Zampette sotto l’albero

Christmas Falls: Season 2 #4

by Lee Blair

Quando un solare bastoncino alla cannella incontra uno scontroso vicino Grinch, le campanelle non sono le uniche cose che vibrano.

Trascorro tutto l’anno a prepararmi alla stagione delle feste di Christmas Falls: quelle cinque settimane costituiscono un vero e proprio spettacolo per il rifugio degli animali e io programmo tutto fino al dettaglio per aiutare tutti i miei amici a quattro zampe a trovare le loro case per la vita.

La mia macchina ben oliata esce fuori strada quando scopro un’enorme perdita al rifugio e mio nonno, la mia unica famiglia, deve riprendersi da un intervento di protesi all’anca e non riesco a non preoccuparmi per il nostro ultimo cagnolino arrivato al rifugio. Roman, il mio vicino di casa, alter-ego del signor Scrooge, mi sta dando del filo da torcere per le decorazioni sulla mia metà della nostra bifamiliare. Non è colpa mia se ho più spirito natalizio io nel mio mignolo di quanto lui ne abbia in quel suo corpo dalle spalle larghe.

C’è qualcosa però in Roman che mi dice che potrebbe amare il Natale e questa città tanto quanto me, se solo desse a entrambi un’occasione. Non importa che io abbia mille altre priorità sulla mia lista, fargli abbassare la guardia e vedere finalmente l’uomo meraviglioso e affettuoso dietro a quella faccia impassibile diventerà la mia missione per le feste. È come aprire un regalo la mattina di Natale e trovare proprio ciò che desideravi.

A un certo punto, però, il mio cuore decide di volere anche Roman sotto l’albero. Ma il suo proposito per il nuovo anno è di lasciare la città, per cui non posso permettermi di innamorarmi di un uomo che non ha in programma di restare.

Christmas Falls è la mia casa, lo sarà per sempre. Come lo convinco che potrebbe essere anche la sua?

Christmas Falls è una serie MM Romance scritta da più autori e ambientata in una piccola cittadina ricca di fascino natalizio, degna di qualsiasi film Hallmark.

Genres: Christmas, M M Romance, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, LGBT, Forced Proximity

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 22, 2024

About the author

Lee Blair is a queer author from Oregon who writes low angst, funny, M/M contemporary romance. She's constantly amused by the antics of her two ginger cats, considers daydreaming about future trips to Scotland a part-time job, and is obsessed with Schitt's Creek to an alarming degree.

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike children, dogs can do no wrong and are welcome in any book, anytime, anywhere. I loved the whole gang: Nutcracker, Tinsel, and Carol.

Of course, the dogs have Christmas-themed names. The town is named Christmas Falls after all. How do the residents even survive the summer? I barely do, and I don't live there.

I thought this might be a 4 star read, but there was too much name dropping of random town folk, who may or may not be previous/future MCs.

This dude makes dog treats, and this adorable couple adopted a cat, and this other even more adorable couple are fostering two shelter animals, and so on, ad nauseam. This got really old, really fast.

Also, Roman's character was odd, like a cut and paste caricature of someone vs. a real human.

Roman's parents moved a lot for his dad's job, and he hated it, so now as an adult he continues to move a lot ... for no apparent reason.

The manufactured drama around Roman potentially leaving town was dumb. Roman and Elias have been neighbors passing in the night for two years, but within a few weeks, they're hot & heavy, and that's when Roman decides to stay.

Nah, just kidding. That's when Roman decides to LEAVE.

But not to worry! The epilogue is warm and cozy. There's all kinds of Christmas cheer. And everyone poses for a photo with Santa.

Say cheese!

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this author's writing style just doesn't quite work for me. I can't really put my finger on exactly what it was, but something about this book just grated on me and I couldn't enjoy it!

I also didn't understand Roman's character at all. If you're not happy moving around stop bloody doing it! I also didn't get the endless pining over a childhood friend that he knew for less than a year but never made any effort to keep in touch - do emails, texts, phonecalls etc. not exist?? Even a postcard is better than forced silence! I was just confused by his whole approach to life and social relationships. I'm THE most anti-social person ever but even I can message, text, email or ... make a dreaded phone call if it's needed *shudders*

Elias was cute and a ball of sunshine and I would totally love to go for Christmas dinner at his house because his cooking sounded awesome, but other than the fact he loves animals, the Shelter and his Grandpa, there wasn't much else to him.

[read_romance.withgloria Gloria Worlikar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the sweetest grumpy x sunshine story I read so far with a Christmas setting and add all fur babies in the mix made this book more wonderful.

Elias was the sweetest character with how much dedication he had to protect all the fur babies and help them get a happy home. He also had a menagerie of his own. Whereas Roman was his grouchy neighbour, they had never spoken in the two years they stayed together but circumstances bring them to talk to each other as Elias convinces Roman to foster a dog.

Elias and Roman were perfect together, their friendship was amazing and when they start hooking up casually they were sizzling hot. There were so many sweet moments in this book which made me giddy. I liked Jim (Elias's grandpa) and Nancy, they had their own HEA but also they played a part to bring them together. The fur babies were wonderful and I loved some of the scenes with them especially Carol. Their HEA was the cutest and they both deserved it.

Highly recommend checking it out.

[Julie Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, low-angst, grumpy x sunshine Christmas novel!

Roman is practically the grinch of Christmas Falls, who, ironically, lives next door to Elias, the jolliest of jolly people ever to exist! Roman has spent all his life constantly on the move, first with his parents growing up and then by himself as an adult. He doesn’t let himself get too close to people, and never stays anywhere for more than a couple of years, max. That is, until his PT patient decides to set him up with his grandson - who happens to be Elias, the jolly neighbour. Elias manages an animal shelter, and when a pipe bursts and causes damage to the facility just in time for winter, Elias is scrambling to find people to foster the pets, and Roman is definitely on his list.

This is a cute, fluffy novel where the relationship evolves organically, with little to no angst, and so many pets! A few meddling friends and family members also exist, and it’s a guaranteed HEA. Elias is so understanding and supportive and altruistic, and I love how he never pressured Roman for anything he didn’t want. Likewise, I love how Roman discovered what he really wanted and went after it. The epilogue was absolutely adorable and not over-the-top, which I’ve found some other Christmas stories to be.

There’s also a reference to Daliah Falls and a character named Warren, who has his own story: 24 Dares of Christmas. I’ve read another story set in this town, so that was a nice connection, especially since I haven’t read any of the other Christmas Falls stories! If you’re like me, I didn’t feel like I was missing any context or anything by reading only this book; however, I imagine someone who’s read other books set in the same town will spot some connections I missed and maybe have even more love for the town and the characters just due to that connection you get from reading multiple books set in the same universe.

I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[R.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book I mean what can go wrong when a book features a man who needs to be shown that staying put is a good thing and with added puppies at Christmas? Really enjoyed this book in this series, highly recommended.

[Marika Schiavone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elias ama il Natale e vivere a Christmas Falls è di certo la cosa più bella ed emozionante per lui. Egli lavora come responsabile del rifugio per animali della cittadina e con le festività alle porte, si sta preparando al periodo più frenetico e proficuo per far sì che la maggior parte dei suoi ospiti a quattro zampe trovi una famiglia di adozione. Dopo una dura giornata di lavoro, purtroppo, un imprevisto mette a dura prova le finanze del rifugio a causa della rottura di alcune tubature. Come se già il danno non fosse grave, deve ovviamente pensare anche al benessere dei suoi animali, fra i quali vi è Carol, l'ultima arrivata presso la struttura. Inoltre, suo nonno Jim ha da poco subìto un'operazione all'anca e anche la sua totale ripresa è nei pensieri di Elias. Roman, vicino della casetta bifamiliare di Elias, è praticamente il Grinch in persona. Rifugge da qualsiasi relazione o contatto, pensa solo al suo lavoro come fisioterapista e ogni volta che guarda le decorazioni natalizie di Elias prova delle sensazioni contrastanti. La magia del Natale sta per compiersi e, grazie ad una serie di eventi, i due uomini inizieranno a trascorrere del tempo insieme. Riusciranno a trovare un equilibrio senza mettere a rischio i loro cuori, sapendo che Roman con l'arrivo del nuovo anno ha tutte le intenzioni di lasciare Christmas Falls? A voi lascio questa domanda in sospeso, a cui dar risposta solamente leggendo Zampette sotto l'albero.
Oh quanta dolcezza fra le pagine di questo volume della seconda stagione di Christmas Falls. Avevo già letto un libro della serie precedente che avevo apprezzato sia per l'ambientazione che per lo sviluppo della storia. Ma non appena ho letto la sinossi di questo Gay Romance scritto da Lee Blair non ho proprio saputo rinunciare. Quando si tratta di un tenero e romantico M/M accompagnato dalla presenza di quattro zampe scodinzolanti è per me la combo perfetta. Che dire? Ho fatto benissimo a seguire il mio istinto. Una volta iniziato a leggere questa dolce storia scritta da Lee Blair, la cui penna incontro per la primissima volta, non riuscivo a staccarmi dal mio kindle. Lo stile di Blair è coinvolgente e piacevole, grazie alle sue descrizioni leggere e appassionanti. Ho adorato incontrare e conoscere sia Elias che Roman, trovo che siano letteralmente anime gemelle, fatti l'uno per l'altro. Il loro rapporto nasce in punta di piedi, per poi sbocciare meravigliosamente come un fiore. Sono uno l'opposto dell'altro: così gioioso e allegro Elias, quanto Roman è brontolone e riservato. Entrambi sono ben caratterizzati, mi sono affezionata tanto a loro ed è stato come trovarsi al loro fianco e vivere con loro ogni evento saliente delle loro vite. Mi sono davvero emozionata nel corso della lettura, soprattutto verso il finale, vi confido che mi è scesa qualche lacrimuccia. Come non citare Nancy, volontaria presso il rifugio e amica di Elias, e il nonno Jim? Semplicemente pazzeschi, due forze della natura. Una speciale menzione va anche a Carol, dolce cucciola che ha saputo abbattere ogni barriera posta a protezione del cuore di Roman, con Nutcracker, Tinsel e Krampus. Sono sicura che quando li incontrerete vi faranno spuntare un bellissimo sorriso per la gioia che portano in ogni momento. Anche se è parte di una serie, ogni romanzo è perfettamente godibile come stand alone. Ad ogni modo, se siete alla ricerca di una dolce storia d'amore tutta natalizia, ambientata in una cittadina tutta a tema natalizio e particolare, con due magnifici uomini e tanti quattro zampe, non fatevi sfuggire Zampette sotto l'albero. Io lo consiglio, in attesa di gustarmi la prossima storia di Christmas Falls.
Per me sono 4.5 stelle!

[Elyxyz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione su copia ARC
Voto: 4+ su 5 stelle
Quando un cane sceglie di adottarti, che tu lo voglia o meno, non c’è possibilità di scampo. Quest’inaspettata verità la scopre suo malgrado Roman, il nostro protagonista grinchoso di quest’undicesimo volume della serie.
Roman è un fisioterapista che vive a Christmas Falls da due anni – tempo massimo prima che il suo stile di vita nomade lo porti a trovare nuovi lidi e un nuovo incarico –, ed è riuscito finora a non farsi accalappiare dallo spirito natalizio della città più festosa d’America.
Roman non odia il Natale in sé, ma non ci ha mai attribuito molto valore – neppure quando viveva con i suoi genitori, anch’essi nomadi per scelta – e trova eccessivi e seccanti gli eventi che partono da prima del Ringraziamento, gli addobbi che ammorbano la città e soprattutto il suo vicino di casa che infarcisce la propria parte di proprietà con ogni decorazione e lucina possibile.
Elias è il responsabile del rifugio per cani e gatti di Christmas Falls, che abbiamo già incrociato nei libri precedenti. È un uomo che ama il suo lavoro – la sua vocazione ad aiutare gli animali – ed ha un animo gentile, generoso e molto allegro, cosa che si trasmette ai suoi addobbi natalizi e che urta il suo vicino brontolone, che per rivalsa non mette mai nessuna decorazione.
Elias non è mai riuscito a farselo amico, fino a quando un guasto al rifugio non lo obbliga a dare in affidamento temporaneo alcuni animali, fra cui una tenera cagnolona ansiosa che fatica ad accettare persino lui… e che inaspettatamente crea un legame istantaneo con Roman, incontrato per caso.
Roman sceglie di non crearsi legami per non soffrire, i continui traslochi fatti fin da bambino gli hanno insegnato a viaggiare leggero sia di cose materiali sia di affetti, che sceglie di non avere.
Eppure Carol, con i suoi occhioni profondi e la lingua a penzoloni, scava dentro di lui e, contro ogni logica e buonsenso, Roman decide di farsene carico, anche se ha già un piede fuori dal paesello.
Avere a che fare con Elias gli permette di rivalutare l’uomo, pentendosi di non avergli dato una possibilità prima, mentre i due anni sprecati pesano sul suo rammarico.
Come per altri volumi precedenti, anche qui c’è un rapporto a scadenza, perché Roman è praticamente certo di andarsene da Christmas Falls entro poche settimane, ma la vicinanza di Elias e Carol, assieme ad altri personaggi, gli faranno capire molte cose e rivalutare alcune certezze assodate.
Il volume è dolce al punto giusto, hot e piacevole. La presenza di molti animali mi ha strappato diversi sorrisi teneri e divertiti, dato che ho un debole per le storie con dentro dei pelosetti e qui hanno molto spazio.
Piacevoli sono anche i personaggi secondari, alcuni nuovi e altri già letti in precedenza, che arricchiscono la trama.
Non mi resta che consigliarvene la lettura per continuità verso la saga e se le storie natalizie con cagnolini fanno al caso vostro.

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday Cheer Meter: 5/5
(Where 1 is as Christmassy as 'Die Hard' and 5 is more like 'Elf')

1st person, past tense, dual POV
Elias Rocha (early-to-mid-thirties), director of Santa's Helpers Animal Shelter
Roman Schaffer (early-to-mid-thirties-ish), physical therapist

YES! Finally! This is exactly the kind of Christmassy book I've been wanting to read all month!
Yule laugh out loud at the holiday puns and banter ;)

Elias and Roman are quintessential grumpy/sunshine, which is such a classic dynamic and one of my favourites. While 'sunshine' is easy to love, 'grumpy' can be a harder sell, but Roman is the kind of grumpy that makes you smirk and root for his heart to grow three sizes, lol. The dynamic reminded me very much of that of Gideon and Paul from The Geek Who Saved Christmas, which is a favourite holiday re-read of mine. The stories are completely different, of course, but share the exact vibe I adore in my holiday reading.

Anyway, I digress. I loved how Roman helplessly gets embroiled in Elias's world despite his best efforts to steer clear. The stars simply aligned for these two to get to know one and other more and realize how well suited they are together. The evolution of their relationship is super cute and filled with a fun back-and-forth banter that is delightful to read. Watching them fall in love was such a joyful experience and seeing them support one and other was whipped cream and marshmallows on hot chocolate sweet.

The secondary characters really bring the story to life and enrich the narrative, especially Elias's grandfather, Jim, and shelter volunteer, Nancy, not to mention the adorable animals! I loved that skittish Carol took to Roman, it was love at first sight for her, she just knew he had a lot of love to give he just has to get out of his own way.

I thoroughly enjoyed the shared world aspect of the series, though this stands alone well however there were a handful of events like the apparent boycott of Jolly Java? which were alluded to that I assume occurred in other books of the series or perhaps last season since I didn't get though it in its entirety before New Year's hit. Still nothing that you can't gloss over in your head.

Note: There's a bonus epilogue that occurs around Valentine's Day which is actually between the end of the story and its included epilogue (that takes place the following Christmas) that you have to download. It's cute, but I'm over the whole "click here to download other bits of the book you just bought" trend. At least this feels like a bonus story and not something cut from the book to make the reader jump through a bunch of engagement hoops.

I loved Lee's writing style and storytelling and see she has a couple other Christmassy stories so I think I'll probably check them out once I get through the ARCs I've signed up for and can read what I want.

I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.

[Colleen (colleenreads40) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5 ⭐

Here Comes Santa Paws is Lee Blair’s addition to the Christmas Falls: Season 2 multi-author romance series. Note that although this series is a spin-off of the Christmas Falls multi-author series, every single book in each series can be read as a complete standalone. Here’s what you can expect from Elias and Roman:

🐾 MM contemporary holiday-themed romance
🐾 First person dual point of view
🐾 Guaranteed happily ever after
🐾 Low angst with Hallmark vibes and steam
🐾 Neighbours to lovers
🐾 Grumpy/sunshine

I had the pleasure of reading a handful of books from the original Christmas Falls series, and I was thrilled to see the series return for a second season! The care and attention to detail that these authors put into this collaboration definitely shines through in the final products, and I’m looking forward to picking up a few more of the stories this holiday season. Here Comes Santa Paws is just as adorable as it sounds. It features Elias, the director of Christmas Falls’s animal shelter and his grumpy neighbour Roman, a physical therapist who’s always looking for his next step or move. Grumpy/sunshine is one of my favourite tropes, and we had the perfect setup for it in this holiday story! This was basically like reading a Hallmark movie, in the best way possible. I really liked that it was super sweet and over-the-top, while remaining low angst which is perfect for this time of year. I love how each author leans into the cheesy Christmas vibe, and it almost makes me wish the town of Christmas Falls was real. The addition of the pets in this book, especially Carol, was the cherry on top. I had a great time reading this one, and I look forward to picking up more Christmas Falls: Season 2 reads this month!

I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Love Is All Around · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
Quando un cane sceglie di adottarti, che tu lo voglia o meno, non c’è possibilità di scampo. Quest’inaspettata verità la scopre suo malgrado Roman, il nostro protagonista grinchoso di quest’undicesimo volume della serie.
Roman è un fisioterapista che vive a Christmas Falls da due anni – tempo massimo prima che il suo stile di vita nomade lo porti a trovare nuovi lidi e un nuovo incarico –, ed è riuscito finora a non farsi accalappiare dallo spirito natalizio della città più festosa d’America.
Roman non odia il Natale in sé, ma non ci ha mai attribuito molto valore – neppure quando viveva con i suoi genitori, anch’essi nomadi per scelta – e trova eccessivi e seccanti gli eventi che partono da prima del Ringraziamento, gli addobbi che ammorbano la città e soprattutto il suo vicino di casa che infarcisce la propria parte di proprietà con ogni decorazione e lucina possibile.
Elias è il responsabile del rifugio per cani e gatti di Christmas Falls, che abbiamo già incrociato nei libri precedenti. È un uomo che ama il suo lavoro – la sua vocazione ad aiutare gli animali – ed ha un animo gentile, generoso e molto allegro, cosa che si trasmette ai suoi addobbi natalizi e che urta il suo vicino brontolone, che per rivalsa non mette mai nessuna decorazione.
Elias non è mai riuscito a farselo amico, fino a quando un guasto al rifugio non lo obbliga a dare in affidamento temporaneo alcuni animali, fra cui una tenera cagnolona ansiosa che fatica ad accettare persino lui… e che inaspettatamente crea un legame istantaneo con Roman, incontrato per caso.
Continua sul nostro blog!

[Sarah Thornburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman and Elias have been neighbors in the same duplex for three years, and as hard as Elias tried, he couldn't crack the nut that was Roman. They exchanged the occasional hello or sometimes got each other's mail. Roman kept to himself for the most part, and he liked it that way. Making friends meant growing roots somewhere; he wasn't built that way, or so he thought.
When an emergency at Elias's animal shelter forces him to find other housing for the animals, he turns to his neighbor for help, hoping to get a little empathy from him. Roman initially says no until he sees Elias trying to get said dog into his apartment. The dog budges when Roman approaches, and the dog takes a liking to the man. Finding a kindred spirit in the grumpy dog, Roman agrees to take her in. He finds himself liking the dog and getting advice from his neighbor. Elias chips through some of the ice around Roman's heart, eventually finding a caring and loving man beneath the layers of grump and misery. They balance each other out; Elias makes social gatherings tolerant for Roman, and Roman makes Elias calm in the wake of disaster.
Overall, I found this story heartwarming. Elias burrowed his way into Roman's life through his shelter animals, making Roman fall for him head over heels. Lee Blair's weaving in of characters from previous seasons and other authors in this series makes this a perfect addition to this season.

[Ile Secci · Rating 4 out of 5]

STRANA FAMILY BOOK BLOG
Inizialmente, ho nutrito un certo scetticismo, poiché questo volume presenta un ritmo differente rispetto ai precedenti, pur mantenendo lo stile e l'ambientazione consueti a Christmas Falls. Elias, appassionato delle festività natalizie e delle relative decorazioni, gestisce un rifugio per animali ed è il vicino di Roman. Quest'ultimo, invece, è l'antitesi dello spirito natalizio, la sua abitazione è priva di addobbi e non ne desidera. Due personalità distinte che, una volta unite, creano un'armonia perfetta. Il titolo suggerisce chiaramente il ruolo centrale degli animali domestici in questa narrazione, le cui vicende susciteranno profonde emozioni. Questo volume si distingue per un ritmo inizialmente più pacato nei capitoli iniziali, per poi evolvere in una narrazione incalzante e romantica. La caratteristica distintiva di questa serie è la dolcezza e ogni volume riserva le sue sorprese. Sebbene questo volume non sia tra i preferiti letti finora della Stagione 1 e 2, lo considero comunque una lettura piacevole e leggera.
Valutazione: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy: 🌶🌶
Emozione: 💘💘💘💘

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

This is another installment in the second season of the multi-author Christmas Falls series. It has some cameos from characters that have come before, and mention of the author’s Dahlia Springs series, which was fun to see. Roman and Elias are more Grinch and Christmas elf than grumpy/sunshine, and it was fun to see Roman’s heart slowly grow in size.

I really enjoyed the somewhat slow burn here, as it made Roman’s realizations feel more organic. Elias is all heart and joy, and his positive outlook about everything is a nice counterpoint to Roman’s grumpiness. The two fit well together and their romance flows as they get to know each other. With the town and the events as a backdrop, it’s easy to watch them grow closer and fall in love. This is definitely a more character-driven story and Blair does it well.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

[Elley Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yaaaay, Elias' story! The characters in this multi-author series are all interwoven throughout the books, but I feel like Elias (and also Nick) are fairly central to all of the stories, so it was lovely to get his story. I also love how Elias basically has the pet version of the Island of Misfit Toys, haha. Nobody wants a three-legged or a one-eyed dog, or a badly scarred cat? That's okay, Elias will love them!

I love a good grumpy x sunshine romance, and making them neighbors is just the icing on the cake. I love that Elias has had the chance to see Roman's more deeply buried good qualities, and is so ready to give him a shot once Rowan gives him even an inch of space to do so.

This is the fourth book in the Christmas Falls: Season 2 multi-author series, and can be read as a standalone.

[Molly Otto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-balanced, joyful holiday read. We have Elias and Roman who share a duplex and couldn't be more different from one another. Elias is a cinnamon roll of a character that runs the local animal shelter that has been popping up through previous Christmas Falls stories of this season. And then you have Roman who keeps a wall up from growing up a Nomad lifestyle with his loving albeit always moving family. With the help of a meddling grandpa, these two give each a shot. This was my first time reading this author, and I would definitely want to try more from them.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story of a grumpy loner who falls for his bubbly outgoing neighbor. I liked how there were sparks from the beginning, but the author allowed them time to get to know each other before making physical commitments.

[Toddles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC edition of this book in exchange for an honest review. It can be acquired on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited on November 22, 2024.

--"Staying in one place is a new adventure.”--

This medium paced Grumpy-Sunshine, Neighbors-to-Lovers 252 page Christmas Romance e-book is story # 4 of the Christmas Falls Season 2 series. It can be read as a standalone, as I have read it out of order. There were a couple of instances where I noticed details that would have been better enjoyed if I did read it in the correct order, however, it didn’t take away from the main plot. Each of the 10 books in this series is written by a different author and they all centered on their own couple in the same small tourist town of Christmas Falls with past and future characters making cameos from season 1 and 2.

--"I’m not Teflon. I'm stainless steel.”--

Elias and Roman have been neighbors for over 2 years and they barely speak. Roman has never encountered anyone that’s been immune to his attitude and tries to avoid him at all costs. However, he has the ‘eager persistence of an annoying golden retriever’ and all the Christmas cheer and decorations that come with him. All he wants is to find a new physical therapy job away from Christmas Falls and be left alone. Elias, with his 2 hyper dogs and neighborhood watch cat with RBF, live in a duplex shared with a Grinch next door. He has been trying to get his neighbor that’s ‘like a hedgehog with his prickly exterior’ to show his ‘soft underbelly’ to join the holiday spirit. He's seriously more grouchy than Griff from book 1 Season 1.

--“No one hurts us worse than we can hurt ourselves”--

When Elias has multiple emergencies at the animal shelter he runs and needs to try to relocate animals and find a photographer, he turns to Roman for help. Never expected to read an adorable meet/cute between a human & a dog named Carol. Now that he is having to interact with Elias, because he has a dog in his house and is taking pictures in the park at Pet Picture Santa Claws event for the Santa's Helpers Animal Shelter ….he can’t get enough of him. However, he is not used to attachments and feelings. He is itchy to move on to his next adventure with job interviews lined up. What makes matters more interesting is that Roman is Elias Grandpa’s PT, who is trying to play matchmaker. He's feeling the walls starting to collapse around his heart and sees Elias’ Christmas lights shining in.

--"….He already had half of the duplex covered with lights like an elf barfed on it.”--

This was a really cute and funny holiday book to help any grump & grinch get in the spirit. Let’s be honest, it’s contagious. It’s a fast read and keeps you engaged thanks to Christmas Falls annual Festival, the incident at the shelter and home life. The banter between all the characters is a lot of fun with jabs and humorous holiday puns and innuendos. The animals were a great core ensemble. They were written well into the plot and used realistically. Roman's character development was so magical by seeing his grouchy teddy bear heart growing in small steps. You see the actions of him truly trying throughout. I also like the inclusion of a secondary romance plot that was also really sweet. It added a nice vibe that shows that family can support each other and grow even during a stressful time. Not much from Season 1 was mentioned (characters/ plot), but characters from season 2 were scattered throughout this novel.

--“I expected it to taste like peppermint….More like gingerbread.”--

The spice was really good. 3/5🌶! The scenes were an ok length with enough detail to get anyone's yule log going. But the plot was more sensual than sexy with some doses of tongue in cheek humor which worked in this case better, in my opinion. I love an overly spicy novel, but it wouldn’t have worked with the type of characters that were playing with each lover’s jingle bells.

--"….Christmas is the season of love around here. Instead of cupid, we've got an elf….”--

I love Lee Blair’s writing style and craft. She is so easy to read even while keeping the plot interesting and spontaneous. I loved that she inner weaved her Dahlia Springs, Tap That Brewery Series into this universe (I recommend! ) A character named Warren is mentioned and he has his own book, 24 DARES OF CHRISTMAS.

I really did love and enjoy this book. It was a great addition to the Christmas Falls universe that shows no matter how strong someone's exterior is built, there is always a crack for Christmas magic and love to creep in. Plus, you’d have to be completely heartless not to love the animals.

Happy Reading!!!

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

AHHHH! We're back to Christmas Falls for Seasons Two!! Here's Lee Blair's "Here Comes Santa Paws."

["When a sunshiny cinnamon stick with paws-itively purrfect holiday plans meets a grumpy Grinch neighbor with a smokin’ hot... chimney, bells aren’t the only thing jingling.

I spend all year gearing up for the Christmas Falls festival season. Those five weeks are showtime for the animal shelter, and I’ve got it down to a science to help all my four-legged friends find their furever homes.

My well-oiled machine goes off track when I discover a massive leak at the shelter. And Grandpa, my only family, is recovering from a hip replacement, and I can’t stop worrying about our latest shelter dog. To put a star on the top of my anxiety tree, Roman, my Scrooge neighbor, is giving me a hard time about the festive decor on my half of our duplex. It’s not my fault I’ve got more Christmas spirit in my pinky than he does in his entire broad-shouldered body.

But something about Roman tells me he could love Christmas and this town as much as I do if he just gave them a chance. I don’t care if I’ve got a thousand other priorities on my list, I’m making it my holiday mission to get him to let down his guard and show me the wonderful and caring man behind the terse talk and award-winning RBF. It’s like opening a present on Christmas morning and seeing exactly what you wanted from Santa.

It’s all tinsel and sugar cookies until my heart decides it wants Roman under the tree. But his New Year’s resolution is to leave town, and I can’t let myself fall for a man who doesn’t plan to stick around.

Christmas Falls is my forever home. How do I convince him it could be his?"]

I absolutely LOVE it when the grump in the classic grump/sunshine trope is secretly a giant fucking teddy bear. A teddy bear who is soooo fucking soft for his sunshine (and his dog). And Elias is sunshine for sure, Christmas colored, loud, and full of love to share. Good thing Elias cracked Roman's hard outer-shell when he did, or we might have lost Roman to Grinch-status forever.

These two were adorable as hell. Neighbor crushes for years. Turned into lusting from afar. Turned to friends. Turned to so much more. More than either of them were ever expecting.

I love how each of the books in this series are so different. Like this one isn't all about the events and the feeling of community, but it was still so warm and inviting and so very Christmas Falls.

#grr #gayromancereview #arcs #arcteammember
#herecomessantapaws #leeblair #christmasfalls #christmasfallsseaontwo #christmasfallsseries #christmasfallsseasontwoseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy received from Neon Rainbow Reviews for an honest review

Grumpy/sunshine Christmas goodness? Yes please,

And add in rescue animal, and I was hooked.

Christmas Falls animal warrior and the reluctant dogfather had me from their first interaction. I totally feel Roman and how he keeps to himself other than work - been there, done that, especially when I moved to a small town.

There is one particular rescue animal that I connected with so much, as it reminded me of my rescue,

I love the people of Christmas Falls, and enjoy seeing characters we have previously met again.

This was my first Lee Blair book, and I really enjoyed it. I will read more in the future

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored the two main characters in this book. I could picture their interactions so clearly in my mind, and I chuckled all the way through. Elias was all sunshine and rainbows, a Christmas elf in every way possible, spreading Christmas cheer to everyone he knew — except his grumpy, Grinch-y Christmas-hating, duplex-sharing neighbor, Roman. Roman was the epitome of “bah-humbug”, but Elias kept wearing him down by trying to get him involved in the holiday activities in Christmas Falls, beginning with fostering a dog when the pet shelter had a disastrous water leak. In Roman’s words, “Your eager persistence is like an annoying golden retriever.”, and that’s how he ended up with a foster dog (they fell in love with each other), taking pet photos at the adoption event, and all the other activities Elias could coax him into attending. It’s no wonder Roman found himself developing feelings for Elias (they were reciprocated), which was a problem, as he is sending out resumes for a new job—NOT in Christmas Falls—because that’s what his family does, move every couple of years to explore new places. But Roman is starting to have doubts about the family “move often” history, he is getting attached to Christmas Falls in a way that surprises him, led by his feelings for his neighbor. Maybe staying in one place might be a new history for him to write on his own.

The world building for Christmas Falls is very vivid (as I have found to be true in the other books in this series by the various authors), and you get the feeling you know the inhabitants there when characters from other series books show up as you sink into the Hallmark atmosphere of the town. It screams “small town America” where people know each other and have your back, and the community comes together to support or celebrate as needed. I got a very good feeling reading the book, even tearing up at times over the caring and togetherness of the place. I would love to live there, it’s my kind of place.

There are so many funny and heart-warming events in this book as Roman gains a found family and has his Grinch-like heart changed, and as he and Elias find what they didn’t know they were looking for, a person that meant home.

This is my favorite book in the series so far. The others have been good, but these two characters really spoke to me. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, it could just be because Grae Bryan's Vampire's Mate series is one of my favourites that I re-read often, but I am a sucker for a grumbly, grumpy man named Roman. He endeared himself to me almost immediately. Much like him, I'm not a very festive person. Much like him, I've been hurt before and tend to keep people at a distance. And much like him, when I do care, I care big and I care hard. And he certainly starts to care hard for the neighbour he's been avoiding for two years, Elias.

Elias is the exact opposite of Roman. He loves Christmas and all the festivities around Christmas Falls something fierce. But what he loves more than anything is pairing animals with their perfect foster or forever home. Being the director of the animal shelter brings him fulfilment and enjoyment, but he's still a romantic at heart, too.

And when the shelter suffers a burst pipe, Elias finds out that Roman will step up for him in a big way. And honestly, I figured it wouldn't take much more than a sweet, but grumpy, dog to melt Roman's heart. And melt it she did. Roman and Carol (you know, like Christmas Carol) bond immediately. From that moment, I knew Roman was a goner. And that notion solidified itself the more that Roman and Elias got to know each other.

They truly are one of the best examples of grumpy/sunshine I've ever read. It was truly lovely to see Roman warm up to Elias, but not feel the need to outright change himself. And on the flip side, Elias felt supported and cared for by Roman, without having to change himself at all either.

I loved watching their relationship grow. I loved watching them grow closer together, and start to establish a routine. I loved watching Roman struggle with maintaining his usual habits when what he really wanted was to create new ones with Elias. I loved watching Elias be patient with Roman, and support him through the decisions he was making.

Overall, I loved watching how they just chose to fit together, and ensure their pets were all comfortable together. Like a blending of families.

Four books into this Christmas Falls season, and so far I think this is my favourite book. But again. I may be heavily biased in favour of a grumpy, grumbly Roman. But we still have a lot of Christmas Falls left to discover, and the ever elusive Secret Santa identity to uncover.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

adorable holiday romance

Rating: 4.5🌈

Lee Blair’s Here Comes Santa Paws , an adorable holiday romance in this year’s Christmas Falls series, is a story guaranteed to entertain and make your Christmas reading lists merry.

It’s got rescue dogs and puppies, matchmaking grandfathers, a sweet/grumpy couple, and a small town full of the spirit of Christmas.

Elias, the Director of the Santa’s Helper Animal Shelter in Christmas Falls,Illinois is the sweet, kind man who is fully committed to the town he lives in, along with his grandfather who raised him. He lives in a duplex, the other half of which is occupied by Roman, a physical therapist whose nomadic upbringing has made him afraid to commit to anything other than his career.

I like that Blair’s characterizations are well written and their histories are realistic rather than drama oriented. It makes for a balanced narrative and men whose relationship with each other and their personal growth within the story a journey we can relate to.

It’s the author using a person’s misinterpretations, or just adolescent’s perspective on a past reality that impacted their life in a way that feels believable.

The characters are charming and their own romance heartfelt, especially when it comes with adorable dogs. And a grandfather to love as well.

I’m really enjoying the second season of Christmas Falls, and this is another winner. It’s a definite recommendation.

Cover art by Morningstar Ashley Designs

And check out all the books in the Christmas Falls series, both 1 and 2.

❄️Christmas Falls, Season 2:
❤️The Snuggle is Real by DJ Jamison
❤️Flake It til You Make It by Beth Bolden
12 Dates of Christmas by Brigham Vaughn
❤️Here Comes Santa Paws by Lee Blair
Under the Mistle-Foe by Rye Cox Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin
No Business Like Snow Business by J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry
Frost Impressions by Kelly Fox
Promise Yule Be Mine by Rhys Everly Mingle All The Way by Hayden Hall

❄️Christmas Falls, Season 1:

Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison Snowbody Loves You by Jacki James Get Frosted by Amy Aislin
Silent Knight by Beth Bolden
Under the Mistle-Tome by Sammi Cee
Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox
No Elf-ing Way by Hayden Hall
Ready, Set, Glow! by Rye Cox
Scrooge You! By Brigham Vaughn

[Angel_2822 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here Comes Santa Paws by Lee Blair is part of the second season of the Christmas Falls multi author series. I am in love with this book, and with Elias, and Tinsel, and Nutcracker, and Krampus, and Jim, and Nancy, and obviously with Roman and Carol.

What can you expect when you blend the magic of Christmas with adorable animals and a charming romance? A wonderful book as Here Comes Santa Paws. This book is a feel-good holiday romance that had me smiling and also spilling a couple of tears, from start to finish.

Elias is the cheerful and kindhearted director of Santa’s Helper Animal Shelter, and Roman, his grumpy neighbour who wants nothing to do with Christmas. They’ve lived next door to each other for two years but rarely interacted. Thanks to a leak at the shelter they are thrown together. When we add in Carol, a nervous dog who somehow choses Roman over Elias, their relationship starts to unfold.

“She’d chosen the grumpy asshole instead of the bubbly animal whisperer.”

Elias is the nice guy everyone would like to be friend to, he’s so easy to love. His passion for his work at the shelter and his full embrace of Christmas spirit are endearing. He’s also thoughtful and considerate, always putting everyone before himself. Roman, on the other hand, is guarded and kinda grumpy. He’s a physical therapist and because of his nomadic childhood, he’s reluctant to settle down. Watching Roman slowly let his walls down and get pulled into Elias’s world has been awesome.

As said before, I’ve also fallen in love with the side characters. Jim, Elias’s meddling gramps, Nancy and the shelter crew help to make this book the gem it is. And of course, the dogs. They completely steal the show, especially Carol.

This is the perfect holiday read if you love grumpy/sunshine tropes, adorable animals, and a small town bursting with Christmas cheer. It’s sweet, funny, and brimming with warmth. I totally recommend it.

I wish I could spend Christmas holidays in Christmas Falls and meet the wonderful people who live there.

I received an ARC from the author for free, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation. 

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the multi-author Christmas Falls Season 2 series. Each book is a standalone read. This is the story of Roman and Elias. Roman is a physiotherapist who has learned that if you never put down roots, you can never be hurt. Since he has been in Christmas Falls for a few years, he thinks it is time for him to move on. That is what he has always done. His biggest problem right now is the Christmas happy neighbor who own the other side of the duplex. With all the lights that he has put out, the house can probably be seen from space. And no matter what he does to try and shut him down, he is always greeted cheerfully and with a smile. Elias is the Christmas happy neighbor that embraces every opportunity to celebrate. He is also the manager for the local pet shelter. Besides his grandfather, he has two dogs and a cat. He sunshine attitude is determined to break through his grumpy neighbor's protective shell. When a flood at the shelter causes numerous animals to be scattered throughout town as temporary adoptions; Elias finally sees a crack in the armor that Roman wears. Roman agrees to take a terrified dog. Finding out that she is pregnant just adds to the mix. This is their story. I really liked how Elias just let Roman be. He never pressured him for more than he was comfortable giving. He never demanded reasons. He just accepted Roman as he was. Elias slowly starts to emerge Roman into all the wonderful Christmas events that the town is hosting. Gives him a chance to meet people and experience the holidays with no expectation. This is a wonderful story. The book is well written and easy to read. Another great holiday romance in this series.

I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be the first to say I'm a complete sucker for books that feature animals. And the holidays. So I went in fully expecting to love this, and I absolutely did.

Elias runs the animal shelter in town and during the busiest season of the year, there is a bad water leak and he not only has to find space for the animals but also figure out how they are going to pay for the repairs to the shelter. He absolutely loves the holidays and the festival and fesitivies that the town puts on every year. It also helps the shelter a lot with donations and adoptions.

Roman is a physical therapist and never stays in one place very long. Also, he hates the holidays and Christmas Falls by extension since the town lives for the holidays. He moved a lot growing up and has continued to do that as an adult.

I found the book to be very sweet and cute, I adored Elias' grandfather as well, even with his meddling. I love that what was best for the animals was always what was front of mind for Elias and that he was willing to fight for a good home for them, even with the stress of everything going on. I also enjoyed that while he was a very sunshiny character, he didn't let people walk all over him either and he didn't overstep other people's boundaries either. I did enjoy Roman as a character, although he seemingly kept agreeing to things he didn't really mean to agree to. But watching him slowly warm up to Elias and Carol was very cute.

Overall, I had a delightful time and would highly recommend!

Thank you to the author for providing me an eARC in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet holiday romance full of adorable animals, and holiday festivities.

This story features;
Opposites Attract,
Grumpy/Sunshine,
A Christmas lover + a Grinch,
And adorable animals.

Roman and Elias are so different from one another but they work so great together! Roman doesn't love the holidays and never stays in one place for long, but Elias loves every holiday and is happy in Christmas Falls. For a large part of the story I was wondering how these two could make a relationship between them work considering Roman's insistence on not staying in Christmas Falls. However, as the story progressed these two men were able to figure out a path forward together, with the help of a few others.

I thought this story was great! The writing was good, the story flowed smoothly, the main characters were full of personality and had a great connection with each other. I loved how the animals were prominent side characters, I was smiling every time any of the animals were mentioned, it was just such a cute addition! The dialogue kept me interested and engaged, I was eager to find out if these two would work out, along with wondering if Roman would adopt Carol.

Something else I enjoyed was the cameos of other couples from other Christmas Falls stories, I liked 'seeing' different characters make an appearance in this story. This is a low-angst romance with little spice and lots of holiday cheer! Along with having tons of animals make prominent features, which is just adorable!

Overall a really fantastic story that'll be on my holiday re-read list for sure!

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.

Elias is head of the Santa’s Helpers Animal Shelter, and he loves his job. Roman is a physical therapy technician and lives in the other half of Elias’ semi-detached house. And, unlike Elias, he hates Christmas. Further, he has itchy feet to get a job that is the next logical step in his career, something that cannot be found in Christmas Falls. This regular moving desire comes as a result of his frequent relocations with his parents. Of course, only Elias’ side of the semi is decorated to within an inch of its life. After two years of conflict between them (though each finds the other hot), they finally start getting to know each other and developing feelings. As those feelings deepen, Elias and Roman have to overcome the itchy feet issue on their way to a happy ending.

Elias and Roman are perfect foils – sunshine vs grumpy. The former, however, is easily able to overcome the walls that Roman has built around his heart. There is much humour with Elias’ friends commenting in front of Roman as to what they think of him. The MCs get along really well. Elias’ grandfather (Gramps) also contributes to the humour as he makes attempts at interfering in their relationship. The secondary characters, many from previous books in the second season of Christmas Falls as well as from the first season, are sweet and fun, making contributions to plot development along the way.

This book was a lot of fun and continues the mystery of the Secret Santa.

[Caroline Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Season 2 is a series of winning stories, season 1 was sweet but season 2 brings the sweet heat. Roman and Elias are two complete opposites but the love they foster throughout this story is beautiful. Elias is a selfless man who runs a shelter and cares deeply for his only living relative, his grandfather. He has 2 crazy dogs and a surly but loving cat and while he knows love, being in love has been hard to find. Roman is a bit of a loner as he traveled/moved a ton as a child, so he never truly formed bonds. He lives alone and is a bit of a Grinch so when watery forces brings Elias to his door, he is unable to stop his heart from growing. Elias starts out with a big ask of his neighbor but is satisfied with a major favor request then cause the men to share their time and space. Behind the scenes, Grandpa is telling his PT, Roman about his wonderful grandson, but a few key words and a same last name let Roman know the young man is none other than Elias. Roman isn't sure he can stay, he's starting to get restless but his heart is being to settle in the crazy Christmas town. When an opportunity arises, he explores the option but I'd it enough to deny his heart and soul in form of a wonderful man, a weary dog and forever family to always be by his side?

I loved all of the side characters in this story, especially Roman's parent who truly love him and give him the best advice for his heart as well as to better explain his upbringing. They will always be a major part of his life but I think they are happy knowing all their son can have in Christmas Falls.

[Manon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really your Hallmark movie in a book.

I love Lee Blair's Christmas stories, they are always low angst, funny, sweet and just the thing you need in the run up to Christmas.

And this one is just another great example.

It's your grumpy/sunshine trope, add animals, a building disaster, medling relatives and the Christmassist-town in history and you have a book you don't want to put away.

Roman is the grump, growing up with nomadic parents he doesn't know how ot put down roots and thanks to a year where he moved just before Christmas he also is a perfect grumpy non-celebrating Grinch.

When Elias needs help Roman steps relunctly in. Bit by bit he gets drawn in Christmas Falls' holiday celebrations and bit by bit he realises that a) Christmas is not so bad and b) does he really want to continue moving around every couple of years?

I love how these two become friends first, they are totally opposite but despite Elias sunny and holiday orientated nature, there is a sensible guy underneath it. Tbey have chemistry and I like how Roman takes his sweet time to cross over to the Christmasssy side.
The dogs are just too cute as well.

The book feels quite long at some points, there were times where I thought it could have been cut slightly as we all know how the story ends and sometimes there the scenes were just a bit too similar.

The ending is just so great, if you love a Hallmark movie, this book is definitely for you.

[Mvm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This holiday read pairs Elias, a Christmas enthusiast, with Roman, a grumpy neighbor determined to avoid the festive season. Living in adjoining units of a duplex, they’ve spent over two years successfully ignoring each other. Carol, a stray from the shelter serves as the catalyst for Roman’s slow transformation, as Elias and the dog gently coax him into embracing the festive spirit. Roman’s gradual shift from grumpy loner to someone who actively participates in Christmas Falls' celebrations is satisfying and believable. It’s especially heartening to see him reevaluate his rootless lifestyle and open himself to the possibility of love and stability.

The story strikes a wonderful balance of humor, warmth, and spontaneity. The grumpy-sunshine dynamic between Elias and Roman is engaging, as Roman reluctantly gets pulled into Christmas Falls’ celebrations. From resisting the holiday spirit to reconsidering his transient lifestyle, Roman’s growth is both believable and heartening. When Elias needs help, Roman steps up, creating a bond that deepens beyond their shared affection for Carol.

This book is a Hallmark movie in novel form—perfect for readers who enjoy cozy, feel-good holiday romances. The author’s easy style keeps the plot moving, with plenty of charming, laugh-out-loud moments that make it hard to put down.