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Late for Christmas
Cassidy Hancock hates being late—he’s pathological about it. Until the crisp fall morning when he pauses to watch his neighbor’s handsome son chase his dog down the sidewalk… and gets hit by a tree.
Mark Taylor sees the whole thing, and as a second-year medical resident, he gets Cassidy top-notch care. In spite of himself, he’s fascinated by his mother’s stodgy neighbor, and as he strives to help Cassidy recover from a broken leg, he begins to realize that behind Cassidy’s obsession with punctuality is the story of a lonely boy who thought he had to be perfect to be loved.
Mark and his family are far from perfect—but they might be perfect for Cassidy. As the two of them get to know each other, Cassidy fantasizes about the family and happy-ever-after he never thought he’d have, and Mark starts to yearn for Cassidy’s wide-eyed kindness and surprising creativity. But first they have to overcome Cassidy’s fears, because there is so much more fun to be had during Christmas than just being on time.
Mark Taylor sees the whole thing, and as a second-year medical resident, he gets Cassidy top-notch care. In spite of himself, he’s fascinated by his mother’s stodgy neighbor, and as he strives to help Cassidy recover from a broken leg, he begins to realize that behind Cassidy’s obsession with punctuality is the story of a lonely boy who thought he had to be perfect to be loved.
Mark and his family are far from perfect—but they might be perfect for Cassidy. As the two of them get to know each other, Cassidy fantasizes about the family and happy-ever-after he never thought he’d have, and Mark starts to yearn for Cassidy’s wide-eyed kindness and surprising creativity. But first they have to overcome Cassidy’s fears, because there is so much more fun to be had during Christmas than just being on time.
121 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2021
About the author
Amy Lane
213 books3,505 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
December 7, 2021
I completely adore stories where a big, nosy, intrusive family pulls a shy outsider into their midst, wraps them in a warm, loving blanket, and embraces them as one of their own, so there was a lot about this one that I really liked.
As I began reading and started to hear some of former foster kid Cassidy's stories about growing up and never finding the love and family of which he dreamed, there were a lot of tugs at my heartstrings.
And hearing how he essentially ran and hid when his friendly next door neighbor tried to give him a batch of "Welcome to the Neighborhood" muffins, because muffins had always meant that he was getting yet another foster home, just... GAH! So freaking heartbreaking. 😭
But Cassidy's life took a huge step in the right direction when a falling tree impaled and broke his leg, because the friendly next door neighbor's son and resident doctor, Mark, not only helped to save his life, but also to transform it into a life truly worth living.
If I had to come up with one negative, I'd say that the story began pulling the reader in with a smidge of past angst, but that it never fully went after the feels on the level that I'd hoped, so there were no real gut punches or the threat of tears for me.
Intense levels of feels are Amy's trademark, but this story wasn't a deep dive into the emotional pool, instead staying in the more shallow end.
Overall, it was an uplifting Christmas story about letting people in and accepting love from those genuinely willing to give it, so I'd recommend it and rate the book at around 4 stars.
December 4, 2021
~3.5~
In true Amy Lane Lite style, this book is warm and cozy with a big focus on family. It's not without angst because Cassidy is a caring but deeply damaged person who's convinced that if he's late the world (HIS world) will fall apart.
The first time Mark, a medical resident, is late getting home and doesn't call (which is rude as hell), Cassidy has a panic attack. His mind goes to a dark place of abandonment and hopelessness.
Mark and his boisterous family take Cassidy, who is Mark's mom's neighbor, under their wing when a stroke of terrible luck and being in the wrong spot at the worst time leads to Cassidy being trapped in a hip-to-ankle cast for eight weeks.
Mark's mom teaches Cassidy to crochet, and Cassidy falls in love with Mark's adorably ugly dog, and his nieces and nephew.
There's some steam, more comforting than passionate, although the safe sex conversation is noticeably absent.
The proclamations of love come fast and furious, which didn't bother me. The MCs are obviously so right for each other.
What this story lacks is an epilogue. Everything's crammed into the few weeks before Christmas, and, while the ending is a tentative HEA, I needed more to believe.
Disclaimer: It's been a long while since I've read a book by Amy Lane because of reasons that have naught to do with Amy Lane's writing and everything to do with her publisher and her choice to remain with said publisher.
I feel a bit sleazy giving my money to Dreamspinner, but I caved when I saw the smiling doggo on the cover (who's supposed to be a corgi/pittie mix, although I'm not seeing any corgi on that cover).
In true Amy Lane Lite style, this book is warm and cozy with a big focus on family. It's not without angst because Cassidy is a caring but deeply damaged person who's convinced that if he's late the world (HIS world) will fall apart.
The first time Mark, a medical resident, is late getting home and doesn't call (which is rude as hell), Cassidy has a panic attack. His mind goes to a dark place of abandonment and hopelessness.
Mark and his boisterous family take Cassidy, who is Mark's mom's neighbor, under their wing when a stroke of terrible luck and being in the wrong spot at the worst time leads to Cassidy being trapped in a hip-to-ankle cast for eight weeks.
Mark's mom teaches Cassidy to crochet, and Cassidy falls in love with Mark's adorably ugly dog, and his nieces and nephew.
There's some steam, more comforting than passionate, although the safe sex conversation is noticeably absent.
The proclamations of love come fast and furious, which didn't bother me. The MCs are obviously so right for each other.
What this story lacks is an epilogue. Everything's crammed into the few weeks before Christmas, and, while the ending is a tentative HEA, I needed more to believe.
Disclaimer: It's been a long while since I've read a book by Amy Lane because of reasons that have naught to do with Amy Lane's writing and everything to do with her publisher and her choice to remain with said publisher.
I feel a bit sleazy giving my money to Dreamspinner, but I caved when I saw the smiling doggo on the cover (who's supposed to be a corgi/pittie mix, although I'm not seeing any corgi on that cover).
February 10, 2022
i don’t have much to say about this, to be honest. it was your typical fluffy Amy Lane novella: a little corny, a bit melodramatic, but also super sweet and very well-written. i enjoyed this a lot.
3.75 stars rounded up.
3.75 stars rounded up.
January 16, 2023
3.5 stars
Cassidy grew up in the foster system. He never knew what it was like to have a loving home and family. One day an accident occurs and his neighbors are there to help him. His neighbors include Mark and his mother Yvonne.
Mark is an orthopedic doctor who just moved back home after his father's death and a bad break up. He is there to be near his mom and the rest of his family.
When Cassidy's accident happens he and his mother take it upon themselves to help him out. While doing so they learn about Cassidy and his background. The more they learn the closer they grow to him especially Mark.
Overall it was a cute story with what felt like a HFN ending. I liked the story but the relationship with Mark and Cassidy all happened a little fast and the ending was a little too rushed. I think it could of used an epilogue. I did love the whole Taylor family though.
Cassidy grew up in the foster system. He never knew what it was like to have a loving home and family. One day an accident occurs and his neighbors are there to help him. His neighbors include Mark and his mother Yvonne.
Mark is an orthopedic doctor who just moved back home after his father's death and a bad break up. He is there to be near his mom and the rest of his family.
When Cassidy's accident happens he and his mother take it upon themselves to help him out. While doing so they learn about Cassidy and his background. The more they learn the closer they grow to him especially Mark.
Overall it was a cute story with what felt like a HFN ending. I liked the story but the relationship with Mark and Cassidy all happened a little fast and the ending was a little too rushed. I think it could of used an epilogue. I did love the whole Taylor family though.
December 5, 2021
3.5 stars
This was cute. I loved the hurt/comfort in this and I'm a huge sucker for a found family theme.
If I have one complaint is what that I didn't get a good feel for Mark at times.
This was cute. I loved the hurt/comfort in this and I'm a huge sucker for a found family theme.
If I have one complaint is what that I didn't get a good feel for Mark at times.
November 19, 2021
There is no better way to kick off my holiday season reading than with some of Amy Lane's holiday fluff. I love me some fluff year-round, but I especially like my book a bit more fairytale-like during this time of year. This one was so sweet, and I loved that there was no unnecessary drama to "spice" up the story—just a single guy with no family getting his fantasy life after a freak accident. I think I didn't give 5 stars because I want it to be longer.
Overall a good story, and I'm adding it to the re-readable shelf asap. Highly recommended any time of the year but enjoy it now.
I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review.
Overall a good story, and I'm adding it to the re-readable shelf asap. Highly recommended any time of the year but enjoy it now.
I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2021
No epilogue :(
Enjoyable, sweet, heartbreaking at times but a really hopeful and tender Christmas story. Loved it.
Enjoyable, sweet, heartbreaking at times but a really hopeful and tender Christmas story. Loved it.
December 8, 2021
You can never go wrong with Amy Lane’s Christmas stories. Sweet and fluffy and a little bit funny.
Cassidy’s history in foster care made me tear up, knowing that there are children growing up lonely like that. Discovering love, found family, and his own worth was a delightful read.
Cassidy’s history in foster care made me tear up, knowing that there are children growing up lonely like that. Discovering love, found family, and his own worth was a delightful read.
December 3, 2021
Amy Lane is never really fluffy even in her more light hearted books. The characters are never perfect and often have sad or tragic backgrounds. However, she focuses on healing, acceptance, and love and they always leave me happy and satisfied. Late for Christmas had many sweet and funny moments to balance the sad. I laughed, I cried, and was filled with Christmas spirit. I would ah everyone had a family like the Taylors.
December 25, 2021
This is the perfect book to finish on Christmas morning. It is such a sweet romance. It is definitely not angst and pain Amy Lane! There is a little angst - main character Cassidy is suffering from extremely low self-esteem due to a truly horrible upbringing. Things begin to turn around for him when he gets hit by a tree. Mark and his family take him under their wings to help him recover from the physical and psychological wounds. Mark and Cassidy make a great couple and the the HEA ending is wonderful. I highly recommend this holiday read.
December 4, 2021
Classic Amy Lane Christmas story - warm, hopeful, family focused. I adored Cassidy - vulnerable, lonely, kind and caring, and Mark who saw the real Cassidy and stayed. Mark's family was wonderful and noisy and exactly what Cassidy needed. The romance was fast but I never doubted the connection between MCs. I just wish there was an epilogue
December 3, 2021
Enough fluff to stuff your stocking! Adorable. I love an Amy Lane book that's just pure love and light and joy and this was it. For someone who relied on being on time as if it were his only hope, he let love enter, even after hours. So unforgettably sweet.
December 26, 2021
In Folsom, CA...
Cassidy, 28, cute, neat and tidy, loves his job,
an editor at a lifestyle magazine, but has deeply rooted fears from his childhood in foster care. He's insecure with people's company, especially because kids had to be perfect or they are sent elsewhere. Cassidy's big quirk is being on time. His story is a sad one.
Mark, 27, dark blonde hair, and scruff,
is an Orthopedist who schooled at Stanford, has a tight knit family and works hard.
His dog is a pit-bull mix with a brindle coat and a Corgi's short legs.
Mark is out chasing his dog, Gus-Gus,
when the wind gust topples a small tree that lands on Cassidy, breaking his leg. He's lucky Mark was there to fast track his care.
Afterward, Cass is panicking about work, but his neighbors, Mark and his whole family are pitching in to help sweet Cassidy. We see lots of wonderful characters.
Our hearts ache for Cassidy and his childhood and his current fears of abandonment.
Mark and Cass are attracted and eventually go beyond friendship to become lovers.
You'll be glad you read this story. It's lovely.
Tissues handy? Yes.
ENJOY !
======
Cassidy, 28, cute, neat and tidy, loves his job,
an editor at a lifestyle magazine, but has deeply rooted fears from his childhood in foster care. He's insecure with people's company, especially because kids had to be perfect or they are sent elsewhere. Cassidy's big quirk is being on time. His story is a sad one.
Mark, 27, dark blonde hair, and scruff,
is an Orthopedist who schooled at Stanford, has a tight knit family and works hard.
His dog is a pit-bull mix with a brindle coat and a Corgi's short legs.
Mark is out chasing his dog, Gus-Gus,
when the wind gust topples a small tree that lands on Cassidy, breaking his leg. He's lucky Mark was there to fast track his care.
Afterward, Cass is panicking about work, but his neighbors, Mark and his whole family are pitching in to help sweet Cassidy. We see lots of wonderful characters.
Our hearts ache for Cassidy and his childhood and his current fears of abandonment.
Mark and Cass are attracted and eventually go beyond friendship to become lovers.
You'll be glad you read this story. It's lovely.
Tissues handy? Yes.
ENJOY !
======
November 10, 2022
OK, another, in a long line of stories, where the dog stole the show... and the kids were a close 2nd!
Mark and Cassidy were kinda an afterthought in between life happening with them and family and friends!
I would have appreciated the warm and fuzzy feelings if I hadn't been reading this story in 80-something-degree weather! grrr
If you are looking for a short, cute holiday story that centers around family... this one is for you!
Mark and Cassidy were kinda an afterthought in between life happening with them and family and friends!
I would have appreciated the warm and fuzzy feelings if I hadn't been reading this story in 80-something-degree weather! grrr
If you are looking for a short, cute holiday story that centers around family... this one is for you!
December 13, 2021
A great little story with equal parts heartbreak and hopefulness wrapped in a nice big red bow for Christmas.
Cassidy is never late and always on time, a psychological reaction developed from his childhood heartbreak, and this pet peeve has all but consumed his life and leaving no room for anything but. He was such an absolutely heartbreaking character that anyone with half a heart would surely empathise with. But through all the bleakness and melancholy, we were also given peeks of yearning, desire and heart-rending hopefulness, and that made him all the more cherished.
I liked that it took the whirlwind storm of a counterpoint in Mark and his family to bring his desires and hopes to the forefront and making his journey to blossoming a sweet and fulfilling journey. I like that in spite of the standard misunderstanding portion of any good 'ol MM romance almost marring any progress, things were dealt with in an adult manner. The overall feel of their relationship was very much that, adult, as it was warm and comforting as well.
I adored Mark's family as well, raucous but loving. Yvonne was the perfect mom and Dani and Keith were the loyal, supportive siblings. They may seem like the overly perfect-versions of any family out there, but it's a holiday read so I will gladly let it slide. They made their presence felt but not overly so, allowing Cassidy and Mark to shine.
The writing is great, as always and as expected from an Amy Lane book : unhurried, graceful, to the point but a joy to read it was just enough to not leave things hanging, but with the right amount of wishing to be blessed with more about what the future holds for the two MCs in question.
Every year, I look forward to an Amy Lane Christmas story and I have yet to be disappointed. This truly was the Christmas read that gets the holiday feels just right.
Cassidy is never late and always on time, a psychological reaction developed from his childhood heartbreak, and this pet peeve has all but consumed his life and leaving no room for anything but. He was such an absolutely heartbreaking character that anyone with half a heart would surely empathise with. But through all the bleakness and melancholy, we were also given peeks of yearning, desire and heart-rending hopefulness, and that made him all the more cherished.
I liked that it took the whirlwind storm of a counterpoint in Mark and his family to bring his desires and hopes to the forefront and making his journey to blossoming a sweet and fulfilling journey. I like that in spite of the standard misunderstanding portion of any good 'ol MM romance almost marring any progress, things were dealt with in an adult manner. The overall feel of their relationship was very much that, adult, as it was warm and comforting as well.
I adored Mark's family as well, raucous but loving. Yvonne was the perfect mom and Dani and Keith were the loyal, supportive siblings. They may seem like the overly perfect-versions of any family out there, but it's a holiday read so I will gladly let it slide. They made their presence felt but not overly so, allowing Cassidy and Mark to shine.
The writing is great, as always and as expected from an Amy Lane book : unhurried, graceful, to the point but a joy to read it was just enough to not leave things hanging, but with the right amount of wishing to be blessed with more about what the future holds for the two MCs in question.
Every year, I look forward to an Amy Lane Christmas story and I have yet to be disappointed. This truly was the Christmas read that gets the holiday feels just right.
December 6, 2021
4.5 stars
When Amy Lane decides she's not going to rip your heart out, she writes the sweetest, fluffiest stories. This book reads almost like a fairy tale, with broken, lonely Cassidy I"I can't be late and everything must be precise") who meets Mark ("I'm always late and things are just messy in life") and family who are there for him, to help him heal after a mishap involving, wait for it, a dog.
Opposites do attract, and though there was some stumbling along the way, these two found their HEA (doggy love included) with minimal angst and no unnecessary drama. This story was a holiday hug, and I was so here for it.
***ARC for honest review***
When Amy Lane decides she's not going to rip your heart out, she writes the sweetest, fluffiest stories. This book reads almost like a fairy tale, with broken, lonely Cassidy I"I can't be late and everything must be precise") who meets Mark ("I'm always late and things are just messy in life") and family who are there for him, to help him heal after a mishap involving, wait for it, a dog.
Opposites do attract, and though there was some stumbling along the way, these two found their HEA (doggy love included) with minimal angst and no unnecessary drama. This story was a holiday hug, and I was so here for it.
***ARC for honest review***
Read
April 22, 2026such good sweet tender angst and beloved hurting that i adore. like the angst in this is my special sauce of enjoyment it was so good. it made me tear up multiple times + led to actual crying which was embarrassing only because i was in the middle of a shift and in public. but otherwise! SO SO SO good!
December 13, 2022
A good start but I can't help feeling the second half was more sex than story.
I really liked Cassidy and there were some tissue worthy moments regarding his past.
Mark was sweet and lovely.
A sweet Christmassy feel read. Just not quite as good as I hoped.
I really liked Cassidy and there were some tissue worthy moments regarding his past.
Mark was sweet and lovely.
A sweet Christmassy feel read. Just not quite as good as I hoped.
December 11, 2021
*3.5 stars*
December 15, 2022
Very sweet and also sad...But it ended on a high note. We shouldn't take what we have for granted.
November 26, 2023
I was not prepared for how many feels this story has. There is also the fun light hearted Christmas moments as well. This is a wonderful story but have your tissues read for those sadder moments. #CMCon24
November 30, 2023
Yay! I liked this one! I gotta tell ya, it may only be because it's the first time I've noticed an Amy Lane book where a character with an extreme hang up admits that their hang up is extreme, that their behavior might be a bit abnormal.
Whatever the reason may be, I had a good time reading this one.
Whatever the reason may be, I had a good time reading this one.
Read
December 23, 2022Amy did it again, hit you right in the feels. This was such a good book though! worth the tears you shed for Cassidy. I love how this is a case of polar opposites attracting and making it work. that both parties are mature enough to acknowledge their shortcommings and work on them together so this is not a couple that is a hot mess that implodes. I have no problem invisioning Mark and Cass decades from now, being in a loving relationship. and this book doesn't leave you with that fairytale ending "happily ever afer" that just happens. you are aware that every day they choose each other and happiness. and that is what makes the tears and heartbreak for Cass worth it.
December 8, 2021
Sweet and sad
At moments book was heartbreakingly sad other times sweet and warm. A found family, Christmas feels and happy ever after. Only slight complaint was the ending seemed a little rushed.
At moments book was heartbreakingly sad other times sweet and warm. A found family, Christmas feels and happy ever after. Only slight complaint was the ending seemed a little rushed.
December 27, 2022
Characters 4
Emotion 4.5
Heat 4
Romance 4
Pacing/Plot 4
End 4
Overall 4
This is just what I needed for this Christmas! I loved this cozy holiday read.
Amy Lane's angsty books have so much heart and emotion, and this book still has all of that, just in a different sort of way.
Emotion 4.5
Heat 4
Romance 4
Pacing/Plot 4
End 4
Overall 4
This is just what I needed for this Christmas! I loved this cozy holiday read.
Amy Lane's angsty books have so much heart and emotion, and this book still has all of that, just in a different sort of way.
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February 14, 2025Sur un coup de cœur pour la tête du toutou sur la couverture, j'ai plongé dans cette nouvelle d'environ 200 pages sans en attendre grand chose.
Et du coup, j'ai passé un bon moment.
Parce que tout va beaucoup beaucoup trop vite, même pour un format nouvelle.
Suite à un accident (une branche d'arbre qui vient casser la jambe de Cassidy), celui-ci va se retrouver pris en charge par la famille qui vit dans la maison d'à côté.
Cassidy, abandonné dès la naissance, ne s'est jamais véritablement remis de cet abandon et s'est construit en faisant le deuil de ses rêves d'avoir une famille qui l'aime. Il a bâti des routines autour de lui, comme ne jamais être en retard (parce qu'un retard lui a fait rater un évènement crucial de sa jeune vie), avoir une maison parfaite, ne pas se faire remarquer.
Mark, interne en chirurgie orthopédique, est revenu vivre chez sa mère avec son chien à la suite d'une rupture. C'est un jeune trentenaire bien dans sa peau, passionné, qui a tendance à s'immerger à fond dans ce qu'il fait.
La rencontre entre les deux est plutôt bien pensée et amusante (enfin pas trop pour Cassidy). Le jeune homme, seul au monde, va se retrouver pris en charge par Mark et sa mère (qui exerce une activité professionnelle qui arrange aussi bien les choses), puis adopté par l'ensemble de la famille Taylor, aimante, chaleureuse, empathique et attentionnée.
L'ensemble de l'intrigue se déroulant sur un peu moins d'un mois, tout va bien sûr très (trop) vite : le rapprochement entre les deux hommes, la "crise" qui va leur permettre de se rapprocher encore plus, enchainant la première relation sexuelle (sans préservatif, mais bien sûr... ), puis la déclaration d'amour et l'installation de Mark et de son chien chez Cassidy, sous le faux prétexte d'un besoin de place chez sa mère.
L'auteur parle de l'abandon, de la solitude, de la pression des relations sociales, les deux hommes sont globalement plutôt mignons, j'avoue que Cassidy a réussi à me toucher à certains moments, bref, une nouvelle qui se lit sans trop réfléchir, qui envoie des tonnes de bons sentiments et de bonnes ondes, ça dégouline un peu de guimauve par moments mais ça fait passer un moment sympa.
Et Gus est croquignole.
Et du coup, j'ai passé un bon moment.
Parce que tout va beaucoup beaucoup trop vite, même pour un format nouvelle.
Suite à un accident (une branche d'arbre qui vient casser la jambe de Cassidy), celui-ci va se retrouver pris en charge par la famille qui vit dans la maison d'à côté.
Cassidy, abandonné dès la naissance, ne s'est jamais véritablement remis de cet abandon et s'est construit en faisant le deuil de ses rêves d'avoir une famille qui l'aime. Il a bâti des routines autour de lui, comme ne jamais être en retard (parce qu'un retard lui a fait rater un évènement crucial de sa jeune vie), avoir une maison parfaite, ne pas se faire remarquer.
Mark, interne en chirurgie orthopédique, est revenu vivre chez sa mère avec son chien à la suite d'une rupture. C'est un jeune trentenaire bien dans sa peau, passionné, qui a tendance à s'immerger à fond dans ce qu'il fait.
La rencontre entre les deux est plutôt bien pensée et amusante (enfin pas trop pour Cassidy). Le jeune homme, seul au monde, va se retrouver pris en charge par Mark et sa mère (qui exerce une activité professionnelle qui arrange aussi bien les choses), puis adopté par l'ensemble de la famille Taylor, aimante, chaleureuse, empathique et attentionnée.
L'ensemble de l'intrigue se déroulant sur un peu moins d'un mois, tout va bien sûr très (trop) vite : le rapprochement entre les deux hommes, la "crise" qui va leur permettre de se rapprocher encore plus, enchainant la première relation sexuelle (sans préservatif, mais bien sûr... ), puis la déclaration d'amour et l'installation de Mark et de son chien chez Cassidy, sous le faux prétexte d'un besoin de place chez sa mère.
L'auteur parle de l'abandon, de la solitude, de la pression des relations sociales, les deux hommes sont globalement plutôt mignons, j'avoue que Cassidy a réussi à me toucher à certains moments, bref, une nouvelle qui se lit sans trop réfléchir, qui envoie des tonnes de bons sentiments et de bonnes ondes, ça dégouline un peu de guimauve par moments mais ça fait passer un moment sympa.
Et Gus est croquignole.
November 30, 2021
Late for Christmas was a beautiful read. The two characters - never late Cassidy and chronically tardy Mark - fit together so beautifully from the very beginning. Which involved a meet ugly, because there's no other way to describe someone's leg getting skewered by a falling tree because they were too busy ogling their attractive neighbor and mourning the fact that they could never have a dog because it might make them late.
And that is how we begin this wonderful novel. From there, we get so much growth from Mark and Cassidy, as Cassidy learns how to open up to love and family and finally get what he's longed for his entire life: a place to belong.
The relationship between Mark and Cassidy is easy. The friendship and chemistry between them is tangible from the start and only grows deeper over the weeks that they get to know one another, bound together by Cassidy's accident and Mark and his mother's need to nurture. Both men were amazing characters, but the real scene stealers were Mark's mom and dog. Gus-Gus, the weird tube of a dog, was possibly the cutest book dog I've read in awhile and I adored him from the jump.
The writing in this book is gorgeous and respectful of the things that Cassidy went through in his life. Nothing felt too easy for him, which is good because he had a lot of mental blockades he needed to recover from. However, being a novella, it wasn't as deeply delved into as it might have been in a full length novel. It didn't feel like characterization was sacrificed for the length of this book, and if I didn't know from my kindle that it was a novella, I might not have even noticed.
Because Lane manages to pack in a full novel's worth of plot and growth in such a short space and it is wonderful to read. If you're looking for a cute, emotional, feel good romance novel for Christmas, then don't be late for this one!
** AUTHOR PROVIDED AN ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW **
And that is how we begin this wonderful novel. From there, we get so much growth from Mark and Cassidy, as Cassidy learns how to open up to love and family and finally get what he's longed for his entire life: a place to belong.
The relationship between Mark and Cassidy is easy. The friendship and chemistry between them is tangible from the start and only grows deeper over the weeks that they get to know one another, bound together by Cassidy's accident and Mark and his mother's need to nurture. Both men were amazing characters, but the real scene stealers were Mark's mom and dog. Gus-Gus, the weird tube of a dog, was possibly the cutest book dog I've read in awhile and I adored him from the jump.
The writing in this book is gorgeous and respectful of the things that Cassidy went through in his life. Nothing felt too easy for him, which is good because he had a lot of mental blockades he needed to recover from. However, being a novella, it wasn't as deeply delved into as it might have been in a full length novel. It didn't feel like characterization was sacrificed for the length of this book, and if I didn't know from my kindle that it was a novella, I might not have even noticed.
Because Lane manages to pack in a full novel's worth of plot and growth in such a short space and it is wonderful to read. If you're looking for a cute, emotional, feel good romance novel for Christmas, then don't be late for this one!
** AUTHOR PROVIDED AN ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW **
November 20, 2022
Amy Lane, the Queen of Angst, is also the very best at reaching inside a character and pulling out gut-wrenching and heart-warming emotions to share with those of us who are fortunate enough to have picked up one of her stories. This one takes me back to my roots—the early days of reading MM romance when I first discovered this amazing author.
Cassidy is a young man with no family and few friends, having learned from an early age that nothing lasts. Why? Well he was left at a church when he was born and always seemed to miss opportunities for adoption. He learned a lot from those experiences—most importantly, never be late. One of the highlights of his lonely life is to sit at his window and watch all the people on his cul de sac as they go on about their business. He’s already spotted the newest addition to the neighborhood—a young man who’s moved in with his mother next door. The woman, now a widow, lost her husband this past year.
As he leaves for work one day, his attention is caught by the young man and his dog, a comical-looking pitt bull-corgi mix, and because he’s not paying attention on this blustery day, he fails to notice the tree that’s about to topple over on him—until it does and splices into his leg, breaking two bones with it.
Thus, the setup for what turns out to be a lovely, warm, romance between a guy who is never late and another one who’s only fault is that he’s never on time for anything. Yikes. But Amy Lane pulls it off, and along the way Cassidy gains friends, including a mother who takes him under her wing, a sister who’s fun and outlandish, friendly neighbors, and a dog. And readers gain a new couple to love, a dog who is the sweetest homely mutt ever, and a few lessons in crochet. (It wouldn’t be Amy Lane without yarn!)
Cassidy is a young man with no family and few friends, having learned from an early age that nothing lasts. Why? Well he was left at a church when he was born and always seemed to miss opportunities for adoption. He learned a lot from those experiences—most importantly, never be late. One of the highlights of his lonely life is to sit at his window and watch all the people on his cul de sac as they go on about their business. He’s already spotted the newest addition to the neighborhood—a young man who’s moved in with his mother next door. The woman, now a widow, lost her husband this past year.
As he leaves for work one day, his attention is caught by the young man and his dog, a comical-looking pitt bull-corgi mix, and because he’s not paying attention on this blustery day, he fails to notice the tree that’s about to topple over on him—until it does and splices into his leg, breaking two bones with it.
Thus, the setup for what turns out to be a lovely, warm, romance between a guy who is never late and another one who’s only fault is that he’s never on time for anything. Yikes. But Amy Lane pulls it off, and along the way Cassidy gains friends, including a mother who takes him under her wing, a sister who’s fun and outlandish, friendly neighbors, and a dog. And readers gain a new couple to love, a dog who is the sweetest homely mutt ever, and a few lessons in crochet. (It wouldn’t be Amy Lane without yarn!)
November 30, 2021
Cassidy Hancock has some well earned anxiety issues, the most prominent one manifesting as panic attacks from being late, or even just being perceived as late. This is an issue he’s going to have to navigate when a tree falls on him, making him not just late for work, but knocked out of the game entirely. Helping him to navigate his new temporary disability is next door neighbor Mark Taylor, as well as his whole fam damily. When Mark, an orthopedic doctor, sees a tree fall on his beautiful neighbor, he volunteers not just to treat Cassidy, but to have Cassidy become firmly entrenched as a member of his family. While recuperating from his injuries,Cassidy learns not only to accept help, but to welcome the help; as well as the promise of becoming a part of the Taylor family.
Cassidy has watched his neighbor’s family from afar, secretly longing to be a part of it. His new wound means accepting the help from the family that has captivated his attention. It also means learning how to function within that family, and how to overcome some of his greatest fears and anxieties. Can Cassidy and Taylor make this new found love work?
Amy Lane is arguably my favorite author of this genre, so it’s no surprise to me how engrossing and exquisite this holiday story is. You get well rounded characters who grow and learn, and an amusing narrative. You will absolutely love these characters and want to know what comes next. This is another of Amy’s low angst stories, which makes it perfect holiday fare. Read this book, it’s as sweet as the cookies you leave for Santa.
Cassidy has watched his neighbor’s family from afar, secretly longing to be a part of it. His new wound means accepting the help from the family that has captivated his attention. It also means learning how to function within that family, and how to overcome some of his greatest fears and anxieties. Can Cassidy and Taylor make this new found love work?
Amy Lane is arguably my favorite author of this genre, so it’s no surprise to me how engrossing and exquisite this holiday story is. You get well rounded characters who grow and learn, and an amusing narrative. You will absolutely love these characters and want to know what comes next. This is another of Amy’s low angst stories, which makes it perfect holiday fare. Read this book, it’s as sweet as the cookies you leave for Santa.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2025
Oooph.
I’m hit or miss with Amy Lane. I either love the story to death or it doesn’t land, and this one didn’t land for me.
This is the story of Mark and Cassidy, who start off with a meet-cute when a tree literally falls on Cassidy in front of Mark and badly injures his leg. Having no support system in place, Mark and his family adopt Cassidy until he’s back on his feet, pun intended.
This is one of two Amy Lane novellas I read today. The other also had a main character who, like Cassidy, had massive trauma from his childhood. That novella gave the traumatized character an arc, and also his partner a really angsty arc with his meddlesome family, with lots of side characters showing their own growth and aiding the overall plot.
Not much happens here. A tree falls, and that’s it. Mark doesn’t really have a journey here. Neither does Yvonne or any of the other family members. Rose was a nicely written character, but she’s here as a support column. Cassidy has stuff, he has to overcome his stuff, and that’s it. You can either give everyone an arc, or an arc and some angst, but putting everyone in one room for 150 pages where only one person has to learn something? I was skimming like crazy for the ending. Nice themes and messages, but the execution bored me, sadly.
I’m hit or miss with Amy Lane. I either love the story to death or it doesn’t land, and this one didn’t land for me.
This is the story of Mark and Cassidy, who start off with a meet-cute when a tree literally falls on Cassidy in front of Mark and badly injures his leg. Having no support system in place, Mark and his family adopt Cassidy until he’s back on his feet, pun intended.
This is one of two Amy Lane novellas I read today. The other also had a main character who, like Cassidy, had massive trauma from his childhood. That novella gave the traumatized character an arc, and also his partner a really angsty arc with his meddlesome family, with lots of side characters showing their own growth and aiding the overall plot.
Not much happens here. A tree falls, and that’s it. Mark doesn’t really have a journey here. Neither does Yvonne or any of the other family members. Rose was a nicely written character, but she’s here as a support column. Cassidy has stuff, he has to overcome his stuff, and that’s it. You can either give everyone an arc, or an arc and some angst, but putting everyone in one room for 150 pages where only one person has to learn something? I was skimming like crazy for the ending. Nice themes and messages, but the execution bored me, sadly.
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