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Up North #6
24 Dates
When Victor Hill bought a house with his boyfriend, Jian Kouri it was a dream come true. But now, two years later, instead of living their happily ever after, they hardly see the other awake.
With Jian out the door before Victor gets up in the morning, and asleep on the couch nearly as soon as he walks in the door, the life Victor imagined couldn’t be further from reality. They don’t talk; they don’t touch, and Victor fears he and Jian have already drifted too far apart.
The holiday season is a time for hope, but when Victor comes home to find Jian with a plan to woo him for Christmas, is it too little, too late? The dates are great, and there are filled with Christmas fun to get Victor in the right spirit for the holiday, but are they enough for the two of them to fall in love again? Or is there just too much in their relationship that needs fixing?
Length: 38,008 words.
With Jian out the door before Victor gets up in the morning, and asleep on the couch nearly as soon as he walks in the door, the life Victor imagined couldn’t be further from reality. They don’t talk; they don’t touch, and Victor fears he and Jian have already drifted too far apart.
The holiday season is a time for hope, but when Victor comes home to find Jian with a plan to woo him for Christmas, is it too little, too late? The dates are great, and there are filled with Christmas fun to get Victor in the right spirit for the holiday, but are they enough for the two of them to fall in love again? Or is there just too much in their relationship that needs fixing?
Length: 38,008 words.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2020
36 people want to read
About the author
Ofelia Gränd
83 books152 followersGay fiction and M/M Romance writer
Ofelia Gränd is Swedish, which often shines through in her stories. She likes to write about everyday people ending up in not-so-everyday situations, and hopefully also getting out of them. She writes contemporary, paranormal, romance, horror, Sci-Fi and whatever else catches her fancy.
Her books are written for readers who want to take a break from their everyday life for an hour or two.
When Ofelia manages to tear herself from the screen and sneak away from husband and children, she likes to take walks in the woods. She’s recently discovered the miracle of podcasts and spends her strolls listening to wise people talk.
If you want to know more, subscribe to Ofelia's email list at http://ofeliagrand.us9.list-manage.co...
Ofelia Gränd is Swedish, which often shines through in her stories. She likes to write about everyday people ending up in not-so-everyday situations, and hopefully also getting out of them. She writes contemporary, paranormal, romance, horror, Sci-Fi and whatever else catches her fancy.
Her books are written for readers who want to take a break from their everyday life for an hour or two.
When Ofelia manages to tear herself from the screen and sneak away from husband and children, she likes to take walks in the woods. She’s recently discovered the miracle of podcasts and spends her strolls listening to wise people talk.
If you want to know more, subscribe to Ofelia's email list at http://ofeliagrand.us9.list-manage.co...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 24, 2020
A Christmas prezzie of a book! Adore the wrapping, carefully peel away the paper and then devour the insides like the precious item it is.
When Vic and Jian got together, they knew it would be hard. After all, they both work long hours and nobody said shacking up was easy. But neither suspected how tired they would get, how worn down with life. How lonely.
Jian decides it's time to bring sparkle and excitement back...
Every day of December, he takes Vic on a date, like painting by numbers, snowmen, book club, stargazing and ice-hole bathing, to name but a few (that's right, hole bathing :D)
A sweet and funny book that captures the spirit of festivity without being artificial. Recommended!
When Vic and Jian got together, they knew it would be hard. After all, they both work long hours and nobody said shacking up was easy. But neither suspected how tired they would get, how worn down with life. How lonely.
Jian decides it's time to bring sparkle and excitement back...
Every day of December, he takes Vic on a date, like painting by numbers, snowmen, book club, stargazing and ice-hole bathing, to name but a few (that's right, hole bathing :D)
A sweet and funny book that captures the spirit of festivity without being artificial. Recommended!
November 29, 2020
24 DATES is a beautiful book full of love and hope, with a struggling couple who are trying to prove themselves that the love that brought them together is still there.
When Victor and Jian bought a house together, they were fulfilling one of their dreams. They weren’t expecting this new experience in their lives would make things to start falling apart between them. Victor is expecting a sad holiday season with the knowledge his and Jian relationship could be getting to its end, but Jian is taking things on his hands and trying to give them back what they have being missing.
I liked it so much. It was so lovely to discover what surprise might have every day. I love the fact that this was a couple who already was together, it isn’t the usual couple in romance and I loved the novelty of it. The writing was nice. The book had a steady pace even if sometimes felt a little slow, but not too often. There were very few times when its structure, day by day, became a little monotonous, but in the end I got used to it and end up loving it.
Both main characters are nice, and it was so easy to see how much they love each other. We can only see Victor’s point of view, which was both, a good and a bad thing because it keep us as surprise as him to every date, but also we get to know too little of Jian inner voice, and he was a sweet character I would love to know more.
The romance was present, even if in a subtle way. There weren’t overly romantic dialogues, but what it was there, was love in such a beautiful way. The struggle to make their relationship work was fantastic. It felt realistic. They work hard for it and it was fantastic to see them get back to a point when they could be what they were used to. It was a great message. Overall I really loved it. I would recommend it to anyone who likes romance, particularly anyone looking for holiday books.
When Victor and Jian bought a house together, they were fulfilling one of their dreams. They weren’t expecting this new experience in their lives would make things to start falling apart between them. Victor is expecting a sad holiday season with the knowledge his and Jian relationship could be getting to its end, but Jian is taking things on his hands and trying to give them back what they have being missing.
I liked it so much. It was so lovely to discover what surprise might have every day. I love the fact that this was a couple who already was together, it isn’t the usual couple in romance and I loved the novelty of it. The writing was nice. The book had a steady pace even if sometimes felt a little slow, but not too often. There were very few times when its structure, day by day, became a little monotonous, but in the end I got used to it and end up loving it.
Both main characters are nice, and it was so easy to see how much they love each other. We can only see Victor’s point of view, which was both, a good and a bad thing because it keep us as surprise as him to every date, but also we get to know too little of Jian inner voice, and he was a sweet character I would love to know more.
The romance was present, even if in a subtle way. There weren’t overly romantic dialogues, but what it was there, was love in such a beautiful way. The struggle to make their relationship work was fantastic. It felt realistic. They work hard for it and it was fantastic to see them get back to a point when they could be what they were used to. It was a great message. Overall I really loved it. I would recommend it to anyone who likes romance, particularly anyone looking for holiday books.
December 6, 2020
This is a sweet MM love story between Viktor and Jian. Their characters are strong and well developed and the author does a great job building the story , pulling me in with all the feels. It's a heartwarming story with the men re-connecting and bringing the love and romance back into their marriage. The scenes are brought to life with descriptive and detailed scenes and the story moves quickly and smoothly. It's an enjoyable holiday read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
December 6, 2020
Jian and Victor should have everything they need for happiness: a house together, stable jobs, a history of happy commitment. Yet Jian's always working and Victor is vanishing into himself, until Jian makes it his mission to save their relationship with an advent calendar of dating. I'm a sucker for thoughtful romantic gestures (it goes with being a fan of the genre), and what I liked best about this novel was how beautifully, individually tailored each of Jian's overtures were: they weren't super flashy or public, but instead were carefully crafted for Victor, and ranged from silly and fun to romantic and even philosophical. Some of them were based on alone time, others on helping Victor reconnect with friends from their old hometown. And in the process Jian and Victor grow closer than ever, and Victor starts to acknowledge and remedy his own role in their recently rocky past. I hate to use such a cliched expression, but this really is a heartwarming story about love and commitment, and a definite fit for a romantic holiday read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 2, 2020
Viktor and Jian are a long-established couple, which I loved; but they've hit a rough patch. Viktor's blowup not only spurred Jian to reconnect with creative dates but has scared him to his core that he was losing the man he loves. The pain and wary doubt that Viktor has when Jian begins taking him on dates is very real. His skepticism is completely understandable and it takes him quite a while to believe that this isn't just a bandaid on their relationship. Jian's lovely dates were only topped by the moments when he really opens up and truly talks to Viktor about his fears, his changes in employment, and the loss of his family. The openness and communication are precisely what Viktor wants and needs. His reaction made me cheer out loud. My favorite thing about the whole book was how much effort Jian put into bring Viktor and him back together. I loved their New Year's celebration.
December 8, 2020
Victor and Jian, were living the romance. Then life intervened and the romance cooled. After 2 years, Victor popped his head up and had his say. This story was good because many people can relate to that time in life when you reach the point that you are in the rut of career survival, and forget your emotional survival. This author, did an excellent job of describing the doubt, the pain, the oblivious discontent people can feel while they are living the life, not paying attention to the details. Jian, listened. He was absolutely amazing. Victor's reactions were hilarious. What was the problem? Is Victor happy with Jian's response? Does Jian feel loved? Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 15, 2020
I loved this beautiful story that seemed more serious than most of the other books I have read from this author. Victor and Jian are an established couple, and purchased a house together. The reality of living together does not live up to their dreams. Long work hours and barely seeing each other puts stress on the relationship, until Victor finally puts Jian on the spot, fearing they may drift apart permanently. I loved Jian's response. Instead of being defensive and self-righteous, he devises 24 dates with Victor to prove he still loves and needs him. I loved the very realistic situation and emotions. It can be easy to get so caught up in the day-to-day that we take those we love for granted, and the complacency can kill a relationship. I loved the way these two finally expressed their emotions and worked together to maintain their love. So heart-warming.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2020
When Victor Hill bought a house with his boyfriend, Jian Kouri it was a dream come true. But now, two years later, instead of living their happily ever after, they hardly see the other awake. 24 Dates tells the story of how Jian organizes 24 dates between the two of them leading up to Christmas and finds their HEA again. The book was really well written, with an interesting story and great characters. An excellent read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2020
This was a good story about an established couple, Viktor and Jian, who have settled into their lives together - they bought a house together and are living life - but have hit a rough patch where they are not connecting in a way that might be signaling that things are not going to end well. What made it so good was the use of dates to work their way past the difficult period they are in back to one another. New hope that comes of willingness to try to save their life together. Left me feeling warm and fuzzy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2020
I love this beautifully written holiday story with all the feels. Things have been hard for Victor and Jian. Jian works late hours and usually falls asleep on the couch. They hardly see each other and are more like roommates than boyfriends. Until Jian makes a plan. Each day a new date and time to spend together. I love how as the dates go on they bring Jian and Victor closer together. Closer to their happy ending. This is such a sweet and creative story and should be enjoyed again and again. Definitely recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2020
This was a new to me author. Wonderful and heartwarming!! Jian is a construction worker and is working long hours. Victor is an administrative assistant at the local school. They have bought their first home together but because of all the hours working they are apart a lot and growing apart. This was a wonderful story of two men coming together and working towards love and hope. I absolutely loved the imagination of the author to create such a fantastic piece of work!! I’m voluntarily reviewing an advanced copy that I received.
December 14, 2020
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Darum geht's:
Als Victor und Jian vor zwei Jahren zusammengezogen sind, schien alles perfekt. Doch Jian pendelt nun fast eine Stunde zu seinem Job und Victor musste im neuen Wohnort von vorne anfangen. Er ist oft alleine und unglücklich. Als Victor der Kragen platzt, wird auch Jian klar, wie ihre Beziehung im Laufe der Zeit gelitten hat. Er schmiedet einen Plan für die Adventstage.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Darum geht's:
Als Victor und Jian vor zwei Jahren zusammengezogen sind, schien alles perfekt. Doch Jian pendelt nun fast eine Stunde zu seinem Job und Victor musste im neuen Wohnort von vorne anfangen. Er ist oft alleine und unglücklich. Als Victor der Kragen platzt, wird auch Jian klar, wie ihre Beziehung im Laufe der Zeit gelitten hat. Er schmiedet einen Plan für die Adventstage.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
December 7, 2020
his is the heart warming story of Victor and Jian. The story starts off from Victor's point of view. He and Jian moved to a new town to start the next phase of their life together; or so he thought. Instead, they have been growing further and further apart. Victor is expecting Christmas to be a sad and lonely time. Jian has to travel 50 minutes each way to get to and from work. When he get home, he is exhausted. Often leaving for work before Victor gets up and coming back and falling asleep on the couch. Victor believes that their relationship is headed towards over.
Jian realizing that something has to change comes up with the idea of going on 24 dates with the man that he loves. He continually comes up with a different surprise every day. And while these dates slowly bring their closeness back to the relationship, it also causes Victor to realize that all the fault in the relationship does not lay at Jian's feet. He has to assume some responsibility for his actions or lack there of as well.
This is a sweet story of how Jian goes about showing the love of his life how much he needs and wants him. Both he and Victor have insecurities that neither has addressed together. Their relationship continues to grow and returns them to the Jian and Victor of old. It reminds us all that if we want a relationship to grow and survive, we must nurture it continuously.
This is a feel good story that you will enjoy. It is sweet and really well written. Easy to read and enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jian realizing that something has to change comes up with the idea of going on 24 dates with the man that he loves. He continually comes up with a different surprise every day. And while these dates slowly bring their closeness back to the relationship, it also causes Victor to realize that all the fault in the relationship does not lay at Jian's feet. He has to assume some responsibility for his actions or lack there of as well.
This is a sweet story of how Jian goes about showing the love of his life how much he needs and wants him. Both he and Victor have insecurities that neither has addressed together. Their relationship continues to grow and returns them to the Jian and Victor of old. It reminds us all that if we want a relationship to grow and survive, we must nurture it continuously.
This is a feel good story that you will enjoy. It is sweet and really well written. Easy to read and enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2020
This is the 4th book I've read written by Ofelia Grand; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2020
Victor and Jian were wonderful characters. After falling into the habit of passing like ships in the night Jian takes matters into his own hands to rekindle the romance in their relationship, this was a sweet and enjoyable holiday story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2020
24 Dates by Ofelia Gränd is such a cute story. I really liked how creative and thoughtful Jian was with the dates. Coming up with twenty-four different dates couldn't have been easy. I wanted to do so many of them, and more than a few had me going aw, and others had me laughing and giggling, which led to questions about what I was reading. It really was fun to read. The only thing I didn't really like was how Jian hadn't made a plan or really thought about how he was going to succeed in his new business venture. But that was something that he didn't have to worry about until after the New Year. I did like how supportive Victor was when he found out, though.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2020
For about a year, Victor has felt that he and Jian were growing further and further apart. Victor blew up and accused Jian of wanting to be with his workmates and not with him. I've read other books by this author bur this is my favorite. I love what Jian does to prove to Victor how much he means to him.
December 21, 2020
Another great addition to the loosely connected "Up North" books from Ofelia Gränd. I really loved that in this one we get to reconnect with Jonas and Abe from "Crazy Joe", but it isn't necessary to be read to enjoy "24 Dates".
This latest novella is about Jian and Victor, an already established couple facing a very challenging time and a large hitch in their relationship.
I really enjoyed this set up and to read that even after your classic "HEA" you have to put work into your relationships, be it towards your partner, your friends or your family.
Jian was so sweet to plan this "date advent calendar" for his partner and it was really beautiful to see how these two manage to reignite their love and learn from mistakes from the past. I also really enjoyed that not all problems in their lifes could be solved, this gave the story an even more realistic feel.
For me a perfect holiday read with lots of sweetness, but with enough realism to not be too sugary :)
This latest novella is about Jian and Victor, an already established couple facing a very challenging time and a large hitch in their relationship.
