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Once Upon a Holiday #2

Once Upon a New Year

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Roman Frost is barely surviving.

Every day of his life since the accident that left him scarred and disfigured has been one disaster after the next. Every year is another reminder that he should be dead. All he wants is to be left alone in his secluded manor home but of course his beloved nephews think differently.

They’re convinced what he needs is a restart and what better time for a new beginning than at the start of a new year?

Ash Beaumont isn’t what Roman expected when his nephews sent him an assistant. He’s young and bold and he isn’t intimidated by Roman’s scars or his scowls. He doesn’t pander and he doesn’t back down. He’s a breath of fresh air and the more time Roman spends with him, the more he remembers what its like to really live.

The season of change is full possibilities. Ash brings light into Roman’s dark life. But is Roman brave enough to step from his shadow and back into the world or is his relationship with Ash just another disaster waiting to happen?

101 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2019

24 people are currently reading
78 people want to read

About the author

Jess Bryant

42 books584 followers
Jess Bryant is an avid indoorswoman. A city girl trapped in a country girl's life, her heart resides in Dallas but her soul and roots are in small town Oklahoma. She enjoys manicures, the color pink, and her completely impractical for country life stilettos. She believes that hair color is a legitimate form of therapy, as is reading and writing romance. She started writing as a little girl but her life changed forever when she stole a book from her aunt's Harlequin collection and she's been creating love stories with happily ever afters ever since.

Jess holds a degree in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma and is a lifetime supporter of her school and athletic teams. And why not? They have a ton of National Championships! She may be a girlie girl but she knows her sports stats and isn't afraid to tell you that your school isn't as cool as hers... or that your sports romance got it all wrong.

For more information on Jess and upcoming releases, contact her at JessBryantBooks@gmail.com or follow her on her many social media accounts for news and shenanigans.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,036 reviews25.3k followers
December 30, 2019
Once Upon a New Year is a stand alone M/M novella by Jess Bryant. One of the two main characters, Roman Frost, is the uncle of Gibson Frost whom you met in the previous book, Once Upon a December. But, it is not required to have read the previous book. I haven’t read it yet myself.



Roman Frost started the cyber-security division of Frost Financial. Several years ago, Roman was in a serious accident. His body is now scarred as is his heart. He lives alone as a recluse in his home, Stone Creek Manor.



Roman’s three nephews have decided that their uncle needs an assistant. Someone that can draw him out. Because they fear that if their uncle retreats any further, they’ll never get him out of that house again.

Ash Beaumont had been warned by the men who hired him that working for their uncle would be difficult. But, he was not prepared for the beauty of the man who answered the door. Or for the anger when he realized that Ash had been sent to work for him.

“He was what he was. He was a scarred, ugly, damaged man that nobody would want in that way ever again.”

Image result for scarred man with long hair

To say that Ash and Roman had a rocky start would be an understatement. The attraction they felt to each other was immediate and strong. But Roman had accepted years before that he was always going to be alone. That no one would ever be anything other than repulsed by him. That he didn’t deserve love or happiness. The longer he was around Ash, though, he began to feel small amounts of hope.



This is a short sweet, sexy story of a man who had given up on having any sort of life. But when Ash comes into his life, he helps him to see that he can be more, have more. I enjoyed this so much and it definitely makes me want to go back and read Gibson’s story. This is the third book I’ve read by this author and there will definitely be more in my future.

For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for Bex_Book_Revieux.
812 reviews57 followers
December 9, 2019
Roman and Ash are a match made in heaven!!

When Ash is late to Romans house for a job he fires him, telling the younger man that it couldn't have been that important or Ash would have been on time.

Ash figures out that a lot of Romans reasons for lashing out include the pain, sorrow, and guilt he's been feeling for years since his brothers and sister in-law died in a car accident rendering Romans nephews orphans, and that Roman has to forgive himself before he's able to move on.

Jess Bryant writes some of the sweetest, spiciest M/M novels I've ever enjoyed. She also takes her role as an ally seriously, which is evident in her portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. I can't WAIT to get my grabby hands on Once Upon a Valentine!

Merged review:

When Ash is late to Romans house for a job he fires him, telling the younger man that it couldn't have been that important or Ash would have been on time.

Ash figures out that a lot of Romans reasons for lashing out include the pain, sorrow, and guilt he's been feeling for years since his brothers and sister in-law died in a car accident rendering Romans nephews orphans, and that Roman has to forgive himself before he's able to move on.

Jess Bryant writes some of the sweetest, spiciest M/M novels I've ever enjoyed. She also takes her role as an ally seriously, which is evident in her portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. I can't WAIT to get my grabby hands on Once Upon a Valentine!
Profile Image for Michelle Claypot_Reads.
2,513 reviews61 followers
December 31, 2019
What else do you read on NYE but a NYE novella .

Roman and Ash are a fantastic story. I love well written M/M that gives me emotions to go with my delicious heat. Great chemistry, heartfelt dialogue and this one had me hooked.
Profile Image for Anke.
2,505 reviews97 followers
dnf
December 29, 2019
Made it up to 17%, but that's about it. The first chapter was totally hare-brained and it didn't get better.
Profile Image for Jenny.
568 reviews29 followers
December 7, 2019
This has so many nods to one of my favorite fairytales: Beauty and the Beast. I love Ash and Roman’s story so much. Ash is hired as Roman’s assistant and Ash moves in to Roman’s mansion. Ash is really adorable but really stubborn, he sees more in Roman and recognizes the kind, loving man beneath the gruff. Ash is a pretty resilient guy for putting up with Roman’s antics. Eventually Ash does what no one else has managed to do, confront Roman, sparks fly and these two realize they have something amazing! ❤️
Profile Image for Jamie Lee Zonneveld.
1,685 reviews51 followers
December 22, 2019
Once Upon a New Year by Jess Bryant is a M/M Holiday Novella and the second novella about a member of the Frost family. This second story is about Roman, the Frost brother's uncle who was left scarred because of an accident and never leaves his home, and Ash Beaumont, Roman's new assistant. I loved their story. Can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Victoria.
27 reviews
February 20, 2020
Middling

The story moved too abruptly from absolute rage between the main characters to mushy overly sweet love with nothing in between. Was Ash average height or tall? Seemed to switch 2/3rds through the story at the same time his personality disappeared. Premise was good, execution off.
Profile Image for Christine .
1,161 reviews61 followers
January 8, 2021
Roman Frost is everything I love in a hero. The fact he is so broken and living a dark self-imposed life was so sad. I did not pity Roman Frost; I was heartbroken for him. For years, he has lived in seclusion in his lonely mansion preferring no contact from the outside world. His nephews have decided Roman needs to have his dark bubble of existence breeched. So they hire Roman an assistant. I won't go into details because this is a quick read. I can tell you this book has plenty of emotion and the chemistry between Ash and Roman was scorching hot. Not to mention their relationship did not start off well. No, not at all. I will also tell you that both Ash and Roman are two wonderful characters. I was so pleased that the author packed this short book will so many feels and the sweetest of endings. 'Sighing loudly right now as I recall Ash and Roman's sweetest moments.'

I definitely recommend this book! I am looking forward to the next Frost's story coming soon!

This is my honest and unbiased review and I thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
Profile Image for Kari.
889 reviews85 followers
January 1, 2025
This was a Beauty and the Beast type of story, and it takes place in January a few days after New Year’s Eve. Ash goes to work for Roman. He was hired by Roman’s nephews to help him as an assistant with his work and day-to-day activities. Roman is a grouch because he has facial scars from a car accident. His brother and sister-in-law died in the accident and Roman has all these conflicting feelings and thoughts, including survivor guilt. He’s horrible to Ash at the beginning because of his insecurities. He can’t believe that Ash, who he describes as beautiful, would in any way be interested in someone like him. Ash is very smart though, he sees through all of Roman’s anxieties and bad moods, and he slowly unveils the wonderful man hiding behind the scars. They end up falling in love. The first book in the series is about one of Roman’s nephews, and I think the two books that follow also focus on the nephews. It could’ve been a longer book, it certainly felt like a novella as I was reading it. I will probably grab the other books in the series at some point, starting with the first book about Gibson and Felix since they both appear in this one.
Profile Image for Jessica S.
120 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2025
This book was a pleasant surprise. I’m not usually a fan of age-gap but these two were so cute, despite the rocky start.

Rory was in a car accident that has left his scarred and disfigured. As a result he’s shut himself away not really having any contact with anyone except for his three nephews. He’s given up on the idea of love or sex, as who could want him how he is?

Enter Ash Beaumont, hired by Rory’s nephew to be Rory’s new assistant. Ash reminds Rory of everything he can’t have and so he tries to push Ash away.

This was a sweet story. I really felt for Rory even when he was being a complete ass. Ash is a treasure for putting up with him, seeing through his act and breaking down his walls bit by bit. The scene where Rory has a panic attack at the thought of leaving the house and Ash releases his anger to comfort him really got me.

This is a novella but it felt the perfect length . Jess mentioned she was inspired by Beauty and the Beast and it certainly has those vibes. Jess is obviously a talented writer. The story flowed well with great pacing. I look forward to reading more from her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jozey.
736 reviews8 followers
November 6, 2021
It's great!

Someone is hurting and is making is own life miserable because of it. Until a beautiful boy appears and saw right through his own guard.

This book is really strong on the emotion side, the guilty syndrome, the self-esteem of himself. Yes the oldest character always talk about his boy, but if you're not into that dont worry because he only use it as name, there is NO daddy-boy kink. One minus, I dont like the unprotected intercourse as if having unprotected sexy time is a symbole of true love... no it's a symbole of stupidity as in early in the book he confess he was paying someone for that before.

Contains: age gap, low self esteem, angry, outbust, hurtfull word, becoming a better version of yourself for you partner.
Profile Image for Donna.
3,359 reviews42 followers
December 21, 2021
This story just yelled out for about another 5o pages or so! We needed details! We needed the holes filled with information that would give us a full view of what was happening and why it happened and how it happened!

Other than that this was a wonderful story with characters that I feel probably would be a great addition to any family! We could all use a few more kind, caring relatives... just sayin'! *grin*
Profile Image for Nicole Chu.
213 reviews3 followers
May 24, 2020
OMG!

Wow I loved Gibson and Felix but dang Ash and Roman were fire! I love how Ash forced Roman to open his mind and heart. Once again Jess does a beautiful job at unraveling this stunning love story! Bring on more Frost boys!!!!
Profile Image for Shannon Stuckey.
717 reviews23 followers
September 13, 2021
Must read!

Once Upon a New Year is a great quick read and new take on one of my favorite stories, Beauty and the Beast. I absolutely loved Roman and Ash and could not get enough of these two!
28 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2023
Out of a family tragedy comes love

I enjoyed the closeness of the family and them never giving up on their uncle. Easy book to get into and I will be adding this author to my favourites list.
604 reviews35 followers
February 11, 2024
Cute

This was a cute, fast-paced May/December romance. Apparently its book two in a series, but I didn't feel like I missed anything from starting here. A quick read, nothing special.
269 reviews4 followers
November 25, 2023
Wish it was longer. I wanted more!

Ash is so delightful as a character that I was sad for the book to end. I wanted another four or five chapters to enjoy the story.
Profile Image for Felipe.
343 reviews
December 30, 2021
3.5 because I am an absolute sucker for anything vaguely Beauty and the Beast esque. Liked it better than the first, definitely.

A very quick potato chip kinda read, so why not?
Profile Image for kadairh.
282 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2024
DNF (7%)

Like the plot but unfortunately found the initial chapter overly dramatic and wordy in setting the scene, so decided not to persevere.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews360 followers
December 29, 2019
Roman Frost had started the cyber-security division of Frost Financial so his family could see he was still functioning. But his nephews knew they couldn’t let him retreat any further into himself or he would never come back to them. He really did need human interaction to pull him out of his despair, whether he wanted it or not!

The new assistant his nephew, Gibson, sent over for the job interview was already thirty minutes late, giving Roman the justification for why this won’t work – so he is ready to fire Ash Beaumont before they even meet! He needed his home to be his sanctuary and didn’t want the outside world forced on him. He craved his solitude and hated the stares and whispers when he was forced out around people. His scars made him a monster. Why had it been his brother, Dornan, and his sister-in-law, Gayle, who had died in the terrible accident? They had three sons who had needed them! Nobody had ever needed Roman – he should have been the one who died that night. But he was starting to worry about why Ash was not here, and he checked the traffic conditions across the city of Knights Port. The congestion of red lines indicated there had been a wreck! His mind filled immediately with every horrible memory of his own accident – the screams, the blood and death -- until the darkness had taken him away.

The sound of his doorbell dragged him back to the present and his anger flared that “she” forced him to worry like this. Having someone else to worry about would make his barely-functioning life even harder to maintain! He just didn’t want to feel anything. But when he opened the door, there was a young man on his hands and knees, his back end toward him! He stood up and spun around to face him, and Roman saw he was everything he had always loved about men – he was perfect in every way – until Roman saw his eyes open wide in shock and horror! But instead of the reaction being caused by his scars, it was his embarrassment for reaching for a package and knocking down a plant on the porch. He was scraping the soil back in the planter when Mr. Frost opened the door. And Ash was unprepared for the handsome and striking man who scowled at him. Roman knew he could not let this gorgeous young man stay, so he fired him on the spot for being late and not calling. When Ash tried to explain, he would not allow it, and was surprised when Ash didn’t back down – another thing that attracted him! Roman quickly went inside and locked the door on Ash.

Gibson, anticipating his uncle’s behavior, was already driving up to the house to help Ash out. He used his key and went right after Roman, explaining he could not fire Ash when it had been Gibson who hired him. So Ash is Roman’s assistant and moves into the mansion. Ash won’t give up on him. He sees the real Roman, a good man and worth the effort, though sometimes the effort can be painful. But when Ash commits to Roman, he is in it for forever – if Roman will see the truth and let him in.

This is an incredible book that will share the joy and happiness, the fears and trust, and you may find yourself reading it with tears in your eyes – both the happy ones, and the sad. The book is all about love, for family, for friends, for all the people who touch our lives. It’s definitely a keeper!
Profile Image for Mx Phoebe.
1,446 reviews
December 31, 2019
A scarred man living in seclusion has an attractive young assistant foisted upon him - can new year miracles happen?

Roman Frost used to be a party animal until an accident made him a surrogate to his brother’s three children. Now he is a recluse of his own making due to his scars and guilt. His nephews, on the other hand, are determined to pull him into the outside world.

Enter young, handsome, and smart Ash Beaumont. He is everything that Roman used to desire and chase. Now he has to confront his desires every day making for an interesting living arrangement. Did I forget to mention that Ash is a live-in assistant?

Or that Ash can see beyond Roman’s physical scars? Things are heating up in the Frost household.

I loved this fairy tale retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” in Once Upon A New Year (Blue Lemon Press, 2019) by Jess Bryant. I would have to say this is one of my top ten favorite romances of the year.

Frost may seem like he is cold, but he is anything but ice. Bryant does not shy away from making an alpha male someone with a heart. Ash is extremely funny and in many ways the complete opposite of Frost. Two are fiery, complex, and their chemistry can make you squirm.

Start your New Year off right with Frost and Ash. You cannot go wrong with this happily-ever-after. ✶✶✶✶

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
4,872 reviews18 followers
January 2, 2020
Scarred, damaged broken, but he's a survivor! Roman is still emotionally as well as physically scarred from the accident and suffering from survivor's guilt.. Gibson thought roman neded an assistant, so he had Dawson, the baby deliver the news. Ash, Beau's brother was sent to be an assistant to Roman while drawing him out of his misery into the world. Roman felt himself ugly and scarred and didn't see the beauty Ash saw. Before he was scarred, Roman was a playa who enjoyed men. After the accident he was virtually celibate. One sighting of Ash and he woke up again. Now Roman is fighting his own inner demons and his attraction to Ash. Ash sees the scars, but doesn't let that define Roman. Roman constantly lets his fears and guilt speak for himself. Can Ash reach Roman? Will Roman put his demons to rest? Can Roman finally forgive himself for surviving the crash? This is a warm loving story because you can feel Roman's pain and struggle and Ash's absolute Grace and love. Well done! The Frost family is stronger because of their tragedy. I received this ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
660 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2020
Roman Frost has been in his house since the accident that took his brother and his brothers wife. Roman has help raise his nephews as best as he can. Ash Beaumont has come to be Romans assistant. Roman refuses to let Ash stay. When Ash calls Gibson, Gibson shows up and tells his uncle that Ash is staying to help him and that is final. After several weeks together Ash and Roman are still having fits and not seeing on the same page. After dinner one night there is a big disaster and Ash runs to his room. Later that night Ash and Roman find common ground. Roman is still afraid to go out in public. What will happen when Roman and Ash get asked to Gibson's house for a dinner party for Valentine's Day?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
January 15, 2020
This is amusing, romantic and sweet. Roman is a snarky, grumpy recluse who wants to be left alone. Ash is a determined, sassy and engaging man who is hired by Roman's nephew to be Roman's assistant. Roman starts their relationship by being condescending and hurtful, trying to make Ash go away. But Ash doesn't leave, he gets Roman to loosen up a little, and stop barking all the time. Until Ash kisses Roman, then Roman gets mean and constantly snaps at Ash. Ash is determined to break Roman out of his cold facade, Roman is determined to drive Ash away. They have their fights, but they also have their soft moments. It's a great story, and I hope that all the characters get their own story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Profile Image for Mary Mary.
1,034 reviews49 followers
December 26, 2019
This is a lovely short story that is simply a retelling of beauty and the beast. It is a MM romance with enemies-to-lovers theme.
It is very fast paced and I got sucked into the story right from the start. Ash is adorable and sweet and it was great to see Roman finding love and getting his life back :)
This novella is sexy and funny. The chemistry between Ash and Roman is awesome and it was obvious that they were meant to be together right from their first meeting.

It was my first book by this author and I love her storytelling, it's really good. I can't wait to read more books about Frost brothers.

* I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. *
1,719 reviews14 followers
December 20, 2019
I have to say I adored Ash’s spunk. His strength and his courage made him the perfect fit for Roman. The relationship kept you reading, whether it was antagonistic, hostile or warm and fuzzy. Reading about another of the Frost boys while hoping, and finally getting, another lovely HEA was great. This story, though the drama came from within the actual relationship, was very engaging. Your sympathy was wrapped around Ash while your heart hurt for Mason, as well. It was easy to enjoy this story because it gave you a happiness as our heroes found themselves wrapped around one another’s heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Latecia Jennings.
2,332 reviews10 followers
January 2, 2020
Jess Bryant delivers on this sweet romance. The reclusive Roman and the energetic Ash clashed in the beginning. Roman with his insecurities and Ash wanting to show him that he is worthy of love. Their working relationship developed into a romantic relationship. It was nice to see the two come to an understanding and confess their love for one another. Their chemistry was off the charts and their romance was sweet.Roman found his reason to keep going in Ash and Ash found his home with Roman. I'm truly a fan and cannot wait to read Branson's story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gemma.
Author 7 books112 followers
November 29, 2019
Jess Bryant writes some of my favorite MM stories, and Once Upon A New Year has just been added to that list. Roman's nephew's meddling brings Ash into his life. Roman is the perfect grumpy hero who just can't fight what the heart wants. This novella really brings a lot - hope, love, second chances and definitely some heat! I highly recommend it!

*ARC provided to me in exchange for an honest review*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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