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Love Notes #2
Naughty & Nice
Why can't I forget your kiss...
Dear Quinn,
Why must I have these feelings for you? You're my ex-stepbrother, and nothing will change that truth, no matter how many letters I write.
I never expected to see you again--or to rescue you from the side of the road in a blizzard. I didn't think you would ever like me, much less kiss me in a steaming hot tub on a snowy night. It seems we make better lovers than brothers, which is all kinds of naughty and nice while we're snowed in together.
But can this new intimacy last when the skies clear and my family finally arrives for the holidays, or are we just two guys in a mountain cabin with a great view of everything we want but can't have?
Hopelessly yours,
Jonas
6hrs and 58mins
Dear Quinn,
Why must I have these feelings for you? You're my ex-stepbrother, and nothing will change that truth, no matter how many letters I write.
I never expected to see you again--or to rescue you from the side of the road in a blizzard. I didn't think you would ever like me, much less kiss me in a steaming hot tub on a snowy night. It seems we make better lovers than brothers, which is all kinds of naughty and nice while we're snowed in together.
But can this new intimacy last when the skies clear and my family finally arrives for the holidays, or are we just two guys in a mountain cabin with a great view of everything we want but can't have?
Hopelessly yours,
Jonas
6hrs and 58mins
Audiobook
First published November 14, 2020
262 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Jamison
83 books997 followersDJ Jamison writes a variety of queer men finding extraordinary love through M/M Romance! She is a lifelong reader and has always loved writing and editing, with a ten-year journalism career before she began publishing romance. She has books in ebook, print, and audio, as well as German, French, and Italian translations.
DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany
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DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
December 2, 2020
I loved this book! It might even be my favorite book by this author. It had all the christmasy feelings. Exactly what I needed right now.
I fell a little bit in love with Jonas. And Quinn too even if it took a little bit longer.
I fell a little bit in love with Jonas. And Quinn too even if it took a little bit longer.
November 16, 2020
DJ has such a talent for this type of longer novella where there's loads of feels and an exploration of young adult life.
In this festive treat, we not only get a former step-brothers romance, but it's got the forced proximity trope to add to the plotting and it works beautifully.
Jonas, who we last saw in Secret Admirer chatting up Benji to Ace's dismay, has been in love with his ex-step-brother Quinn from the time they were still part of the same family and a Prologue at the beginning of the book gives the reader a peek into their first kiss four years earlier.
When they next meet, Jonas is rescuing Quinn from a snowbank near to the family cabin where he's heading for the festive period after Quinn's life has crashed and burned. There's an element of enemies to lovers at play too because Quinn's never been sure whether it was pity that drove Jonas to kiss him and he admits he was an angry teen who pushed away his step-family.
A sudden snowfall has them stranded alone for five days and DJ uses this time to weave a lovely breakdown of the barriers between them both and a heightened awareness of the attraction which still lingers.
I'm not going to go into any more of the plot because it plays out better when you don't know what's going to come next but I loved all of the relatively low angst, very smoking hot journey they both took towards an honest relationship.
The Epilogue also made me smile loads!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
In this festive treat, we not only get a former step-brothers romance, but it's got the forced proximity trope to add to the plotting and it works beautifully.
Jonas, who we last saw in Secret Admirer chatting up Benji to Ace's dismay, has been in love with his ex-step-brother Quinn from the time they were still part of the same family and a Prologue at the beginning of the book gives the reader a peek into their first kiss four years earlier.
When they next meet, Jonas is rescuing Quinn from a snowbank near to the family cabin where he's heading for the festive period after Quinn's life has crashed and burned. There's an element of enemies to lovers at play too because Quinn's never been sure whether it was pity that drove Jonas to kiss him and he admits he was an angry teen who pushed away his step-family.
A sudden snowfall has them stranded alone for five days and DJ uses this time to weave a lovely breakdown of the barriers between them both and a heightened awareness of the attraction which still lingers.
I'm not going to go into any more of the plot because it plays out better when you don't know what's going to come next but I loved all of the relatively low angst, very smoking hot journey they both took towards an honest relationship.
The Epilogue also made me smile loads!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
December 19, 2023
3.5 stars
Quinn and Jonas have some amazing chemistry. The prologue for Naughty & Nice was perfection. It did a great job of establishing our characters, the slight animosity between the new step-brothers that's actually just angst and longing with the backdrop of a really sweet and nostalgic Christmas moment.
The story proper takes place a few years later after Quinn and Jonas' parents divorce, and they are no longer step-siblings. They're reunited after not seeing each other for a while in a snowy mountain cabin for the Christmas season. A storm means they have the cabin to themselves for a bit. And while their circumstances have changed, their feelings remains. Only now there's a lot less holding them back and they have a romantic and isolated cabin to reacquaint themselves with each other.
Naughty & Nice had a really strong 2/3's, where I was loving the romance and our characters, but things started to get rocky, and my enjoyment ebbed, towards the end. Quinn's negative reaction to finding Jonas's letters just felt unreasonable.
Quinn and Jonas have some amazing chemistry. The prologue for Naughty & Nice was perfection. It did a great job of establishing our characters, the slight animosity between the new step-brothers that's actually just angst and longing with the backdrop of a really sweet and nostalgic Christmas moment.
The story proper takes place a few years later after Quinn and Jonas' parents divorce, and they are no longer step-siblings. They're reunited after not seeing each other for a while in a snowy mountain cabin for the Christmas season. A storm means they have the cabin to themselves for a bit. And while their circumstances have changed, their feelings remains. Only now there's a lot less holding them back and they have a romantic and isolated cabin to reacquaint themselves with each other.
Naughty & Nice had a really strong 2/3's, where I was loving the romance and our characters, but things started to get rocky, and my enjoyment ebbed, towards the end. Quinn's negative reaction to finding Jonas's letters just felt unreasonable.
December 31, 2021
✽ 4.25 STARS ✽
I am closing year 2021 with this book and this review.
I liked it very much! There are some issues I had with Quinn first being closed up and shy and later his sudden transformation into something totally different- this transformation should be written a little more believable. Otherwise this story was good, worth reading.
After one month of reading Christmas books I am happy to move back to other stories because almost all Christmas stories include snow blizzard and staying trapped in remote cabin 😁. It was enough for this holidays!
I am closing year 2021 with this book and this review.
I liked it very much! There are some issues I had with Quinn first being closed up and shy and later his sudden transformation into something totally different- this transformation should be written a little more believable. Otherwise this story was good, worth reading.
After one month of reading Christmas books I am happy to move back to other stories because almost all Christmas stories include snow blizzard and staying trapped in remote cabin 😁. It was enough for this holidays!
November 8, 2020
*** I received an eArc from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.***
This was a fun, light, and steamy second chance holiday romance. The premise was promising when two ex-step brothers are forced to remain in their family's secluded cabin during a snowstorm. Both characters are forced to confront their feelings that were mostly ignored but are now bubbling at the surface due to their forced proximity.
This was a quick read that fulfilled all of my expectations of a fun, sweet, and light-hearted holiday romance that will definitely put a smile on your face as you see the natural progression of the two characters admit their feelings and move toward their HEA.
This was a fun, light, and steamy second chance holiday romance. The premise was promising when two ex-step brothers are forced to remain in their family's secluded cabin during a snowstorm. Both characters are forced to confront their feelings that were mostly ignored but are now bubbling at the surface due to their forced proximity.
This was a quick read that fulfilled all of my expectations of a fun, sweet, and light-hearted holiday romance that will definitely put a smile on your face as you see the natural progression of the two characters admit their feelings and move toward their HEA.
October 24, 2021
Dnf at 95 %
It’s me not the book. I hate condoms in an established relationship. They’ve fucked for days, why still using them. It’s a deal breaker for me. Besides they asked the front desk of the hotel they were in to bring them supplies, creepy!!
Next time I will ask for recommendations where the MCs ditched the condoms after getting together 😆
I have never I understood the fact the fact that was n every book they use condoms only to fuck and not in oral sex. I don’t get it. Oral sex isn’t safe, people can catch diseases from it. It can be spread during oral sex as well.
This has always bothered me!
It’s me not the book. I hate condoms in an established relationship. They’ve fucked for days, why still using them. It’s a deal breaker for me. Besides they asked the front desk of the hotel they were in to bring them supplies, creepy!!
Next time I will ask for recommendations where the MCs ditched the condoms after getting together 😆
I have never I understood the fact the fact that was n every book they use condoms only to fuck and not in oral sex. I don’t get it. Oral sex isn’t safe, people can catch diseases from it. It can be spread during oral sex as well.
This has always bothered me!
June 22, 2025
This is by far my favorite Jamison book I’ve read, and I quite literally could not put it down. I even thought “I cannot wait to get back to reading” only to remember I had finished it and get very sad that it was over. Quinn and Jonas were just such amazing characters, and lord did they set my kindle on fire when they were together. I’m talking some serious steam factor here! But aside from that it’s such a sweet new adult holiday story that I also kept getting a little gooey just thinking about how much these two loved each other, even if it took one of them a while to realize it (looking at you Quinn). A second chance, forced proximity, (ex) step brothers to lovers story that will quickly join my holiday reread list.
April 27, 2021
3.5. It's really between a 3 and 4.
The good: both MCs were layered and acted their age (21-22). The story did not feel rush despite the short time frame. The Christmas atmosphere was done well (not too cheesy but not lacking either). I could feel the connection, they helped each other out and that was very nice to see. The way Quinn's traumas were handled was nice and felt genuine. The sex was hot and made sense for the character, it was part of the development and not just an excuse. Jonas' family was great! The epilogue was lovely. I would recommend this book despite the negative aspects.
The bad: The beginning made me think the whole thing would be shallow. I was wrong so it's a good thing I kept reading. The overall pacing was pretty predictable . They kept thinking in circle about their previous kiss (that we see in the prologue) and that got old. They kept thinking about the taboo aspect but that felt overblown: they have been step-brother for like 5minutes when they were 15, it's not that deep or that taboo... I did not like that one scene took place off page, it felt like it was coming so it was a let down .
The good: both MCs were layered and acted their age (21-22). The story did not feel rush despite the short time frame. The Christmas atmosphere was done well (not too cheesy but not lacking either). I could feel the connection, they helped each other out and that was very nice to see. The way Quinn's traumas were handled was nice and felt genuine. The sex was hot and made sense for the character, it was part of the development and not just an excuse. Jonas' family was great! The epilogue was lovely. I would recommend this book despite the negative aspects.
The bad: The beginning made me think the whole thing would be shallow. I was wrong so it's a good thing I kept reading. The overall pacing was pretty predictable . They kept thinking in circle about their previous kiss (that we see in the prologue) and that got old. They kept thinking about the taboo aspect but that felt overblown: they have been step-brother for like 5minutes when they were 15, it's not that deep or that taboo... I did not like that one scene took place off page, it felt like it was coming so it was a let down .
December 12, 2021
Story: 2.5 ⭐️
Narration: 3.5 ⭐️
November 23, 2020
Love in the mountains
I love a good festive romance and this didn’t disappoint.
Jonas and Quinn are ex step brother’s. Jonas made a silly mistake years ago and wedged a gap between him and Quinn but he never got over his ex brother in law. Call it faith or simply good timing but when these two get stuck together in a snowy cabin with no one around they can either kiss and make up or never speak.
This was a steamy low angst ex step brothers to lovers romance and if you have read secret admirer then you will get to catch up on Benji and Ace and if you haven’t then you really should.
I love a good festive romance and this didn’t disappoint.
Jonas and Quinn are ex step brother’s. Jonas made a silly mistake years ago and wedged a gap between him and Quinn but he never got over his ex brother in law. Call it faith or simply good timing but when these two get stuck together in a snowy cabin with no one around they can either kiss and make up or never speak.
This was a steamy low angst ex step brothers to lovers romance and if you have read secret admirer then you will get to catch up on Benji and Ace and if you haven’t then you really should.
![Profile Image for Megan [At The Cottage].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1634561405i%2F25103878._UY200_CR50%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 31, 2021
MM Forced Proximity Ex-Stepbrother Romance
3.5 stars
This was cute and kind of hot. I would have rated it higher if these two had talked like grown ups instead of the stupid misunderstanding that occurred. Thankfully it was short lived but the story would have been better without it.
This book I had gotten for free recently but I can’t say I remember much about it except a blizzard forces ex-stepbrothers Jonas and Quinn to have to hunker down in the family cabin. They’ve always had feels for each other and now that they aren’t family, I’m sure you can figure out what happens. Quinn came across as shy and submissive but he liked to dole out some pain and Jonas liked it a lot! Good for what it was.
3.5 stars
This was cute and kind of hot. I would have rated it higher if these two had talked like grown ups instead of the stupid misunderstanding that occurred. Thankfully it was short lived but the story would have been better without it.
This book I had gotten for free recently but I can’t say I remember much about it except a blizzard forces ex-stepbrothers Jonas and Quinn to have to hunker down in the family cabin. They’ve always had feels for each other and now that they aren’t family, I’m sure you can figure out what happens. Quinn came across as shy and submissive but he liked to dole out some pain and Jonas liked it a lot! Good for what it was.
November 19, 2020
They kissed once, well Jonas kissed Quinn, under the Christmas tree. After a sorry that was it.
Because it could never be, their step-brothers.
Now many years later, they meet again as ex-stepbrothers, in the family mountain cabin, just the two of them, snowed in. The rest of the family will arrive when the roads are safe.
There are a lot of misunderstandings, they always assumed the other didn’t like them.
Oh boy if they knew the truth!
Jonas has a secret box with precious content, private, put away in a bottom dress drawer.
Quinn has also a secret, a quite complicated one. With low self-esteem being with the beautiful Jason makes it even more complicated. Jonas sees Quinn with whole other eyes.
He’s mesmerized by Quinn, like all his life.
Quinn wants to be independent and free from all the right circumstances.
When they finally come together it’s firework and full of love. They are so strongly attracted to each other. When Jason's secrets are revealed it all went down quickly.
What a sweet, considerate, emotional story. Two engaging, vulnerable guys, who finally find their forever.
I always feel satisfied when I find the moment of title in the story, delicious and sweet!
Overall a sweet, kind emotional story with attractive sexiness and a hea.
Because it could never be, their step-brothers.
Now many years later, they meet again as ex-stepbrothers, in the family mountain cabin, just the two of them, snowed in. The rest of the family will arrive when the roads are safe.
There are a lot of misunderstandings, they always assumed the other didn’t like them.
Oh boy if they knew the truth!
Jonas has a secret box with precious content, private, put away in a bottom dress drawer.
Quinn has also a secret, a quite complicated one. With low self-esteem being with the beautiful Jason makes it even more complicated. Jonas sees Quinn with whole other eyes.
He’s mesmerized by Quinn, like all his life.
Quinn wants to be independent and free from all the right circumstances.
When they finally come together it’s firework and full of love. They are so strongly attracted to each other. When Jason's secrets are revealed it all went down quickly.
What a sweet, considerate, emotional story. Two engaging, vulnerable guys, who finally find their forever.
I always feel satisfied when I find the moment of title in the story, delicious and sweet!
Overall a sweet, kind emotional story with attractive sexiness and a hea.
November 29, 2021
I liked what a good guy Jonas was while at the same time unapologetic for his player ways. Quinn obviously needed someone like that in his life, willing to let him lead instead of forcing him to conform. And I really loved how no one really had a problem with them being ex-stepbrothers -- it just wasn't big deal, not like they grew up together in one household, they met at around 14 and 15 for crap's sake! Even though Jonas never actually said the words "you're not fat, I love how you look" to Quinn, he certainly got the point across that he loved Quinn's body being different from his own. I know life doesn't fit into neat little packages, but the epilogue three years later was a lovely sum-up HEA.
November 28, 2020
4.5 Stars
From the Prologue through the Epilogue, Quinn Taylor and Jonas Brooks are amazing. They, and all the members of the Brooks family, were a pure delight. This story of ‘ex-stepbrothers’ to lovers is a unique find.
It was also great to become reacquainted with Ace and Benji from Jamison’s ‘Secret Admirer’ in their supporting roles here.
‘Naughty and Nice’ is a perfect holiday read with just the right mix of angst, misunderstanding, acceptance, family, and love. Oh, and did I mention ‘heat’? Well, even though the story takes place in Colorado with lots of cold temperatures, blizzards, and ice, there is plenty of heat to be found.
From the Prologue through the Epilogue, Quinn Taylor and Jonas Brooks are amazing. They, and all the members of the Brooks family, were a pure delight. This story of ‘ex-stepbrothers’ to lovers is a unique find.
It was also great to become reacquainted with Ace and Benji from Jamison’s ‘Secret Admirer’ in their supporting roles here.
‘Naughty and Nice’ is a perfect holiday read with just the right mix of angst, misunderstanding, acceptance, family, and love. Oh, and did I mention ‘heat’? Well, even though the story takes place in Colorado with lots of cold temperatures, blizzards, and ice, there is plenty of heat to be found.
January 26, 2024
Davvero un bellissimo libro! Scritto bene, con due protagonisti che si evolvono durante la storia e che ho adorato! ❤️ Come dice l’autrice alla fine del libro, una storia di vita ordinaria e di amore straordinario.
Ps: ambientazione natalizia stupenda 🎄✨
Ps: ambientazione natalizia stupenda 🎄✨
Want to read
December 16, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/16/2021)! 🎁
December 7, 2020
I loved this
Omg a Christmas story that made me fall in love with the characters. This was a great lost but found love between ex step brothers and I was here for it. Love every second of it. Love watching that flame rekindle into something even better, and for them to work through past issues. Loved that there was very little drama as “blow up” at the end was easily fixed. That’s how Christmas stories should be. The writing was amazing, the smexy was yummy and the side characters were great especially since we got a surprise couple visit. My only question is why are all my Christmas story Mc’s being grown adults and making rational decisions at the end?
Omg a Christmas story that made me fall in love with the characters. This was a great lost but found love between ex step brothers and I was here for it. Love every second of it. Love watching that flame rekindle into something even better, and for them to work through past issues. Loved that there was very little drama as “blow up” at the end was easily fixed. That’s how Christmas stories should be. The writing was amazing, the smexy was yummy and the side characters were great especially since we got a surprise couple visit. My only question is why are all my Christmas story Mc’s being grown adults and making rational decisions at the end?
December 30, 2020
A college break for Christmas where the family is meeting in the Colorado cabin. Jonas is heading there from his college in Nebraska, while Quinn, not in school, has secrets he must reveal. Quinn and Jonas used to be step-brothers, but Quinn's Mom divorced Jonas' Dad.
Quinn, with dark hair and eyes is a bit delicate in his features and shorter than Jonas, but even after the divorce, he is still welcome to be with the family. The blizzard is beginning, and Jonas, tall, muscled and a blue-eyed with dirty blonde hair, must rescue Quinn from a roadside skip. They are all alone until the snow lets up and family can get through.
During those days they fight their attraction, but fail. We get their hot sexy times, including firsts.
Truths are told and love rekindled, plus the family shows up.
Terrific epilogue.
ENJOY !
=====
Quinn, with dark hair and eyes is a bit delicate in his features and shorter than Jonas, but even after the divorce, he is still welcome to be with the family. The blizzard is beginning, and Jonas, tall, muscled and a blue-eyed with dirty blonde hair, must rescue Quinn from a roadside skip. They are all alone until the snow lets up and family can get through.
During those days they fight their attraction, but fail. We get their hot sexy times, including firsts.
Truths are told and love rekindled, plus the family shows up.
Terrific epilogue.
ENJOY !
=====
December 1, 2020
2.75 stars. I wanted to like this story more than I did. I thought the "use to be step brothers but now we're lovers" storyline would kinky and hot ala a Nicky James or Cara Dee novel. Eh, not so much. Instead, this story choose to dwell less on the steam and more on the angst and depression of Quinn in particular. Also it was hard to buy into their attraction for one another because their feelings of love/attraction occured off-screen (e.g. before the story started). I acknowledge that my low rating is due, in part, to this book not meeting the expectations I had for it when I first started reading. Others who enter the book with no expectations may like the book better than me as a result.
March 20, 2023
Nice, unoriginal, but pleasant because the drama was not over the top. Narration was alright.
I wonder what two names the twin toddlers have. They are referred to as Hettie, Mattie and Betsy.
I wonder what two names the twin toddlers have. They are referred to as Hettie, Mattie and Betsy.
November 20, 2020
The premises of this story were titillating: crush on your step brother, secluded cabin in the middle of a snowstorm, reconnecting and lots of sexy times.
What else to do with plenty of time together being snowed in? Well, of course keep each other warm in any way possible lol. But Jason and Quinn also grabbed the chance and opened up to each other, with sad and happy moments. I enjoyed seeing their romance develop. They made up for lost time, they talked and cleared up on past misunderstandings, building on the strong feelings both already had for each other. They took complete advantage of their seclusion and forced proximity not only to reconnect but also to give in to their desires. And let me tell you, these two were pretty intense and steamy together.
Thankfully, the stepbrothers angst was taken to very low, so I got to enjoy a sweet, fun and hot story that filled my heart with tenderness and joy.
What else to do with plenty of time together being snowed in? Well, of course keep each other warm in any way possible lol. But Jason and Quinn also grabbed the chance and opened up to each other, with sad and happy moments. I enjoyed seeing their romance develop. They made up for lost time, they talked and cleared up on past misunderstandings, building on the strong feelings both already had for each other. They took complete advantage of their seclusion and forced proximity not only to reconnect but also to give in to their desires. And let me tell you, these two were pretty intense and steamy together.
Thankfully, the stepbrothers angst was taken to very low, so I got to enjoy a sweet, fun and hot story that filled my heart with tenderness and joy.
November 23, 2020
I absolutely adored this ex-step-brothers, snowed-in romance from DJ Jamison. It was sweet and funny and also steamy, quite low on the angst.
I loved the Christamas-sy snowed in setting, but the story is so much more than just a Holyday romance. Jonas and Quinn are ex step brothers and Jonas has always had a major crush on Quinn, whereas Quinn was so lost in his grief for the loss of his father, he has always pushed away Jonas and his family.
After 4 years they find themselves snowed in together in a cabin: Jonas’s crush has never gone away, and Quinn, while no more lost in his grief, is a bit of a mess anyway, he’s dropped out of school and coming out of a toxic relationship…
I loved both characters: Jonas acts brazen and obnoxious, but he’s the most caring and gentle soul there is; Quinn is a constant contradiction between shy and inexperienced and independent and take-charge.
I read the book in one sitting because I couldn’t get enough!
I loved the Christamas-sy snowed in setting, but the story is so much more than just a Holyday romance. Jonas and Quinn are ex step brothers and Jonas has always had a major crush on Quinn, whereas Quinn was so lost in his grief for the loss of his father, he has always pushed away Jonas and his family.
After 4 years they find themselves snowed in together in a cabin: Jonas’s crush has never gone away, and Quinn, while no more lost in his grief, is a bit of a mess anyway, he’s dropped out of school and coming out of a toxic relationship…
I loved both characters: Jonas acts brazen and obnoxious, but he’s the most caring and gentle soul there is; Quinn is a constant contradiction between shy and inexperienced and independent and take-charge.
I read the book in one sitting because I couldn’t get enough!
February 17, 2021
Ex step brothers met each other again and got themselves "stranded" in a snowy cabin?! Yes! And i was definitely not disappointed. Jonas was a playboy in school (yes, from the first book) and it was shown here his heart was not a player at all. His feelings for Quinn was just so touching and sweet and definitely fits all the bells of a romance. If you are looking for a romantic fluffy read, this is for you.
January 30, 2022
DNF at 56%
This is the epitome of Babby’s First Taboo.
Stepbrothers, but wait! Not just unrelated by blood, they were only stepbrothers for like two years in their teenage years. May as well be family friends and this point.
Now, I don’t expect authors to go whole hog incest taboo or anything, but when the MCs keep thinking about how it’s wrong because they were “brothers”….nah.
Quinn was a mess. Throughout the whole book, even before Clay, and it was grating after a while. It almost felt like he was getting worse somehow, instead of better. I still don’t understand why he felt like the first kiss was a pity kiss? I also don’t understand why Jonas has been so obsessed with him for so many years.
I have a note that says “jealousy is a bad look”, and I can’t remember what it was specifically, but I’m sure it applies to both characters.
As for the writing, I found it to be repetitive, especially in the beginning. I felt like we were rehashing the same timeline and same events from both POVs, rather than moving things forward.
Interactions tended towards the awkward and stilted, and there was gobs of pointless angsting that was just annoying.
Overall, this was a surface level read, on all counts. Nothing to hold my attention.
This is the epitome of Babby’s First Taboo.
Stepbrothers, but wait! Not just unrelated by blood, they were only stepbrothers for like two years in their teenage years. May as well be family friends and this point.
Now, I don’t expect authors to go whole hog incest taboo or anything, but when the MCs keep thinking about how it’s wrong because they were “brothers”….nah.
Quinn was a mess. Throughout the whole book, even before Clay, and it was grating after a while. It almost felt like he was getting worse somehow, instead of better. I still don’t understand why he felt like the first kiss was a pity kiss? I also don’t understand why Jonas has been so obsessed with him for so many years.
I have a note that says “jealousy is a bad look”, and I can’t remember what it was specifically, but I’m sure it applies to both characters.
As for the writing, I found it to be repetitive, especially in the beginning. I felt like we were rehashing the same timeline and same events from both POVs, rather than moving things forward.
Interactions tended towards the awkward and stilted, and there was gobs of pointless angsting that was just annoying.
Overall, this was a surface level read, on all counts. Nothing to hold my attention.
July 26, 2025
Losing a parent is hard, no matter what the age, but losing a father as a preteen boy is rough. Having your mom remarry, when you’re lost in your grief, can be traumatic. So, it’s not surprising Quinn disliked his stepfamily, and most notably, his stepbrother, Jonas. Then one night, under a Christmas tree, something happened that couldn’t be taken back, and began years of misunderstanding and misinterpreting. After his mom’s new marriage broke up, both young men went their own way, as if nothing happened, yet never saw each other again. Well, until one Christmas, when they both found themselves stranded in the same cabin.
This was such a sweet, fun, and heartwarming story. I loved Quinn and Jonas. It put a huge smile on my face when I made the connection with Jonas. Despite his playboy rep, he was an enjoyable side character in Secret Admirer. I was thrilled to get to see a deeper side to him in this book. My heart went out to him when we first discovered his letters to Quinn. My heart ached for Quinn, and the damage to his confidence his ex had left behind. Jonas was so good with Quinn, and Quinn was so good for Jonas. I couldn’t stop grinning throughout the book.
This story was the perfect Holiday story, but it wasn’t cheesy, and just fluff. It had heart, but it had a depth to it. The characters had flaws and idiosyncrasies that made them uniquely them. They were lovable. Jonas’ dad was such a great guy. It was touching to read how he kept reaching out to and encouraging Quinn. He pushed him to do the right thing, but gave him support while he was trying to get in the right frame of mind before doing so. It was a picture of how families are, whether you’re born into it, or chosen to be a part of it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I can’t sing its praises enough. It’s just a book full of happiness, love, and learning your worth. I highly recommend it.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
This was such a sweet, fun, and heartwarming story. I loved Quinn and Jonas. It put a huge smile on my face when I made the connection with Jonas. Despite his playboy rep, he was an enjoyable side character in Secret Admirer. I was thrilled to get to see a deeper side to him in this book. My heart went out to him when we first discovered his letters to Quinn. My heart ached for Quinn, and the damage to his confidence his ex had left behind. Jonas was so good with Quinn, and Quinn was so good for Jonas. I couldn’t stop grinning throughout the book.
This story was the perfect Holiday story, but it wasn’t cheesy, and just fluff. It had heart, but it had a depth to it. The characters had flaws and idiosyncrasies that made them uniquely them. They were lovable. Jonas’ dad was such a great guy. It was touching to read how he kept reaching out to and encouraging Quinn. He pushed him to do the right thing, but gave him support while he was trying to get in the right frame of mind before doing so. It was a picture of how families are, whether you’re born into it, or chosen to be a part of it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I can’t sing its praises enough. It’s just a book full of happiness, love, and learning your worth. I highly recommend it.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
January 13, 2026
NAUGHTY & NICE was cute but I just wasn't engaged with the story or the characters. Jonas and Quinn were fine as MCs and their relationship was mostly sweet with some good spice and I definitely loved the way Jonas's family welcomed Quinn as one of their own. The one thing I really didn't like was the third act fight (not quite a break up) because it felt odd and weird and that made it seem like it was forced into the story to create a moment of angst and tension.
I'm still feeling out if I like this author so I plan to try more but I'm not sure about the next book in the series because Ollie was a really unlikeable character and I don't know if I want to read his book.
I'm still feeling out if I like this author so I plan to try more but I'm not sure about the next book in the series because Ollie was a really unlikeable character and I don't know if I want to read his book.
November 28, 2020
I can’t remember much about this but I know that I grew bored and stopped reading it. Nothing about it makes me want to go back and finish so I’m just going to stop here. I don’t care about either MC, I don’t like lying and this one is not for me.
December 8, 2020
This book did so many things right, but I didn’t really like Quinn and that really brought it down for me.
November 20, 2020
Check out our full post for NAUGHTY & NICE on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Naughty & Nice is a quick, sexy holiday read.
Quinn's father died when he was younger. When his mother remarried, Quinn was in such a depression over losing his father he made no attempt to get to know his new stepfamily. Quinn really didn't go out of his way to be friends with his stepbrother, Jonas. Jonas was handsomely annoying. After Quinn shared a memory of his dad with Jonas, he wasn't expecting the kiss that came with it. After that moment, they went their separate ways and didn't think they'd see each other again.
Jonas wasn't expecting to see Quinn over the Christmas break. Getting Quinn all to himself while snowed in? He especially wasn't expecting that.
The inner dialogue was excessive at points, but I enjoyed the read otherwise. Jonas’ slight obsession with Quinn was cute. I enjoyed how, because of his last relationship, he wants to be independent. Jonas sees this and even though he wants to take care of him, he knows he needs to go at Quinn's pace. Overall, quick holiday read!
Ruthie – ☆☆☆
3.5 stars of snowy sexiness
There is an awful lot that I enjoyed about this book – it just took a while to get to that point, and there was a lot of inner voice, and thinking not doing, which I found frustrating. I completely understood the need to give us the men's views, but I felt we learned far more from Jonas's letters than we did from his inner thoughts. The letters were lovely, and were used to great effect.
They were really interesting characters, and watching Quinn understand that he did have support – and that Clay had really taken advantage of his vulnerability – was really quite moving. He deserved happiness, and Jonas most definitely wanted to give him all that he could. It was a fascinating mix of very sweet, cute, and hot, as well as dealing with some difficult issues in a sensitive and caring way.
It definitely gave me a Christmas vibe, and left me with a smile on my face, so thank you, D.J. Jamison, for a good read.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
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