What do you think?
Rate this book
Burning Down the House
Leo's quiet vacation in Vermont is cut short by news that his beloved grandmother's in the hospital because she tried to burn down her own house. Feeling low and depressed that she might be falling victim to dementia, Leo takes comfort in a man he meets in the hospital's Quiet Room. The encounter's supposed to be a one-night stand, one and done, no strings attached, but Leo's surprised when he wants more.
The problem is that Aaron comes with strings and complications—ones Leo isn't sure he wants to deal with on top of his own problems. Leo's going to have to reach deep if he wants more than superficial, but he's determined to try if the universe will just cooperate.
Part of the 2018 "Escape from the Holidays" Series
Stay Awhile by Kassandra Lea
Burning Down the House by Gregory Norris
The Holiday Spirit by Carole Cummings
Slow Thaw by J. Scott Coatsworth
Celebrations in the Season of Long Nights by Mere Rain
The Holiday Home Hotel by Lou Sylvre
Something to Celebrate by Evelyn Benvie
Holiday Hijinks by Toni Griffin
Yule Planet by Angel Martinez
Waiting on the Rain by Freddy Mackay
The problem is that Aaron comes with strings and complications—ones Leo isn't sure he wants to deal with on top of his own problems. Leo's going to have to reach deep if he wants more than superficial, but he's determined to try if the universe will just cooperate.
Part of the 2018 "Escape from the Holidays" Series
Stay Awhile by Kassandra Lea
Burning Down the House by Gregory Norris
The Holiday Spirit by Carole Cummings
Slow Thaw by J. Scott Coatsworth
Celebrations in the Season of Long Nights by Mere Rain
The Holiday Home Hotel by Lou Sylvre
Something to Celebrate by Evelyn Benvie
Holiday Hijinks by Toni Griffin
Yule Planet by Angel Martinez
Waiting on the Rain by Freddy Mackay
- GenresHoliday
ebook
First published December 1, 2018
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 2, 2018
While this is a story about the importance of family and coming together, it is not the exuberantly fun and warm kind of Christmas tale that is so abundant in December. Instead it offers a look at two guys suffering for similar reasons and shows how sharing their pain and problems can make dealing with their situations a little easier. They start out as total strangers, their meeting in the hospital just after Halloween is a coincidence, but their decision to stick together and support each other is planned and full of purpose.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 23, 2019
Not a bad short. It's supposed to be about love and family and dealing with things such as grief or anger at illnesses. Which is tough. Especially when kids are involved.
Leo considers himself a free spirit. He was taking advantage of a vacation in Vermont when he got a phone call telling him his grandmother was in an accident at home. Rushing home to be with her, he leaves his getaway behind. Once he realizes she's ok, he's stressed now because maybe it's time for her to be in a home. But looking at her home brings up many memories and the start of new ones. He meets Aaron in the chapel. What was supposed to be a one time thing is turning into more. Aaron's family wants to meet Leo. But Leo has to decide if he can do it and still be a free spirit. If being in love and having a family already ready is for him.
I think the thing that was hard for me that in times of grief or severe stress, people do stupid things. So for Aaron and Leo, for me, their relationship was a bit quick. But then again, it is a book. Lol. There are good points and bad points when deal with illnesses. Kids have it harder because it's harder for them to figure out how they're supposed to feel. It's usually anger masked over being upset. So everyone had things to deal with.
Leo made some good decisions as far as his grandmother. It is about family and what's best for them. So that was a good point in his favor for me. And he really tried with Aaron's kids. And that was no picnic. But in the end, it's a balance. Love and leaning to be happy with the time we are granted on Earth.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
Leo considers himself a free spirit. He was taking advantage of a vacation in Vermont when he got a phone call telling him his grandmother was in an accident at home. Rushing home to be with her, he leaves his getaway behind. Once he realizes she's ok, he's stressed now because maybe it's time for her to be in a home. But looking at her home brings up many memories and the start of new ones. He meets Aaron in the chapel. What was supposed to be a one time thing is turning into more. Aaron's family wants to meet Leo. But Leo has to decide if he can do it and still be a free spirit. If being in love and having a family already ready is for him.
I think the thing that was hard for me that in times of grief or severe stress, people do stupid things. So for Aaron and Leo, for me, their relationship was a bit quick. But then again, it is a book. Lol. There are good points and bad points when deal with illnesses. Kids have it harder because it's harder for them to figure out how they're supposed to feel. It's usually anger masked over being upset. So everyone had things to deal with.
Leo made some good decisions as far as his grandmother. It is about family and what's best for them. So that was a good point in his favor for me. And he really tried with Aaron's kids. And that was no picnic. But in the end, it's a balance. Love and leaning to be happy with the time we are granted on Earth.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
December 2, 2018
A lovely, tender story of family, both biological and found, that spans a holiday season filled with change and imminent loss. At first I was afraid this story would be filled with angst and tragedy, but it turned out to be uplifting and filled with love and possibility. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I wished it could have been longer.
November 30, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
This was an alright story and I liked the premise but the style of writing didn’t connect with me. Often much was skipped or summed up in a paragraph or two and along with the writing style made me feel as if I was missing a lot. Leo and Aaron are perfect for each other and quickly actually start a relationship much the Leo’s obliviousness and attempting to be a free spirit. It was nice to see how they could combine their lives and make it easier on the ones that were sick.
The cover art by Catherine Dair is nice and is one of the holiday series styles.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
This was an alright story and I liked the premise but the style of writing didn’t connect with me. Often much was skipped or summed up in a paragraph or two and along with the writing style made me feel as if I was missing a lot. Leo and Aaron are perfect for each other and quickly actually start a relationship much the Leo’s obliviousness and attempting to be a free spirit. It was nice to see how they could combine their lives and make it easier on the ones that were sick.
The cover art by Catherine Dair is nice and is one of the holiday series styles.
December 6, 2018
This was a sweet little story. As other reviewers have said it's not your typical happy go lucky Christmas tale, but it ends happily and is very sweet. It's about coming together even in your hardships and how your family can be whatever you want it to be. Also how what you think you want for yourself might not be what is actually best for your happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews