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Christmas Opportunities
Eric is burnt out at work, and struggling with being a single parent since his sister and her husband died in a freak car accident. His boss and dear friend decides he needs a winter holiday in Banff to reconnect with his nephew and recharge for work.
Brady teaches business at a community college in Banff, aiming for a board position. He partially supports both his mother and baby sister, and he’s not looking for any more family who needs him.
But his attraction to Eric is undeniable, even though he knows nothing can ever come of it.
Excepte it might just be Brady who needs Eric and four-year-old Tyler.
Brady teaches business at a community college in Banff, aiming for a board position. He partially supports both his mother and baby sister, and he’s not looking for any more family who needs him.
But his attraction to Eric is undeniable, even though he knows nothing can ever come of it.
Excepte it might just be Brady who needs Eric and four-year-old Tyler.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2017
8 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Sydney Blackburn
22 books44 followersSyd is a binary star system, who is servant to two cats, likes chocolate, salted caramel and sushi (though not all at the same time) and falls in the "pineapple does not belong on a pizza" camp.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 27, 2017
3.5* Cute Xmas story!!
I was liking it a lot UNTIL the 70%... then this annoying friend appears and all the sweet lovely plot transforms in an absolutely cliche :(
But it has nice HAE and good the main characters
I was liking it a lot UNTIL the 70%... then this annoying friend appears and all the sweet lovely plot transforms in an absolutely cliche :(
But it has nice HAE and good the main characters
November 12, 2017
3.5 Stars
A sweet, romantic holiday tale. I do love stories that feature an almost ready-made family...and I think that if it weren't for that hella quick - after a handful of really tame dates (that included the kid), an awkward Christmas dinner with other friends and ONE kiss?!!??! - I would have rated it higher?
Maybe. IDK.
I did like that it took them another 8 months to really hammer out the details and they spent that time with a little back and forth travel but put a LOT of effort into phone calls, Skype, emails & texts getting to know each other better. I just wish we'd been privy to all of that instead of being told about it after the fact.
Not much steam and no sex to speak of, but still an enjoyable book.
A sweet, romantic holiday tale. I do love stories that feature an almost ready-made family...and I think that if it weren't for that hella quick - after a handful of really tame dates (that included the kid), an awkward Christmas dinner with other friends and ONE kiss?!!??! - I would have rated it higher?
Maybe. IDK.
I did like that it took them another 8 months to really hammer out the details and they spent that time with a little back and forth travel but put a LOT of effort into phone calls, Skype, emails & texts getting to know each other better. I just wish we'd been privy to all of that instead of being told about it after the fact.
Not much steam and no sex to speak of, but still an enjoyable book.
November 11, 2017
This was just a really sweet, simple story. I loved that there was a kid, who was age appropriate, and didn't take over the story. I also liked how the romance built simply, just two guys and a kid, getting to know each other over a holiday vacation. What I didn't like so much was the ending, because who the hell So other than this, I liked this for what it was, not sure if I'll remember it by New Years
January 2, 2018
Nice story, good build-up, and then BAM! 0 to 60 in 2 seconds? Was NOT expecting that ending...
November 28, 2020
For a short story, it was actually pretty good at developing the romance. However, at the end there was a huge jump that didn't feel too realistic, despite how the author tried to end things in the epilogue. The characters were likable and realistic.
November 19, 2019
1 star
In the two years since his sister and her husband died, Eric hasn't had much free time, since he's been looking after his young nephew. His boss insists that he take a little time away from it all housesitting her cousin's cabin, so Eric and his nephew head to Banff. Once there, Eric is run off the road, in a snowstorm, but the man who did it helps pull him out. When they run into each other at the general store, they strike up a conversation where Eric learns the man's name. After some internet stalking (by Eric's friend/boss), Eric reaches out to Brady.
They both know that nothing serious will happen, because Brady doesn't do serious and Eric and Tyler are only there for a a couple of weeks. They do spend time together, though, and Eric realizes that he's getting deeper feelings for Brady than friendship.
This was a hot mess, from the editing (wrong words, wrong names, missing words) to the actual story. Both Eric and Brady were woe-is-me-why-does-no-one-understand-me CONSTANTLY. I mean, I do understand that Eric had his nephew to consider, so he couldn't immediately make changes to his life, but his lip quivering "I guess I'll have to wait until Tyler goes to college before I can do anything for myself" attitude grated on me. Dude, if you're not happy, make plans that will gradually get you what you want. And Brady with his "I am the cat who walks alone" attitude was annoying too.
Actually, come to think of it, pretty much everything was annoying to me, except for the kid. He was pretty cute and kid-like. I would have dnf'd, but I had left my list of choices at work, and I chose this one from that list because it was the shortest and I have 9 library books to read before the end of Thursday. (0_0)
In the two years since his sister and her husband died, Eric hasn't had much free time, since he's been looking after his young nephew. His boss insists that he take a little time away from it all housesitting her cousin's cabin, so Eric and his nephew head to Banff. Once there, Eric is run off the road, in a snowstorm, but the man who did it helps pull him out. When they run into each other at the general store, they strike up a conversation where Eric learns the man's name. After some internet stalking (by Eric's friend/boss), Eric reaches out to Brady.
They both know that nothing serious will happen, because Brady doesn't do serious and Eric and Tyler are only there for a a couple of weeks. They do spend time together, though, and Eric realizes that he's getting deeper feelings for Brady than friendship.
This was a hot mess, from the editing (wrong words, wrong names, missing words) to the actual story. Both Eric and Brady were woe-is-me-why-does-no-one-understand-me CONSTANTLY. I mean, I do understand that Eric had his nephew to consider, so he couldn't immediately make changes to his life, but his lip quivering "I guess I'll have to wait until Tyler goes to college before I can do anything for myself" attitude grated on me. Dude, if you're not happy, make plans that will gradually get you what you want. And Brady with his "I am the cat who walks alone" attitude was annoying too.
Actually, come to think of it, pretty much everything was annoying to me, except for the kid. He was pretty cute and kid-like. I would have dnf'd, but I had left my list of choices at work, and I chose this one from that list because it was the shortest and I have 9 library books to read before the end of Thursday. (0_0)
November 4, 2017
For such a short story it grabbed me and sucked me right in. I loved both of these men and despite the length of this story, they were both engaging and their interplay was touching. I actually wish this story were longer because I grew attached to these men. Eric caught me more than Brady did, mostly because of his honesty. He knew where he was in his life, knew what he needed to change, and had the strength to do what needed to be done. He had the courage to bear his heart even if he knew things were temporary between him and Brady. Unfortunately, that courage wasn't appreciated and Brady's reaction left quite a lot to be desired. Eric's reaction in the airport during his departure was honest and real. Brady was caught in his head a little too much, more concerned with what he couldn't give than with what he could. He gets over it, but only the fear that things might be too late spurs him to make the grand gesture. I enjoyed the confessions, the heart, the tenderness, the promise of love and forever. With the most charming boy and a truly spectacular dog that thinks he's a person, this book was heartwarming and perfect for the season and any other time of the year.
Read and very willingly reviewed this ARC for the author via Booksprout.
Read and very willingly reviewed this ARC for the author via Booksprout.
October 31, 2017
Single parent graphic designer from the city meets College Professor after getting stuck in the snow on a lonely stretch of road.
Eric is taking his nephew Tyler to Banff for Christmas veers off the road and stuck in the deep snow by the roadside. Brady and his dog rescue him by towing his vehicle clear of the snow. Attraction is mutual but neither is ready to make the first move. An entertaining Christmas story to help you into a festive mood.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Eric is taking his nephew Tyler to Banff for Christmas veers off the road and stuck in the deep snow by the roadside. Brady and his dog rescue him by towing his vehicle clear of the snow. Attraction is mutual but neither is ready to make the first move. An entertaining Christmas story to help you into a festive mood.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2017
A delightful story and a great, fast read. Eric's life has taken on a new meaning, now looking after his young nephew upon his nephew Tyler's parents death in a car accident. His life is on hold for now, Tyler is his sole focus. Then, enters opportunity in the form of a Christmas getaway to housesit where he meets Brady, a hunky professor, who is not looking for anything, as his sole focus is on his job. Sparks fly. What's not to love.... a Christmas story with a HEA. This was an advance copy I was given to read and review and I enjoyed it immensely.
November 6, 2017
This is a very sweet M/M romance. Eric is tasked with raising his nephew after the death of his sister and husband. Brady is busy supporting his mom and sister and trying to get a board position at the school he teaches at. The sparks fly when they meet after Brady saves Eric and his nephew from being stuck on the highway. This is a super sweet romance. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2017
This is the kind of story that keeps me a hopeful romantic!
Wonderful settings, realistic situations, and romance!!
Sydney Blackburn's latest tale of human emotions and her take on
relationships makes for a glorious read.
The pace is pleasant, and it puts one in the mood for the holiday.
Thank you Sydney, for yet another wonderful tale!
Wonderful settings, realistic situations, and romance!!
Sydney Blackburn's latest tale of human emotions and her take on
relationships makes for a glorious read.
The pace is pleasant, and it puts one in the mood for the holiday.
Thank you Sydney, for yet another wonderful tale!
November 6, 2017
This is one book I probably would not have read but am I ever glad I did. This Author draws you in from the first page until the last one, a very well written book that I was not putting down until I had finished it. What a beautiful story.I will be looking into more by this Author. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2017
I believe this was a new author for me and turned out to be a very satisfying read! Interesting characters and circumstances... which lead to a few "I am already on overload, so I am NOT ready to settle down in a relationship" moments... but, the ending handled the situation in a realistic manner and we all got our HEA, so that made it a good Christmas read for me! *grin*
October 30, 2017
Ready to get into the holiday spirit? Are you a hopeless romantic like me? This is the book for you . This book grabbed you from the start and held onto you till the end. Go along with Eric and Brady as the struggle with real life issues and see if there two hearts can become 1.
November 3, 2017
This is a short but sweet romance. The author captures you right from the start with Eric raising his nephew Tyler .. heartbreaking from the start. When he meets Brady and Tyler meets Rollo,Brady's dog,things change. This is their story. It's a feel good Christmas story and I loved reading it.
November 4, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. A quick read to put you in the mood for Christmas. Well written story full of love and sorrow.
January 3, 2018
That was so sweet! They made such a cutie family! Christine and Carlos made a cute couple as well.
December 30, 2017
MM romance.
December 6, 2018
**3.5 Stars
February 20, 2025
Well this was terrible.
November 3, 2017
Great Christmas Book!
January 20, 2018
Cute story
Really cute holiday story, no angst, and a sweet kid. Nice story to read cuddled up in front of a fire.
Really cute holiday story, no angst, and a sweet kid. Nice story to read cuddled up in front of a fire.
November 28, 2020
Sweet....
Many parts of the story repeated itself, like I couldn’t get that he is a single dad, this was just a vacation for a couple of week, he couldn’t-get involved... la..la.la..la la. But the build to the HEA was good and predictable.
Many parts of the story repeated itself, like I couldn’t get that he is a single dad, this was just a vacation for a couple of week, he couldn’t-get involved... la..la.la..la la. But the build to the HEA was good and predictable.
Read
November 2, 2017I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Such a sweet Christmas story. I really enjoyed this book. Great storyline.
Such a sweet Christmas story. I really enjoyed this book. Great storyline.
November 1, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was my first book by this author. OMG!! Super sweet with some sexy scenes. Perfect resd to get you on the holiday spirit.
This was my first book by this author. OMG!! Super sweet with some sexy scenes. Perfect resd to get you on the holiday spirit.
Read
February 28, 2018A cute low angst/no smut Christmas story. The event in the final chapter was a little too OTT for me considering how long they'd known each other, especially considering the epilogue.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews