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Christmas Spirit
Forced together, can past and present enemies become future lovers?
A lowly kitchen boy, looked down upon and despised by all, sweet-natured Georgie’s a modern day Cinderfella. Roland’s an award-winning chef. Arrogant, frosty, and a silver fox in the making, he’s also Georgie’s boss. The only thing the two have in common is a mutual loathing — and a mutual attraction neither will admit to.
Cornered into taking a car journey together, they’re soon lost in a sudden, violent blizzard. Their only hope of shelter is to follow a series of signs leading to an isolated hotel… a hotel with a mysterious proprietor, no other guests, but only one vacant room with one very big bed.
As the snowstorm rages, will the warmth of Christmas Spirit melt the ice between them?
A lowly kitchen boy, looked down upon and despised by all, sweet-natured Georgie’s a modern day Cinderfella. Roland’s an award-winning chef. Arrogant, frosty, and a silver fox in the making, he’s also Georgie’s boss. The only thing the two have in common is a mutual loathing — and a mutual attraction neither will admit to.
Cornered into taking a car journey together, they’re soon lost in a sudden, violent blizzard. Their only hope of shelter is to follow a series of signs leading to an isolated hotel… a hotel with a mysterious proprietor, no other guests, but only one vacant room with one very big bed.
As the snowstorm rages, will the warmth of Christmas Spirit melt the ice between them?
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2020
74 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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December 22, 2020
Christmas Spirit is by Ali Ryecart. This is my very first book by this author. This is a holiday, M/M, stand alone that is sort of a Cinderfella/Scrooge retelling. It is an age gap, forced proximity romance.
It’s three days before Christmas. Pendleton Manor, where Georgie Forrester works as a lowly kitchen boy, is closing for the holiday. Georgie needs a ride to the train station but no one is kind enough to help him out. The only person that has ever been kind to Georgie at the Manor is Julia but there is no way she has room for him in her car. So she forces the very last person Georgie wants to accept a ride from, his boss, the person that makes his existence pure torture.
There is a snow storm on the horizon and all Executive Chef Roland Fletcher Jones wants to do is get to his home in London. Even though no one is there waiting for him. So he’s not happy at all to have his trip extended by having to take the lowly kitchen boy to the train station. It will throw off his whole schedule. When a blinding snow storm and one strange detour sign after another leave them hopelessly lost, they find a remote inn all decked out for Christmas. How they never knew of this inn’s existence they can’t figure, but now all they want is a warm bed and food. But the very strange proprietor informs them that they only have one room available and that room only has one bed.
The inn is strange in deed. Roland and Georgie never see any other guests and only the one proprietor who has a striking resemblance to one very well known figure. As the storm rages on, Roland and Georgie get to know one another better. Roland in particular sees how his actions have affected Georgie’s life where they work. Both are attracted to one another and as their differences seem less important their attraction grows.
This was a sweet holiday story. It was well written and intriguing. Roland’s age was somewhere around forty. While we’re not given Georgie’s age, I’m guessing it could have been low twenties so it’s a large age gap. I did feel bad for all Georgie had been through and loved his ability to forgive. I never did really form a connection, though with either of the characters. I did enjoy the book though so I’m glad I added it to my holiday line up this year.
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...
It’s three days before Christmas. Pendleton Manor, where Georgie Forrester works as a lowly kitchen boy, is closing for the holiday. Georgie needs a ride to the train station but no one is kind enough to help him out. The only person that has ever been kind to Georgie at the Manor is Julia but there is no way she has room for him in her car. So she forces the very last person Georgie wants to accept a ride from, his boss, the person that makes his existence pure torture.
There is a snow storm on the horizon and all Executive Chef Roland Fletcher Jones wants to do is get to his home in London. Even though no one is there waiting for him. So he’s not happy at all to have his trip extended by having to take the lowly kitchen boy to the train station. It will throw off his whole schedule. When a blinding snow storm and one strange detour sign after another leave them hopelessly lost, they find a remote inn all decked out for Christmas. How they never knew of this inn’s existence they can’t figure, but now all they want is a warm bed and food. But the very strange proprietor informs them that they only have one room available and that room only has one bed.
The inn is strange in deed. Roland and Georgie never see any other guests and only the one proprietor who has a striking resemblance to one very well known figure. As the storm rages on, Roland and Georgie get to know one another better. Roland in particular sees how his actions have affected Georgie’s life where they work. Both are attracted to one another and as their differences seem less important their attraction grows.
This was a sweet holiday story. It was well written and intriguing. Roland’s age was somewhere around forty. While we’re not given Georgie’s age, I’m guessing it could have been low twenties so it’s a large age gap. I did feel bad for all Georgie had been through and loved his ability to forgive. I never did really form a connection, though with either of the characters. I did enjoy the book though so I’m glad I added it to my holiday line up this year.
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...
December 23, 2021
3.5 Stars
Review:
This was cute. Forced proximity is one of my favorite tropes, and I especially love the idea of two people being trapped alone (or mostly alone) in a snow storm, especially when it comes to Christmas romances. There's also age gap, only one bed, and hate to love, which I wanted to mention for readers who like those (though the last is obvious if you've read the description). I enjoyed how this felt very Christmassy and cozy. The characters jumped rather quickly from hating each other to imagining sex with each other, to then having sex and being in love. And I don't think I would've been as quick to forgive as Georgie was. But other than that, the author did a pretty good job of showing them softening to each other as they dealt with all the weirdness at the mysterious hotel together. Overall, this was a cozy Christmas romance with just a touch of magic.
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes cute and cozy m/m Christmas romance, a touch of magic, age gap, forced proximity, and hate to love.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
This was cute. Forced proximity is one of my favorite tropes, and I especially love the idea of two people being trapped alone (or mostly alone) in a snow storm, especially when it comes to Christmas romances. There's also age gap, only one bed, and hate to love, which I wanted to mention for readers who like those (though the last is obvious if you've read the description). I enjoyed how this felt very Christmassy and cozy. The characters jumped rather quickly from hating each other to imagining sex with each other, to then having sex and being in love. And I don't think I would've been as quick to forgive as Georgie was. But other than that, the author did a pretty good job of showing them softening to each other as they dealt with all the weirdness at the mysterious hotel together. Overall, this was a cozy Christmas romance with just a touch of magic.
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes cute and cozy m/m Christmas romance, a touch of magic, age gap, forced proximity, and hate to love.
More Reviews @ Metaphors and Moonlight
November 12, 2020
My first Christmas read of 2020 :-)
It's an enjoyable enemies to lovers story as Head Executive Chef, Roland, and kitchen boy, Georgie, end up stuck together as they get lost on a long diversion road when Roland was, unwillingly, driving Georgie to the train station after the last day of work at the hotel. However, they end up in a fairy tale-esk hotel with the ever so charming Nicholas as their host. Stuck in the last available room with only one bed they are forced to share space that would never have happened otherwise.
Roland is a real Scrooge character who is hard on Georgie at work and strives for perfection in his kitchen, hiding past pain that he refuses to think about. Georgie is struggling with everything and there is such a sense of loneliness and isolation when in and out of work. He struggles especially at work as everyone followed Roland's example and is constantly putting the young man down.
At this eerie hotel, there is a chance for both men to see the other in a different light but it involves trust and taking a chance, though it doesn't take long for Roland to muck things up with his past hanging over his head. It's a good thing that Nicholas is there to lend a helping hand and bring the right spirit back to the couple. I enjoyed the time that the two men spent together from the start, the negatives that turn to positives. It's heartwarming and entertaining to read and another good festive story from Ali Ryecart.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
It's an enjoyable enemies to lovers story as Head Executive Chef, Roland, and kitchen boy, Georgie, end up stuck together as they get lost on a long diversion road when Roland was, unwillingly, driving Georgie to the train station after the last day of work at the hotel. However, they end up in a fairy tale-esk hotel with the ever so charming Nicholas as their host. Stuck in the last available room with only one bed they are forced to share space that would never have happened otherwise.
Roland is a real Scrooge character who is hard on Georgie at work and strives for perfection in his kitchen, hiding past pain that he refuses to think about. Georgie is struggling with everything and there is such a sense of loneliness and isolation when in and out of work. He struggles especially at work as everyone followed Roland's example and is constantly putting the young man down.
At this eerie hotel, there is a chance for both men to see the other in a different light but it involves trust and taking a chance, though it doesn't take long for Roland to muck things up with his past hanging over his head. It's a good thing that Nicholas is there to lend a helping hand and bring the right spirit back to the couple. I enjoyed the time that the two men spent together from the start, the negatives that turn to positives. It's heartwarming and entertaining to read and another good festive story from Ali Ryecart.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
August 4, 2021
Christmas Spirit is a heartfelt romance that I really loved. I'm a sucker for the age gap/grumpy -sunshine trope and to me, Ms. Ryecart delivered that in spades. I was in the mood for a Christmas story. Nothing makes romance better than the sweet, hope-filled holiday season themed story. Christmas Spirit made me smile, tear up and remember how much I love a holiday romance.
December 6, 2020
Enemies Georgie and Roland find some magic !
Georgie is a lowly dishwasher in a tough restaurant atmosphere. Roland runs his restaurant which a whip, no, but the stings are there.
Grumpy Roland, 40, is forced to give downtrodden Georgie, 22, a ride to the train, but they never reach it.
A storm rears up and they find themselves at a secluded hotel. One employee seems to magically know what these two enemies need.
They slowly ease up and some truths come to the surface, as they begin to see each other differently.
Roland is enlightened about his own business, and timid Georgie gains his footing.
A marvelous romance is born, with perfection in their sexy times.
But what else is happening?
Enjoy the magical surprises !
=====
Georgie is a lowly dishwasher in a tough restaurant atmosphere. Roland runs his restaurant which a whip, no, but the stings are there.
Grumpy Roland, 40, is forced to give downtrodden Georgie, 22, a ride to the train, but they never reach it.
A storm rears up and they find themselves at a secluded hotel. One employee seems to magically know what these two enemies need.
They slowly ease up and some truths come to the surface, as they begin to see each other differently.
Roland is enlightened about his own business, and timid Georgie gains his footing.
A marvelous romance is born, with perfection in their sexy times.
But what else is happening?
Enjoy the magical surprises !
=====
December 3, 2020
Holy Christmas! This was so delicious and good and mystical and spiritual and hot and funny and I'm just gobsmacked here folks. Wow, just ... wow. A new to me author and I wasn't expecting to be blown away but I was, and you will be also, if you believe.
This year, when the miserableness that is Covid shadows our daily lives in one way or another, a little magic can't hurt. I'll suck up the goodness and cheer like a sponge and who knows? Perhaps the warm feelings brought on by finishing this tale will last with me throughout my busy, hectic, Covid laden day.
Two lost souls, one searching and one seeking redemption. Masterful storytelling. Lovely and sublime. Sexy. Funny as hell too. Anyone that ever got the heebeejeebees from one of those plaster Santa's from back in the day knows what I'm talking about. It made me LOL. Oh it felt so damn good to laugh. Thank you Dear Author for that.
There are shadows here. Twists and turns. Meanness and bullying. People that believe they are better than everyone else. That it's okay to stomp on 'the kitchen boy.'
'Be careful Ebenezer Scrooge, for I speak of your reclamation.' Indeed.
Where the improbable becomes possible.
A different and unique spin on a tale as old as time and I loved every second of it.
I'm excited to try more from this author.
*****+ and highly recommended. Have a little faith my friends. 😊🦋
This year, when the miserableness that is Covid shadows our daily lives in one way or another, a little magic can't hurt. I'll suck up the goodness and cheer like a sponge and who knows? Perhaps the warm feelings brought on by finishing this tale will last with me throughout my busy, hectic, Covid laden day.
Two lost souls, one searching and one seeking redemption. Masterful storytelling. Lovely and sublime. Sexy. Funny as hell too. Anyone that ever got the heebeejeebees from one of those plaster Santa's from back in the day knows what I'm talking about. It made me LOL. Oh it felt so damn good to laugh. Thank you Dear Author for that.
There are shadows here. Twists and turns. Meanness and bullying. People that believe they are better than everyone else. That it's okay to stomp on 'the kitchen boy.'
'Be careful Ebenezer Scrooge, for I speak of your reclamation.' Indeed.
Where the improbable becomes possible.
A different and unique spin on a tale as old as time and I loved every second of it.
I'm excited to try more from this author.
*****+ and highly recommended. Have a little faith my friends. 😊🦋
December 12, 2021
3+
Zadziwiająco niezła ta książka 😁
Mam coś szczęście w tym roku do śnieżyc w świątecznych opowieściach 😉 Ale ta, trzeba przyznać, była wyjątkowa, bo wywołana przez pewnego pana z białą brodą i ubranego na czerwono 🤶 I choć może nie wszystkie rozwiązania do końca mi się podobały, choć Roland był prawdziwym kutasińskim przez większą część książki i zostało mu zdecydowanie za szybko wybaczone, choć końcówka była może zbyt ckliwa i miejscami zbyt dosłowna (jak prezenty, które dostali) - to jednak plusy przeważyły minusy 😁 Sam pomysł naprawdę fajny i w większości nieźle wykonany. Poza tym, pewne minusy można wziąć na klatę, bo w końcu akcja dzieje się w miejscu, które jest zaczarowane - a jak wiadomo, wtedy wszystko jest możliwe 😉
To autorka zupełnie mi nieznana do tej pory, zupełnie spoza nurtu tych "na topie, znanych i uwielbianych", a jednak ta historia, pomimo niedociągnięć, była lepsza od niejednej, która jest pisana przez "gwiazdy MM" 😉 Jasne, to slow-burn, nie ma zbyt dużo dialogów, za to sporo dzieje się w głowach bohaterów - i jak ktoś tego nie lubi, to niech sobie odpuści. Ale dla mnie to miła niespodzianka i doceniam to, że dostałam więcej, niż się spodziewałam 😁
Zadziwiająco niezła ta książka 😁
Mam coś szczęście w tym roku do śnieżyc w świątecznych opowieściach 😉 Ale ta, trzeba przyznać, była wyjątkowa, bo wywołana przez pewnego pana z białą brodą i ubranego na czerwono 🤶 I choć może nie wszystkie rozwiązania do końca mi się podobały, choć Roland był prawdziwym kutasińskim przez większą część książki i zostało mu zdecydowanie za szybko wybaczone, choć końcówka była może zbyt ckliwa i miejscami zbyt dosłowna (jak prezenty, które dostali) - to jednak plusy przeważyły minusy 😁 Sam pomysł naprawdę fajny i w większości nieźle wykonany. Poza tym, pewne minusy można wziąć na klatę, bo w końcu akcja dzieje się w miejscu, które jest zaczarowane - a jak wiadomo, wtedy wszystko jest możliwe 😉
To autorka zupełnie mi nieznana do tej pory, zupełnie spoza nurtu tych "na topie, znanych i uwielbianych", a jednak ta historia, pomimo niedociągnięć, była lepsza od niejednej, która jest pisana przez "gwiazdy MM" 😉 Jasne, to slow-burn, nie ma zbyt dużo dialogów, za to sporo dzieje się w głowach bohaterów - i jak ktoś tego nie lubi, to niech sobie odpuści. Ale dla mnie to miła niespodzianka i doceniam to, że dostałam więcej, niż się spodziewałam 😁
November 22, 2020
2.5? Hmmm. I love a holiday story and I'm all for a bit of Christmas magic, but there was a lot left lacking, I wanted more actually between the characters, so much was them left in their own heads. It was a cute idea and I did like parts, but just wanted...more, would have made it felt more real.
July 2, 2021
I had to work hard to try to ignore what a complete dick Roland was in the beginning/setup. I acknowledge he had his "reasons" for it but I don't really understand it or empathize with him. He just seems like a terrible human for fostering that environment. Georgie didn't deserve that.
I liked the story overall, but Roland needed to do A LOT more groveling to erase the dickishness for me.
I liked the story overall, but Roland needed to do A LOT more groveling to erase the dickishness for me.
November 20, 2020
Love a bit of magic...
This seasonal sweet story had it in buckets.
What I didn't expect was to cry when I started reading Christmas Spirit. Then again Ali Ryecart always loves to break your heart, before she reluctantly gives you a HEA.
A nasty head chef and a kitchen full of horrid people took pleasure in making Georgie's life a living hell. All because he was a lowly kitchen boy, a beautiful, lonely, kind and caring kitchen boy, but who cared....
The arrogant head chef Roland took great pleasure in putting Georgie down, his conscience too busy with his own worth to see what he was doing.
But someone was watching....
Someone who knew that Roland had a past that he was desperate to keep hidden.
A secret that had coloured his view of Georgie, unfairly so.
One reluctant car journey throws Roland and Georgie together, and an unforeseen snow storm makes sure they can't go far. Life like dreams, open cosy fireplaces, exquisite food and wine work their magic.
Roland no longer hides his desire for Georgie in irritation, and Georgie can openly swoon at the beautiful man that used to make him quake.
Just like magic !!!
This seasonal sweet story had it in buckets.
What I didn't expect was to cry when I started reading Christmas Spirit. Then again Ali Ryecart always loves to break your heart, before she reluctantly gives you a HEA.
A nasty head chef and a kitchen full of horrid people took pleasure in making Georgie's life a living hell. All because he was a lowly kitchen boy, a beautiful, lonely, kind and caring kitchen boy, but who cared....
The arrogant head chef Roland took great pleasure in putting Georgie down, his conscience too busy with his own worth to see what he was doing.
But someone was watching....
Someone who knew that Roland had a past that he was desperate to keep hidden.
A secret that had coloured his view of Georgie, unfairly so.
One reluctant car journey throws Roland and Georgie together, and an unforeseen snow storm makes sure they can't go far. Life like dreams, open cosy fireplaces, exquisite food and wine work their magic.
Roland no longer hides his desire for Georgie in irritation, and Georgie can openly swoon at the beautiful man that used to make him quake.
Just like magic !!!
Read
November 13, 2020This was a fun and joyous seasonal read, they were both good strong characters, I loved all the Christmas parallels, and I especially liked that it was all a teeeeeensy bit spooky until Nicholas' matchmaking came through! There was a delightful 'edge' to what could have been just saccharine. Good sense of the snow and setting, epilogue well balanced, and I will dream of that tea trolley for weeks to come *yum* *sort of spoiler LOL*.
December 15, 2020
I quite liked Georgie, but sob story or not, I didn’t care for Roland. As Georgie put it, what “absolutely, one hundred percent didn’t make sense, was Roland. Or, more precisely, his attraction to the man who, for almost six months, had been the cause of his life being a living, breathing hell.”<\i>
There’s also the dream sequence, that I’m not sure if it actually happened or not, but I found it more creepy than anything... then again, showing up at Santa’s chalet, where he orchestrated two people that hated each other banging and falling in love feels more creepy than cheery to me.
And one other point that annoyed me was that is chapter 9, Georgie refers to Roland by his name and Roland corrects him, grumbling, “It’s Mr. Fletcher Jones to you.” And then in Chapter 10, Roland says to please call him Roland, to which Georgie does, and wonders to himself if he had ever said Roland’s name aloud. Yes, you did, just the chapter previous.
There’s also the dream sequence, that I’m not sure if it actually happened or not, but I found it more creepy than anything... then again, showing up at Santa’s chalet, where he orchestrated two people that hated each other banging and falling in love feels more creepy than cheery to me.
And one other point that annoyed me was that is chapter 9, Georgie refers to Roland by his name and Roland corrects him, grumbling, “It’s Mr. Fletcher Jones to you.” And then in Chapter 10, Roland says to please call him Roland, to which Georgie does, and wonders to himself if he had ever said Roland’s name aloud. Yes, you did, just the chapter previous.
November 14, 2020
Do you believe in the magic of Christmas?
Roland is the Chef at Pendleton Manor. Georgie is the lowly kitchen boy. Roland is trapped into giving Georgie a ride to the train station at the start of their holiday break. A raging snow storm stands them at a mysterious hotel with a manager named Nicholas.
This is a funny, touching, heartwarming story. It is well written, making it fun to read. I loved watching these 2 men orbit each other. The men's confusion at the magical quality of their stay at the hotel was lots of fun to experience.
I would recommend this book for any time of year, but it will definitely put you in the Christmas Spirit!!
Roland is the Chef at Pendleton Manor. Georgie is the lowly kitchen boy. Roland is trapped into giving Georgie a ride to the train station at the start of their holiday break. A raging snow storm stands them at a mysterious hotel with a manager named Nicholas.
This is a funny, touching, heartwarming story. It is well written, making it fun to read. I loved watching these 2 men orbit each other. The men's confusion at the magical quality of their stay at the hotel was lots of fun to experience.
I would recommend this book for any time of year, but it will definitely put you in the Christmas Spirit!!
November 12, 2020
Wow! This story was fantastic!! Roland is the head chef and Georgie is the kitchen boy at a manor house. When Christmas break closes the manor house, Roland is forced into taking Georgie to the train station, they run into a horrible snowstorm and end up lost. They are forced to stay in an inn where there is only one room left with one bed. They get to know one another. They have an attraction to each other, but they cannot cross those lines due to their jobs. It about broke me in a few places. Georgie has such a horrible things happen to him in his young life. I got so wrapped up in their story that I was ugly crying in places. It was sooo good!! Fantastic, must read!! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy the author gave me.
November 12, 2020
This is a wonderful story!
Every time I read a book by Ali Ryecart (previously known as A E Ryecart) I don't see how it can top the last one. But it does…every . single . time.
I haven't read a lot of enemies-to-lovers books (this one truly is an enemies-to-lovers one as they really seem to hate each other) and this one has a twist. No, I'm not telling what it is. 😊
I loved every minute of reading this book. I stayed up way too late (even for this night-owl) because I had to finish it; I couldn't put it down. The characters were very compelling and so was their story. It's a bit of a slow burn (which I like) because, other than things that happen in their dreams, nothing sexy happens until about 65% of the way through.
I love to read about characters from completely disparate walks of life who fall for each other. Kind of like Cinderella or Pretty Woman – but even better with two male main characters. Georgie has had such a hard life and the head chef, Roland, where he currently works has made that life even harder. Roland has a secret, something he's terribly ashamed of, and it's colored his whole outlook on life. It's turned him into an ice-cold Scrooge and it seems like it will take a Christmas miracle to thaw him out.
This story really brought out all of my feelings and, of course, more than a few tears. I didn't see how the author was ever going to get these two over their dislike for one another but I knew she would. Her previous Christmas stories have gutted me in the same way but it's always worth it for the HEA that she finally gives her boys.
I absolutely love epilogues and the one for Georgie and Roland, catching us up a year later, was perfect.
An advance copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author (and I purchased a copy).
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Every time I read a book by Ali Ryecart (previously known as A E Ryecart) I don't see how it can top the last one. But it does…every . single . time.
I haven't read a lot of enemies-to-lovers books (this one truly is an enemies-to-lovers one as they really seem to hate each other) and this one has a twist. No, I'm not telling what it is. 😊
I loved every minute of reading this book. I stayed up way too late (even for this night-owl) because I had to finish it; I couldn't put it down. The characters were very compelling and so was their story. It's a bit of a slow burn (which I like) because, other than things that happen in their dreams, nothing sexy happens until about 65% of the way through.
I love to read about characters from completely disparate walks of life who fall for each other. Kind of like Cinderella or Pretty Woman – but even better with two male main characters. Georgie has had such a hard life and the head chef, Roland, where he currently works has made that life even harder. Roland has a secret, something he's terribly ashamed of, and it's colored his whole outlook on life. It's turned him into an ice-cold Scrooge and it seems like it will take a Christmas miracle to thaw him out.
This story really brought out all of my feelings and, of course, more than a few tears. I didn't see how the author was ever going to get these two over their dislike for one another but I knew she would. Her previous Christmas stories have gutted me in the same way but it's always worth it for the HEA that she finally gives her boys.
I absolutely love epilogues and the one for Georgie and Roland, catching us up a year later, was perfect.
An advance copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author (and I purchased a copy).
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
January 22, 2021
Review by Gloria Lakritz Review Chair and Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team
4 ****Stars
Name of Book: Christmas Spirit
Author: Ali Rycart
Publisher:Self Published
Release date:Nov 12, 2020
Page Count:182 pages
Genre: Gay Holiday Romance
Rated: Mature
Now that the Holidays are over, the tree and the festivities are over I look back. It is now 2021 and I sit down to tell you of a book I read over this holiday, that was really special.
Ali Ryecart writes truly from the heart, and this book added to my Rycart Collection!
This is truly a Cinderfella story if I ever read one, the lowly kitchen boy and the Big prestigious chef, but during the holidays magic can happen! Yes? Georgie is the lowly kitchen boy working in a toxic environment, condoned even by the renown chef who I named “Roland the snob”. All are leaving for the holidays for family and parts unknown and Roland was left with getting Georgie to the local train station as it was on his way out of town.
Both men were actually dreading the time off really having no one to spend the holidays with….Fate took over when a surprise snow storm caught them on their trip, obliterating any vision but a sign HOTEL….
I will not spoil the story by explaining any more, this sweet and magical holiday read is not to late to make you smile….Snuggle up in a blanket, with a warm drink of choice and enjoy!
4 ****Stars
Name of Book: Christmas Spirit
Author: Ali Rycart
Publisher:Self Published
Release date:Nov 12, 2020
Page Count:182 pages
Genre: Gay Holiday Romance
Rated: Mature
Now that the Holidays are over, the tree and the festivities are over I look back. It is now 2021 and I sit down to tell you of a book I read over this holiday, that was really special.
Ali Ryecart writes truly from the heart, and this book added to my Rycart Collection!
This is truly a Cinderfella story if I ever read one, the lowly kitchen boy and the Big prestigious chef, but during the holidays magic can happen! Yes? Georgie is the lowly kitchen boy working in a toxic environment, condoned even by the renown chef who I named “Roland the snob”. All are leaving for the holidays for family and parts unknown and Roland was left with getting Georgie to the local train station as it was on his way out of town.
Both men were actually dreading the time off really having no one to spend the holidays with….Fate took over when a surprise snow storm caught them on their trip, obliterating any vision but a sign HOTEL….
I will not spoil the story by explaining any more, this sweet and magical holiday read is not to late to make you smile….Snuggle up in a blanket, with a warm drink of choice and enjoy!
December 29, 2020
2.5 stars.
I have mixed feelings about this one - it left me wanting, but I felt it was worth reading because it's cute and original. I enjoyed the setting but needed more from the characters. More dialogue, connection, a resolution to how Roland treated Georgie in the past. There was a lot of inner dialogue, but not a lot of communication between the two which made the resolution confusing to me.
The sex scenes could have either been a bit more descriptive or fade-to-black. I didn't "feel" the connection between the two, it was just described in their heads in a confusing way. I did like how the emphasis wasn't on penetrative sex, though - not all gay couples enjoy it and I think that should be represented more in gay romance.
It would have been great to see Roland showing more compassion for Georgie. Example: Georgie was out in the freezing cold with no hat, gloves, or scarf trying to build a snowman and Roland chose that time to have a chat. My mind kept screaming - give him your coat, bring him gloves, something! He's freezing! Building the snowman together was sweet, but I just kept thinking that Georgie is going to get hypothermia and Roland was a jerk for not trying to warm him up.
One last thing - It would have been nice to see Roland redeem himself in the epilogue. The same scenario, but with him and Georgie at the Manor, instead and with the original staff treating Georgie with kindness and respect.
I have mixed feelings about this one - it left me wanting, but I felt it was worth reading because it's cute and original. I enjoyed the setting but needed more from the characters. More dialogue, connection, a resolution to how Roland treated Georgie in the past. There was a lot of inner dialogue, but not a lot of communication between the two which made the resolution confusing to me.
The sex scenes could have either been a bit more descriptive or fade-to-black. I didn't "feel" the connection between the two, it was just described in their heads in a confusing way. I did like how the emphasis wasn't on penetrative sex, though - not all gay couples enjoy it and I think that should be represented more in gay romance.
It would have been great to see Roland showing more compassion for Georgie. Example: Georgie was out in the freezing cold with no hat, gloves, or scarf trying to build a snowman and Roland chose that time to have a chat. My mind kept screaming - give him your coat, bring him gloves, something! He's freezing! Building the snowman together was sweet, but I just kept thinking that Georgie is going to get hypothermia and Roland was a jerk for not trying to warm him up.
One last thing - It would have been nice to see Roland redeem himself in the epilogue. The same scenario, but with him and Georgie at the Manor, instead and with the original staff treating Georgie with kindness and respect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2020
💞 A good start Georgie is stuck at Manor House 3 days before christmas and everyone was leaving. Poor Georgie he was a kitchen hand that no one thought anything of. Snow and being lead up the garden path so to speak didnt help the dislike for each other.
This book was intriguing all the way through as to what was happening. A mysterious hotel no one knew was there, and no other guests. Strange things keep happening that Georgie and Roland just brush off. Scenes play out as things get complicated and horrible words are said. I felt for Georgie, hes a tough fella but he told it like it was to his boss. The ending is flippn fantastic and left me with a grin. Includes both POVs, age gap, and something beautiful together.
Georgie was stuck with no transport to the train station but Roland 40 yrs got railroaded to help him.
This book was intriguing all the way through as to what was happening. A mysterious hotel no one knew was there, and no other guests. Strange things keep happening that Georgie and Roland just brush off. Scenes play out as things get complicated and horrible words are said. I felt for Georgie, hes a tough fella but he told it like it was to his boss. The ending is flippn fantastic and left me with a grin. Includes both POVs, age gap, and something beautiful together.
Georgie was stuck with no transport to the train station but Roland 40 yrs got railroaded to help him.
December 3, 2020
I loved this book! And I don't say that often. This is the best Christmas book I've read this season and I've enjoyed a lot of very good ones. But this is the one I give 5 stars. I'd go higher if I could. Georgie works as a kitchen boy in a high-class restaurant, Roland is the acclaimed, older head chef. They are definitely not friends and, in Georgie's opinion, Roland's treatment lets all the other kitchen workers treat him with disdain. But Roland is forced into giving Georgie a ride on Christmas Eve to the station. Instead they get lost and end up stranded in a snow storm at an old inn run by Nicolas. You can see all the tropes here - May/December, hurt/comfort, fairy tell retelling, magical Christmas. But the way they are put together really is magical. Give this one a try. You'll love it. Merry Christmas!
November 13, 2020
4 ½ Stars
Christmas Spirit is a lovely holiday romance.
Roland and Georgie make a lovely couple, and I enjoyed watching them move past what they thought they knew about each other and learn what is real. Georgie, in particular, touched my heart. His trials and tribulations were not easy to read, but it made the ending that much sweeter.
The magical setting moved into a bit of creepy territory at one point, but for the most part, I liked what the author did to get these two together.
The sexy times (except for the aforementioned creepy territory) are well done, and the romance and HEA satisfying.
I look forward to more from this author.
Christmas Spirit is a lovely holiday romance.
Roland and Georgie make a lovely couple, and I enjoyed watching them move past what they thought they knew about each other and learn what is real. Georgie, in particular, touched my heart. His trials and tribulations were not easy to read, but it made the ending that much sweeter.
The magical setting moved into a bit of creepy territory at one point, but for the most part, I liked what the author did to get these two together.
The sexy times (except for the aforementioned creepy territory) are well done, and the romance and HEA satisfying.
I look forward to more from this author.
January 25, 2021
A different and intriguing Christmas story with spooky, paranormal elements that gives a twist to the 'enemies-stuck-staying-in-the-same-room' trope. Poor Georgie was a bullied, lowly employee in a toxic work environment who gets stuck in a blizzard with his detestable older boss who is a chef. Aaron is a very mean unlikable man who treats Georgie horribly. Yet Georgie is so forgiving and full of hope. The mysterious hotel in the middle of nowhere is a major character itself along with the enigmatic proprietor named Nicholas. Unusual 'magical' events ensue which conspire to bring the two MCs together. Charming little story with a HEA ending.
December 20, 2021
Okay, so Roland totally rubbed me the wrong way for most of this story so I'm really surprised that I ended up liking this by the end. Did the author redeem him? Just barely but jeez I wanted him to grovel, like a lot! Georgie deserved so much better.
TAGS
-- Holiday/Christmas -- mystical (magical) -- employer/employee pairing -- enemies to lovers -- age difference -- forced proximity -- stuck in a snow storm -- a hotel that wasn't -- Santa? *wink* -- angst -- bullying -- some sweet moments -- more groveling needed -- LOVED the MC... Georgie -- tolerated but ended up being okay with the MC... Roland -- ended up being a magical holiday read
TAGS
-- Holiday/Christmas -- mystical (magical) -- employer/employee pairing -- enemies to lovers -- age difference -- forced proximity -- stuck in a snow storm -- a hotel that wasn't -- Santa? *wink* -- angst -- bullying -- some sweet moments -- more groveling needed -- LOVED the MC... Georgie -- tolerated but ended up being okay with the MC... Roland -- ended up being a magical holiday read
November 13, 2020
Another Ryecart favourite!!
I honestly am not a fan of Christmas. Mostly for a lot of the same reasons Roland is not. But Georgie, who also lost so much and yet kept hope, was the sort of person I adore---hope alive in a person. The car ride, the mysterious hotel, their separate life stories, their desire to be 'seen' for who they are, with the help of a man named Nicholas...it was just the sort of Christmas story that makes me almost wish for the same type of real life miracle.
I honestly am not a fan of Christmas. Mostly for a lot of the same reasons Roland is not. But Georgie, who also lost so much and yet kept hope, was the sort of person I adore---hope alive in a person. The car ride, the mysterious hotel, their separate life stories, their desire to be 'seen' for who they are, with the help of a man named Nicholas...it was just the sort of Christmas story that makes me almost wish for the same type of real life miracle.
November 17, 2020
For anyone who believes in the magic of Christmas, or wants to, this book will make your heart beat faster and bring you closer to the one(s) you love.
A toxic work environment. Painful pasts. An inability to trust. Snow storms. A mysterious hotel.
All conspire to bring together two lonely men who only need, and deserve, love.
When signs, literally, lead them to an opportunity to clear up misunderstandings and chances to start fresh, they 'unwillingly' seize on the spirit of Christmas and learn to forgive.
A beautiful romance. Perfect for any time of the year!
A toxic work environment. Painful pasts. An inability to trust. Snow storms. A mysterious hotel.
All conspire to bring together two lonely men who only need, and deserve, love.
When signs, literally, lead them to an opportunity to clear up misunderstandings and chances to start fresh, they 'unwillingly' seize on the spirit of Christmas and learn to forgive.
A beautiful romance. Perfect for any time of the year!
November 12, 2020
A lovely magical read!
Christmas Spirit has the perfect blend of sweet and bitter, with an extra helping of magical matchmaking from a jolly inn keeper.
Ali Ryecart brings Christmas wonder and hope alive for Georgie and Roland, two men who need it the most, and wraps them up in this warm and delightful story.
Grab a cuppa, snuggle down and get ready to feel all sorts of happy!!
Christmas Spirit has the perfect blend of sweet and bitter, with an extra helping of magical matchmaking from a jolly inn keeper.
Ali Ryecart brings Christmas wonder and hope alive for Georgie and Roland, two men who need it the most, and wraps them up in this warm and delightful story.
Grab a cuppa, snuggle down and get ready to feel all sorts of happy!!
November 17, 2020
more magical realism than I generally enjoy. It's quite distracting. I think I should have known from the description. But I do like the setup of a top chef & a kitchen boy. It's a different workplace setting than the usual and that's always nice.
Characters are a bit flat. I keep wanting more details to their past and their stories. But maybe it's the nature of a novella length book that it's difficult to get into a meaty backstory.
Characters are a bit flat. I keep wanting more details to their past and their stories. But maybe it's the nature of a novella length book that it's difficult to get into a meaty backstory.
November 19, 2020
A cosy short seasonal novella. Liked the characters and I enjoyed how the author integrated the magical elements. It had some wonderful Christmas descriptions of snuggling up in front of the fire, snow, massive Christmas trees and most importantly festive food and drink! If you love the forced to share a bed trope or the kind of book that makes you feel all warm and snuggly and festive you'll probably love this one!
November 21, 2020
This is a quirky and fun read with some hurt/comfort elements and a dash of paranormal.
Really wanted some more steamy sex but the personal and emotional dynamic was really good and built slowly. A great Christmas read if you're wanting something a little different - something slightly magical but with some mystery and two stubborn men who need to be pushed together to see how perfect they are for each other.
Really wanted some more steamy sex but the personal and emotional dynamic was really good and built slowly. A great Christmas read if you're wanting something a little different - something slightly magical but with some mystery and two stubborn men who need to be pushed together to see how perfect they are for each other.
November 30, 2020
While the story had some interesting elements I hadn't read in a Christmas story, it didn't fully work for me. I never really understood what the 2 MCs would would have seen in each other. One treated the other so horribly and allowed it to continue on from everyone else, I found it hard to come back from so easily. The MCs spent a lot of time thinking, but never really speaking and getting to know the other.
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