Archie's Holiday

by Brina Brady, Brina Brady

Archie Star was spending his first winter break as a teacher not flipping pancakes at the Blue Star Diner, but curled up beside Brogan Finnegan, the man who’d turned a rented room into a real home and a quiet friendship into something much more. With snow piling up outside, Archie struggled to believe he deserved the warmth and belonging he’d found, even as Brogan’s steady kindness and slow, thoughtful gestures kept melting the walls he’d built. Then, on Christmas morning, under the soft glow of their tree, Brogan handed him a simple gift that carried a promise and a question that could change would Archie stay, not just for the season, but for good?

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2025

About the author

I read and write M/M Gay Erotica/Romance novels.

I am a retired high school teacher with a Master's Degree from California State University of Long Beach and UCLA.

I taught various high school subjects including the following:world history, math, Algebra, Careers, CAHSEE prep, Independent Studies,science, Adult School, Orientation, and even middle school for three years. Let's not talk about the middle school experience. I prefer teaching high school seniors.

During the day, I read and write. I enjoy taking writing classes in my spare time.

Reviews

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Archie Star, now a high school English teacher, spends his first winter break away from the Blue Star Diner and instead with Brogan Finnegan — the man whose rented room became a refuge and whose friendship grew into something deeper. As snow falls over Foggy Basin, Archie struggles with old insecurities that whisper he doesn’t deserve comfort or belonging. Yet Brogan’s steady warmth, shared meals, and gentle invitations begin to melt those doubts, offering Archie a glimpse of a life built together. On Christmas morning, under a tree adorned with handmade ornaments and soft lights, Brogan presents Archie with a simple but profound gift: a promise and a question. It’s not just about staying for the holiday season, but about choosing love, home, and permanence — staying for good.

I loved this short story that was about finding the courage to accept love, to stay, and to believe in a future built together. I loved how the story explored how belonging requires not just being welcomed, but believing you are worthy of staying. I also loved how love was portrayed as shelter — not just romantic passion, but the everyday comfort of being cared for. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Delibes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is a cozy little holiday read — the kind you curl up with when you want something soft, warm, and low-stress. And in that regard, it absolutely delivers. It’s comforting, gentle, and easy to get through.

That said… I definitely felt that I was missing something. Since this isn’t a standalone and I hadn’t read the book before it, there were moments where I could tell I lacked context — certain relationships, emotional beats, or background details just didn’t hit as hard as they probably would have otherwise. Not a dealbreaker, but noticeable.

Still, the overall vibe was nice. It’s enjoyable, festive, and has that cozy holiday atmosphere that makes you want a blanket and a warm drink. Nothing groundbreaking, nothing that will haunt my thoughts for weeks — but a pleasant read nonetheless.

A solid 3.5 stars for comfort, coziness, and holiday vibes — just maybe best enjoyed after reading the previous book.

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet holiday addition to Archie and Brogan's story full of both joy and sorrow. Archie's uncle David is a real piece of work as it seems is Rafael's father and I'm sure there's a back story to their animosity to the happiness of the respective couples. It would have been nice to see them start to come around after seeing the joy between the couples and the other family members.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Archie and Brogan first Christmas together brings mixed feelings into the mix as some old wounds and insecurities resurface, a family member made it’s disapproval known of his life choices, and some reassurances need to be made.
It’s also the time for gifts, surprises, happy revelation, moments together with the ones dear to them, as well as magical moments filled with love and happiness.

* this is an ARC review and is my honest opinion

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS

This is a FOGGY BASIN Short. The first Christmas for Brogan and Andrew. After all the family drama they have made an effort to make it Beautiful for each other. BRINA BRADY has captured the true magic of the season. The way a first Christmas together has a magic all its own. This was really warming and just what you need at this time of year. It's like a big hug. Happy Holidays!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS FOGGY BASIN SERIES!!!!!!!!!!

[Metz874 · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review
A holiday addiction to Archie's and Brogan's story in "Finding Archie". We are back in Foggy Basin for a short glimt of their celebration of christmas. It's not without difficulties, but this time the relationship between the couple is solid. Archie and Brogan are busy toward the big day, but they will meet up with friends and family to enjoy some downtime together in the pre-Christmas time. And who knows, mabye this year will be the best time spent together.

[Yvonne M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story about Archie and Brogan and how they were spending their holiday. I truly loved how they were so in love and especially loved their two pets. They showed us how much they wanted to be together and in the end Brogan asked Archie to marry him, he said yes of course. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves mm holiday romance stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved being back in Foggy Basin! This is Archie and Brogan’s first Christmas together and it was so sweet! Unfortunately some people weren’t the greatest but there were others who definitely showed Archie and Brogan unconditional love! This was a quick and very sweet holiday story that I enjoyed very much!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Archie's Holiday is A Foggy Basin Short Story. We are back in Archie and Brogan's world for a sweet holiday story. I loved this sweet short read. I love the world that Brina Brady has created. Most of the characters are lovable but if course there has to be a few bad apples. This was a perfect way to spend some time. I would definitely recommend this book.
received a free review copy

[Tiffany Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute short story, great for the holidays! Archie and Brogan are both teachers and are having their first Christmas together. Their relationship has some challenges with others not approving of who they are with. Archie's aunt steps up and becomes the shoulder Archie can lean on since his mother passed away.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short sweet Holiday story. Archie & Brogan are getting ready to celebrate their 1st Christmas when Archie's Uncle tells him he's uninvited to join the family at dinner. Brogan goes out of his way to give Archie the best Christmas.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feel good story! Brina brings us a cup of warm cocoa, a warm comforter and a sweet story that reminds us of what Christmas is all about. Archie and Brogan are spending their first Christmas together and show us how to embrace happy. Sweet! Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in Foggy Basin for another holiday novella this time we revisit Archie and Brogan and watch as Archie struggles with his insecurities and how together they help him realise home is where the heart is.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked this holiday story and I'm glad Archie and Brogan found love and happiness despite some who don't approve.

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real feel good read that i thoroughly enjoyed. Archie and Brogan were such a cute couple i was so pleased that they managed to overcome people's aminosity to find their happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful short story. I love being able to check in with characters and see what they are doing after their HEA. This was a fun check in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[stardragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are in Foggy Basin getting ready for Christmas with Archie and Brogan. When plans to spend their first Christmas with Archie’s family go awry Brogan does everything in his power to give Archie a perfect holiday. This is a heartwarming story that shows love wins.

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Brogan came into Archie's life, he began to believe he could find happiness. This Christmas with the help of family and Brogan he feels more settled than ever before . Brogan has a present that will change both their lives. I really enjoyed this short story.

[Brei-ayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Archie's Holiday and struggled to put it down. The story is amazing and I enjoyed reading it.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holiday short featuring Brogan and Archie.
Its their first Christmas together and they are both looking forward to it.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archie's Holiday is a Foggy Basic short story bringing us back to the characters of Finding Archie. I really enjoyed this holiday read and revisiting with Brogan and Archie.

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story
Their first holiday together and Brogan makes sure Archie knows he wants many more together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archie’s Holiday by Brina Brady brings back Brogan and Archie from the Foggy Basin series. Archie was looking forward to the Christmas holiday as it’s his first with Brogan. Uncle David may have tried to ruin his holiday but with Brogan, Andrew and Rafael, they show him that he belongs right where he belongs and is loved unconditionally
I loved this short story of where actions mean more than words to know you deserve love, happiness and someone who will stay.