Christmas Mountain

by Garrett Leigh

The probation officer caring for his dead brother’s baby. The wounded gentle giant with the biggest softest heart.

Rami: Sweet Fen Hawthorne is my favourite thing about working in the prison. His broad shoulders and sunny grin. His twinkly flirtation. And he likes me as much as I like him. More seems inevitable until life happens.

One day I’m there, then I’m not, and second chances don’t really happen when your car breaks down halfway up a snowy mountain, do they?

Besides, I don’t remember flirting with a bearded lumbersexual, only dreaming about one.

Fen: Do dreams come true?

Christmas Mountain is my home. But it’s the one place on earth I never imagined seeing Rami Stone again, and now I’m snowed in with him. Trapped, with only a roaring fire for company, and it’s a fantasy come true. The air is thick with more than snow and the eighteen months we’ve been apart fades away.

As the snow clears, though, so does the haze. Rami says he comes with baggage.

But so do I, and I’m here for the heavy lifting.

I’m here for forever.

A Christmas MM romance from Garrett Leigh. Expect: Long lost friends-to-lovers, heart-warming found family, and the swooniest second chance at love with a healthy dose of sweet hurt/comfort. Gorging on mince pies and cinnamon-spiced doughnuts is optional, but deeply encouraged.

Genres: M M Romance, Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, LGBT

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 9, 2021

About the author

She/Her

Bonus Material available for all books on Garrett's Patreon account. Includes short stories from Misfits, Slide, Strays, What Remains, Dream, and much more. Sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/garrettleigh

Facebook Fan Group, Garrett's Den... https://www.facebook.com/groups/garre...

Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British romance author and artist. Her debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and she is a 4 time LAMBDA finalist.

In 2017, she won the EPIC award in contemporary romance with her military novel, Between Ghosts, and the contemporary romance category in the Bisexual Book Awards with her novel What Remains.

Garrett is also an award winning cover designer, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING 4.5 STARS

Christmas Mountain is a stand alone, MM Holiday romance by Garrett Leigh. I love Garrett’s work and this book did not disappoint. It was warm and sweet and just wonderful.

Rami Stone is at the end of his rope. He is a probation officer who loves his work, Truly cares about his clients. At work, the beginnings of what he thought might be something wonderful had been brewing with the flirting between he and one of the prison guards. But then his brother died, and he became caretaker for his infant nephew. He hasn’t seen that guard in eighteen months, his life is unraveling, and out of desperation, he heads for Christmas Mountain to go to his sister’s house. But the thing he didn’t anticipate was a snow storm. And his car breaking down.



Fen Hawthorne was a prison guard. He’s a giant of a man with a huge heart. But after a serious injury at work, he leaves his job and takes over his family Christmas tree farm on Christmas Mountain. In the middle of a blizzard, he finds a broken down car outside his gate with a man and child in the car. And the shock of all shocks is that the man is someone he hasn’t been able to forget. A man he had a huge crush on before his injury but then hadn’t seen since he was hurt.

Fen and Rami are given this second chance to get to know each other again. But Fen’s life is on the mountain. Rami plans to return to the city if he can figure out how to make his life as a single dad work. But Christmas Mountain has magical healing powers. Both Rami and his little nephew thrive during their time on the mountain. And the connection between Fen and Rami strengthens into something that holds the promise of forever. If they could figure out a way for it to work.



This was truly a beautiful story of healing, second chances, family, and love. Both Fen and Rami were good men, men who respected one another, men with such loving hearts. I couldn’t love them more. The scenes of either of them with all of Rami’s nieces and nephews made my heart all squishy. If there were ever two men who deserved a HEA, it was these two and I adored watching them find it.

“You looked lost, so I found you.”

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...

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only.  
Two little words with profound meaning. They carry great weight and often bring pain and remorse. If only you knew...if only we had...if only time stopped. But that's the infinite power of fate; together with Father Time and Mother Nature decisions are made and put into action beyond our control. Maybe that coveted call never came because it wasn't time yet? Perhaps roads split only to bring them back together when it was meant to be? Could it possibly be that 'Wednesday' was simply delayed for good reason?
It's hard to accept the concept of "when it's meant to be, it will be", but Garrett waves her magical pen and does just that.
I was mesmerized every step of the way.
Father Time stands out of sight with the firm reminder that the clock is always ticking and to cherish every moment. At the same time, Mother Nature sucks the oxygen out of the room as she outdoes herself with the masterpiece of Christmas Mountain. If you've heard the rumor that Rami and Fen have been introduced before, do not fret. I passed them by in another life and almost didn't recognize them...you'll do fine, I promise. And if you are concerned about heart-scarring angst, never fear. Leigh delivers powerful emotions and characters brimming with pep, vinegar, and unforgettable spirit, but I didn't feel as though a trip to the ER was necessary. In truth, what I did was hold my kindle over my heart while fighting happy tears.

Rami loves what he does. Being a probation officer isn’t just a uniform that he wears, it’s part of his DNA. He lives to help people. When he loses his brother, the ground starts to crack beneath his feet. How could he have failed his own flesh and blood? How could he lose the tentative grip on saving not only Damon but Charlie’s father? Shouldn’t the pull of fatherhood keep his brother’s feet on the ground? He can’t answer any of those questions. Then he suddenly becomes completely responsible for his toddling nephew and the cracks give way. The only place he can see answers through the chaos is his sister’s home in BFE. Charlie will be safe there. Charlie will be loved on Christmas Mountain. Now, if only his bucket of rust on wheels is up to the task.

Fen nearly lost tomorrow and is seeking refuge in yesterday. When his life was tipped upside down, he went back to the one place his soul craved. Growing up on Christmas Mountain wasn’t anything special when he was a kid, but after years away, he knows better. The solace of the land is not only soothing to his restless mind, but it’s slowly healing his wounds. Running the tree farm has given him a new purpose and in turn, the new family on the mountain has taken him in as one of their own. When a sleepless night keeps him from the warmth of his bed and into a surprise snowstorm, he wonders if he’s truly lost it. Rami appears like a vision with a surprise companion. It’s almost as if his dreams are coming true…if only.

There are so many fabulous components to this love story, I never wanted it to end. Their second chance romance brings great hope (which I believe we can all use right now) and Christmas Mountain is the place where wishes are made and dreams come true. I loved Rami and his sassy mouth. I loved Fen and his marshmallow heart. I loved Charlie and his innocent and cautious curiosity. As a matter of fact, I loved every heart and soul on Christmas Mountain. I loved how Garrett gingerly tugs on a thread, connecting another adored being onto this mountain. I loved the smell of pine and the taste of mince pie but most of all, I loved every laugh and every tear. And I’d love nothing more than for you to join me in my endless affection for Rami and Fen. *sigh* Now, all I need is their next story!


Beware of: A heady and leisurely tango between a sexy lumberjack and a tenacious spitfire will leave your mouth like the Sahara. Love never ends in this mismatched circle of family, found and made. And a hopeless path proves to be not only lucky once, but twice.

This book is for: If you need some Christmas cheer or a burst of joy, this gorgeous story is bound to lift your spirit, heart, and smile. And if you don’t know Dante Pope, I not only encourage but urge you to discover the reason he made such an impact on these two in Salvation.

Book UNfunk

[drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

an incredibly sweet, slow burning christmas romance. 4 stars.

full rtc but needless to say i really enjoyed this.

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Garrett Leigh can't let go of the angst and pain, not even for a Christmas story. I was naive to think this book would be any different than the rest of her work.

Both MCs have suffered greatly. Fen was almost murdered in prison where he worked as a guard.

Rami's brother died of an overdose, and Rami, a parole officer, has been overwhelmed trying to work and raise his nephew.

The men were once friends who flirted. They meet again in the middle of a blizzard, but both are reluctant to begin a relationship.

I really liked Fen and his ease around children. Rami was stubborn and refused to get out of his own way.

The story dragged for me. The ending is a HEA in its own way, but I needed more joy.

If I were rating for enjoyment alone I'd go with 2 stars, but the writing deserves an extra star.

[Florence . · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 “I. Did. Not. Want. Him. To. Leave.” stars

”You were trying to do right by someone who didn’t deserve it, and it’s time to take care of yourself—and Charlie—by being with your family and that six-foot-four lumber-sexual who wants to give you his giant heart.”

This is set in the same world as the Darkest Skies series, which I have read and loved and I wanted to know these characters more when we meant them in that series and I have been very into Christmas stories lately, so I knew I had to read this one and it really worked for me.

Brief Summary
Rami and Fern worked in the same prison and Fern asked Rami out but life makes it so that they can never go on their date and that they stop working at the same place. It's now a year and a half after that, and Rami's died brother died so Remi is taking care of Charlie, his brother's young son. Rami and Charlie go to visit Rami’s sister on Christmas Mountain and they gets stuck in the snow while driving, Fern rescues them and Fern and Rami start bounding again and fall in love.

First, I love pining in books, so much. And there was so much of it here. Even if it had been a long time since they had seen each other, Rami was still pining badly for Fern and I loved reading about it. I loved how Rami always thought about Fern and was wondering how Fern was doing, it was so lovely to me. And Fern was always pining after Rami too and it was so good. I love good pining in books and a mutual pining is even better to me, it was absolutely lovely to read about.

Second, this was the ideal Christmas story for me. It had all of the Christmas cheer and sweet romance I want in a Christmas book but it also had a lot of the typical Garett Leigh angst and conflict. I like this it wasn’t an easy love story, but it was such an hard fought and very deserved one. And it was quite angsty, there was Fern that had been in an accident that still haunted him and he didn’t like sharing about myself because of it and there was Rami who was grumpy and overwhelmed with his life and who didn’t know what he wanted in his life. But the angst was never overwhelming and it was really well balanced in between the sweet parts of the book.

Third, I loved these guys together, so much. I love a good banter and their banter was so good, I absolutely loved it. And I loved how snarky the book was. I loved how they were always there for each other and made sure that the other one always felt good and safe. They were paired very well and were a perfect compliment to each other. Also I loved how Fern was used to being alone but he took the situation in strides and always cared for Rami and Charlie and made sure that they had a good time.

Fourth, also I just really loved Fern and Rami. I love grumpy characters in books so Rami really worked for me. He was the kind of grumpy man with a soft side for his man that I just love. And Fern was so sweet, gentle and nice, he was an absolutely lovely character.

Fifth, I loved how the relationship progressed in this book. I loved how they went from very tentative friends who weren’t sure how to act with each other, to friends, to more than friends, to being in love. The relationship development was lovely and really worked with the story and the characters.

Sixth, Rami had a lot on his plate and he was overwhelmed, he didn’t really know how to deal with everything going on in his life. I love how that was shown, that felt so realistic in the way it was portrayed. I loved how this book was about him figuring out what he wants in life and how to be happy.

Seventh, normally I don’t really like side characters in books but I loved the entire cast of side characters here. They were all nice and I loved hanging out with them. They really helped make the book feel homey. I also really liked the kids (Charlie and Rami sister’s kids), I liked how they weren’t in every scenes of the book but they still had a good place in the book. I loved Charlie, he was such a sweetheart and a really good kid.

Side note, Rami and Fern were very good dads to Charlie and they took such good care of him, I absolutely loved that.

Eight, my only issue with the book was that I thought that there was a little too many outside to the relationship events. I just prefer my books who focus on the relationship and there was just a couple of over the top events that I didn’t really appreciate.

Overall this was the perfectly balanced Christmas read for me and I really loved it.

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Simone - on indefinite hiatus - · Rating 4 out of 5]

***3.5 - 4 Stars***

Me talking to a friend recently: Holiday feelz + angst? Come to mama, my little precious, you're in good hands here... ;-)

And boy was I right... Who needs fluff anyway? Well, those who know me, know I don't. LOL. Add a gentle giant and Simone is a goner.

The only niggle I had was that towards the end there were too many I love you's or I love him's or whatever and I wondered who the author tried to convince, the guys or me? Not that I needed convincing... ;-)

[Mila · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 rating

Dnf @ 51% .

Sadly this book didn't do it for me and not Fen or Charlie could motivate me to finish this book.

It's got the feel good Christmas vibes to it but with mid level angst. I am not sure that's what I want in my Xmas reads.

Rami's character is frustrating af. My man is grumpy and mad at everyone and everything. I get his life is hard but Jesus so was Fen's and he wasn't an asshole.

This book also had no plot really I mean I don't expect much considering its a Christmas themed book but it was utter boredom. I took a nap halfway through chapter 8.😴😴

The positives in this book were Fen and Charlie 💕 Fen is such an adorable man and Charlie 😩 He called Rami "Uncle Rama". Steal my heart why don't you child 😭

Rami's family was a good add to this story. He is surrounded by so many kind and positive people but our boy is still a negative Nancy. I really wanted to finish this book but couldn't and the romance in it was super slow burn.

Don't get me wrong I appreciate the slow burn but it was too slow for my taste.

Hopefully you enjoy this read but sadly I couldn't.

😔

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not want this book to end.

Since both Fen and Remi appeared in Salvation I've wondered about their story and here, in Christmas Mountain, Garrett gives us a perfect festive romance - with all the human elements that make her characters so real.

Without going into any detail, this was everything I wanted from Fen and Rami's story. They were both such vivid characters in Dante's book, here we find out more about them and it's a story that carries real power with it.

They've both suffered blows that would knock lesser people to their knees, but they're surviving, just, when their paths fortuitously cross again on a Cumbrian fell known as Christmas Mountain.

I loved everything about their burgeoning friendship, Fen's demi-sexuality is given the weight and the time it needs to move beyond the spark of attraction he knows he already has for the other man. Remi's grieving process and sudden guardianship of his nephew Charlie also means he needs time to just breath.

There's some serious subjects toughed on, it's Garrett Leigh after all, but it never becomes too weighted down with the sadness. There's a couple of glimpses of Dante still living his best life, which I so appreciated, and I absolutely adored Remi's family who live on top of the Fen.

The kids in this book are perfect, they never detract from the story being told, but are important enough to give both Fen and Remi things to think about at crucial points in the tale.

I was left with such a warm feeling and a happy glow after finishing this book, it goes straight onto my Favourites Shelf alongside Garrett's other two Christmas stories (okay, and pretty much every other book she's written, let's be honest here, I'm a complete fangirl) and I can't wait to get the bonus scene come release day.

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas themed book in the ‘Darkest Skies’ universe.
This is about Rami, Dante Pope’s (from book 3) probation officer and how he finds his HEA.

Rami doesn’t only do that, but he also finds himself, and what he wants for his future.
It is impossible for him to see a path forward for quite a time, and I think his up and down journey is really fabulously described and documented. And it is quite angsty in parts.
To me it felt very realistic in many ways, even if some solution are very convenient the treehouse The confusion, the feeling of being torn in too many directions, the inability to see a different future ... it's all there.

Fen is very much of what Rami wants and has wanted for years. I always love a big hunk of a guy with a soft heart and a gentle soul. Fen is just that and more. Rather dreamy, tbh!
I really liked that these two guys who are so clearly attracted to each other do not simply jump into bed, but think through what this will mean for each of them. So when things do happen eventually, it has a lot more meaning.

So if you enjoyed the first three books in this series, you should definitely give this one a go. We do get a short update about Dante, but this is Rami and Fen’s gig, first and foremost.

Add in a little bit of Christmas in the nicest possible way, and this book is a total winner!

[✵Damjana✵ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 25%
I couldn't connect with characters or with story. Dialogues were very confusing. I hate it when character is in his head most of the time and dialogues are lost between this thoughts and ramblings. I struggled with writing style too.

[Dee]

DNF @ 30% it’s too angsty for a Christmas theme, I couldn’t handle it. I love Garrett’s work and this is the first time I couldn’t finish her book

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Two men, strong mutual attraction, almost a date, then disaster happened and they lose track of each other.

When Rami ends up on a snowy mountain with Charlie, an eighteen-month-old baby, and a broken car he meets Fen again.
Both their lives are hugely changed, both damaged by life.

Without being detailed there’s a lot to overcome. They both got their portion of hurt in life.
The attraction is still strong, they’re just meant for each other.
It’s true, nothing else matters when you love someone, and even the wildest dreams come true.

It was an attractively written romance, about second chances, with all the feelings, tragedy, true love, sweets children, family matters, and wild nature. The engaging, warm, and mature characters were wonderfully developed, just like the whole story.

[Liya · Rating 5 out of 5]

~4.5
This is the 3rd Christmas story I've read this year and as they say - the third time is the charm! While the first two were a huge disappointment, this one was a winner. Heartwarming with a bit of angst, Holiday in spirit but without Hallmark cheesiness. Loved: likable and real MCs, bond and chemistry between them. Hurt-comfort, relationships development - fast but believable, children that added to the story but didn't take over it. Well paced, touching holiday read.

[25 Readings Or More · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

When I found out about this book, I  knew i needed to read it.
I needed an heartwarming story.
And that's what I got thanks to Garrett Leigh' book.

Rami and Fen know each other thanks to their work.
They are attracted to each other, but the moment they decide to give whatever it is between the two of them a chance, life happens.
After 18 months a fateful night brings Rami at Fen' door.
They have changed, their lives have changed but the sparkles between the two of them are still there.
They just need to believe their bond is real...

I really loved this story 🖤
It was a balm for my heart.
I kinda felt a tight bond with Rami and his habit to overthink everything.
While i loved Fen deeply because of his kindness and sweetness.

This book is the perfect Christmas read because second chance, trust, love, family are its main ingrediants.

Ps. This was my first Garrett Leigh book and it definitely won’t be the last

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wish Rami wasn't such an irritating character, he worked my last nerve with his constant pushing away. Fen more than made up for it though, hence the 4 stars

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damon died and Leanne ditched her son, so Rami took his sweet nephew, Charlie, left Manchester, while they were off to Christmas Mountain, to see his sister and family.
This is a steady moving tale that gives us terrific characters and a heartwarming outcome. It's a lovely holiday romance.
Rami is a Probation Officer, with brown hair,

lean muscles and a strong protective manner. He will raise his nephew, but needs some help. When Rami and Charlie get to the mountain, they end up stranded, and saved by Fen.
Fen was a prison guard, who worked with Rami

at times in Manchester's prison. Fen, a big and sturdy man, looks like a lumberjack, and is now working his family tree farm where it's quiet and peaceful.

Rami is surprised to find amiable Fen, who he was crushing on back then, and to also find out Fen is friends and neighbors with his sister and her family.



Both men are attracted, but are also pleased to find their dear friend once again. We watch the slow burn turn into a relationship that eventually exceeds friendship. We watch them talk, interact with Rami's family, and get to really know each other better. Fen doesn't want a one-nighter, so they wait to see how this trip goes for Charlie and Rami.

Little by little, Rami is liking the mountain, and sees Charlie thriving and loving his new people.
There are decisions to be made with Rami's work and taking care of cute Charlie, the priorities.
Rami's sis and family are down to earth. Fen is a gentle giant.
Rami and Fen get fantastic sexy times.

This is a lovely holiday story, with kids, family, warm hearts, and a wonderful romance. It is laced with serious topics and also touching moments.



Near the end, nature sends a shocker, and we are on edge right along with the characters.

The one year epilogue is marvelous.
ENJOY !

=====

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming and low angst story from Garrett is a rare thing. This one is one of them.
With a welcoming family, adorable children, and second chance opportunity of romance, Christmas Mountain is a fun comfort read.
Recommended.

[NicoleR.M.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garrett Leigh is one of my favorite authors. I have read quite some books by her, and she hardly disappoints. When I saw this Christmas romance featuring two (secondary) characters from the Darkest Skies series, I knew I wanted to read their story.
Initially I couldn't get into the story, which annoyed me and had me wondering why I couldn't. Because this is Garrett Leigh! This was related to a series I loved tremendously! So WHY?
I refused to give up, though, trusting it might just be a case of the wrong moment, my head in a wrong space and not feeling the Christmassy vibes. Anyway, I kept on going, and just when I thought it wouldn't happen, it just did. Everything clicked. The story, the characters, the feelings...And why and at what particular moment? I wouldn't know the answer to those questions, but in the end I really enjoyed Fen's and Rami's story. So much, this ended as a 4 star read for me. So I'm glad I didn't give up because eventually I would have missed out on this one and that would have been a pity.
You don't have to read the Darkest skies series to enjoy this story - one of the mc's is mentioned, but nothing that would leave you wondering.

I loved how real Rami's and Fen's struggles felt. How they had to accept things had happened to them and how they finally realize they could work stuff out together. How things that seemed to matter, suddenly didn't anymore and to grab that second chance they were offered.
This is just one of those Garrett Leigh books with less angst, but with a lot of feelings anyway. I liked the secondary characters (Rami's family) and how they all connected.
A Christmas read that is not focused on the holidays itself and that certainly doesn't have all the fluffy sweetness that a lot of Christmas story's seem to have. Still, it leaves you with a well satisfied feeling.

[Mx. T *Chaotic Reader* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every book I read by Garrett Leigh is my jam.

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to give 2 stars, but the story was just okay for me. While the story was sweet, and I liked the characters and their interactions with the family and each other, I was honestly bored through most of it. There's not much of a plot other than the will they/won't they part. It took me days to finish and I considered dropping it, but with so many great reviews I kept hoping for something more. It had a lot of heavy issues underlying things, but they were pretty easily solved and it didn't give me all that much of the Christmas feel. There were also some glaring errors in the story, the most annoying was that the MC Rami was referred to as Rumi more than once as if the author changed his name or didn't spell check

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this was gorgeous! Read in one sitting, and will no doubt go back and read again in a few days. Remi and Fen were wonderful together, the supporting characters were great and Charlie was cute AF. A perfect Garret Leigh Christmas romance <3

[Lisazj1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as angsty as I feared but these guys had plenty of issues to work through. Their clear, electric connection as well as the wonderful if pushy *and hilarious* family made this a great Christmas story. The second chance they finally grab and hold tight to was worth what it took to get there. I loved it. 🥰

[Love Is All Around · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voto: 4.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
Con l’arrivo dei primi freddi, è stato piacevole immergersi in una lettura che parla di paesaggi mozzafiato, di neve a palate, di caminetti caldi e stanze accoglienti, di amore e seconde possibilità.
Garrett Leigh mi ha tenuto compagnia per alcune sere e devo dire che è stata una lettura davvero gradevole, una storia di Natale che però non parla solo di dolcezza e amenità varie, ma affronta temi importanti e delicati. La sua trama, con qualche scossone ben piantato, tiene alte la curiosità e l’attenzione fino alla fine.
Fen Hawthorne e Rami Stone si conoscono a causa del loro lavoro presso la prigione di Manchester, dove il primo è una guardia carceraria e l’altro è un agente di sorveglianza per la libertà vigilata che si occupa di aiutare i detenuti, che stanno finendo o hanno finito la loro pena, a reintegrarsi nel mondo.
Anche se potrebbe esserci dell’interesse reciproco, i due non osano nulla per molto tempo e proprio quando sembra che una proposta ammiccante possa smuovere le acque, la vita ci si mette in mezzo, sconvolgendo le loro esistenze.
Continua sul nostro blog!

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've given this a B at AAR.

Christmas Mountain is a sweet, sexy and emotional opposites-attract/second-chance love story featuring two guys who sort of ‘just missed’ each other when both their lives took unexpected turns before they could get around to going on a date.  Their rekindled romance is a slow-burn with lots of longing and pining, the family dynamics – both biological and chosen – are well done, and the two central characters – one quiet and stoic, the other snarky and with a bit of a temper on him – are relatable and appealing.

Rami Stone and Fen Hawthorne know each other through their work – as a probation officer and corrections officer respectively – at HMP (Her Majesty’s Prison) Manchester. They’ve each other around on a fairly regular basis and like what they see; Fen is about to ask Rami out one day when he’s called to deal with an emergency – and when Rami gets home he’s called to an emergency of his own.  His messed-up younger brother has died from an overdose, leaving Rami – literally – holding the baby, his infant nephew, Charlie.

When Rami returns to work after an extended leave, he’s surprised and saddened to find that Fen no longer works there, learning a few months later that Fen left his job after he was stabbed by a prisoner and almost died.   When Christmas Mountain begins, it’s eighteen months after Rami’s brother died, and he’s been sharing – sort of – parenting duties with Charlie’s mum Leanne, who isn’t exactly a model parent.  But now, the day he’s been dreading has arrived, and Leanne has simply buggered off.  Rami has managed so far by working part time and having Charlie part time, but he’s not cut out to be a full-time parent and, exhausted, worried, furious and desperate, he panics.  He’ll take Charlie to his sister Safia’s place in the Lake District – his one thought is that Charlie will be safe there – so despite the worsening weather conditions, and without stopping to pack anything for himself, he straps Charlie into the back of his crappy old car and heads out of Manchester, towards Safia’s home on the colloquially named Christmas Mountain in Cumbria.

Alas for Rami, his car gives out in the midst of a snowstorm when he’s not far from Durdle Fell, but his phone is dead (not that the service around there is great anyway) and no way can he leave Charlie in the car while he goes for help.  He hadn’t told Safia to expect him, so nobody will be looking for him when he doesn’t arrive.  There’s nothing for it but to wait the storm out.

A few hours later – Rami is surprised he managed to fall asleep – comes a tap on the window and, filled with relief, Rami gets out of the car expecting it to be his brother-in-law, but it isn’t.

Incredibly, it’s Fen who, after the attack, left the Prison Service and returned to his roots in Cumbria, where he now runs the Christmas tree and timber farm that’s been in his family for generations.

Rami and Fen have been through a lot. They’ve both been hurt – physically and emotionally – and seem to have reached a point where they don’t know how to move forward with their lives and are in danger of getting stuck in a rut of existing without really living. Rami is dedicated and cares deeply about helping those he works with to get their lives back on track, but has been so worn down by grief and the extra responsibility he’s had to take on that he’s lost his way and doesn’t quite know what he wants for his future any more. He can be a bit prickly and sometimes gets in his own way, but his confusion and the feeling of being pulled in so many different directions at once that he just can’t think straight any more are portrayed extremely well. And while Fen seems content with the new direction his life is taking, he’s struggling with some residual trauma from the attack and finds it difficult to let people in.

It seems Fen and Rami have never been far from each other’s thoughts over the past eighteen months, and the attraction that sparked between them when they were working together doesn’t take long to spark again and for things to start warming up. But despite their obvious physical attraction they don’t jump into bed straight away, and I appreciated that; it gives their relationship a chance to breathe as they reconnect and start to re-assess where they are and what they want, and to process the ways in which their experiences have changed them. Rami has never had a serious relationship and doesn’t feel he has the wherewithal to commit to one; Fen is demi-sexual and doesn’t do one-night stands, so they both have to give some serious thought to what – if anything – can happen between them and what it will mean for both of them.

This wouldn’t be a Garrett Leigh book without a bit of angst, and there’s just the right amount here; some of the Christmassy stories I’ve read so far this year have been mostly pure fluff – and that’s fine – but I can’t deny that I enjoyed the extra bit of grit in this story. That’s not to say that the angst is overwhelming or depressing – it isn’t – but the issues keeping Fen and Rami from acting on their attraction aren’t trivial ones and I liked the honesty and realism that this brings to their story. For me, the balance was just about right; Rami and Fen are wonderfully real and the chemistry between them sizzles, and there’s enough Christmas magic in the story to balance out its more serious aspects without it tipping over into cheesy schmaltz.

The few secondary characters are strongly characterised, the children feel like actual kids rather than plot moppets, and the setting is vivid; Safia’s home is full of genuine warmth and love and Christmas spirit, and Fen being the owner of a Christmas tree farm is a nice touch.

I do, however, have a few small niggles that keep this one from a higher grade. The final bit of drama, while certainly plausible given the location of this story, felt a bit tacked on, and the solution to Rami’s work situation is just a bit sudden and convenient – and that nobody thought of it earlier seemed a bit odd.

Overall, however, Christmas Mountain is a heartwarming story about two people finding each other again at exactly the right time in their lives and I’m happy to recommend it. All the ingredients – hurt/comfort, Christmas spirit, humour, chemistry, angst and steam – are perfectly balanced to make for a touching and satisfying seasonal read.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.75 stars

The feeling of a great Garrett Leigh book is here on every page of Christmas Mountain. Rami and Fen appeared in Salvation working with Dante Pope and both of them and their chemistry made me definitely interested in learning more about them both. You don’t need to read Salvation, but Dante appears here as well and with reference made to their past, I did appreciate having seen all of their story.

Leigh excels once again in character development and dialogue and there is dry humor and laughter through tragedies large and small. The secondary characters of Rami’s sister and her family add great depth to the story, and everything comes together in this book expertly as the backstories of both men are woven in. The story takes place on Christmas Mountain and is set around the holidays, but in true Leigh style, it is not an overdone holiday book, which suits my tastes perfectly as well. This book was a pleasure to read from start to finish with Leigh at the top of her game as Rami and Fen find love and a life they never envisioned high up on Christmas Mountain.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

[Ajax1978 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This just dragged on and on for me without a whole lot really going on. The same couple of issues were discussed and thought about and mulled over and avoided for page after page after page. And both characters had the trait of being lost in thought about these issues and the other jolting them out of it. Too many times to count. I really liked Fen and his interactions with Charlie and the other kids. But otherwise I was just ready for it to be over.

[Bronwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

December 2024: Still loved Rami, Fen, and little Charlie just as much the second time.


November 2021: I didn’t want this book to end. I could have stayed on Christmas Mountain with Rami, Fen, and everyone forever.

[Caipi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sorry, but I didn't feel it. 😔
Too many repetitive inner monologs for my liking.....

[Agalactiae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dans « Christmas Mountain », Garrett Leigh nous offre l'histoire de Rami et Fen, deux personnages rencontrés dans Salvation, le troisième tome de la saga « Darkest Skies », histoire d'ailleurs annoncée dans les derniers mots de l'auteur en fin de roman. Comme chaque parution de l'auteur, il me tardait de découvrir son histoire de Noël pour cette fin d'année 2021. Et comme pour ses précédentes histoires de Noël, nous avons droit à une histoire riche et profonde...

Rami et Fen sont deux collègues, ou plutôt d'anciens collègues travaillant dans une prison. Une connexion presque évidente entre les deux hommes existait, seulement un événement les a éloigné l'un de l'autre. C'est plusieurs mois plus tard que Fen et Rami se retrouvent... alors que Rami, ayant la garde de l'enfant de son frère disparu, se rend chez sa sœur, il a la surprise de voir que son voisin n'est autre que Fen.

C'est une romance toute en douceur, délicate, lente, et je dirais intimiste, que nous offre cette fois Garrett Leigh. Les deux hommes ont leurs bagages, car c'est la vie qui n'est pas facile, et avancent comme ils peuvent, en hésitant, en pensant faire au mieux. Rami et Fen étaient collègues, et vont devenir vraiment amis avant tout ici. La confiance s'installe, ils se découvrent l'un l'autre tout doucement... Puis les choses évoluent naturellement...

J'ai aimé comment l'auteur a amené la demi-sexualité de Fen et aussi les interrogations de Rami concernant l'éducation de Charlie. Je ne sais pas, on a l'impression que c'est comme si Rami et Fen reprenaient le temps de respirer un coup, en étant ensemble.

J'ai beaucoup aimé les personnages secondaires aussi... La sœur et le beau-frère de Rami, les enfants, qui ont chacun leur importance sans pour autant alourdir l'ensemble.
Et puis j'ai adoré avoir des nouvelles de Dante et de sa nouvelle vie auprès de son jardinier adoré ^^

C'est une histoire de Noël, mais plutôt sur l'essence-même de ces fêtes de fin d'année. Là on est dans l'esprit de famille, et la construction d'une autre surtout.
C'est aussi le livre dont il me fallait en ce moment, un livre qu'on prend le temps de lire, qui nous emmitoufle dans une bulle de douceur, même si les hommes de cette histoire n'ont pas la vie facile et vivent avec leurs démons, leurs doutes. C'est du Garrett Leigh quoi !

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrett Leigh brings readers yet another emotional and heartwarming story. Rami and Fen were kept apart for reasons outside of their control but fate brings them back together when Rami is truly in need of some help. He's found himself as the sole parental figure for his nephew, is struggling to cope and has kind a mini meltdown so heads up Christmas Mountain, in a snowstorm. As luck would have it the place that his car breaks down and strands him is right outside of Fen's home.
Their reunion is more confused amazement than anything but with Rami planning to stay with his sister and her family for a few days with his nephew, Charlie, they have the chance to reconnect and maybe even find something that both men are in desperate need of, support and love.
Awww, my heart went out to both men as their recent history comes out, Rami with family issues and Fen having had trouble with work. They find themselves somewhere neither would have anticipated two years ago when they were first dancing around their attraction to each other. There are some possible trigger moments that are discussed only but it's worth checking those out. It's one of those where I kind of end up shouting at at least one of the men to get their act in gear as I can clearly see what they need but Garrett's writing is as exceptional as always, really drawing out the tension and emotional journey that both men must experience. Charlie is also just the cutest little boy, no wonder he brings a smile to the faces of those that he's around. It may not start out with festive cheer but it definitely ends with family and Christmas spirit on Christmas Mountain.
Highly recommended read from a wonderful author. You always know that Garret's characters and story with tug on your heart and this is no different.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.