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Wrapped
A Christmas Gay Romance.
I didn't mean to lose my virginity to a sexy mall Christmas elf...but hey, 'tis the season.
Val: A month ago, I was a powerful CEO at the head of my family's fortune. All I cared about was money. Now that my company is destroyed, I've got millions of dollars in the bank and nothing but free time ahead of me. There's a whole world outside the boardroom that I've never experienced, but I don't know what to do with myself, other than spend money on things I don't need. I'm not looking for love, I'm definitely not looking for sex, I'm just want something meaningful back in my life...and then I meet Charlie, an elf at Santa's Village at the mall. He's so laid back, more relaxed than I've ever been, and there's something about him--his body, his self-assurance, his heart--that keeps me coming back for more.
Charlie: When everybody's got high expectations for you, sometimes you have to escape. That's why I'm a pool boy during the summer, a Christmas elf during the winter, and not interested in anything more complicated than that. But this Christmas, I need something to care about. That something might just be Val. He's the first person I've ever met who doesn't demand anything from me, who lets me be in control. But when he finds out why I need that control, why I'm so afraid to let him give me anything, will my secrets push him away? Will he truly accept me? Can this be more than just a Christmas fling?
WRAPPED is a 70,000-word emotional snowstorm of first-time gay romantic comedy, with big feels, steamy angst, letters to Santa, a stolen bicycle, and a holiday HEA!
I didn't mean to lose my virginity to a sexy mall Christmas elf...but hey, 'tis the season.
Val: A month ago, I was a powerful CEO at the head of my family's fortune. All I cared about was money. Now that my company is destroyed, I've got millions of dollars in the bank and nothing but free time ahead of me. There's a whole world outside the boardroom that I've never experienced, but I don't know what to do with myself, other than spend money on things I don't need. I'm not looking for love, I'm definitely not looking for sex, I'm just want something meaningful back in my life...and then I meet Charlie, an elf at Santa's Village at the mall. He's so laid back, more relaxed than I've ever been, and there's something about him--his body, his self-assurance, his heart--that keeps me coming back for more.
Charlie: When everybody's got high expectations for you, sometimes you have to escape. That's why I'm a pool boy during the summer, a Christmas elf during the winter, and not interested in anything more complicated than that. But this Christmas, I need something to care about. That something might just be Val. He's the first person I've ever met who doesn't demand anything from me, who lets me be in control. But when he finds out why I need that control, why I'm so afraid to let him give me anything, will my secrets push him away? Will he truly accept me? Can this be more than just a Christmas fling?
WRAPPED is a 70,000-word emotional snowstorm of first-time gay romantic comedy, with big feels, steamy angst, letters to Santa, a stolen bicycle, and a holiday HEA!
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2018
34 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Kane
40 books91 followersI like writing about boys with TERRIBLE PROBLEMS who nonetheless manage to find love. But seriously, terrible problems. Like, dude, get some therapy before you go on this date.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 19, 2018
4.5 Stars
Don't let the almost flippant tag line fool you, this was a book loaded with feels and deeply insightful. I loved almost everything about it...from the setting, to the plot - and especially the characters. But yeah, it was funny, too. Just, I'm not sure how much of it was intentional and how much was just Val being so absolutely clueless and socially inept. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to look at a can of Spaghetti-Os or Ravioli again without thinking of him, and this story.
Maybe it's a case of the right book at the right time for me, but I can see myself totally reading this again. My first read by this author, and if the rest are like this one, it won't be my last.
Don't let the almost flippant tag line fool you, this was a book loaded with feels and deeply insightful. I loved almost everything about it...from the setting, to the plot - and especially the characters. But yeah, it was funny, too. Just, I'm not sure how much of it was intentional and how much was just Val being so absolutely clueless and socially inept. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to look at a can of Spaghetti-Os or Ravioli again without thinking of him, and this story.
Maybe it's a case of the right book at the right time for me, but I can see myself totally reading this again. My first read by this author, and if the rest are like this one, it won't be my last.
might-read-when-bored
August 4, 2021pre-read thoughts:
*sigh* ain't nothing like reading a Christmas romance in the middle of summer. just gives you all the festive feels, y'know? can't wait to read this when I need a quick, fluffy, and festive read.
*sigh* ain't nothing like reading a Christmas romance in the middle of summer. just gives you all the festive feels, y'know? can't wait to read this when I need a quick, fluffy, and festive read.
December 10, 2018
3 stars
The story definitely kept me invested but the writing really aggravated me. It wasn’t the alternating POV chapters. It was the alternating POV chapter which switched between past tense and present tense! And I’m confused enough that I don’t even know which one is which sometimes. It’s such a jarring and confusing change that at first I couldn’t pinpoint what was messing me up. When I finally realised, I also realised it wasn’t always consistent. So while I was invested in the story, the tenses kept throwing me for a loop 😖
The story definitely kept me invested but the writing really aggravated me. It wasn’t the alternating POV chapters. It was the alternating POV chapter which switched between past tense and present tense! And I’m confused enough that I don’t even know which one is which sometimes. It’s such a jarring and confusing change that at first I couldn’t pinpoint what was messing me up. When I finally realised, I also realised it wasn’t always consistent. So while I was invested in the story, the tenses kept throwing me for a loop 😖
December 17, 2020
Oh I did enjoy this one.
I loved Val and Charlie. Both have issues but both have a heart as big as the world.
Poor Charlie has a past that he struggles with but no one knows as he puts on such a good front.
Val has his own struggles that cause him to appear cold and distant.
Together these two helped heal each other. I loved watching Val warm up so to speak.
Overall, despite a rather unusual telling style, I enjoyed this immensely. Once you get used to the different perspectives it all flows easily.
ETA Still a very enjoyable story
I loved Val and Charlie. Both have issues but both have a heart as big as the world.
Poor Charlie has a past that he struggles with but no one knows as he puts on such a good front.
Val has his own struggles that cause him to appear cold and distant.
Together these two helped heal each other. I loved watching Val warm up so to speak.
Overall, despite a rather unusual telling style, I enjoyed this immensely. Once you get used to the different perspectives it all flows easily.
ETA Still a very enjoyable story
December 10, 2018
Wrapped is a bit different that most Christmas romances, at least for me. Yes, Charlie's a mall elf and the story takes place during the holiday season, but other than that, it doesn't really have a big Christmasy feel to it. What it does have is a terrific couple who compliment each other perfectly. Initially, I was a little put off by the switches from first to third person and back again, but the further I read, the more it made sense. Val's view of the world around him and the way he reacts to things isn't like most people and getting his chapters in first person goes a long way toward getting an understanding and feel for this character. I loved the way this relationship progressed, and the way these guys fit together. Val often comes across as almost childlike with the way he approaches new experiences, yet he's all control when he sees a problem that needs fixing. Charlie is the sweetest guy, but underneath is a lot of hurt and fear, and plenty of reasons to be less than trusting. Val and Charlie have great chemistry, and it's impossible not to fall for this pair as they get to know each other and figure things out. There is some angst, and even a bit of heartache along the way, but there's also a bit of fun and humor and even a little steam to even things out. All in all, this one is a simply delightful sweet romance.
December 24, 2018
Charlie sand Val
Val needed Charlie as much as Charlie needed him.
Charming read about two guys who are some what dissolution
Val is an ex CEO who is learning to live life without the high powered job.
Charlie is trying to make it on his own after a lot of let downs.
Somehow their would collide and they need each other.
I fell in love with Val child like getting to know image. Then the vulnerability of Charlie. The the trust and easy friendship they made.
Lovely Christmas read
Val needed Charlie as much as Charlie needed him.
Charming read about two guys who are some what dissolution
Val is an ex CEO who is learning to live life without the high powered job.
Charlie is trying to make it on his own after a lot of let downs.
Somehow their would collide and they need each other.
I fell in love with Val child like getting to know image. Then the vulnerability of Charlie. The the trust and easy friendship they made.
Lovely Christmas read
December 12, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! This is the story of two damaged men who find love and understanding with each other, although it's not always an easy path. In the first part of the book, I enjoyed laughing at the foibles of former corporate CEO Val trying to adjust to a life where he had to learn to do everything for himself after living a life surrounded by assistants. (He doesn't even know how to drive!) It felt like watching a newborn coming to terms with the world. Charlie is a sweet man working seasonally as a mall elf and living in an old bus. The two mens' initial meetings are laced with humor. But underneath Charlie's breezy attitude and Val's odd behavior are painful pasts and unpleasant events that need to dealt with. There are some very emotional scenes, and a fight tears the men apart. Charlie's past and pain broke my heart. You need to read the book if you want to know more and to see how it all works out. I loved the secondary characters of Theo and Micah, too, and how much Theo cared about and looked out for Val. A+++ read.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author. This is my honest, voluntary review.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author. This is my honest, voluntary review.
December 25, 2018
Simply Perfect
It's hard for me to review this because I relate so strongly to both Charlie & Val in very personal ways. I can't go into them without including major spoilers for the book & massively oversharing about my personal issues. What I can say is that this is my first Rachel Kane read but it will not be my last. The layers & nuances to this story are wonderfully done in a way that engrosses the reader, moves the story along & strikes a chord (several chords, in my case.) There are topics here like introversion & abuse/harassment recovery that read so authentic that the writer has to have either been through it or been there with a loved one finding their way out of some internal darkness. This isn't some saccharine HEA that feels forced & faked with warmth for the Christmas holiday. This is, to me, a genuine story of growth, self-discovery, love & happily ever after that feels real. I loved it. Make it a movie & it'll be one of the very few Christmas movies that I watch.
It's hard for me to review this because I relate so strongly to both Charlie & Val in very personal ways. I can't go into them without including major spoilers for the book & massively oversharing about my personal issues. What I can say is that this is my first Rachel Kane read but it will not be my last. The layers & nuances to this story are wonderfully done in a way that engrosses the reader, moves the story along & strikes a chord (several chords, in my case.) There are topics here like introversion & abuse/harassment recovery that read so authentic that the writer has to have either been through it or been there with a loved one finding their way out of some internal darkness. This isn't some saccharine HEA that feels forced & faked with warmth for the Christmas holiday. This is, to me, a genuine story of growth, self-discovery, love & happily ever after that feels real. I loved it. Make it a movie & it'll be one of the very few Christmas movies that I watch.
January 27, 2020
The description of this book doesn't do it justice, while it's definitely full of humour and a lovely Christmas theme it's also got a lot of emotion and insight into life from two perspectives.
Charlie and Val are adorable together from the start, Vals struggles with normal and the world made him such a fascinating fun character. Yet Charlie is a perfect contrast and I enjoyed him showing Val new things so much!
The chemistry is beautiful between these two along with a huge amount of struggles from Charlie's history of relationships too Vals lack off experience or knowledge. Neither of them are perfect they both have their difficulties to get through, supporting each other and alone - the side cast of family members were great here. I especially loved Theo.
While at times I thought it was a bit over the top and cliche this just fit the theme wonderfully, it worked for these two as they both are a bit out there in their own ways. I adore the bus and spaghetti...
Overall a lovely easy, adorable romance with a HEA.
Charlie and Val are adorable together from the start, Vals struggles with normal and the world made him such a fascinating fun character. Yet Charlie is a perfect contrast and I enjoyed him showing Val new things so much!
The chemistry is beautiful between these two along with a huge amount of struggles from Charlie's history of relationships too Vals lack off experience or knowledge. Neither of them are perfect they both have their difficulties to get through, supporting each other and alone - the side cast of family members were great here. I especially loved Theo.
While at times I thought it was a bit over the top and cliche this just fit the theme wonderfully, it worked for these two as they both are a bit out there in their own ways. I adore the bus and spaghetti...
Overall a lovely easy, adorable romance with a HEA.
December 18, 2018
4 1/2 stars.
Wow what a great story we have here, I really enjoyed this book and love both characters and especially Val's quirks.
You get the impression that Val has autistic traits but the condition is never mentioned, his inner monologue is really interesting and at times humorous and how his view of the world differs from everyone else. Charlie is the opposite to Val he has seen the worst that life offers but will not let his bad experiences ruin his life. The pair make a wonderful couple but with relationships things never go smoothly but it's how they both deal with the setbacks makes the book extra special for me.
Well worth reading. It's a book that sucks you in right till the end. Recommended.
Wow what a great story we have here, I really enjoyed this book and love both characters and especially Val's quirks.
You get the impression that Val has autistic traits but the condition is never mentioned, his inner monologue is really interesting and at times humorous and how his view of the world differs from everyone else. Charlie is the opposite to Val he has seen the worst that life offers but will not let his bad experiences ruin his life. The pair make a wonderful couple but with relationships things never go smoothly but it's how they both deal with the setbacks makes the book extra special for me.
Well worth reading. It's a book that sucks you in right till the end. Recommended.
December 10, 2018
Amazing feel good story!
I have read a lot of mm romances, some good and some bad, but really enjoyed the main characters in this one. There are many Vals in the world who are pretty much clueless about relationships. But the story is a good reminder that relationships are a learning process taking time and effort. Charlie's prior relationship issues are, unfortunately, not unique either. Both characters are shown as flawed, who isn't, but still capable of so much love if they can learn to lean on each other. It was a great read with just enough tear inducing angst.
I have read a lot of mm romances, some good and some bad, but really enjoyed the main characters in this one. There are many Vals in the world who are pretty much clueless about relationships. But the story is a good reminder that relationships are a learning process taking time and effort. Charlie's prior relationship issues are, unfortunately, not unique either. Both characters are shown as flawed, who isn't, but still capable of so much love if they can learn to lean on each other. It was a great read with just enough tear inducing angst.
December 11, 2018
So, this book was weird yet wonderful. Parts of it seemed almost too strange to be believable and the "tenses" were definitely all over the place, but... I loved Val and Charlie. I started and did not finish 4 other books this weekend because the characters were unlikable, two dimensional and not sympathetic. For me, if the characters are awesome, I can forgive a lot. By the way, I think Val is on the spectrum. Retired special ed teacher...just saying!
December 4, 2018
Charlie and Val are both great characters, and their journey to an HEA is a wonderful one. They are so different, and yet they find love in each other. A very well-written, sweet holiday's romance that will warm your heart and put a smile on your face.
December 8, 2018
So cute!!
Loved it!! Charlie and Val were both lost, and then they found each other! Loved this book, wished there was a little more heat to it, but it was a loving and heartwarming story!! This is the first book that I've read by this author, but it won't be my last.
Loved it!! Charlie and Val were both lost, and then they found each other! Loved this book, wished there was a little more heat to it, but it was a loving and heartwarming story!! This is the first book that I've read by this author, but it won't be my last.
December 21, 2018
I liked the premise of this book and I like the characters but I couldn’t look past the frustration of the author switching tenses all the time and not using contractions. Dual POV can be difficult to write and to understand adding the use of random past tense made it much harder.
December 4, 2018
Wrapped is full of emotions. Charlie and Val are just sweet and together they both just reach out and grab your heart.
I voluntarily read an adavnced copy of this book.
I voluntarily read an adavnced copy of this book.
December 10, 2018
**4.5 Stars
December 13, 2018
4.5* loved it!
December 13, 2022
This was a great book. It's not the typical light and fluffy Christmas story. Watching the relationship between Charlie and Val develope was really something. I really enjoyed reading this.
May 20, 2021
Tags: Abuse: Charlie has been in multiple previous physically/emotionally abusive relationships and is currently being harassed by his boss and a co-worker. He briefly wonders if he has PTSD.; White Collar: Val was a CEO of a business and still views things like a business manager.; Autism Spectrum: I may remove this as it's never mentioned by word in the story but Val exhibits traits like not being able to identify facial expressions or emotions and feeling panicky. Tag removed, because well...it's never mentioned and I should have gone with my first instinct.
December 25, 2018
I'll just point out one thing. In this book one of the MC is subjected to a lot of sexual abuse but we see no consequences at all on the perpetrator. I can't help but think that she was given a free pass (but the author and the readers) since she is a woman, and the underlying misogynist thought is that woman can never be the aggressor. Not only did the perpetrator not get shunned at all but her social circle, the MC victim got fired and lost his friends partly based on her aggression. An in the end the author has the nerve to allow the MC to "treasure their friendship" (despite in no way have them acted like friends ever), and even find excuses for her. I think the book speaks to a very sickly attitude towards unwanted sexual advances targeted towards man, and I hope the author realizes that.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews