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Simple After All
Noah Fiore, contracts attorney and dedicated curmudgeon, spends every Christmas with his family on the shore of Lake Superior. It's practically tradition for his sister to invite some lonely acquaintance along for the festivities.
But this year's guest is no pity case. Riley Coto is a friend, whose warmth and charm instantly win over the collective hearts of the Fiore family—all except Noah, who remains as dour and unapproachable as ever.
Riley finds himself inexplicably drawn to Noah. Something tells him there's more to the man than stubborn work ethic and bad attitude. With Christmas fast approaching, Riley is falling for Noah, and there's nothing simple about that.
But this year's guest is no pity case. Riley Coto is a friend, whose warmth and charm instantly win over the collective hearts of the Fiore family—all except Noah, who remains as dour and unapproachable as ever.
Riley finds himself inexplicably drawn to Noah. Something tells him there's more to the man than stubborn work ethic and bad attitude. With Christmas fast approaching, Riley is falling for Noah, and there's nothing simple about that.
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First published December 1, 2016
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73 people want to read
About the author
Yolande Kleinn
62 books36 followersYolande Kleinn is a shameless dreamer, a stubborn optimist, and a purveyor of erotic romance. Excitable, fastidious and just a little eclectic, she spends every spare moment writing the stories she wants to read. If she can drag other people into the pool along with her, then so much the better.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 27, 2023
Cute and short Christmassy book with a grumpy/sunshine trope. Enjoyable but nothing to wrote home about.
December 29, 2017
4 Stars
YES! A grumpy, introverted MC that isn't "redeemed" and doesn't suddenly have a personality transplant because Tru Luv or Holiday Feelz. Sure, he has trust issues and doesn't want to get close to someone for fear of being rejected, of being hurt...but he doesn't have to fake a smile or whatnot trying to lure a man into being with him. Because that kind of subterfuge would be exhausting to keep up and ultimately lead to failure. Because he isn't broken. He's still loving & thoughtful, he's still family-oriented, he's still loyal, he's still sexy & romantic, he's still devoted to his job...he's just not a jolly person. And that's okay. <3<3<3<3
YES! A grumpy, introverted MC that isn't "redeemed" and doesn't suddenly have a personality transplant because Tru Luv or Holiday Feelz. Sure, he has trust issues and doesn't want to get close to someone for fear of being rejected, of being hurt...but he doesn't have to fake a smile or whatnot trying to lure a man into being with him. Because that kind of subterfuge would be exhausting to keep up and ultimately lead to failure. Because he isn't broken. He's still loving & thoughtful, he's still family-oriented, he's still loyal, he's still sexy & romantic, he's still devoted to his job...he's just not a jolly person. And that's okay. <3<3<3<3
November 19, 2023
3.5 stars
Noah doesn't like the annual family Christmas get-together. Noah doesn't seem to like much, actually, and is definitely of the dour variety but he is dedicated to his family and so finds himself arriving at the house on the 15th for 10 days of reluctant celebrations.
Noah learns that his sister has brought yet another "stray" to Christmas, Riley, and initially keeps his distance but slowly finds himself somewhat infatuated with the ball of sunshine. There's a tentative step forward, a fumble, a catch, and I thought it was just enough development for a story of this length.
I liked the characters. They seemed realistic and well-fleshed out, and even though the novella takes place over only 10 days, I was pretty well convinced by their romance. They seem like opposites on paper but I think they worked nicely together, and I appreciated how Riley didn't feel the need to change Noah and make him less grumpy.
I can absolutely picture the scene, and I empathise with both of them. I've joined in on some big family Christmases as an interloper before and it can be overwhelming. As someone used to small gatherings (I can count my extended family on one hand), I have definitely been known to take a breather in the study, or hide by keeping busy in the kitchen.
The reader doesn't need to know the family members individually to convey the whirlwind of the event and I think Kleinn did a good job of showing a large cast without overwhelming me with names and traits.
