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Humbug
Quin Flint is unimpressed when his gorgeous colleague, Rob Paget, asks for extra time off at Christmas. As far as Quin is concerned, Christmas is a giant waste of time. Quin's on the fast track to partnership, and the season of goodwill is just getting in the way of his next big project. But when Quin's boss, Marley, confiscates his phone and makes him take an unscheduled day off, Quin finds himself being forced to confront his regrets, past and present, and think about the sort of future he really wants…and who he wants it with.
74 pages, ebook
First published November 17, 2015
9 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Chambers
42 books1,224 followersJoanna Chambers' muse likes red wine, coffee and won't let Joanna clean the house or watch television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
November 20, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. It has a very Christmas Carol theme to it, but without any of the supernatural elements. It made Quin's growth seem more authentic, and more sustainable. I liked I could see where Quin was an asshole, but I can also understand how he caught up in his work, and why he was the way he was. Quin and Rob together, and I thought the ending was the perfect touch. A very nice holiday story.
November 29, 2015
Written November 25, 2015
3 1/2 Stars - Sweet, romantic, thoughtful and you get that nice Christmas feel
Humbug (a tiny spin on A Christmas Carol) is my first Christmas Romance this year. A M/M novella by Joanna Chambers as stories I usually enjoy a lot. Let it be light, romanting and swooning sweet. I need that cozy holiday feeling after my last tougher read.
I got it all !
My Christmas feel is here.
*********************************************************
Set in Manchester, Great Britain
Quin Flint is not the kind of character you love at once. The opposite actually, I disliked that nasty workaholic man in the first chapter who throw away that "Mince pie" .... Arrggg!! He better shape up.
Yes, the main character Quin is actually to begin with a very snuffy, unpleasant, go-getter type. But everything changes the day before the "dip-day" (Christmas Eve here in Sweden), ie on 23 December.
They are all sent home from work and Quin are properly lectured by the gorgeous hunky dream guy, his colleague Rob Paget. The guy Quin later also meets after a terribly disappointing (supposed to be) pub-visit night with old friends.
A nicer more likeable Quin appears. Add a sweet little brother, evening tea in the kitchen, Cristmas joy and that sweet tender "love in the air" feel.
Humbug is without doubt more than just another good enough M/M shorty. To short and light to really get you fully enchanted but nevertheless a very enjoying read. ~ Well done story, well written and with a lovely perfect end. I want more Christmas feel right away.
*********************************************************
I LIKE - to be "moved" to the holiday joy
3 1/2 Stars - Sweet, romantic, thoughtful and you get that nice Christmas feel
Humbug (a tiny spin on A Christmas Carol) is my first Christmas Romance this year. A M/M novella by Joanna Chambers as stories I usually enjoy a lot. Let it be light, romanting and swooning sweet. I need that cozy holiday feeling after my last tougher read.
I got it all !
My Christmas feel is here.
*********************************************************
Set in Manchester, Great Britain
Quin Flint is not the kind of character you love at once. The opposite actually, I disliked that nasty workaholic man in the first chapter who throw away that "Mince pie" .... Arrggg!! He better shape up.
”If I’d wanted to?
Fuck, if I’d ever dreamed someone like Rob could ever be interested in me, I’d never have offered him a job, except as my 24/7 sex slave maybe.
But wait.
I can’t believe I used to defend you.”
Yes, the main character Quin is actually to begin with a very snuffy, unpleasant, go-getter type. But everything changes the day before the "dip-day" (Christmas Eve here in Sweden), ie on 23 December.
They are all sent home from work and Quin are properly lectured by the gorgeous hunky dream guy, his colleague Rob Paget. The guy Quin later also meets after a terribly disappointing (supposed to be) pub-visit night with old friends.
A nicer more likeable Quin appears. Add a sweet little brother, evening tea in the kitchen, Cristmas joy and that sweet tender "love in the air" feel.
Never tasted yule log cake but it looks yummy...
‘It was a nice enough supermarket-bought cake, nothing special, but once I’d swallowed, I pronounced it to be the most delicious yule log I’d ever tasted and Tim grinned delightedly.’
Humbug is without doubt more than just another good enough M/M shorty. To short and light to really get you fully enchanted but nevertheless a very enjoying read. ~ Well done story, well written and with a lovely perfect end. I want more Christmas feel right away.
*********************************************************
I LIKE - to be "moved" to the holiday joy
December 8, 2023
Re-read December 2023
Perfect for this time of year.
---------------------
I love how certain events in someone's life can make a person see how awful they are being to other people. And how it is never too late to change.
And Quinn really was a dick at first. He was all about work, and got a kick out of denying people a day off just for the fun of it.
But when he overhears his 'friends' talking about him, he figures out he has really become this awful person, and that no one likes him.
What follows is an emotional evening where Quinn realizes he no longer wants to be the person he has become....
I really liked this. Quinn acted awful towards people at first, but I actually liked him from the start.
My one complaint was that the ending felt rushed. I would have loved to see Quinn making amends and letting people see he wasn’t actually such a dick, because he wasn't. He just needed to see that for himself.
The romance wasn’t front and center, but it was a lovely one nonetheless.
Perfect for this time of year.
---------------------
I love how certain events in someone's life can make a person see how awful they are being to other people. And how it is never too late to change.
And Quinn really was a dick at first. He was all about work, and got a kick out of denying people a day off just for the fun of it.
But when he overhears his 'friends' talking about him, he figures out he has really become this awful person, and that no one likes him.
What follows is an emotional evening where Quinn realizes he no longer wants to be the person he has become....
I really liked this. Quinn acted awful towards people at first, but I actually liked him from the start.
My one complaint was that the ending felt rushed. I would have loved to see Quinn making amends and letting people see he wasn’t actually such a dick, because he wasn't. He just needed to see that for himself.
The romance wasn’t front and center, but it was a lovely one nonetheless.
June 5, 2025
Sweet holiday novella.
I would have prefered this particular story without sex, in my opinion it wasn't necessary to get the point across. It would have felt more genuine without Quin and Rob getting physically intimate.
Overall still lovely and beautifully written.
I would have prefered this particular story without sex, in my opinion it wasn't necessary to get the point across. It would have felt more genuine without Quin and Rob getting physically intimate.
Overall still lovely and beautifully written.
November 24, 2015
How about some holiday cheer:
I'm actually surprised by my rating. So far, I've only given Joanna Chambers either 4 or 5 stars. Her holiday story 'Rest and Be Thankful' in last year's Comfort and Joy anthology was one of my favourite holiday reads in 2014. I was expecting 'Humbug' to be a repeat. But it definitely wasn't.
My main issue is that I never warmed up to the main character, Quin Flint. He's rude, mean-spirited, and thinks little of anyone but himself. He's a modern-day version of Ebenezer Scrooge. While Quin does have a change of heart, it's abrupt and not entirely believable.
The romance is likewise truncated. It comes out of left field, and then just jumps from one point to the next. We get a blowjob scene tacked on to the end, and then readers are just expected to accept that Quin and Rob love each other forever and ever. Again, it wasn't entirely believable.
However, I really liked the scene with Rob's family, and I liked Rob as the love interest. The critique of the cutthroat culture in the business world was also well done, without it becoming preachy.
Overall, this was an okay read. Had 'Humbug' been a longer book, I'm sure I would have loved it like I have all of Chambers' other MM books. As it was, the length was too short to make Quin a very likeable character.
I'm actually surprised by my rating. So far, I've only given Joanna Chambers either 4 or 5 stars. Her holiday story 'Rest and Be Thankful' in last year's Comfort and Joy anthology was one of my favourite holiday reads in 2014. I was expecting 'Humbug' to be a repeat. But it definitely wasn't.
My main issue is that I never warmed up to the main character, Quin Flint. He's rude, mean-spirited, and thinks little of anyone but himself. He's a modern-day version of Ebenezer Scrooge. While Quin does have a change of heart, it's abrupt and not entirely believable.
The romance is likewise truncated. It comes out of left field, and then just jumps from one point to the next. We get a blowjob scene tacked on to the end, and then readers are just expected to accept that Quin and Rob love each other forever and ever. Again, it wasn't entirely believable.
However, I really liked the scene with Rob's family, and I liked Rob as the love interest. The critique of the cutthroat culture in the business world was also well done, without it becoming preachy.
Overall, this was an okay read. Had 'Humbug' been a longer book, I'm sure I would have loved it like I have all of Chambers' other MM books. As it was, the length was too short to make Quin a very likeable character.
November 20, 2017
I hate Dicken's "Christmas Carol." Marley, Tiny Tim, the three ghosts .... yeah, I realize it's a classic (and the Guthrie Theatre here in Minneapolis has been doing it forever), but it's stupid, okay?
But Humbug? Loved it - loved how Chambers took the very core of the story and retold it so beautifully. Sure, Quin is a work-obsessed jackass who has alienated people left and right. He's destroyed a wonderful relationship with Ben, and is on the fast track to a sad and lonely life. I really felt his pain when the realization hits him that he has squandered time, he's thrown away love with both hands. And his eventual redemption, with the help of Rob? Touching and realistic, without being too coy or overly sentimental. For such a short story, this really packed a punch.
Reread on November 19, 2017 - 5 stars! I loved this story even more on the second read!
But Humbug? Loved it - loved how Chambers took the very core of the story and retold it so beautifully. Sure, Quin is a work-obsessed jackass who has alienated people left and right. He's destroyed a wonderful relationship with Ben, and is on the fast track to a sad and lonely life. I really felt his pain when the realization hits him that he has squandered time, he's thrown away love with both hands. And his eventual redemption, with the help of Rob? Touching and realistic, without being too coy or overly sentimental. For such a short story, this really packed a punch.
Reread on November 19, 2017 - 5 stars! I loved this story even more on the second read!
November 23, 2015
I loved this -- clearly inspired (or tribute) to the beloved Christmas Carol and Chambers is able to write a compelling and convincing story of Quin Flint who realizes that he needs to change the way that he lives his life, without introducing a paranormal element out of it.
The plus point for me is that Chambers doesn't completely change who Quin's is in his core. There's nothing wrong with being single-minded and determined over something you are passionate about -- it can actually do good for others.
The ending is lovely (and again convincing). I can exactly see in my mind's eye how Quin and Rob's relationship is and how Rob fits in Quin's life. They way that Rob keeps Quin on track with his tenacity without going back into the unsympathetic man that readers met at the beginning. So yes, even though the novella pretty much happens in one day, this is where I throw all of my cynicism out the window and believe in the magic of a holiday story.
The plus point for me is that Chambers doesn't completely change who Quin's is in his core. There's nothing wrong with being single-minded and determined over something you are passionate about -- it can actually do good for others.
The ending is lovely (and again convincing). I can exactly see in my mind's eye how Quin and Rob's relationship is and how Rob fits in Quin's life. They way that Rob keeps Quin on track with his tenacity without going back into the unsympathetic man that readers met at the beginning. So yes, even though the novella pretty much happens in one day, this is where I throw all of my cynicism out the window and believe in the magic of a holiday story.
May 30, 2023
4.5 stars
And the holiday book binge continues!
This was a lovely, heartwarming story of the modern day humbug - Quin - getting a chance to turn his life around and finding love at the same time. Lots of feels, especially when Quin fully realizes the kind of person he has become over the years. Even more feels (and some steam!) when he realizes he still has a chance with the gorgeous Rob.
And the holiday book binge continues!
This was a lovely, heartwarming story of the modern day humbug - Quin - getting a chance to turn his life around and finding love at the same time. Lots of feels, especially when Quin fully realizes the kind of person he has become over the years. Even more feels (and some steam!) when he realizes he still has a chance with the gorgeous Rob.
November 26, 2015
Hate to be a Debbie Downer but this one missed the mark a bit for a few of reasons.
1. The main character Quin Flint. He just wasn't likeable and I never warmed up to him
2. The romance happened too quickly and didn't come across as believable.
3. The length of the story. This was probably what the book had going against it most. Problems 1 & 2 could've been prevented had the book been longer. It would've given the author more time develop Quin's about face and his romance with Rob.
Despite this Holiday novella not working for me I would give this author another try. The writing is good, this book was just too short. 2.5-3 Stars.
ARC kindly provided to Gay Book Reviews.
1. The main character Quin Flint. He just wasn't likeable and I never warmed up to him
2. The romance happened too quickly and didn't come across as believable.
3. The length of the story. This was probably what the book had going against it most. Problems 1 & 2 could've been prevented had the book been longer. It would've given the author more time develop Quin's about face and his romance with Rob.
Despite this Holiday novella not working for me I would give this author another try. The writing is good, this book was just too short. 2.5-3 Stars.
ARC kindly provided to Gay Book Reviews.
December 20, 2015
3.5 Stars
This was one of the more meaty Christmas reads I've read this holiday season - and it was all the more worthwhile for it.
I really didn't like grumpy-bum Quin at the beginning, but I loved the overall progression of this story, following Quin as he recognises the detrimental turn his life has taken and all the horrible ways he has been behaving and treating those around him. It was a harsh realisation, but Quin's guilt, despair and ultimate regret over his behaviour, along with his resolve to change his ways, made him not only redeemable, but likeable.
I really enjoyed some of the messages in this story - it's never too late to change things in your life you are unhappy with and the important people in your life should always come first.
Another M/M Christmas win!
This was one of the more meaty Christmas reads I've read this holiday season - and it was all the more worthwhile for it.
I really didn't like grumpy-bum Quin at the beginning, but I loved the overall progression of this story, following Quin as he recognises the detrimental turn his life has taken and all the horrible ways he has been behaving and treating those around him. It was a harsh realisation, but Quin's guilt, despair and ultimate regret over his behaviour, along with his resolve to change his ways, made him not only redeemable, but likeable.
I really enjoyed some of the messages in this story - it's never too late to change things in your life you are unhappy with and the important people in your life should always come first.
Another M/M Christmas win!
November 25, 2015
**2.5 stars**
Ah...wow, I really expected to like this more. The writing is solid, but plotwise there just wasn't enough space and time.
Therefore, the MC's transition and change of behaviour didn't feel believable at all and the romance came out of the blue.
Then a blowjob and BAM...fast forward to one year later.
Sorry, not a big fan of this one:(
Ah...wow, I really expected to like this more. The writing is solid, but plotwise there just wasn't enough space and time.
Therefore, the MC's transition and change of behaviour didn't feel believable at all and the romance came out of the blue.
Then a blowjob and BAM...fast forward to one year later.
Sorry, not a big fan of this one:(
December 16, 2015
I was lucky enough to proof this one, and it's lovely. I really enjoyed Joanna Chambers' modern take on A Christmas Carol, it worked wonderfully. She did a great job of keeping Quin likeable even when he was being a twat :)
Recommended for lovers of holiday stories, frenemies to lovers, and flawed characters <3
Recommended for lovers of holiday stories, frenemies to lovers, and flawed characters <3
January 27, 2016
Quin Flint (aka “Skinflit” to his co-workers) is a jerk. He is demanding, derisive, and hardhearted. He is also the hero of the story, and since this is a modern-day adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, he is also a contemporary version of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Like Scrooge, Quin hates Christmas. He is a workaholic, who would prefer to spend the holidays holed up at work. Quin proclaims:
“You might not be ambitious but *I* want to get somewhere in life.”
Quin isn’t very keen on his co-workers wanting time off during the holidays. Similar to the Scrooge of old who begrudges his clerk, Bob Cratchit, a day off, Quin feels a reciprocal resentment toward his co-worker, Rob Paget, when he asks for time off.
Rob is the antithesis of Quin. He is described as a “sunny, smiley guy” who is “solid, dependable, good-natured, and unflappable.” Rob is also gorgeous, and when he gives Quin a fierce set-down, Quin feels the first stirrings of emotion in his hitherto frozen heart.
Rob tells Quin:
“When I first met you, I really liked you…You were funny and quick and incredibly bright…and even though I could see you were a demanding sod, I thought you were a good guy…I figured that underneath the bark, there was a good heart to go with the pretty face…And then I started working with you…You don’t care about anything except work.”
This story works well on many levels. It is enjoyable on its own merits. It is also amusing as a complement to “A Christmas Carol.” Having recently re-read Dickens’ version, I had fun comparing events in this story to the original. Like an Easter egg hunt, I kept searching out the ways this new retelling revisits its original counterpart.
Many reviewers have asserted that this story doesn’t work for them because Quin is such an asshole, and I can understand their frustration. For a romantic lead, Quin is definitely a deviation from the norm, but that is why I appreciate the story. Ms. Chambers does not shirk at creating a cantankerous, crabby, and difficult leading man (aka a true “Scrooge”), and that is what makes this adaptation so bang-on for me.
Like Scrooge, Quin’s growth from coldhearted sod to compassionate lad is a journey in self-discovery. Both men must come to the realization that wealth and business are poor substitutes for love and purpose in life.
The story is only seventy-four pages long, and Quin’s gradual self-discovery and self-transformation don’t begin in earnest until about 60% into the tale. If only the story had been a bit longer, and readers could have experienced Quin’s metamorphosis a tad more thoroughly, I believe that there would be more love for this tale. Also, since the focus was on Quin’s personal awakening, some of his relationship building with Rob moved a dash too quickly for me to truly see why they ultimately fell in love. They have a moment of quick lust, but it would have been lovely to experience their falling in love phase a smidgeon more.
That being said, this is a lovely holiday romance, with a redemption and second chance theme that warmed my own bah humbug heart.
Also, for those readers interested in “A Christmas Carol,” the story (and other Dickens’ tales) have reverted into public domain and are free to read. You can find Kindle friendly versions at
Project Gutenberg
Like Scrooge, Quin hates Christmas. He is a workaholic, who would prefer to spend the holidays holed up at work. Quin proclaims:
“You might not be ambitious but *I* want to get somewhere in life.”
Quin isn’t very keen on his co-workers wanting time off during the holidays. Similar to the Scrooge of old who begrudges his clerk, Bob Cratchit, a day off, Quin feels a reciprocal resentment toward his co-worker, Rob Paget, when he asks for time off.
Rob is the antithesis of Quin. He is described as a “sunny, smiley guy” who is “solid, dependable, good-natured, and unflappable.” Rob is also gorgeous, and when he gives Quin a fierce set-down, Quin feels the first stirrings of emotion in his hitherto frozen heart.
Rob tells Quin:
“When I first met you, I really liked you…You were funny and quick and incredibly bright…and even though I could see you were a demanding sod, I thought you were a good guy…I figured that underneath the bark, there was a good heart to go with the pretty face…And then I started working with you…You don’t care about anything except work.”
This story works well on many levels. It is enjoyable on its own merits. It is also amusing as a complement to “A Christmas Carol.” Having recently re-read Dickens’ version, I had fun comparing events in this story to the original. Like an Easter egg hunt, I kept searching out the ways this new retelling revisits its original counterpart.
Many reviewers have asserted that this story doesn’t work for them because Quin is such an asshole, and I can understand their frustration. For a romantic lead, Quin is definitely a deviation from the norm, but that is why I appreciate the story. Ms. Chambers does not shirk at creating a cantankerous, crabby, and difficult leading man (aka a true “Scrooge”), and that is what makes this adaptation so bang-on for me.
Like Scrooge, Quin’s growth from coldhearted sod to compassionate lad is a journey in self-discovery. Both men must come to the realization that wealth and business are poor substitutes for love and purpose in life.
The story is only seventy-four pages long, and Quin’s gradual self-discovery and self-transformation don’t begin in earnest until about 60% into the tale. If only the story had been a bit longer, and readers could have experienced Quin’s metamorphosis a tad more thoroughly, I believe that there would be more love for this tale. Also, since the focus was on Quin’s personal awakening, some of his relationship building with Rob moved a dash too quickly for me to truly see why they ultimately fell in love. They have a moment of quick lust, but it would have been lovely to experience their falling in love phase a smidgeon more.
That being said, this is a lovely holiday romance, with a redemption and second chance theme that warmed my own bah humbug heart.
Also, for those readers interested in “A Christmas Carol,” the story (and other Dickens’ tales) have reverted into public domain and are free to read. You can find Kindle friendly versions at
Project Gutenberg
November 26, 2015
Well done.
I liked this modern telling of an absolute classic and favorite Christmas tale quite a bit.
I also really, really love the cover.
My only issue with the book was the last bit before the end. There was something missing that made the retelling a tad bit incomplete. It didn't change my feelings or my rating though. It just had a piece missing.
Overall I found this a very enjoyable addition to this years Holiday books.
I liked this modern telling of an absolute classic and favorite Christmas tale quite a bit.
I also really, really love the cover.
My only issue with the book was the last bit before the end. There was something missing that made the retelling a tad bit incomplete. It didn't change my feelings or my rating though. It just had a piece missing.
Overall I found this a very enjoyable addition to this years Holiday books.
November 23, 2015
I really wanted to like this because MLE gave this too me as a gift, but I just couldn't. There wasn't enough time for me to get over how much an ass the main character was, and I just didn't buy the romance.
Bah Humbug!
Bah Humbug!
November 6, 2020
In a real life, I met people like Quin.
Hell, my former boss was like him.
These people, are so hard to like. They're just so annoying, irritating and bring with them the label ' You're not important to me if you're not useful'.
That.
And lucky for Quin that Rob 'still' like him, despite of his so called 'behavior'.
He need a strong hand to make him better and Rob is definitely the man.
Even I can't like Quin until the end of the book, he's actually 'not a bad people'. He just clueless, and workaholic.
And that can be cure, slowly.
Nice holiday story, actually this one feels like Hallmark story.
I enjoyed this one...
Hell, my former boss was like him.
These people, are so hard to like. They're just so annoying, irritating and bring with them the label ' You're not important to me if you're not useful'.
That.
And lucky for Quin that Rob 'still' like him, despite of his so called 'behavior'.
He need a strong hand to make him better and Rob is definitely the man.
Even I can't like Quin until the end of the book, he's actually 'not a bad people'. He just clueless, and workaholic.
And that can be cure, slowly.
Nice holiday story, actually this one feels like Hallmark story.
I enjoyed this one...
November 24, 2015
Eh, I just never really warmed up to Quin!
Bah Humbug!
Bah Humbug!
December 2, 2018
*** 3.5 Stars ***
Hmmm....
This was a tough one for me.
Quin Flint is a rude, inconsiderate, miser of a man who spends all of his time pushing himself and everyone around him to be their best professionally. Drive is one thing, but Quin's obsession with work productivity and climbing the corporate ladder sailed past the point of healthy ambition years ago. When we're introduced to him, Quin has lost a serious relationship with a good man who loved him, he's unaware that his closest friendship is crumbling to pieces, total strangers dislike him on sight, and his lack of empathy and constant professional pressure has made him the Scrooge of his workplace.
And yet, his co-worker Rob has a crush on him.
I have to admit that the crush is sort of inexplicable. By all accounts, Rob is a warm, open, hardworking, well-liked man who cares for his family above everything; Quin is possibly the least empathetic and most unlikeable character I have read about in a long while.
What the HELL does Rob see in Quin?!
Chambers plays up the A Christmas Carol angle, sending Quin's boss Marley into the office on December 23rd with tragic news and showing Quin what his future could look like if he doesn't shape up. But when he goes to join in the merry-making at a local bar, Quin overhears his friends, ex-boyfriend, and acquaintances talking smack about him in the present. It is a rude awakening and Quin doesn't take it well.
Thankfully, Rob is there to save the day with his warm heart and his magical cock (it's a Christmas miracle!).
Ultimately, I liked this Christmas story. Maybe I shouldn't have. Quin never had enough time after he was smacked in the face with his truth bomb to truly change things around, and I felt like we didn't get nearly enough time to know and love Rob (although I desperately wanted to - he's the type of MC that would typically make me mush in a matter of minutes), yet I was still rooting for them to find their HEA. And when they did, it gave me all of the warm, Christmas fuzzies.
I know, I know! I can't explain it either. But I'm just going to roll with it.
Hmmm....
This was a tough one for me.
Quin Flint is a rude, inconsiderate, miser of a man who spends all of his time pushing himself and everyone around him to be their best professionally. Drive is one thing, but Quin's obsession with work productivity and climbing the corporate ladder sailed past the point of healthy ambition years ago. When we're introduced to him, Quin has lost a serious relationship with a good man who loved him, he's unaware that his closest friendship is crumbling to pieces, total strangers dislike him on sight, and his lack of empathy and constant professional pressure has made him the Scrooge of his workplace.
And yet, his co-worker Rob has a crush on him.
I have to admit that the crush is sort of inexplicable. By all accounts, Rob is a warm, open, hardworking, well-liked man who cares for his family above everything; Quin is possibly the least empathetic and most unlikeable character I have read about in a long while.
What the HELL does Rob see in Quin?!
Chambers plays up the A Christmas Carol angle, sending Quin's boss Marley into the office on December 23rd with tragic news and showing Quin what his future could look like if he doesn't shape up. But when he goes to join in the merry-making at a local bar, Quin overhears his friends, ex-boyfriend, and acquaintances talking smack about him in the present. It is a rude awakening and Quin doesn't take it well.
Thankfully, Rob is there to save the day with his warm heart and his magical cock (it's a Christmas miracle!).
Ultimately, I liked this Christmas story. Maybe I shouldn't have. Quin never had enough time after he was smacked in the face with his truth bomb to truly change things around, and I felt like we didn't get nearly enough time to know and love Rob (although I desperately wanted to - he's the type of MC that would typically make me mush in a matter of minutes), yet I was still rooting for them to find their HEA. And when they did, it gave me all of the warm, Christmas fuzzies.
I know, I know! I can't explain it either. But I'm just going to roll with it.
December 26, 2023
Unlikeable main character, undeveloped romance, super-cheesy sex scenes.
Not the heartwarming Christmas story I expected.
Not the heartwarming Christmas story I expected.
November 19, 2015
My first Christmas story of the season!! I was sooooo looking forward to reading this story, but when I realized it was a spin on A Christmas Carol, I was even MORE excited!! A Christmas Carol is my all time favorite Christmas story...from reading different tellings to watching various film adaptations. Now I get to enjoy Joanna Chambers's version for years to come!
Quin Flint is on track to reach his five year goal of obtaining a big promotion, but what he's about to realize is that his workaholic ways are sucking all the joy that friends and relationships can bring to his life. To everyone else, Quin is a selfish dick and barely tolerated by those around him.
It's just another Christmas, and Quin is all set to make things difficult for his employees before he blows-off his best friend's celebration invitation. After all, work is more important than Christmas! After numerous asshole-ish displays (I don't want to spoil the details), Quin begins to recognize how others must see him...kicking off his journeys of Christmas past, present and future.
I really enjoyed the parallels between Humbug and the original. I had fun picking out which "pieces" were captured in this tale: a few of the life events experienced by Quin and several of the tiny twists on character names and relationships. Again, I don't want to spoil.
There is a little romance...and even a surprisingly intense sexy scene. Looks like Quin will find happiness at Christmas again...and someone to share it with…
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
Quin Flint is on track to reach his five year goal of obtaining a big promotion, but what he's about to realize is that his workaholic ways are sucking all the joy that friends and relationships can bring to his life. To everyone else, Quin is a selfish dick and barely tolerated by those around him.
It's just another Christmas, and Quin is all set to make things difficult for his employees before he blows-off his best friend's celebration invitation. After all, work is more important than Christmas! After numerous asshole-ish displays (I don't want to spoil the details), Quin begins to recognize how others must see him...kicking off his journeys of Christmas past, present and future.
I really enjoyed the parallels between Humbug and the original. I had fun picking out which "pieces" were captured in this tale: a few of the life events experienced by Quin and several of the tiny twists on character names and relationships. Again, I don't want to spoil.
There is a little romance...and even a surprisingly intense sexy scene. Looks like Quin will find happiness at Christmas again...and someone to share it with…
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
November 26, 2015
So this was really good.
A Christmas Carol is one of my most favorite classic Christmas stories. I love the original in story form as well as it's many movie versions; I love the Muppet version and I adore the movie Scrooged. Having said all that, I will tell you I LOVE the modern twist Ms. Chambers gives to the story.
Just like Mr. Dickens gave us a tale of a man who was once full on life and love who turns to a miserable miser, we get Quin who once had a life full of love and friend, who due to a chance meeting, gets turned into a skinflint that no one really cares for.
But fate isn't done with Quin and when his boss shuts down shop for Christmas, Quin has to face up who he is and what his life has become. There aren't ghosts that visit Quin, but there are forms of past, present and future that "visit" him and show him the way toward the rightness of his life. They also give him a chance to hang out with the co-worker he's secretly being crushing on who just happens to be named Rob and has a little brother named Tim.
I loved the hell out of Rob and sure, I wanted to smack Quin in the beginning but as he sees his life pass him by, I fell pretty hard for him. What can I say? I seem to have a thing for redeemable assholes.
So yeah, this has all the elements of the classic tale, told in a cheeky and adorable modern way that had me grinning and falling in love.
A Christmas Carol is one of my most favorite classic Christmas stories. I love the original in story form as well as it's many movie versions; I love the Muppet version and I adore the movie Scrooged. Having said all that, I will tell you I LOVE the modern twist Ms. Chambers gives to the story.
Just like Mr. Dickens gave us a tale of a man who was once full on life and love who turns to a miserable miser, we get Quin who once had a life full of love and friend, who due to a chance meeting, gets turned into a skinflint that no one really cares for.
But fate isn't done with Quin and when his boss shuts down shop for Christmas, Quin has to face up who he is and what his life has become. There aren't ghosts that visit Quin, but there are forms of past, present and future that "visit" him and show him the way toward the rightness of his life. They also give him a chance to hang out with the co-worker he's secretly being crushing on who just happens to be named Rob and has a little brother named Tim.
I loved the hell out of Rob and sure, I wanted to smack Quin in the beginning but as he sees his life pass him by, I fell pretty hard for him. What can I say? I seem to have a thing for redeemable assholes.
So yeah, this has all the elements of the classic tale, told in a cheeky and adorable modern way that had me grinning and falling in love.
November 19, 2015
Disclosure: Jo is a friend. That being said, I adored this clever, modern twist on A Christmas Carol. Quin is such a dick! I loved him! This is a short, hot, satisfying, and very, very sweet holiday novella.
December 8, 2015
Really loved this Christmas read. At first Quin was hard to like, but then as he began seeing his faults and changing! My heart!!! What a beautiful transformation story.
Joanna Chambers is such a wonderful writer.
Joanna Chambers is such a wonderful writer.
November 20, 2015
4.5 stars
You know that painful twist feel in your chest when something hurt and touched at the same time? That's what I felt throughout reading. And I can't believe the timeline this novella span was less than 24 hour, a day before Christmas eve (with a bonus), the way it all turned out for the main character.
By that, you'd figure Quin was NOT a very nice person. He was an ambitious, all-in kind of guy; with his accidentally chosen career that brought out the worst in him as a colleague, a friend, and a person. Until the chains of events that forced him to look at himself and staggered at how appalled Quin was at what he saw.
This was a lovely holiday story with introspective air without being too patronizing.
The way the author brought the MC to live was so freaking real to me. His thought and the way he acted; how could we - the reader - rooted for a prick like him, that's a challenge. How could I sympathized with him when his dickheadedness was being thrown back at his face? But that's happened.
The bonus was, Quin didn't turn into a perfect person all of the sudden. Other than the slight shifted, he was basically the same. Ironically, it was his all-in single-mindedness in a different path that brought him happiness.
The romance, while expected, felt a bit rushed. But I. Don't. Care.
Except for some editing, I think this story is gorgeous the way it is! :)
You know that painful twist feel in your chest when something hurt and touched at the same time? That's what I felt throughout reading. And I can't believe the timeline this novella span was less than 24 hour, a day before Christmas eve (with a bonus), the way it all turned out for the main character.
I'd had a mirror held up to me today - repeatedly - and I hadn't liked what I'd seen. Had't liked the man I'd become...I knew a Quin or two, back when I was working in the old company. Heck, there was a bunch of him I'd met, worked and fought with back then. Admittedly, I might even had a bit of Quin Flint in me. In everyone.
By that, you'd figure Quin was NOT a very nice person. He was an ambitious, all-in kind of guy; with his accidentally chosen career that brought out the worst in him as a colleague, a friend, and a person. Until the chains of events that forced him to look at himself and staggered at how appalled Quin was at what he saw.
This was a lovely holiday story with introspective air without being too patronizing.
The way the author brought the MC to live was so freaking real to me. His thought and the way he acted; how could we - the reader - rooted for a prick like him, that's a challenge. How could I sympathized with him when his dickheadedness was being thrown back at his face? But that's happened.
The bonus was, Quin didn't turn into a perfect person all of the sudden. Other than the slight shifted, he was basically the same. Ironically, it was his all-in single-mindedness in a different path that brought him happiness.
The romance, while expected, felt a bit rushed. But I. Don't. Care.
Except for some editing, I think this story is gorgeous the way it is! :)
December 14, 2015
I suppose that at some point, retelling of classic tales might get old. But not over the holidays!
I love A Christmas Carol. I embrace stories about self-realization…about growth…about redemption. And to repurpose it into a romance, one where falling in love helps you to reset priorities and reflect on not just the true meaning of the holidays, but the true meaning of life as a whole? Gah…I’m getting all verklempt.
So, there’s Quin. He’s driven to a fault. His ambition for his law career comes at the expense of others. I honestly don’t find him malicious or cruel. I just find him to be single-minded. Is he likable? Not so much, and that’s made clear by how others that he works with feel about him. But there are tiny nibbles of hope that there’s more. He has a roommate and best friend that hasn’t given up on him. And he has a coworker, Rob, that, well…likes him! I mean, LIKES him likes him!
As you can guess, Quin goes through a series of hard moments that make him come to the epiphany that he’s been mistreating others and there’s a not-surprising HEA for Quin and Rob. *sigh* & *squeee*
BUT, what I really truly appreciated with Joanna Chambers’ take on this story, what really resonated with me, was how badly Quin felt when he found out what people thought about him, what they were saying about him behind his back. I felt…well, I felt his pain. I felt the pangs in his heart. It was almost like he hadn’t a clue, and when a clue showed up, it was a slap in the face – a wake-up call.
Having been in situations in life where sometimes I didn’t know that people might have been hurt by me or disliked me…and finding out the truth…well, I can relate to that painful realization. And wanting to fix things…to change…to be better. I related to Quin more than I expected from a short, holiday story.
I am an uber-fan of Joanna Chambers’ writing and this book was no different. She never fails to entertain.
Definite recommended reading!
December 9, 2015
A modern twist on 'A Christmas Carol’ with a super sweet HEA. Perfect!
December 29, 2015
This is a great Christmas read, but I've got to say (and imagine I'm not alone), by the end of the first chapter I could have kicked the MC up the backside. But, of course, that's the idea!
The modern, business-related parallels to A Christmas Carol are lovely, as is the ex-boyfriend. How tragic that it turned out the way it did, but not, at the same time.
I wonder what happened to the love interest's mum and little brother? I'd have liked to hear more about them.
So, yes, another cryptic review from me. :)
The modern, business-related parallels to A Christmas Carol are lovely, as is the ex-boyfriend. How tragic that it turned out the way it did, but not, at the same time.
I wonder what happened to the love interest's mum and little brother? I'd have liked to hear more about them.
So, yes, another cryptic review from me. :)
November 19, 2015
Awww. For a short story this was an emotional ride... Perfect Christmas story of a man finding love. Recommended.
January 14, 2016
What a sweet Holiday story - A Christmas Carol told in present day with gay characters
Every holiday season I read a couple of holiday/Christmas romance and this (already last year) I was lucky to read Humbug by Joanna Chambers. This is a modern-day retelling of Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens as a mm romance and I greatly enjoyed it.
I generally love Ms Chambers writing style and this was no exception. Quin's story was told in a tender and exquisite style, full of warmth and true holiday spirit. I liked how real the story felt, not sappy or overly dramatic, just normal, everything troubles and joys and love and loss than happen to us all the time. What Quin went through felt real, sadly familiar in some ways and I'm oh so glad that he found Rob (and himself) in the end.
There were not big surprises or unexpected plot twists, yet the familiarity and in a way the predictability of the story were a welcome pleasure. It gave me hope, spoke to the hopeless romantic in me who wants to follow their dreams regardless of the harsh reality. It's an endearing story, the perfect read to relax to during the holidays and beyond.
The romance was subdued and quiet, yet beautiful and touching in its simplicity and straightforwardness.
If you missed to read this during the past holiday season, keep Humbug with you for those moments when you are feeling down and you need a sweet pick-me-up read. I guarantee you this sweet story will bring back the smile on your face and the hope in your heart.
Every holiday season I read a couple of holiday/Christmas romance and this (already last year) I was lucky to read Humbug by Joanna Chambers. This is a modern-day retelling of Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens as a mm romance and I greatly enjoyed it.
I generally love Ms Chambers writing style and this was no exception. Quin's story was told in a tender and exquisite style, full of warmth and true holiday spirit. I liked how real the story felt, not sappy or overly dramatic, just normal, everything troubles and joys and love and loss than happen to us all the time. What Quin went through felt real, sadly familiar in some ways and I'm oh so glad that he found Rob (and himself) in the end.
There were not big surprises or unexpected plot twists, yet the familiarity and in a way the predictability of the story were a welcome pleasure. It gave me hope, spoke to the hopeless romantic in me who wants to follow their dreams regardless of the harsh reality. It's an endearing story, the perfect read to relax to during the holidays and beyond.
The romance was subdued and quiet, yet beautiful and touching in its simplicity and straightforwardness.
If you missed to read this during the past holiday season, keep Humbug with you for those moments when you are feeling down and you need a sweet pick-me-up read. I guarantee you this sweet story will bring back the smile on your face and the hope in your heart.
September 26, 2020
Short story about career-driven Quin “Skinflint” Flint that is a modern retelling of A Christmas Carol with Quin being showed how his focus on his five-year plan with leave him alone and miserable.
I thought about how it would feel to sit in the front of the board for a partner interview, how it would feel to get the call from one of them to be told I’d been successful. I thought of the years of even harder work that would follow my promotion as I sought to entrench my position as a junior partner on the up-and-up. There would be pressure to bring in work, make fees, schmooze new clients, and it would endless. It would leave no room for friendships or family. It would leave no room for a romantic relationship, not with someone who actually wanted to spend time with me, anyway.
It is almost Christmas and Quin realizes that he has no one to spend Christmas with and comes to a decision and wants to try to chase his original desires. But with the help of Rob he knows he can and will succeed.
Told in Quin's POV it is an emotional read. While you start disliking him as the douche bag he is, in the end you can't help feeling sorry for Quin.
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