Alone For Christmas

by Ashley John

Noah expected to spend Christmas alone, but he never expected to spend it falling in love with his boss.

With his third divorce looming and his bank accounts frozen, Chip Harington was surprisingly okay with spending Christmas alone, even if he was living out of a suitcase in his office. He had already decided to skip the office Christmas party, until some surprising words from one of his employees makes him change his mind.

Noah always expected the crush for his boss to fade, but after two years working under Chip, his feelings are stronger than ever. With Chip’s personal life in tatters once more, Noah never expected his boss to show his face at the office Christmas party, so he was even more surprised when his drunken attempt to kiss Chip turned into so much more.

Chip assumed his encounter with Noah was nothing more than a one-night stand, but when his employee emerges from a snowstorm on Christmas Eve, they are forced to spend Christmas together in a London office block. With the lines between employer and employee blurred, will either man emerge from the snow the same, or will their Christmas encounter change the course of their lives forever, making them wish they had spent Christmas alone after all?

***

Genre: Christmas, Gay Romance, MM Romance, Christmas novella.
Released: November 22nd 2016
Words: 30,000
Standalone: Yes
Cliff-hanger: No

Genres: M M Romance, Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Gay

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2016

About the author

Ashley John is a gay author of gay/mm romance novels. Living in the north of England with his fiance and two cats, Ashley John spends his days writing down the voices he hears in his head. His books are primarily romance dramas with sprinklings of erotica and he has a knack for making you feel like you're living right beside the characters he creates. Ashley John is also a keen artist and he puts his artistic side to designing all of his own covers.

Find ashley john at ashleyjohn.co.uk

KEEP UP WITH ASHLEY JOHN ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyjohnart
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/itsashleyjohn
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ashleyjohn

Reviews

[Sophia Triad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, let me just say that I really enjoyed the book.
It was cute, Christmassy, fluffy, funny, a tiny bit smutty and the story takes place in London. I really love London during Christmas.
Or maybe I love London the days before Christmas, not at Christmas day. That's because usually everything is closed on Christmas day and you cannot see anybody walking on the streets.

Anyway, the story is about Noah who has a huge crush on his boss Chip.

Chip is going through his THIRD divorce. The funny thing and the thing I don't really understand is that Chip has decided he is gay after three divorces. He was basically keep getting married to women to prove he is not gay. How immature and stupid is this!?! And then he decides he prefers men.
So what will be next? Will he get married with three men and then decide that he prefers women? How can you trust a guy who behaves like that?

Noah is really lovable and sweet. Hardworking, lonely, with a good heart and totally faithful to friends and lovers. He is very picky with his lovers. I really liked him.

After Noah and Chip have an one night stand, they are actually starting getting know each other. They spend Christmas alone in the office, doing goofy things, eating leftovers from the Christmas business lunch, playing like kids with the snow. Nice pictures.
The book has a great epilogue.

I recommend it if you want a quick, Christmassy story that takes place in London.
It will make you smile.

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** Their bosses wife stormed out of his office and he slammed the door. It looks like Noah won't be the only one alone in London for Christmas.
* Chip, 32, Publishing Company owner,

is tired of being in the closet; trying to pass for straight. If nothing else, this third divorce proves that.

* Red-headed, hard working Noah,

has been Chip's employee two years now, and has a huge crush on the straight man. Chip is a great boss, and doesn't deserve all the heartache he has been through. At the Christmas party, everyone is gossiping, and a hush comes over the room. Noah whips around to see what's happening and spins to the floor. In a tuxedo, Chip is looking down on Noah, sprawled on the floor. Chip takes him, they talk, and Noah tells his boss about losing his Granddad, and Chip makes sure Noah is okay. They go to Noah's apartment, they talk, and kiss, and more, both figuring on a one night stand.

The next day, Noah is worried about Chip, who is living at the office, and stops there to see him. A horrible storm has paralyzed London, and the guys are stranded, which leads to more sexy times, a reveal, and a connection neither man has ever felt.
This is going to be a special Christmas for the two men, which has Christmas games, eating, hot sex, and long talks. The characters are funny and charming, the story different and interesting, and it is a heartwarming tale, too.

There is a misunderstanding, and a cute epilogue you will like.
ENJOY !
=================

[Josy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well...

It started out good and it ended sweet while at the same time making me chuckle, but the middle part was kind of ridiculous. Two grown-up men acting like teenagers while spending Christmas in a deserted office building - naked. And not only that but playing silly games like office bowling - also naked. And re-enacting some version of 'Dinner For One' (I think?!) - you guessed right: naked. Making snow angels and having a snowball fight in the streets of a deserted London (riiight O.o) - thankfully not naked!

Not one of the better Christmas stories I've read this year but I must admit I chuckled quite a bit.

[Elithanathile · Rating 4 out of 5]

True rating: 3.75 stars ... :-)!! It definitely leans toward a 4 star rating which is why I've rounded up. Very sweet book :-)!!

[Krissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story and a scrumptious cover to boot.

[Aeren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me he encontrado una agradabilisima sorpresa con esta novella, muy sencilla y dulce, amena y con personajes muy tiernos también. Perfecta para estas fechas.

[Rissa (an M/M kinda Girl!!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Ashley John read and I think I picked the perfect one to start with. It was just right for the Christmas season. Fun, sexy and slightly naughty/risqué .
I'm excited to check out more of this authors work!
#Christmas #tistheseason

[Ashley John]

LIVE NOW!

Alone For Christmas is live on Amazon! (FREE on Kindle Unlimited)

[Bitchie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Noah has had a thing for his boss, Chip, for years, but Chip is straight, and working on his second divorce in as many years. Come to find out, Chip has been closeted all this time, trying to be something he's not. They end up snowed in together for Christmas, and it was all just really cute and fluffy. I had to knock a star off for the silly misunderstanding at the end, but otherwise, I enjoyed it.

[books_and_brew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't my favorite Holiday novella. Maybe I am overdosing on too many holiday stories? Is there such a thing? Who knows. All I know is that I finished this, ate lunch, came back to write a short review and kind of forgot what the story was about.

On to the next!

[Debbie McGowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a definite suspend-disbelief story, which is what we all need once in a while and especially at Christmas.

It was amusing to read about Noah and Chip being snowed in for Christmas - on Christmas Day in England, with an average temp outside of 12C (53.6F) and not a snowflake in sight. It rarely does snow in England at Christmas (on lower ground), but it doesn't stop us dreaming of a White Christmas (and then complaining for at least the next twelve months if we get one).

It's all a bit of a fairy tale, and it's lovely. However, it took me until somewhere around the 60% mark and a misplaced apostrophe before I told myself to 'get over it' and from thereon refused to notice writing/editing/proofreading issues. Doing this for a living makes reading for pleasure a challenge, so the issues I had will more than likely pass unnoticed for most. Without those to distract me, I'd have given this five stars for being a perfect romantic escape from the Christmas madness. I will definitely read more by this author.

[Caipi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have preferred to not only get Noah's POV but Chip's as well. And I definitely could have done without the silly misunderstanding near the end. This was in my opinion an unnecessary drama that took away the feel good spirit of this story. Besides that I enjoyed this sweet "snowed in with the boss" Christmas story.

3.5 stars

[Arlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute story but it just didn't do it for me. It held my attention for the most part, but I never really connected with the characters or the storyline. Part of the problem for me is that the romance centered around the head of a publishing firm and an employee who specializes small print contract writing. Maybe it's just me, but nothing about that scenario strikes me as interesting, let alone sexy. Then again, I never did find the idea of business executives, moguls or the corporate environment particularly sexy. It wouldn't have been so bad if the romance itself as well as the secondary relationships within the story didn't begin and end at their workplace. Which brings me to my next issue...

A major part of the story takes place in an office building. An office building is essentially a housing community for desk jobs. I can't think of a less sexy location than that. If I could be trapped in a snowstorm in any place with the man of my dreams, an office building wouldn't even crack my top 20. Maybe I'm missing something? I close my eyes and try to immerse myself in the sensual trappings of an office building. Things that come to mind are copy machines, instant coffee, cubicles, gossip, staplers, meetings, dry erase boards, paperwork, punching in and out of a timeclock and filing cabinets... Nope. Still not turned on, not even a little.

Libraries are sexy. Libraries, I get. Semi-public sex in the library stacks? Yes, please! Noise regulated sex obscured by endless shelves of books? Oh, hell yes! Totally hot.
Am I wrong?

[Marthea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Czasami blurb jest świetny i jak się okazuje, jest najlepszą częścią książki 😉 I odwrotnie - marny blurb może zupełnie nie oddawać rzeczywistości i może skrywać coś dobrego czy nawet świetnego. Dlatego, pomimo iż ten był taaaaki sobie, stwierdziłam, że dam historii szansę...

Niepotrzebnie 😜

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nach drei gescheiterten Ehen hat der Verleger Chip Harington die Nase voll. Er hat versucht den Erwartungen gerecht zu werden und ist doch gescheitert. Nein, Beziehungen mit Frauen klappen nicht. Es wird Zeit sich endlich einzugestehen, dass er schwul ist. Doch das ist gar nicht so einfach. Und er beneidet seinen Mitarbeiter Noah. Der ist out und stolz drauf.



Noah arbeitet schon zwei Jahre für Chip und von Anfang an hat er eine Schwäche für seinen gutaussehenden Boss. Aber Chip ist eben nicht schwul, hat kein Interesse und ist ja zudem noch sein Chef. Also begnügt er sich Chip heimlich anzuhimmeln. Doch bei der Firmenweihnachtsfeier passiert es. Chip und Noah kommen sich näher und landen prompt zusammen im Bett. Der Morgen danach ist etwas seltsam und ihre Wege trennen sich wieder – jedoch nur für kurze Zeit!

Noah hat keine Familie mehr und findet es nicht richtig, dass Chip die Weihnachtstage alleine im Büro verbringen soll. Also stattet er seinem Chef einen Besuch ab und bleibt. Zusammen verbringen sie die Feiertage und stellen dabei ziemlich viel Unsinn an. Sie kommen sich rasch wieder näher und verbringen viel Zeit sich näher kennenzulernen.

Der Kurzroman ist meine erste Geschichte von John Ashley. Der Plot ist simpel gehalten und die Protagonisten sind sehr sympathisch und amüsant. Aber sie haben nicht ganz die Tiefe, die ich mir eigentlich von meinen Helden wünsche. Manchmal bleiben sie einfach ein wenig blass und vage. Vor allem bei Chip hat man das Gefühl, dass man an ihn nicht richtig herankommt. Dennoch hat mir die Geschichte sehr gut gefallen und ich kann sie guten Gewissens weiterempfehlen.

[Marcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah has had a crush on his boss, Chip Harrington for over two years. He was hoping that his crush would fade, however, it just seems to have intensified. Before attending the office Christmas party, Noah goes to Chip's office to drop off a publishing contract he wanted to get done before their holiday break. He tells Chip that he hopes to see him at the Christmas party. While in Chip's office, Noah swears he sees a sleeping bag and overnight bag. He didn't want to ask Chip to avoid the embarrassment. He goes to the Christmas party as planned and has way too much to drink.

Chip Harrington is facing his third divorce and is currently living out of his office because his accounts have been frozen by the courts thanks to his lovely almost ex-wife. The last thing he wants to do is attend his office Christmas party. He knows all he'll hear are whispers and gossip about his latest debacle of a marriage. However, when his employee, Noah comments about hoping he would see him there, Chip changes his mind and attends the party. There he is faced with an inebriated Noah, which he finds highly amusing.

Little did he know, going to that Christmas party would change his and Noah's life forever.

I cannot begin to say how much I loved this book. Once again Ashley John has drew me into his story and made me feel like I was living it. I am running out of things to say about Ashley and how much I adore his books. As usual, he left me wanting more and sad for feeling like I left someone important behind. Just brilliant. That is all that can be said about Ashley John.

[♥️Victoria ♥️ ♥️love books♥️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall book rating: 3 Stars
Audio book: n/a
Book Cover: 3 Stars
MC1: Chip
MC2: Noah

[Rayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a nice, romantic Christmas story, but without having Chip's POV, I wasn't convinced of his love after really only spending a few days with Noah.

[Bree Cheese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story! Keeping the Christmasy feeling alive in January.

[Elouise East · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was a lovely feel-good Christmas story. It was kind of predictable but in all honesty that was why I chose to read it in the first place; I knew what I was getting.
Chip is getting his third divorce, there is an office Christmas party he wasn't going to attend and currently he's living in his office.
Noah has had a crush on Chip since he began working there. He gets drunk at the party and kisses Chip, expecting to be rejected, but it turns into more.
Snowed in, in the office over Christmas, they get more entangled. Then wires get crossed and I won't spoil anymore.
It's definitely worth a read if you like to sit back and enjoy the ride. This was my first read by Ashley John and I will definitely try some others.

[Chad James · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** Review Coming Soon ***

[Dolorianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot because there were some really great moments filtered into the fun holiday spirits.

Chip is much more approachable and less closeted than he first appears so having that unexpected twist makes for some good reading. And his fun side inspires a lot of fun office games while they are snowed in.

My only complaint is an obvious and convenient misunderstanding/miscommunication. It stalls the momentum between the two men and I've seen much more believable, creative, and fresh conflicts from this author, so I was disappointed to see their Christmas joy reduced to Noah in a huff.

But of course, everything works out in the end. The bump in the road is over relatively quick because of the length of the story, and the Epilogue brings back the fun. It's one I read with a smile.

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alone for Christmas was a warm little hug for the holidays. Noah works in an office and has the hots for his boss. Chip is a really sad character who if this wasn't a short holiday feel good story really would be somebody who needs a lot of love and a lot of therapy. But since this was a quick little holiday romp it simply takes the love of Noah and for Chip to take a chance. Yup, this is a nice little holiday story.

[Sue bowdley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in a couple of hours whilst at work and it is a truly sweet and beautiful read.....Noah has a crush on his boss Chip and they end up sleeping together.....They spend christmas together snowed in at work and the antics these two get upto is hilarious....Two naked guys playing office bowling on chairs?...what's not to love about that....A beautiful read from a great young author....x

[Wendy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley John just doesn't disappoint. What fun, sweet, heart felt Christmas novella. The last paragraph of the epilogue was amazing!!! Well done Ashley on another amazing read!!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars.

Nice, sweet christmas short-story.

[Anke · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started out nice enough, only to then losing me with it's 'humor'.

[Dani Elle Maas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

totally got grabbed by this story
thoroughly enjoyed it :)

[Valeria DePaula · Rating 4 out of 5]

✔ Letto! Siamo a Londra e qui conosco Chip e Noah. Siamo vicino alle feste di Natale e Londra è bellissima come al solito.
Chip ha una editoria ereditata dal suo papà, è un uomo di sucesso negli affari, ma molto meno in amore, si è appena divorziato pela terza volta da un matrimonio che ha durato meno degli altri, neanche un anno.
Noah, lavora per Chip. È solo al mondo da quando è morto il suo adorato nonno due anni fa. Noah ama il suo lavoro, si impegna molto in quello che fa. Ha una cotta pazzesca per il suo capo da quando lo ha visto per la prima volta. Fa sogni ad occhi con loro due assieme, ma appunto.... sono solo sogni perché il suo capo è etero, superetero e con 3 ex moglie per comprovare.
Quello che Noah non sa è il motivo dei tanti divorzi di Chip. Ma lo scoprirà presto. Perché Chip è stufo marcio di mentire e negare quello che desidera. Un corpo senza tette e con gli apparati giusti. E lui vuole Noah.
Per via di una tempesta di neve, un capo in solitudine nel suo ufficio nella notte di Natale, tutte le cose si metteranno al posto giusto e una notte non sarà mai abbastanza per due anime innamorate.
Dolcissimo libro di natale dove basta il coraggio per cambiare le cose e una spinta dalla divina provvidenza!
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

[Oscar E · Rating 1 out of 5]

I sadly had to rate this novella with one star.
I was looking forward to read Ashley John as I was eager to find my best M/M romance male writer. It is not that I do not enjoy female writers doing M/M romance, but I have to admit I have found that women writing on this subject tend to be a little bit more on the racy side of this genre.

Having said that, this book was disappointing as it is packed with common places and it is quite corny. I will only will point out a few here:
-Employee has had a crushed on the boss for a couple of years.
-Turns out boss was, who knew, also interested
-Boss is not only in a position of power but he's wealthy, extremely handsome and sexually a top, go figure
-The best friend is a girl friend always supportive and sparkling positive.
-A corny happy ending.

In summary, I wish I had liked it but writing does not develop either of the characters and the story just falls flat after a couple of dozen pages. There some humor in it but, overall, does not do anything to advance the genre.