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Glasgow Lads on Ice #2
Must Love Christmas
Garen McLaren is a bit of a mess. But so what? His curling teammates adore his manic energy, and so do the kids he teaches. And nobody does Christmas like Garen. (Snow globes in October? Why not?) He’s vowed to make this year’s holiday the best ever, despite his hot but Scrooge-y new flatmate.
Simon Andreou is a bit of a control freak. The pressures of a new job in a new city are making his head spin. The last thing he needs is an agent of chaos like Garen for a flatmate—much less the memory of their single naked night together.
Just as this odd couple are fumbling toward friendship, a debilitating setback steals Simon’s precious control over life and limb. To be there for Simon, Garen must learn to stop running away when things get tough. And Simon must learn that accepting kindness can be a gift in itself—at Christmas and all year through.
This holiday season, treat yourself to this heartwarming stand-alone novel where love defies fear and gingerbread defies gravity!
Simon Andreou is a bit of a control freak. The pressures of a new job in a new city are making his head spin. The last thing he needs is an agent of chaos like Garen for a flatmate—much less the memory of their single naked night together.
Just as this odd couple are fumbling toward friendship, a debilitating setback steals Simon’s precious control over life and limb. To be there for Simon, Garen must learn to stop running away when things get tough. And Simon must learn that accepting kindness can be a gift in itself—at Christmas and all year through.
This holiday season, treat yourself to this heartwarming stand-alone novel where love defies fear and gingerbread defies gravity!
334 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2020
50 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Avery Cockburn
18 books501 followersAvery Cockburn (rhymes with Savory Slow Churn) lives in the great State of Maryland with one infinitely patient man and two infinitely impatient cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 6, 2020
I couldn’t wait for this book! I have truly missed them. The Glasgow Lads carved their own special place in my heart and I adore spending time with them. As much as I enjoyed this book there were a few things that held me back from slapping all the stars on it. Okay, I’m just going to rip the bandaid off and get it over with…I don’t love curling. *cringe* I’ve tried to wrap my head around it but I think it’s just not something that I can read about and ‘get‘. It might come together for me if I actually watched a match but in all honesty, I’m not feeling the urge. So yeah, that’s a bit of a sticky wicket. My other, personal, issue is with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Someone very special to me had GBS and passed due to complications from it and I still have a difficult time separating myself from the real horrors it brings. That being said, this is only the second book I’ve read with GBS, and think it’s important to bring light to it. Considering I’m not a curling fan and fought my own painful GBS memories, this book held my attention and made me smile. So, I’d say that’s a victory in itself. Alright, enough babbling…I’ll get to it!
What's to like: Garen is an absolute delight! I quickly fell for his sparkling personality. He needs a new roommate since his bestie (Luca from the first book) is moving out. But Garen is a bit of a procrastinator despite his good intentions, and needs a flatmate stat! When Simon accidentally ends up at his door it seems lady luck has intervened. Unable to stop the attraction they agree to put a potential relationship first and scrap sharing the apartment. The magnetic pull is too strong and they both accept the spark is worth more than solving their living situation troubles. But then, Simon is back to square one and needs a place to live more than a date. They agree to put their feelings on ice and maintain platonic roommates instead. Yeah, well, what was it I said about good intentions??
What's to love: Both men started life with challenges which they overcame but left a mark. Simon was young when he had GBS but old enough to remember. Garen was blessed beyond riches when he was adopted but old wounds still fester. They are complete opposites but perfectly suited. I loved how they blossomed from roommates to friends to ‘much more’. I loved how each brought out hidden qualities in one another. I loved the families. I loved the friends, especially having familiar faces return to the pages. I loved the ABUNDANCE of Christmas. I loved traditions, new and old. I loved the determination and perseverance. I loved the sexual tension. I loved how their strengths were revealed by acknowledging weaknesses. I loved gingerbread houses and Christmas music and all the celebrating! Most of all, I loved returning to Glasgow and have a sneaking suspicion if you’re familiar with the lads, you will too.
Beware of: The ice is nice but I sure do miss the pitch. Slow and steady wins this race. And Garen’s not kidding, you really must love Christmas!
This book is for: Glasgow fans, Cockburn fans, or anyone else looking for a dose of holiday cheer, the sleigh stops here. Merry Christmas ya belter!
Book UNfunk
What's to like: Garen is an absolute delight! I quickly fell for his sparkling personality. He needs a new roommate since his bestie (Luca from the first book) is moving out. But Garen is a bit of a procrastinator despite his good intentions, and needs a flatmate stat! When Simon accidentally ends up at his door it seems lady luck has intervened. Unable to stop the attraction they agree to put a potential relationship first and scrap sharing the apartment. The magnetic pull is too strong and they both accept the spark is worth more than solving their living situation troubles. But then, Simon is back to square one and needs a place to live more than a date. They agree to put their feelings on ice and maintain platonic roommates instead. Yeah, well, what was it I said about good intentions??
What's to love: Both men started life with challenges which they overcame but left a mark. Simon was young when he had GBS but old enough to remember. Garen was blessed beyond riches when he was adopted but old wounds still fester. They are complete opposites but perfectly suited. I loved how they blossomed from roommates to friends to ‘much more’. I loved how each brought out hidden qualities in one another. I loved the families. I loved the friends, especially having familiar faces return to the pages. I loved the ABUNDANCE of Christmas. I loved traditions, new and old. I loved the determination and perseverance. I loved the sexual tension. I loved how their strengths were revealed by acknowledging weaknesses. I loved gingerbread houses and Christmas music and all the celebrating! Most of all, I loved returning to Glasgow and have a sneaking suspicion if you’re familiar with the lads, you will too.
Beware of: The ice is nice but I sure do miss the pitch. Slow and steady wins this race. And Garen’s not kidding, you really must love Christmas!
This book is for: Glasgow fans, Cockburn fans, or anyone else looking for a dose of holiday cheer, the sleigh stops here. Merry Christmas ya belter!
Book UNfunk
December 9, 2020
Another fabulous Glasgow set sports romance
I love this crossover series from Avery.
I also love the way she bigs up issues which are important to people's lives as an integral part of the book.
This time it's 2016 and Brexit and, reading this from four years down the line, the fall of effects are still only beginning to take shape.
I loved both Garen and Simon, they're flawed and realistic characters. Even though this relationship develops within a relatively short time, the situation they go through forges them like heat tempers steel.
As someone with a very similar neurological condition to GBS, I also appreciated very much that knowledge which comes from dealing with a debility that can vary in the issues it causes from one day to the next and how Avery used it to drive the narrative.
It was great to see Luca and Oliver, as well as guest appearances from John and Fergus from her Glasgow Lads series.
The news there are more to come made me very happy indeed!
I love this crossover series from Avery.
I also love the way she bigs up issues which are important to people's lives as an integral part of the book.
This time it's 2016 and Brexit and, reading this from four years down the line, the fall of effects are still only beginning to take shape.
I loved both Garen and Simon, they're flawed and realistic characters. Even though this relationship develops within a relatively short time, the situation they go through forges them like heat tempers steel.
As someone with a very similar neurological condition to GBS, I also appreciated very much that knowledge which comes from dealing with a debility that can vary in the issues it causes from one day to the next and how Avery used it to drive the narrative.
It was great to see Luca and Oliver, as well as guest appearances from John and Fergus from her Glasgow Lads series.
The news there are more to come made me very happy indeed!
May 17, 2021
Once again Avery Cockburn came up with two MCs with an interesting background and peculiar traits that make them stand out among the m/m crowd. I enjoyed getting to know Simon and Garen and I appreciated getting to learn about something that I didn’t even know existed until I read this book. I would say that the cover is a little spoilery, with
They were both interesting characters and I liked that they got the chance to . On an intellectual level, I think they fit together, and by the end of the book they’ve learned how to navigate their relationship and deal with their differences. I’m not sure if I can say the author
Like I was saying, intellectually I think the relationship was well-written, but I didn’t feel them much as a couple. I believed in their friendship, I liked how they dealt with the but the romance didn’t quite get there for me.
For causes unrelated to the book, but that unfortunately my brain still associated with it, my mood took a nosedive shortly after I started this and I can’t be sure how much that did or didn’t affect how I reacted to the story and the characters. It could be me and not the book, I have no way of knowing for sure. I can say that despite the Christmas theme, my lack of enthusiasm for the romance and my foul mood, I still enjoyed reading this, it still managed to keep my interest. If that doesn’t go to the book’s credit, I don’t know what does.
Mention of honor for
They were both interesting characters and I liked that they got the chance to . On an intellectual level, I think they fit together, and by the end of the book they’ve learned how to navigate their relationship and deal with their differences. I’m not sure if I can say the author
Like I was saying, intellectually I think the relationship was well-written, but I didn’t feel them much as a couple. I believed in their friendship, I liked how they dealt with the but the romance didn’t quite get there for me.
For causes unrelated to the book, but that unfortunately my brain still associated with it, my mood took a nosedive shortly after I started this and I can’t be sure how much that did or didn’t affect how I reacted to the story and the characters. It could be me and not the book, I have no way of knowing for sure. I can say that despite the Christmas theme, my lack of enthusiasm for the romance and my foul mood, I still enjoyed reading this, it still managed to keep my interest. If that doesn’t go to the book’s credit, I don’t know what does.
Mention of honor for
dnf
May 21, 2021I panicked prematurely at 22%, faced with the appearance of a trope I hate (hurt/comfort) and what looked like it might be a dive into misery porn territory. So that was DNF #1.
Reassured by friends that the story was actually pretty light on the h/c, I picked it up again a few days later. And they were right -- that aspect of the story is dealt with in a refreshingly light-handed way.
However. While the characters were nice, and the story was pleasant (misery porn totally averted, yay), it turned out that nice & pleasant weren't sufficient to keep me reading. As with the previous book in this spin-off series, I never got emotionally invested. So that's DNF #2, at 53%, and I expect it to be the final one.
I'm not rating this, because I can't rule out the possibility that it's a perfectly fine (nice, pleasant) book, and the problem is with me. 🤷🏻♂️
Reassured by friends that the story was actually pretty light on the h/c, I picked it up again a few days later. And they were right -- that aspect of the story is dealt with in a refreshingly light-handed way.
However. While the characters were nice, and the story was pleasant (misery porn totally averted, yay), it turned out that nice & pleasant weren't sufficient to keep me reading. As with the previous book in this spin-off series, I never got emotionally invested. So that's DNF #2, at 53%, and I expect it to be the final one.
I'm not rating this, because I can't rule out the possibility that it's a perfectly fine (nice, pleasant) book, and the problem is with me. 🤷🏻♂️
December 22, 2020
I really liked the ‘Glasgow Lads’ by this author but somehow her curling series never had the same appeal to me.
There is a lot to like in this Christmassy novel:
.) I was intrigued and equally horrified to learn about Guillan-Barré syndrome. It sounds like the ultimate hell, tbh. And the author gives a very good account of it, I think.
.) I really liked both, Garen and Simon.
.) Garen’s inclination to take Christmas very seriously and go for it 100% made me grin. I liked that there is a reason for this (which excuses some of his shenanigans in my books) and how it shows Garen vulnerability.
.) What I enjoyed most here - and this is totally unromantic – is the discussion what helping someone seriously ill actually means. What does the person really need? What is counterproductive?
However, for some reason, I really struggled through this.
I can’t put my finger on it 100% why. It could be easily me, and everything that’s going on in RL, but I don't think it wasn’t only that.
I liked the chemistry of the two guys in bed, but somehow, I didn’t get enough feels otherwise.
Unfortunately curling does absolutely nothing for me – so I skipped most of those scenes. The same goes for football (soccer) although at least I do understand what’s going on there.
I have to conclude that I simply wasn’t in the right frame of mind when I read this.
There is a lot to like in this Christmassy novel:
.) I was intrigued and equally horrified to learn about Guillan-Barré syndrome. It sounds like the ultimate hell, tbh. And the author gives a very good account of it, I think.
.) I really liked both, Garen and Simon.
.) Garen’s inclination to take Christmas very seriously and go for it 100% made me grin. I liked that there is a reason for this (which excuses some of his shenanigans in my books) and how it shows Garen vulnerability.
.) What I enjoyed most here - and this is totally unromantic – is the discussion what helping someone seriously ill actually means. What does the person really need? What is counterproductive?
However, for some reason, I really struggled through this.
I can’t put my finger on it 100% why. It could be easily me, and everything that’s going on in RL, but I don't think it wasn’t only that.
I liked the chemistry of the two guys in bed, but somehow, I didn’t get enough feels otherwise.
Unfortunately curling does absolutely nothing for me – so I skipped most of those scenes. The same goes for football (soccer) although at least I do understand what’s going on there.
I have to conclude that I simply wasn’t in the right frame of mind when I read this.
December 12, 2020
3.5 rounded down
Aww, this was a lovely read. It does work well as a standalone, though I'm bummed it didn't come out closer to the release of book one as the characters from that one are definitely present here and I think it would enhance the experience to have remembered more about that book.
Definitely quite Christmas-y if that's what you're looking for, and I quite enjoyed the characters here. I've not read many (any?) books with Guillain-Barré syndrome and I really thought the author did a great job with it here. I thought the effect it had on Simon and Garen's relationship felt very authentic. This author does tend to write a little long, and there were times where things felt they were dragging a smidge and I sort of felt like the characters were having the same issues over and over, but that's believable, and I appreciated that the climactic tension moment wasn't drawn out or overblown. This author's books also often weave political issues into the narrative which I generally enjoy, but I did feel like the stuff on Brexit came off a bit forced and preachy and not quite a seamless fit in the narrative, though I agreed with the sentiments. But overall I enjoyed this one!
Aww, this was a lovely read. It does work well as a standalone, though I'm bummed it didn't come out closer to the release of book one as the characters from that one are definitely present here and I think it would enhance the experience to have remembered more about that book.
Definitely quite Christmas-y if that's what you're looking for, and I quite enjoyed the characters here. I've not read many (any?) books with Guillain-Barré syndrome and I really thought the author did a great job with it here. I thought the effect it had on Simon and Garen's relationship felt very authentic. This author does tend to write a little long, and there were times where things felt they were dragging a smidge and I sort of felt like the characters were having the same issues over and over, but that's believable, and I appreciated that the climactic tension moment wasn't drawn out or overblown. This author's books also often weave political issues into the narrative which I generally enjoy, but I did feel like the stuff on Brexit came off a bit forced and preachy and not quite a seamless fit in the narrative, though I agreed with the sentiments. But overall I enjoyed this one!
December 19, 2020
3.5>
Going into the book I recognized how much I missed the lads and Cockburn's writing but something was different than I remembered it and it wasn't that it's part of the spin-of series. Might be that the pairing was a bit complicated for me to get. In the end I understood better why it shouldn't work than why it against all odds did.
Going into the book I recognized how much I missed the lads and Cockburn's writing but something was different than I remembered it and it wasn't that it's part of the spin-of series. Might be that the pairing was a bit complicated for me to get. In the end I understood better why it shouldn't work than why it against all odds did.
November 7, 2021
3.5 rounded down because of the third act. I really enjoyed this one but something was missing from the relationship development and I can't put my finger on it. I really enjoyed the britishness of the text and the characters, I really love the UK and have to go for a visit soon! I liked both characters and found the illness well handled. The third act was strange and Garen's problems were too, we got his backstory but I don't feel I really understand him which is clearly a me thing. I liked the way Brexit was incorporated to the story. Finally, the way time passed was strange, we had the countdown to Christmas but it felt like we were jumping through time when we weren't, again a me thing but I found the transitions lacking. I still had fun and would recommend it, even if only for the disability rep which was really great.
May 19, 2021
This last installment of Glasgow Lads was enjoyable too, and we finally got rid of , but I miss all that political background that the first ones in the original series had. (I never thought I'd said that...).
I specially liked that in every one of these books the author did good research to show the difficulties our lads have to deal with on a daily basis.
I had a good time BReading this series, thanks to my fellow BReaders, despite sometimes wanting to kick and smack some characters repeteadly XD.
I specially liked that in every one of these books the author did good research to show the difficulties our lads have to deal with on a daily basis.
I had a good time BReading this series, thanks to my fellow BReaders, despite sometimes wanting to kick and smack some characters repeteadly XD.
December 3, 2020
4 stars
I’ve been looking forward to a new Avery Cockburn book for ages now. I usually love her books. Some topics are heavy but I think necessary to understand seeing as we don’t really know Scottish culture looking from the outside in.
So I say “usually” because this wasn’t a 5 star read for me like it usually is. I don’t know... it just kinda felt like Simon and Garen moved really quickly through their relationship.
Also I think this book is slightly shorter than the rest. And we don’t really see much of curling or the rest of the team much. It mostly centred around Simon and his illness. Which to be fair, was an interesting look into GBR, which I’ve never heard of before.
Just, I felt this book lacked the complexity of the previous books by Ms Cockburn. I enjoyed it immensely, but judging against her previous works, this does kinda pale in comparison 🤭
I’ve been looking forward to a new Avery Cockburn book for ages now. I usually love her books. Some topics are heavy but I think necessary to understand seeing as we don’t really know Scottish culture looking from the outside in.
So I say “usually” because this wasn’t a 5 star read for me like it usually is. I don’t know... it just kinda felt like Simon and Garen moved really quickly through their relationship.
Also I think this book is slightly shorter than the rest. And we don’t really see much of curling or the rest of the team much. It mostly centred around Simon and his illness. Which to be fair, was an interesting look into GBR, which I’ve never heard of before.
Just, I felt this book lacked the complexity of the previous books by Ms Cockburn. I enjoyed it immensely, but judging against her previous works, this does kinda pale in comparison 🤭
Want to read
December 12, 2020Thank you for the gift, SmuttyElf!
January 4, 2021
3.5 stars
My first book of 2021.
Hmmm... while I LIKED the fact that these two lovely souls were different, Garen with his scatterbrain and love for Christmas and positive thinking and gentle heart that makes everyone just feels good, and Simon who is more control freak but also determined for independence....
... but in the end, this book felt too much about the two of them navigating this difference in their relationship rather than finding "similarities". I appreciated that they did talk about it, that they found compromise somehow, but it didn't feel balanced out in my humble opinion. I felt rather tired because I wonder if they had to "work hard" all the time for this relationship to last forever.
I liked the rest of it though... the family and friends, they joy of Christmas, the information about GBS syndrome...
PS: Thank you Dirty Santa from Secret Santa Gift Exchange 2020 who gifted me this novel.
My first book of 2021.
Hmmm... while I LIKED the fact that these two lovely souls were different, Garen with his scatterbrain and love for Christmas and positive thinking and gentle heart that makes everyone just feels good, and Simon who is more control freak but also determined for independence....
... but in the end, this book felt too much about the two of them navigating this difference in their relationship rather than finding "similarities". I appreciated that they did talk about it, that they found compromise somehow, but it didn't feel balanced out in my humble opinion. I felt rather tired because I wonder if they had to "work hard" all the time for this relationship to last forever.
I liked the rest of it though... the family and friends, they joy of Christmas, the information about GBS syndrome...
PS: Thank you Dirty Santa from Secret Santa Gift Exchange 2020 who gifted me this novel.
January 4, 2021
This is a fine Christmas themed story if you're looking for imperfect heroes, great friends, good family, and a fine eye to the challenges disabled people face. The struggles are serious, and so the wins are seasoned just right. I am now craving gingerbread, though. Be warned. :)
May 19, 2021
3.5 stars
Garen is kind of a spaz and Simon is fussy and a neat freak. They like each other, but their compatibility issues make rooming together hard enough without throwing dating into the mix. Then fate strikes and tests them both in ways neither anticipated.
It was interesting to see how they both adapted to their situations, especially Simon. It would've been easy for him to give in to anger, but he soldiers on and takes the lumps as they come. Garen was juggling a lot and while it impacted him in some ways, he realized that he could step up and be responsible when it mattered.
I really liked this, I liked how they talked to each other, and didn't take things personally. I really enjoyed their friendship but never quite clicked with them as a couple, though that could be because
Garen is kind of a spaz and Simon is fussy and a neat freak. They like each other, but their compatibility issues make rooming together hard enough without throwing dating into the mix. Then fate strikes and tests them both in ways neither anticipated.
It was interesting to see how they both adapted to their situations, especially Simon. It would've been easy for him to give in to anger, but he soldiers on and takes the lumps as they come. Garen was juggling a lot and while it impacted him in some ways, he realized that he could step up and be responsible when it mattered.
I really liked this, I liked how they talked to each other, and didn't take things personally. I really enjoyed their friendship but never quite clicked with them as a couple, though that could be because
December 28, 2021
Must Love Christmas (Glasgow Lads on Ice 2)
By Avery Cockburn
Published by the author, 2020
Five stars
Avery Cockburn (pronounced Ko-Burn) is a go-to writer for me, although it had been a while when I picked up this, the second of the “Glasgow Lads on Ice” series—featuring the world of curling! My delight in the second book was as much as in the first one, and I added a star to this review because I am developing a deeper admiration for the gift of writing a classic m/m romance with freshness and authenticity.
There is somewhat less curling involved in this book—so I’d read the first one (“Throwing Stones”) to really get the nitty-gritty of this fascinating and rather lovely sport. What replaces that, however, is a profoundly touching study of what it is to be physically handicapped in a world that pretends to care. Other kinds of marginalization crop up meaningfully here, as the novel is set at the moment when the UK first votes in favor of leaving the European Union (aka Brexit) and the US elects an appalling charlatan as president.
Garen McLaren is a great curler, but also a zoologist in Glasgow at the university’s science museum. When his flatmate leaves to move in with his boyfriend (see book 1 of the series), Garen puts a fairly blunt advert out there, and accidentally gets Simon Andreou in to see the flat. Simon is at the wrong flat, but doesn’t realize that until it’s too late. Garen is the antithesis of what Simon wants—messy, forgetful, obsessed with Christmas. But he’s also charming, kind, and sexy.
You know the drill. So to speak.
Garen and Simon end up at flatmates-but-friends, having explored their attraction for each other just once. They share childhood traumas of different types, but both share the post-Brexit taint of being non-native Brits. Garen looks and acts Scottish, but was adopted as a toddler from Russia by his non-native British parents. Simon is the son of Greek immigrants, and along with Garen feels the shadow of prejudice. I’ve experienced the thriving, vital, cosmopolitan pre-Brexit London, and continue to be shocked at the UK’s stupid reaction to its foreign-born population. Of course, the USA’s hardly in a position to criticize, are we? Anyway…
The emotional switch is well and truly thrown when a cataclysmic health issue arises and turns Simon’s world upside down. This is the great challenge at the core of the novel: can Garen step up and care for a disabled friend, and how will this changed relationship affect their friendship going forward?
Cockburn writes with humor and a very acute sense of character. Garen is absurd and adorable, while Simon is more reserved, but gentle and appealing for all his buttoned-down approach to life. The author takes us deep into this relationship—into which curling enters as a sub-plot—and really looks at what makes a relationship tick.
As with all her books, Cockburn gives the reader a rich cast of secondary characters to create a vivid community against which her main players stand in high relief. For all that she is working a formula, tried and true, Cockburn’s books feel real, emotionally and physically. On top of everything else, I really want to spend Christmas in Glasgow now. Imagine that.
By Avery Cockburn
Published by the author, 2020
Five stars
Avery Cockburn (pronounced Ko-Burn) is a go-to writer for me, although it had been a while when I picked up this, the second of the “Glasgow Lads on Ice” series—featuring the world of curling! My delight in the second book was as much as in the first one, and I added a star to this review because I am developing a deeper admiration for the gift of writing a classic m/m romance with freshness and authenticity.
There is somewhat less curling involved in this book—so I’d read the first one (“Throwing Stones”) to really get the nitty-gritty of this fascinating and rather lovely sport. What replaces that, however, is a profoundly touching study of what it is to be physically handicapped in a world that pretends to care. Other kinds of marginalization crop up meaningfully here, as the novel is set at the moment when the UK first votes in favor of leaving the European Union (aka Brexit) and the US elects an appalling charlatan as president.
Garen McLaren is a great curler, but also a zoologist in Glasgow at the university’s science museum. When his flatmate leaves to move in with his boyfriend (see book 1 of the series), Garen puts a fairly blunt advert out there, and accidentally gets Simon Andreou in to see the flat. Simon is at the wrong flat, but doesn’t realize that until it’s too late. Garen is the antithesis of what Simon wants—messy, forgetful, obsessed with Christmas. But he’s also charming, kind, and sexy.
You know the drill. So to speak.
Garen and Simon end up at flatmates-but-friends, having explored their attraction for each other just once. They share childhood traumas of different types, but both share the post-Brexit taint of being non-native Brits. Garen looks and acts Scottish, but was adopted as a toddler from Russia by his non-native British parents. Simon is the son of Greek immigrants, and along with Garen feels the shadow of prejudice. I’ve experienced the thriving, vital, cosmopolitan pre-Brexit London, and continue to be shocked at the UK’s stupid reaction to its foreign-born population. Of course, the USA’s hardly in a position to criticize, are we? Anyway…
The emotional switch is well and truly thrown when a cataclysmic health issue arises and turns Simon’s world upside down. This is the great challenge at the core of the novel: can Garen step up and care for a disabled friend, and how will this changed relationship affect their friendship going forward?
Cockburn writes with humor and a very acute sense of character. Garen is absurd and adorable, while Simon is more reserved, but gentle and appealing for all his buttoned-down approach to life. The author takes us deep into this relationship—into which curling enters as a sub-plot—and really looks at what makes a relationship tick.
As with all her books, Cockburn gives the reader a rich cast of secondary characters to create a vivid community against which her main players stand in high relief. For all that she is working a formula, tried and true, Cockburn’s books feel real, emotionally and physically. On top of everything else, I really want to spend Christmas in Glasgow now. Imagine that.
December 7, 2020
A lovely addition to the
Glasgow Lads on Ice
series.
Garen and Simon were never supposed to meet or wind up living together. Garen's roommate ad, wherein he confessed he's a bit of a slob, was a total turn-off to Simon - who has control freak tendencies when it comes to tidyness. But fate has other plans for these two. After a hot hook-up and agreement to live apart, they wind up roommates. Which we all secretly knew was definitely going to happen!
Things go as well and as badly as both men might have predicted - but it's a mostly happy living situation. Except there is that pesky attraction thing. And Garen's odd obsession with the Christmas holiday. And then Simon's recurrence of a debilitating illness.
Ahem. It's a lot. Fortunately, Ms. Cockburn does a masterful job connecting all these disparate dots with Garen's habit of cut and running from life when it gets tough (legit he has good reasons for it tho) and Simon's unwillingness to ask for/receive help.
Truly, Garen gets a bad rep! Because frankly, in this story, he's the bees knees. Kind, gentle, generous, sweet & hot - he's the caretaker we all wish we had. With a weird fetish for Christmas. Honestly, he's a grown man. It's like people obsessed with Disney. Why god? Why???!!! IT'S LAME.
Ha! Still reading?
Must Love Christmas does a terrific job showcasing how Simon's illness doesn't define him. There's a lovely exploration of what it means to be loved and cared for, vs. dependent on the people in our lives, and the power in choosing who we spend our time with and how we spend that time together. I thought the steam level was perfect for this mostly heartwarming story - it's hotter than you expect! - and full of likeable characters, making realistic life choices.
Fans of Cockburn will be delighted by this Christmas love story; new fans will find lots to enjoy, too!
Garen and Simon were never supposed to meet or wind up living together. Garen's roommate ad, wherein he confessed he's a bit of a slob, was a total turn-off to Simon - who has control freak tendencies when it comes to tidyness. But fate has other plans for these two. After a hot hook-up and agreement to live apart, they wind up roommates. Which we all secretly knew was definitely going to happen!
Things go as well and as badly as both men might have predicted - but it's a mostly happy living situation. Except there is that pesky attraction thing. And Garen's odd obsession with the Christmas holiday. And then Simon's recurrence of a debilitating illness.
Ahem. It's a lot. Fortunately, Ms. Cockburn does a masterful job connecting all these disparate dots with Garen's habit of cut and running from life when it gets tough (legit he has good reasons for it tho) and Simon's unwillingness to ask for/receive help.
Truly, Garen gets a bad rep! Because frankly, in this story, he's the bees knees. Kind, gentle, generous, sweet & hot - he's the caretaker we all wish we had. With a weird fetish for Christmas. Honestly, he's a grown man. It's like people obsessed with Disney. Why god? Why???!!! IT'S LAME.
Ha! Still reading?
Must Love Christmas does a terrific job showcasing how Simon's illness doesn't define him. There's a lovely exploration of what it means to be loved and cared for, vs. dependent on the people in our lives, and the power in choosing who we spend our time with and how we spend that time together. I thought the steam level was perfect for this mostly heartwarming story - it's hotter than you expect! - and full of likeable characters, making realistic life choices.
Fans of Cockburn will be delighted by this Christmas love story; new fans will find lots to enjoy, too!
January 20, 2021
Was a good start, boring through the middle and just ends. I skipped a few chapters and read the last.
December 31, 2020
Oh how I loved this. Little bits of xmas magic, serendipity, and two lost souls who find each other. Loved the curling, loved the before Covid timeline, loved the community around Garen.
Please let there be more.
Please let there be more.
December 11, 2020
Beautiful story about love and friendship. How stepping up when someone needs you the most can not only change them but you as well. It's a beautiful love story with a lot of obstacles but as always true love shines through. Great book. I forgot about this author but reading this story is making me want to go back and reread some stories I read from this author before.
January 10, 2021
Glasgow, Scotland. We have Curling clubs, Brexit, and illness that will hold out attention. Well done, different, lively and heartwarming.
Tall Zoologist, Garen, 26, long sandy hair and blue eyes,
and his sis Karen, were adopted from Russia, and he clings to his heart's happiness through his love of family, friends, work, and especially Christmas. His flat mate moved out, so he needs a new one.
Slim, Greek, Simon, 25, works in banking
and is finally moved out of his parents. He shows up to see the flat, but he's at the wrong address. With their confusion and needs, they agree to make a go of it. Garen, in all of his uniqueness and scattered thoughts has an inner glow that draws Simon, who is the opposite.
After their drunken, sexy first night, they readjust to being friends and continue on.
Garen gets to meet Poppy,
Simon's 4 ft. firefly morph python, in his vivarium. The animal loving Garen is fine with it.
After their bout with the flu, thing move along with Christmas, curling and work.
We get funny situations, tolerance and sass as they find their ground. Things get complicated when Simon's disease flares up and then Garen steps up in a big way, but still doubts his competence.
Garen is a precious, quirky man who struggles to balance his work, curling team and caring for Simon and more with Christmas events. His brain gets confused and he puts himself down, which Simon doesn't like to hear. Garen and staunch Simon get along well, and it slowly moves to more, and to sexy times.
I like the unique characters, the ever changing plot, and the deep happiness and two special hearts that find their way.
ENJOY !
=======
Tall Zoologist, Garen, 26, long sandy hair and blue eyes,
and his sis Karen, were adopted from Russia, and he clings to his heart's happiness through his love of family, friends, work, and especially Christmas. His flat mate moved out, so he needs a new one.
Slim, Greek, Simon, 25, works in banking
and is finally moved out of his parents. He shows up to see the flat, but he's at the wrong address. With their confusion and needs, they agree to make a go of it. Garen, in all of his uniqueness and scattered thoughts has an inner glow that draws Simon, who is the opposite.
After their drunken, sexy first night, they readjust to being friends and continue on.
Garen gets to meet Poppy,
Simon's 4 ft. firefly morph python, in his vivarium. The animal loving Garen is fine with it.
After their bout with the flu, thing move along with Christmas, curling and work.
We get funny situations, tolerance and sass as they find their ground. Things get complicated when Simon's disease flares up and then Garen steps up in a big way, but still doubts his competence.
Garen is a precious, quirky man who struggles to balance his work, curling team and caring for Simon and more with Christmas events. His brain gets confused and he puts himself down, which Simon doesn't like to hear. Garen and staunch Simon get along well, and it slowly moves to more, and to sexy times.
I like the unique characters, the ever changing plot, and the deep happiness and two special hearts that find their way.
ENJOY !
=======
November 28, 2020
I have missed this series. Must Love Christmas features Garen, who is the best friend and teammate of Luca from Throwing Stones. Luca is finally moving out to be with his love Oliver full time, so Garen is on the hunt for a new flatmate who can accept his high tolerance of mess and excessive love of Christmas. By some mistake clean freak Simon comes to view the flat and meet Garen.
The connection between the two is instant but after one night together and Simon fresh out of options for rentals, the two decide to keep their relationship strictly platonic to avoid any awkwardness.
Once again, Avery Cockburn draws me in by including something non-romance based. Like always, she seems to be very adept at introducing deep topics. This time it’s a medical diagnosis and the long term recovery it entails as well as childhood trauma. I especially loved how accurate the medical terminology and events were, as that is one of my major pet peeves.
Garen and Simon were a great balance for each other. Simon is the control freak that helps Garen focus, while Garen helps Simon let loose and enjoy life. The relationship between them blossomed quickly initially, yet it took time to grow and mature from friendship to more.
Must Love Christmas was a deep and emotional read that had me wanting more.
The connection between the two is instant but after one night together and Simon fresh out of options for rentals, the two decide to keep their relationship strictly platonic to avoid any awkwardness.
Once again, Avery Cockburn draws me in by including something non-romance based. Like always, she seems to be very adept at introducing deep topics. This time it’s a medical diagnosis and the long term recovery it entails as well as childhood trauma. I especially loved how accurate the medical terminology and events were, as that is one of my major pet peeves.
Garen and Simon were a great balance for each other. Simon is the control freak that helps Garen focus, while Garen helps Simon let loose and enjoy life. The relationship between them blossomed quickly initially, yet it took time to grow and mature from friendship to more.
Must Love Christmas was a deep and emotional read that had me wanting more.
March 5, 2021
4.5 stars
Read
January 2, 2022DNF. Stopped at 71%. Just couldn't get into it. I think it's definitely me and not the book. Ugh. 😕
January 15, 2023
I think I need to re-read both the previous book and the previous series some time...
November 27, 2020
What I love about Avery's books is just how wholesome and cheery they are. I'm not a big fan of alot of angst in the books I read so, especially at Christmas, this is perfect.
*spoiler* I loved the disability rep, especially when it concerns a disease where relapse and recovery is the norm. I have Multiple Sclerosis, and what occurs with Epstein-Barre is very similar, although I've never - thank God - experienced the extreme disability that occurred here. Nevertheless, I felt that Avery knew of what she was speaking and the details of Simon's illness and recovery seemed very accurate. I also thought she was bang on with the psychological effects of not being physically able the way you want to be yet not wanting to rely on someone else. Garen's reactions were genuine as well in terms of someone dealing with their partner's illness and slow recovery.*EndSpoiler*
Fans of Avery Cockburn's books will love this charming tale of forced proximity, the challenge of physical illness, and the resilience of love and persistence to help you through tough times.
*spoiler* I loved the disability rep, especially when it concerns a disease where relapse and recovery is the norm. I have Multiple Sclerosis, and what occurs with Epstein-Barre is very similar, although I've never - thank God - experienced the extreme disability that occurred here. Nevertheless, I felt that Avery knew of what she was speaking and the details of Simon's illness and recovery seemed very accurate. I also thought she was bang on with the psychological effects of not being physically able the way you want to be yet not wanting to rely on someone else. Garen's reactions were genuine as well in terms of someone dealing with their partner's illness and slow recovery.*EndSpoiler*
Fans of Avery Cockburn's books will love this charming tale of forced proximity, the challenge of physical illness, and the resilience of love and persistence to help you through tough times.
December 24, 2020
4.5 stars.
I love this series more than the first and it was sweet to have a Christmas fanatic featured as one of the MCs. I would have liked a little more information on Garen's problems with concentration, etc. because there was a lot of information about Simon's GBS. Granted, his relapse was an integral part of their relationship, but so was Garen's personality so that could have been balanced out a bit. But overall I really loved both of them and and how they worked through everything together. Plus, because Garen is so positive and upbeat (except when it comes to himself) it made what might not have worked for me as a Christmas story, into a story I can read year round and during the holidays.
I love this series more than the first and it was sweet to have a Christmas fanatic featured as one of the MCs. I would have liked a little more information on Garen's problems with concentration, etc. because there was a lot of information about Simon's GBS. Granted, his relapse was an integral part of their relationship, but so was Garen's personality so that could have been balanced out a bit. But overall I really loved both of them and and how they worked through everything together. Plus, because Garen is so positive and upbeat (except when it comes to himself) it made what might not have worked for me as a Christmas story, into a story I can read year round and during the holidays.
December 11, 2020
2.5 / 5.0. I wanted to like this Christmas romance. Unfortunately, I thoroughly disliked one of the main characters, specifically Simon, so it became difficult to enjoy the romance.
December 13, 2020
This story is my favorite from this author so far, and I've enjoyed all her previous footy, and now curling stories. This story focuses on curling but make no mistake--this is a love story worthy of being made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel. I smiled, I cried, my heart was warmed, I shed more tears, and I laughed with joy.
Garen McLaren is a zoologist by day and a member of a semiprofessional curling team by night and weekend. He's also an adopted child; he and his twin sister were adopted from the Soviet Union when they were 6 months old and he displays characteristics common to infants adopted at that age. He has a difficult time remembering the simplest things (like take the umbrella when getting out of the cab), is disorganized, sloppy, and overall happy with his life as it is, but when his buddy Luca moves out to be with his boyfriend, Garen takes on a roommate who shouldn't turn out to be ideal but is one who Garen wants to get to know better. Simon is a financial guru--a suit by day-- and control freak and neatnick and overall fussy man.
Garen loves Christmas and begins his decorating as soon as Halloween passes so his ad for his roommate stated: Must Love Christmas. But, guess what? He took one look at the gorgeous man and forgot his rule. Now he's trying to get along with Simon and making an effort to be neater and Simon is making an effort to learn more about curling and let Garen decorate. But Simon once had Guillian Barre Syndrome, a debilitating illness that paralyzed him when he was three years old, and several issues in quick succession, including a bout with the flu, send him back into the active disease and Garen has to decide if this time he can focus on what needs to be done and stand up for the man he's coming to love.
The author states in a post-story note that she has personal experience with this disease and it's evident she has done research for this character as Simon's illness is portrayed carefully and respectfully. I was entranced by how well this whole story was woven together. I cheered at the Santa Race where Garen assisted Simon, who was on the road to recovery, and the two together were just such wonderful and interesting characters throughout the whole book that of course I cheered again when they finally admitted their love. I hope they have a long and wonderful life together. And kudos to the cover artist as that cover is absolutely perfect for this story.
Garen McLaren is a zoologist by day and a member of a semiprofessional curling team by night and weekend. He's also an adopted child; he and his twin sister were adopted from the Soviet Union when they were 6 months old and he displays characteristics common to infants adopted at that age. He has a difficult time remembering the simplest things (like take the umbrella when getting out of the cab), is disorganized, sloppy, and overall happy with his life as it is, but when his buddy Luca moves out to be with his boyfriend, Garen takes on a roommate who shouldn't turn out to be ideal but is one who Garen wants to get to know better. Simon is a financial guru--a suit by day-- and control freak and neatnick and overall fussy man.
Garen loves Christmas and begins his decorating as soon as Halloween passes so his ad for his roommate stated: Must Love Christmas. But, guess what? He took one look at the gorgeous man and forgot his rule. Now he's trying to get along with Simon and making an effort to be neater and Simon is making an effort to learn more about curling and let Garen decorate. But Simon once had Guillian Barre Syndrome, a debilitating illness that paralyzed him when he was three years old, and several issues in quick succession, including a bout with the flu, send him back into the active disease and Garen has to decide if this time he can focus on what needs to be done and stand up for the man he's coming to love.
The author states in a post-story note that she has personal experience with this disease and it's evident she has done research for this character as Simon's illness is portrayed carefully and respectfully. I was entranced by how well this whole story was woven together. I cheered at the Santa Race where Garen assisted Simon, who was on the road to recovery, and the two together were just such wonderful and interesting characters throughout the whole book that of course I cheered again when they finally admitted their love. I hope they have a long and wonderful life together. And kudos to the cover artist as that cover is absolutely perfect for this story.
April 12, 2025
Lovely story, but awfully heavy for a romance. The Christmas goofiness didn't offset the strain between the main characters; it actually exacerbated their tension. Nonetheless, a very worthwhile, informative, and emotional read. Lovely spicy scenes, and enough love and beauty to carry the day, but a wee tad depressing before the happy ending.
After reaching the ending, and reading that the author actually had Guillain-barre syndrome when she was little, and reading about how it can recur, I am happy to see that she is still well, and wondering how she managed the terror of Covid, which is awful enough in its own right, without the worry of being infected and enduring both Covid and a recurrence of the Guillain-barre. Must have been horrifying.
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Total side rant, cued by my recent reading, which has featured a number of tales by various authors that were written between 2016 and 2021:
It is so strange reading stories written just before, or at the beginning of Covid, when the Donald was busy denying that his rule was over and encouraging his Proud Boys to commit mayhem, now that he's back again, with more power, more goons, more backing, and a crapload of anger and revenge in what passes for his heart. Knowing that all the hideous things that went with his first term will be magnified ten-fold is horrifying. Who needs an apocalypse when you have hate piled on hate piled on megalomania and complete narcissism, and a vocal, powerful, monstrously wealthy following?
After reaching the ending, and reading that the author actually had Guillain-barre syndrome when she was little, and reading about how it can recur, I am happy to see that she is still well, and wondering how she managed the terror of Covid, which is awful enough in its own right, without the worry of being infected and enduring both Covid and a recurrence of the Guillain-barre. Must have been horrifying.
************************************************************************
Total side rant, cued by my recent reading, which has featured a number of tales by various authors that were written between 2016 and 2021:
It is so strange reading stories written just before, or at the beginning of Covid, when the Donald was busy denying that his rule was over and encouraging his Proud Boys to commit mayhem, now that he's back again, with more power, more goons, more backing, and a crapload of anger and revenge in what passes for his heart. Knowing that all the hideous things that went with his first term will be magnified ten-fold is horrifying. Who needs an apocalypse when you have hate piled on hate piled on megalomania and complete narcissism, and a vocal, powerful, monstrously wealthy following?
December 18, 2022
My favourite book of the month so far! To be honest I've seen this one around every December since 2020, but I avoided reading it because I know the models on the front cover IRL and I try not to read books with their faces on it because it feels weird, but the plot of this one just sounded so up my alley that I had to give it a go, and I'm so glad I did.
I really loved both main characters, and I'm always a sucker for roommates to lovers stories because they can get so messy sometimes. These two are also such opposites attract personalities, and I really loved that aspect as well.
Garen's love for Christmas and decorating from like October onwards was really cute, and I loved how Simon was such a type A personality but has a snake that's his bay, because I would not have expected that from him, and I adored that detail.
This book is a bit on the heavy side for a Christmas romance, what with Simon needing to go to the hospital and spending a few months in a wheelchair, and it's also set just after Brexit and Trump becoming president in the US so that was a huge bummer, but honestly that's probably why I loved it so much. Their dynamic was really put to the test in this book and it's just such a wonderful romance, I really did love it.
This is my first book by Avery Cockburn, but I'm excited to read more, staring with the other books in this series.
I really loved both main characters, and I'm always a sucker for roommates to lovers stories because they can get so messy sometimes. These two are also such opposites attract personalities, and I really loved that aspect as well.
Garen's love for Christmas and decorating from like October onwards was really cute, and I loved how Simon was such a type A personality but has a snake that's his bay, because I would not have expected that from him, and I adored that detail.
This book is a bit on the heavy side for a Christmas romance, what with Simon needing to go to the hospital and spending a few months in a wheelchair, and it's also set just after Brexit and Trump becoming president in the US so that was a huge bummer, but honestly that's probably why I loved it so much. Their dynamic was really put to the test in this book and it's just such a wonderful romance, I really did love it.
This is my first book by Avery Cockburn, but I'm excited to read more, staring with the other books in this series.
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