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So This is Christmas #1
Beautiful Dreamer
Garrett Coleman spent most of his adolescence crushing on Finn Sweeney—until that Ultimate Dream Guy image got obliterated during senior year. Garrett’s since gone out of his way to avoid the sexy ginger, instead throwing his energy behind his dance career while supporting his mother through her cancer diagnosis.
Finn Sweeney used to think of Garrett as just his kid brother’s best friend, but after an intense exchange at a high school party, things got a little…weird. Despite that, when their two families decide to get together for the holidays for the first time in years, Finn can’t say no. But he’s fully prepared for this to be awkward as hell.
When Finn and Garrett lay eyes on each other for the first time in their adult lives, all bets are off. Finn is completely captivated by Garrett and getting to know the man he’s become is now his top priority. Playing catch-up with Finn makes Garrett truly see him beyond the childhood fantasy he’s held onto all these years. Finn is real and vulnerable…and hot as hell.
Garrett and Finn can’t seem to keep their hands off each other, so they decide to bury the hatchet between them for the remainder of the visit.
After all, it’s only a holiday fling.
Until it becomes something more.
Finn Sweeney used to think of Garrett as just his kid brother’s best friend, but after an intense exchange at a high school party, things got a little…weird. Despite that, when their two families decide to get together for the holidays for the first time in years, Finn can’t say no. But he’s fully prepared for this to be awkward as hell.
When Finn and Garrett lay eyes on each other for the first time in their adult lives, all bets are off. Finn is completely captivated by Garrett and getting to know the man he’s become is now his top priority. Playing catch-up with Finn makes Garrett truly see him beyond the childhood fantasy he’s held onto all these years. Finn is real and vulnerable…and hot as hell.
Garrett and Finn can’t seem to keep their hands off each other, so they decide to bury the hatchet between them for the remainder of the visit.
After all, it’s only a holiday fling.
Until it becomes something more.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2018
125 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Christina Lee
58 books2,151 followersChristina writes romance in different sub-genres, mostly with LGBTQ characters, not only because she's part of the community, but because representation matters, and everyone deserves a happily-ever-after.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
December 12, 2023
I loved this story more than I expected.
It has a great set of characters. Not only were Garrett and Finn wonderful, but their families were just as great. There's not a single character in this book I didn't like, including Blair.
I'm always drawn to stories where characters have known each other since childhood with one of them having a secret crush, and this one was done really well. The pacing was just right for a book of this length and I liked the slower build up between the MCs, it made their romance all the more realistic. The thing I loved the most about Garrett and Finn is that they actually talked to each other rather than just jump into bed.
The setting was great, too. I loved the connection between both families, the history they shared, and all the things they did together. It felt very Christmassy and cozy.
********
Re-read 12/2018: It's been only a few days, but I had to read it again.
Re-read 12/2020: Still my favourite Christmas story. It has everything I love - wonderful setting, family traditions, warm and cozy atmosphere and one of my favourite tropes.
Re-read 12/2021 😊
Re-read 12/2022
Re-read 12/2023
It has a great set of characters. Not only were Garrett and Finn wonderful, but their families were just as great. There's not a single character in this book I didn't like, including Blair.
I'm always drawn to stories where characters have known each other since childhood with one of them having a secret crush, and this one was done really well. The pacing was just right for a book of this length and I liked the slower build up between the MCs, it made their romance all the more realistic. The thing I loved the most about Garrett and Finn is that they actually talked to each other rather than just jump into bed.
The setting was great, too. I loved the connection between both families, the history they shared, and all the things they did together. It felt very Christmassy and cozy.
********
Re-read 12/2018: It's been only a few days, but I had to read it again.
Re-read 12/2020: Still my favourite Christmas story. It has everything I love - wonderful setting, family traditions, warm and cozy atmosphere and one of my favourite tropes.
Re-read 12/2021 😊
Re-read 12/2022
Re-read 12/2023
December 14, 2018
4 Stars
Garrett is Finn’s brother’s best friend and he always had a crush on him! The last time they saw each other was six years ago (when Garrett was seventeen-year-old) and it didn’t go well. So Garrett has been carrying a grudge against Finn and avoided him in these years but now that they all have gathered for the holidays Finn thinks this is the opportunity to get to know Garrett as an adult and clear the air between them…
It’s a quick good holiday romance, an enjoyable one and low-angst with likable characters. It wasn’t just the romance that I enjoyed, I enjoyed the family history and the friendship between them! Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s a standalone novella. Overall, I had a good time reading it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Garrett is Finn’s brother’s best friend and he always had a crush on him! The last time they saw each other was six years ago (when Garrett was seventeen-year-old) and it didn’t go well. So Garrett has been carrying a grudge against Finn and avoided him in these years but now that they all have gathered for the holidays Finn thinks this is the opportunity to get to know Garrett as an adult and clear the air between them…
It’s a quick good holiday romance, an enjoyable one and low-angst with likable characters. It wasn’t just the romance that I enjoyed, I enjoyed the family history and the friendship between them! Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s a standalone novella. Overall, I had a good time reading it and hope you enjoy it as well!
December 12, 2018
4 Stars
I read Beautiful Dreamer in one long sitting, which pretty much speaks to my enjoyment of the story.
I’m an absolute sucker for a best-friends-brother trope done well, and this one certainly exceeded all of my hopes and wishes. I particularly loved that there was already a shared history between MCs Garrett and Finn when the story began, with the two having grown up together in families that were extremely close, holidaying together and all.
When everyone comes together for the first time in years to celebrate Christmas, Garrett and Finn finally face each other as adults. There are some initial apprehensions brought on by memories of their last awkward encounter six years prior, but teenage embarrassments are easily overcome as grown men, and neither can deny for long their undeniable mutual attraction.
I enjoyed watching Garrett and Finn dance around each other during their family's shared Christmas getaway. The fact that Finn initially shows up with another man in tow was a bit of a worrying prospect for me, and I was prepared to hate the guy on sight, but even he (Blair) won me over and added some much appreciated light and joy to the bigger story without me ever getting disgruntled by his (non-romantic but sexual) relationship with Finn.
The evolution of Garrett and Finn’s changing relationship was romantic and a tad dreamy, but it felt authentic. What I loved best, though, was the heart-warming focus on the importance of family and friendship, and the joy of celebrating the holidays with those you love.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed this one and I appreciated how low-angst the entire thing was. Beautiful Dreamer was definitely a winner in the M/M holiday reading stakes for me. (Here's hoping that we get a sequel of sorts for cheeky Blair).
I read Beautiful Dreamer in one long sitting, which pretty much speaks to my enjoyment of the story.
I’m an absolute sucker for a best-friends-brother trope done well, and this one certainly exceeded all of my hopes and wishes. I particularly loved that there was already a shared history between MCs Garrett and Finn when the story began, with the two having grown up together in families that were extremely close, holidaying together and all.
When everyone comes together for the first time in years to celebrate Christmas, Garrett and Finn finally face each other as adults. There are some initial apprehensions brought on by memories of their last awkward encounter six years prior, but teenage embarrassments are easily overcome as grown men, and neither can deny for long their undeniable mutual attraction.
I enjoyed watching Garrett and Finn dance around each other during their family's shared Christmas getaway. The fact that Finn initially shows up with another man in tow was a bit of a worrying prospect for me, and I was prepared to hate the guy on sight, but even he (Blair) won me over and added some much appreciated light and joy to the bigger story without me ever getting disgruntled by his (non-romantic but sexual) relationship with Finn.
The evolution of Garrett and Finn’s changing relationship was romantic and a tad dreamy, but it felt authentic. What I loved best, though, was the heart-warming focus on the importance of family and friendship, and the joy of celebrating the holidays with those you love.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed this one and I appreciated how low-angst the entire thing was. Beautiful Dreamer was definitely a winner in the M/M holiday reading stakes for me. (Here's hoping that we get a sequel of sorts for cheeky Blair).
December 9, 2018
Beautiful Dreamer is a low-key, mellow story with a focus on family and friendship.
Told in a dual first-person POV, the story takes place the week of Christmas as two families gather to celebrate the holiday together and Garrett sees his childhood crush, who happens to be his best friend's older brother, for the first time in years.
Finn thinks Garrett is gorgeous and wants to get to know him again, but he's stuck with Blair, the fuck buddy he brought along on the trip. What the hell, Finn? Who brings a fuck buddy to a family holiday gathering?
Garrett is cautious around Finn. I wouldn't say he was holding a grudge as much as he didn't know how to act. They left things on an awkward note the year Garrett graduated from high school.
But Finn comes through with the perfect Christmas present, and the men feel a definite spark.
I was ready to hate Blair, but he surprised me and I ended up wishing him well. I liked all the secondary characters and enjoyed the subplot of Garrett's parents renewing their vows.
The book ends on a very sexy, hopeful note, not quite a HEA but close enough.
Told in a dual first-person POV, the story takes place the week of Christmas as two families gather to celebrate the holiday together and Garrett sees his childhood crush, who happens to be his best friend's older brother, for the first time in years.
Finn thinks Garrett is gorgeous and wants to get to know him again, but he's stuck with Blair, the fuck buddy he brought along on the trip. What the hell, Finn? Who brings a fuck buddy to a family holiday gathering?
Garrett is cautious around Finn. I wouldn't say he was holding a grudge as much as he didn't know how to act. They left things on an awkward note the year Garrett graduated from high school.
But Finn comes through with the perfect Christmas present, and the men feel a definite spark.
I was ready to hate Blair, but he surprised me and I ended up wishing him well. I liked all the secondary characters and enjoyed the subplot of Garrett's parents renewing their vows.
The book ends on a very sexy, hopeful note, not quite a HEA but close enough.
November 9, 2024
A sweet little story even though I personally hate so many of the things in it in real life and reading about it creeps me out.
Family reunions, generally family members who are so close that it's beyond cheesy, and then sports activities together in the snow are really bad for me. And then the sheer horror, board games, oh dear, I was on the verge of not finishing the book.
But that's a problem I have, for the book it all works wonderfully as a context for setting up Garrett and Finn's emotions.
“Sorry to burst your bubble, but I no longer believe in dream partners. Truth is, everyone is going to hurt you in some way, shape, or form—it’s human nature—you just have to decide which ones are worth the effort.” 🥺❄️🥺
It was a really lovely story, unfortunately a little too rushed at the end and I would have liked a little more intimacy between the two on the page. But well, it's only a short book.
Family reunions, generally family members who are so close that it's beyond cheesy, and then sports activities together in the snow are really bad for me. And then the sheer horror, board games, oh dear, I was on the verge of not finishing the book.
But that's a problem I have, for the book it all works wonderfully as a context for setting up Garrett and Finn's emotions.
“Sorry to burst your bubble, but I no longer believe in dream partners. Truth is, everyone is going to hurt you in some way, shape, or form—it’s human nature—you just have to decide which ones are worth the effort.” 🥺❄️🥺
It was a really lovely story, unfortunately a little too rushed at the end and I would have liked a little more intimacy between the two on the page. But well, it's only a short book.
December 22, 2018
I’m quite surprised this is such a popular book.
I had such a hard time with Finn bringing home his casual boyfriend, who he was not dating, for Christmas. And them having sex with Garrett in the room next door, listening in. Just no…
That whole boyfriend thing felt so wrong to me. And when Blair was starting to hit on Garrett, I was kind of done with this whole book.
I think I might have gotten over this issue if I had liked the characters, but I had such a hard time liking any of them. They were constantly bickering about the stupidest things and I just wanted them to chill out.
I did not like this one.
I had such a hard time with Finn bringing home his casual boyfriend, who he was not dating, for Christmas. And them having sex with Garrett in the room next door, listening in. Just no…
That whole boyfriend thing felt so wrong to me. And when Blair was starting to hit on Garrett, I was kind of done with this whole book.
I think I might have gotten over this issue if I had liked the characters, but I had such a hard time liking any of them. They were constantly bickering about the stupidest things and I just wanted them to chill out.
I did not like this one.
December 13, 2018
Beautiful Dreamer by Christina Lee is a perfect read to get lost into during the holidays. It's sweet and feel good, and it's about family and friends. Growing up Garrett and Finn knew were always around each other. Garrett was Finn's brother best friend. Garrett had
Some highlights
-I enjoyed all the characters- even Blair. They were all good people you'd want to be friends with and get together.
-UST. I love sexual tension, and there's some delicious longing going on here.
-First person dual POVs.
-Movie feel. If #Hallmark made this into a #holiday film, I'd DVR the shit out of it and watch it whenever I needed a pick me up.
-The end. I know Christina Lee doesn't do epilogues, but this was as close to one as I've seen her write; it ends with a strong HFN.
**I'd like to add: Blair needs a book. Going in you want to hate the guy but can't. He left an impression, and I have to know what happens to him!
Final thoughts: Buy it, read it, and enjoy yourself a merry holiday novella.
4.25 Stars
December 7, 2018
Una novella navideña con amor no correspondido, bailarín, mejor amigo de mi hermano... Muy mona, muy bonita, aunque promete más de lo que después es.
3.5, pero estamos en Navidad, así que pongo cuatro.
3.5, pero estamos en Navidad, así que pongo cuatro.
November 16, 2019
A delightful Christmas romance with lots of feels and a real warmth to it.
It also comes with a reminder of the importance of living life for the journey and not just the destination.
Sweet, a bit light on the steam but a lovely brother's best friend romance.
It also comes with a reminder of the importance of living life for the journey and not just the destination.
Sweet, a bit light on the steam but a lovely brother's best friend romance.
Read
December 4, 2018My holiday romance, BEAUTIFUL DREAMER, is now live! #bestfriendsbrother
Amazon link (KU): https://amzn.to/2RBf6eP
Universal link: mybook.to/BeautifulDreamer
Amazon link (KU): https://amzn.to/2RBf6eP
Universal link: mybook.to/BeautifulDreamer
January 26, 2019
***** In high school they were the ballet dancer and the jock, are now the professional dancer, Garrett Coleman,
and the Graphic Designer, Finn Sweeny,
the sexy ginger hunk, are together for the holidays.
Now that everyone's grown, and the Mrs. Coleman survived her cancer, the two families, the Coleman and Sweeny bunch, are spending the Christmas week together for the first time in six years. Finn is Rory's older brother, and Garrett is Rory's best friend since childhood. Garrett crushed on Finn in their teens, and seeing each other as adults is holding new possibilities. We watch the family events, togetherness, sentiments and camaraderie, plus a surprise for Mrs. Coleman.
Finn brought a "friend with benefits" along, but Blair is bored and will be leaving early. We get a front row seat to see our guys and their baby steps up to full blown passion.
A terrific story with lovable characters and a wonderful epilogue.
ENJOY !
=====
and the Graphic Designer, Finn Sweeny,
the sexy ginger hunk, are together for the holidays.
Now that everyone's grown, and the Mrs. Coleman survived her cancer, the two families, the Coleman and Sweeny bunch, are spending the Christmas week together for the first time in six years. Finn is Rory's older brother, and Garrett is Rory's best friend since childhood. Garrett crushed on Finn in their teens, and seeing each other as adults is holding new possibilities. We watch the family events, togetherness, sentiments and camaraderie, plus a surprise for Mrs. Coleman.
Finn brought a "friend with benefits" along, but Blair is bored and will be leaving early. We get a front row seat to see our guys and their baby steps up to full blown passion.
A terrific story with lovable characters and a wonderful epilogue.
ENJOY !
=====
December 19, 2018
4 stars!! 😍. Loved it! Beautiful love story with lots of slow-burn between Garret and Finn. Liked the background that Garret was crushing on his best friend's brother forever and finally after years he notices him sparks fly. This was a perfect light-hearted but a tad sentimental and romantic holiday novella. Highly recommended 👍
December 8, 2018
Beautiful Xmas love story!!!
I loved the idea of a snow globe with a male dancer in it.
January 21, 2021
This was ok. The couple was cute but the reason they stopped talking for 6 years was childish and ludicrous to me. There was another reason for them to stop talking that made more sense but that was brushed over . A secondary character was obnoxious and completely unnecessary to the story, Blair. Why would Finn had brought him to the week away with his family is beyond and Blair's behaviour was childish. Both MCs read a bit young for my taste, we don't exactly know their ages. They were cute together but I wish we had more scenes of them getting reacquainted with each other. The sense of family was strong and made me want something like that but with my family it's not likely to ever happen so it gave me a sense of longing.
December 5, 2018
4.5*
Such a wonderfully sweet and touching little holiday story! The best friend’s brother trope is one of my favorites, in both m/f and m/m, and this one was just perfect.
Six years have passed since Garrett and Finn last saw each other, and as their families gather to celebrate Christmas old feelings bubble to the surface and it’s time these two finally confront their true feelings for each other.
I enjoyed this story so much, everything about it just gave me the warm fuzzies! Garrett and Finn and their burgeoning relationship were the stars of the show, but the families, the setting, the season- it all made for a winning combination.
I’m so jealous of the Coleman and Sweeney families right now, I wish my extended family all still got together for the holidays!
Such a wonderfully sweet and touching little holiday story! The best friend’s brother trope is one of my favorites, in both m/f and m/m, and this one was just perfect.
Six years have passed since Garrett and Finn last saw each other, and as their families gather to celebrate Christmas old feelings bubble to the surface and it’s time these two finally confront their true feelings for each other.
I enjoyed this story so much, everything about it just gave me the warm fuzzies! Garrett and Finn and their burgeoning relationship were the stars of the show, but the families, the setting, the season- it all made for a winning combination.
I’m so jealous of the Coleman and Sweeney families right now, I wish my extended family all still got together for the holidays!
October 10, 2022
Hmmm I liked it. But. (so sorry but there's a BUT for me).
The story felt a bit rushed, but since it's a novella I should have expected that and it shouldn't have impacted on me enjoying the story.
I guess it was a mistake reading a MM novella nearly back to back after having reread once again The Layover and Vanilla Clouds by Roe Horvat. These two are all time favorites in MM novellas for me.
Roe Horvat is a master at writing novellas without rushing the plot and giving me all the feels within less than 120 pages (similarly to Mimi Matthews in HR).
Although there was nothing wrong with Beautiful Dreamer, it's writing style is far away from Roe Horvat's books and in comparision felt flat for me.
3,5 stars.
Not sure if I'll start immediately the sequel since I already bought it... or maybe I'll read some new (for me) Roe Horvat - novellas 😁
The story felt a bit rushed, but since it's a novella I should have expected that and it shouldn't have impacted on me enjoying the story.
I guess it was a mistake reading a MM novella nearly back to back after having reread once again The Layover and Vanilla Clouds by Roe Horvat. These two are all time favorites in MM novellas for me.
Roe Horvat is a master at writing novellas without rushing the plot and giving me all the feels within less than 120 pages (similarly to Mimi Matthews in HR).
Although there was nothing wrong with Beautiful Dreamer, it's writing style is far away from Roe Horvat's books and in comparision felt flat for me.
3,5 stars.
Not sure if I'll start immediately the sequel since I already bought it... or maybe I'll read some new (for me) Roe Horvat - novellas 😁
December 10, 2018
Another wonderful book from Christina Lee .
I've always a sucker for books with dancers. And knowing the inspiration of Garrett is Rhys Kosakowski , it was tbh more appealing 😁😊😘
The ecopy generously provided by the author. Because there's geo-restriction from Amazon to buy a certain genre.🙄
This is such a sweet, adorable holiday story, and I enjoyed Garrett and Finn!
December 18, 2018
*3,5 stars*
December 29, 2021
✽ 4.75 STARS ✽
I loved this story so much - both characters Finn and Garrett were awesome!
I loved this story so much - both characters Finn and Garrett were awesome!
December 6, 2018
4.5 Dancing Stars
Super sweet best friends brother romance. Set in a snowy small town with life long friends finally realizing what they could possibly be to each other. Add in their really close knit families and the ultimate romantic Christmas gift--yeah you will swoon over Garrett and Finn.
The gift exchange was my favorite part but then the epilogue also blew me away. Great holiday read. Stand alone story that will put you in the holiday mood.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
Super sweet best friends brother romance. Set in a snowy small town with life long friends finally realizing what they could possibly be to each other. Add in their really close knit families and the ultimate romantic Christmas gift--yeah you will swoon over Garrett and Finn.
The gift exchange was my favorite part but then the epilogue also blew me away. Great holiday read. Stand alone story that will put you in the holiday mood.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
December 8, 2018
ADORABLE! This novella was so sweet! I LOVED IT! First, before the romance, I really enjoyed the holiday vibes and nostalgia around it. I don't celebrate Christmas but I loved the whole feeling of this novella. I was a bit like Kate (Rory's girlfriend) getting to know these two families and their traditions, ones they perfected over a lifetime of friendship between them. They might have been apart for the past 6 years but it made no difference once they got together again for the holidays.
Garrett Coleman and Rory Sweeney have been best friends since they were little, as their mothers are best friends it worked wonderfully. They spend their days playing and having fun together, at times with Rory's older brother Finn. Growing up Garrett idolized Finn and even before he realized he was gay, he was simply fascinated with the guy. His self assurance, charisma, good looks. Yet everything fell apart after his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Feeling like his whole world was shattered he went partying where he shouldn't have and the guy who came to his rescue - and total embarrassment - was Finn. Being drunk only made thins worse. Ever since then he made his best to ignore Finn. It wasn't difficult. Being in college and helping his family as much as he can during his mother's recovery made it hard to look beyond his personal bubble. Yet now, 6 years later, he is driving to the one place he knows he won't be able to ignore Finn - their family cabin where they spent so many Christmases together.
Finn Sweeney knows Garret have been ignoring him for the past few years, ever since that night. He wanted to be a part of Garrett's world but frankly he wasn't sure how so he kept his distance while getting his updates about Garrett and his family through his brother. Not knowing what to expect he brought his "boyfriend" to the family cabin as a sort of buffer. Didn't really work that way though...
Spending time together, getting to know each other as adults only made both realize how much they want each other. For Garrett it was waking up to see a grown Finn, not the fantasy he had as a teenager, but the grown up version. For Finn it was realizing that in front of him there's a guy - not a kid anymore - who captures his eyes and his heart whenever he is close by. While he never had a real relationship (current one being open and mostly friends with benefits) it wasn't because it's not something he wanted, more like something he never found.
But first things first. They need to TALK about what happened and what they are feeling now. That's not that easy.. yet all this time together made it possible. Also the knowledge that if they DON'T - in less than a week they would each be gone to his home and this opportunity will be gone.
I loved everything about this novella. The pace, with all the wonderful memories these two families shared in the past and are sharing again now, the romance not only of our main couple but also of the parents as well as Rory and his girl Kate. It was magical. It made me wish I could sit by their fire and experience the holiday with them.
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
Garrett Coleman and Rory Sweeney have been best friends since they were little, as their mothers are best friends it worked wonderfully. They spend their days playing and having fun together, at times with Rory's older brother Finn. Growing up Garrett idolized Finn and even before he realized he was gay, he was simply fascinated with the guy. His self assurance, charisma, good looks. Yet everything fell apart after his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Feeling like his whole world was shattered he went partying where he shouldn't have and the guy who came to his rescue - and total embarrassment - was Finn. Being drunk only made thins worse. Ever since then he made his best to ignore Finn. It wasn't difficult. Being in college and helping his family as much as he can during his mother's recovery made it hard to look beyond his personal bubble. Yet now, 6 years later, he is driving to the one place he knows he won't be able to ignore Finn - their family cabin where they spent so many Christmases together.
Finn Sweeney knows Garret have been ignoring him for the past few years, ever since that night. He wanted to be a part of Garrett's world but frankly he wasn't sure how so he kept his distance while getting his updates about Garrett and his family through his brother. Not knowing what to expect he brought his "boyfriend" to the family cabin as a sort of buffer. Didn't really work that way though...
Spending time together, getting to know each other as adults only made both realize how much they want each other. For Garrett it was waking up to see a grown Finn, not the fantasy he had as a teenager, but the grown up version. For Finn it was realizing that in front of him there's a guy - not a kid anymore - who captures his eyes and his heart whenever he is close by. While he never had a real relationship (current one being open and mostly friends with benefits) it wasn't because it's not something he wanted, more like something he never found.
But first things first. They need to TALK about what happened and what they are feeling now. That's not that easy.. yet all this time together made it possible. Also the knowledge that if they DON'T - in less than a week they would each be gone to his home and this opportunity will be gone.
I loved everything about this novella. The pace, with all the wonderful memories these two families shared in the past and are sharing again now, the romance not only of our main couple but also of the parents as well as Rory and his girl Kate. It was magical. It made me wish I could sit by their fire and experience the holiday with them.
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
December 5, 2018
Such a great read! And all about families and close friends getting together for the holidays.
Garrett Coleman had a crush on his best friend's brother for most of his life. Sure, there were some awkward phases since Finn was a few years older, but he was Garrett's hero. Until something happened and they hadn't really spoken in 6 years. During which time, Garrett's mom battled the long road of cancer and recovery and finally beat it.
So, this was the first Christmas in 6 years that both families were getting together again at a cabin in the mountains to re-establish their holiday traditions.
Finn Sweeney still couldn't believe that he hadn't reached out to Garrett in all these years. He was hoping things wouldn't be awkward between them after all this time, but bringing a friend with benefits to this family reunion of sorts may not have been the best idea he'd ever had. Especially after seeing Garrett for the first time in years and realizing what he'd missed.
Things I loved:
*Garrett held a grudge, with good reason, and didn't forgive easily just because he had a crush
*Finn was willing to lay it all out there and put his heart on his sleeve, even asking for forgiveness
*The love and respect that the two families had for one another
*The gift exchange
*The slow burn and the anxiety over what would happen between Gar and Finn
*The sexy times, of course
*The final scene when Finn was leaving...omg I literally screamed in joy (which was mortifying for my family)
Things I didn't love:
*When it ended... because it was over.
Seriously, this is a great little heartfelt story, perfectly written with an epilogue, HEA and lots and lots of feelings. It's the perfect holiday romance.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *
Garrett Coleman had a crush on his best friend's brother for most of his life. Sure, there were some awkward phases since Finn was a few years older, but he was Garrett's hero. Until something happened and they hadn't really spoken in 6 years. During which time, Garrett's mom battled the long road of cancer and recovery and finally beat it.
So, this was the first Christmas in 6 years that both families were getting together again at a cabin in the mountains to re-establish their holiday traditions.
Finn Sweeney still couldn't believe that he hadn't reached out to Garrett in all these years. He was hoping things wouldn't be awkward between them after all this time, but bringing a friend with benefits to this family reunion of sorts may not have been the best idea he'd ever had. Especially after seeing Garrett for the first time in years and realizing what he'd missed.
Things I loved:
*Garrett held a grudge, with good reason, and didn't forgive easily just because he had a crush
*Finn was willing to lay it all out there and put his heart on his sleeve, even asking for forgiveness
*The love and respect that the two families had for one another
*The gift exchange
*The slow burn and the anxiety over what would happen between Gar and Finn
*The sexy times, of course
*The final scene when Finn was leaving...omg I literally screamed in joy (which was mortifying for my family)
Things I didn't love:
*When it ended... because it was over.
Seriously, this is a great little heartfelt story, perfectly written with an epilogue, HEA and lots and lots of feelings. It's the perfect holiday romance.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *
January 2, 2019
I didn't fully engage with this romance. I like Garrett but Finn takes me much more time to warm up to.
This is a a second chance, brother's best friend story.
I like Christina Lee's writing a lot but Finn isn't as finely drawn and the old hurts Garrett holds on to don't make as much sense as they could so this romance doesn't work that well for me.
This is a a second chance, brother's best friend story.
I like Christina Lee's writing a lot but Finn isn't as finely drawn and the old hurts Garrett holds on to don't make as much sense as they could so this romance doesn't work that well for me.
January 15, 2020
This was a very sweet romance with two MCs who dreamed the same dream but didn't expect to live it together.
As it is a novella there is always my complaint that it was not long enough..... but it was very well done.
The only thing really missing for me was that there was not enough couple time for me
Nevertheless I really enjoyed it and imagine that I will visit Finn and Garrett again when the mood strikes for sweet Christmas feelings
As it is a novella there is always my complaint that it was not long enough..... but it was very well done.
The only thing really missing for me was that there was not enough couple time for me
Nevertheless I really enjoyed it and imagine that I will visit Finn and Garrett again when the mood strikes for sweet Christmas feelings
December 10, 2018
4.5 Stars
This is a really cute book focused around the holidays Christmas and family and second chances.
Garrett and Finn were both cute characters. Garrett is a dancer who has been focused on his family and helping his mom through her medical issues. Finn is his best friend Rory’s older brother. Garrett and Finn have some serious past baggage that comes to light when both their families go on a Christmas vacation together. The two guys finally figure out their issues, learn to behave around each other again, trying to move past the hurt and the anger of the past. I loved the present that Finn comes up with, it was really sweet and thoughtful. Finn’s “friend” Blair was a fun minor character in this book, too.
I really did like this one though, totally plan to re-read it in the future and I am really not a big holiday book person so that’s saying something.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
This is a really cute book focused around the holidays Christmas and family and second chances.
Garrett and Finn were both cute characters. Garrett is a dancer who has been focused on his family and helping his mom through her medical issues. Finn is his best friend Rory’s older brother. Garrett and Finn have some serious past baggage that comes to light when both their families go on a Christmas vacation together. The two guys finally figure out their issues, learn to behave around each other again, trying to move past the hurt and the anger of the past. I loved the present that Finn comes up with, it was really sweet and thoughtful. Finn’s “friend” Blair was a fun minor character in this book, too.
I really did like this one though, totally plan to re-read it in the future and I am really not a big holiday book person so that’s saying something.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
December 29, 2021
Wasn't a huge fan of the storyline but there were some parts I really loved, especially towards the end.
December 11, 2018
I loved this book!
January 4, 2021
This one was pretty disappointing. The "issues" they believed were keeping them apart just didn't make any sense to me—no reasonable person would think those were reasons to not be with someone you liked and who obviously liked you back.
Also, I really disliked the audio narration during the sex scenes.
Also, I really disliked the audio narration during the sex scenes.
December 17, 2019
4 dreamy stars. This was such a cute, holiday romance with slow burn for days. Garrett had a lifetime crush on his best friend's brother, Finn. But after a less than pleasant goodbye, they went their separate ways. But now after years apart their families are spending the holidays together. Sparks fly. Old feelings creep up and new wonders are realized. They are slowly drawn to each other and the build up was just so warm and perfect. That sweet ending had be swooning in my chair. This was beautifully, dreamy.💕💕☺️
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