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Not So Silent Night
One grumpy patient. One unconventional nurse. Twenty-two reindeer later.
Things aren’t great for Xander Cole. It’s Christmas, he’s fractured his pelvis on a skiing trip he never wanted to go on, and his on/off boyfriend is most definitely off. No wonder he’s not exactly full of festive cheer.
Ferris Night isn’t having much luck either. His plan to take a break from work before starting a new job has been wrecked by a flooded flat. With nowhere to stay, he grabs the opportunity for a job as a live-in nurse with both hands. After all, how hard can it be?
Xander doesn’t need a nurse. Especially one who’s far too flirty, far too attractive, far too into Christmas, and far too good at getting his own way. But Ferris has never faced a challenge that couldn’t be overcome with a bit of charm and perseverance. It doesn’t matter how attractive Xander might be. He’s immune. Maybe.
As banter and sparring between the two men turn into more, a nurse might not be needed, but both men could be in for a fresh start to the new year.
A low angst 63k romantic comedy, which features snarky banter, a slow burn relationship, two men who can give as good as they get, an annoying ex, and a Star Wars nativity scene.
*Please note that this story was originally released as a single POV short story as part of the Winter Wonderland Prolific Works giveaway. The story has been revised and is now dual POV with over 40k of added content*
Things aren’t great for Xander Cole. It’s Christmas, he’s fractured his pelvis on a skiing trip he never wanted to go on, and his on/off boyfriend is most definitely off. No wonder he’s not exactly full of festive cheer.
Ferris Night isn’t having much luck either. His plan to take a break from work before starting a new job has been wrecked by a flooded flat. With nowhere to stay, he grabs the opportunity for a job as a live-in nurse with both hands. After all, how hard can it be?
Xander doesn’t need a nurse. Especially one who’s far too flirty, far too attractive, far too into Christmas, and far too good at getting his own way. But Ferris has never faced a challenge that couldn’t be overcome with a bit of charm and perseverance. It doesn’t matter how attractive Xander might be. He’s immune. Maybe.
As banter and sparring between the two men turn into more, a nurse might not be needed, but both men could be in for a fresh start to the new year.
A low angst 63k romantic comedy, which features snarky banter, a slow burn relationship, two men who can give as good as they get, an annoying ex, and a Star Wars nativity scene.
*Please note that this story was originally released as a single POV short story as part of the Winter Wonderland Prolific Works giveaway. The story has been revised and is now dual POV with over 40k of added content*
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2021
40 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
H.L. Day
48 books500 followersH.L Day is a teacher and a writer. She enjoys writing far too many different sub genres to stick to one thing so writes everything from rom-coms to post-apocalyptic sci-fi. It's just the way her brain works. H.L Day lives in the UK with her elderly black cat that she accidentally stole from her next door neighbour.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
November 15, 2021
Fun holiday story with great dialogue. Recommended!
November 10, 2021
*4.5 stars*
That was fun!
That was fun!
January 7, 2024
3.5 stars
A decent forced proximity Christmas story, with a grumpy/sunshine pairing and lots of snark & banter.
Xander has broken his pelvis on a skiing trip he didn't even want to go on. Abandoned by his flaky boyfriend, he calls his brother in defeat and they go home together where he stubbornly faces weeks of recovery.
Ferris is about to move to a new flat and job when his current flat floods, leaving him without a place to stay for the next few weeks. Luckily for Ferris, Xander's brother doesn't listen to him when he says he can care for himself (he definitely can't), and hires Ferris as a live-in nurse.
There's a lot of physical hurt/comfort with injury caretaking, physical therapy, day-to-day assistance. There was potential for more emotional hurt/comfort though. For example Ferris has an ex who was also a model and who cheated on him, making him initially apprehensive of Xander, but this is never really brought up again and is a non-issue.
The banter between them is good and I enjoyed their little date at the museum and all the cosy moments at home. I think they're a believable couple in the end.
Though the dreaded 3rd act breakup is there, for me it was actually a reasonable and understandable separation. No dramatic exit, just an honest conversation and an open door. It does get dragged out more than it needed to be but wasn't unbearable.
Overall I liked this, but I felt like it was missing that extra oomph or angst to take it to the next level.
A decent forced proximity Christmas story, with a grumpy/sunshine pairing and lots of snark & banter.
Xander has broken his pelvis on a skiing trip he didn't even want to go on. Abandoned by his flaky boyfriend, he calls his brother in defeat and they go home together where he stubbornly faces weeks of recovery.
Ferris is about to move to a new flat and job when his current flat floods, leaving him without a place to stay for the next few weeks. Luckily for Ferris, Xander's brother doesn't listen to him when he says he can care for himself (he definitely can't), and hires Ferris as a live-in nurse.
There's a lot of physical hurt/comfort with injury caretaking, physical therapy, day-to-day assistance. There was potential for more emotional hurt/comfort though. For example Ferris has an ex who was also a model and who cheated on him, making him initially apprehensive of Xander, but this is never really brought up again and is a non-issue.
The banter between them is good and I enjoyed their little date at the museum and all the cosy moments at home. I think they're a believable couple in the end.
Though the dreaded 3rd act breakup is there, for me it was actually a reasonable and understandable separation. No dramatic exit, just an honest conversation and an open door. It does get dragged out more than it needed to be but wasn't unbearable.
Overall I liked this, but I felt like it was missing that extra oomph or angst to take it to the next level.
dnf
November 22, 2021DNF 15%
I know, it's early on. But I don't particularly like either protag and I'm bored out of my gourd. I loved HL Day's Refuge but this doesn't appear to be the same level of writing. Probably not a fair statement, but life is too short to force oneself to continue to read a book in which one has little interest. So this is most likely "me".
I know, it's early on. But I don't particularly like either protag and I'm bored out of my gourd. I loved HL Day's Refuge but this doesn't appear to be the same level of writing. Probably not a fair statement, but life is too short to force oneself to continue to read a book in which one has little interest. So this is most likely "me".
March 13, 2022
Awwww. There was banter🥺. And there was an absolutely adorable grumpy as hell man-child. I don't even care that it was fluff😭.
January 25, 2022
I've given this a B at AAR.
Looking for a cute, frothy and fun Christmassy love story with a grumpy/sunshine pairing, lots of humour, a gazillion pink and purple reindeer and an Avengers/Star Wars Nativity set? You are? Good! Look no further than H.L Day’s Not So Silent Night, a delightfully witty and charming romance that is just the thing for whiling away a few hours on a dark, winter evening.
Model Xander Cole never wanted to go on a ski-ing trip to the Swiss Alps – he’d rather have been on a beach in Acapulco working on his tan and drinking cocktails – and only agreed to go because he couldn’t face the amount of sulking his on/off boyfriend Harvey would have subjected him to otherwise. It turns out Xander should have stuck to his guns; an accident on the slopes sees him land in hospital with a fractured pelvis. His brother Miles escorts Xander back to England, and offers to spend Christmas with him; but Xander refuses, knowing how much Miles wants to see his kids, who live with their mother in Spain. He hasn’t seen Harvey since he made a whirlwind visit to his hospital room on the way to his next booking, so Xander is looking forward to a pretty lonely Christmas.
Ferris Night, a nurse at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, gets back to his flat after finishing his last ever shift at St. Thomas’ (he’s moving to a new job in January) to find the place flooded as the result of a leak upstairs. His new place won’t be ready for him to move into for a few weeks, and he’s reluctant to stay with his mum, whose sleazy boyfriend has made it clear on numerous occasions that he wouldn’t mind shagging both mother AND son. Ferris resigns himself to a few nights couch-surfing with friends, not a particularly enticing prospect so close to Christmas. But then a phone call from a friend of a friend of a friend (etc.) offers a solution to his problem – this friend urgently needs a live-in nurse for his brother, who has fractured his pelvis. Ferris is surprised when he meets Miles – he’d expected someone a lot older – and more surprised when he learns Xander is something of a celebrity. Not that it bothers him. It’s a job and, more importantly, a roof over his head.
That’s the set up for this thoroughly entertaining and sometimes laugh-out-loud romance – and while it’s certainly nothing I haven’t read before, the author has a wonderfully deft touch with the characters and the humour, and it was exactly what I needed at the end of a hectic day. Ferris is almost relentlessly cheerful as he ‘bullies’ Xander into doing his physical therapy exercises, and quickly realises that winding him up is the best way to pull Xander out the funk of grumpiness he’s fallen into. I loved watching him catching Xander off-guard and plotting ways to startle and cajole him into laughter or enjoyment; the author keeps him just the right side of irritating, because it’s so obvious that Xander really needs someone to remind him that he’s allowed to be himself, that he doesn’t have to be perfect all the time – and that ‘himself’ is worthy of being loved.
The scenes where Xander realises Ferris is decorating-by-stealth for Christmas are a hoot, and while the teasing and snarky banter between the couple is terrific, the quieter moment of tenderness, affection and insight are really well-done, too. Even though the story takes place over just a couple of weeks, the fact that the two men spend pretty much every waking moment together throughout that time helps make their falling in love so quickly that much more believable. There’s very little conflict – and what there is, is visible a mile off – but it doesn’t drag on too long and gives both characters the chance to realise just how strong their feelings for one another have become.
Not So Silent Night is cute, light-hearted and fun from start to finish, one of those books that will make you giggle and leave you with a smile on your face. The characters are likeable, the dialogue is clever and genuinely funny, and there’s plenty of festive spirit to warm the cockles! If you’re a fan of Lily Morton’s books, I think you’ll enjoy this – as will anyone looking for a sweet but sexy story full of Christmas cheer.
Note: This is an expanded/extended version of the novella of the same name that was originally published as part of the Winter Wonderland giveaway at the beginning of 2021.
Looking for a cute, frothy and fun Christmassy love story with a grumpy/sunshine pairing, lots of humour, a gazillion pink and purple reindeer and an Avengers/Star Wars Nativity set? You are? Good! Look no further than H.L Day’s Not So Silent Night, a delightfully witty and charming romance that is just the thing for whiling away a few hours on a dark, winter evening.
Model Xander Cole never wanted to go on a ski-ing trip to the Swiss Alps – he’d rather have been on a beach in Acapulco working on his tan and drinking cocktails – and only agreed to go because he couldn’t face the amount of sulking his on/off boyfriend Harvey would have subjected him to otherwise. It turns out Xander should have stuck to his guns; an accident on the slopes sees him land in hospital with a fractured pelvis. His brother Miles escorts Xander back to England, and offers to spend Christmas with him; but Xander refuses, knowing how much Miles wants to see his kids, who live with their mother in Spain. He hasn’t seen Harvey since he made a whirlwind visit to his hospital room on the way to his next booking, so Xander is looking forward to a pretty lonely Christmas.
Ferris Night, a nurse at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, gets back to his flat after finishing his last ever shift at St. Thomas’ (he’s moving to a new job in January) to find the place flooded as the result of a leak upstairs. His new place won’t be ready for him to move into for a few weeks, and he’s reluctant to stay with his mum, whose sleazy boyfriend has made it clear on numerous occasions that he wouldn’t mind shagging both mother AND son. Ferris resigns himself to a few nights couch-surfing with friends, not a particularly enticing prospect so close to Christmas. But then a phone call from a friend of a friend of a friend (etc.) offers a solution to his problem – this friend urgently needs a live-in nurse for his brother, who has fractured his pelvis. Ferris is surprised when he meets Miles – he’d expected someone a lot older – and more surprised when he learns Xander is something of a celebrity. Not that it bothers him. It’s a job and, more importantly, a roof over his head.
That’s the set up for this thoroughly entertaining and sometimes laugh-out-loud romance – and while it’s certainly nothing I haven’t read before, the author has a wonderfully deft touch with the characters and the humour, and it was exactly what I needed at the end of a hectic day. Ferris is almost relentlessly cheerful as he ‘bullies’ Xander into doing his physical therapy exercises, and quickly realises that winding him up is the best way to pull Xander out the funk of grumpiness he’s fallen into. I loved watching him catching Xander off-guard and plotting ways to startle and cajole him into laughter or enjoyment; the author keeps him just the right side of irritating, because it’s so obvious that Xander really needs someone to remind him that he’s allowed to be himself, that he doesn’t have to be perfect all the time – and that ‘himself’ is worthy of being loved.
The scenes where Xander realises Ferris is decorating-by-stealth for Christmas are a hoot, and while the teasing and snarky banter between the couple is terrific, the quieter moment of tenderness, affection and insight are really well-done, too. Even though the story takes place over just a couple of weeks, the fact that the two men spend pretty much every waking moment together throughout that time helps make their falling in love so quickly that much more believable. There’s very little conflict – and what there is, is visible a mile off – but it doesn’t drag on too long and gives both characters the chance to realise just how strong their feelings for one another have become.
Not So Silent Night is cute, light-hearted and fun from start to finish, one of those books that will make you giggle and leave you with a smile on your face. The characters are likeable, the dialogue is clever and genuinely funny, and there’s plenty of festive spirit to warm the cockles! If you’re a fan of Lily Morton’s books, I think you’ll enjoy this – as will anyone looking for a sweet but sexy story full of Christmas cheer.
Note: This is an expanded/extended version of the novella of the same name that was originally published as part of the Winter Wonderland giveaway at the beginning of 2021.
October 31, 2021
This was an absolutely delightful story, with a mountain of fun and snarky sarcasm.
Ferris his house is wrecked and the opportunity to take care of an injured man, as a live-in nurse is more than welcome. Ferris is a good-humored guy, taking care of a grumpy guy isn’t ideal but he’s safe for the next weeks.
Xander is a model, a fashion model, he got injured and the next minute left in the hospital by his boyfriend, now ex. Here he is, seriously injured and alone with Christmas. Until there’s a nurse on his doorstep, sent by his brother, to take care of him. A very annoying nurse.
The guy is openly flirting and quite exhausting for Xander’s tired mind.
What follows is a mix of fun, flirt, irritation, attraction, hurt, snark, grump, tinsel, glitter, and Christmas thingies. The outcome was a delightful story I enjoyed hugely!
There are so many arguments ha! Xander couldn’t win any, it was so much fun.
Both men are engaging and fun, yes, even the grumpy one!
The development was enough, there are a few small side stories that made it a fulfilling experience.
From first till the very last page a great read!
Ferris his house is wrecked and the opportunity to take care of an injured man, as a live-in nurse is more than welcome. Ferris is a good-humored guy, taking care of a grumpy guy isn’t ideal but he’s safe for the next weeks.
Xander is a model, a fashion model, he got injured and the next minute left in the hospital by his boyfriend, now ex. Here he is, seriously injured and alone with Christmas. Until there’s a nurse on his doorstep, sent by his brother, to take care of him. A very annoying nurse.
The guy is openly flirting and quite exhausting for Xander’s tired mind.
What follows is a mix of fun, flirt, irritation, attraction, hurt, snark, grump, tinsel, glitter, and Christmas thingies. The outcome was a delightful story I enjoyed hugely!
There are so many arguments ha! Xander couldn’t win any, it was so much fun.
Both men are engaging and fun, yes, even the grumpy one!
The development was enough, there are a few small side stories that made it a fulfilling experience.
From first till the very last page a great read!
January 23, 2023
~3.5~
This is a cute, low-angst, feel good Christmas story with a dash of hurt/comfort and a lovely epilogue.
I enjoyed it (and giggled like crazy at the reindeer army) but am rounding down for a few reasons:
- Far too much banter; no one talks like that all the time. It was funny initially but started to grate on my nerves after a while. I just wanted them to have one serious conversation.
- For a nurse, Ferris wasn't very professional. I wanted more ... well, nursing. Xander had a serious injury, but Ferris didn't really help him beyond making him do his physical therapy.
- Why did Ferris leave when Xander's sleazy ex came round? It felt really out of character.
- This is a holiday story, but the MCs don't even spend Christmas together because reasons.
I'm still going to check out more books by this new-to-me author.
This is a cute, low-angst, feel good Christmas story with a dash of hurt/comfort and a lovely epilogue.
I enjoyed it (and giggled like crazy at the reindeer army) but am rounding down for a few reasons:
- Far too much banter; no one talks like that all the time. It was funny initially but started to grate on my nerves after a while. I just wanted them to have one serious conversation.
- For a nurse, Ferris wasn't very professional. I wanted more ... well, nursing. Xander had a serious injury, but Ferris didn't really help him beyond making him do his physical therapy.
- Why did Ferris leave when Xander's sleazy ex came round? It felt really out of character.
- This is a holiday story, but the MCs don't even spend Christmas together because reasons.
I'm still going to check out more books by this new-to-me author.
dnf
November 13, 2021DNF at 40%
I'm absolutely really totally positively.... bored out of my mind with this book. Nothing happens and these guys seem to have no personality.
I saw lots of positive reviews so I guess this is totally on me, and not the book.
I'm absolutely really totally positively.... bored out of my mind with this book. Nothing happens and these guys seem to have no personality.
I saw lots of positive reviews so I guess this is totally on me, and not the book.
November 4, 2021
Sweet Christmas read.
3.5 rounded up
3.5 rounded up
Read
November 17, 2021A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
This is a fun and frisky holiday romance between a Christmas-loving nurse and his curmudgeonly lovable patient. Xander is truly not used to being bossed around, and he’s also not a holiday-spirit kind of guy. Yet, Ferris’ relentless holiday decorating, coupled with his strict nursing management, cracks through Xander’s resolve. It was so cute watching Ferris plot ways to startle and surprise Xander into merriment, and his baiting humor was more and more winning. Over his years with Harvey, Xander had forgotten his worth and how it feels to be loved wholly. To the point he’s not really feeling worthy of love. And yet Ferris is so open with his joy of the season that sharing a house becomes more enjoyable by the day.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
This is a fun and frisky holiday romance between a Christmas-loving nurse and his curmudgeonly lovable patient. Xander is truly not used to being bossed around, and he’s also not a holiday-spirit kind of guy. Yet, Ferris’ relentless holiday decorating, coupled with his strict nursing management, cracks through Xander’s resolve. It was so cute watching Ferris plot ways to startle and surprise Xander into merriment, and his baiting humor was more and more winning. Over his years with Harvey, Xander had forgotten his worth and how it feels to be loved wholly. To the point he’s not really feeling worthy of love. And yet Ferris is so open with his joy of the season that sharing a house becomes more enjoyable by the day.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
November 9, 2021
1 star for the cover
Time of death: 67%
I put it down twice in 2 days, I got bored out of my mind, I ended up skipping parts and I didn’t connect to the characters at all and there’s absolutely no chemistry between them. But I tried to give another try thinking it would get better but by the time they got together by 60% I lost interest and I couldn’t take it anymore. The slow burn was very frustrating and the banter is meeeeeeh
The premise is good but the execution not great. Ferris the nurse is such a pushover who has no boundaries whatsoever and annoying. I couldn’t warm up to him. Xander was cool though but not enough to make enjoy the story.
I don’t recommend
Time of death: 67%
I put it down twice in 2 days, I got bored out of my mind, I ended up skipping parts and I didn’t connect to the characters at all and there’s absolutely no chemistry between them. But I tried to give another try thinking it would get better but by the time they got together by 60% I lost interest and I couldn’t take it anymore. The slow burn was very frustrating and the banter is meeeeeeh
The premise is good but the execution not great. Ferris the nurse is such a pushover who has no boundaries whatsoever and annoying. I couldn’t warm up to him. Xander was cool though but not enough to make enjoy the story.
I don’t recommend
November 25, 2021
I enjoyed it plus it had awesome Christmas decorations = 3.5* rounded up because I can easily recommend it to my GR friends who are looking for a sweet and fluffy Christmas read.
Both MCs, Xander and Ferris, were decent people who treated others well. Sure Xander was cranky at times but he was recovering from a serious and painful injury. Their banter was fun and I giggled throughout this extremely low angst bit of holiday fluff. The very tiny separation was understandable and thankfully brief. Sex was not overly descriptive. Very quick read. Just the thing for this time of year.
Both MCs, Xander and Ferris, were decent people who treated others well. Sure Xander was cranky at times but he was recovering from a serious and painful injury. Their banter was fun and I giggled throughout this extremely low angst bit of holiday fluff. The very tiny separation was understandable and thankfully brief. Sex was not overly descriptive. Very quick read. Just the thing for this time of year.
November 11, 2021
4.25 stars
January 6, 2022
This was funny and sweet. The conclusion was a little ho hum. Like we couldn't see that one coming. 🙄 No less enjoyable. 🎄
November 10, 2021
Cute and sweet. Low drama and angst. Unfortunately it wasn’t really my cup of tea. For me, it lacked a certain… je ne sais quoi… i don’t know… I just wasn’t that invested or taken in. Still, I think a lot of my GR friends would enjoy it. If you KU, give it a shot if you want a slow, sweet Christmastime tale.
October 14, 2021
I absolutely loved this story - it's a proper Christmas romance and I highly recommend it for your Christmas reading :)
November 30, 2021
This surprised me.
I was not expecting something this short to get me with the feels. At first I was worried that this was going to be a clean romance when we got to page 60 and there wasn't even a kiss, but it did finally happen.
Then after the kiss I was expecting that this would have some sort of sexytimes but not the whole shebang cause one of the mcs had a broken pelvis, but I was wrong.
I really enjoyed this one.
I was not expecting something this short to get me with the feels. At first I was worried that this was going to be a clean romance when we got to page 60 and there wasn't even a kiss, but it did finally happen.
Then after the kiss I was expecting that this would have some sort of sexytimes but not the whole shebang cause one of the mcs had a broken pelvis, but I was wrong.
I really enjoyed this one.
November 4, 2021
2.75 stars. Meh. The premise was cute, but the execution didn't work for me. There was no chemistry between Ferris and Xander, neither before nor when they got together and the attempts at banter fell flat. The developments surrouding their temporary split were very cliche and I ended up skimming the last part of the book.
November 26, 2021
This review was first published at Joyfully Jay. https://joyfullyjay.com/2021/11/revie...
4.25 stars
Xander Cole is a model whose on-again, off-again photographer boyfriend, Harvey, has just abandoned him in a hospital in Switzerland with a broken pelvis from a skiing accident. Xander hadn’t even wanted to go to Switzerland, and he’s even less pleased that Harvey doesn’t waste any time jetting off to set up a shoot for Chanel. So, Xander calls his brother Miles to fly to Switzerland and bring him back to his London home. With mere weeks before Christmas, Miles knows he’ll need a real nurse to watch over Xander so he can visit with his children for Christmas. So, he hires Ferris Night to be a live-in nurse to his recuperating, grumpy, younger brother.
Ferris is between jobs for the holidays, having just signed on with a new hospital, but he’d looked forward to the down-time. What he hadn’t anticipated was the leak above his flat that rendered his living situation untenable. While he has a new flat leased, he can’t move in until the new year. Now, it’s couch surf with friends, or stay with his mum and her creepy perv live-in boyfriend. It’s barely a moment before Barry tries it on with Ferris, who bolts. And his bestie’s couch is worse than bare floorboards. Ferris’ struggle seems relieved when he gets a call from a mutual friend connecting him to Miles, who is ready to hire him for 24/7 nursing care, and offering a clean, private bedroom, to help his brother convalesce. Ferris was sold on the bedroom, but he’s surely attracted to Xander’s physical beauty—if not his salty demeanor. Oh, wow, what a meet-cute they have, with Ferris turning up unannounced and Xander preparing to call the police.
This is a fun and frisky holiday romance between a Christmas-loving nurse and his curmudgeonly lovable patient. Xander is truly not used to being bossed around, and he’s also not a holiday-spirit kind of guy. Yet, Ferris’ relentless holiday decorating, coupled with his strict nursing management, cracks through Xander’s resolve. It was so cute watching Ferris plot ways to startle and surprise Xander into merriment, and his baiting humor was more and more winning. Over his years with Harvey, Xander had forgotten his worth and how it feels to be loved wholly. To the point he’s not really feeling worthy of love. And yet Ferris is so open with his joy of the season that sharing a house becomes more enjoyable by the day.
I really loved the banter, and how sweet and tender these guys are, especially when they both agree that the attraction totally simmers between them. The fun and games with the Christmas decorations are a hoot, and the characters are colorful. There’s a brief separation, during which Xander and Ferris get the time to come to grips with how strong their attraction has grown. And, Xander makes an unexpected grand gesture to bring Ferris right back were he belongs—Xander’s home. I loved that he’s so committed to the project that he’s doing all the therapy exercises that he grumped about Ferris conning him into doing. The end is one hundred percent happy, with a look into a solid and loving future.
Note: This is the second edition of the book, which has been revised, significantly expanded, and switched to dual POV.
4.25 stars
Xander Cole is a model whose on-again, off-again photographer boyfriend, Harvey, has just abandoned him in a hospital in Switzerland with a broken pelvis from a skiing accident. Xander hadn’t even wanted to go to Switzerland, and he’s even less pleased that Harvey doesn’t waste any time jetting off to set up a shoot for Chanel. So, Xander calls his brother Miles to fly to Switzerland and bring him back to his London home. With mere weeks before Christmas, Miles knows he’ll need a real nurse to watch over Xander so he can visit with his children for Christmas. So, he hires Ferris Night to be a live-in nurse to his recuperating, grumpy, younger brother.
Ferris is between jobs for the holidays, having just signed on with a new hospital, but he’d looked forward to the down-time. What he hadn’t anticipated was the leak above his flat that rendered his living situation untenable. While he has a new flat leased, he can’t move in until the new year. Now, it’s couch surf with friends, or stay with his mum and her creepy perv live-in boyfriend. It’s barely a moment before Barry tries it on with Ferris, who bolts. And his bestie’s couch is worse than bare floorboards. Ferris’ struggle seems relieved when he gets a call from a mutual friend connecting him to Miles, who is ready to hire him for 24/7 nursing care, and offering a clean, private bedroom, to help his brother convalesce. Ferris was sold on the bedroom, but he’s surely attracted to Xander’s physical beauty—if not his salty demeanor. Oh, wow, what a meet-cute they have, with Ferris turning up unannounced and Xander preparing to call the police.
This is a fun and frisky holiday romance between a Christmas-loving nurse and his curmudgeonly lovable patient. Xander is truly not used to being bossed around, and he’s also not a holiday-spirit kind of guy. Yet, Ferris’ relentless holiday decorating, coupled with his strict nursing management, cracks through Xander’s resolve. It was so cute watching Ferris plot ways to startle and surprise Xander into merriment, and his baiting humor was more and more winning. Over his years with Harvey, Xander had forgotten his worth and how it feels to be loved wholly. To the point he’s not really feeling worthy of love. And yet Ferris is so open with his joy of the season that sharing a house becomes more enjoyable by the day.
I really loved the banter, and how sweet and tender these guys are, especially when they both agree that the attraction totally simmers between them. The fun and games with the Christmas decorations are a hoot, and the characters are colorful. There’s a brief separation, during which Xander and Ferris get the time to come to grips with how strong their attraction has grown. And, Xander makes an unexpected grand gesture to bring Ferris right back were he belongs—Xander’s home. I loved that he’s so committed to the project that he’s doing all the therapy exercises that he grumped about Ferris conning him into doing. The end is one hundred percent happy, with a look into a solid and loving future.
Note: This is the second edition of the book, which has been revised, significantly expanded, and switched to dual POV.
November 27, 2021
The banter between Ferris and Xander, the insane nativity scene, the reindeer, the little bit of angst at the end - I feel as if H.L. Day can do no wrong.
November 2, 2021
4+ stars- Great start to my holiday reads
I absolutely love holiday-themed romances and tend to read them earlier and earlier each years so as not to miss any before the end of the season. Not So Silent Night was the perfect launch to my holiday reads this year.
Light-hearted and fun with plenty of the snarky banter this author excels at kept me entertained from start to finish. I loved Xander and Ferris and enjoyed their grumpy-sunshine dynamic and how that worked into the holiday celebrations. I also really liked the storyline and how the forced proximity set-up made Ferris and Xander’s romantic timeline believable.
If you’re looking for a holiday read that’s fun and sure to make you smile, I’d highly recommend Not So Silent Night.
*eARC recevied via author. The author had no influence over this review*
I absolutely love holiday-themed romances and tend to read them earlier and earlier each years so as not to miss any before the end of the season. Not So Silent Night was the perfect launch to my holiday reads this year.
Light-hearted and fun with plenty of the snarky banter this author excels at kept me entertained from start to finish. I loved Xander and Ferris and enjoyed their grumpy-sunshine dynamic and how that worked into the holiday celebrations. I also really liked the storyline and how the forced proximity set-up made Ferris and Xander’s romantic timeline believable.
If you’re looking for a holiday read that’s fun and sure to make you smile, I’d highly recommend Not So Silent Night.
*eARC recevied via author. The author had no influence over this review*
October 25, 2021
A delightful Christmas read. I started reading and kept thinking "I've read this before." Well, duh, Kazza. It is an expansion of a short novella that was part of a promotion last year. Now it's nicely expanded to give us a longer story. Definitely worth it. Xander and Ferris are pretty adorable together.
Sit back and read this with some eggnog or with a cuppa and feel your worries slipping away, you'll definitely be grinning throughout the story.
Not So Silent Night is sweet. Sweet. Sweet. Sweet.
Blog review-
Sit back and read this with some eggnog or with a cuppa and feel your worries slipping away, you'll definitely be grinning throughout the story.
Not So Silent Night is sweet. Sweet. Sweet. Sweet.
Blog review-
November 15, 2022
4.5
first book by Day and exactly my kind of sarcastic humour :) these guys falling in love is exactly the kind of pacing and absurd fated realism I live for 🤗
Re-read:
Still enjoyed this couples banter just as much the second time around!
All ex-situations are far from my favourite and here the ending does rely on some of my least favourite tropes but it doesn’t do too badly and far from the worst I’ve seen!
Also I can see these guys future and the epilogue was spot on :)
NSFW infos:
Two out, gay men (vers)
first book by Day and exactly my kind of sarcastic humour :) these guys falling in love is exactly the kind of pacing and absurd fated realism I live for 🤗
Re-read:
Still enjoyed this couples banter just as much the second time around!
All ex-situations are far from my favourite and here the ending does rely on some of my least favourite tropes but it doesn’t do too badly and far from the worst I’ve seen!
Also I can see these guys future and the epilogue was spot on :)
NSFW infos:
Two out, gay men (vers)
December 30, 2021
4,25
To moje pierwsze spotkanie z H.L. Day, ale na pewno nie ostatnie 😁
Świetnie się bawiłam w tym teatrze dwóch aktorów, nie przeszkadzało mi zupełnie, że nic spektakularnego się nie działo, że większość rozgrywała się w czterech ścianach, na poziomie interakcji między bohaterami - najczęściej słownej. Nie miała to być książka głęboka, pełna dramatów egzystencjalnych i psychologicznej głębi. Miała być lekka, łatwa i przyjemna - i dokładnie taka była, i to w naprawdę dobrym tego słowa znaczeniu 😁
Ode mnie mocna i zdecydowanie zasłużona czwóreczka 😁
To moje pierwsze spotkanie z H.L. Day, ale na pewno nie ostatnie 😁
Świetnie się bawiłam w tym teatrze dwóch aktorów, nie przeszkadzało mi zupełnie, że nic spektakularnego się nie działo, że większość rozgrywała się w czterech ścianach, na poziomie interakcji między bohaterami - najczęściej słownej. Nie miała to być książka głęboka, pełna dramatów egzystencjalnych i psychologicznej głębi. Miała być lekka, łatwa i przyjemna - i dokładnie taka była, i to w naprawdę dobrym tego słowa znaczeniu 😁
Ode mnie mocna i zdecydowanie zasłużona czwóreczka 😁
December 18, 2022
Sweet with a little drama!
There were funny moments, frustrating moments, sweet moments, and sexy moments. I liked the characters and even though things moved fast, I could see them fit. Ferris was so good for Xander.
There were funny moments, frustrating moments, sweet moments, and sexy moments. I liked the characters and even though things moved fast, I could see them fit. Ferris was so good for Xander.
November 3, 2021
Have you ever read a short story so good you wished it was a full-length novel? That was me when I read Not So Silent Night as a short last winter before H.L. Day tripled its length and added so much yumminess to the story. This is one very endearing Christmas story. It's lighthearted, silly, and loads of fun. So what do you get when you combine a cranky invalid with a silly, sexy nurse? Crazy amounts of playful banter on par with the best romantic comedies. The one-upmanship of flirty sarcasm between these two men is delightful.
Poor Xander Cole is laid up with a broken pelvis and his loser of an on again, off again boyfriend (who quickly becomes an ex) strands him in a Swiss hospital. Once he’s back in London, Ferris Night – who couldn’t be silent if he tried – comes to the rescue to care for Xander 24/7 for a few weeks. But Xander says he doesn’t need help and he certainly doesn’t want it. Ferris barges right in anyway and gives him no choice.
“Do you sexually harass all your patients?”
Ferris raised an eyebrow. “No, they’re not normally that lucky.”
Arrogant son of a bitch.
Ferris – as audacious as his namesake, Ferris Bueller – is a character you’ll fall in love with. He’s cute, charming, and funny, and he’s never encountered a boundary he wouldn’t cross. He steamrolls Xander into not only tolerating him but falling in love with him, too.
This book is all about the characters, their playful interaction, and the slow burn of their romance. I challenge anyone to not find these men delightful. It’s also about Ferris' love of all things Christmas. He’s holiday joy personified. He indoctrinates Xander into the festivities by bringing every, um … unique, irreverent Christmas decoration imaginable into Xander's house. This is one of the best parts of the story; it left me in tears of mirth. Just wait until you read about the nativity set!
Any lover of snarkiness and gaudy holiday decorations will love this read. I highly recommend.
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
Poor Xander Cole is laid up with a broken pelvis and his loser of an on again, off again boyfriend (who quickly becomes an ex) strands him in a Swiss hospital. Once he’s back in London, Ferris Night – who couldn’t be silent if he tried – comes to the rescue to care for Xander 24/7 for a few weeks. But Xander says he doesn’t need help and he certainly doesn’t want it. Ferris barges right in anyway and gives him no choice.
“Do you sexually harass all your patients?”
Ferris raised an eyebrow. “No, they’re not normally that lucky.”
Arrogant son of a bitch.
Ferris – as audacious as his namesake, Ferris Bueller – is a character you’ll fall in love with. He’s cute, charming, and funny, and he’s never encountered a boundary he wouldn’t cross. He steamrolls Xander into not only tolerating him but falling in love with him, too.
This book is all about the characters, their playful interaction, and the slow burn of their romance. I challenge anyone to not find these men delightful. It’s also about Ferris' love of all things Christmas. He’s holiday joy personified. He indoctrinates Xander into the festivities by bringing every, um … unique, irreverent Christmas decoration imaginable into Xander's house. This is one of the best parts of the story; it left me in tears of mirth. Just wait until you read about the nativity set!
Any lover of snarkiness and gaudy holiday decorations will love this read. I highly recommend.
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2021
I read and loved the shortened version of Not So Silent Night when it was released as a freebie as part of a collection on Prolific Works. So, I was eager to see how H.L Day would expand and improve upon this delightful story in this newly expanded version. Let me say, it made me feel – Giddy! There is so much more depth to this version with the inclusion of dual points of view and the detailed storyline.
Many readers like me love the “grumpy guy falls for the sunshine one” trope and this book completely encapsulates the feeling. Even though Ferris finds his life taking a few bad turns, his spirited attitude is admirable and adorable. Miserable Xander however, really can’t see how anything can get worse… after breaking his pelvis while reluctantly skiing and then having his supposed boyfriend disappear immediately afterwards.
These fascinating men are thrown together when Xander’s brother hires Ferris to be a live-in nurse for a few weeks – solving a housing problem for Ferris, but causing a multitude of delimas for Xander!
The hilarious lengths Ferris goes to push Xander’s buttons is an absolute highlight and the magnificent dialogue is so clever and memorable. A particular favourite moment for me is the heavy metal declaration of love, which had me laugh out loudly and disturb my cat!
Not So SIlent Night has a real Christmassy feel, with lots of carol singing, decorating and general grinchiness. But it is also a funny and sweet love story with plenty of laughs throughout. H.L Day has done a simply fabulous job in bringing readers a grumpy/sunshine and forced proximity romance that will warm your heart and leave you laughing.
Many readers like me love the “grumpy guy falls for the sunshine one” trope and this book completely encapsulates the feeling. Even though Ferris finds his life taking a few bad turns, his spirited attitude is admirable and adorable. Miserable Xander however, really can’t see how anything can get worse… after breaking his pelvis while reluctantly skiing and then having his supposed boyfriend disappear immediately afterwards.
These fascinating men are thrown together when Xander’s brother hires Ferris to be a live-in nurse for a few weeks – solving a housing problem for Ferris, but causing a multitude of delimas for Xander!
The hilarious lengths Ferris goes to push Xander’s buttons is an absolute highlight and the magnificent dialogue is so clever and memorable. A particular favourite moment for me is the heavy metal declaration of love, which had me laugh out loudly and disturb my cat!
Not So SIlent Night has a real Christmassy feel, with lots of carol singing, decorating and general grinchiness. But it is also a funny and sweet love story with plenty of laughs throughout. H.L Day has done a simply fabulous job in bringing readers a grumpy/sunshine and forced proximity romance that will warm your heart and leave you laughing.
November 3, 2021
Super cute and heartwarming Xmas romance!
I absolutely ADORED this lovely story, both MCs are fabulous! I think I was smiling all the time while I was reading and I really really miss Ferris and Xander right now. I have NO idea how to function without these guys!
This is opposites attract love story, Ferris is a ray of sunshine and he loves not only his job but also everything Xmas related. Xander on the other hand is nothing but a grumpy Grinch. They meet thanks to Xander's accident and it changes both their lives.
This book is a FANTASTIC Xmas read, something that will make You smile, laugh and feel the Xmas spirit (with all these reindeers, tinsel everywhere and superheroes at the nativity scene). MCs makes this story super special, their conversations are hilarious and the attraction between them is obvious from day one.
I loved the world building and the way MCs interacted with each other and all side characters. Sure, it was predictable, but it was also sweet and nothing felt rushed - Ferris and Xander spent together only few weeks but they were together 24/7 so they really knew each other.
I recommend this book to everyone who lives Christmas romances. It is definitely one of the best I've read 💖
* I was gifted an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review *
I absolutely ADORED this lovely story, both MCs are fabulous! I think I was smiling all the time while I was reading and I really really miss Ferris and Xander right now. I have NO idea how to function without these guys!
This is opposites attract love story, Ferris is a ray of sunshine and he loves not only his job but also everything Xmas related. Xander on the other hand is nothing but a grumpy Grinch. They meet thanks to Xander's accident and it changes both their lives.
This book is a FANTASTIC Xmas read, something that will make You smile, laugh and feel the Xmas spirit (with all these reindeers, tinsel everywhere and superheroes at the nativity scene). MCs makes this story super special, their conversations are hilarious and the attraction between them is obvious from day one.
I loved the world building and the way MCs interacted with each other and all side characters. Sure, it was predictable, but it was also sweet and nothing felt rushed - Ferris and Xander spent together only few weeks but they were together 24/7 so they really knew each other.
I recommend this book to everyone who lives Christmas romances. It is definitely one of the best I've read 💖
* I was gifted an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review *
November 3, 2022
Having broken some bones in a skiing accident, Xander Cole is abandoned by his self-centred boyfriend just before Christmas. When Ferris Night’s apartment floods, working as a live-in nurse to Xander over Christmas would solve his temporary housing crisis and family issues - if only he could convince Xander to let him stay! Xander would just like to be left alone to wallow so a perky nurse who insists he does his physio exercises is the last thing he wants. This is the second romcom I’ve listened to by HL Day and I absolutely loved it! The forced-proximity romance is basically a two-person comedy with a few occasional cameos and I loved spending time with Xander and Jake, they were thoroughly decent guys. The hilarious banter between Xander and Ferris was like an entertaining tennis match, with shots back and forth at speed, especially with British audio narrator Jake Whalley’s delivering the lines so well - he’s a great performer and a firm favourite!
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