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His Holiday Crush
Workaholic attorney Max Robertson is one meeting away from making partner at a big NYC firm when his best friend calls and guilts him into coming back home for Christmas. But there’s a reason he hasn’t been back to Edgewood for a decade—too many bad memories. The plan was to go for just one night, until a wild deer and a snow bank wrecked everything.
Former Army Sergeant Dominic “Nicky” Bell is the new guy on the Edgewood police force, so of course he drew the short straw and is stuck working the night shift. But his evening gets turned upside-down when he gets called out to a wreck in the snow—and it’s his one and only high school crush, looking even sexier than he did back then.
When they both end up stranded together at Dominc’s house, sparks start to fly and Max isn’t sure what to do. But everyone deserves a present this holiday season, right?
Former Army Sergeant Dominic “Nicky” Bell is the new guy on the Edgewood police force, so of course he drew the short straw and is stuck working the night shift. But his evening gets turned upside-down when he gets called out to a wreck in the snow—and it’s his one and only high school crush, looking even sexier than he did back then.
When they both end up stranded together at Dominc’s house, sparks start to fly and Max isn’t sure what to do. But everyone deserves a present this holiday season, right?
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2020
66 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Cari Z.
136 books537 followersCari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she's put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.
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December 1, 2020
His Holiday Crush is my very first book by Cari Z. This is a stand alone, M/M Holiday story that I have fallen madly in love with. I took a chance on this after seeing the cover. Something about it just drew me in and I’m so very glad I did!
Max Robertson hasn’t been home to Edgewood in ten years. His small hometown holds memories he’d rather ignore. But it also is still the home of his best friend, Hal and his two adorable daughters, Steph and Marnie. Over the years Hal and his wife and kids came to visit him in New York but now they needed him. Max is a lawyer and is on the verge of making partner at his prestigious firm. All he has time for is work and the timing couldn’t be worse to go out of town. But it’s almost Christmas and Hal and the girls are counting on him. What Max hadn’t counted on was a blizzard and a very big snow bank. He also hadn’t counted on who came along to rescue him!
Dominic (Nicky) Bell is Hal’s younger brother. Growing up he had always had a huge crush on his brother’s best friend. But he kept it hidden. Max had left town and never came back. Dominic joined the army but after he returned, he was a different man. He suffered from PTSD. Going home to Edgewood and his brother and nieces was his only choice. He was hired on as a police officer and just happened to be on duty the night he got the call for the accident. He couldn’t believe he was looking at the object of his childhood crush. Only he wasn’t a kid any longer and hopefully Max would realize this!
“I could take a lot, but that smile on his face literally made my heart beat faster.”
Max didn’t even recognize Dominic at first. But once he realized who he was, Wow!!! There was definitely a spark between them, something he didn’t want to ignore. Max was only supposed to be in Edgewood for one night. But car repairs, lack of rentals due to the holidays and snow storms all conspired to keep him there. Not that he minded. He was definitely enjoying this time getting to know Dominic better. And also spending time with Hal and the girls.
“I wasn’t the type of guy to believe in happily ever afters. Yet with Max, I wanted to be that guy.”
Neither Max nor Dominic had been looking for a relationship, for love. But it found them anyway. Both had complications in their lives. But what they found in each other could be just what they’d both been needing without even realizing it. I adored these two together. As well as Hall and his little girls. This was a sweet, sexy Christmas story that made me swoon. I am definitely hoping to read more by this author in the future.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Max Robertson hasn’t been home to Edgewood in ten years. His small hometown holds memories he’d rather ignore. But it also is still the home of his best friend, Hal and his two adorable daughters, Steph and Marnie. Over the years Hal and his wife and kids came to visit him in New York but now they needed him. Max is a lawyer and is on the verge of making partner at his prestigious firm. All he has time for is work and the timing couldn’t be worse to go out of town. But it’s almost Christmas and Hal and the girls are counting on him. What Max hadn’t counted on was a blizzard and a very big snow bank. He also hadn’t counted on who came along to rescue him!
Dominic (Nicky) Bell is Hal’s younger brother. Growing up he had always had a huge crush on his brother’s best friend. But he kept it hidden. Max had left town and never came back. Dominic joined the army but after he returned, he was a different man. He suffered from PTSD. Going home to Edgewood and his brother and nieces was his only choice. He was hired on as a police officer and just happened to be on duty the night he got the call for the accident. He couldn’t believe he was looking at the object of his childhood crush. Only he wasn’t a kid any longer and hopefully Max would realize this!
“I could take a lot, but that smile on his face literally made my heart beat faster.”
Max didn’t even recognize Dominic at first. But once he realized who he was, Wow!!! There was definitely a spark between them, something he didn’t want to ignore. Max was only supposed to be in Edgewood for one night. But car repairs, lack of rentals due to the holidays and snow storms all conspired to keep him there. Not that he minded. He was definitely enjoying this time getting to know Dominic better. And also spending time with Hal and the girls.
“I wasn’t the type of guy to believe in happily ever afters. Yet with Max, I wanted to be that guy.”
Neither Max nor Dominic had been looking for a relationship, for love. But it found them anyway. Both had complications in their lives. But what they found in each other could be just what they’d both been needing without even realizing it. I adored these two together. As well as Hall and his little girls. This was a sweet, sexy Christmas story that made me swoon. I am definitely hoping to read more by this author in the future.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
November 28, 2021
*2.5 stars*
My rating might seem a little harsh for a generally non-offensive, cute Christmas story, but I could barely keep my attention on it, and after a week of reading it in pieces, I finally forced myself to finish.
I usually can't get enough of holiday romances, but it's taking something really special to hold my interest during these Covid times. I need that rush, that huge spark, that hook to draw me in. His Holiday Crush felt a little predictable and bland.
I like Cari Z., and I've read a bunch of her work, but His Holiday Crush felt a bit done before. I swear I've read many similar books, both of the MF and MM variety, and the gay Lifetime movie I watched recently was even kind of similar. I need something more to keep my attention these days.
I think if you want a story with lots of content with secondary characters (kids, especially), and a "big city boy comes back to his hometown" kind of romance, this book might suit your mood. It's not a bad book by any means, just not something that could squeeze my heart and keep me reading all night.
shrugs
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My rating might seem a little harsh for a generally non-offensive, cute Christmas story, but I could barely keep my attention on it, and after a week of reading it in pieces, I finally forced myself to finish.
I usually can't get enough of holiday romances, but it's taking something really special to hold my interest during these Covid times. I need that rush, that huge spark, that hook to draw me in. His Holiday Crush felt a little predictable and bland.
I like Cari Z., and I've read a bunch of her work, but His Holiday Crush felt a bit done before. I swear I've read many similar books, both of the MF and MM variety, and the gay Lifetime movie I watched recently was even kind of similar. I need something more to keep my attention these days.
I think if you want a story with lots of content with secondary characters (kids, especially), and a "big city boy comes back to his hometown" kind of romance, this book might suit your mood. It's not a bad book by any means, just not something that could squeeze my heart and keep me reading all night.
shrugs
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December 2, 2023
ANOTHER ELF-GIFT! LUCKY OLD ME.
My Review: Six foul w-bombs. Six. Fie on this, this plague this dreadful and cornball and unnatural act! Real, actual ball-having testosterone-producing males do not w-i-n-k at...anyone, really, except the very, very young.
Still. The story. I am not against a good, solid iteration of an evergreen plot. Here we have one of those stories that's been Hallmarked and Lifetimed until we know it by heart, and that is why we consume them. It is comforting. It feels *right* to go all misty and dewy when reading about young men who are just figuring it all out, fighting battles that were passed down to them or were inflicted from without by force majeure. They are really, honestly like that, after all. And the young men here are good souls trapped into confining boxes by histories and expectations they didn't agree to accept.
When Dominic sees Maxfield for the first time in many a year, he is right back to his teenaged crush on his big brother's bestie. Said bestie is clueless...a decade between fourteen and twenty-four is a lot longer than almost any other...and just flirts with the hot young cop helping him out of the snowbank as he's on the way back to the hometown he fled.
When the hijinks do eventually ensue, it's not a moment too soon. Like almost halfway through the book before they get down to business. Now...that's not a *bad* thing, there's the whole "best friend's little brother has plutonium in his underpants" issue, but good lawsy me! One thing I'll give the author, she didn't exactly stint once the ice was broken. (And this is one of those NO STRAIGHT PEOPLE reads.) She even deals with the issue of PDAs several times, in several different situations; that was refreshing to me. All too often it seems as though there's a simple, blanket response to the issue, it's okay or it's not. I've never known anyone with that blanket an approach to that complex issue. It's refreshing to read something where it's multi-layered.
What also feels good to say is that the way the author breaks the OMG-conflict-therefore-run-away issue both men have came in such a realistic way. Just...flat-out blurting it. "I'm sorry, I fucked up, I really really want us to work on problems and there I went and did the wrong thing, and..."
I think there's nothing more real than the response of "shut up and kiss me" when someone's just given you their entire heart on a platter, yours to hurt or heal. This is a category romance. We know the choice before we get there. That's why we came on this ride! But so often the response to the resolution of the scariest thing you can do is...not very realistic. Sappy, soppy words, or a long, loving look...nope. Men are action-oriented. Feeling something? Do something about it!
So, yes, I ended up happy with the read. I'll definitely read another one from Author Cari Z. I'm sure she's got other good stuff to say, and her grasp of the actual workings of men sexing up other men is superior to many. That she made the effort to give them both serious thoughts about the what, the how, and the why of each act was a big point in the story's favor.
My Review: Six foul w-bombs. Six. Fie on this, this plague this dreadful and cornball and unnatural act! Real, actual ball-having testosterone-producing males do not w-i-n-k at...anyone, really, except the very, very young.
Still. The story. I am not against a good, solid iteration of an evergreen plot. Here we have one of those stories that's been Hallmarked and Lifetimed until we know it by heart, and that is why we consume them. It is comforting. It feels *right* to go all misty and dewy when reading about young men who are just figuring it all out, fighting battles that were passed down to them or were inflicted from without by force majeure. They are really, honestly like that, after all. And the young men here are good souls trapped into confining boxes by histories and expectations they didn't agree to accept.
When Dominic sees Maxfield for the first time in many a year, he is right back to his teenaged crush on his big brother's bestie. Said bestie is clueless...a decade between fourteen and twenty-four is a lot longer than almost any other...and just flirts with the hot young cop helping him out of the snowbank as he's on the way back to the hometown he fled.
When the hijinks do eventually ensue, it's not a moment too soon. Like almost halfway through the book before they get down to business. Now...that's not a *bad* thing, there's the whole "best friend's little brother has plutonium in his underpants" issue, but good lawsy me! One thing I'll give the author, she didn't exactly stint once the ice was broken. (And this is one of those NO STRAIGHT PEOPLE reads.) She even deals with the issue of PDAs several times, in several different situations; that was refreshing to me. All too often it seems as though there's a simple, blanket response to the issue, it's okay or it's not. I've never known anyone with that blanket an approach to that complex issue. It's refreshing to read something where it's multi-layered.
Being out was a big deal for me. I’d never ask a guy to come out, but I wouldn’t go into the closet to be with someone. Not that I was thinking about the future. At all.
What also feels good to say is that the way the author breaks the OMG-conflict-therefore-run-away issue both men have came in such a realistic way. Just...flat-out blurting it. "I'm sorry, I fucked up, I really really want us to work on problems and there I went and did the wrong thing, and..."
Before I could say another word, Max reached out, grabbed my jacket, and pulled me into a kiss. It was a cold, awkward kiss—our noses were freezing, his lips were chapped, and my mouth must have tasted like too-sugary frosting. But damn. It was still the best kiss I’d ever had. I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him closer, warming him as best I could, welcoming him against my body. He could stay there forever, as far as I was concerned.
I think there's nothing more real than the response of "shut up and kiss me" when someone's just given you their entire heart on a platter, yours to hurt or heal. This is a category romance. We know the choice before we get there. That's why we came on this ride! But so often the response to the resolution of the scariest thing you can do is...not very realistic. Sappy, soppy words, or a long, loving look...nope. Men are action-oriented. Feeling something? Do something about it!
So, yes, I ended up happy with the read. I'll definitely read another one from Author Cari Z. I'm sure she's got other good stuff to say, and her grasp of the actual workings of men sexing up other men is superior to many. That she made the effort to give them both serious thoughts about the what, the how, and the why of each act was a big point in the story's favor.
November 23, 2020
3.5 stars
This time of year, I consciously look for holiday stories from authors I like. I was so happy when I saw that Cari Z has indeed written one.
His Holiday Crush is a enjoyable holiday story with combination of "best friend's younger brother" and "stranded during holiday" tropes. With this theme, usually it's the younger guy who is more determined to pursue the older guy. In this story though, Max Robertson, the older one, is the one more forward. Dominic “Nicky” Bell has crush over Max for years, but he's more shy about it. I like the reversal role 😁.
Max has been away from Edgewood for a decade but one request from his best friend to come visit during holiday season makes him pack his back and leave New York City. Of course, he doesn't expect Dominic, his best friend's younger brother to pick him up when Max's car is broken. Max doesn't recognize Dominic at first ... yes, little Nicky has grown up! But they soon reconnect during Max's stay. There's a familiarity that works with the short time span, because they have known each other previously.
The secondary characters, especially the two girls (Max's best friend, Hal's daughters) are great, as their father. I am not very happy with the ex-wife running away plot, mainly because I'm done with anything involving evil ex. But at one point Hal says that his ex-wife has depression... which I wish it is informed earlier because I don't like the whole "blaming the wife" thing. But maybe that's my problem and not other readers.
So yes, all in all, I liked it 😊
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
This time of year, I consciously look for holiday stories from authors I like. I was so happy when I saw that Cari Z has indeed written one.
His Holiday Crush is a enjoyable holiday story with combination of "best friend's younger brother" and "stranded during holiday" tropes. With this theme, usually it's the younger guy who is more determined to pursue the older guy. In this story though, Max Robertson, the older one, is the one more forward. Dominic “Nicky” Bell has crush over Max for years, but he's more shy about it. I like the reversal role 😁.
Max has been away from Edgewood for a decade but one request from his best friend to come visit during holiday season makes him pack his back and leave New York City. Of course, he doesn't expect Dominic, his best friend's younger brother to pick him up when Max's car is broken. Max doesn't recognize Dominic at first ... yes, little Nicky has grown up! But they soon reconnect during Max's stay. There's a familiarity that works with the short time span, because they have known each other previously.
The secondary characters, especially the two girls (Max's best friend, Hal's daughters) are great, as their father. I am not very happy with the ex-wife running away plot, mainly because I'm done with anything involving evil ex. But at one point Hal says that his ex-wife has depression... which I wish it is informed earlier because I don't like the whole "blaming the wife" thing. But maybe that's my problem and not other readers.
So yes, all in all, I liked it 😊
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
December 27, 2020
This was so cute and just what I need for a Christmas read!
Both characters in this are adorable and I rooted for them to get together from the start. Max is a workaholic attorney trying to get a promotion. He goes back to his hometown for the first time in a decade and ends up stuck for Christmas. Dominic "Nicky" is a veteran with PTSD trying to help his newly single brother with his daughters while overcoming his own issues.
I liked that Max and Nicky clicked right away and didn't take long to start something. Nicky had a crush on Max growing up and now that they're both adults, it's time to make it real. Both guys are so great with the girls and it was incredibly sweet. They would be excellent dads and play off each other well. The chemistry was well done, the romance scenes were steamy and fun, and I thought this was just a great read overall!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Both characters in this are adorable and I rooted for them to get together from the start. Max is a workaholic attorney trying to get a promotion. He goes back to his hometown for the first time in a decade and ends up stuck for Christmas. Dominic "Nicky" is a veteran with PTSD trying to help his newly single brother with his daughters while overcoming his own issues.
I liked that Max and Nicky clicked right away and didn't take long to start something. Nicky had a crush on Max growing up and now that they're both adults, it's time to make it real. Both guys are so great with the girls and it was incredibly sweet. They would be excellent dads and play off each other well. The chemistry was well done, the romance scenes were steamy and fun, and I thought this was just a great read overall!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2022
This just didn’t work for me. I listened to the audiobook and found myself daydreaming and suddenly I didn’t know what was going on. So I had to go back and listen again. It took me a week to finish a six hour book.
When Max left and went back to New York, well,it just felt like things between him and Dominic could have been fixed so easily. The writing was fine and the narration was good. I just didn’t get into the story.
When Max left and went back to New York, well,it just felt like things between him and Dominic could have been fixed so easily. The writing was fine and the narration was good. I just didn’t get into the story.
December 16, 2020
This is my first book by Cari Z and I really enjoyed this holiday story. A best friend’s little brother/unrequited love romance featuring a small town police officer and a big city attorney originally from that small town. As this was a novella the relationship moved at a rapid pace and while I would have loved to have more time with them as their relationship grew, I still enjoyed every minute of this story.
Max has just landed the client that more than likely get him the corner office and a big promotion right before he must return to the small town where his family imploded to spend the holidays with his best friend, Hal, and his two daughters whose mother left for no reason. The last thing he needs when he has to be back to NYC on Monday is sliding into a snow bank and wrecking his car, but the hot cop Dominic that rolls up to rescue him might make this trip interesting until he gets to Hal’s home and realizes Dominic his Hal’s little brother, “Nicky.”
The attraction between Max and Dominic was evident from the start and it was cute how Dominic was so easily flustered at first. They had some obstacles being they lived in different places and led very different lives, but they also had a pretty strong bond from the start.
A fairly uncomplicated, easy to read, sweet yet sexy romance; His Holiday Crush was a treat to read.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Max has just landed the client that more than likely get him the corner office and a big promotion right before he must return to the small town where his family imploded to spend the holidays with his best friend, Hal, and his two daughters whose mother left for no reason. The last thing he needs when he has to be back to NYC on Monday is sliding into a snow bank and wrecking his car, but the hot cop Dominic that rolls up to rescue him might make this trip interesting until he gets to Hal’s home and realizes Dominic his Hal’s little brother, “Nicky.”
The attraction between Max and Dominic was evident from the start and it was cute how Dominic was so easily flustered at first. They had some obstacles being they lived in different places and led very different lives, but they also had a pretty strong bond from the start.
A fairly uncomplicated, easy to read, sweet yet sexy romance; His Holiday Crush was a treat to read.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
October 4, 2024
I managed to find the audiobook of His Holiday Crush as a library borrow. Score! This sweet story was a perfect way to distract myself while doing mindless chores and busywork. I enjoyed the small town vibe and the easygoing camaraderie and interaction between Max, his best friend, Hal and Hal’s brother, Dominic. I’m a cynical bitch though and was a bit skeptical that all three men would be such perfect, chill, endlessly patient parents to Hal’s two young daughters. It was a bit too idyllic to me, like a cotton candy Hallmark Christmas movie. But you know what, sometimes sugary sweet hits the spot and today was one of those days.
3.75 stars
3.75 stars
November 15, 2020
I picked this book because of the holiday theme. Who doesn’t love a Christmas love story? There were bits of the story that were unbelievable to me but I had to accept that it was a holiday story. Nicky and Max were great together and had amazing chemistry but I needed more from the relationship than just chemistry. Overall, it was a quick and cute Christmas love story.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
October 10, 2024
HIS HOLIDAY CRUSH was a really cute Christmas romance and since I’m a sucker for the best friend’s sibling trope it worked out great for me. Max is a workaholic lawyer in New York City and he never planned to return to his hometown but when his best friend can’t come to NYC for Christmas due to a pending divorce, Max nervously makes the trip home. Dominic has recently left the military and gotten a job as a police officer in his hometown and when he runs into Max, his teenage crush, he can’t help but see if anything could happen between them.
I really loved these two together and while they have some hurdles to overcome I liked that their relationship felt so easy and natural. Unlike a lot of best friend’s sibling romances there’s no conflict with the brother Hal, in fact, he’s really happy that Max and Dominic are together because Hal loves his brother and best friend and thinks they’d be great together.
Overall, I really enjoyed HIS HOLIDAY CRUSH and I’ll definitely be checking out more by Cari Z because I liked her writing style a lot.
Content Warning: Dominic has PTSD (on page) and occasional panic attacks
I really loved these two together and while they have some hurdles to overcome I liked that their relationship felt so easy and natural. Unlike a lot of best friend’s sibling romances there’s no conflict with the brother Hal, in fact, he’s really happy that Max and Dominic are together because Hal loves his brother and best friend and thinks they’d be great together.
Overall, I really enjoyed HIS HOLIDAY CRUSH and I’ll definitely be checking out more by Cari Z because I liked her writing style a lot.
Content Warning: Dominic has PTSD (on page) and occasional panic attacks
December 29, 2020
Hmmm, this was...somewhat interesting. But the spark I look for between MCs wasn’t there. The romance part of it just didn’t convince me.
I also didn’t get all the heavy unforgiveness towards Max’s father. Like, I get that he made a terrible mistake, but treating the man like shit after a fucking decade? Ummm, wow. Grow the hell up.
I didn’t like that part.
The story, overall, was nothing special in my opinion.
I also didn’t get all the heavy unforgiveness towards Max’s father. Like, I get that he made a terrible mistake, but treating the man like shit after a fucking decade? Ummm, wow. Grow the hell up.
I didn’t like that part.
The story, overall, was nothing special in my opinion.
November 27, 2020
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
His Holiday Crush was a short sweet holiday mm romance by author Cari Z. Max is a workaholic and the last thing he wants to do is go back to visit his hometown after ten years but his best friend Hal needs him. Hal's daughters excitement over his visit seals the deal. When he hits down he also almost hits a deer and definitely hits a snow bank. The officer that comes to his rescue his Dominic. Dominic is Hals younger brother, who always crushed on Max, and who Max completely doesn't recognize. Max feels an instant pull towards him and when he discovers who he is, that doesn't lesson. After a few days of spending time together and a snowed in night they know they fit. However, Max's life is back in New York and Dominic is rooted in Edgewood, so where does that leave them.
I really enjoyed Max and Dominic's relationship. I loved how Max took charge in the bedroom and showed Max that intimacy between men could be so much more than a quick lay. I loved how he anticipated Dominic's needs in and out of the bedroom and was able to soothe Dominic's panic attack. Dominic was precious and it broke my heart whenever his PTSD struck. Max and Dominic were both adorable with their interactions with Hal's daughter's who were the cutest.
I think His Holiday Crush could have benefited from being much longer. A good 100 pages more could have turned it into a sturdy romance and less of an "insta love" deal. I know they grew up together but before now it's implied that Max never looked at Dominic in any other way than him being Hal's younger brother. Then all of a sudden he's 'the one' after spending a week together. I would have believed the insta love aspect if they were meeting for the first time and hadn't literally grown up together. I also didn't enjoy the big "conflict" at the end and thought Dominics reaction was over the top and uncalled for.
The word that keeps popping to mind while thinking of this book was charming. It's filled with winter fun, snowy walks, snowman building, snowflake pancakes and Christmas morning and don't forget some mishaps including a fall or two and a few nosy raccoons.
His Holiday Crush was a short sweet holiday mm romance by author Cari Z. Max is a workaholic and the last thing he wants to do is go back to visit his hometown after ten years but his best friend Hal needs him. Hal's daughters excitement over his visit seals the deal. When he hits down he also almost hits a deer and definitely hits a snow bank. The officer that comes to his rescue his Dominic. Dominic is Hals younger brother, who always crushed on Max, and who Max completely doesn't recognize. Max feels an instant pull towards him and when he discovers who he is, that doesn't lesson. After a few days of spending time together and a snowed in night they know they fit. However, Max's life is back in New York and Dominic is rooted in Edgewood, so where does that leave them.
I really enjoyed Max and Dominic's relationship. I loved how Max took charge in the bedroom and showed Max that intimacy between men could be so much more than a quick lay. I loved how he anticipated Dominic's needs in and out of the bedroom and was able to soothe Dominic's panic attack. Dominic was precious and it broke my heart whenever his PTSD struck. Max and Dominic were both adorable with their interactions with Hal's daughter's who were the cutest.
I think His Holiday Crush could have benefited from being much longer. A good 100 pages more could have turned it into a sturdy romance and less of an "insta love" deal. I know they grew up together but before now it's implied that Max never looked at Dominic in any other way than him being Hal's younger brother. Then all of a sudden he's 'the one' after spending a week together. I would have believed the insta love aspect if they were meeting for the first time and hadn't literally grown up together. I also didn't enjoy the big "conflict" at the end and thought Dominics reaction was over the top and uncalled for.
The word that keeps popping to mind while thinking of this book was charming. It's filled with winter fun, snowy walks, snowman building, snowflake pancakes and Christmas morning and don't forget some mishaps including a fall or two and a few nosy raccoons.
November 19, 2020
My 4-star (unbiased) review of this ARC provided by NetGalley is definitely a round-up, but the book is so hard to resist.
I can sum up the book fairly quickly: It's a super steamy, gay Hallmark movie. All the hallmarks of a Hallmark movie are there: workaholic city-dweller Max meets cute PTSD-recovering small town cop Nicky and despite their differences, sparks fly. There were cute kids and puppies, lots of snow, some family secrets, and fix-it-up projects. Max is conflicted--does he want to return to his small hometown or stay, chasing the dream of making partner in a big-city law firm? Nick is afraid--is he worth the love and attention of his high-school crush? Of course (through the intervention of a few snowstorms), all their problems are resolved.
This is a happy, easy book and perfect for fans of those ubiquitous holiday movies. The M/M focus is especially welcome (and the steamy sex scenes don't hurt either).
I can sum up the book fairly quickly: It's a super steamy, gay Hallmark movie. All the hallmarks of a Hallmark movie are there: workaholic city-dweller Max meets cute PTSD-recovering small town cop Nicky and despite their differences, sparks fly. There were cute kids and puppies, lots of snow, some family secrets, and fix-it-up projects. Max is conflicted--does he want to return to his small hometown or stay, chasing the dream of making partner in a big-city law firm? Nick is afraid--is he worth the love and attention of his high-school crush? Of course (through the intervention of a few snowstorms), all their problems are resolved.
This is a happy, easy book and perfect for fans of those ubiquitous holiday movies. The M/M focus is especially welcome (and the steamy sex scenes don't hurt either).
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December 15, 2020*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*
A light-hearted, fluffy Christmas romance was exactly what I needed this year. I have been on the hunt for some M/M holiday romances, so when this popped up in my inbox, I jumped at the chance to read it. Filled with plenty of small-town charm, two charismatic men, a single father best friend, and a few shenanigans, I couldn't help but my find myself smiling throughout the story.
Max and Dominic are complete opposites. They have shared history but it is made all the sweeter when they almost meet anew. They start fresh and the chemistry between them is instantaneous and playful. Their banter had me laughing out loud and they had biggest hearts, even if they try to fight them. Dominic's older brother and Max's best friend, Hal, was the glue that set this bond. Hal and his kiddos added some much needed perspective and comedic relief to balance out the story.
Both characters are battling some baggage from their past, but they come out stronger on the other side. While the ending was cute, the epilogue sealed the deal. It's the type of story I could easily watch play out on the Hallmark channel, all snowfall, snowmen, unexpected love, whispered promises.
I think if there was one complaint I had, its that every time Max and Dominic are about to make some major progress in their friendship/relationship they are interrupted...the first two or three times this happens its a cute cliche but after the fifth time it happened, I was annoyed. It was predictable, oh someone is about to tell their feelings, better have the phone ring. Just let the men have a moment...
A light-hearted, fluffy Christmas romance was exactly what I needed this year. I have been on the hunt for some M/M holiday romances, so when this popped up in my inbox, I jumped at the chance to read it. Filled with plenty of small-town charm, two charismatic men, a single father best friend, and a few shenanigans, I couldn't help but my find myself smiling throughout the story.
Max and Dominic are complete opposites. They have shared history but it is made all the sweeter when they almost meet anew. They start fresh and the chemistry between them is instantaneous and playful. Their banter had me laughing out loud and they had biggest hearts, even if they try to fight them. Dominic's older brother and Max's best friend, Hal, was the glue that set this bond. Hal and his kiddos added some much needed perspective and comedic relief to balance out the story.
Both characters are battling some baggage from their past, but they come out stronger on the other side. While the ending was cute, the epilogue sealed the deal. It's the type of story I could easily watch play out on the Hallmark channel, all snowfall, snowmen, unexpected love, whispered promises.
I think if there was one complaint I had, its that every time Max and Dominic are about to make some major progress in their friendship/relationship they are interrupted...the first two or three times this happens its a cute cliche but after the fifth time it happened, I was annoyed. It was predictable, oh someone is about to tell their feelings, better have the phone ring. Just let the men have a moment...
December 11, 2020
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a sweet family Christmas romance with a little bit of angst and personal growth. The story is basic. Successful city boy Max takes an enforced break in his hometown and takes time to evaluate his life - while enjoying the company of a sexy deputy.
This book manages to hit a whole stream of my romance weaknesses. I love the self-discovery Max experiences as he visits his hometown for the first time in far too long. I love a good small town deputy and I have a soft spot for single dads, home restorations and cute dogs. Hell - I didn’t even mind the small children in this book. Add some snow and the only thing that keeps this story from turning into saccharine schmaltz is the well crafted characters and their complicated histories.
I always enjoy Cari Z’s writing style and I tend to love the author’s characters. Max and Nicky are fabulous leading men and this is a satisfying Christmas read.
This is a sweet family Christmas romance with a little bit of angst and personal growth. The story is basic. Successful city boy Max takes an enforced break in his hometown and takes time to evaluate his life - while enjoying the company of a sexy deputy.
This book manages to hit a whole stream of my romance weaknesses. I love the self-discovery Max experiences as he visits his hometown for the first time in far too long. I love a good small town deputy and I have a soft spot for single dads, home restorations and cute dogs. Hell - I didn’t even mind the small children in this book. Add some snow and the only thing that keeps this story from turning into saccharine schmaltz is the well crafted characters and their complicated histories.
I always enjoy Cari Z’s writing style and I tend to love the author’s characters. Max and Nicky are fabulous leading men and this is a satisfying Christmas read.
December 15, 2020
His Holiday Crush is a sweet little holiday romance. The world is still crazy and this girl definitely needs as much sweet as she can get.
Max Robertson is a workaholic. He is getting so close to making partner as his big-time fancy-schmancy law firm in New York City. When his best friend calls, he finds he just doesn't have it in him to refuse the offer to come back home for a visit. Now, Max has diligently and resolutely avoided his hometown since he left 10 years ago. After his father's BIG scandal he just couldn't take the fallout and guilt that his father's actions caused. As his BFF, Hal, is coming off of some serious hard times he can't help the pull of going home to help him out and see Hal's daughters.
The last thing Dominic or “Nicky” expected when he was stuck working the late shift was to be called out to help a stranded driver who just so happens to be his childhood crush. Even more unexpected is the undeniable interest he also spots in Max's eye. With the unforeseen complications from Max's accident leaving him stuck in town for longer than expected and the building relationship between the two, can they turn a holiday fling into a Christmas story for the ages?
Nicky and Max were so sweet together. I could have used a bit more chemistry push/pull slow burn but in the end, I still got my sigh, happy-feels ending. I always love a little my best friend's brother lurve trope. Hal and his girls were super cute. I wish so much for him to have a happily ever after too.
Overall, His Holiday Crush made for all my happy sweet romance wantings. I totally need more by Cari Z.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Max Robertson is a workaholic. He is getting so close to making partner as his big-time fancy-schmancy law firm in New York City. When his best friend calls, he finds he just doesn't have it in him to refuse the offer to come back home for a visit. Now, Max has diligently and resolutely avoided his hometown since he left 10 years ago. After his father's BIG scandal he just couldn't take the fallout and guilt that his father's actions caused. As his BFF, Hal, is coming off of some serious hard times he can't help the pull of going home to help him out and see Hal's daughters.
The last thing Dominic or “Nicky” expected when he was stuck working the late shift was to be called out to help a stranded driver who just so happens to be his childhood crush. Even more unexpected is the undeniable interest he also spots in Max's eye. With the unforeseen complications from Max's accident leaving him stuck in town for longer than expected and the building relationship between the two, can they turn a holiday fling into a Christmas story for the ages?
Nicky and Max were so sweet together. I could have used a bit more chemistry push/pull slow burn but in the end, I still got my sigh, happy-feels ending. I always love a little my best friend's brother lurve trope. Hal and his girls were super cute. I wish so much for him to have a happily ever after too.
Overall, His Holiday Crush made for all my happy sweet romance wantings. I totally need more by Cari Z.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
November 30, 2020
The perfect way to kick off holiday book season! I loved the characters and the chemistry, so much, even the side characters were great. I loved that there were scenes that made me laugh (raccoons, child describing shepherds’ pie) and that made me cry (misunderstandings, shitty family). I really liked that they had some history but the romance didn’t rely on that and kinda felt new too. Their work schedules seemed a little convenient (Max had to be back in one day but gets stranded and somehow that’s chill and only causes a little friction?) but I’m willing to ignore it for the magic of Christmas romance. I love a good Hallmark movie and they’re just too dang straight sometimes, and this is the kind of story I need mixed in this holiday season <3
November 29, 2020
This is a fluffy heart warming story perfect for the disaster of a year 2020 has been. It's a quick read too. Once Nicky and Max met I stayed up all night to finish it. Like most romantic comedies, there's the period where the two characters have a disagreement and split apart before coming back together even stronger. a feel good holiday story for any m/m reader
December 14, 2020
Amazon / Apple Books / Nook / Kobo
When Max's best friend's daughter guilts him into agreeing to come visit them for Christmas, it's with dread that Max makes the drive back there, there to a place he never wants to go back. But perhaps Santa thinks he's been a good boy this year because who's the man on duty that night who comes to his rescue when he's stuck in the snow, but Dominic (Nicky), his best friend's little brother. But he's not the same little brother, he's a grown man, a really HOT grown man who Max is having a hard time keeping his hands off when he's stuck at Dominic's house thanks to the storm.
This is the kind of sweet and lighthearted read that's perfect for this holiday season, considering how dark and depressing the world outside is right now. Max and Dominic are adorable together - a little heat, a whole lotta holiday cheer, a brother's best friend trope, and I'm a happy woman after reading.
ARC via Grey's Promotions for an honest review.
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November 24, 2021
Oh now this was a good light fun read.
It never got too heavy.
It never got too deep.
It managed to avoid being too fluffy or too silly.
The children were not overbearing or obnoxious.
I just found this to b a pleasant holiday-themed love story.
Ding ding ding.
It never got too heavy.
It never got too deep.
It managed to avoid being too fluffy or too silly.
The children were not overbearing or obnoxious.
I just found this to b a pleasant holiday-themed love story.
Ding ding ding.
December 6, 2023
Best friends brother, Christmas Hallmark movie feel, perfect holiday reading - highly recommended
November 29, 2020
A Sweet Steamy Christmas Story!
I love MM books and this was a good take on Brother's-Best-Friend & Stranded-together. With Holiday Cheer & Romance to Brighten it up!
I loved all the characters❤.
#My 1st By Cari, I'm sure gonna check out more.
Max is a Hotshot New York Lawyer, who've just won a big client for his firm. It's been a decade since he's gone to his hometown (Daddy issues), but a call from his Bestie Hal (Who's a Single Dad now) & his two Sweet Daughters (Adore'em!) Had him packing to go.
He hadn't planned to go for the More than a day but then is in a minor Accident..Guess who saves him? Dominic ‘Nicky’, Hal's Younger Bro. Max doesn't know it's him at start, nor Dom tells him as he doesn't want to Break the spell but it isn't long that Max finds out via Hal.
Little Nicky is all grown up, He's Also the Town's New Cop.
Growing up, Dom had a crush on Max & even after all these years, seeing Max again, it'd persisted. And he can't believe that Max is Flirting with Him!
I was pleasantly surprised to See that Max was the more Straightforward one AND Dom the Shy one. It was adorable!
Both are Gay & Out gladly (Max finds this tidbit about Dom a little later *FUN!*)
Because of the Blizzard & Car problems, Max stays Until Christmas. As Dom+Max spend time together, they fall for Eachother. There's their familiarity & Loving is so Easy..But will it Become more than a Fling?
~Holidays Fun, Kids & Snow, Max+Dom Working together on Constructing D's home, Alone together, Hilarious moments, work & Laughs, Swoons, Sexy times, Emotions, family time, Feelings growing, Santa & Wishes, The Play, Talks & Handling problems, Christmas day & Trouble, Fight & Apologies..
Max has to go back, & he does..But nothing's the same without Hal & His Kids... Especially without Dominic.
Both get a push to do something, take a chance on love, Max by his mentor & Dom by his friend! (Loved those two!)
And at the New year's..Their 1st meet Situation repeat itself, but that was their beginning.. Now it's their I love yous + HEA! *Swoon*
The Epilogue's Beautiful! #Family
~Hal & his kids were great Side characters. The topic of “Hal's ex-wife who ran away Few months back” caused much distress in the book, I was sad for them. We could see how much they were hurting from Dom & Max's POVs, but still Keeping it together & Being Strong.
Max & Dom's issues were Practical & I was able to relate to them, making me like them more!
Overall this was a FUN SEXY Read & I Totally liked it!
**ARC Received for a Honest Review.**
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I love MM books and this was a good take on Brother's-Best-Friend & Stranded-together. With Holiday Cheer & Romance to Brighten it up!
I loved all the characters❤.
#My 1st By Cari, I'm sure gonna check out more.
Max is a Hotshot New York Lawyer, who've just won a big client for his firm. It's been a decade since he's gone to his hometown (Daddy issues), but a call from his Bestie Hal (Who's a Single Dad now) & his two Sweet Daughters (Adore'em!) Had him packing to go.
He hadn't planned to go for the More than a day but then is in a minor Accident..Guess who saves him? Dominic ‘Nicky’, Hal's Younger Bro. Max doesn't know it's him at start, nor Dom tells him as he doesn't want to Break the spell but it isn't long that Max finds out via Hal.
Little Nicky is all grown up, He's Also the Town's New Cop.
Growing up, Dom had a crush on Max & even after all these years, seeing Max again, it'd persisted. And he can't believe that Max is Flirting with Him!
I was pleasantly surprised to See that Max was the more Straightforward one AND Dom the Shy one. It was adorable!
Both are Gay & Out gladly (Max finds this tidbit about Dom a little later *FUN!*)
Because of the Blizzard & Car problems, Max stays Until Christmas. As Dom+Max spend time together, they fall for Eachother. There's their familiarity & Loving is so Easy..But will it Become more than a Fling?
~Holidays Fun, Kids & Snow, Max+Dom Working together on Constructing D's home, Alone together, Hilarious moments, work & Laughs, Swoons, Sexy times, Emotions, family time, Feelings growing, Santa & Wishes, The Play, Talks & Handling problems, Christmas day & Trouble, Fight & Apologies..
Max has to go back, & he does..But nothing's the same without Hal & His Kids... Especially without Dominic.
Both get a push to do something, take a chance on love, Max by his mentor & Dom by his friend! (Loved those two!)
And at the New year's..Their 1st meet Situation repeat itself, but that was their beginning.. Now it's their I love yous + HEA! *Swoon*
The Epilogue's Beautiful! #Family
~Hal & his kids were great Side characters. The topic of “Hal's ex-wife who ran away Few months back” caused much distress in the book, I was sad for them. We could see how much they were hurting from Dom & Max's POVs, but still Keeping it together & Being Strong.
Max & Dom's issues were Practical & I was able to relate to them, making me like them more!
Overall this was a FUN SEXY Read & I Totally liked it!
**ARC Received for a Honest Review.**
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December 6, 2020
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes. This in no way influences my review; all words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.
Content notes:
His Holiday Crush is a really sweet, low angst holiday romance. Max is on a fast track to making partner at the law firm he works at in New York but for Christmas he promises to return to his hometown to spend the holiday with his best friend, Hal, and his two daughters. They’ve been having some difficulty adjusting after Hal’s wife left them, no word, and they are Max’s family so he wants to be there for them, especially Marnie and Steph. On his way into town, he almost hits a deer and ends up in a snow bank where he is rescued by Hal’s younger brother, Dominic “Nicky.” Max doesn’t immediately recognize Dominic, but there is definitely chemistry and a light flirtation. Over the course of the week while Max waits for his car to be repaired, he and Dominic grow closer.
I really enjoyed how there really wasn’t much angst or drama going on. There was some angst with Hal’s family situation and Max dealing with coming back to Edgewood after his father had a drunk driving incident when he was a teenager, but none of that was the focus of the story or the central conflict. Overall this was a light, quick read with characters who felt real as they coped with their individual internal stuff while also having each other as family to rely on.
If you’re looking for a light holiday story, His Holiday Crush may just be what you need in 2020. Low conflict and angst, while full of emotion and heart!
Content notes:
His Holiday Crush is a really sweet, low angst holiday romance. Max is on a fast track to making partner at the law firm he works at in New York but for Christmas he promises to return to his hometown to spend the holiday with his best friend, Hal, and his two daughters. They’ve been having some difficulty adjusting after Hal’s wife left them, no word, and they are Max’s family so he wants to be there for them, especially Marnie and Steph. On his way into town, he almost hits a deer and ends up in a snow bank where he is rescued by Hal’s younger brother, Dominic “Nicky.” Max doesn’t immediately recognize Dominic, but there is definitely chemistry and a light flirtation. Over the course of the week while Max waits for his car to be repaired, he and Dominic grow closer.
I really enjoyed how there really wasn’t much angst or drama going on. There was some angst with Hal’s family situation and Max dealing with coming back to Edgewood after his father had a drunk driving incident when he was a teenager, but none of that was the focus of the story or the central conflict. Overall this was a light, quick read with characters who felt real as they coped with their individual internal stuff while also having each other as family to rely on.
If you’re looking for a light holiday story, His Holiday Crush may just be what you need in 2020. Low conflict and angst, while full of emotion and heart!
January 12, 2021
I've given this a C+ at AAR, so 3.5 stars
His Holiday Crush is a cute and very readable Christmassy romance about a workaholic lawyer who reluctantly returns to the hometown he’d intended never to go back to one Christmas, and finds love where he least expected it. It’s well written and the characters are likeable; it was a pleasant enough way to pass a few hours, but it’s nothing I haven’t read before.
Lawyer Max Robertson has had little time in his life for anything other than work for years, and is on the verge of closing the deal that will make his career. For the first time in years he’s agreed to go back to Edgewood – just for for Christmas; normally his best friend Hal and his family visit Max in New York, but Hal’s wife walked out on him and their two young daughters a few months back, and as this will the girls’ first Christmas without their mom, Max agreed to visit them instead. But as Christmas approaches, he starts to wish he hadn’t said he’d go, and he tries to wriggle out of it; he can’t and in the end, he decides he’ll go but will stay for only one night, telling himself it’s because he has to get back to the city in order to finish the fine-tuning on the deal.
Fate has other ideas however, as a snow storm hits as he’s on the road on the outskirts of town, and when he swerves to avoid a deer in the road, he spins out of control and ends up in a ditch. He’s not badly hurt and manages to call 911; not long afterwards a local police officer arrives to help him; Max fails to recognise the officer as Hal’s younger brother Dominic, who returned home six months earlier after his stint in the army.
Dominic had a big crush on Max when they were younger, and seeing him again – gorgeous and sexy AF – that crush comes roaring back to life. Dominic is a bit dismayed that Max doesn’t recognise him straight away, although he supposes it’s not surprising since they’ve not see each other for years – and is even more surprised when Max appears to be… flirting with him? When Hal arrives and introduces the hot cop who rescued Max as his little brother, Max is stunned. Pleasantly. Who knew the kid who used to trail around after him and Hal would grow up to be so hot?
With Max’s car out of commission until repairs can be made, he’s going to have to stay in Edgewood over Christmas, which naturally gives him a chance to reconnect with Dominic as well as with Hal and the girls – and causes him to start reassessing his choices.
Although, as I’ve said, this is a story I’ve read lots of times before, it’s nicely done and well written, the leads have great chemistry and there are some engaging secondary characters, notably Hal and his two daughters, who read like actual children rather than plot-moppets. I appreciated the absence of the ‘don’t mess with my younger sibling’ message that so often crops up with this trope; Hal is fully supportive of Max and Dominic getting together, particularly as he knows Dominic hasn’t had it easy since returning home (he has PTSD, for which he’s receiving treatment) and thinks he deserves to have something good in his life. Hal’s soon-to-be ex-wife is all but demonised for most of the book though, which I found a little uncomfortable. All we know about her is that she just up and left and abandoned her kids, and it’s not until much later that we get a chance to see that maybe there’s more to it. I understand that it would have been difficult to explore that further given the story is told from Max and Dominic’s points of view and not Hal’s, but things there could have been a little more nuanced.
For all its predictability, this is an easy and engaging read. The romance is a bit insta-love-y, but I liked that Max and Dominic allow themselves to be vulnerable around each other, and the care Max shows Dominic in bed (teaching him there’s more to sex than a quick pump and dump!). On the downside, I didn’t really buy the reasons behind Max’s dislike of his home town, and Dominic’s reaction to the conflict near the end is really over the top.
That said, if you’re looking for a low-angst, Hallmark-esque, small-town romance that makes good use of its tropes, and has enough heat to keep you warm on a cold winter’s afternoon, His Holiday Crush might just fit the bill.
His Holiday Crush is a cute and very readable Christmassy romance about a workaholic lawyer who reluctantly returns to the hometown he’d intended never to go back to one Christmas, and finds love where he least expected it. It’s well written and the characters are likeable; it was a pleasant enough way to pass a few hours, but it’s nothing I haven’t read before.
Lawyer Max Robertson has had little time in his life for anything other than work for years, and is on the verge of closing the deal that will make his career. For the first time in years he’s agreed to go back to Edgewood – just for for Christmas; normally his best friend Hal and his family visit Max in New York, but Hal’s wife walked out on him and their two young daughters a few months back, and as this will the girls’ first Christmas without their mom, Max agreed to visit them instead. But as Christmas approaches, he starts to wish he hadn’t said he’d go, and he tries to wriggle out of it; he can’t and in the end, he decides he’ll go but will stay for only one night, telling himself it’s because he has to get back to the city in order to finish the fine-tuning on the deal.
Fate has other ideas however, as a snow storm hits as he’s on the road on the outskirts of town, and when he swerves to avoid a deer in the road, he spins out of control and ends up in a ditch. He’s not badly hurt and manages to call 911; not long afterwards a local police officer arrives to help him; Max fails to recognise the officer as Hal’s younger brother Dominic, who returned home six months earlier after his stint in the army.
Dominic had a big crush on Max when they were younger, and seeing him again – gorgeous and sexy AF – that crush comes roaring back to life. Dominic is a bit dismayed that Max doesn’t recognise him straight away, although he supposes it’s not surprising since they’ve not see each other for years – and is even more surprised when Max appears to be… flirting with him? When Hal arrives and introduces the hot cop who rescued Max as his little brother, Max is stunned. Pleasantly. Who knew the kid who used to trail around after him and Hal would grow up to be so hot?
With Max’s car out of commission until repairs can be made, he’s going to have to stay in Edgewood over Christmas, which naturally gives him a chance to reconnect with Dominic as well as with Hal and the girls – and causes him to start reassessing his choices.
Although, as I’ve said, this is a story I’ve read lots of times before, it’s nicely done and well written, the leads have great chemistry and there are some engaging secondary characters, notably Hal and his two daughters, who read like actual children rather than plot-moppets. I appreciated the absence of the ‘don’t mess with my younger sibling’ message that so often crops up with this trope; Hal is fully supportive of Max and Dominic getting together, particularly as he knows Dominic hasn’t had it easy since returning home (he has PTSD, for which he’s receiving treatment) and thinks he deserves to have something good in his life. Hal’s soon-to-be ex-wife is all but demonised for most of the book though, which I found a little uncomfortable. All we know about her is that she just up and left and abandoned her kids, and it’s not until much later that we get a chance to see that maybe there’s more to it. I understand that it would have been difficult to explore that further given the story is told from Max and Dominic’s points of view and not Hal’s, but things there could have been a little more nuanced.
For all its predictability, this is an easy and engaging read. The romance is a bit insta-love-y, but I liked that Max and Dominic allow themselves to be vulnerable around each other, and the care Max shows Dominic in bed (teaching him there’s more to sex than a quick pump and dump!). On the downside, I didn’t really buy the reasons behind Max’s dislike of his home town, and Dominic’s reaction to the conflict near the end is really over the top.
That said, if you’re looking for a low-angst, Hallmark-esque, small-town romance that makes good use of its tropes, and has enough heat to keep you warm on a cold winter’s afternoon, His Holiday Crush might just fit the bill.
December 3, 2020
* Many thanks to Engtangled Publishing for giving me an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review *
As a long time fan of Christmas romance movies, I was excited to finally dip my toes into holiday romance novels. His Holiday Crush follows Max, an career-centered lawyer, on his trip to his small, quirky hometown for Christmas. When he accidentally gets snowed in, his one day trip becomes much longer, letting a new relationship form and leaving Max time to rediscover his priorities and home.
I really enjoyed the romantic aspects of this book, and Cari Z writes with a perfect balance of sexual and romantic attraction. The conflicts in the third act were some of the few romance conflicts that didn't frustrate me or feel forced. Max and Dominic's relationship also played into their character arcs well. It did feel a little insta-love, especially at the beginning of the book, but considering it's a novella, that's to be expected.
In addition to being a delightful romance, the side characters were lots of fun and the setting was cute. It felt very reminiscent of Stars Hollow in it's particular brand of quirkiness. I would love to read more stories in this universe.
His Christmas Crush was the epitome of a self-care romance novel for me. I could just get lost in the story and enjoy the ride. It felt like the book equivalent of a mug of hot cocoa and a fuzzy blanket, which coincidentally, would go perfectly with this book.
AO3 tags: m/m, small towns, returning home, lawyers, veterans, puppies, nsfw, caught in the snow, found family, best friend's brother, PTSD, one of them has to rescue the other, multiple times, comfy reads
As a long time fan of Christmas romance movies, I was excited to finally dip my toes into holiday romance novels. His Holiday Crush follows Max, an career-centered lawyer, on his trip to his small, quirky hometown for Christmas. When he accidentally gets snowed in, his one day trip becomes much longer, letting a new relationship form and leaving Max time to rediscover his priorities and home.
I really enjoyed the romantic aspects of this book, and Cari Z writes with a perfect balance of sexual and romantic attraction. The conflicts in the third act were some of the few romance conflicts that didn't frustrate me or feel forced. Max and Dominic's relationship also played into their character arcs well. It did feel a little insta-love, especially at the beginning of the book, but considering it's a novella, that's to be expected.
In addition to being a delightful romance, the side characters were lots of fun and the setting was cute. It felt very reminiscent of Stars Hollow in it's particular brand of quirkiness. I would love to read more stories in this universe.
His Christmas Crush was the epitome of a self-care romance novel for me. I could just get lost in the story and enjoy the ride. It felt like the book equivalent of a mug of hot cocoa and a fuzzy blanket, which coincidentally, would go perfectly with this book.
AO3 tags: m/m, small towns, returning home, lawyers, veterans, puppies, nsfw, caught in the snow, found family, best friend's brother, PTSD, one of them has to rescue the other, multiple times, comfy reads
November 9, 2025
The plot: Ambitious Attorney Max returns to his hometown Edgewood to spend Christmas with his best friend Hal and Hal's adorable daughters after being abandoned by his wife. Max only intends to stay for a day because 1) his hometown holds painful memories and 2) he's very close to earning a promotion at his law firm. On his way to Edgewood, he ends up wrecking his car and a very hot cop comes to his rescue. Surprisingly, the hot cop happens to be Dominic AKA Nicky AKA Hal's little brother. OOPS. Max’s unexpected car issues force him to stay in Edgewood longer than anticipated, and a passionate romance blossoms between Max and Dominic. As Christmas draws near, Max has a difficult choice to make: return to New York to continue climbing the corporate ladder or stay in Edgewood with his found family?
My thoughts: this was a cute low angst romance that got me into the holiday spirit. Despite some of the heavier topics this book touched on, there was still this gentleness to it. I could totally see this being a comfort read. Max and Dominic had great chemistry, the love scenes were HAWT and Hal's daughters were adorable and actually acted like children. I also loved how Max was worried about how Hal would react to his attraction to his younger brother and Hal...did not care. He was like "Y'all grown. Have fun" lmao
The only thing that bugged me about this book is that there is a scene where Max oversteps and he conveniently "forgets" to give Hal a heads up and it was clearly written to provide the much needed *rolls eyes to the heavens* 3rd act angst in a book that was pretty angst free. Max's interference works out in the end but still, NOT COOL MAX.
CW: PTSD, drunk driving, depression, parental abandonment.
My thoughts: this was a cute low angst romance that got me into the holiday spirit. Despite some of the heavier topics this book touched on, there was still this gentleness to it. I could totally see this being a comfort read. Max and Dominic had great chemistry, the love scenes were HAWT and Hal's daughters were adorable and actually acted like children. I also loved how Max was worried about how Hal would react to his attraction to his younger brother and Hal...did not care. He was like "Y'all grown. Have fun" lmao
The only thing that bugged me about this book is that there is a scene where Max oversteps and he conveniently "forgets" to give Hal a heads up and it was clearly written to provide the much needed *rolls eyes to the heavens* 3rd act angst in a book that was pretty angst free. Max's interference works out in the end but still, NOT COOL MAX.
CW: PTSD, drunk driving, depression, parental abandonment.
January 1, 2021
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.
This is exactly the holiday read I needed during what is a strange and sometimes very difficult holiday season.
This book truly has every ingredient needed for a heartwarming holiday m/m romance: one man (Max) who only thinks about work and has to be forced to take a vacation back to his hometown for Christmas, his best friend (Hal) with two adorable children who are all struggling after Hal's wife left them, the small town cop (Dominic, aka Nicky) who is Hal's brother and who also happens to have had a crush on Max since they were in high school. Cue Max crashing his car in a snowstorm, which leads to being rescued by Nicky and having to stay in his hometown far longer than expected.
Every character is fantastic, and I was rooting so hard for all of them. Dominic and Max are such a cute couple who bring out the best in each other and help each other grow. Max's relationship with Hal and his daughters, Hal and Nicky's brotherly bond, and Nicky as uncle to Hal's two daughters, are the sweetest. Even when there are some difficulties in the characters' lives (an intense argument, Max having to decide between a big city job and love in a small town, Nicky's PTSD, the wife and mother who left, Max's alcoholic father), these all lead to loving moments and important plot development.
If you need a lift this season, this is definitely a great book to lose yourself in.
This is exactly the holiday read I needed during what is a strange and sometimes very difficult holiday season.
This book truly has every ingredient needed for a heartwarming holiday m/m romance: one man (Max) who only thinks about work and has to be forced to take a vacation back to his hometown for Christmas, his best friend (Hal) with two adorable children who are all struggling after Hal's wife left them, the small town cop (Dominic, aka Nicky) who is Hal's brother and who also happens to have had a crush on Max since they were in high school. Cue Max crashing his car in a snowstorm, which leads to being rescued by Nicky and having to stay in his hometown far longer than expected.
Every character is fantastic, and I was rooting so hard for all of them. Dominic and Max are such a cute couple who bring out the best in each other and help each other grow. Max's relationship with Hal and his daughters, Hal and Nicky's brotherly bond, and Nicky as uncle to Hal's two daughters, are the sweetest. Even when there are some difficulties in the characters' lives (an intense argument, Max having to decide between a big city job and love in a small town, Nicky's PTSD, the wife and mother who left, Max's alcoholic father), these all lead to loving moments and important plot development.
If you need a lift this season, this is definitely a great book to lose yourself in.
December 13, 2020
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Max Robertson hasn't been back to Edgewood, his hometown, in years. His father made a name for himself (not in a good way) and left Max the center of unwanted attention. He's living in NYC working his butt off to become partner. When his best friend Hal's young daughter calls and begs him to come for Christmas, Max can't say no. Hal's wife walked away from Hal and their daughters and left Hal to raise his daughter's alone. Max feels the guilt of not being there when they needed him the most so he promises he'll be there for Christmas.
Dominic has always had a crush on his brother's best friend, Max but he never expected to have to save him when Max slides off the road into a snow bank. Max doesn't recognize Dominic at first and feels an attraction to the hot police officer that saved him from freezing.
I enjoyed build up in this one. The relationship between Max and Dominic is easy and relatable. Hal was a great secondary character. Max is able to bring calm to Dominic's chaotic mind and Dominic is able to slow Max down they really are what the other needs. His Holiday Crush is the perfect quick holiday read!
Max Robertson hasn't been back to Edgewood, his hometown, in years. His father made a name for himself (not in a good way) and left Max the center of unwanted attention. He's living in NYC working his butt off to become partner. When his best friend Hal's young daughter calls and begs him to come for Christmas, Max can't say no. Hal's wife walked away from Hal and their daughters and left Hal to raise his daughter's alone. Max feels the guilt of not being there when they needed him the most so he promises he'll be there for Christmas.
Dominic has always had a crush on his brother's best friend, Max but he never expected to have to save him when Max slides off the road into a snow bank. Max doesn't recognize Dominic at first and feels an attraction to the hot police officer that saved him from freezing.
I enjoyed build up in this one. The relationship between Max and Dominic is easy and relatable. Hal was a great secondary character. Max is able to bring calm to Dominic's chaotic mind and Dominic is able to slow Max down they really are what the other needs. His Holiday Crush is the perfect quick holiday read!
November 26, 2020
HIS HOLIDAY CRUSH is a holiday romance that would left the reader with a big smile, from its sweet cover to its end.
One night at his best friend's house should be enough for Max, to show him his suport and not risking losing the deal, that might give him the change make partner at his firm. But a wreck in the snow is endangering his plans, and when Dominic, a local police force, comes to the rescue, Max might not be so interested in follow them anymore.
I had a wonderful time with this book. I am amazed by the versatility of the author, who I'd read before, in books that are a complitely oposite from this one. It was a great experience this book was charming but it wasn't overly sweet, which would be bothersone to me. I liked the writing. The plot was nice. It was easy to catch the attention, but not really too unexpected.
I loved the main characters, maybe they were a bit too perfect for me, but I guess the general good guy feeling might be appreciate by most readers. I love that, even as nice as they were, they still have their internal struggles. I guess that is the reason I liked them so much.
The romance between them feels right. It was developed in only few days, and yet, didn't felt rushed. It also had the right amount of heat that made it enjoyable, without sex scenes being the whole center of the story.
I didn't liked that some parts of it were a little predictable, but I guess it is sometimes that way when reading romance. I still found the book really charming and it left me with a big smile on my face. Definitely a recomended book, particularly for readers who are trying to get into the holiday feeling.
One night at his best friend's house should be enough for Max, to show him his suport and not risking losing the deal, that might give him the change make partner at his firm. But a wreck in the snow is endangering his plans, and when Dominic, a local police force, comes to the rescue, Max might not be so interested in follow them anymore.
I had a wonderful time with this book. I am amazed by the versatility of the author, who I'd read before, in books that are a complitely oposite from this one. It was a great experience this book was charming but it wasn't overly sweet, which would be bothersone to me. I liked the writing. The plot was nice. It was easy to catch the attention, but not really too unexpected.
I loved the main characters, maybe they were a bit too perfect for me, but I guess the general good guy feeling might be appreciate by most readers. I love that, even as nice as they were, they still have their internal struggles. I guess that is the reason I liked them so much.
The romance between them feels right. It was developed in only few days, and yet, didn't felt rushed. It also had the right amount of heat that made it enjoyable, without sex scenes being the whole center of the story.
I didn't liked that some parts of it were a little predictable, but I guess it is sometimes that way when reading romance. I still found the book really charming and it left me with a big smile on my face. Definitely a recomended book, particularly for readers who are trying to get into the holiday feeling.
December 13, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Cari Z but it certainly won’t be the last, if you love the holiday season and M/M romance His Holiday Crush should be on your radar.
Max is a hotshot lawyer who has become a workaholic but a call from his best friend Hal who is now a single father has him heading to the hometown he hasn’t been back to in many years. He was only meant to be there for a day but the weather and a deer wondering onto the road, meant Max would not be leaving anytime soon. Dominic is the officer who comes to the rescue that fateful night and it seems fate or holiday magic is determined to push these two together. The attraction and the chemistry is undeniable but Max lives in New York and Dominic would never leave his hometown of Edgewood so where does that leave this adorable couple.....
I loved the characters, their story, the banter and the steamy intimacy Max and Dominic shared but what took this book to another level for me was the emotion and off course two adorable kids that delivered some classic one liners only a child does well. Looking forward to reading more from this very talented author.
Max is a hotshot lawyer who has become a workaholic but a call from his best friend Hal who is now a single father has him heading to the hometown he hasn’t been back to in many years. He was only meant to be there for a day but the weather and a deer wondering onto the road, meant Max would not be leaving anytime soon. Dominic is the officer who comes to the rescue that fateful night and it seems fate or holiday magic is determined to push these two together. The attraction and the chemistry is undeniable but Max lives in New York and Dominic would never leave his hometown of Edgewood so where does that leave this adorable couple.....
I loved the characters, their story, the banter and the steamy intimacy Max and Dominic shared but what took this book to another level for me was the emotion and off course two adorable kids that delivered some classic one liners only a child does well. Looking forward to reading more from this very talented author.
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