I really enjoyed this set up and to read that even after your classic "HEA" you have to put work into your relationships, be it towards your partner, your friends or your family.
Jian was so sweet to plan this "date advent calendar" for his partner and it was really beautiful to see how these two manage to reignite their love and learn from mistakes from the past. I also really enjoyed that not all problems in their lifes could be solved, this gave the story an even more realistic feel.
For me a perfect holiday read with lots of sweetness, but with enough realism to not be too sugary :)
November 29, 2020
🌨Lovely, feel-good 🎄holidays in the cold North😊
This is a cozy, heartwarming story of a gay couple who come together to make the best of their advent and Christmas. Jian is a construction worker whose long work days and commute have made minimal room for the couple's relationship to flourish over the past few years. Victor, an administrative assistant at the local school, is feeling sorry for himself so he opens up to Jian about his complaint that they are growing apart. Victor struck me as a Negative Nellie who had lots of complaints but was not ready to proactively do much to improve things. But eventually ...
Frankly, Jian is a superstar throughout the rest of the book. He's imaginative and thoughtful in the dates he plans to bring them closer. Every day brings a new adventure as Christmas nears, even though sometimes Victor resists, especially on cold weekend mornings. Whether indoors or out, freezing and wet or cozy, Jian makes a super effort and brings great results.
There's a bittersweet note related to Jian's relationship with his family and his fears of not fitting in due to his background, but on the whole I found this story a delightful tour of the treasured sights, sounds and activities of the season in a wintry landscape. The prose is easy-to-read and moves quickly.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book provided through Booksprout; this is my voluntary and honest review.
This is a cozy, heartwarming story of a gay couple who come together to make the best of their advent and Christmas. Jian is a construction worker whose long work days and commute have made minimal room for the couple's relationship to flourish over the past few years. Victor, an administrative assistant at the local school, is feeling sorry for himself so he opens up to Jian about his complaint that they are growing apart. Victor struck me as a Negative Nellie who had lots of complaints but was not ready to proactively do much to improve things. But eventually ...
Frankly, Jian is a superstar throughout the rest of the book. He's imaginative and thoughtful in the dates he plans to bring them closer. Every day brings a new adventure as Christmas nears, even though sometimes Victor resists, especially on cold weekend mornings. Whether indoors or out, freezing and wet or cozy, Jian makes a super effort and brings great results.
There's a bittersweet note related to Jian's relationship with his family and his fears of not fitting in due to his background, but on the whole I found this story a delightful tour of the treasured sights, sounds and activities of the season in a wintry landscape. The prose is easy-to-read and moves quickly.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book provided through Booksprout; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 19, 2021
The dates were cute and creative but, I'm just underwhelmed cause Victor and Jian never have any deep conversations about how their relationship got to such a low point, how they would work to be better etc. It's mainly written as an internal dialogue than an actual conversation between the MCs. I mean, who's to say that they won't fall into the same rut again a few months down the line?
Also, something about this author's writing bothers me. The POV is sometimes off, or sometimes she's too vague, idk lol
Also, something about this author's writing bothers me. The POV is sometimes off, or sometimes she's too vague, idk lol
October 13, 2023
A very sweet and touching tale, two men in love and living together but one feels things are getting a little stale, the other plans to remedy the situation. And so our story beautifully unfolds, showing us what true love can do.
December 22, 2022
Beautiful story
What a beautiful story. Loved the interaction between these two men. Such an imagination with all the dates might try some of them.
What a beautiful story. Loved the interaction between these two men. Such an imagination with all the dates might try some of them.
December 4, 2025
I admit I am giving it 4 stars for Jian. He was trying so hard and doing so much. I was less enamored with Vic, who seemed to be playing victim a bit. He isolated himself and then blamed Jian for problems. The dates were amazing - so unique and out of their comfort zones sometimes (omg, the bathing) but always together and always something new. Adorable.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews