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The Christmas I Know
Andrew Walker has memories of what Christmas is supposed to be like. Having lived so many years without a family to share the holidays with, he’s determined to rebuild traditions with his fiancé, Val. However, Val’s ideal Christmas doesn’t align with Andrew’s.
Not only do the men come from two different worlds, but they live thousands of miles apart.
During a disastrous trip to Toronto to visit Val for the holidays, Andrew meets Xavier, a caring and thoughtful man who only wants to help Andrew out of a bad situation and get him where he’s supposed to be for Christmas.
Xavier grew up in a loving home filled with a holiday spirit that reminds Andrew of his childhood. Reflecting on life and love, Andrew realizes how mismatched he and Val truly are and wonders if this is the life he’s destined to live.
Perhaps being alone is better than settling for someone who doesn’t make him happy.
Except, no one should be alone at Christmas, so when Xavier finds out Andrew’s plan to travel home alone after ending his relationship with Val, he has a different agenda.
Maybe it’s time Andrew gets a taste of the Christmas he knows in his heart.
45,000 words
Not only do the men come from two different worlds, but they live thousands of miles apart.
During a disastrous trip to Toronto to visit Val for the holidays, Andrew meets Xavier, a caring and thoughtful man who only wants to help Andrew out of a bad situation and get him where he’s supposed to be for Christmas.
Xavier grew up in a loving home filled with a holiday spirit that reminds Andrew of his childhood. Reflecting on life and love, Andrew realizes how mismatched he and Val truly are and wonders if this is the life he’s destined to live.
Perhaps being alone is better than settling for someone who doesn’t make him happy.
Except, no one should be alone at Christmas, so when Xavier finds out Andrew’s plan to travel home alone after ending his relationship with Val, he has a different agenda.
Maybe it’s time Andrew gets a taste of the Christmas he knows in his heart.
45,000 words
149 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2018
68 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Nicky James
76 books2,272 followersI live in the small town of Petrolia, Ontario, Canada and I am a mother to a wonderful teenage boy (didn't think those words could be typed together...surprise) and wife to a truly supportive and understanding husband, who thankfully doesn't think I'm crazy.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
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December 27, 2022
“[…] I’ll find work. I’ll fight for it. I’ll come to you. Andrew, will you wait for me? Tell me you’ll wait.”
“I’m not going anywhere. Believe me.”
Nicky leaves a note to the readers first thing when opening this short novella, stating:
Yes, I, Nicky James, wrote this book. It is full of tooth-decaying fluff and oozes sugary sweetness everywhere, so much so, that it might make you barf rainbows and shit butterflies if you read it. You’ve been warned. I have handed in my angst card since I no longer feel I deserve to possess it. My title of Cry-Whisperer has been withdrawn. That being said, I hope you enjoy Andrew and Xavier’s story.
And I could not have been more happy.
Being somewhat used to NJ’s angst and hard earning HEAs full of heartbreak, agony, and suffering, I have always associated her as having books with much more deep tones. So I was quite shocked when I found out that not only did she have a Christmas book, but it was a fluffy Christmas book.
And it was exactly what I needed.
All my life, I’d laughed at people saying their partners were their other halves. I understood now all too clearly. Xavier was mine, and I left half my heart and soul in Detroit.
I don’t even wanna read anything else after this because I’m scared of ruining the year and ending it with a bad read. But alas, I’ll have to take the risk.
This was straight up one of the sweetest books I’ve read. It’s has low to no angst, with one of the cutest couples I’ve had the honor of reading about, as well as some of the most memorable characters from Nicky herself that I will hold in my heart.
Told through Andrews’s pov, Andrew ends up missing his flight to Toronto to his fiancée, Val, because of a meeting of his that ran late. After staying overnight at the airport, he manages to get a flight to Detroit, which leaves about a 5 hour road trip to Toronto. The problem? There’s a snowstorm, and that California boy has no experience driving in the snow. The solution? Enter Xavier, who was coincidentally on his way to Kitchener Waterloo to spend Christmas with his nana. Being his kind hearted self, Xavier offers Andrew a ride to Toronto to make the ride easier and safer. As Andrew thought: “I felt like a maiden princess being rescued by the handsome stranger who would turn out to be her beloved prince charming in the end.”
“I may have left Val this morning, but I think our hearts went their separate ways long ago.”
He traced a gentle caress up and down my arm while he leaned in and pecked my lips once more. “He was blind and lost a really good thing.”
“You barely know me. Maybe I’m an asshole at heart.”
He chuckled. “Maybe, but I somehow doubt that. I want to know all of you, Andrew. Meeting you was so random, but it feels like fate put us together.”
“I live thousands of miles away.”
“So. My nana always told me, if something is meant to be, then there isn’t anything in the world that will stop it. But how about we focus on right now and worry about tomorrow when it comes.”
“I like that.”
Nicky’s writing remains as one of my absolute favorites. Even with her shortest books, her writing is easily captivating and engaging enough. I love how her creativity has shined in every book I have read from her. It’s easy to get lost in her worlds because of how simple yet addicting her writing is. It isn’t too descriptive and over the top or too lyrical. There’s clear indication that she doesn’t try too hard. She doesn’t go over the top with her writing by telling the reader too much, like useless information that adds nothing to the story, which makes the story’s progress easier to get through.
Her characters always feel so real and relatable. There’s no sugarcoating or beating around the bush with her stories. However, because this is an angst-free story full of love and joy (for the most part), there isn’t that much emotional involvement. I was a little annoyed at first with Andrew for not breaking up with Val, his now ex fiancée, but I shouldn’t have worried because I’ve already been proven before that Nicky’s timelines always work well. The separation happened at the perfect time, with the perfect situation and solution. I was just a little worried that Andrew and Val would have still been together while Andrew started developing feelings for Xavier. I really shouldn’t have.
I love how sweet and caring Xavier was for Andrew when they first met. He’s kind-hearted, balancing, sweet, and really endearing. He’s patient, open-minded, a listener, and a supporter. He was the complete opposite of Val, and I was so glad to see when Andrew took Xavier’s words into consideration and realized he deserved better.
Both Andrew and Xavier fit so well. They complement each other perfectly; they’re two puzzle pieces meant to click together. Their relationship goes at a nice pace, developing into a friendship of warmth that later turns into unexpected feelings. There’s communication, confessions, determination, and balance. These two men realized they wanted to be together and made sure to tell each other. It was all so refreshing. It led to a long-distance relationship told through a timeline of months, where we are promptly told what is going on with our two MC’s. These scenes wrecked me a little, and I was waiting for the day they would reunite and spend every waking moment together.
We were inseparable. We talked, we laughed, we made endless love, and Xavier took me out for a beautiful dinner to celebrate my recent accomplishments. Sending him home on the plane nearly broke my heart. We both cried. We both touched until the very last minute. It was then I knew Xavier was it for me. He was my life. Somehow, someway, we needed to bridge our gap.
There are not that many romance books I have read with a lot of physical affection, but this had it. It was blissful and joyous for me. Most people complain about a book not having either any sex or enough sex, or maybe it happened too slow, but I complain about a romance book having too much sex. Maybe it’s because I’m asexual, or maybe it’s because I’m repulsed by how many people think love and sex equate to the same things. Regardless, Andrew and Xavier’s relationship is very slow, and it takes up until after 80% for the two to have sex. That was heaven to me, as I’m not only about that emotional connection first, but physical affection and spending time together (cuddles? hugging? watching movies?) over sex anytime. And let me tell you, these two had a lot of that. Long and slow lingering kisses as well as holding each other till they unintentionally fell asleep.
Maybe I was leaving soon and lived thousands of miles away. Maybe we’d just met and barely knew each other. Maybe Val’s presence in my life was barely erased. None of it mattered. Being tangled in Xavier felt good and right. If all I got was one Christmas, a few simple days, I’d take them and be thankful.
Overall, a new favorite from Nicky. It was exactly what I was looking for in a Christmas romance. I’ve noticed how many Christmas/holiday releases this year have mostly been angsty, which I’m not really looking for in these holiday themed books, so this was a nice surprise.
I ended up finishing this at 5:54 AM, and my heart is content and happy.
Even though I don’t really celebrate Christmas anymore and haven’t been in the spirit for a couple years, this book left me with a warm feeling in my chest. It was exactly what I was looking for in a Christmas book.
Merry Christmas, friends! ❤️💚
It is now 6:46 AM and I am going to sleep.
“Is this wrong?” I asked.
I watched Xavier’s chest rise and fall with his breathing for a long time before he spoke. “Does it feel wrong?”
“No.”
He turned his head on the cushion, so we were nose to nose again. “Then maybe it isn’t.”
December 31, 2022
This was a perfect Christmas story with a wonderful setting and two very lovable main characters.
I loved Andrew and Xavier from the beginning. I loved how genuinely nice and down to earth they were. I was a bit worried by the fact that Andrew had a fiance, but I'm glad
This was my first book by this author and I really liked the writing style.
***************
Re-read 12/2019
Re-read 12/2022
I loved Andrew and Xavier from the beginning. I loved how genuinely nice and down to earth they were. I was a bit worried by the fact that Andrew had a fiance, but I'm glad
This was my first book by this author and I really liked the writing style.
***************
Re-read 12/2019
Re-read 12/2022
December 6, 2018
This is how Nicky James writes low-angst: no relationship drama, plenty of wine, sizzling kisses, and a wonderful HEA.
This is a true Christmas story. We're talking turkey dinners cooked by Nana, blizzards, and the perfect tree just waiting to be found.
I wish Andrew's boyfriend (who becomes an ex-boyfriend when Andrew realizes how unhappy he is trying to please someone who cares only about appearances and money) had been less of a caricature. Val is so narcissistic, he almost isn't believable.
Enter Xavier, the perfect foil: caring, kind, giving.
Xavier and Andrew's relationship is all about balance. They just click.
I really enjoyed this warm, mildly sexy, endearing story.
This is a true Christmas story. We're talking turkey dinners cooked by Nana, blizzards, and the perfect tree just waiting to be found.
I wish Andrew's boyfriend (who becomes an ex-boyfriend when Andrew realizes how unhappy he is trying to please someone who cares only about appearances and money) had been less of a caricature. Val is so narcissistic, he almost isn't believable.
Enter Xavier, the perfect foil: caring, kind, giving.
Xavier and Andrew's relationship is all about balance. They just click.
I really enjoyed this warm, mildly sexy, endearing story.
December 13, 2020
Gahhhh!
*swoon*
Loved it!
James is still a fairly new-to-me author, which is about to change. Earlier this year during our first encounter she knocked me down flat and then lifted me up into the stars. Love Me Whole is a powerful and unforgettable story so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this shorter, sweeter holiday book. Well, I will plan on expecting greatness with anything attached to her name from here on out. I LOVED this Christmas story. Like, grabbed my kindle and twirled around the room with hearts in my eyes after I finished it. What? You don’t do that when a book makes you…so happy? Huh. Okay, so maybe it’s just me then. Anywho, this was everything I yearn for with my holiday tales and more. I didn’t want it to end but I was so happy with the ending I didn’t want to change a single thing. Let me curb my babbling and get to it…
What's to like: This is one of those types of books that I tend to steer clear of…the current “in a relationship” status when the meet-cute occurs. If you’re like me and don’t care for cheating (at all) rest assured, you’re safe here. This one worked for me in all the ways it usually doesn’t. Let me tell you why! When Andrew encounters his Mr. Right he is already committed to Mr. Wrong. Flying across the country to see his long-distance boyfriend for the holidays turns into one disaster after another. Andrew is determined to make the best of it despite the storm of obstacles thrown into his path. Being a California boy, he’s unprepared for a northern winter storm. When he’s dropped in the middle of a winter wonderland he’s enchanted and exhilarated but again, vastly underprepared. Then a stranger appears with an answer for every problem. However, the biggest quandary is losing his heart to the snowstorm savior. *sigh* It’s unexpected and abrupt and oh so right. And as a wise person once said, when it’s right, you find a way.
What's to love: Both of the men stole my heart! I was instantly smitten with Andrew and his Jeep driving rescuer, Xavier. Andrew might date a prestigious elite but he’s a simple man with simple wishes. He desperately wants to taste a piece of his childhood memories and continue precious traditions, maybe even start new ones. But all too quickly he discovers Val doesn’t have the same dreams. To add salt to the cookies it looks like their future paths are not in sync either. This trip was all for naught. Or was it? Was he meant to trudge all that way to accept he was in love with the idea of Val and not Val himself? Maybe it was only to merge paths with someone and get a glimpse of everything he always desired? Perhaps both? But Xavier’s on the other side of the country…and for a man who’s done years of long-distance, Andrew knows it would be different this time. They should just take this moment in time and enjoy each other. I mean, fresh trees, a Nana homemade Christmas dinner, and cheap wine…what’s not to love about that?? But what happens when this startling connection locks tighter than either imagined? *happy wiggle* I really really think you should find out!
Beware of: Paths change, paths merge and paths turn true. From fleeting to faraway there are challenges aplenty…but I never questioned the power of their love. And a Christmas visit that will warm your soul and lift your heart.
This book is for: If you’re searching for a stunning story with all the Christmas fixings, I would highly recommend that you pick up this delightful pair.
Book UNfunk
*swoon*
Loved it!
James is still a fairly new-to-me author, which is about to change. Earlier this year during our first encounter she knocked me down flat and then lifted me up into the stars. Love Me Whole is a powerful and unforgettable story so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this shorter, sweeter holiday book. Well, I will plan on expecting greatness with anything attached to her name from here on out. I LOVED this Christmas story. Like, grabbed my kindle and twirled around the room with hearts in my eyes after I finished it. What? You don’t do that when a book makes you…so happy? Huh. Okay, so maybe it’s just me then. Anywho, this was everything I yearn for with my holiday tales and more. I didn’t want it to end but I was so happy with the ending I didn’t want to change a single thing. Let me curb my babbling and get to it…
What's to like: This is one of those types of books that I tend to steer clear of…the current “in a relationship” status when the meet-cute occurs. If you’re like me and don’t care for cheating (at all) rest assured, you’re safe here. This one worked for me in all the ways it usually doesn’t. Let me tell you why! When Andrew encounters his Mr. Right he is already committed to Mr. Wrong. Flying across the country to see his long-distance boyfriend for the holidays turns into one disaster after another. Andrew is determined to make the best of it despite the storm of obstacles thrown into his path. Being a California boy, he’s unprepared for a northern winter storm. When he’s dropped in the middle of a winter wonderland he’s enchanted and exhilarated but again, vastly underprepared. Then a stranger appears with an answer for every problem. However, the biggest quandary is losing his heart to the snowstorm savior. *sigh* It’s unexpected and abrupt and oh so right. And as a wise person once said, when it’s right, you find a way.
What's to love: Both of the men stole my heart! I was instantly smitten with Andrew and his Jeep driving rescuer, Xavier. Andrew might date a prestigious elite but he’s a simple man with simple wishes. He desperately wants to taste a piece of his childhood memories and continue precious traditions, maybe even start new ones. But all too quickly he discovers Val doesn’t have the same dreams. To add salt to the cookies it looks like their future paths are not in sync either. This trip was all for naught. Or was it? Was he meant to trudge all that way to accept he was in love with the idea of Val and not Val himself? Maybe it was only to merge paths with someone and get a glimpse of everything he always desired? Perhaps both? But Xavier’s on the other side of the country…and for a man who’s done years of long-distance, Andrew knows it would be different this time. They should just take this moment in time and enjoy each other. I mean, fresh trees, a Nana homemade Christmas dinner, and cheap wine…what’s not to love about that?? But what happens when this startling connection locks tighter than either imagined? *happy wiggle* I really really think you should find out!
Beware of: Paths change, paths merge and paths turn true. From fleeting to faraway there are challenges aplenty…but I never questioned the power of their love. And a Christmas visit that will warm your soul and lift your heart.
This book is for: If you’re searching for a stunning story with all the Christmas fixings, I would highly recommend that you pick up this delightful pair.
Book UNfunk
December 16, 2018
"Yes, I, Nicky James, wrote this book.
It is full of tooth-decaying fluff and oozes sugary sweetness everywhere, so much so, that it might make you barf rainbows and shit butterflies if you read it."
What an utterly chuckle-worthy introduction to this book!
All I can say to Miss James is this:
* I didn't barf (rainbows or whatever).
* I didn't shit butterflies (but I did feel some in my tummy)
* I coped perfectly well with all the oozing sugar (tbh. the story is simply sweet and cute, but not as
sugar-heavy as the author makes it out to be!)
* My teeth are still perfectly intact. (although the hot chocolate I had, plus the two mince pies,
might have a detrimental effect on them eventually)
In fact I really enjoyed this lovely Christmas romance. It made me smile, it made me feel warm and it took me back to my own Christmas traditions.
So, no need. Miss James, to "hand in your angst card", absolutely no worry your title of "Cry-Whisperer" will be withdrawn. We know who you are (XD) and this is one wonderful, happy Christmas story!
It is full of tooth-decaying fluff and oozes sugary sweetness everywhere, so much so, that it might make you barf rainbows and shit butterflies if you read it."
What an utterly chuckle-worthy introduction to this book!
All I can say to Miss James is this:
* I didn't barf (rainbows or whatever).
* I didn't shit butterflies (but I did feel some in my tummy)
* I coped perfectly well with all the oozing sugar (tbh. the story is simply sweet and cute, but not as
sugar-heavy as the author makes it out to be!)
* My teeth are still perfectly intact. (although the hot chocolate I had, plus the two mince pies,
might have a detrimental effect on them eventually)
In fact I really enjoyed this lovely Christmas romance. It made me smile, it made me feel warm and it took me back to my own Christmas traditions.
So, no need. Miss James, to "hand in your angst card", absolutely no worry your title of "Cry-Whisperer" will be withdrawn. We know who you are (XD) and this is one wonderful, happy Christmas story!
November 19, 2024
I honestly can’t believe, that this charming, deeply romantic, sugary sweet, angst-free, snowy christmas novella is written by the same author as the twincest taboo ‘End Scene’ (which I read right before this one, lol).
That’s some impressive range you got there, Ms. James 🥰
I’m not a Christmas person at all but this book actually un-Grinched me a bit?! And that’s not an easy thing to achieve. I’m impressed and in the mood for some mulled wine and Vanillekipferl (best Christmas biscuits there are if done right, fight me).
I had such a good time with this, thanks Snjez for the rec 🫶❄️
That’s some impressive range you got there, Ms. James 🥰
I’m not a Christmas person at all but this book actually un-Grinched me a bit?! And that’s not an easy thing to achieve. I’m impressed and in the mood for some mulled wine and Vanillekipferl (best Christmas biscuits there are if done right, fight me).
I had such a good time with this, thanks Snjez for the rec 🫶❄️
December 4, 2024
Reread 12/2024
3,5 stars.
Sweet, at times nearly too sweet, but it's a holiday romance after all.
---------------
Read 01/2023
My first book by Nicky James and I really liked it.
Thanks for the recommendation, Snjez!
Such a sweet christmas novella..
4 stars.
3,5 stars.
Sweet, at times nearly too sweet, but it's a holiday romance after all.
---------------
Read 01/2023
My first book by Nicky James and I really liked it.
Thanks for the recommendation, Snjez!
Such a sweet christmas novella..
4 stars.
December 28, 2022
3.5 Stars
Low angst and heartwarming - just what I needed! My only bugbear was Val (Andrew’s fiancé) - he was so OTT awful, he wasn’t that believable.
Low angst and heartwarming - just what I needed! My only bugbear was Val (Andrew’s fiancé) - he was so OTT awful, he wasn’t that believable.
December 22, 2020
Re-read December 2020
Still a very nice read.
-------------------------------------
Nicky James does cute, sweet, fluffy. And she does it well.
Andrew told his boyfriend Val he would be there for his party in Toronto, but he didn’t count on him missing his flight or on the snowstorm.
When Andrew catches a flight to Detroit, he thinks he can just drive to Toronto and still be on time. But of course the blizzard is not helping, so Andrew isn’t sure what to do. When he meets Xavier at a coffee shop, Xavier offers to drive him, since he is on his way to his nana himself, and it’s not that far from Toronto.
Andrew doesn’t like that he doesn’t have his luggage, that his boyfriend only thinks of his party and not Andrew, and that he is trapped in the middle of a snowstorm. But besides all that, he is grateful Xavier borrowed him some clothes, that he is driving him all the way to Toronto and for Xavier himself, who Andrew really likes.
When they finally arrive a day late, Andrew is just happy to finally be there. He and Xavier exchange numbers and promise to stay in touch, and Andrews goes off to find Val, who he is sure will be glad to see him.
But Val doesn’t seem to get why Andrew wasn’t on time for the party and made all kinds of new plans for Christmas for the two of them.
And while Andrew already knew it deep down, this only emphasizes the differences between him and Val. So instead of once again going along with Val’s plans, Andrew tells him it’s best they go their separate ways.
So just when Andrew thinks he is spending Christmas alone in his apartment in LA, Xavier tells him to not buy a ticket, because he is picking Andrew up and they’re spending Christmas as his nana’s…
These guys were very cute together. I really liked Andrew, and even though I couldn’t get a good feel for Xavier, he was very sweet and kind and he and Andrew made a great couple.
This was sweet, very Christmassy, and just overall warm and gooey. (But also a tiny bit boring at times.)
Still a very nice read.
-------------------------------------
Nicky James does cute, sweet, fluffy. And she does it well.
Andrew told his boyfriend Val he would be there for his party in Toronto, but he didn’t count on him missing his flight or on the snowstorm.
When Andrew catches a flight to Detroit, he thinks he can just drive to Toronto and still be on time. But of course the blizzard is not helping, so Andrew isn’t sure what to do. When he meets Xavier at a coffee shop, Xavier offers to drive him, since he is on his way to his nana himself, and it’s not that far from Toronto.
Andrew doesn’t like that he doesn’t have his luggage, that his boyfriend only thinks of his party and not Andrew, and that he is trapped in the middle of a snowstorm. But besides all that, he is grateful Xavier borrowed him some clothes, that he is driving him all the way to Toronto and for Xavier himself, who Andrew really likes.
When they finally arrive a day late, Andrew is just happy to finally be there. He and Xavier exchange numbers and promise to stay in touch, and Andrews goes off to find Val, who he is sure will be glad to see him.
But Val doesn’t seem to get why Andrew wasn’t on time for the party and made all kinds of new plans for Christmas for the two of them.
And while Andrew already knew it deep down, this only emphasizes the differences between him and Val. So instead of once again going along with Val’s plans, Andrew tells him it’s best they go their separate ways.
So just when Andrew thinks he is spending Christmas alone in his apartment in LA, Xavier tells him to not buy a ticket, because he is picking Andrew up and they’re spending Christmas as his nana’s…
These guys were very cute together. I really liked Andrew, and even though I couldn’t get a good feel for Xavier, he was very sweet and kind and he and Andrew made a great couple.
This was sweet, very Christmassy, and just overall warm and gooey. (But also a tiny bit boring at times.)
December 27, 2019
A quick, sweet and fluffy Crimbo read
January 3, 2023
4 Stars! Sweet holiday romance..Enjoyed it! ❤️❤️
December 24, 2020
This was surprisingly cute, wholesome and angst-free, for a Nicky James book.
Xavier and Andrew are very sweet together. It’s very Christmas-y, enjoy or beware, depending how you feel about that.
I really enjoyed it, but it was missing something for me in terms of feelings. I think Xavier was too disgustingly perfect, maybe? Even the sex was sweet and wholesome.
And I didn’t like how Val was so shallow and selfish, it was just too much. Why in the world did Andrew stay so long with him if he was that awful? It didn’t make much sense to me.
Xavier and Andrew are very sweet together. It’s very Christmas-y, enjoy or beware, depending how you feel about that.
I really enjoyed it, but it was missing something for me in terms of feelings. I think Xavier was too disgustingly perfect, maybe? Even the sex was sweet and wholesome.
And I didn’t like how Val was so shallow and selfish, it was just too much. Why in the world did Andrew stay so long with him if he was that awful? It didn’t make much sense to me.
December 8, 2024
Unfortunately, I'm not sure what to say about this book. On the one hand, I liked it, but on the other, it was rather boring because the plot was rather dull. Also, the basic idea of this story, that Andrew wants a special Christmas with traditions so much and his boyfriend completely ignores his wishes somehow felt so artificially forced.
I don't really feel good talking down an actually good story and a Christmas story at that.
But somehow this wasn't really a good thing for me. The whole drama was drawn out and it hurt a bit to read. I liked how Xavier was portrayed as a permanent savior and how the two develop feelings for each other. The overly cheesy and sugary Christmas scenes were also good.
The end, however, was annoying again. Although it was good to see the relationship develop further, it was all too drawn out.
So, I would have liked to see more of the actual couple's bonding here and not such a thrown-together plot, which would actually have fitted better into a much longer story.
So, this is from my favorite scene. So yes, there were really lovely moments in this book.
“Xavier…” The need was thick in my voice. Undeniable. I didn’t have to say more. Without looking, he put his camera down and lowered his face closer still. I raised my head to him, rubbing our noses together as we breathed the same air.
“My God, Andrew. I’ve wanted to kiss you since the minute I saw you try to drink from that empty mug at the coffee shop in Detroit,” he whispered, his lips ghosting mine. 🤩💞🤩
Well, I still don't really know how to categorize this book so it gets a boring three stars that say nothing.
I don't really feel good talking down an actually good story and a Christmas story at that.
But somehow this wasn't really a good thing for me. The whole drama was drawn out and it hurt a bit to read. I liked how Xavier was portrayed as a permanent savior and how the two develop feelings for each other. The overly cheesy and sugary Christmas scenes were also good.
The end, however, was annoying again. Although it was good to see the relationship develop further, it was all too drawn out.
So, I would have liked to see more of the actual couple's bonding here and not such a thrown-together plot, which would actually have fitted better into a much longer story.
So, this is from my favorite scene. So yes, there were really lovely moments in this book.
“Xavier…” The need was thick in my voice. Undeniable. I didn’t have to say more. Without looking, he put his camera down and lowered his face closer still. I raised my head to him, rubbing our noses together as we breathed the same air.
“My God, Andrew. I’ve wanted to kiss you since the minute I saw you try to drink from that empty mug at the coffee shop in Detroit,” he whispered, his lips ghosting mine. 🤩💞🤩
Well, I still don't really know how to categorize this book so it gets a boring three stars that say nothing.
December 12, 2024
2.5 generous stars ...
I'll first mention that I'mma HUGE Nicky James fan ... so, of course, I was gonna read her Christmas offering. Unfortunately, this is NOT the Nicky that I know and love. 😣
Val, half of the "original" couple, is one of the most despicable characters I've ever met. The other half, Andrew, is a complete and utter idiot for being with him in the first place. He shoulda told Val to go f**k himself from page one ... if not before! Instead, he continuously APOLOGIZES to the asshole!! Just N🤬PE! So I quickly unplugged from Andrew as well. I don't do stupid people, real life or fictional. The story is "cookie cutter" ... you've read this plot many times before and there is absolutely nothing remotely original. I'm rounding down because I KNOW Nicky can do and has done MUCH better.
I'll first mention that I'mma HUGE Nicky James fan ... so, of course, I was gonna read her Christmas offering. Unfortunately, this is NOT the Nicky that I know and love. 😣
Val, half of the "original" couple, is one of the most despicable characters I've ever met. The other half, Andrew, is a complete and utter idiot for being with him in the first place. He shoulda told Val to go f**k himself from page one ... if not before! Instead, he continuously APOLOGIZES to the asshole!! Just N🤬PE! So I quickly unplugged from Andrew as well. I don't do stupid people, real life or fictional. The story is "cookie cutter" ... you've read this plot many times before and there is absolutely nothing remotely original. I'm rounding down because I KNOW Nicky can do and has done MUCH better.
January 6, 2023
Christmassy sweet, like a Hallmark movie
Seriously: reading this book was like watching a Netflix Christmas movie. We have all the ingredients: missed planes, a snowstorm, singing Christmas Carols while driving, a rich (but obviously wrong) boyfriend who doesn’t like all the Christmas things our mc Andrew loves.
On the other hand, there’s Xavier, the knight in shining armour with a heart of gold, who gives Andrew everything he’s always been yearning for: a Christmas tree, cookies, stuffed turkey and most of all: a family.
It’s wholesome, it’s sweet, and very much NOT typical for Nicky James, who’s introductory “Note to reader” I absolutely loved 😂
It is full of tooth-decaying fluff and oozes sugary sweetness everywhere, so much so, that it might make you barf rainbows and shit butterflies if you read it. You’ve been warned. I have handed in my angst card since I no longer feel I deserve to possess it. My title of Cry-Whisperer has been withdrawn.
Seriously: reading this book was like watching a Netflix Christmas movie. We have all the ingredients: missed planes, a snowstorm, singing Christmas Carols while driving, a rich (but obviously wrong) boyfriend who doesn’t like all the Christmas things our mc Andrew loves.
On the other hand, there’s Xavier, the knight in shining armour with a heart of gold, who gives Andrew everything he’s always been yearning for: a Christmas tree, cookies, stuffed turkey and most of all: a family.
It’s wholesome, it’s sweet, and very much NOT typical for Nicky James, who’s introductory “Note to reader” I absolutely loved 😂
It is full of tooth-decaying fluff and oozes sugary sweetness everywhere, so much so, that it might make you barf rainbows and shit butterflies if you read it. You’ve been warned. I have handed in my angst card since I no longer feel I deserve to possess it. My title of Cry-Whisperer has been withdrawn.
December 3, 2018
Vaya sorpresa más agradable, le pongo 5 estrellas como novella de Navidad, quizás serían más cuatro si lo evaluara en general.
Hay muchísimo azucar, pero donde tiene que haber, con dos personajes encantadores y una historia más encantadora todavía.
He disfrutado.
Hay muchísimo azucar, pero donde tiene que haber, con dos personajes encantadores y una historia más encantadora todavía.
He disfrutado.
December 12, 2018
4 Stars
Loved this one...even if the emotional connection was a little quick. Not insta-love by any means, though; just one where all the elements of what Andrew wanted for his life (and for Christmas) came together at a difficult time.
Wonderfully written, with the right amount of angst/frustration. Also, hella realistic last couple of chapters...life doesn't just fall into place when you want it to, and things don't always work out right away to get that HEA.
Loved this one...even if the emotional connection was a little quick. Not insta-love by any means, though; just one where all the elements of what Andrew wanted for his life (and for Christmas) came together at a difficult time.
Wonderfully written, with the right amount of angst/frustration. Also, hella realistic last couple of chapters...life doesn't just fall into place when you want it to, and things don't always work out right away to get that HEA.
December 26, 2022
Reread Dec, 24, 2022
***** A Tech Analyst, and founder of an upcoming LGBT Center in LA, Andrew, was struggling to reach his fiance's home in Toronto. Bad weather is making travel a nightmare.
He's helped by Xavier, a black, caring man,
who drove him through the snowstorm to Val's. Truth and realizations are made starkly clear and Andrew leaves Val's the next day. Once again we see Xavier, as he takes lonely Andrew to his Nana's for Christmas. Andrew...
It's a slow burn as the guys learn about each other and the warmth each brings to the other.
From the long snowy drive, intense conversations, to the true feelings and deep emotions of spending the holiday together, we see them getting closer.
After all, Andrew will have to go back to LA in January. When they were in the wagon pulled by the Clydesdales, talking about getting a hot chocolate, Andrew was full of childlike excitement, which had me teary-eyed. The scene is so sweet, emotional and revealing.
We watch time pass as they hang on to their feelings and long distance passion, as their future unfolds.
This is a tremendously wonderful Christmas romance. I loved it !
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
============
***** A Tech Analyst, and founder of an upcoming LGBT Center in LA, Andrew, was struggling to reach his fiance's home in Toronto. Bad weather is making travel a nightmare.
He's helped by Xavier, a black, caring man,
who drove him through the snowstorm to Val's. Truth and realizations are made starkly clear and Andrew leaves Val's the next day. Once again we see Xavier, as he takes lonely Andrew to his Nana's for Christmas. Andrew...
It's a slow burn as the guys learn about each other and the warmth each brings to the other.
From the long snowy drive, intense conversations, to the true feelings and deep emotions of spending the holiday together, we see them getting closer.
After all, Andrew will have to go back to LA in January. When they were in the wagon pulled by the Clydesdales, talking about getting a hot chocolate, Andrew was full of childlike excitement, which had me teary-eyed. The scene is so sweet, emotional and revealing.
We watch time pass as they hang on to their feelings and long distance passion, as their future unfolds.
This is a tremendously wonderful Christmas romance. I loved it !
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
============
December 7, 2018
Super sweet.
I struggled a bit with the beginning, I'm not a huge fan of one of the guys already being in a relationship, and it seemed as the pages ticked by this guy needed to get out and get out quick. At the end of the day I just pretended that part didn't happen and just focused on the now, kind of like the boys did.
This read totally different than I am used to with Nicky's books, not in a bad way, just in a super different way. She warned us at the beginning though!
Overall a very good Christmas miracle/fate type of a story that I didn't want to put down.
I struggled a bit with the beginning, I'm not a huge fan of one of the guys already being in a relationship, and it seemed as the pages ticked by this guy needed to get out and get out quick. At the end of the day I just pretended that part didn't happen and just focused on the now, kind of like the boys did.
This read totally different than I am used to with Nicky's books, not in a bad way, just in a super different way. She warned us at the beginning though!
Overall a very good Christmas miracle/fate type of a story that I didn't want to put down.
December 13, 2022
Voto: 4.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Andrew Walker ha poco più di trent’anni e vive in California, dove è nato e cresciuto e dove, per molti anni, ha dovuto arrangiarsi dopo che, appena ragazzino, la sua famiglia l’ha sbattuto fuori di casa dopo il suo coming out. A fronte di questo, sta cercando con tutte le sue forze di aprire un centro LGBTQ+ per aiutare tutti i ragazzi e le ragazze e qualsiasi altra sia la loro identità di genere a trovare un rifugio, un pasto caldo, una prospettiva di lavoro e un aiuto psicologico; ma non è facile far fronte ai costi e trovare gli investitori necessari, benché questo sia il suo sogno e pertanto non è intenzionato ad arrendersi.
Un sogno che vuole condividere con il suo fidanzato canadese Valentino Eduardo Arquette II detto “Val”, delle Arquette Industries, che è anni luce più ricco di lui e, lasciatemelo dire, di un’antipatia unica e di una spocchia da avere voglia di prenderlo a ceffoni anche solo perché respira una riga sì e quella successiva pure.
Il problema è che Andrew, così desideroso di non essere più solo, continua a illudersi che Val è solo impegnato, solo emotivo, solo qualsiasi altra scusa riesca a inventare per giustificarne il comportamento. Lo fa anche quando, a causa proprio di un impegno di lavoro, perde il volo ed è costretto a ripiegare su una soluzione molto più difficile che lo vedrà volare non fino a Toronto come da programma, ma fino a Detroit e poi da lì guidare altre cinque ore per arrivare alla mega festa di Natale che Val sta organizzando senza essere in grado di concentrarsi su nient’altro che il colore della tovaglia.
Il problema all’attuazione del piano è la bufera di neve che imperversa e che sembra non volersi placare, ma qui ci arriveremo dopo.
Invece di essere preoccupato per le condizioni meteo e dispiaciuto degli infiniti contrattempi – oltre che grato a Andrew di starsi sbattendo tanto per riuscire ad arrivare in tempo – Val non fa altro che lamentarsi che lui non ci sarà alla sua festa di Natale e che dovrà giustificare con tutti la sua assenza, mettendolo in imbarazzo. Non una volta gli chiede come sta, se è stanco, se ha mangiato, se sta bene… Niente. Un egoista fatto e finito (si è capito che non lo sopporto?).
Tale comportamento è completamente all’opposto di quello molto più rilassato di Xavier Lovell, il buon samaritano che ha offerto ad Andrew un passaggio in macchina dopo che questi non è riuscito ad affittare una macchina a nolo in aeroporto.
Non vi svelo come ci arrivano e come si muovono, perché non voglio togliervi la sorpresa, ma sappiate che il poco meno che trentenne afroamericano Xavier, con i suoi occhi blu e la pelle color caffellatte, sarà un contrappunto così evidente a quello che è Val, che non potrete non amarlo dopo il primo, disarmante sorriso.
Tuttavia, Val non è sparito magicamente né loro si sono mai conosciuti prima… Come finirà? Sarà un viaggio che porterà a qualcosa o che li lascerà a ricordarsi l’un l’altro con malinconia e la testa pieni di “E se…”?
Continua sul nostro blog!
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Andrew Walker ha poco più di trent’anni e vive in California, dove è nato e cresciuto e dove, per molti anni, ha dovuto arrangiarsi dopo che, appena ragazzino, la sua famiglia l’ha sbattuto fuori di casa dopo il suo coming out. A fronte di questo, sta cercando con tutte le sue forze di aprire un centro LGBTQ+ per aiutare tutti i ragazzi e le ragazze e qualsiasi altra sia la loro identità di genere a trovare un rifugio, un pasto caldo, una prospettiva di lavoro e un aiuto psicologico; ma non è facile far fronte ai costi e trovare gli investitori necessari, benché questo sia il suo sogno e pertanto non è intenzionato ad arrendersi.
Un sogno che vuole condividere con il suo fidanzato canadese Valentino Eduardo Arquette II detto “Val”, delle Arquette Industries, che è anni luce più ricco di lui e, lasciatemelo dire, di un’antipatia unica e di una spocchia da avere voglia di prenderlo a ceffoni anche solo perché respira una riga sì e quella successiva pure.
Il problema è che Andrew, così desideroso di non essere più solo, continua a illudersi che Val è solo impegnato, solo emotivo, solo qualsiasi altra scusa riesca a inventare per giustificarne il comportamento. Lo fa anche quando, a causa proprio di un impegno di lavoro, perde il volo ed è costretto a ripiegare su una soluzione molto più difficile che lo vedrà volare non fino a Toronto come da programma, ma fino a Detroit e poi da lì guidare altre cinque ore per arrivare alla mega festa di Natale che Val sta organizzando senza essere in grado di concentrarsi su nient’altro che il colore della tovaglia.
Il problema all’attuazione del piano è la bufera di neve che imperversa e che sembra non volersi placare, ma qui ci arriveremo dopo.
Invece di essere preoccupato per le condizioni meteo e dispiaciuto degli infiniti contrattempi – oltre che grato a Andrew di starsi sbattendo tanto per riuscire ad arrivare in tempo – Val non fa altro che lamentarsi che lui non ci sarà alla sua festa di Natale e che dovrà giustificare con tutti la sua assenza, mettendolo in imbarazzo. Non una volta gli chiede come sta, se è stanco, se ha mangiato, se sta bene… Niente. Un egoista fatto e finito (si è capito che non lo sopporto?).
Tale comportamento è completamente all’opposto di quello molto più rilassato di Xavier Lovell, il buon samaritano che ha offerto ad Andrew un passaggio in macchina dopo che questi non è riuscito ad affittare una macchina a nolo in aeroporto.
Non vi svelo come ci arrivano e come si muovono, perché non voglio togliervi la sorpresa, ma sappiate che il poco meno che trentenne afroamericano Xavier, con i suoi occhi blu e la pelle color caffellatte, sarà un contrappunto così evidente a quello che è Val, che non potrete non amarlo dopo il primo, disarmante sorriso.
Tuttavia, Val non è sparito magicamente né loro si sono mai conosciuti prima… Come finirà? Sarà un viaggio che porterà a qualcosa o che li lascerà a ricordarsi l’un l’altro con malinconia e la testa pieni di “E se…”?
Continua sul nostro blog!
December 12, 2024
Sweet Christmas story
This story wasn’t unique in any way. It was a typical light and fluffy Hallmark-esque Christmas story. It was very well written with lovable main characters, though. Especially Xavier. He was a sweetheart. I’ll give this 3.5 stars and round up to 4.
This story wasn’t unique in any way. It was a typical light and fluffy Hallmark-esque Christmas story. It was very well written with lovable main characters, though. Especially Xavier. He was a sweetheart. I’ll give this 3.5 stars and round up to 4.
December 11, 2018
Not a typical Nicky James story. Very little angst and full of fluffy goodness. I didn't really enjoy all the drama with Val, but I loved Andrew and Xavier and their Christmas together. So sweet!
December 24, 2020
Oh my goodness 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
It's Christmas Eve and this book is exactly what I needed. This was the cutest, sweetest, most heartwarming, most adorable thing ever.
AHHHHHHH.
This book completely surprised me in the best, most sweetest way possible.
This book is SOOOOOOOOO CUTE.
I'm here for this. I'm here for all the cute clichés.
I love Andrew so much. I LOVE how this book focused on his character and his development and his feelings and emotions and I could relate to him in so many ways and he made me cry which surprised me so much, but I could relate so so hard and he and Xavier are the actual cutest little beans and rays of sunshine and I genuinely want to hug them so so so so tight.
This feels like the perfect Christmas book for me. It has every little Christmassy thing and it may be cheesy and predictable, but it's still stunning and just everything.
It's Christmas Eve and this book is exactly what I needed. This was the cutest, sweetest, most heartwarming, most adorable thing ever.
AHHHHHHH.
This book completely surprised me in the best, most sweetest way possible.
This book is SOOOOOOOOO CUTE.
I'm here for this. I'm here for all the cute clichés.
I love Andrew so much. I LOVE how this book focused on his character and his development and his feelings and emotions and I could relate to him in so many ways and he made me cry which surprised me so much, but I could relate so so hard and he and Xavier are the actual cutest little beans and rays of sunshine and I genuinely want to hug them so so so so tight.
This feels like the perfect Christmas book for me. It has every little Christmassy thing and it may be cheesy and predictable, but it's still stunning and just everything.
December 3, 2020
"Rockin around the Christmas tree..." I caught myself doodling this today. -.-
Very sweet novella.
December 5, 2020
3 Christmas stars
Nothing against sweet books but this was a tad bit overly sweet. And for a Nicky James book at that! It’s kinda bizarre 😅
Nothing against sweet books but this was a tad bit overly sweet. And for a Nicky James book at that! It’s kinda bizarre 😅
November 22, 2022
Nicjy James versione fluff è meravigliosa <3
December 5, 2021
4,25
Cóż za niespodziewanie urocza, świąteczna historia 😁
Może Van i Xavier są trochę przerysowani. Van to klasyczny do bólu egocentryczny, snobistyczny, nadęty, samolubny, wychowany na pieniądzach dupek, dla którego liczy się tylko jego pozycja społeczna i pieniądze oczywiście. Xavier jest jego totalnym przeciwieństwem - to dobry do szpiku kości facet, który jedzie w fatalnych warunkach pogodowych do swojej babci, aby nie była sama w święta, który po drodze zgarnia zupełnego nieznajomego, aby go podwieźć do miejsca, do którego zmierza, który zaoferuje mu spędzenie świąt razem z nim i babcią, aby nie był samotny...
I między nimi jest Andrew - nasz główny bohater, jedyny POV w książce, który jest trochę pogubiony w życiu prywatnym - w pogoni za rodziną, z której został wyrzucony w wieku lat 14, i za tym, aby nie być już więcej samotny, brnie w związku z Valem, z którym nie ma absolutnie nic wspólnego i okłamuje - przede wszystkim siebie, że wszystko będzie dobrze. I dopiero ta niespodziewana podróż z Xavierem sprawi, że stawi czoła temu, co tak naprawdę wiedział od bardzo dawna...
Nie wiedziałam, czego mogę się spodziewać po świątecznej opowieści od Nicky James - ale na pewno nie byłam przygotowana na coś takiego i to w najbardziej pozytywnym z możliwych tego słowa znaczeniu. Nie było zupełnie niepokoju, bólu, gniewu, trudnych w czytaniu tematów. Było troszkę smutku i frustracji, by móc docenić prawdziwe szczęście i miłość, kiedy w końcu stanęły niespodziewanie na drodze. Było świetne, wydłużone na dwa ostatnie rozdziały HEA, które pokazało, że nie wszystko można mieć od razu, nawet, jak bardzo by się tego chciało. Ale przede wszystkim, było ciepło, pozytywnie, uroczo, słodko i bardzo, bardzo świątecznie 💙
Cóż za niespodziewanie urocza, świąteczna historia 😁
Może Van i Xavier są trochę przerysowani. Van to klasyczny do bólu egocentryczny, snobistyczny, nadęty, samolubny, wychowany na pieniądzach dupek, dla którego liczy się tylko jego pozycja społeczna i pieniądze oczywiście. Xavier jest jego totalnym przeciwieństwem - to dobry do szpiku kości facet, który jedzie w fatalnych warunkach pogodowych do swojej babci, aby nie była sama w święta, który po drodze zgarnia zupełnego nieznajomego, aby go podwieźć do miejsca, do którego zmierza, który zaoferuje mu spędzenie świąt razem z nim i babcią, aby nie był samotny...
I między nimi jest Andrew - nasz główny bohater, jedyny POV w książce, który jest trochę pogubiony w życiu prywatnym - w pogoni za rodziną, z której został wyrzucony w wieku lat 14, i za tym, aby nie być już więcej samotny, brnie w związku z Valem, z którym nie ma absolutnie nic wspólnego i okłamuje - przede wszystkim siebie, że wszystko będzie dobrze. I dopiero ta niespodziewana podróż z Xavierem sprawi, że stawi czoła temu, co tak naprawdę wiedział od bardzo dawna...
Nie wiedziałam, czego mogę się spodziewać po świątecznej opowieści od Nicky James - ale na pewno nie byłam przygotowana na coś takiego i to w najbardziej pozytywnym z możliwych tego słowa znaczeniu. Nie było zupełnie niepokoju, bólu, gniewu, trudnych w czytaniu tematów. Było troszkę smutku i frustracji, by móc docenić prawdziwe szczęście i miłość, kiedy w końcu stanęły niespodziewanie na drodze. Było świetne, wydłużone na dwa ostatnie rozdziały HEA, które pokazało, że nie wszystko można mieć od razu, nawet, jak bardzo by się tego chciało. Ale przede wszystkim, było ciepło, pozytywnie, uroczo, słodko i bardzo, bardzo świątecznie 💙
November 17, 2024
This was the perfect story to kick start my christmas reading.
It's sweet, has two perfectly matched MC's and just makes you happy (no barfing rainbows here)
And how funny is the author's note to reader 😂
The loss of the title 'Cry-Whisperer' is well earned!
It's sweet, has two perfectly matched MC's and just makes you happy (no barfing rainbows here)
And how funny is the author's note to reader 😂
The loss of the title 'Cry-Whisperer' is well earned!
November 30, 2018
Very sweet!!!
November 29, 2018
I can't believe this is my first book of this author (don't kill me!), and I will definitely looking forward to read her books in the future.
I always love reading Christmas/Holiday stories, especially when it well written by the author, and this book is one of those.
The Christmas I Know is adorable, no angst, sweet, just like the author's note (It is full of tooth-decaying fluff and oozes sugary sweetness everywhere, so much so, that it might make you barf rainbows and shit butterflies if you read it.)
So yeah :)
But honestly, this book didn't give me diabetes or nauseated me, the sweetness was just the right portion.
Xavier is a fine, fine man and Andrew was very lucky to met him in a first place. In my opinion, Andrew should had a backbones to say no to Val and be himself. But again, if he did it, he won't meet the sweet Xavier wasn't he?
Fate surely has a funny thing arranging our lives, huh?
I recommend this book to read in your Christmas holiday, and if you are in the Kitchener area, say hello to my in laws, haha.
This is probably not Nicky James's book you used to know, but I assured you, this is probably a new Nicky James.
Recommended!
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