Though I did enjoy this quite a bit, I found the ending a somewhat abrupt and wished the book was a bit longer. What would have closed it off perfectly for me (don't mind me over here writing my own alternate endings), would be for Noah to drop Riley home at the end of the trip, and them to part after scheduling a date or something. As it was, it left me hanging a bit.
Overall though, I enjoyed the characters, the setting, the writing style, and I'd recommend this for someone looking for a nice Christmas romance that's anything but cheesy.
Noah doesn't like the annual family Christmas get-together. Noah doesn't seem to like much, actually, and is definitely of the dour variety but he is dedicated to his family and so finds himself arriving at the house on the 15th for 10 days of reluctant celebrations.
Noah learns that his sister has brought yet another "stray" to Christmas, Riley, and initially keeps his distance but slowly finds himself somewhat infatuated with the ball of sunshine. There's a tentative step forward, a fumble, a catch, and I thought it was just enough development for a story of this length.
I liked the characters. They seemed realistic and well-fleshed out, and even though the novella takes place over only 10 days, I was pretty well convinced by their romance. They seem like opposites on paper but I think they worked nicely together, and I appreciated how Riley didn't feel the need to change Noah and make him less grumpy.
I can absolutely picture the scene, and I empathise with both of them. I've joined in on some big family Christmases as an interloper before and it can be overwhelming. As someone used to small gatherings (I can count my extended family on one hand), I have definitely been known to take a breather in the study, or hide by keeping busy in the kitchen.
The reader doesn't need to know the family members individually to convey the whirlwind of the event and I think Kleinn did a good job of showing a large cast without overwhelming me with names and traits.
Though I did enjoy this quite a bit, I found the ending a somewhat abrupt and wished the book was a bit longer. What would have closed it off perfectly for me (don't mind me over here writing my own alternate endings), would be for Noah to drop Riley home at the end of the trip, and them to part after scheduling a date or something. As it was, it left me hanging a bit.
Overall though, I enjoyed the characters, the setting, the writing style, and I'd recommend this for someone looking for a nice Christmas romance that's anything but cheesy.
October 20, 2017
Awww... I liked this one so much!
Mister grumpy Noah came home for holiday, and he found out Riley is different, and he wanted him.
But...you know, as an anti-social person, someone has to nudge him after all. And Riley is not a kind of guy who's easily giving up for rejection.
Well, fake rejection it seemed, because Noah wanted Riley just as much.
Nice, adorable story with family (nosy family too), and a HFN, with a promise for a HEA.
I like the writing style. This is my first book of this author, I'm sure I'll be looking for more.
* ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.*
Mister grumpy Noah came home for holiday, and he found out Riley is different, and he wanted him.
But...you know, as an anti-social person, someone has to nudge him after all. And Riley is not a kind of guy who's easily giving up for rejection.
Well, fake rejection it seemed, because Noah wanted Riley just as much.
Nice, adorable story with family (nosy family too), and a HFN, with a promise for a HEA.
I like the writing style. This is my first book of this author, I'm sure I'll be looking for more.
* ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.*
February 5, 2017
♥♥♥ Supercute Xmas story!!!!
Slow burn, a lot of chemistry between the main characters and lovely Xmas enviroment !!
I need to know more of them!!! Too short ;_;
Slow burn, a lot of chemistry between the main characters and lovely Xmas enviroment !!
I need to know more of them!!! Too short ;_;
November 16, 2020
What's not to love when you pair warm sunshine with a grumpy dark cloud? You get rainbows with fluffy unicorns galloping. Such a sweet short story for Christmas!
Read
November 28, 2016Full Unicorning every Sunday as the stories are released.
This is seriously my favorite time of year and I look forward to all the Merry Jizzmas so hard. I'm really loving this years stories, I'm basically having a daily squeefest of holiday overload.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
This is seriously my favorite time of year and I look forward to all the Merry Jizzmas so hard. I'm really loving this years stories, I'm basically having a daily squeefest of holiday overload.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
March 31, 2018
A cute story of the family grump who becomes intrigued by the stray his sister drags home for Christmas. I thought it was interesting that Noah took after his serious work - obsessed mother, usually it's like his father. Also the fact that he's not crabby because of some Christmas trauma. He's just always this way and doesn't become Mr. extrovert sunshine because of the guy.
January 7, 2017
Two characters with opposite dispositions and an outlook on life that could not be more different are at the center of this delightful Christmas story. Noah is gruff, unapproachable (or so he likes to make people think), and despises emotions - yet he is also dedicated to his family in a quiet and understated way. Riley is all sunshine and warmth, a natural people person – but he has no family of his own after they rejected him because he is gay. When the two of them meet at Noah’s family’s annual Christmas reunion/retreat, anything could happen and none of it is going to be simple.
Noah is used to his sister bringing a stranger along to the two-week family Christmas extravaganza in their house on the lake, but what he does not expect is for this stranger to be attractive, friendly, and not the usual “drifter” type at all. Noah finds himself drawn to Riley from the start, but he has no intention of giving in. His experience with relationships is dismal, everyone always runs as soon as they realize Noah really is as socially inept as he seems. And while Noah would never admit this, he has a soft inner core and hurts as much as anyone else when he is rejected.
Riley works hard to make his catering business a success, and since his family rejected him when he came out to them, he has not had a family Christmas in years. So when his friend invites him to come along to join hers, he decides he deserves a Christmas off for once, and comes with her. Nothing could have prepared him for the chaos, many new faces, and sheer warmth of Noah’s family. But the one man who interests him most is Noah, gruff exterior or not. Riley is drawn to him, and in his quiet, unassuming way, he begins to help Noah realize that attraction and feelings may be a lot simpler than he thought.
If you like emotionally withdrawn men and watching them come out of their shell when the right guy comes along, if you want to see how a large family can affect even strangers, and if you’re looking for a read full of Christmas traditions, warmth, and a wonderfully quiet, yet passionate romance, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Noah is used to his sister bringing a stranger along to the two-week family Christmas extravaganza in their house on the lake, but what he does not expect is for this stranger to be attractive, friendly, and not the usual “drifter” type at all. Noah finds himself drawn to Riley from the start, but he has no intention of giving in. His experience with relationships is dismal, everyone always runs as soon as they realize Noah really is as socially inept as he seems. And while Noah would never admit this, he has a soft inner core and hurts as much as anyone else when he is rejected.
Riley works hard to make his catering business a success, and since his family rejected him when he came out to them, he has not had a family Christmas in years. So when his friend invites him to come along to join hers, he decides he deserves a Christmas off for once, and comes with her. Nothing could have prepared him for the chaos, many new faces, and sheer warmth of Noah’s family. But the one man who interests him most is Noah, gruff exterior or not. Riley is drawn to him, and in his quiet, unassuming way, he begins to help Noah realize that attraction and feelings may be a lot simpler than he thought.
If you like emotionally withdrawn men and watching them come out of their shell when the right guy comes along, if you want to see how a large family can affect even strangers, and if you’re looking for a read full of Christmas traditions, warmth, and a wonderfully quiet, yet passionate romance, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
January 2, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Yolande Kleinn did a wonderful job with this short story. Noah has a constant frown on his face, but that doesn’t mean that he is necessarily cranky. Riley is drawn the quiet man and both find a quiet friendship with the other. Noah has been hurt by lovers in the past that can’t get past his serious attitude when they realize it isn’t an act and he is afraid Riley will grow tired of him.
For a short story these characters both have great depth and have both been hurt in the past. There are many secondary characters in this story, but they compliment these two wonderfully. It’s wonderful for them to both find the other person that compliments them perfectly.
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Yolande Kleinn did a wonderful job with this short story. Noah has a constant frown on his face, but that doesn’t mean that he is necessarily cranky. Riley is drawn the quiet man and both find a quiet friendship with the other. Noah has been hurt by lovers in the past that can’t get past his serious attitude when they realize it isn’t an act and he is afraid Riley will grow tired of him.
For a short story these characters both have great depth and have both been hurt in the past. There are many secondary characters in this story, but they compliment these two wonderfully. It’s wonderful for them to both find the other person that compliments them perfectly.
December 2, 2016
Oh nice! Sweet and gentle, and made me happy!
December 30, 2016
Lovely cast of characters and a beautiful setting. Fun holiday story with a sweet hopeful ending.
February 23, 2018
A big family gathering by a snowy Lake Superior - with family grump Noah and invited friend Riley in the starring roles.
Not quite a thawing of the grump but we do get a lessening of the stern exterior as family and Riley wear down Noah. Riley isn’t a jump right in with the family always up for it guy but seems to slide quite easily into the festivities.
Enjoyable holiday story.
Not quite a thawing of the grump but we do get a lessening of the stern exterior as family and Riley wear down Noah. Riley isn’t a jump right in with the family always up for it guy but seems to slide quite easily into the festivities.
Enjoyable holiday story.
December 10, 2020
Oh I liked this. There are plenty of assorted family characters in this, but no time is wasted in making most of them anything but scenery and background noise, which is perfect. Even the true supporting actors, Kara & Chelsea and Luis & Vicki, don't overshadow either Noah or Riley and their slowly growing connection. This is quiet and lovely. Simply lovely.
December 21, 2016
Noah is the “Scrooge” in this story, older, a lawyer, focused – determined that nobody can withstand his grumpiness and resigned to being alone.
Riley is younger, sweet, a baker and a little lost ever since he’d been kicked out for being gay from his own family.
Noah’s family is big and rowdy and they take in Riley for the Holidays. Though Noah tries to resist, he can’t help but “not be annoyed” by Riley which leads to so much more!
**
Covering the week before and during Christmas, we are given only a glimpse into these two learning about one another and forming that first bond, but it’s very sweet, a little sexy, sometimes a little funny and a gives us a definite HFN by the end.
Riley is younger, sweet, a baker and a little lost ever since he’d been kicked out for being gay from his own family.
Noah’s family is big and rowdy and they take in Riley for the Holidays. Though Noah tries to resist, he can’t help but “not be annoyed” by Riley which leads to so much more!
**
Covering the week before and during Christmas, we are given only a glimpse into these two learning about one another and forming that first bond, but it’s very sweet, a little sexy, sometimes a little funny and a gives us a definite HFN by the end.
June 5, 2017
a fun quick read with one super likeable character and one who is a bit of a curmudgeon. the story centers around a possible new relationship and the Christmas holiday. wouldn't mind reading a sequel to see where their relationship goes
December 16, 2023
This was a cute book, very short so not too much character development. You could tell it wasn't written by a gay male but a woman. Which is fine, it's just some of the things in the story really wouldn't have happened and other things would have. (not going to give spoilers)
August 31, 2017
Hoopla
November 20, 2017
Like a warm fuzzy blanket. Very darling. Verrrrry sweet.
December 31, 2017
Short and sweet, what more do we need for end of the year.
December 28, 2020
This was a lovely holiday read.
December 29, 2019
Noah hates the cold of the location of his family's mansion on Lake Superior as he treks to the annual two-week celebration. He also hates being with so many people at once, but, because family is everything, he's gone every year for twenty years.
When Noah arrives, he notices that he's not the last one to get there. As he thinks of Christmas in the past, he wonders what surprises this season will bring. When he sees his sister, Kara, and her wife, Chelsea, he can't help but wonder who the stray person she brings will be. This year the spotlight for that position is focused on a handsome, young man, Riley, who owns his own catering business and just so happens to have made Kara and Chelsea's wedding cake. When Kara found out Riley was going to be alone for Christmas, she decided to bring him with them.
Noah's reaction to Riley is one of cool reserve, but there is something about Riley that gives him pause. Noah realizes he is happy with Riley around, something he's not felt for a long time. Riley doesn’t take Noah's gruff exterior to heart and continues to be his bright, charming self, quickly endearing himself to the family. He joins in with the baking, playing with the kids and dogs, cooking, etc., to the point that Noah is almost jealous of Riley's graceful, easy manner and of the attention he's receiving. Riley's presence is affecting Noah to the point that his sister, mom, and dad notice and ask about how he is feeling. As usual, he wants to tell them it's none of their business, but he loves his family and would never hurt them. Noah admits that he likes Riley but also expresses his fear that Riley will grow tired of him and leave like everyone else has. His father advises him not underestimate Riley and take a chance on pursuing a relationship with him. Beneath his gruff exterior, Noah is more of a pussycat than even he knows. Even though he's not good at expressing himself, his love for his family and their traditions is cavernous. There's much more to Noah than meets the eye. Riley sees it, but it's up to Noah to act upon it.
I really enjoyed the idea of Noah's family all getting together at Christmastime to do all the Christmassy things like baking, eating, drinking, decorating, celebrating, exchanging presents, and, most of all, loving each other. Thanks, Yolande, for reminding me of what's truly important in this holiday season.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
When Noah arrives, he notices that he's not the last one to get there. As he thinks of Christmas in the past, he wonders what surprises this season will bring. When he sees his sister, Kara, and her wife, Chelsea, he can't help but wonder who the stray person she brings will be. This year the spotlight for that position is focused on a handsome, young man, Riley, who owns his own catering business and just so happens to have made Kara and Chelsea's wedding cake. When Kara found out Riley was going to be alone for Christmas, she decided to bring him with them.
Noah's reaction to Riley is one of cool reserve, but there is something about Riley that gives him pause. Noah realizes he is happy with Riley around, something he's not felt for a long time. Riley doesn’t take Noah's gruff exterior to heart and continues to be his bright, charming self, quickly endearing himself to the family. He joins in with the baking, playing with the kids and dogs, cooking, etc., to the point that Noah is almost jealous of Riley's graceful, easy manner and of the attention he's receiving. Riley's presence is affecting Noah to the point that his sister, mom, and dad notice and ask about how he is feeling. As usual, he wants to tell them it's none of their business, but he loves his family and would never hurt them. Noah admits that he likes Riley but also expresses his fear that Riley will grow tired of him and leave like everyone else has. His father advises him not underestimate Riley and take a chance on pursuing a relationship with him. Beneath his gruff exterior, Noah is more of a pussycat than even he knows. Even though he's not good at expressing himself, his love for his family and their traditions is cavernous. There's much more to Noah than meets the eye. Riley sees it, but it's up to Noah to act upon it.
I really enjoyed the idea of Noah's family all getting together at Christmastime to do all the Christmassy things like baking, eating, drinking, decorating, celebrating, exchanging presents, and, most of all, loving each other. Thanks, Yolande, for reminding me of what's truly important in this holiday season.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 25, 2017
3 Hearts
My favorite thing about this story was the incredibly diverse, open and accepting family. The Fiore clan really made this story what it was, in my opinion. You just read this story and it epitomizes what being around and with your family during the holidays is suppose to be like. Unfortunately, outside of the family dynamic I really didn’t care for this one too much. I really felt no connection to the main characters or the main characters towards each other.
Noah dislikes the holidays but he loves his family deeply so he regularly sets aside time for the annually Christmas get together. He’s unprepared for the attraction he feels for his sister’s new tagalong.
Riley is eager to spend the holiday with his friends at their families beautiful vacation home. A busy, successful caterer he’s looking forward to the time off.
After meeting Noah Riley realizes he desperately wants him but knows he shouldn’t be getting involved with his friends’ brother.
You can sense the attraction within Riley but Noah really just gives off an annoyed vibe. They have a pretty hot encounter which steamed things up in the story a bit. Sweet story with a HFN ending just wish I felt more for the characters.
Like I said, this one was all about the family vibe. I liked it.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
My favorite thing about this story was the incredibly diverse, open and accepting family. The Fiore clan really made this story what it was, in my opinion. You just read this story and it epitomizes what being around and with your family during the holidays is suppose to be like. Unfortunately, outside of the family dynamic I really didn’t care for this one too much. I really felt no connection to the main characters or the main characters towards each other.
Noah dislikes the holidays but he loves his family deeply so he regularly sets aside time for the annually Christmas get together. He’s unprepared for the attraction he feels for his sister’s new tagalong.
Riley is eager to spend the holiday with his friends at their families beautiful vacation home. A busy, successful caterer he’s looking forward to the time off.
After meeting Noah Riley realizes he desperately wants him but knows he shouldn’t be getting involved with his friends’ brother.
You can sense the attraction within Riley but Noah really just gives off an annoyed vibe. They have a pretty hot encounter which steamed things up in the story a bit. Sweet story with a HFN ending just wish I felt more for the characters.
Like I said, this one was all about the family vibe. I liked it.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
December 22, 2016
Noah Fiore! What an interesting character packed into so few pages. It was nice to see a bit of a variation on the “I HATE CHRISTMAS” set up with him. He’s grumpy and standoffish, not because he’s traumatized or a grinch or getting over a break up, but because he’s just so dang uncomfortable in a crowd. He feels alone even surrounded by his family, and as the introverted foil to his loud and extroverted family dynamic, I’m sure the poor guy just grew up thinking he was a bit off or damaged. He’s not coming out of this story “fixed” and loving holidays and boisterous family dinners just because he found true love, like so often happens in these stories. He’s going to stay his curmudgeonly self, which is just fine because Riley loves him the way he is. And Riley is so perfect for Noah. Riley is positive and happy, and as comfortable as he can be getting tumbled into a huge holiday with strangers. He’s the ideal counterpoint to Noah’s grump.
And it must be a Christmas Miracle™, because somehow Yolande Kleinn manages as much of a slow burn (my favorite!) as can be accommodated in 49 pages. There’s actually opportunity to watch these two opposites dance around each other a bit, and it’s delightful. There are some strong secondary characters to lend color and life to the jam-packed Fiore family, and the setting on Lake Superior is so clearly rendered that it almost feels like another character.
Simple After All is all around a fun read. I’ll be adding it to my ever-growing list of required holiday reading.
Reviewed by Cassie for The Novel Approach
And it must be a Christmas Miracle™, because somehow Yolande Kleinn manages as much of a slow burn (my favorite!) as can be accommodated in 49 pages. There’s actually opportunity to watch these two opposites dance around each other a bit, and it’s delightful. There are some strong secondary characters to lend color and life to the jam-packed Fiore family, and the setting on Lake Superior is so clearly rendered that it almost feels like another character.
Simple After All is all around a fun read. I’ll be adding it to my ever-growing list of required holiday reading.
Reviewed by Cassie for The Novel Approach
December 15, 2016
Great holiday short story with compelling leads. It's rare in these holiday stories to have a romance develop adequately but this one absolutely did.
August 21, 2023
I've read a lot of Kleinn's short stories/novellas, and I think this one is my very favorite. Noah is a curmudgeonly introvert who does his best at his exuberant family's holiday get-togethers. He loves them, but they are just so much! Riley, a friend of his sister's, is a guest who everyone in the family instantly likes... except Noah. Because Noah has basically given up on liking people. It was so sweet to watch these two navigate around each other, and Riley being so gentle with Noah, and the solution not being for anyone to change who they are. Wonderful character work in a short piece.
December 26, 2016
So when Noah was just there for the family holiday and wasn't expecting anything different from any other year. He was waiting to see what kind of stray his sister would bring home this time. But Riley turns everything around and he will be having his own happy holiday.
December 31, 2016
As sweet as gingerbread men, even zombie ones :)
January 25, 2017
3.5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews