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Gift of You
Matthew
Since the death of my wife a year ago, I’ve led a quiet life running a small town book store and narrating audio books on the side. At least it was quiet until a nearly naked man came knocking on my door just two days before Christmas.
Louis is vibrant and brash, but there’s also a loneliness in his eyes that looks suspiciously like the loneliness in my own. And when preparing to narrate a queer romance has me questioning my own sexuality, it’s Louis who’s occupying my new fantasies.
Louis
There’s no bigger reminder of your perma-bachelor status than spending the holidays with your family. Thankfully, an out-of-town wedding becomes the perfect excuse to escape. That is, until I find myself on the doorstep of the broody man living next door to my rental.
All evidence points to Matthew being straight, but when a Christmas confession proves otherwise, I make an offer that soon has me realizing I might be in over my head.
I’m only here for the week, but I’m starting to think I might want forever.
Since the death of my wife a year ago, I’ve led a quiet life running a small town book store and narrating audio books on the side. At least it was quiet until a nearly naked man came knocking on my door just two days before Christmas.
Louis is vibrant and brash, but there’s also a loneliness in his eyes that looks suspiciously like the loneliness in my own. And when preparing to narrate a queer romance has me questioning my own sexuality, it’s Louis who’s occupying my new fantasies.
Louis
There’s no bigger reminder of your perma-bachelor status than spending the holidays with your family. Thankfully, an out-of-town wedding becomes the perfect excuse to escape. That is, until I find myself on the doorstep of the broody man living next door to my rental.
All evidence points to Matthew being straight, but when a Christmas confession proves otherwise, I make an offer that soon has me realizing I might be in over my head.
I’m only here for the week, but I’m starting to think I might want forever.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
9 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Melody Claire
6 books86 followersMelody Claire writes emotional contemporary MM romance stories with moderate heat and a whole lot of heart. She hails from Kansas City but resides in Omaha and loves setting her stories in the Midwest. She is married with two almost grown kiddos, a dog, and a kitty. By day, she teaches middle school, and by night can be found writing on her laptop or curled up with her kindle. She's addicted to Pink Drinks and the sound of her husband's laugh, and loves nothing more than to escape into a love story.
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December 16, 2025
Gift of You by Melody Claire is a stand alone, MM, wonderfully written holiday romance that I am in love with. This is my first book by this author and I adored it.
Matthew Mahoney is forty years old. He lost his wife, the love of his life, three years ago to cancer. Since then, he’s become somewhat reclusive. He always was introverted. Now just more so. He and his wife ran a book store and lived upstairs in an apartment. Now its just him. He also narrates audio books in his own small studio in the basement for extra income. He’s gruff and broody, a large bearded man who practically lives in flannel.
Louis is a corporate accountant who lives in the city. He is forty two years old. Louis is an out and proud gay man. He had his fun years in his twenties. Now in his forties, he sees happy families but has given up on finding that for himself. For this Christmas, he wanted some time to himself. His closest friends are getting married so their wedding is his excuse to spend a week in the small town where they live.
Matthew and Louis’s first meeting is pretty funny. You might even call it a meet cute! Matthew is preparing to narrate his very first gay romance book. So he’s doing his first read through. Only after meeting his new temporary neighbor, a certain scene in the book has a very surprising effect on him. Which has Matthew questioning everything he thought he knew about himself.
A conversation between Matthew and Louis reveals Matthew’s questions about himself and Louis is happy to help him through his awakening. But as each day passes, feelings grow. Their time together has an expiration date. But as it grows near, the idea of never seeing each other again becomes more and more difficult to accept.
This book was just wonderful. Both of these characters seemed so real. I fell so hard for both of them. The setting was perfect with the snow and the book store. I love book store romances. I also loved the way that Matthew just accepted all of these new revelations about himself. And let me tell you, these two together were fire! I loved every single thing about this story and am so glad I took a chance on it.
Matthew Mahoney is forty years old. He lost his wife, the love of his life, three years ago to cancer. Since then, he’s become somewhat reclusive. He always was introverted. Now just more so. He and his wife ran a book store and lived upstairs in an apartment. Now its just him. He also narrates audio books in his own small studio in the basement for extra income. He’s gruff and broody, a large bearded man who practically lives in flannel.
Louis is a corporate accountant who lives in the city. He is forty two years old. Louis is an out and proud gay man. He had his fun years in his twenties. Now in his forties, he sees happy families but has given up on finding that for himself. For this Christmas, he wanted some time to himself. His closest friends are getting married so their wedding is his excuse to spend a week in the small town where they live.
Matthew and Louis’s first meeting is pretty funny. You might even call it a meet cute! Matthew is preparing to narrate his very first gay romance book. So he’s doing his first read through. Only after meeting his new temporary neighbor, a certain scene in the book has a very surprising effect on him. Which has Matthew questioning everything he thought he knew about himself.
A conversation between Matthew and Louis reveals Matthew’s questions about himself and Louis is happy to help him through his awakening. But as each day passes, feelings grow. Their time together has an expiration date. But as it grows near, the idea of never seeing each other again becomes more and more difficult to accept.
This book was just wonderful. Both of these characters seemed so real. I fell so hard for both of them. The setting was perfect with the snow and the book store. I love book store romances. I also loved the way that Matthew just accepted all of these new revelations about himself. And let me tell you, these two together were fire! I loved every single thing about this story and am so glad I took a chance on it.
November 18, 2025
Arc Review: Gift of You by Melody Claire
MC:Louis& Matthew 4⭐
Tropes & tags
🎁Opposites attract
🎁Bookstore owner × audiobook narrator (the same MC mind you)
🎁Holiday Romance
🎁Half-naked meet cute
🎁Bi-Awakening
🎁Grumpy/Sunshine
🎁Grieving Widow
🎁MCs in their 40s
🎁Small Town
🎁Short fling that turns into something deeper
Starting this, I had no idea it was connected to Wrapped Up in You, so when Lucy and Hay showed up — happy, thriving, and getting married by Louis — I was ridiculously happy. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 It instantly added an extra layer of warmth to the whole thing.
Gift of You is basically the definition of a cosy, warm-blanket Hallmark-style Christmas romance. It leans into every classic trope — opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, small town, holiday magic, and a half-naked meet cute that sets the tone immediately. It’s cheesy, predictable, cliché as hell, and way too insta… but honestly? It’s warm and comforting in a way that just works.
The whole story is built around this charming setup:
Matthew, a quiet bookstore owner who also works as an audiobook narrator, and Louis, the bright, chatty city boy renting the house next door. It’s the perfect “we’re nothing alike but somehow exactly right” pairing.
Matthew is in his early forties, a grieving widower who lost his wife a year ago after two decades together. He’s resigned, stuck in a quiet routine, barely living. Then Louis shows up — bold, curious, talkative, full of life — and knocks all his emotional walls sideways. They clash at first, but in that “opposites attract” way that makes you grin.
And Matthew’s bi-awakening is written with this sweet, almost innocent tone. Sometimes exaggerated, yes, but also very tender. Watching Louis guide him through his first queer experiences was both adorable and HOOOOOOOOOT , because the baby gay got game and dirty talk damn! And Louis teaching him “the ways of gay sex?” yum yum
I especially loved that both MCs are in their early forties, exploring, questioning, trying new things, and allowing themselves this second-chance at life and love. It’s refreshing.
Their fling is supposed to be just for the holidays — a simple short fling that quickly becomes something deeper — but the emotions hit hard and fast. Very insta. Very Hallmark. Very comforting.
What I loved most is the heart of the story: this idea that someone who believed their life chapter was closed can still discover new joy, new intimacy, new love. And Louis never tries to compete with Matthew’s wife — he respects her place in Matthew’s life, honours her memory, and never moves with jealousy. That tenderness was beautiful. And Matty never compares or falls into that guilt-grief spiral we sometimes see in widower romances. Here, it wouldn’t make sense. He loved his wife, and now he loves Louis — he’s not betraying anyone.
The little miscommunication at the end adds a touch of drama during the separation. They were so open with each other all week, but when fear of rejection kicked in, both of them ended up pining in silence. But omg all that separation drama and they lived only an hour away from each other… The horror drama LOL. How could they made that work 😅😅😅 Thankfully, it’s resolved quickly. 🙏
Overall: a soft, snowy, sweet-as-sugar Hallmark Christmas romance, filled with familiar tropes done with genuine warmth. Comfort food, in book form. ❄️🎄🎁🐈⬛☕📚🎧🔥❤️✨
Ps: there’s a bonus epilogue that you can download and I’m only going to leave this here, it’s a toy ok?
“Better?”
“No. I want it . . .”
“Where? Where do you want it?”
“In your mouth. But I also want your dick in my ass at the same time. And the fact that I can’t have both is a travesty.”
I received a copy of this book from Author Creative, and this is my honest review.
⚠️Author Content Warnings
descriptions of grief (deceased spouse from cancer)
consuming alcohol to excess (one scene)
❣️Book Safety & Content
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: No
Sharing: No
Third-Act Breakup: Yes / Temporary
Role Dynamics: Strict roles
POV: 1st person (dual)
Format: Standalone
Ending: HEA
Angst Level: Low
Spice Level: Medium
Communication: Some miscommunication
Pining: None
MC:Louis& Matthew 4⭐
Kissing him felt like . . . It was as if the atoms in my body reshaped themselves into something new, something whole and complete and . . . his.
Tropes & tags
🎁Opposites attract
🎁Bookstore owner × audiobook narrator (the same MC mind you)
🎁Holiday Romance
🎁Half-naked meet cute
🎁Bi-Awakening
🎁Grumpy/Sunshine
🎁Grieving Widow
🎁MCs in their 40s
🎁Small Town
🎁Short fling that turns into something deeper
Starting this, I had no idea it was connected to Wrapped Up in You, so when Lucy and Hay showed up — happy, thriving, and getting married by Louis — I was ridiculously happy. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 It instantly added an extra layer of warmth to the whole thing.
Gift of You is basically the definition of a cosy, warm-blanket Hallmark-style Christmas romance. It leans into every classic trope — opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, small town, holiday magic, and a half-naked meet cute that sets the tone immediately. It’s cheesy, predictable, cliché as hell, and way too insta… but honestly? It’s warm and comforting in a way that just works.
The whole story is built around this charming setup:
Matthew, a quiet bookstore owner who also works as an audiobook narrator, and Louis, the bright, chatty city boy renting the house next door. It’s the perfect “we’re nothing alike but somehow exactly right” pairing.
Matthew is in his early forties, a grieving widower who lost his wife a year ago after two decades together. He’s resigned, stuck in a quiet routine, barely living. Then Louis shows up — bold, curious, talkative, full of life — and knocks all his emotional walls sideways. They clash at first, but in that “opposites attract” way that makes you grin.
And Matthew’s bi-awakening is written with this sweet, almost innocent tone. Sometimes exaggerated, yes, but also very tender. Watching Louis guide him through his first queer experiences was both adorable and HOOOOOOOOOT , because the baby gay got game and dirty talk damn! And Louis teaching him “the ways of gay sex?” yum yum
I especially loved that both MCs are in their early forties, exploring, questioning, trying new things, and allowing themselves this second-chance at life and love. It’s refreshing.
Their fling is supposed to be just for the holidays — a simple short fling that quickly becomes something deeper — but the emotions hit hard and fast. Very insta. Very Hallmark. Very comforting.
What I loved most is the heart of the story: this idea that someone who believed their life chapter was closed can still discover new joy, new intimacy, new love. And Louis never tries to compete with Matthew’s wife — he respects her place in Matthew’s life, honours her memory, and never moves with jealousy. That tenderness was beautiful. And Matty never compares or falls into that guilt-grief spiral we sometimes see in widower romances. Here, it wouldn’t make sense. He loved his wife, and now he loves Louis — he’s not betraying anyone.
The little miscommunication at the end adds a touch of drama during the separation. They were so open with each other all week, but when fear of rejection kicked in, both of them ended up pining in silence. But omg all that separation drama and they lived only an hour away from each other… The horror drama LOL. How could they made that work 😅😅😅 Thankfully, it’s resolved quickly. 🙏
Overall: a soft, snowy, sweet-as-sugar Hallmark Christmas romance, filled with familiar tropes done with genuine warmth. Comfort food, in book form. ❄️🎄🎁🐈⬛☕📚🎧🔥❤️✨
"Welcome home, Lou,” I said when I pulled away.
He kissed me again, his eyes dancing with happiness. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”
Ps: there’s a bonus epilogue that you can download and I’m only going to leave this here, it’s a toy ok?
“Better?”
“No. I want it . . .”
“Where? Where do you want it?”
“In your mouth. But I also want your dick in my ass at the same time. And the fact that I can’t have both is a travesty.”
I received a copy of this book from Author Creative, and this is my honest review.
⚠️Author Content Warnings
descriptions of grief (deceased spouse from cancer)
consuming alcohol to excess (one scene)
❣️Book Safety & Content
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: No
Sharing: No
Third-Act Breakup: Yes / Temporary
Role Dynamics: Strict roles
POV: 1st person (dual)
Format: Standalone
Ending: HEA
Angst Level: Low
Spice Level: Medium
Communication: Some miscommunication
Pining: None
November 19, 2025
Gift Of You is a MM romance story about Matthew and Louis.
Matthew is a forty year old who owns a book store in a small town and narrates audio books on the side. He is also a widower grieving the loss of his wife. Matthew is a grumpy and lonely man. Louis is a forty-two year old who works as a corporate accountant in the city. He is outgoing but he also doubts himself and might be a little lonely too. Louis is taking a week for himself and renting the apartment next to Matthew.
The first couple of meetings Matthew and Louis had were definitely interesting. We quickly see them spend more time together, including a Christmas dinner. When Matthew started preparing to narrate a queer romance, it made him question his own sexuality. He finds himself interested in Louis. Louis is very patient and understanding, helping Matthew through it. Although these two are opposites, they ended up being so sweet together. It was beautiful to see Louis bring Matthew back to life, and for Matthew to let Louis know he wasn’t too much but just exactly the perfect amount.
I also wanted to mention it was a nice surprise to see the MC’s from Wrapped Up In You make a cameo at the start of this book. Overall, Louis and Matthew’s story was sweet yet steamy, and such a great read for the holiday season.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Matthew is a forty year old who owns a book store in a small town and narrates audio books on the side. He is also a widower grieving the loss of his wife. Matthew is a grumpy and lonely man. Louis is a forty-two year old who works as a corporate accountant in the city. He is outgoing but he also doubts himself and might be a little lonely too. Louis is taking a week for himself and renting the apartment next to Matthew.
The first couple of meetings Matthew and Louis had were definitely interesting. We quickly see them spend more time together, including a Christmas dinner. When Matthew started preparing to narrate a queer romance, it made him question his own sexuality. He finds himself interested in Louis. Louis is very patient and understanding, helping Matthew through it. Although these two are opposites, they ended up being so sweet together. It was beautiful to see Louis bring Matthew back to life, and for Matthew to let Louis know he wasn’t too much but just exactly the perfect amount.
I also wanted to mention it was a nice surprise to see the MC’s from Wrapped Up In You make a cameo at the start of this book. Overall, Louis and Matthew’s story was sweet yet steamy, and such a great read for the holiday season.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
November 13, 2025
“…𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜’𝗺 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗜 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀. 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁-𝗶𝗳𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝘆𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘀. 𝗜 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁…𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹.”
*sigh* Matthew and Louis have completely stolen my heart 🥹
Gift of You is a beautiful written and emotional read about a grieving widower getting a second chance at love with the most unexpected person.
Matthew and Louis could not be more different, but their chemistry and connection was undeniable, and their story was equal parts sweet and steamy.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- small town holiday romance
- MCs in their 40s
- half naked meet cute
- grumpy x sunshine
- queer awakening
*sigh* Matthew and Louis have completely stolen my heart 🥹
Gift of You is a beautiful written and emotional read about a grieving widower getting a second chance at love with the most unexpected person.
Matthew and Louis could not be more different, but their chemistry and connection was undeniable, and their story was equal parts sweet and steamy.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- small town holiday romance
- MCs in their 40s
- half naked meet cute
- grumpy x sunshine
- queer awakening
November 15, 2025
This was a beautifully written story about Matthew, a widower who gets a second chance at love with Louis, who is visiting to attend his friend’s wedding. Matthew’s bi-awakening was emotional; the conflicting feelings he has for his wife and now Louis, and also learning something new about himself, made his grumpy nature very endearing.
Their chemistry was so good, and despite realising a lot of new things about himself, Matthew still makes sure to take care of Louis’ feelings and emotions too. They get a lovely happy ending and there are some beautiful moments and confessions between the two.
Really cute addition to the holiday romances I’ve been reading lately.
………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
dnf
November 19, 2025DNF 64%
I am not enjoying this. I do not find there to be chemistry between the main characters and the reason Matthew decides he’s bisexual is from reading one MM book? Then he’s all in in a matter of a day after living in grief over his wife’s passing for 14 months. I’m just not connecting with this at all. No rating.
I am not enjoying this. I do not find there to be chemistry between the main characters and the reason Matthew decides he’s bisexual is from reading one MM book? Then he’s all in in a matter of a day after living in grief over his wife’s passing for 14 months. I’m just not connecting with this at all. No rating.
November 15, 2025
4.5 stars.
A beautiful Christmassy book about a widowed man’s bi-awakening and the city man who starts it. I really enjoyed Gift of You. Louis had a lifetime of being told he was too much, but Matty only ever saw him as perfect 🥹 I loved how Louis met Matty where he was at and never pushed him for more, and I loved how Matty said eff that and gave Louis everything. They were so perfect for each other. The only little niggle was that I wanted a little bit more description from Matthew’s chapters about his feeling for Lou. This didn’t affect how Matty’s feelings came across at all, I just like a man who yearns lol, so purely a preference thing. Definitely download the bonus epilogue! It’s spicy and a year later at their first Christmas as a couple. So good.
Thank you GRR for the ARC. This review is honest and voluntary.
A beautiful Christmassy book about a widowed man’s bi-awakening and the city man who starts it. I really enjoyed Gift of You. Louis had a lifetime of being told he was too much, but Matty only ever saw him as perfect 🥹 I loved how Louis met Matty where he was at and never pushed him for more, and I loved how Matty said eff that and gave Louis everything. They were so perfect for each other. The only little niggle was that I wanted a little bit more description from Matthew’s chapters about his feeling for Lou. This didn’t affect how Matty’s feelings came across at all, I just like a man who yearns lol, so purely a preference thing. Definitely download the bonus epilogue! It’s spicy and a year later at their first Christmas as a couple. So good.
Thank you GRR for the ARC. This review is honest and voluntary.
December 3, 2025
Lou and Matty have my heart <3
This Christmas romance was so tender and lovely. Matthew and his grumpy exterior were no match for Louis’ sunny charm. I found myself relating so much to Louis and his fear of being all together too much. Turns out, he was just enough for Matthew to fall for :’)
I absolutely adored that Matty was an audiobook narrator, and that he was narrating a gay romance for the first time - it gave the storyline a nice touch!
I absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a cozy Christmas read.
A few things to expect from Gift of You:
- MCs in their 40’s
- small town bookstore owner / city boy
- bi-awakening
- finding love after loss
- Hallmark Christmas vibes (self-aware)
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
This Christmas romance was so tender and lovely. Matthew and his grumpy exterior were no match for Louis’ sunny charm. I found myself relating so much to Louis and his fear of being all together too much. Turns out, he was just enough for Matthew to fall for :’)
I absolutely adored that Matty was an audiobook narrator, and that he was narrating a gay romance for the first time - it gave the storyline a nice touch!
I absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a cozy Christmas read.
A few things to expect from Gift of You:
- MCs in their 40’s
- small town bookstore owner / city boy
- bi-awakening
- finding love after loss
- Hallmark Christmas vibes (self-aware)
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
November 18, 2025
✨ARC Review ~ Gift of You by Melody Claire✨
Have you ever wondered what might happen when a straight male narrator narrates an MM book for the first time and gets to the spicy scenes? 😏🤭
I absolutely loved Louis and Matthew’s story! The snowy small town, Ernie the cat, the MCs being older, and all the “firsts”. 😍
Matthew is a grieving widower, bookstore owner, and narrator. He’s a flannel wearing, bearded, lumberjack - or should I say, “lumbersnack” of a man! He’s spent the past year in darkness since losing his wife.
Louis is a city guy with black horn rimmed glasses, fancy clothes, and manscaped to perfection. He’s always been made to feel he’s “too much”. Too loud, too opinionated, too everything. He comes to town for a wedding and a week to himself for Christmas.
Little do they know, the guy next door is about to change everything. ❤️
🎄 Holiday
🎁 Half-Naked Meet Cute
🎄 Bi-Awakening
🎁 Grumpy/Sunshine
🎄 Grieving Widower
🎁 MCs in their 40s
🎄 Small Town
🎁 Opposites Attract
🎄 Releases 11/18
✨If you haven’t already, be sure to check out her other holiday book Wrapped Up In You! It’s one of my favorites and the MCs make an appearance in this book!✨
Have you ever wondered what might happen when a straight male narrator narrates an MM book for the first time and gets to the spicy scenes? 😏🤭
I absolutely loved Louis and Matthew’s story! The snowy small town, Ernie the cat, the MCs being older, and all the “firsts”. 😍
Matthew is a grieving widower, bookstore owner, and narrator. He’s a flannel wearing, bearded, lumberjack - or should I say, “lumbersnack” of a man! He’s spent the past year in darkness since losing his wife.
Louis is a city guy with black horn rimmed glasses, fancy clothes, and manscaped to perfection. He’s always been made to feel he’s “too much”. Too loud, too opinionated, too everything. He comes to town for a wedding and a week to himself for Christmas.
Little do they know, the guy next door is about to change everything. ❤️
🎄 Holiday
🎁 Half-Naked Meet Cute
🎄 Bi-Awakening
🎁 Grumpy/Sunshine
🎄 Grieving Widower
🎁 MCs in their 40s
🎄 Small Town
🎁 Opposites Attract
🎄 Releases 11/18
✨If you haven’t already, be sure to check out her other holiday book Wrapped Up In You! It’s one of my favorites and the MCs make an appearance in this book!✨
November 17, 2025
Oh how I loved this! If you read Melody’s Christmas book last year you’ll love that this starts with a beautiful cameo of the two MCs from that one!
But seriously Matty and Louis were such an amazing 40+ Christmas novel. All the cozy Christmas vibes you want with the hurt/comfort that Melody is so good at writing. These two seem like such an unlikely pair but they were equally lonely and found a beautiful comfort in each other. If you need a beautiful holiday read I 10/10 recommend this one!
But seriously Matty and Louis were such an amazing 40+ Christmas novel. All the cozy Christmas vibes you want with the hurt/comfort that Melody is so good at writing. These two seem like such an unlikely pair but they were equally lonely and found a beautiful comfort in each other. If you need a beautiful holiday read I 10/10 recommend this one!
November 18, 2025
Melody delivered beautifully on a hurt comfort cozy holiday romance. Matty is mourning the loss of his wife/best friend and not prepared for the hurricane that is Louis to enter his life. They start off on unique footing that just stays there until Matty starts narrating his first mm romance and cannot get the man out of his head. These two have a slower build up to feelings which works for both men and allow the other in before full out commitment to believing it could be more. Was nice to see Jonathan and Hayden living their best lives together. A great addition to this years holiday lineup.
November 18, 2025
This was an adorable novella. Rom-com style. Opposites attract, snowy setting ! Perfect book to curl up and read in one setting on a snow day!
November 23, 2025
Are you looking for a sweet, cozy holiday romance with all the Hallmark movie vibes? Are you looking for a movie with these vibes that also include spicy scenes, two mature characters, and a sweet cat named Ernie?
Well, look no further. You have found that book.
Melody, Claire crafted a beautiful, low angst holiday novel with two great characters. Louis is in town for a wedding of two of his friends. He has rented an apartment next to Matthew, who is a bookstore owner in the small town and recently widowed. Matthew is also an audiobook narrator.
These two have the cutest and funniest meet-cute that leads to a whirlwind romance over Christmas.
I’m so happy I read this book right before the holiday season. It’s sweet, it’s cozy and it’s spicy. As with all of this author’s books, it’s very well written.
Highly recommended.
Well, look no further. You have found that book.
Melody, Claire crafted a beautiful, low angst holiday novel with two great characters. Louis is in town for a wedding of two of his friends. He has rented an apartment next to Matthew, who is a bookstore owner in the small town and recently widowed. Matthew is also an audiobook narrator.
These two have the cutest and funniest meet-cute that leads to a whirlwind romance over Christmas.
I’m so happy I read this book right before the holiday season. It’s sweet, it’s cozy and it’s spicy. As with all of this author’s books, it’s very well written.
Highly recommended.
November 28, 2025
Super sweet, opposites attract, insta love, hallmark movie-esque story! I loved that these characters were older and still discovering themselves. It was warm and comforting and perfect way to start the holiday season!
November 23, 2025
This was a quick cute read.
Insta love, bi awakening, holiday, MC's in their 40's, opposites attract sorta.
A nice low angst holiday read if that's your thing. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the miscommunication, it wasn't awful but it's still my least fave trope. It seemed like Matty tried a few times and Louis either just didn't get it or wouldn't let him finish a sentence.
Insta love, bi awakening, holiday, MC's in their 40's, opposites attract sorta.
A nice low angst holiday read if that's your thing. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the miscommunication, it wasn't awful but it's still my least fave trope. It seemed like Matty tried a few times and Louis either just didn't get it or wouldn't let him finish a sentence.
December 11, 2025
The short chapters made this feel more like a novella than a full story. I think extending the chapters by having the MCs interact more with side characters would've gone a long way in fleshing out the story more.
Despite the author using the dreaded "idk why I act differently around him" and having Matthew supposedly break his grumpy persona around a guy he'd only met like three times (in short bursts), it actually ended up making a little bit of sense (though idk if the author explicitly did that). Matthew came across as an incredibly lonely person that needed someone to force him out of his rut. Having Louis be generally gregarious and nosy gave a nice justifiable reason for Matthew to "not know why he wants to talk" (because he really didn't know why, but he needed someone to open up to). It just so happened that he was also realizing an attraction to men at the same time AND Louis happened to remind him a lot of his dead wife.
Him admitting that "his feelings were anything but friendly" happened way too fast though. I wanted more tension, more questioning of his feelings toward Louis before that blew out. There was so much more room for a slow build of internal panic before the outburst.
Their separation was decently executed. Very cliche, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I liked that A bit dramatic, sure, but it wasn't melodramatic because it was believable and justifiable (both were emotional and scared of falling so quickly).
What was>/i> melodramatic though was how they'd made a mountain out of a molehill. Louis just lived an hour away. That's kinda far, sure, but not impossible to drive regularly (especially if they meet halfway, then it's only thirty minutes which is nothing). I'm retconning that detail in my head to be at least three hours.
Wasn't a fan of how Matthew just shows up out of nowhere at the NYE party or of how the author timelapsed away Louis and Matthew talking about their relationship. Sure, we get the gist of what happened, but I wanted to see the lead up to their reunion (if not through Matthew's POV, then a resolution from Louis to go back to Matthew to show that he also wanted to fight for their relationship) and I wanted a proper conclusion to gradually bring down the emotions with logistics and planning.
But all in all, this was a decent story. Pretty basic premise of "city guy meets country dude" (with less tribalism and more focus on logistical separation). Relationship developed really fast, but didn't feel like instalove (at least to me). Third act was cliche and probably could've used some more meat to make the separation feel more impactful, but otherwise I have no complaints. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Despite the author using the dreaded "idk why I act differently around him" and having Matthew supposedly break his grumpy persona around a guy he'd only met like three times (in short bursts), it actually ended up making a little bit of sense (though idk if the author explicitly did that). Matthew came across as an incredibly lonely person that needed someone to force him out of his rut. Having Louis be generally gregarious and nosy gave a nice justifiable reason for Matthew to "not know why he wants to talk" (because he really didn't know why, but he needed someone to open up to). It just so happened that he was also realizing an attraction to men at the same time AND Louis happened to remind him a lot of his dead wife.
Him admitting that "his feelings were anything but friendly" happened way too fast though. I wanted more tension, more questioning of his feelings toward Louis before that blew out. There was so much more room for a slow build of internal panic before the outburst.
Their separation was decently executed. Very cliche, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I liked that A bit dramatic, sure, but it wasn't melodramatic because it was believable and justifiable (both were emotional and scared of falling so quickly).
What was>/i> melodramatic though was how they'd made a mountain out of a molehill. Louis just lived an hour away. That's kinda far, sure, but not impossible to drive regularly (especially if they meet halfway, then it's only thirty minutes which is nothing). I'm retconning that detail in my head to be at least three hours.
Wasn't a fan of how Matthew just shows up out of nowhere at the NYE party or of how the author timelapsed away Louis and Matthew talking about their relationship. Sure, we get the gist of what happened, but I wanted to see the lead up to their reunion (if not through Matthew's POV, then a resolution from Louis to go back to Matthew to show that he also wanted to fight for their relationship) and I wanted a proper conclusion to gradually bring down the emotions with logistics and planning.
But all in all, this was a decent story. Pretty basic premise of "city guy meets country dude" (with less tribalism and more focus on logistical separation). Relationship developed really fast, but didn't feel like instalove (at least to me). Third act was cliche and probably could've used some more meat to make the separation feel more impactful, but otherwise I have no complaints. 3.5 stars rounded up.
November 19, 2025
Great start to the holidays
This was a cute holiday novella about a widower bookstore owner/narrator and his neighbor who's renting the apartment nextdoor for the holidays.
Very grumpy/sunshine, introvert/extrovert situation.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts are honest and my own.
While it is a standalone if you've read the previous holiday novella the beginning of this is super exciting lol
I loved the care that was taken when taking about Matthews late wife and how she was a part of the story but it wasn't overly sad. I really liked that they were so mature and Louis didn't have one negative or jealous thought about it which I feel was helped by the fact that they're in their 40s.
I love that Melody always takes great care when she's writing about more serious topics and situations and she has a way of having the characters show each other and you how one deserves to be loved and treated. Louis has always been treated like he's too much and so he's internalized that and Matthew is very much like I don't know who told you that but that's bs and you will not talk about yourself like that. And squeeeeee I loved it lol.
I liked the reason why Matthew began questioning his sexuality and that we got several snippets of the book he was reading/narrating. I would be interested in reading that book as well...just saying lol
It was quite insta lovey and fell firmly into the small town/city boy hallmarky trope which is kind of to be expected from a holiday novella. I did like that the story was focused on just them and building their relationship and that they didn't have to save the town from anything or something like that lol.
I did think that the distance between them could have been further and it would have been a bit higher stakes for me but I do recognize that that's in part to the area that I live. South Florida is very much a drive places area. I have people in my life that their commute to work is longer than a hour and it's not an uncommon situation here so when they were stressing about a long-distance relationship and Louis mentioned he lived an hour drive away I was kind of a bit like huh? But again I suppose if you live in a small town and are used to being able to walk places and everything is super close I can see where the thought process of an hour drive being super far could come into play.
Overall I did really enjoy this and thought it was a great start to my holiday reading and it is something I'll reread for holidays to come.
Also the bonus epilogue was very hot...and sweet at the same time.
As always check your triggers, while this wasn't overly sad and he becomes a widow years prior to the story there is talk about what happened a few times so take care of yourself.
This was a cute holiday novella about a widower bookstore owner/narrator and his neighbor who's renting the apartment nextdoor for the holidays.
Very grumpy/sunshine, introvert/extrovert situation.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts are honest and my own.
While it is a standalone if you've read the previous holiday novella the beginning of this is super exciting lol
I loved the care that was taken when taking about Matthews late wife and how she was a part of the story but it wasn't overly sad. I really liked that they were so mature and Louis didn't have one negative or jealous thought about it which I feel was helped by the fact that they're in their 40s.
I love that Melody always takes great care when she's writing about more serious topics and situations and she has a way of having the characters show each other and you how one deserves to be loved and treated. Louis has always been treated like he's too much and so he's internalized that and Matthew is very much like I don't know who told you that but that's bs and you will not talk about yourself like that. And squeeeeee I loved it lol.
I liked the reason why Matthew began questioning his sexuality and that we got several snippets of the book he was reading/narrating. I would be interested in reading that book as well...just saying lol
It was quite insta lovey and fell firmly into the small town/city boy hallmarky trope which is kind of to be expected from a holiday novella. I did like that the story was focused on just them and building their relationship and that they didn't have to save the town from anything or something like that lol.
I did think that the distance between them could have been further and it would have been a bit higher stakes for me but I do recognize that that's in part to the area that I live. South Florida is very much a drive places area. I have people in my life that their commute to work is longer than a hour and it's not an uncommon situation here so when they were stressing about a long-distance relationship and Louis mentioned he lived an hour drive away I was kind of a bit like huh? But again I suppose if you live in a small town and are used to being able to walk places and everything is super close I can see where the thought process of an hour drive being super far could come into play.
Overall I did really enjoy this and thought it was a great start to my holiday reading and it is something I'll reread for holidays to come.
Also the bonus epilogue was very hot...and sweet at the same time.
As always check your triggers, while this wasn't overly sad and he becomes a widow years prior to the story there is talk about what happened a few times so take care of yourself.
November 28, 2025
What do you get when you put together a broody widower/ bookstore owner/ book narrator living in a small town and a sunshine cooperate city boy who has no filter and has always been told he's too much? A beautifully spicy bi awakening swoony holiday romance. Matthew lives half a life after the loss of his wife with no friends or family. He's fine on his own with his cat and his jobs. That is until he meets a half naked Louis in town to officiate a friend's wedding and in need of assistance. They don't have the best few impressions but that doesn't stop them from meeting again and again and when Matthew is narrating his first gay romance and finds out he may have some attraction to men he never thought of twice before he is now curious and looking at Louis in a new light. Or perhaps there was already a shadow of interest from that first meeting that gave parts of the book he's working on new meaning. Either way how he feels about Louis is anything but friendly and Louis feels the same. Matthew is the most beautiful man he's ever seen. The strong silent type but he also has a big heart and has taken care of Louis in ways he's never been cared for before. Louis also wants to take care of Matthew and to show him he matters too. They decide to explore Matthew's new feelings together for the week that Louis is in town but is that enough when Louis brings back light and laughter into Matthew's world and Matthew shows Louis that he's more than enough as he is and is worth the fuss and the fight? Well you'll just have to find out. I loved the balance the author gave this book and the main characters. They focused on them but also brought just enough outside characters to shape the kind of people Louis and Matthew are and the lives they lived before they met. Loneliness sees lonliness and these two beautiful men saw each other when no one else bothered. They're opposites but in ways that balance each other out. I also loved that the author included Matthew's late wife in conversations and memories but not too much to take away from the main characters but enough to show how much Matthew loved Ally but was ready to make more peace with his grief and follow his heart. I absolutely loved and adored this book so much and all the sweet, spicy, swoony, crying, and healing parts of their journey together.
November 24, 2025
Two stars for technically competent prose; dinging the other three stars because everything else about this book irritated me, from the moment on page 1 when Louis rushed outside soaking wet and wearing a towel to knock on his neighbor's door asking for toiletries. In December. I expect it's meant to be madcap and funny and illustrative of his general too-muchness but it's so OTT dumb that it put me off him immediately.
I suppose I could've been won over, but:
1. The pacing. Insta-love is a magic trick and few writers can pull it off. K.J. Charles's Think of England is effectively insta-love -- Archie and Daniel fall for each other over the course of four days, I think -- but she gives their emotional growth enough space (events, interactions, contrasts with other characters) to make it credible.
2. The sex. Or, rather, the author's ideas about sex. Did you know that hetero sex never ever entails the man having his butt touched, and that rimming and buttsex are necessarily and always gay? Yeah, me either. At least the narrative leaves open the possibility that Matthew has gotten a blowjob ever before in his life. This aspect of the book -- authorial ignorance about sex in a story of sexual awakening -- outright infuriated me.
3. The stereotypes. For instance: "I took great pride in my appearance, as any gay worth his salt should." Oh, give me a break.
4. The sex. Yes, I know I mentioned it already. This is a different aspect of the sex. Our heroes are 42 and, I think, 50? And the 50-year-old somehow gets it up twice in the space of two hours. I ... don't think so?
Re: 2. and 3. I'm whatever the opposite is of gender essentialist, relevantly in the context of straight cis women writing m/m romance, but ... There was the nonsense about gay men and the nonsense about gay sex, and a general het-in-disguise vibe, which in turn made Louis read like a cliched romance heroine even though there's no reason a man couldn't behave the way he does. Weird, huh?
Thanks to the author and GRR for the ARC.
I suppose I could've been won over, but:
1. The pacing. Insta-love is a magic trick and few writers can pull it off. K.J. Charles's Think of England is effectively insta-love -- Archie and Daniel fall for each other over the course of four days, I think -- but she gives their emotional growth enough space (events, interactions, contrasts with other characters) to make it credible.
2. The sex. Or, rather, the author's ideas about sex. Did you know that hetero sex never ever entails the man having his butt touched, and that rimming and buttsex are necessarily and always gay? Yeah, me either. At least the narrative leaves open the possibility that Matthew has gotten a blowjob ever before in his life. This aspect of the book -- authorial ignorance about sex in a story of sexual awakening -- outright infuriated me.
3. The stereotypes. For instance: "I took great pride in my appearance, as any gay worth his salt should." Oh, give me a break.
4. The sex. Yes, I know I mentioned it already. This is a different aspect of the sex. Our heroes are 42 and, I think, 50? And the 50-year-old somehow gets it up twice in the space of two hours. I ... don't think so?
Re: 2. and 3. I'm whatever the opposite is of gender essentialist, relevantly in the context of straight cis women writing m/m romance, but ... There was the nonsense about gay men and the nonsense about gay sex, and a general het-in-disguise vibe, which in turn made Louis read like a cliched romance heroine even though there's no reason a man couldn't behave the way he does. Weird, huh?
Thanks to the author and GRR for the ARC.
November 10, 2025
✨Book Review: Gift of You by Melody Claire✨
Gift of You by Melody Claire is an emotional, tender, and beautifully written small-town, slow-burn romance that captures the true spirit of love, healing, and rediscovery.
The story follows Matthew, a widower who’s been living quietly running his bookstore and narrating audiobooks after losing his wife, and Louis, a vibrant and outgoing man who crashes into Matthew’s calm world just before Christmas. What starts as an unexpected encounter turns into a heartfelt exploration of identity, connection, and the courage it takes to open your heart again.
Melody Claire perfectly balances grief and hope, giving us two characters who feel raw and real. Matthew’s quiet vulnerability blends so well with Louis’s bold charm, creating chemistry that leaps off the page. The way they help each other heal and grow especially as Matthew begins to question and embrace his sexuality feels genuine and deeply moving.
My favorite part was the emotional confession scene between Louis and Matthew, where Louis finally lets his heart speak. The moment Matthew tells him, “I think that if you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way. And I want you, Lou. I want to make this work with you,” is pure magic. It’s a declaration not just of love, but of choice, courage, and the willingness to fight for happiness despite fear.
This book is perfect for readers who love:
💫 Small-town romance
💫 Holiday warmth with emotional depth
💫 Grumpy/sunshine dynamic
💫 Second chances and self-discovery
💫 Queer romance with heart
Gift of You is a cozy yet emotional love story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. It’s not just a romance, it’s a reminder that love can find you when you least expect it, and that sometimes, the greatest gift you can give is yourself.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 — tender, romantic, and full of heart.
Gift of You by Melody Claire is an emotional, tender, and beautifully written small-town, slow-burn romance that captures the true spirit of love, healing, and rediscovery.
The story follows Matthew, a widower who’s been living quietly running his bookstore and narrating audiobooks after losing his wife, and Louis, a vibrant and outgoing man who crashes into Matthew’s calm world just before Christmas. What starts as an unexpected encounter turns into a heartfelt exploration of identity, connection, and the courage it takes to open your heart again.
Melody Claire perfectly balances grief and hope, giving us two characters who feel raw and real. Matthew’s quiet vulnerability blends so well with Louis’s bold charm, creating chemistry that leaps off the page. The way they help each other heal and grow especially as Matthew begins to question and embrace his sexuality feels genuine and deeply moving.
My favorite part was the emotional confession scene between Louis and Matthew, where Louis finally lets his heart speak. The moment Matthew tells him, “I think that if you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way. And I want you, Lou. I want to make this work with you,” is pure magic. It’s a declaration not just of love, but of choice, courage, and the willingness to fight for happiness despite fear.
This book is perfect for readers who love:
💫 Small-town romance
💫 Holiday warmth with emotional depth
💫 Grumpy/sunshine dynamic
💫 Second chances and self-discovery
💫 Queer romance with heart
Gift of You is a cozy yet emotional love story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. It’s not just a romance, it’s a reminder that love can find you when you least expect it, and that sometimes, the greatest gift you can give is yourself.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 — tender, romantic, and full of heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2025
Gift of You - Melody Claire
4.25/5
* SPOILERS *
I absolutely loved this book so much and that didn’t surprise me because I’ve loved every book by Melody Claire that I’ve gotten the chance to read. I love me a good holiday romance and mix it in with some biawakening and stubborn feelings, I’m all in. I also love that these two are older MC’s in their forties, which I loved too.
I knew the moment that the two of them were going to be fun when Louis popped up on Matty’s doorstep practically naked. That whole scene had me entertained from that scene alone.
I felt for Matthew when he mentions his late wife, who passed away due to cancer. The fact that she was still part of him made him so well. I loved how Louis even mentioned he would have loved to have met her. Also, the way that Matty went through his awakening was so amazing. It was more special to me probably because he was older and I loved that he was so confused and mentioned he had never felt this way for anyone else before.
Man, these two were so stubborn, but when they finally woke up towards the last ten percent of this book, I was kicking my feet because I was like “finally!” Haha.
Also, the spice between them was certainly steamy. I was here for these two because seeing Matty’s first times were so freaking special because he was with Louis.
I also love how they are so different but they are just perfect for one another. Their chemistry together was absolutely perfect!
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
4.25/5
* SPOILERS *
I absolutely loved this book so much and that didn’t surprise me because I’ve loved every book by Melody Claire that I’ve gotten the chance to read. I love me a good holiday romance and mix it in with some biawakening and stubborn feelings, I’m all in. I also love that these two are older MC’s in their forties, which I loved too.
I knew the moment that the two of them were going to be fun when Louis popped up on Matty’s doorstep practically naked. That whole scene had me entertained from that scene alone.
I felt for Matthew when he mentions his late wife, who passed away due to cancer. The fact that she was still part of him made him so well. I loved how Louis even mentioned he would have loved to have met her. Also, the way that Matty went through his awakening was so amazing. It was more special to me probably because he was older and I loved that he was so confused and mentioned he had never felt this way for anyone else before.
Man, these two were so stubborn, but when they finally woke up towards the last ten percent of this book, I was kicking my feet because I was like “finally!” Haha.
Also, the spice between them was certainly steamy. I was here for these two because seeing Matty’s first times were so freaking special because he was with Louis.
I also love how they are so different but they are just perfect for one another. Their chemistry together was absolutely perfect!
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
November 13, 2025
Tender, thoughtful, and tantalizing all in one, this makes for a quick holiday treat with a surprising amount of heart! This made me so giddy for the characters that I tore through this in a day.
First off, round of applause for taking so much care and consideration for the complex feelings involved in a late sexual awakening. Both sides are placed in a delicate situation that was handled with such grace, focusing on consent and comfort while exploring/introducing new territories. That awkward but eager feeling anyone has for any First was projected in such a real way, you can’t help but connect even if their experience and experimentation don’t reflect your own. At the same time, a perfect example of taking all that effort in those scenes without being repetitive or boring. So refreshing!
Not to mention how much I loved having protagonists in their 40s! Matthew and Louis both lived very different lives, but fit together at this point in their lives so seamlessly. Their experiences shape them into people that compliment each other so well, while also informing their hesitations. We certainly don’t waste anytime getting to the meat of things though!
Overall, I was kicking my feet for so much of this, even if it all happened fast enough for a bit of whiplash. Certainly spicy but overall sweet at its core
First off, round of applause for taking so much care and consideration for the complex feelings involved in a late sexual awakening. Both sides are placed in a delicate situation that was handled with such grace, focusing on consent and comfort while exploring/introducing new territories. That awkward but eager feeling anyone has for any First was projected in such a real way, you can’t help but connect even if their experience and experimentation don’t reflect your own. At the same time, a perfect example of taking all that effort in those scenes without being repetitive or boring. So refreshing!
Not to mention how much I loved having protagonists in their 40s! Matthew and Louis both lived very different lives, but fit together at this point in their lives so seamlessly. Their experiences shape them into people that compliment each other so well, while also informing their hesitations. We certainly don’t waste anytime getting to the meat of things though!
Overall, I was kicking my feet for so much of this, even if it all happened fast enough for a bit of whiplash. Certainly spicy but overall sweet at its core
November 18, 2025
Oh, I had so much fun reading this book…not in the literal way as it’s no comedy… well there are a lot of funny passages were I had to laugh out loud.. but what I mean is I had just fun reading their story - it lightened me up inside !
Louis is pure sass and Matthew’s experiencing all this new things - earning up to it - embracing each and every new touch and feeling with full force.
He clearly dominates his way through all the stuff they are doing in the bedroom - well ok they are in their 40ies but they are not boring - so they do it on other surfaces too… 🌶️🌶️🌶️
These two are adorable together - Louis brings grumpy Matthew back to life and brightens his days. Matthew is a natural caretaker - a strong bearded, flannel wearing mountain man - always master of the situation but yet so innocent and new to being with a man.
Louis is game to show him the hang of all of it and falls hard for him right from the beginning. Could Matthew be the one who is different - the one who loves every part of him….? Yes absolutely! Matthew is an amazing man and Louis finally is seen and want by someone for his true self.
Their love story is soo sweet and the slight bump on the road to their happy ending is completely forgotten when they kiss their way (favorably against a wall) into their HEA!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Louis is pure sass and Matthew’s experiencing all this new things - earning up to it - embracing each and every new touch and feeling with full force.
He clearly dominates his way through all the stuff they are doing in the bedroom - well ok they are in their 40ies but they are not boring - so they do it on other surfaces too… 🌶️🌶️🌶️
These two are adorable together - Louis brings grumpy Matthew back to life and brightens his days. Matthew is a natural caretaker - a strong bearded, flannel wearing mountain man - always master of the situation but yet so innocent and new to being with a man.
Louis is game to show him the hang of all of it and falls hard for him right from the beginning. Could Matthew be the one who is different - the one who loves every part of him….? Yes absolutely! Matthew is an amazing man and Louis finally is seen and want by someone for his true self.
Their love story is soo sweet and the slight bump on the road to their happy ending is completely forgotten when they kiss their way (favorably against a wall) into their HEA!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 26, 2025
Louis is in town to officiate his friend's wedding and has a series of hilariously awkward meet cutes with the guy neighboring his rental. Matthew is an audiobook narrator who lost his wife a couple years ago. Narrating a spicy scene in a MM book kicks off his late in life bi-awakening, and he can't help but notice Louis. Louis has always felt like he's too much, but for Matthew, he might just be exactly enough.
This was a sweet, low angst holiday romance. I was delighted to get peeks of Hayden and Jonathan's life together (Wrapped Up In You) while watching Louis and Matthew fall.
I adored how much care was taken with the later in life awakening, and that both MCs talked to each other openly, maturely, with careful consent. I also appreciated that Matthew's grief wasn't a point of plot conflict. It was there and they held space for his wife's memory, but it didn't overly weigh the book down or hold their romance back.
It is a holiday romance, so the relationship develops fast but Melody does a good job of making it feel believable. The bonus epilogue is an absolute treat!
Gift of You is a sweet, mature romance with likeable characters, low angst and cozy, small town Christmas vibes. I received an early copy of this book from the author and these are my honest reflections on it.
*Holiday romance
*Small Town
*Mature characters
*Opposites attract
*Close proximity
*Dual POV
This was a sweet, low angst holiday romance. I was delighted to get peeks of Hayden and Jonathan's life together (Wrapped Up In You) while watching Louis and Matthew fall.
I adored how much care was taken with the later in life awakening, and that both MCs talked to each other openly, maturely, with careful consent. I also appreciated that Matthew's grief wasn't a point of plot conflict. It was there and they held space for his wife's memory, but it didn't overly weigh the book down or hold their romance back.
It is a holiday romance, so the relationship develops fast but Melody does a good job of making it feel believable. The bonus epilogue is an absolute treat!
Gift of You is a sweet, mature romance with likeable characters, low angst and cozy, small town Christmas vibes. I received an early copy of this book from the author and these are my honest reflections on it.
*Holiday romance
*Small Town
*Mature characters
*Opposites attract
*Close proximity
*Dual POV
November 28, 2025
3.5 stars, rounding down. I was torn about how to rate this . . . there is a lot about this I liked, but I felt it needed a final pass to weed out a few inconsistencies and extraneous details. Sort of like that old advice about checking your outfit before you leave and taking off one thing?
I've read several books from this author and have always enjoyed the prose and found the characterization is typically good; this time, I wish we had a slightly expanded time frame or more intentional use of flashbacks to give us some more history of our characters. We're told Louis is over the top, but not really shown it? And with Matthew having found his first soulmate so early, I could buy he just never questioned his sexuality because he was so happy in his relationship, but I think there was room to give us a little more believable bisexual/demisexual awakening. I liked both characters and enjoyed their interactions, but it felt like they were mostly floating in a nebulous bubble of instalove.
For a quick holiday novella, I still had a good time and felt the discussions the MCs had were often good and highlighted some thoughts I haven't often seen in other romances, but they weren't rooted deeply enough for me this time.
I will still seek out more from this author, because even in a book that didn't fully work for me, I saw a lot to like. Thanks to GRR for the review copy!
I've read several books from this author and have always enjoyed the prose and found the characterization is typically good; this time, I wish we had a slightly expanded time frame or more intentional use of flashbacks to give us some more history of our characters. We're told Louis is over the top, but not really shown it? And with Matthew having found his first soulmate so early, I could buy he just never questioned his sexuality because he was so happy in his relationship, but I think there was room to give us a little more believable bisexual/demisexual awakening. I liked both characters and enjoyed their interactions, but it felt like they were mostly floating in a nebulous bubble of instalove.
For a quick holiday novella, I still had a good time and felt the discussions the MCs had were often good and highlighted some thoughts I haven't often seen in other romances, but they weren't rooted deeply enough for me this time.
I will still seek out more from this author, because even in a book that didn't fully work for me, I saw a lot to like. Thanks to GRR for the review copy!
December 4, 2025
vomit bowl, raccoon eyeliner, manscaped, rainbow beanie, best peach, prostate screech, magenta ponytail, doorway
Sigh, this book is so good! This romance story between Matthew and Louis is delicious and heartwarming. They're both nice, generous, and tender, as they are, and as lovers. Louis is a corporate accountant and is in town for a week, for a friend's wedding. He is chaos and sunshine personified. Matthew owns a local bookshop, and is a novel narrator. He lost his wife a few years ago. She is the only one he loved with his whole heart.
Louis has a short-term rental apartment next to Matthew. In a tizzy because he forgot his toiletries and is the officiant of his friend's wedding. But, he realizes his goof once he is the shower. Panicking he goes to the next-door neighbor to borrow some his forgotten personal care products clad in only a towel!
Stoic and growly Matthew has built thick walls around his heart and isolates himself whenever he can. Annoyed, Matthew answers his door to find an almost naked man, who's incoherent and desperate.
I absolutely enjoyed myself. I heartily recommend it.
Sigh, this book is so good! This romance story between Matthew and Louis is delicious and heartwarming. They're both nice, generous, and tender, as they are, and as lovers. Louis is a corporate accountant and is in town for a week, for a friend's wedding. He is chaos and sunshine personified. Matthew owns a local bookshop, and is a novel narrator. He lost his wife a few years ago. She is the only one he loved with his whole heart.
Louis has a short-term rental apartment next to Matthew. In a tizzy because he forgot his toiletries and is the officiant of his friend's wedding. But, he realizes his goof once he is the shower. Panicking he goes to the next-door neighbor to borrow some his forgotten personal care products clad in only a towel!
Stoic and growly Matthew has built thick walls around his heart and isolates himself whenever he can. Annoyed, Matthew answers his door to find an almost naked man, who's incoherent and desperate.
I absolutely enjoyed myself. I heartily recommend it.
November 16, 2025
Holiday standalone. Mature characters. Neighbors. Opposites attract. Instalove. Dual POV.
Officiating his friend's wedding in a nearby small town, accountant Louis meets widower and bookstore owner Matthew in a series of meet-cutes that are funny and endearing. Matthew misses his wife, and he’s never thought about being intimate with another man, until he meets Louis and now Louis is all he can think about.
This story has a bi-awakening that happens in a short time frame, and surprisingly it works out beautifully. Matthew admits his attraction and has normal hesitations about his newfound attraction, but yet embraces his interactions with Louis honestly and with no regrets. I enjoyed that both men fall equally and quickly, that there is plenty of communication (until it comes time to talk about feelings, but eventually it happens) and plenty of steamy times. Overall, a really swoony read about a holiday week that brings a special kind of connection to two likable and deserving men. 4.5 rounded up
Officiating his friend's wedding in a nearby small town, accountant Louis meets widower and bookstore owner Matthew in a series of meet-cutes that are funny and endearing. Matthew misses his wife, and he’s never thought about being intimate with another man, until he meets Louis and now Louis is all he can think about.
This story has a bi-awakening that happens in a short time frame, and surprisingly it works out beautifully. Matthew admits his attraction and has normal hesitations about his newfound attraction, but yet embraces his interactions with Louis honestly and with no regrets. I enjoyed that both men fall equally and quickly, that there is plenty of communication (until it comes time to talk about feelings, but eventually it happens) and plenty of steamy times. Overall, a really swoony read about a holiday week that brings a special kind of connection to two likable and deserving men. 4.5 rounded up
November 18, 2025
4 ⭐
3 🌶️
My heart went out to Louis multiple times. His feeling of being too much and not enough at the same time. Taking less space and dulling yourself to be more appealing to other people. Ugh, it broke my heart. Then add in Matthew who is still actively grieving the loss of his wife. I wanted to hug them both.
I really enjoyed that both of them were in their early forties. Louis was so vibrant he didn't read to be in his forties to me (which isn't a bad thing). He brought a sparkle to the story that kept it uplifting while dealing with topics like grief and loss.
The miscommunicating near the end, when they had proven they can open up to each other, really frustrated me. Overall though this was a cute holiday story
WHAT TO EXPECT
• Holiday Romance
• Half-naked meet cute
• Bi-Awakening
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Grieving Widow
• MCs in their 40s
• Small Town
Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: Yes
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
3 🌶️
My heart went out to Louis multiple times. His feeling of being too much and not enough at the same time. Taking less space and dulling yourself to be more appealing to other people. Ugh, it broke my heart. Then add in Matthew who is still actively grieving the loss of his wife. I wanted to hug them both.
I really enjoyed that both of them were in their early forties. Louis was so vibrant he didn't read to be in his forties to me (which isn't a bad thing). He brought a sparkle to the story that kept it uplifting while dealing with topics like grief and loss.
The miscommunicating near the end, when they had proven they can open up to each other, really frustrated me. Overall though this was a cute holiday story
WHAT TO EXPECT
• Holiday Romance
• Half-naked meet cute
• Bi-Awakening
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Grieving Widow
• MCs in their 40s
• Small Town
Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: Yes
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
November 19, 2025
I love Melody Claire's writing! It is heartfelt, steamy, swoony, and sometimes even sad. My favorite part of this book was the ages of the MCs. Matthew is 40 and Louis is 42. I absolutely love how they act their age. They are both feeling lonely at Christmas time (and honestly, all the time), because even though their circumstances are completely different, they both thought they would have partners at this stage of their lives.
Matthew is a lonely, sad, shell of himself. I don't like to call him a grump really because he's beyond grumpy - he's downright sad and full of grief. Yikes - someone needed to come and save him stat! In comes Louis - trendy, beautiful, insecure Louis. I am so glad neither of these characters was a brat, or over confident. The story just wouldn't have worked if that were the case.
I enjoyed these characters and this Christmas-time read very much. I highly recommend giving it a read if you love seasonal love stories and characters who are desperate to find their person!
AND I adored Louis calling Matthew "Matty!" The best!!
4.5/5 stars
Matthew is a lonely, sad, shell of himself. I don't like to call him a grump really because he's beyond grumpy - he's downright sad and full of grief. Yikes - someone needed to come and save him stat! In comes Louis - trendy, beautiful, insecure Louis. I am so glad neither of these characters was a brat, or over confident. The story just wouldn't have worked if that were the case.
I enjoyed these characters and this Christmas-time read very much. I highly recommend giving it a read if you love seasonal love stories and characters who are desperate to find their person!
AND I adored Louis calling Matthew "Matty!" The best!!
4.5/5 stars
November 16, 2025
This book was absolutely wonderful. It portrayed so many things.
From Matty’s side: grief… experiencing it, processing it, and then moving forward. The changes in his sexuality and accepting those changes.
From Lou’s side: how easily a person can believe it when others keep saying they’re too much, too loud, too colorful, too cheerful—simply just too-too-too… and how that fills them with insecurity, sadness, and loneliness because they start to believe no one will love them for who they truly are.
The two of them couldn’t be more different, yet they’re so similar… and the way their relationship and love develop is nothing short of magical.
I found myself smiling throughout the book, and yes, I shed a few tears too.
I honestly loved every second of it.
This story was fantastic too, and I adored that Lucy and Hayden appeared in the book 🥹
I received this book as an ARC, this is my honest review.
From Matty’s side: grief… experiencing it, processing it, and then moving forward. The changes in his sexuality and accepting those changes.
From Lou’s side: how easily a person can believe it when others keep saying they’re too much, too loud, too colorful, too cheerful—simply just too-too-too… and how that fills them with insecurity, sadness, and loneliness because they start to believe no one will love them for who they truly are.
The two of them couldn’t be more different, yet they’re so similar… and the way their relationship and love develop is nothing short of magical.
I found myself smiling throughout the book, and yes, I shed a few tears too.
I honestly loved every second of it.
This story was fantastic too, and I adored that Lucy and Hayden appeared in the book 🥹
I received this book as an ARC, this is my honest review.
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