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Christmas Fixes Everything #1
Tinsel Fixes Everything
They say you never get over your first love.
After a meteoric rise to baseball stardom, Chase Meadow’s dream is cut short and he’s back home for good, helping his brothers run the family bar while he finds his feet. Plenty of things have changed since he left for college. Although one thing he recognizes right away is Joel Levine.
From setting eyes on the skinny, stammering teen their first day of high school, until reluctantly parting five years later, the two of them had been inseparable. And now, Joel is definitely someone not easily forgotten.
But as Chase settles back into home town life, he finds that under the superficial differences—the leather jacket and tattoos—Joel is still the same person he fell for when they were fifteen. While they’re both older and wiser, Chase never stopped loving Joel. And as Christmas rolls closer, Chase starts to think that maybe Joel never stopped loving him either.
They say you never get over your first love.
Some people don’t have to.
26k
NB - 24 Nov 2019. Made a minor correction to bring the book in line with the rest in the series. The story remains entirely the same with only the name of a minor character changed.
After a meteoric rise to baseball stardom, Chase Meadow’s dream is cut short and he’s back home for good, helping his brothers run the family bar while he finds his feet. Plenty of things have changed since he left for college. Although one thing he recognizes right away is Joel Levine.
From setting eyes on the skinny, stammering teen their first day of high school, until reluctantly parting five years later, the two of them had been inseparable. And now, Joel is definitely someone not easily forgotten.
But as Chase settles back into home town life, he finds that under the superficial differences—the leather jacket and tattoos—Joel is still the same person he fell for when they were fifteen. While they’re both older and wiser, Chase never stopped loving Joel. And as Christmas rolls closer, Chase starts to think that maybe Joel never stopped loving him either.
They say you never get over your first love.
Some people don’t have to.
26k
NB - 24 Nov 2019. Made a minor correction to bring the book in line with the rest in the series. The story remains entirely the same with only the name of a minor character changed.
81 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2018
19 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Alex Jane
26 books182 followersAfter spending years creating stories in her head, Alex started writing them down and then found she couldn’t stop.
Despite the late start, she now writes m/m romance about found families, sometimes with a historical feel—and the occasional werewolf.
Free from aspirations of literary greatness, Alex simply hopes to spin a good yarn of love and life, wrapped up with a happy ending. And if her characters have to go through Hell to get there, she’s a-okay with that.
Alex writes and walks on the South Coast of England—even when her heart and spellcheck are in New York.
You can now find her dark m/m romance under Alexis Jane if you like love…but darker.
Blog and Newsletter available on my website - www.alexjane.info
Despite the late start, she now writes m/m romance about found families, sometimes with a historical feel—and the occasional werewolf.
Free from aspirations of literary greatness, Alex simply hopes to spin a good yarn of love and life, wrapped up with a happy ending. And if her characters have to go through Hell to get there, she’s a-okay with that.
Alex writes and walks on the South Coast of England—even when her heart and spellcheck are in New York.
You can now find her dark m/m romance under Alexis Jane if you like love…but darker.
Blog and Newsletter available on my website - www.alexjane.info
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 16, 2023
I really liked this story and the writing style is also very nice, but I'm still not happy. It's a short book with just 80 pages and I was wondering the whole time when the romance would actually happen ... Can you tell when? Exactly, just before the end, and even that can't be described as a romance, because it's "only" a kind of agreement to date.
"A little t-tinsel and an 'I'm sorry' isn't going to f-fix this, y' know?"
Chase nodded, and sighed, "I know. But it's a start though, right?"
Joel made a sound of agreement. "So, we date? G-get to know each other again?"
Chase hmmed, and pulled Joel closer to whisper, "But with sex, right? Can we do that but with sex?"
Maybe 10 pages or so more would have been useful to show Chase and Joel on a real date, that would have rounded things up a lot better.
To avoid any misunderstandings, the story as it is told is really good and it is absolutely plausible why Chase and Joel take so long before they have anything like a proper communication. The only thing missing is the wrap-up.
Joel grabbed the front of Chase's jacket and pulled him closer. "I made the m-mistake of letting you go once before. That ain't h-happening again."
"A little t-tinsel and an 'I'm sorry' isn't going to f-fix this, y' know?"
Chase nodded, and sighed, "I know. But it's a start though, right?"
Joel made a sound of agreement. "So, we date? G-get to know each other again?"
Chase hmmed, and pulled Joel closer to whisper, "But with sex, right? Can we do that but with sex?"
Maybe 10 pages or so more would have been useful to show Chase and Joel on a real date, that would have rounded things up a lot better.
To avoid any misunderstandings, the story as it is told is really good and it is absolutely plausible why Chase and Joel take so long before they have anything like a proper communication. The only thing missing is the wrap-up.
Joel grabbed the front of Chase's jacket and pulled him closer. "I made the m-mistake of letting you go once before. That ain't h-happening again."
December 9, 2018
This is a second chance story which I generally try to avoid because it's really not my favorite trope. I actually could buy into why these guys broke up so that was a great surprise but I didn't buy into them not having any contact or updates when their families seem so intertwined.
I liked the story but although I felt the love, it felt more lingering than current and I really didn't feel any passion. It didn't help that the book is short and ends abruptly with an expected HEA but no real surety of that.
I liked the story but although I felt the love, it felt more lingering than current and I really didn't feel any passion. It didn't help that the book is short and ends abruptly with an expected HEA but no real surety of that.
December 8, 2018
3.75 stars rounded up
Six years ago, Chase broke up with his first love, Joel, because he thought it was the right thing to do. After his dream of becoming a professional baseball player cut short, Chase returns home, where he realizes that he never stops loving Joel.
I am a sucker for second-chance/reunion romance, so I grabbed my chance when Alex Jane offered the advanced review copy for this one. I thought this was sweet and lovely -- and the confrontation they have near the end to be satisfying.
Alex Jane chooses the "present" time - but I still got the idea about way back when. I loved the 'tidbits' unique thing to this story, like Joel as a biker with a stutter. I even thought the interfering family and friends to be amusing, rather than annoying.
There's a slight secondary story with Chase's nephew and his first crush, and I kinda wish that I have his story in full.
The ARC is provided by the author for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Six years ago, Chase broke up with his first love, Joel, because he thought it was the right thing to do. After his dream of becoming a professional baseball player cut short, Chase returns home, where he realizes that he never stops loving Joel.
I am a sucker for second-chance/reunion romance, so I grabbed my chance when Alex Jane offered the advanced review copy for this one. I thought this was sweet and lovely -- and the confrontation they have near the end to be satisfying.
Alex Jane chooses the "present" time - but I still got the idea about way back when. I loved the 'tidbits' unique thing to this story, like Joel as a biker with a stutter. I even thought the interfering family and friends to be amusing, rather than annoying.
There's a slight secondary story with Chase's nephew and his first crush, and I kinda wish that I have his story in full.
The ARC is provided by the author for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
February 9, 2019
3.5 Stars
This is an achey romances between two high school sweethearts that get a second chance.
It thinks about young love and learning to ask for what you want and need.
The cast is great and the heros intersting and we get some Christmas shine too.
This is an achey romances between two high school sweethearts that get a second chance.
It thinks about young love and learning to ask for what you want and need.
The cast is great and the heros intersting and we get some Christmas shine too.
January 15, 2019
Great short.
It's sweet, kinda slow burn.
It's second chance but for once both guys realised they change from who they use to be, and agree to get to know each other again.
It's sweet, kinda slow burn.
It's second chance but for once both guys realised they change from who they use to be, and agree to get to know each other again.
January 14, 2019
A very sweet read... low angst, second chance all things that make you smile. I did feel like it lacked a little closure, things just started and the book suddenly ended !
December 6, 2018
The minute I got the email saying I could grab an ARC of this, I was all over it!!!
I dropped all my other books and started it immediately.
And? I freaking LOVED it! Of course.
Alex Jane quickly became one of my favorite authors with her Homestead series, then topped it off with a couple more and BAM! She's on autobuy.
There is a lot packed into this 90 page book - you get the whole shebang. From adorable gay nephews, to interfering brothers, a sister-in-law who just sorta takes it all in. Add to that two boys who walked away from each other at 19, and six years later are trying to figure out how to go forward.
Everyone in this book is really well fleshed out and I would love to see this turn into a series.
That is, after we get a couple more of the Mr & Mr Detective books.
I honestly do love everything I've read by Alex Jane, have fallen for her imperfect boys. Hard. And am always keeping my eyes peeled for new releases.
I dropped all my other books and started it immediately.
And? I freaking LOVED it! Of course.
Alex Jane quickly became one of my favorite authors with her Homestead series, then topped it off with a couple more and BAM! She's on autobuy.
There is a lot packed into this 90 page book - you get the whole shebang. From adorable gay nephews, to interfering brothers, a sister-in-law who just sorta takes it all in. Add to that two boys who walked away from each other at 19, and six years later are trying to figure out how to go forward.
Everyone in this book is really well fleshed out and I would love to see this turn into a series.
That is, after we get a couple more of the Mr & Mr Detective books.
I honestly do love everything I've read by Alex Jane, have fallen for her imperfect boys. Hard. And am always keeping my eyes peeled for new releases.
December 9, 2018
* I was gifted a copy of this awesome book in exchange for an honest review *
This is an AMAZING love story with great characters.
The whole story was lovely and I really wish it was LONGER. It was well written and I read it in (almost) one sitting. I couldn't put it down.
Chase and Joel's story is a proof that some lucky ppl get their second chance and happy ending.
I loved every single moment of it, from Joel's being a part of biker's family to Chases loud and well-meaning brothers. The way his whole family was playing matchmakers was hilarious.
I hope that we'll get Justin and Dylan story soon (and that there will be at least a little bit about Joel and Chase, because I NEED MORE!)
This is an AMAZING love story with great characters.
The whole story was lovely and I really wish it was LONGER. It was well written and I read it in (almost) one sitting. I couldn't put it down.
Chase and Joel's story is a proof that some lucky ppl get their second chance and happy ending.
I loved every single moment of it, from Joel's being a part of biker's family to Chases loud and well-meaning brothers. The way his whole family was playing matchmakers was hilarious.
I hope that we'll get Justin and Dylan story soon (and that there will be at least a little bit about Joel and Chase, because I NEED MORE!)
December 21, 2018
This was a pretty cute story of a professional baseball player who returns home when an accident ends his career. He had broken up with his boyfriend to play and now that he's home for good, the entire town is trying to get them back together.
Like I said, it was pretty cute, short and to the point. There's not a ton of romance or spice and I didn't really feel the attraction as much as I just heard from others in town that it was real.
Cute story, though.
Like I said, it was pretty cute, short and to the point. There's not a ton of romance or spice and I didn't really feel the attraction as much as I just heard from others in town that it was real.
Cute story, though.
December 9, 2018
Joel and Chase meet again after five years, but both are dancing around one another unsure of where they stand. Their families aren't confused though and keep pushing them together. Both have grown and become men in that time. I liked that when it's all laid out they both accepted responsibility for the ending of their relationship all those years ago. The side characters are fantastic. The ending was wonderful an left me longing for another book.
December 12, 2018
3.5 stars - I enjoyed this and I really do like Alex Jane’s writing style. She’s written some absolute gems in the past and so I’ve come to expect such a high standard from her stories, and this one was definitely an enjoyable Christmas read.
The two main characters were interesting and well written, and I found it easy to like them, especially Joel. I liked seeing them reconnect, I found it funny that the family and friends were so invested in getting them back together too!! Really, there was a lot to like here.
Sadly, the main thing that pulled the star rating down from a potentially higher one was the violence.
Without being too spoilery, I expected it to be a little fluffy and cute since it’s a holiday romance. And for the most part, it was. But then towards the end one of the guys seemed to do something that felt very out of character... he slaps the other MC across the face. And pretty hard, too. This causes a physical fight between them to break out. In my eyes that’s a big no no. And while it’s true that they’re big lads and can defend themselves, I didn’t like seeing a physical fight between them (a fight that escalated and ends with one shoving the other to the ground). It just didn’t sit right. I mean no one was seriously hurt, but it’s just something I myself hadn’t expected in this story. In grittier books I’ve been able to move past this kind of thing or at least not be surprised by it, but here I was a bit like “woah where did that come from?!” I sat down hoping for a sweet Christmas romance and it just took a turn I hadn’t expected.
All in all though, this was still a good, well written story. It’s ideal for a few hours in the evening, it’s festive, and Joel is delightful.
Also I absolutely LOVE that cover!
The two main characters were interesting and well written, and I found it easy to like them, especially Joel. I liked seeing them reconnect, I found it funny that the family and friends were so invested in getting them back together too!! Really, there was a lot to like here.
Sadly, the main thing that pulled the star rating down from a potentially higher one was the violence.
Without being too spoilery, I expected it to be a little fluffy and cute since it’s a holiday romance. And for the most part, it was. But then towards the end one of the guys seemed to do something that felt very out of character... he slaps the other MC across the face. And pretty hard, too. This causes a physical fight between them to break out. In my eyes that’s a big no no. And while it’s true that they’re big lads and can defend themselves, I didn’t like seeing a physical fight between them (a fight that escalated and ends with one shoving the other to the ground). It just didn’t sit right. I mean no one was seriously hurt, but it’s just something I myself hadn’t expected in this story. In grittier books I’ve been able to move past this kind of thing or at least not be surprised by it, but here I was a bit like “woah where did that come from?!” I sat down hoping for a sweet Christmas romance and it just took a turn I hadn’t expected.
All in all though, this was still a good, well written story. It’s ideal for a few hours in the evening, it’s festive, and Joel is delightful.
Also I absolutely LOVE that cover!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2024
Very enjoyable second chance romance. A cut above some of the other holiday romances I read this season, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
December 9, 2018
Love the sexual tension between these men in love, the second time around…
Chase has come home from his successful MLB career where he hid his proclivities for six long years. He left his only love, Joel behind when he went off to do great things. Now home b/c of a baseball accident, he’s wondering if there can ever be anything between he and Joel again. While working his families’ bar one night, Joel comes in and Chase notices, the spark is still there…for him anyway.
Joel has moved on in this small town. He’s become a tattooed, muscled MC guy, a far cry from the skinny fellow he was as a kid when he and Chase first became boyfriends. In those days Joel needed Chases’ protection but not any more and Chase likes the new look on Joel. He’s now respected in the community as a paramedic and little league coach. Can they rekindle those old feelings?
It is touching watching these two grown men trying to feel out the other’s intentions of getting back together. It’s Christmas and we all know that anything can happen at Christmas, especially if there’s enough tinsel…
Chase has come home from his successful MLB career where he hid his proclivities for six long years. He left his only love, Joel behind when he went off to do great things. Now home b/c of a baseball accident, he’s wondering if there can ever be anything between he and Joel again. While working his families’ bar one night, Joel comes in and Chase notices, the spark is still there…for him anyway.
Joel has moved on in this small town. He’s become a tattooed, muscled MC guy, a far cry from the skinny fellow he was as a kid when he and Chase first became boyfriends. In those days Joel needed Chases’ protection but not any more and Chase likes the new look on Joel. He’s now respected in the community as a paramedic and little league coach. Can they rekindle those old feelings?
It is touching watching these two grown men trying to feel out the other’s intentions of getting back together. It’s Christmas and we all know that anything can happen at Christmas, especially if there’s enough tinsel…
December 7, 2018
Thanks to Alex Jane for the ARC! This book was festive, short and sweet. Chase and Joel were a couple from high school through college--Chase was a baseball player who eventually goes pro and at aome point he and Joel call it quits. 6 years later, Chase is back in town not playing pro anymore because of an eye injury. He is kind of lost without it and sad too, living with his brother and his wife and son. Chase sees Joel and thinks Joel is not interested in talking to him because he has changed so much, now a paramedic full of tattoos and piercings. As they slowly begin to uncross their signals, their past feeling resurface. This is a super sweet, short Christmas love story. Joel is so adorable, in spite of being a pseudo-biker, and so is Chase the moody ex-pro ball player--they are perfect together.
December 7, 2018
💞Romance 🔥reignited under the ❄ frozen skies of the🎀 holidays⁉
December 7, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4.5 🌟stars
Excellent, short and sweet second chance MM🎀 holiday 💕romance with a dollop of 😉heat. The author is new to me and one I will seek again. It's well-written, has just enough secondary players to add a bit of depth to the story and character of the main protagonists, Chase and Joel, and provides some surprises, like the chosen profession of the high school weakling turned tatted biker. It is totally fine and complete, but I liked the characters and their journey so much I wish it had been a bit longer so I could linger with them and young nephew Justin.:-)
I read a complimentary advance copy of the story; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 7, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4.5 🌟stars
Excellent, short and sweet second chance MM🎀 holiday 💕romance with a dollop of 😉heat. The author is new to me and one I will seek again. It's well-written, has just enough secondary players to add a bit of depth to the story and character of the main protagonists, Chase and Joel, and provides some surprises, like the chosen profession of the high school weakling turned tatted biker. It is totally fine and complete, but I liked the characters and their journey so much I wish it had been a bit longer so I could linger with them and young nephew Justin.:-)
I read a complimentary advance copy of the story; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 7, 2018
This is a very well written novella that kept my interest for the few hours it took to read. Both main characters are extremely 3 dimensional, and I liked finding out about how the front cover picture inspired the story (and Joel).
I love a second chance romance. Even though this is a short story, I was pleased that there are all the steps needed to move realistically from meeting again to a HFN ending. The secondary characters are integral in helping them rediscover their love and they all combine to make this a fun read. I can see Justin with his own book in a couple of years time!
I own a couple more of this author's books, and they will now move to the top of my TBR pile!
I love a second chance romance. Even though this is a short story, I was pleased that there are all the steps needed to move realistically from meeting again to a HFN ending. The secondary characters are integral in helping them rediscover their love and they all combine to make this a fun read. I can see Justin with his own book in a couple of years time!
I own a couple more of this author's books, and they will now move to the top of my TBR pile!
December 9, 2018
I love this short and sweet story! It is well-written, has a great family dynamic and amazing characters. Even though Chase and Joel broke up years earlier neither of them has moved on and when Chase returns home they are pushed together by well-meaning and interfering friends and family. Their strong connection and history together could help them move forward and forgive what happened in the past. I love the secondary characters, the ending is great and I hope Justin will get his own story in the future. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
December 18, 2018
Back from the show
This was such an amazing second chance story! Joel and Chase broke up six years ago when Chase went pro in baseball, but now with Chase dropping out from injury he is suddenly back home with the two seeing each other again. As their respective families keep pushing them together it becomes clear that neither wanted to break up despite it happening. But regardless they did break up and finding their way back from that isn't easy, but is helped by a little Christmas magic. A beautiful short story!
This was such an amazing second chance story! Joel and Chase broke up six years ago when Chase went pro in baseball, but now with Chase dropping out from injury he is suddenly back home with the two seeing each other again. As their respective families keep pushing them together it becomes clear that neither wanted to break up despite it happening. But regardless they did break up and finding their way back from that isn't easy, but is helped by a little Christmas magic. A beautiful short story!
December 8, 2018
This Christmas-flavoured second-chance romance has all you can wish: interesting main characters for whom you really feel and want for them to find happiness; secondary characters who are amusing; a bit of angst, and a bit of sex :D
All of this delivered with great competence and a lovely writing style. An author to keep checking :D
All of this delivered with great competence and a lovely writing style. An author to keep checking :D
December 13, 2018
Oh yes indeed. I just love this sort of contemp romance, Joel and Chase used to be highschool boyfriends until Chase went to play baseball and left their small town behind. Now he's back and Joel is even more gorgeous than before and well, tinsel does actually fix everything.
Super wonderful, sweet and awkward at the same time.
Super wonderful, sweet and awkward at the same time.
December 19, 2018
Enjoyable Read
A nice second chances Christmas short (about 90 minutes reading time) with an interesting cast of characters. Could have done without the fighting. It's not the kind of physical I expect from main characters 😁
A nice second chances Christmas short (about 90 minutes reading time) with an interesting cast of characters. Could have done without the fighting. It's not the kind of physical I expect from main characters 😁
January 1, 2019
Communication fixes everything; sorely lacking here unfortunately. I've previously enjoyed Alex Jane's stories very much. This one was a miss for me. It's not long but it dragged on and the violence from one MC directed at the other at the end was a big no-no for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2019
I love this:
"For anyone wondering, this story was inspired by a picture of the tee shirt I imagine Joel to be wearing when Chase sees him at the bar for the first time. The logo featured a picture of a motorcycle under the words,
“You would be loud too if I was riding you.”
"For anyone wondering, this story was inspired by a picture of the tee shirt I imagine Joel to be wearing when Chase sees him at the bar for the first time. The logo featured a picture of a motorcycle under the words,
“You would be loud too if I was riding you.”
March 13, 2019
Such heartbreak and all unnecessary. Lack of communication will mess things up every time. But it's all about second chances and getting to know each other all over again. It's a good story. I really enjoyed it
February 2, 2019
only so-so
November 17, 2020
Chase had chosen baseball over the man he was in love with. Joel let him go. Both at fault for letting it happen. Chase gets injured and has to give up on his dream. Seeing Joel again sparks hope that maybe he hasn’t had to give everything after all.
Cute Christmas book. I wish it had been a little longer. I would of liked to see more of their reunion.
Definitely a feel good holiday story.
Cute Christmas book. I wish it had been a little longer. I would of liked to see more of their reunion.
Definitely a feel good holiday story.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews