I was a kid, and as I got older I didn't enjoy them as much. I think this novel is exactly why I fell out with them. This book exists in a world that will keep going past this moment. It was like someone came home for a visit, had a single kiss, and then gave up on their dreams.
I really like how Noel's story progressed. There were real feeling consequences, and understandable mistakes, and honest miscommunications. I liked his reactions to things, and while I would have liked to explore more about what it's like to that would make this a different type of book and it was fine that it wasn't explored.
Again, I really like how this resolved, story wise for Noel.
November 19, 2025
A Sweet, Snowy Reunion That Feels Like Coming Home
Rating: ★★★★☆
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Small-town return, childhood/peripheral acquaintances-to-lovers, forced proximity, holiday romance, found family
Review:
When Noel’s culinary career goes up in smoke and a family emergency pulls him back to Nebraska, the last thing he expects is to find Hopper — the farmboy-next-door from his teen years — living in his childhood home and running the family Christmas tree farm.
Their reconnection has this adorable, slightly flustered energy: “I had a crush on you in high school, thought you were straight and way out of my league… and now you’re still super hot and actually bisexual, so there’s hope.” But the real heart of the book isn’t labels — it’s the way these two fit. The way Hopper steadies Noel without overshadowing him. The way Noel brings warmth and spark back into Hopper’s routine. Their chemistry is soft, sweet, and full of those quiet moments that sneak up on you.
What works: This is a genuinely cute Christmas romance — comforting, warm, and laced with small-town charm. Hopper is steady and swoon-worthy, Noel’s growth feels earned, and the holiday farm setting makes everything glow. It’s the romantic equivalent of hot cocoa and twinkle lights.
What might not: This is low-angst and cozy, so if you crave big drama or emotional explosions, it stays firmly in gentle territory. Noel’s stubbornness about small-town life drags a bit, but it ultimately feeds the payoff.
If you want a sweet, soft holiday love story with connection, chemistry, and Christmas-tree-farm magic? Noel and Hopper deliver in the cutest way possible.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Small-town return, childhood/peripheral acquaintances-to-lovers, forced proximity, holiday romance, found family
Review:
When Noel’s culinary career goes up in smoke and a family emergency pulls him back to Nebraska, the last thing he expects is to find Hopper — the farmboy-next-door from his teen years — living in his childhood home and running the family Christmas tree farm.
Their reconnection has this adorable, slightly flustered energy: “I had a crush on you in high school, thought you were straight and way out of my league… and now you’re still super hot and actually bisexual, so there’s hope.” But the real heart of the book isn’t labels — it’s the way these two fit. The way Hopper steadies Noel without overshadowing him. The way Noel brings warmth and spark back into Hopper’s routine. Their chemistry is soft, sweet, and full of those quiet moments that sneak up on you.
What works: This is a genuinely cute Christmas romance — comforting, warm, and laced with small-town charm. Hopper is steady and swoon-worthy, Noel’s growth feels earned, and the holiday farm setting makes everything glow. It’s the romantic equivalent of hot cocoa and twinkle lights.
What might not: This is low-angst and cozy, so if you crave big drama or emotional explosions, it stays firmly in gentle territory. Noel’s stubbornness about small-town life drags a bit, but it ultimately feeds the payoff.
If you want a sweet, soft holiday love story with connection, chemistry, and Christmas-tree-farm magic? Noel and Hopper deliver in the cutest way possible.
December 13, 2025
Noel has been gone for years working as a chef. Until recently he had an amazing job in Chicago but he lost it when the restaurant went under. Now after finding out his dad's health isn't good and his parents have someone helping them that is a neighbor he goes home thinking the worst of this person. It couldn't be farther from the truth though.
Hopper is living with Noel's parents helping run the Christmas Tree Farm and he feels like he belongs after all, his dad hasn't been there since something happened so he helps the Grisolds out needing that feel of family.
When Noel gets home he and Hopper butt heads at first big time. I laughed so much at times. I also cackled when Noel was shocked by the reveal that Hopper lived in the house something his mom hadn't mentioned. Then Noel finds out somethings getting a reality check from that reveal and stuff changes.
Noel is full steam ahead trying make things better for his parents and the farm. Even asks advice on how make things better from a friend who gets him in contact with Griff from Christmas Falls.
Really loved the relationship, banter and romance. Noel learns that the town isn't like it was when he was a teen. People have changed and that helps him decide in the end what he is going to do with the rest of his life since he's free technically.
That moment near the end when Noel went after Hopper without outdoor clothes on for a certain reason was so romantic in a way especially when Hopper carried him back inside.
Thanks D.J. for writing this. I loved it so much. Plenty of Christmas fun and old friends from other book series.
Hopper is living with Noel's parents helping run the Christmas Tree Farm and he feels like he belongs after all, his dad hasn't been there since something happened so he helps the Grisolds out needing that feel of family.
When Noel gets home he and Hopper butt heads at first big time. I laughed so much at times. I also cackled when Noel was shocked by the reveal that Hopper lived in the house something his mom hadn't mentioned. Then Noel finds out somethings getting a reality check from that reveal and stuff changes.
Noel is full steam ahead trying make things better for his parents and the farm. Even asks advice on how make things better from a friend who gets him in contact with Griff from Christmas Falls.
Really loved the relationship, banter and romance. Noel learns that the town isn't like it was when he was a teen. People have changed and that helps him decide in the end what he is going to do with the rest of his life since he's free technically.
That moment near the end when Noel went after Hopper without outdoor clothes on for a certain reason was so romantic in a way especially when Hopper carried him back inside.
Thanks D.J. for writing this. I loved it so much. Plenty of Christmas fun and old friends from other book series.
November 20, 2025
- Christmas tree farm setting
- small town
- cameos
- slow burn
- 'enemies' to friends to lovers
- opposite attracts
- delicious sounding food
- heaps of Christmas events
OMG I frickin LOVED it so so much. (sorry I needed to get that off my chest XD )
I have no idea if I was just in the right mood but this book touched something deep inside me, struck a chord within me so to say, leaving me feeling emotional and certainly in a festive mood.
This book contains everything I could've wished for.
Heart, charm, family, Christmas moments and feelings in abundance, love, togetherness and the realization that you may find love, a home, life and a career at unexpected places.
All that plus skilfully incorporated cameos into the story made me beyond happy.
In addition to having a lovely setting on a Christmas tree farm, it's a well written, heart warming tale with endearing main and secondary characters I would love to meet in real life.
I am not sure if Noel or Hopper was my favourite, I think I simply fell in love with both of them.
But Noel was the one who nearly brought me to my knees. I really wanted to shake him and was definitely shouting at my kindle *lol* That he couldn't see the easiest solution... *shakes head*
I was rooting so dang hard that their temporary relationship would turn into an HEA.
Simply a wonderful read I enjoyed immensely. As always with DJ's book, the writing was engaging and captivating and I could hardly put it down. It was just so good.
Definitely a recommendation from me.
- small town
- cameos
- slow burn
- 'enemies' to friends to lovers
- opposite attracts
- delicious sounding food
- heaps of Christmas events
OMG I frickin LOVED it so so much. (sorry I needed to get that off my chest XD )
I have no idea if I was just in the right mood but this book touched something deep inside me, struck a chord within me so to say, leaving me feeling emotional and certainly in a festive mood.
This book contains everything I could've wished for.
Heart, charm, family, Christmas moments and feelings in abundance, love, togetherness and the realization that you may find love, a home, life and a career at unexpected places.
All that plus skilfully incorporated cameos into the story made me beyond happy.
In addition to having a lovely setting on a Christmas tree farm, it's a well written, heart warming tale with endearing main and secondary characters I would love to meet in real life.
I am not sure if Noel or Hopper was my favourite, I think I simply fell in love with both of them.
But Noel was the one who nearly brought me to my knees. I really wanted to shake him and was definitely shouting at my kindle *lol* That he couldn't see the easiest solution... *shakes head*
I was rooting so dang hard that their temporary relationship would turn into an HEA.
Simply a wonderful read I enjoyed immensely. As always with DJ's book, the writing was engaging and captivating and I could hardly put it down. It was just so good.
Definitely a recommendation from me.
December 13, 2025
A promising story structure very poorly executed
Noel is an angry gay man whose head was dunked in a toilet in high school. This apparently is the genesis of his very asshole behavior wherein he fails as a brilliant chef in a ginormous city- Chicago. Having burnt all bridges in the giant city, he finally gets in contact- after four friggin years- with his aging parents.
Coming home finally, he encounters a corn fed farm boy taking care of his parents and at first meeting essentially tells him to fuck off. His total lack of self reflection is stunning. Latter on he discovers a tool box of dildos under the beefy bi- sexual guy’s bed… sure like big farm guys always go that way. Next improbable is that not only does little Noel top the 6 foot farm boy- he doms him.
It could have been a nice Christmas story. But I think this female author’s understanding of M/M dynamics is really lacking. And even if the sexual roles of the two male characters can be believed. Noel remains an asshole that a healthy balanced guy like Hopper- with his strong social network of friends would never tolerate.
I guess in an effort to innovate on traditional m/m romance story lines the author decided to flip the two main characters roles radically. But it’s not just a flip of roles, it is a distortion of nice guy meets nice guy with little understanding of rural farm lifestyles. It’s sad really. There is nothing merry about this story. Won’t be reading any more of her novels.
And by the way, I love many women authors of gay romance genre like May Archer and Ms Lennox.
Noel is an angry gay man whose head was dunked in a toilet in high school. This apparently is the genesis of his very asshole behavior wherein he fails as a brilliant chef in a ginormous city- Chicago. Having burnt all bridges in the giant city, he finally gets in contact- after four friggin years- with his aging parents.
Coming home finally, he encounters a corn fed farm boy taking care of his parents and at first meeting essentially tells him to fuck off. His total lack of self reflection is stunning. Latter on he discovers a tool box of dildos under the beefy bi- sexual guy’s bed… sure like big farm guys always go that way. Next improbable is that not only does little Noel top the 6 foot farm boy- he doms him.
It could have been a nice Christmas story. But I think this female author’s understanding of M/M dynamics is really lacking. And even if the sexual roles of the two male characters can be believed. Noel remains an asshole that a healthy balanced guy like Hopper- with his strong social network of friends would never tolerate.
I guess in an effort to innovate on traditional m/m romance story lines the author decided to flip the two main characters roles radically. But it’s not just a flip of roles, it is a distortion of nice guy meets nice guy with little understanding of rural farm lifestyles. It’s sad really. There is nothing merry about this story. Won’t be reading any more of her novels.
And by the way, I love many women authors of gay romance genre like May Archer and Ms Lennox.
November 6, 2025
Noel didn’t have the best high school experience, so as soon as he was done he left and tried not to look back. Hard to do considering he loved his parents and their Christmas tree farm. But if he wanted to pursue his dream as a chef, he needed to leave. Ten years later, he is exhausted and his new head chef gig has exploded. And when he calls home and realizes that he missed his father’s health scare, he realizes just how much he has been neglecting his family. And when he sees that Hopper has basically moved in and “replaced” him, well he can’t help but be a little insecure and wary of his motives. But the more he learns about Hopper, the more he realizes how wrong he is. And that he may be falling for him. But his life is in Chicago, he can’t stay…right? Hopper can’t help but be a little wary that Noel has returned. He hasn’t been around in a long time, even missing the fact that his father was in the hospital. But as they get to know one another again, he realizes just how talented Noel is. And he is falling for him harder each day. He knows his heart will break when Noel leaves. But what if he can get him to stay? This was such a fun Christmas story! I loved getting to know Noel and Hopper and watching them fall in love. I also loved the many cameos from Granville and Riverton! Those are always so much fun to see. If you need a Christmas story and love DJ Jamison, then this is the book for you!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2025
Noel returns to help his parents run their Christmas tree farm for awhile after the restaurant he was a chef for closes. He’s worried because their neighbour’s son, Hopper, might be trying to take advantage of them. He doesn’t tell anyone about the restaurant because he feels like a failure, but he’s determined to make sure his parents are OK.
Hopper’s Dad lost their farm due to his alcoholism after his wife died, and Hopper’s been helping Noel’s parents with the farm, which they need.
They’re both suspicious and judge each other, but soon realize they’re both trying to help Noel’s parents. They also feel attraction between them, but Noel doesn’t think Hopper is gay. It turns out they’re both interested and compatible in bed, and they agree to hook up while Noel is home.
He accomplishes a lot on the farm and has great ideas to draw in business, impressing everyone around him. They fall in love, but Noel’s work in Chicago looms over them.
When Noel tells them the truth and Hopper realizes he has no job to go back to, he decides to ask him to stay. They’re on the same page, because Noel wants to create recipes and run events on the farm.
I enjoyed this book, Noel is a powerhouse in all he does, and Lumberjack Hopper is so kind and giving. A nice Christmas story.
I received this ARC for free and am glad to provide my honest review in appreciation.
Hopper’s Dad lost their farm due to his alcoholism after his wife died, and Hopper’s been helping Noel’s parents with the farm, which they need.
They’re both suspicious and judge each other, but soon realize they’re both trying to help Noel’s parents. They also feel attraction between them, but Noel doesn’t think Hopper is gay. It turns out they’re both interested and compatible in bed, and they agree to hook up while Noel is home.
He accomplishes a lot on the farm and has great ideas to draw in business, impressing everyone around him. They fall in love, but Noel’s work in Chicago looms over them.
When Noel tells them the truth and Hopper realizes he has no job to go back to, he decides to ask him to stay. They’re on the same page, because Noel wants to create recipes and run events on the farm.
I enjoyed this book, Noel is a powerhouse in all he does, and Lumberjack Hopper is so kind and giving. A nice Christmas story.
I received this ARC for free and am glad to provide my honest review in appreciation.
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