Bite Me, Santa

by Brittany Cournoyer

A Snow Globe Christmas

The most wonderful time of year?

Maybe for others—but definitely not for me. Peppermint is disgusting, and don’t even get me started on how creepy I think nutcrackers are.

While others have visions of sugar plums doing some weird dancing in their heads, Christmas only pulls up memories I’d rather soon forget. But how can I do that when Christmas is being thrown at me from every direction? Especially now that I’m giving my Christmas loving co-worker Troy rides to and from work when he has car trouble.

When the gifts start to appear on my desk, the tiny burdens make it hard to forget about the date that is rapidly approaching on the calendar. And the more time I spend with Troy, the more I begin to realize that despite the bad memories, Christmas isn’t really so terrible, especially when it’s spent with someone I can’t seem to walk away from.

Will I finally be saying ho ho ho instead of telling Santa to bite me? Or will I forever remain the man who hates Christmas?

Although this book is part of A Snow Globe Christmas series, it is a complete stand alone and it isn’t a requirement that you read the previous book to follow along. We wish everyone a happy holiday season.

Genres: M M Romance, Christmas, Holiday, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, Humor

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2019

Reviews

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably closer to 3.75 stars but I felt a last minute surge of Holiday Cheer.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deck the halls with loads of bullshit, blah blah blah blah blah, the holidays could kiss my ass.
Oh my gah, the opening line and I almost peed myself from laughing so hard at this. This was a perfect way to open this book. Damn, Brittany. High five! Lol!!!
*snort* and then chapter 2......It’s beginning to look a lot like screw this. This book has made my day in just those few chapters. Too funny!!
Mercy. First, she makes me laugh my booty off with opening liners to the chapters like that and then she makes me sob. So Brittany. ;) . But this book was so good. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone, even when you think you are. There’s always at least one person that notices. And Reed is getting a holiday he’ll never forget.
As you can tell by the bold printed lines, Christmas is not a holiday for Reed. He hates it. It reminds him of times he love to forget. But what he doesn’t know, is that someone notices the sadness in him and wants to do what he can to make it better for Reed. When Troy starts talking more to Reed, Reed is shocked. But he’s also shocked at himself for noticing how attracted he is to the man. But someone keeps leaving presents on his desk and it’s making things that much harder for Reed. But somehow he and Troy start a friendship and he is noticing that the holidays aren’t quite as bad as they usually are. Maybe there is some magic to the holiday after all, or maybe it’s Troy. And maybe for once, things won’t turn out as bad as they usually do.
When I found out why Reed hates Christmas so bad, it broke my heart. But what I love, is no matter how bad Troy can see Reed wants to throw out the presents he’s leaving or something, he’s encouraged that he’s keeping them and wants to keep giving him something to make him smile or make things better. Troy never gives up. No matter how uncomfortable he can tell Reed is, he never gives up. He keeps trying to give Reed something. And to make sure Reed knows someone sees him. Sees he’s hurting and wants to make it better. I love Troy. And although most of the time, I’m bah humbug myself, seeing Troy made even me smile. And glad he didn’t give up on Reed.

http://lovebytesreviews.com/

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one and maybe more so since I had previously read a "scrooged" book that I just couldn't stand the MC. I say that because in this book even the MC was grumpy and didn't like Christmas I liked him. He wasn't a complete jerk and he wasn't completely self centered. So I really enjoyed watching him start to learn to enjoy Christmas again. It was a really good book for the length and I LOVED the chapter headings.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Bite Me, Santa is a snark-filled, slow thaw of a romance filled with one very serious and understandable scrooge, Reed, and a guy who could be a closeted elf, Troy. Author Brittany Cournoyer writes a sweet story that is filled with a little bit of holiday magic and a big dose of hurt/comfort, featuring two guys who could not be more different. Poor Reed—he has every right to despise the idea of Christmas and the story builds around the mystery of exactly what happened to him to make him feel like that. I will say I was worried the author might fail to deliver the traumatic event with enough severity to make Reed’s utter loathing of the holiday realistic—after all the entire novella built toward that reveal. My fears were unfounded, for once you read about Reed’s past, you will understand why he feels as he does and find it heartbreaking as well.

Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.

[Natalie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this one disappointed. From the title I was expecting a vampire Santa but nope, just wishful thinking. The shortest one in the series so far, with a lot of swearing. Favourite part was the little notes under each chapter. Otherwise pretty straight forward opposites attract secret Santa. The tree part made me cringe. Ugh allergies.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brittany Cournoyer's Bite Me, Santa is a sweet Christmas romance.

Reed's a total Christmas curmudgeon. He hates the Christmas atmosphere at work; the music, the decorations, etc. Basically he's a loner at work, one who only trusts himself. Until someone works their way into his life and heart.

This is a delightfully funny story of healing through the power love. It's always fun when this author writes a contemporary romance, as she usually writes dark stories.

Bite Me, Santa is totally a feel good Christmas romance. It's a perfect read to pick up when you want a short and sappy sweet holiday read.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just such an honestly lovely, heart-wrencher of a book, I loved it.

The author struck a perfect balance of tragic backstory with hopefulness, I was able to complete buy into an HEA for the MCs.

[Marthea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,25
Jak na dość krótki tekst, to całkiem niezła świąteczna opowieść, choć nie ukrywam, że pewnie by sporo zyskała, gdyby miała dwa razy tyle stron i drugi POV 😉 Bo jak w przyjaźń uwierzyłam, tak miałam spory problem z chłopakami jako parą. Ale czyta się błyskawicznie, bezproblemowo i całkiem przyjemnie.

[Erica]

I have mixed feelings about this one. Although I did mostly enjoy the story, Reed's grumpiness about the holiday season was a little OTT, no matter what his justification. The chapter headings were hilarious and amazing, but the dialogue was awkward and completely unrealistic. So, three stars it is.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, who in the world gets in their car, drives across the street and parks to visit their neighbor? Just askin'! Also, both guys have sedentary jobs and horrible eating habits, so... yes, exercise is going to be a MUST in their future! (Sex is exercise, right?) LOL!!!

There were some really obvious grammatical errors, but the emotional moments just push those to the back of your mind as you grab for a tissue... again and again! *sniff*

I felt for Reed so hard! Life can be so devastating and to have a traumatic loss as a child can be nearly impossible to move on from... I wish everyone had a Troy in their lives!

*I understand the whole "candy cane" thing, but man I really hate the taste of those little suckers! :(

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the chapter titles -- they had me singing new lyrics to Christmas songs and laughing. Reed is a fantastic grump for most of the story, and Troy is adorably happy in the holiday spirit. Yes, there's a sad reason for Reed's attitude, but it was glossed over pretty quickly after he finally tells Troy his history. That worked out ok for something this short, but I think I would've felt underwhelmed if this had been a longer book, hoping for some more emotional connection between the two of them. Still, it was an enjoyable little tale.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor Reed, hasn’t had a reason to enjoys Christmas since he was a child and it’s been hard knocks ever since. Troy does everything he can think of to get Reed into the spirit of Christmas and gain his friendship. I thought the story was cute even if Reed’s pain felt a little drug out and he had a very quick turnaround (like overnight) and it’s just unrealistic. It was short and a bit heartwarming but I didn’t feel a great connection to the characters.

I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read.

A Christmas Scrooge gets a secret Santa and a new friend to help give him a happier Christmas than he’s had in a long time. I liked the premise and the characters. Low on the heat scale with just a partial scene spicing things up.

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bah humbug

Poor Reed, I felt so sorry for him. No wonder he hated Christmas so much. Troy is just a sweet breath of fresh air, really, and one that Reed dearly needs.

[Dawn Siemer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my thing

You know how sometimes a character knows something--something important to the character that makes them who they are? Sometimes, that character will think about what they know but the author won't reveal what happened to the reader because it's supposed to be a mystery. I hate that so much, and that's pretty much what the whole book is.

The characters are boring. The sex is abrupt and unsatisfying (If you're going to write about the sex, I like a bit of foreplay). The plot is mostly predictable, but is Christmassy and suitably romantic.

[MiaReadsMMBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun novella that had me giggling a fair bit as like Reed, I'm one of *those* "Christmas is the other c-word" type people, and his dogged determination to hate all things Christmas was rather familiar (although my reasons are purely that I worked retail too long during my uni years and I still haven't recovered from that hell 20 years later).
🎅
The whole premise of this story is decidedly cute, the way Troy wriggles his way into Reed's life is both clever and sweet, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way the tension between the two MCs was slowly built towards the inevitable "oh" moment (which was a delight to read because this *is* a slow-burn romance). For as much a I'm a bah-humbug Christmas person I do love me a Christmas romance and this one shakes all the snowglobes.
👬
4.5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌛

Merged review:

A fun novella that had me giggling a fair bit as like Reed, I'm one of *those* "Christmas is the other c-word" type people, and his dogged determination to hate all things Christmas was rather familiar (although my reasons are purely that I worked retail too long during my uni years and I still haven't recovered from that hell 20 years later).
🎅
The whole premise of this story is decidedly cute, the way Troy wriggles his way into Reed's life is both clever and sweet, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way the tension between the two MCs was slowly built towards the inevitable "oh" moment (which was a delight to read because this *is* a slow-burn romance). For as much a I'm a bah-humbug Christmas person I do love me a Christmas romance and this one shakes all the snowglobes.
👬
4.5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌛

[Renée]

I probably fall closer to the grinch-ian end of the holidays, mostly because I'm not super into "stuff"? I can appreciate a carol or snow or nice lights and the smell of the holidays. But I don't like wallowing through a bunch of seasonal holiday objects, especially a bunch of tacky things people tend to throw away seasonally as well. See, look at me poopooing on people's good time. At the start of this book I was very worried we were just going to have someone foisting capitalist tchotchkes on someone else in the name of holiday spirit. That did happen a little bit, but it was mostly done out of caring, not like trying to make them conform, so eventually I was fine with it even though I scoffed almost as much as the main character about the overwhelming holiday decorations.

This is pretty light and airy really, and very short. The dialogue is ok, but could use some work along with the character's chemistry. I just read it a couple days ago and honestly I forgot some of it already. So, if you're looking for some fluff with a sob story about a sad past woven through, here is your book. The sad story is sad, but it's kinda melodramatic so even though you care, it won't rip your heart out or anything.

I will give the story extra points for not having the default "I'm going to cook you a meal" be eggplant parmesan. Spoiler, it was pizza casserole.

One super weird quibble, the characters spend so much of their time driving. Like they live in apts across the road from each other and drive back and forth. WHO DOES THAT? I mean it's cold and snowy, so maybe if you're like carrying something, but like walk your ass across the road sir.

[Carol Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the most wonderful time of the year, especially for Christmas books. 

Bite Me, Santa, was a really fun book to read. It had me giggling at least once in each chapter. Both main characters, Reed and Troy, were well developed. It being a novella, I was expecting to not know a whole lot about the characters and their background. But, Brittany Cournoyer managed to give us so much detail in this book that I felt it was easy to connect with them both on a deeper level. (Even Reed, and I FREAKING LOVE Christmas).

The storyline was really good. We mostly see from Reed's point of view but that only makes the ending that much sweeter. 

I really loved the quotes under each chapter title. They had me giggling and I may or may not have sung the melody to each one. :D 

I had to check my Goodreads, but it turns out that this is the first of Brittany's books that I've read. I couldn't believe it. But, that's about to change. I've already added the first book to the Personal Protectors series!!! :P 

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peppermint kisses

Brittany Cournoyer, I’ll have you know I sang everyone of your chapter titles and also plan to sing these versions from now on. I think Reed is a lovable grump with an entertaining inner dialogue and while I agree with him on music, I think he’s missing out when it comes to peppermint. His Secret Santa mystery tickles me as does Troy’s TP problem, Reed’s aversion to nutcrackers. In addition, now I know what to give people as a gift, soap.

Oh Reed, you break my heart and I want to wrap you in a warm, fuzzy blanket and never let go. “I saw you. I still see you.” I adore how Troy brings cheer into Reed’s life and helps him find beauty again. Also, Troy has awesome taste in movies. Full of amusing and sarcastic zingers but also very touching and heartwarming moments, this book will make you believe in the magic of Christmas.

[lk714 · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 85%. That's right. I made it that far and STILL couldn't do it. I stopped at 6%, then 9%, then 16% then skimmed to 65% bc you really can do that and miss nothing. What was even up with this story? I am completely shocked that this author was included in this series because yikes. Terrible, terrible story with zero development. By 16%, the MC has said he hates Christmas because of his "dark past" EVERY TWO PAGES on my CELL PHONE KINDLE. Tooooooo much. (Not even a unique dark past or even a dark past at all.) And way too many details about stupid things. (The process of making coffee is described in detail three times by 9%) I really think this may because one of the dumbest, least thought out/developed "books" I have ever read. I wish zero stars was an option because one star is still a star.

[Tam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really connect with this one but it's sweet. Reed has good reasons for not enjoying Christmas and but he's focused on doing his job, studying to be a social worker and ignoring his annoying coworkers. Until one day various gifts start showing up on his desk, which he doesn't have quite the heart to toss and he starts noticing his good looking coworker Troy and almost against his own brain he offers to give Troy a ride to and from work when his car dies. Before long he's made a friend and is getting exposed to Christmas via enthusiastic Troy.

I'm not sure why I didn't connect but I never felt any great passion between them and they don't really get together until the very end, but it was sweet.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting story with some great moments but also a few not great moments. The pace is pretty slow until the end where it is a bit rushed. I like Reed and how snarky he is but I wish we knew his background from the beginning as his attitude would have made a lot more sense instead of being difficult to understand. Troy is also likeable and I love how he tries to make Reed's Christmas more enjoyable in such a sweet way. They are pretty cute together but I want more of a connection between them. The ending is okay but overall this just didn't come together as a cohesive story for me.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lonely Scrooge

A sweet short of a Scrooge and a Christmas lover connecting over the holidays. Reed hates the holidays and spends it alone, but that isn't much different from usual. He has closed himself off and lives a fairly solitary life, despite working in a busy and social workplace. When his coworker Troy starts speaking with him and working his way into his life Reed realizes all he has missed alone. When Troy brings Reed along on his favourite Christmas activities and gives them new life Reed starts to open up and may be finally willing to bring down his walls and talk about just why he hates the "most wonderful time of the year".

[Jozey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. Good little story!!!

Contains: relationship between colleague, christmas, secret santa, a broken car and a new friendship.

Cute little Christmas story filled with grinch character. A Christmas lover who tries to convince the office grinch that Christmas is a time of joy. The main MC doesn't like Christmas and he has his reasons that we learn towards the end.
The author shares with you a lot of emotions that might even bring tears to your eyes.
Remove 2 stars. 1 because I always had to guess in which pov each chapter was. And another one because it could have been so much more.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed hates Christmas and he keeps his secrets deep inside as to why. Troy loves Christmas. Nothing can hold back his goodwill and Christmas cheer. Noticing that Reed obviously doesn't like Christmas, he sets out to change his mind. Reed buries himself in homework from his online classes, trying to escape behind the facade of "I'm too busy for all this hoop-la that goes on this time of year. As Troy pushes Reed into Christmas activities, the icy edges of Reed's heart starts to melt. Now it is up to Troy's magic and the "Spirit of Christmas" to make his Christmas bright.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎁 Laying siege to a Scrooge: cute and festive office romance😊
4.5🌟stars
I really enjoyed it and the length was just right. The story is mostly sweet, with officemate Troy holiday enthusiasm personified and Reed mysteriously down about all things Christmas. I loved Reed's grudging transformation and the eventual reveal of the reason he studiously avoids all the trappings of the season. Strangers to camaraderie and then ... Healing and an 🎉 HEA for the guys in the call center!😉💕,

I read a complimentary advance copy of the story; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed dislikes everything about Christmas from candy canes to lights to Christmas trees and would like to forget about the holidays altogether, yet something stirs in him as he speaks to his co-worker, Troy. The only person in the company he does speak to. He then starts to notice things about Troy, such as the color of his hair, and he finds himself offering to drive him to and from work when Troy's car breaks down. I enjoyed reading how Troy breaks down Reed's walls and the love they find with each other. A lovely read!!

[... · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this was... something. A 2.5☆ maybe? I feel like I've tried this author before and have always found her writing to be very awkward and lacking in emotion, leaning heavily on tell-not-show. This book was no different, but I stuck it out because now I'm in the mood for Christmas stories and its too early in the season for the fresh crop to be out 🤣 Honestly, though, Reed was unpleasant all around, and I have no idea what Troy saw in him 🤷‍♀️ ...and yet I still finished it and enjoyed the grinch grows a heart trope, because CHRISTMAS!!! 🤣🎄🎅

[D.L. Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fluffy Christmas love for any scrooge

A cute and fluffy read. Reed is a scrooge after something awful happened to him when he was a child, but enter cute and Christmas loving Troy. Will Troy be able show sarcastic Reed the magic of Christmas?

I wished the book was longer. I loved the banter between both characters, but felt like we didn't really get to know them because the book was short.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bite Me, Santa by Brittany Cournoyer is the seventh book in the Snow Globe Christmas series but definitely can be read as a standalone. It is a short contemporary m/m romance between coworkers with a holiday scrooge twist. The story is interesting and entertaining - a fun read - with characters that keep you reading and caring about them. Highly enjoyable and made me smile.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.