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Home for the Holigays: MM Brother's Best Friend to Lovers Standalone Christmas RomCom (Romance Cover)
When Kyle imagined all the ways he'd come out to his family, this had never even made the list.
He was gay — so what? It's not as if that was news.
A secret, sure. One Kyle wasn't about to go blabbing to his entire family about at Christmas.
Especially not with his brother's best friend Luke staying with them over the break. In Kyle's room with him, in fact, just a bunk bed away.
It's fine. It's just for a couple of weeks. There's absolutely no reason for Kyle to be freaking out…
But when Luke reveals a bombshell of his own, suddenly Kyle's forced to reconsider all he ever knew about the man who'd been his friend, his idol, his biggest crush since oh, forever?
Old habits are hard to break, though. If Kyle comes out now it'll change everything, for sure. For better? For worse? There's no way to tell.
Not until the damage has already been done.
Kyle's got to play it safe and stay firmly in the closet, or take a shot at his dream guy while he's go the chance.
Does he dare risk it all, and prove himself to Luke —
Before someone else beats Kyle to it?
▽△▽△▽△▽△▽△▽△▽△▽△▽△▽△ Get ready for steamy open-door MM romance, holiday traditions, full-throated queer acceptance, (light) angst, sweetness, terrible puns, and — on occasion — guys kissing each other in pickup trucks.
This story is intended for mature audiences.
He was gay — so what? It's not as if that was news.
A secret, sure. One Kyle wasn't about to go blabbing to his entire family about at Christmas.
Especially not with his brother's best friend Luke staying with them over the break. In Kyle's room with him, in fact, just a bunk bed away.
It's fine. It's just for a couple of weeks. There's absolutely no reason for Kyle to be freaking out…
But when Luke reveals a bombshell of his own, suddenly Kyle's forced to reconsider all he ever knew about the man who'd been his friend, his idol, his biggest crush since oh, forever?
Old habits are hard to break, though. If Kyle comes out now it'll change everything, for sure. For better? For worse? There's no way to tell.
Not until the damage has already been done.
Kyle's got to play it safe and stay firmly in the closet, or take a shot at his dream guy while he's go the chance.
Does he dare risk it all, and prove himself to Luke —
Before someone else beats Kyle to it?
▽△▽△▽△▽△▽△▽△▽△▽△▽△▽△ Get ready for steamy open-door MM romance, holiday traditions, full-throated queer acceptance, (light) angst, sweetness, terrible puns, and — on occasion — guys kissing each other in pickup trucks.
This story is intended for mature audiences.
- GenresChristmas
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 8, 2026
I'm slightly bewildered by this one. There was a lot I really liked and a lot I didn't, so I'm ending with very mixed feelings. I read the afterword and it acknowledged some of the gaps I saw, so at least they are aware, but even so. I did like the author's style.
This was a single POV story and I think it would have really benefitted from Luke's perspective. It might have helped clear some of the confusion up. The characterisation seemed inconsistent, the POV MC is quite withdrawn to start with until about halfway, when suddenly it's Sassy Twink Mode Activated. I'm told he's a twunk rather than a twink, but I'm talking personality here. I know logically he's been away at college and he's been out there for a while, and coming home was like shoving himself in a box, so I guess it makes sense, but it also produced a massive disconnect for me. Even a few flashes of that sass earlier on would have really helped, because the change was so abrupt I would never recognise them as the same character.
Luke I also kinda failed to get a handle on. He was withdrawn and devastated by a recent rejection, but then when they encounter the man who rejected him, it was treated like a comedic event rather than reliving trauma. Luke even shows a bit of sass himself, and I honestly nearly DNFed when I realised it was gonna be a Christmas Miracle type thing and the family that rejected Luke wanted to make amends. Apparently his mother was more on board, which I would buy, except surely she'd make contact with him? Or at least call the house where he's staying to make sure he's okay? But nope, the cold shoulder turns into open arms, not that we actually get to the open arms bit, because that isn't included in the story. So the side characters were all over the shop regarding characterisation too. Maybe it's not such a big deal but feels weird to treat the very real problem of familial rejection so flippantly.
Some parts I did enjoy. The MC being interrogated by his family for his supposed homophobia was brilliant fun. The MCs were cute together and I appreciated the role reversal and body positivity. The texts to his brother were hilarious and genuinely made me laugh, so the comedy aspect definitely landed sometimes, but sadly not all the time. Hence the bewilderment. It was a really cute premise and had the potential to be brilliant, and it was still very readable, but I wanted more clarity in characterisation.
This was a single POV story and I think it would have really benefitted from Luke's perspective. It might have helped clear some of the confusion up. The characterisation seemed inconsistent, the POV MC is quite withdrawn to start with until about halfway, when suddenly it's Sassy Twink Mode Activated. I'm told he's a twunk rather than a twink, but I'm talking personality here. I know logically he's been away at college and he's been out there for a while, and coming home was like shoving himself in a box, so I guess it makes sense, but it also produced a massive disconnect for me. Even a few flashes of that sass earlier on would have really helped, because the change was so abrupt I would never recognise them as the same character.
Luke I also kinda failed to get a handle on. He was withdrawn and devastated by a recent rejection, but then when they encounter the man who rejected him, it was treated like a comedic event rather than reliving trauma. Luke even shows a bit of sass himself, and I honestly nearly DNFed when I realised it was gonna be a Christmas Miracle type thing and the family that rejected Luke wanted to make amends. Apparently his mother was more on board, which I would buy, except surely she'd make contact with him? Or at least call the house where he's staying to make sure he's okay? But nope, the cold shoulder turns into open arms, not that we actually get to the open arms bit, because that isn't included in the story. So the side characters were all over the shop regarding characterisation too. Maybe it's not such a big deal but feels weird to treat the very real problem of familial rejection so flippantly.
Some parts I did enjoy. The MC being interrogated by his family for his supposed homophobia was brilliant fun. The MCs were cute together and I appreciated the role reversal and body positivity. The texts to his brother were hilarious and genuinely made me laugh, so the comedy aspect definitely landed sometimes, but sadly not all the time. Hence the bewilderment. It was a really cute premise and had the potential to be brilliant, and it was still very readable, but I wanted more clarity in characterisation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🎄 Home for the Holigays by CJ Pines 🎄
Well, sharing a room with your lifelong crush over Christmas sounds like a perfectly reasonable way to lose your mind. Add a bunk bed, a few family secrets and a whole lot of unresolved feelings and Kyle really hasn't got a hope of surviving the holidays! 😂
I absolutely loved Kyle and Luke! The childhood crush, the brother's best friend trope and the awkwardness of trying to navigate your feelings while keeping a pretty big secret made this such an enjoyable festive read.
Kyle had me rooting for him from the beginning. Being comfortable with who you are but not quite ready to share that with your family is something that adds a lovely bit of emotional depth to the story. And then there's Luke, who turns everything Kyle thought he knew upside down. Talk about a Christmas surprise!
I loved the chemistry, the sweet moments, the tension and the way their relationship develops. There's something so lovely about a story where someone finally gets the chance to be with the person they've been dreaming about for years.
CJ Pines has delivered a fun, heartwarming festive MM romance with plenty of Christmas charm, a little angst and a whole lot of reasons to smile.
A childhood crush, a Christmas confession and a happily ever after? Yes please! Another lovely addition to my festive reading pile. ❤️
Well, sharing a room with your lifelong crush over Christmas sounds like a perfectly reasonable way to lose your mind. Add a bunk bed, a few family secrets and a whole lot of unresolved feelings and Kyle really hasn't got a hope of surviving the holidays! 😂
I absolutely loved Kyle and Luke! The childhood crush, the brother's best friend trope and the awkwardness of trying to navigate your feelings while keeping a pretty big secret made this such an enjoyable festive read.
Kyle had me rooting for him from the beginning. Being comfortable with who you are but not quite ready to share that with your family is something that adds a lovely bit of emotional depth to the story. And then there's Luke, who turns everything Kyle thought he knew upside down. Talk about a Christmas surprise!
I loved the chemistry, the sweet moments, the tension and the way their relationship develops. There's something so lovely about a story where someone finally gets the chance to be with the person they've been dreaming about for years.
CJ Pines has delivered a fun, heartwarming festive MM romance with plenty of Christmas charm, a little angst and a whole lot of reasons to smile.
A childhood crush, a Christmas confession and a happily ever after? Yes please! Another lovely addition to my festive reading pile. ❤️
Review of advance copy
In this book, C.J. Pines delivers a delightful, concise, and fast-paced story. It’s impossible not to fall a little bit in love with these two sweet men. The development of their relationship—the tenderness they show one another, combined with the underlying tension and chemistry—makes for a relaxing, short read; it’s a perfect choice to pick up in between heavier, more intense stories.
💞Thank you to the Author and GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
💞Thank you to the Author and GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
November 9, 2026
On the Fence
This one was just ok. I might have enjoyed it more if we got Luke's perspective also. There were a number of things that didn't work well for me.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This one was just ok. I might have enjoyed it more if we got Luke's perspective also. There were a number of things that didn't work well for me.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
November 6, 2026
I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
3.4*
I liked the story and the setup. From the blurb, I expected a will-he-won’t-he coming out situation, but the book just knocks everyone right in the face with it. I was shocked and entertained because the circumstances feel very authentic to how my family does things. At the same time, the blurb tells us that coming out is about Kyle proving “himself to Luke — Before someone else beats Kyle to it.” The reality in the book is nothing like that, which left me grumpy and feeling misled.
Another scene that frustrated me: Luke is showing vulnerability and asking for time to process as everything is moving so quickly. He asks Kyle to be serious in that moment. Kyle does not. He continues being playful and flippant. That really ground my gears. I get that he’s a horny kid and all he knows is hookup culture, but I really wanted him to treat Luke’s overwhelm with respect. I’ve been in those same shoes, freaking out about something I thought could never happen but is suddenly possible. I couldn’t compute and I saw that same reaction from both of them at different times. Kindness in those moments goes a long way, but that’s not where Kyle went.
Near the end, Kyle is tentative about the idea of going on a real date. The story has a time jump for the epilogue, which feels weird to jump from medium enthusiasm, especially because Luke is SOLD on Kyle. Essentially, it’s a first hookup and then a few pages of epilogue, so this is a very quick ending. Afterward, the author’s note talks about all the things we still want to know about Kyle and Luke, and it’s a big, weighty list of real things. This story is such a small snapshot of one single day.
Last note: The interrupted spicy scene is wild. Did not see that coming. 😂
3.4*
I liked the story and the setup. From the blurb, I expected a will-he-won’t-he coming out situation, but the book just knocks everyone right in the face with it. I was shocked and entertained because the circumstances feel very authentic to how my family does things. At the same time, the blurb tells us that coming out is about Kyle proving “himself to Luke — Before someone else beats Kyle to it.” The reality in the book is nothing like that, which left me grumpy and feeling misled.
Another scene that frustrated me: Luke is showing vulnerability and asking for time to process as everything is moving so quickly. He asks Kyle to be serious in that moment. Kyle does not. He continues being playful and flippant. That really ground my gears. I get that he’s a horny kid and all he knows is hookup culture, but I really wanted him to treat Luke’s overwhelm with respect. I’ve been in those same shoes, freaking out about something I thought could never happen but is suddenly possible. I couldn’t compute and I saw that same reaction from both of them at different times. Kindness in those moments goes a long way, but that’s not where Kyle went.
Near the end, Kyle is tentative about the idea of going on a real date. The story has a time jump for the epilogue, which feels weird to jump from medium enthusiasm, especially because Luke is SOLD on Kyle. Essentially, it’s a first hookup and then a few pages of epilogue, so this is a very quick ending. Afterward, the author’s note talks about all the things we still want to know about Kyle and Luke, and it’s a big, weighty list of real things. This story is such a small snapshot of one single day.
Last note: The interrupted spicy scene is wild. Did not see that coming. 😂
November 10, 2026
This book is part of the Happy Holigays series. Each book is a standalone read that features a different couple. This is the story of Kyle and Luke. Kyle comes home for Christmas and finds out that he is sharing a room with Luke. That is stressful because Kyle has had a crush on his brothers straight best friend for years. The Luke shocks him by coming out to his family. The formerly unobtainable crush might now be a possibility but Luke doesn't know as Kyle isn't out yet either. He doesn't want to piggyback his announcement on Lukes. But if he says nothing, someone else could come in and swoop Luke up. There are decisions to be made. This is their story. The book is written well and is easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I enjoyed this story. There is lots of humor in the dialog. It is a low angst and light holiday read. A great hot and funny Christmas novella. Perfect for an afternoon read.
November 11, 2026
I absolutely love CJ pines as an author the stuff that they write you can pretty much guarantee every time it's going to be a knock out of the park. It's going to be funny or it's going to be emotionally deep just you know you'll get what you need out of it.
This book kind of funny it's a MM holiday Romance, Brother best friend to lovers romcom.
I love Kyle and Luke in this book I think there's a lot of funny topics but a lot of more harder topics that they have to deal with.
One thing in the blurb that really caught my attention that I loved about the book and I love finding out the answer to was when it said, " Kyle's got to decide: play it safe and stay firmly in the closet, or risk it all for a chance at his dream guy — before someone beats Kyle to it?"
That's where the emotional depth come from how things play out is kind of funny I absolutely loved it could not have been happier with this book.
This book kind of funny it's a MM holiday Romance, Brother best friend to lovers romcom.
I love Kyle and Luke in this book I think there's a lot of funny topics but a lot of more harder topics that they have to deal with.
One thing in the blurb that really caught my attention that I loved about the book and I love finding out the answer to was when it said, " Kyle's got to decide: play it safe and stay firmly in the closet, or risk it all for a chance at his dream guy — before someone beats Kyle to it?"
That's where the emotional depth come from how things play out is kind of funny I absolutely loved it could not have been happier with this book.
November 14, 2026
Kyle’s coming home for the first time after going to college having come out in college and exploring…college life…but is not out to his family at home yet. Luke is his brother’s best friend who is also staying with the family and on whom Kyle has had a long-term crush. It turns out Luke is also gay and Kyle accidentally outs himself to his family, so Luke must comfort him, of course. The whole book is really less than Kyle’s first 24 hours at home but still manages to pack in some character depth, a few funny moments, several awkward situations and an HEA. With the quick snapshot of time it’s sort of novella-esque and could easily have kept exploring Luke’s relationship with his family, and Kyle’s closure with Kyle’s family though for me that didn’t feel missing because you know that it’s going to be fine by their interactions. Despite being short has a fairly high heat content and manages to be a quick, spicy holiday read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
Other than a grammatical error that took me out of the book for a bit, I enjoyed this story! A heartwarming and inclusive coming-out story with supportive family members.
MMC Kyle is coming home from college for Christmas and is not ready to come out to his family yet, even though he’s been mostly out at school. When he finds out he’s going to be sharing his childhood bedroom & bunk beds with his older brother’s best friend, Luke, Kyle tries not to take issue with it, but that’s hard considering he’s had a massive crush on Luke for most of his life. The problem is complicated further when he finds out that Luke is staying with Kyle’s family because his own kicked him out after coming out. Now Kyle faces the problem of keeping his secret, or coming out? Revealing his crush, or bottling his feelings?
Other than a grammatical error that took me out of the book for a bit, I enjoyed this story! A heartwarming and inclusive coming-out story with supportive family members.
MMC Kyle is coming home from college for Christmas and is not ready to come out to his family yet, even though he’s been mostly out at school. When he finds out he’s going to be sharing his childhood bedroom & bunk beds with his older brother’s best friend, Luke, Kyle tries not to take issue with it, but that’s hard considering he’s had a massive crush on Luke for most of his life. The problem is complicated further when he finds out that Luke is staying with Kyle’s family because his own kicked him out after coming out. Now Kyle faces the problem of keeping his secret, or coming out? Revealing his crush, or bottling his feelings?
November 11, 2026
Kyle is home for the holidays from college and he is thinking about all the changes that he has experienced. He is also thinking about what it would be like to admit to his family that he is gay. While he is greeting his parents and his brother he is told that his brother's bestie, Luke, is there as well. And staying in the same room as him. Oh and Luke was his first crush. And he is still feeling the attraction. What a cool gift he gets when he finds out that Luke is also gay. And the attraction is mutual. Now he just needs to share his truth with his folks and his brother. What makes this story fun is how much in his head Kyle gets as he tries to navigate coming out to his family and embracing getting to be with someone he didn't think he could have.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2026
Kyle and Luke’s story was a lovely , enjoyable festive romance. I really liked the awkwardness of their sleeping arrangements, especially with Kyle trying to hide a crush he’s had for years while sharing a room with the very person he’s been dreaming about. Luke coming out adds another layer to the situation, and I could understand Kyle’s reluctance to make his own announcement at the same time. Watching him struggle with whether to take a chance or keep quiet made their story all the more enjoyable.
The banter and humour were a real highlight, and there’s plenty of sweetness and heat alongside the Christmas traditions. I also appreciated the positive message about acceptance and being able to be yourself with the people who matter. It’s a light, low-angst holiday romance that was easy to settle into and left me with a smile.
I received a free ARC and this is my honest review.
The banter and humour were a real highlight, and there’s plenty of sweetness and heat alongside the Christmas traditions. I also appreciated the positive message about acceptance and being able to be yourself with the people who matter. It’s a light, low-angst holiday romance that was easy to settle into and left me with a smile.
I received a free ARC and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy
Thank your GRR for an ARC copy of this book
Home for the Holigays was a short cute read. We have our two MCs Kyle and Luke. Kyle has had a crush on Luke since childhood but never thought anything would happen as he is his brothers straight best friend. Coming home for Christmas little does he know that Luke will also be there and bunking with him ..oh also Luke is gay. While Kyle comes out to his family in a way he doesn't plan to this starts the way Luke and Kyle get together. This is a quick romance and not much to it but I did enjoy the humor between these two.
Home for the Holigays was a short cute read. We have our two MCs Kyle and Luke. Kyle has had a crush on Luke since childhood but never thought anything would happen as he is his brothers straight best friend. Coming home for Christmas little does he know that Luke will also be there and bunking with him ..oh also Luke is gay. While Kyle comes out to his family in a way he doesn't plan to this starts the way Luke and Kyle get together. This is a quick romance and not much to it but I did enjoy the humor between these two.
November 10, 2026
Kyle's big brother's bf Luke came out to Kyle's family at Christmas as gay. The problem is : 1- Kyle is in the closet as gay, 2- Kyle has had a crush on Luke forever, 3- With the timing, Kyle doesn't think he should announce his gayness, and 4- He's sharing his bedroom with him. But sharing his room with his crush is driving him crazy. That's when all their mutual fantasies become real. It's a hot, steamy and funny Christmas novella. I received a copy of this through GRR and this is my voluntary opinion.
November 11, 2026
I fell hard for this warm sweet love story. I rooted for them to figure out those feelings to find that love is worth it. I wanted to hug Kyle as his story was so real for many of us—realizing they are gay and not sure what to tell family. For many of us that struggle was real but finding a boyfriend raised different emotions. I love that Kyle has crushed on Like for a while and the fact they are forced to share bedroom made me smile. A feel good romance that left me wanting more and a smile on my face.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When Kyle goes off to college, he's finally free to explore his sexuality and decides he's gay. When he comes back home for Christmas, he finds out that Luke, his brother's best friend and someone he's had a crush on for years, is also gay. Once they get over the surprise, they spend the rest of the book having a whole lot of funwith each other.
This is friends to lovers, brother's best friend, and a LOT of spice.
This is friends to lovers, brother's best friend, and a LOT of spice.
Review of advance copy
Cute 🥰
3.5 stars.
A sweet and delightful festive read all about forced proximity and crushing on your brother's best friend. Luke and Kyle are old friends who've been crushing in one another for years, they're lovely together and form a real emotional connection, plus, their banter is so cute! It's packed with humour, sweetness, and heartwarming moments. Full of cosy seasonal family traditions, it's the perfect feel good romance to curl up with.
3.5 stars.
A sweet and delightful festive read all about forced proximity and crushing on your brother's best friend. Luke and Kyle are old friends who've been crushing in one another for years, they're lovely together and form a real emotional connection, plus, their banter is so cute! It's packed with humour, sweetness, and heartwarming moments. Full of cosy seasonal family traditions, it's the perfect feel good romance to curl up with.
November 9, 2026
Overall I thought this was a good story. I genuinely liked Kyle and Luke. The reason for only four stars is because of the transition from where they started to where they end up. It’s not smooth enough and you don’t see some of it. You are left to assume. Nor do we see Kyle with his parents afterward. And I would like to see the dinner with Luke’s parents. That might have made it easier for me to stay connected to the characters. A good read that just needs to be fleshed out more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. There is just something about a long I don't want to say lost Crush but y'all know what I mean. That feeling that love that you have for somebody else and you don't realize they have it for you or they don't have it for you I don't know what it is there's just something so satisfying about this type of book. I really enjoyed the characters in this book. The author did a nice job of giving us a great story for these two you'll definitely enjoy this book.
November 11, 2026
Thanks you for the book, here is my honest opinion:
This was just okay, for me. It started promising, I enjoy brother’s best friend romances and the start was quite entertaining. Once Kyle and Lucas realized they both are gay, it was pretty anticlimactic, they like each other and fool around over Christmas. It’s heavy on heat but light on anything authentic, lacking chemistry, connection, and heart.
This was just okay, for me. It started promising, I enjoy brother’s best friend romances and the start was quite entertaining. Once Kyle and Lucas realized they both are gay, it was pretty anticlimactic, they like each other and fool around over Christmas. It’s heavy on heat but light on anything authentic, lacking chemistry, connection, and heart.
November 11, 2026
Kyle is home for the holidays and is warring with himself about finally coming out to his family. But he can't right? Worst of all when he goes home for Christmas he finds out he'll be in the same room a bunk bed away from his brother's best friend Luke. AKA the one guy he's been crushing on forever. And when Luke shares some news of his own everything Kyle thought changed into maybe. This was a rom com to love plus forced proximity and brother's best friend? Plus Christmas? Count me in
Review of advance copy received from Author
Home for the Holigays is a quick trip home with coming out snafus, make out point with cops (and not the fun kind), and bears ready to play. (wink) I loved this quick gay holiday romance with a cheeky lead and his secret crush.
“Thank you, Suncatcher Press, for providing this book for review consideration via Gay Romance Reviews. All opinions are my own.”
“Thank you, Suncatcher Press, for providing this book for review consideration via Gay Romance Reviews. All opinions are my own.”
November 10, 2026
He is gay but he has no come out, he knows he will. His best friend is coming to stay in his room and things are going to be different this time as they are going to break some news. It seems they are gay and if he wants them he will need to finally open up, or he will lose them. Follow him to see how he gets on
Review of advance copy
Review of ARC
I enjoyed most of this novella, but it did feel a bit unbalanced in terms of spice and story. And that left the story lacking for me. I would have liked some closure of Kyle's holiday for example.
I enjoyed most of this novella, but it did feel a bit unbalanced in terms of spice and story. And that left the story lacking for me. I would have liked some closure of Kyle's holiday for example.
November 9, 2026
Home for the Holigays is part of the Happy Holigays series and can be read as a standalone. This is a brothers best friend, sweet, low angst read about Kyle and Luke. I thought this was a really good story with great characters, can't wait to read more of the series.
November 9, 2026
This is a lovely story of acceptance and understanding. A surprise coming out and a couple of more youthful crushes realised. Such a well written story with great characters. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 11, 2026
This book is part of a multi-authored series. I really enjoyed reading Kyle and Luke's story. I read an advanced copy of this story and this is my unbiased review! I am looking forward to reading more books in this series!
November 9, 2026
This was a cute, quick, holiday read. Brother's best friend, fast paced Christmas novella.
November 9, 2026
I loved their chemistry!!! Such a good read
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