Salvaging Christmas

by Brian Lancaster

For years they have kept the Yuletide Gay Club going with like minded friends until this year grim providence decides to stick in his ugly snout. But just as everything starts to fall apart, the son of the owner turns up and the real fun begins. Tired with awkward family Christmases, Trevor McTavish and his best friend have planned a getaway each year for twelve close gay friends to enjoy the festive season together in remote country locations around Britain. Far from the maddening crowds. Beautiful Stratham Lodge in Scotland, hugging the shores of Loch Arkaig, is set to be this year’s rental destination. Except this year, one by one, friends have dropped out. Against their better judgement, they decide to bite the bullet and forge ahead with a much reduced, and somewhat contentious party, which includes Trevor’s formerly gay ex-husband and his new girlfriend. On the second day, Trevor realises this year’s break is going to be a disaster. But then the son of the lodge owner, Rudy Mortimer, appears and saves the day.

Genres: Contemporary, LGBT, M M Romance, Romance

279 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2021

About the author

BRIAN LANCASTER is an author of gay romantic fiction in multiple genres, including contemporary romance, paranormal, fantasy, crime, mystery, and anything else that tickles his muse’’s fancy.

Born in the sleepy South of England where most of his stories are set, he lived in Southeast Asia from 1998 until 2022. He returned to the rural south of the UK in 2022, where he shares a home with his husband and two of the laziest cats on the planet.

Brian loves to hear from readers. You can find his contact information, website details and author profile page at https://www.pride-publishing.com

Reviews

[S.K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read anything by Brian Lancaster, but I will be looking for more of his stories after reading Salvaging Christmas. I wasn’t sure what to expect – a main character with an ex-husband bringing his new girlfriend to stay with him and his friends for Christmas – it could have been absolutely awful. Instead, the story was full of real sounding people, with problems, issues and failings, all trying their best to make it through life and find a way to be happy.

I liked Trevor – he was one of those gentle souls who would far rather suffer himself than let someone else be uncomfortable, although he wasn’t a doormat. His compassion and gentleness was well matched in Rudy, who had faced some tough stuff of his own. I liked the side characters, enjoying their interactions and behaviours, and even the people who might have been considered the ‘bad’ guys were really just people (apart from one who got his just desserts and then some!)

The sex scenes were very nicely written, all of the relationships felt real and warm, and this was a lovely way of starting the Christmas season. A well deserved four stars from me and I can definitely recommend it as some enjoyable reading.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, little Christmas number without being too sickly sweet on the Christmas stuff. I have enjoyed everything I've read by Brian and this is no exception. Loved the characters and the way they were written. Some interesting dynamics and everyone was different, widower, divorced, just dumped, loved up, pregnant.....just like you'd find in your own circle of friends. Now if I could only find myself a handsome Scot to pull me out of a bog and sweep me off my feet......

I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

[I received a digital arc for an honest review][

Salvaging Christmas is a holiday romance by Brian Lancaster. Not the Hallmark kind of holiday though, think more National Lampoons Christmas Vacation with queer friends, less humor but plenty of drama.

What originally started as a way for queer friends who had no other holiday plans to spend time together turn into a tradition, but somehow this year it has dwindled down to very few. Including Trevor's ex-husband and his new wife and a heterosexual couple no ones meet before. A bright spot in Trevor's disaster of a holiday is the lodge owner's son Rudy. This may have started out as the end of one tradition, but for Trevor it turns out to be a start to a whole new one.

"Are you okay?" whispered Rudy.
"Seriously? Are you seriously asking me that? I am being kissed by the hottest man in Scotland, against a backdrop that most photographers would kill to capture, and you're asking me if I'm okay? Rudy, this is fast becoming the best Christmas ever."

Let's start with characters, there's quite few of them. Trevor is a sweetheart, a bit of a pushover, but he'd rather keep the peace than argue and start dram. I adored him and his best friend Cheryl and Cheryl's mom, who was absolutely darling. Then we have charming Scottish Rudy, who is nothing short of a gentleman. Trevor and Rudy have an instant love romance between them, and it takes halfway through the book for them to voice their attraction, but once they do, it gets hot and heavy real fast.

There are also some really unlikable characters in this book. Trevor's ex, Karl, was a hard no from me , even when the author tried to give reasoning behind his behavior and past actions. Karl's wife was an extreme witch at the start, but somehow the author made the other characters and even me not dislike her so much by the end. There's also Rudy's scummy ex, who can take a long walk of a short bridge.

Overall, Salvaging Christmas was an enjoyable romance that was a bit more emotional than I was expecting for a holiday read. The friends were all dealing with loss and change in different ways. My biggest struggle was connecting with the writing style, it felt like I was being told more than being shown what was happening, but I would definitely be interested in reading more by the author in the future.

[Relly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

This is the first book I've read by this author and I don't think it will be my last.

A nice feel good Christmas story. I liked the idea that Trevor and his best friend putting together a week long holiday with their friends to celebrate Christmas. Their location was superb and the company funny, I want to go with them.

I did find the fact that Trevor's ex Karl came along different. I understood that he still believed he was friends with the crew but seriously he should have known it wasn't a good idea. And his wife needed a kick up the behind for coming in demanding like she did. I enjoyed seeing them all take her down a peg, nicely but still she was told. Trevor really should have stood up for himself and just said no they couldn't come.

I loved Rudy and how well he fit in with the group.

I loved the secondary characters, they each added a bit to the story. Some were naughty and funny, they each had their own issues but they were a family and they worked well together.

*** ARC Provided by GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review ***

[T Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply adore this book. Trevor and Rudy, along with their entire group of friends, are now my best friends. Their holiday was spectacular. This book has all the feels to make it a holiday favorite. Scotland, London, pretty much everywhere they go they have a way of taking you along, making it possible to feel their emotional journey as well as their joy and heartache. Old friends, lovers, new friends and new relationships give this an emotional depth and the courage to embark on a new relationship, to boldly move into one that may have an end date is the epitome of brave, to me. This story made me smile. Watching the heroes find each other, seeing their friendships grow stronger through love and support was wonderful. Five stars plus! I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Liya · Rating 4 out of 5]

~4.5
The book starts slow and at first seems standard and predictable. However, as the story unfolds it becomes a skillful tale about friendship, found family and people who continue surprising you till the end. I loved both Trevor and Rudy and a connection they forged in a short time, the chemistry and vulnerability. And I loved a diverse group of friends gathered for Christmas. The dynamics between them was fascinating and constantly changing. We see different sides of Trevor, Rudy and the rest of the crew and each one of them is portrayed as complex and multidimensional character. Even an evil ex is not really evil, just a human. There is holiday spirit, romance, friendship, a bit of drama (not between MCs) and a happy ending.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Salvaging Christmas by Brian Lancaster. I read this book straight through. I loved Trevor's friends and when Mrs. M put Kyle and Mary in their places and set down the law. I also loved the chemistry between Trevor and Rudy and the scene when Trevor first met Rudy when he rode up on his horse shirtless and rescued Trevor from a bog he had slipped into.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good holiday story. I am a fan of this author’s other books and couldn’t wait to dive into this one. Trevor and his friends have had a Christmas tradition of going off on a holiday as a group in order to celebrate being a found family when many other LGBTQ people don’t have one. But this year, things are going wrong. Over the course of the year, spouses have died, divorces have struck, and people have broken up. But the core group is still set on going in order to honor the memory of Mon who passed away. This year there are new faces and new tensions around their table. But somehow this group of friends finds a way to salvage their Christmas and make some new traditions in the process. I love the characters here, especially Trevor, Rudy, Frank, and Johnny. One cozy historic lodge, one Scottish castle, and one equally handsome Scottish young man make for some Christmas magic that Trevor will never forget! Trevor and Rudy are so perfect for each other and make a little magic of their own.

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of healing, friendships and finding love.  Creating your own family at the holidays is so important and as the years go by life changes.  We experience change, loss, divorce, new partners, new life and new friends.  This story is really about how the group dynamic adjusts to those challenges and changes.  It is amazing how one person can make all the difference for us and this is so beautifully illustrated by meeting Rudy and his impact on the group and on Trevor.  

I enjoyed the interplays and how the group grows and changes with acceptance.  We see growth with almost each individual person.  The writing of this story is so good, I felt the pain and the happiness of these people and I found myself celebrating their happy moments.  

Trevor and Rudy are wonderful together and really are the catalyst of change for this group of friends.  

I  was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review 

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas in Scotland

This book goes from charming to frustrating frequently

Relationship problems don't get fixed because of the “magic of Christmas”

Karl and Mary could have been less annoying or just gone. Also apparently bisexuality isn’t a thing because all of their friends from the LGBT community keep saying they “don't understand how he turned straight,” he didn’t. If that hadn’t been a repeated thing I would have liked this infinitely more.

It's worth reading the book for the romance, it’s good, it’s the other stuff that’s the problem. Mainly the biphobia and sexism.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trevor and Rudy . . .

Trevor McTavish and his best friend have had an annual Christmas getaway with 12 close gay friends. This year they are going to Stratham Lodge in Scotland. But as the time draws closer, many of the friends have dropped out. The rest of them decide to go anyway, including Trevor’s “formerly gay” ex-husband and his new pregnant wife. There is a bit of tension. But when the lodge owner’s son, Rudy Mortimer, shows up, Trevor has a whole new appreciation of this year’s venue. Will they only have this Christmas holiday together? Or will they find another way to stay together?

I loved Rudy’s character. He was so easy-going and loved to laugh. That group could certainly use more laughter. They sure had an odd assortment for this year’s getaway! Grab your copy and join the party. There may even be snow?

[Kel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Drama-full Christmas story. Mrs M was really unrelatable and I don't think exist in real life. Who wants to spend Christmas holidays cooking with a little bit of cleaning the kitchen for 12 persons for a week?

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travis and his friends spend Christmas together. This year its different, he and his husband are divorce and his ex remarried a woman. His best friend's girlfriend broke up with her. Two of their friends are traveling the world and Mrs M's wife died. Everything has changed and maybe that's for the best. Maybe it's time for new beginnings. I really enjoyed this book.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only read one other story by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it so when this one came along I thought heck yes! The author had a way of making me feel these characters were real. I loved Trevor and Rudy! Although they had kind of an insta love vibe, it felt realistic. Overall, the story fantastic, really well written, highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MM Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salvaging Christmas by Brian Lancaster was so good with wonderful characters. I love Rudy and Trevor and Mrs. M and Johnny and Frank and all their friends. I even enjoyed the baddies, Mary and Karl. Perhaps not Damian. But they were good antagonists. But I want a Rudy in my life too!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JD Crittendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Laid Plaids!

Organizer Trevor McTravish celebrates the Christmas Holidays with like-minded friends while meeting hottie lodge owner Rudy Mortimer and nothing goes as plan. This is a hoot of a tale. It’s full of romance, soap opera-ish antics, dramatic flourishes, and sweet sexiness. I loved this story. Such good writing. I especially enjoyed the “Oh! No, she didn’t” Mary scene. I wanted to slap her myself, and don’t get me started on Damian! I also thought the ex Karl’s epiphany in trading teams was unique. Anyhoo, a damn good yarn.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love makes the holidays. Trevor and his friends gather together each Christmas to celebrate the holidays with their found family. This year Murphy's Law is leading the plan, and nothing is going right. Trevor's ex-husband and his new partner show up. Trev, still has his bf and her Mom, but the plans have devolved into total spontaniety. Then Rudy, the owner's son shows up and gets the 'party' started. He and Trevor have an instant connection, and the dance begins. Rudy, is everything Trevor needs in a partner. Can Trev see it? Will he let Rudy in? Will his bf approve of Rudy. Can they salvage the holiday? Absolutely delightful. Makes the holiday sparkle. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Salvaging Christmas. It was a beautiful story. Trevor and Rudy were made for each other. I loved how each obstacle was resolved. How strangers and enemies became friends and/or lovers. Nice.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the realism of this story. It captured perfectly how the dynamics among a group of friends changes with time and how the rituals that have served well us in the past may cease to meet our needs. There are many diverse personalities in this group and just like real people they sometimes clash. The addition of outsider Rudy helps everyone take a look at themselves and the others and there is real growth and character development. The romance between Trevor and Rudy is wonderful.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline and character development made this book a hot and enjoyable read! Extremely entertaining, captivating, and interesting read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌨Finding the silver lining in a stormy holiday gathering🤗

I'd read and enjoyed a previous MM romance by Brian Lancaster and decided to try this one. It was very different but good all the same with a varied ensemble of characters orbiting around the main developing romance. Some of my favorite elements:

Trevor, the lead character, is essentially a positive force who, despite his single status since his marriage ended earlier in the year, wants to ensure he and his friends have a lovely Christmas with good company and great food in a memorable setting. Little inconveniences like arriving to no electricity in a cold Scottish December or having to share the holiday with his ex-husband Karl and Karl's new partner can't phase him! I loved that his caring nature is acknowledged and he finds a man who really appreciates him.

The Scottish setting and its rugged, wintry presence made the action in the lodge, especially the mealtimes, seem all the cozier as Trevor & co. enjoy their rented, updated country lodge and the holiday decoration Trevor adds to bump up the festive feel.

The drama and clash of personalities, from Rudy's hunky but full of himself ex Damian to Karl and Mary, the pompous and demanding couple from Hades, to Queen of the Kitchen Brenda (Mrs. M to most), the secondary characters add sass and a touch of realism to the story.

The romance developed quickly and had some steam, but it was not excessive. And despite the odds against their holiday romance, I thought the ending brought Trevor and his man to a great place.

It definitely got me in a holiday mood!

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always very, very nervous about novels set in Scotland and writers attempting to write people with scottish accents. I'm scottish myself and on more than one occasion I've found the attempts cringeworthy. Not here though, and I am so glad I took a chance on this. I liked the author's previous work, Any Day so I kind of knew what to expect.

There are two protagonists - the main one is Trevor and his interest Rudy (which is also my nephew's name and not a common one so that took a bit of getting used to!). But I'd argue the star of the book is the setting in the scottish highlands. Either the author has done a lot of research or has actually visited or stayed there because I loved it. The whole festive season was so lovely, right up to and including Hogmanay (thank you for calling it that, it's not New Year's Eve up here). It was those little details that really made the setting for me.

Adding to that I really liked Trevor, although I didn't like he appeared to be such a doormat to the odious Karl who appeared to have zero redeeming features at the start along with the overbearing Mary. They turned a corner though and I didn't hate them in the end, they were well enough written that I had sympathy for them in the end and glad they got their happy ending too.

I loved Rudy and Trevor though, it was such a sweet and yes, hot, short romance but somehow didn't feel rushed at all. Insta-love is one of my pet hates but the author avoided that too and while it was short, it was so sweet and felt right.

This is a lovely Christmas story which I I'd probably revisit in years to come too.

I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.

[Denisesc21 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the premise of this story. A group of people, LGBTQ+, taking an annual trip over the Christmas holiday as a way to be with people they care about, rather than the required time with family that often won’t go well, and makes you regret every life decision. And for the most part, this book provided that.

Trevor, recently divorced is determined to take this trip, despite all the drop-outs. His best friend goes, despite a recent breakup herself, her mother, who recently lost her long-time lover. Unfortunately, those that were unwanted also went, because Trevor was a bit of a pushover and wouldn’t say no. Trevor’s ex-husband, now straight-ish, with a pregnant wife, who was honestly not a nice person at all. And you couldn’t blame all that on hormones. Trevor’s ex got what he deserved there, to be honest, as no matter how he tried to spin it, he was a jerk.

Rudy, sweet and quick to laugh, but his own sadness from a breakup, was pretty much everything you envision from a man in the highlands…rides up on his trusty steed, shirtless, saving the day. This brought in some definite sexiness. It got hot and heavy at times once Trevor and Rudy took it to the next level.

There were a lot of characters in the book, which made it difficult sometimes to keep track of who was where. However, it felt like with so many characters there should have been a lot more dialogue, a lot more showing rather than telling. This book had a lot of long drawn out descriptions, leaving me skipping entire paragraphs, causing the book to drag in places.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brand new to me author and I am glad that I took a chance. I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and easy to read. This is the story of Trevor McTavish and Rudy Mortimer. Trevor is a self employed accountant. He is one of the founding members of the Yuletide Gay Club. A group of close friends who get away together every year to celebrate the holidays. The group being their family. Well members have dropped out this year and only a small group will be attending. Including Travis's ex husband who brings alone his pregnant girlfriend. That should make it interesting. Travis has booked this years getaway at beautiful Stratham Lodge in Scotland, hugging the shores of Loch Arkaig. It is at the lodge that we meet Rudy. Rudy was tasked by his family to ensure the electricity was on at the lodge and to meet the new guests. Rudy is the son of the lodge owner and more. There is instant chemistry between Trevor and Rudy. I liked how their relationship developed. This is their story. There were a few unforgettable characters included in this story. The author really knows how to describe each character so that you feel like you know them. It is a great holiday story. I really enjoyed the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first story I’ve read by this author. I really enjoyed it. This author knows how to bring characters to life and make them feel so real with the everyday ups and downs. This story seems to deal with a lot of bad relationships which should not make me think of Christmas but the story sure does just that.
Trevor has the usual breakup excuse only this one is backward. His husband decides he is straight! That leaves for quite a lot of pondering. Then there is Rudy. He has had enough of being with someone who is staying in the closet. When Trevor and Rudy meet there is a instant attraction. As things progress between them the issue of miles apart in their normal lives make it hard.
There are also a number of secondary characters. These people bring the story together. They are friends plus of Trevor’s. They would do anything for him. That makes for fun when Trevor is faced with his ex. It also makes if funny when Rudy’s ex shows up and finds Trevor’s friends are not that friendly. The only negative I have is, this feels like a hfn more than an ending. I can’t find anywhere when there will be more with these characters but I would love to read it if there are.

[Anne Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a great read.
For years a group of gay friends got together for a Christmas getaway. Yuletide gay club was just a group of friends who would go off and spend some time together but things are changing. One member had died, Trevor‘s husband decided that he wasn’t gay, they got divorce and then he’s now dating a woman. And Another couple had split up as well. So it was a bit of a misfits group that were going to Scotland. And believe it or not Trevor’s ex-husband had been invited with his girlfriend so was going to be interesting. What also was going to make it interesting with Trevor’s reaction to the owners son of Stratham Lodge. Rudy was there to make sure that everything went okay for their holiday.
There are some really laugh out loud moments in this book but the chemistry and attraction between Rudy and Trevor was just brilliant. Insta love at its best. But you’ve got so many other stories going on around these pair but I don’t wanna tell you about that because then it will Ruin all the surprises coming up. It was a good read I enjoyed

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Salvaging Christmas is a very entertaining and intriguing story with great characters and a lovely setting. There is a lot going on in this book but I really enjoyed the many different people that came together in hopes of having a fun holiday in an interesting location. I like how Trevor tries to make the best of things even though he is forced to deal with several difficult situations not of his own making. His best friend Cheryl and her delightful mother Mrs. M are caring and supportive even while they are dealing with their own losses. Johnny and Frank are a lot of fun and I love how they stand up for their friends. I found it odd that Trevor's ex thought it was okay to join the group with his new wife after what he put Trevor through but I love that all of his friends didn't let them get away with being jerks. The romance between Trevor and Rudy is very sweet but it happens so quickly that I didn't feel a real connection between them and I wish that they had more time to get to know each other better. Overall I liked this story, the ending is great and I look forward to reading more books by this author.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I began Salvaging Christmas. I loved the idea of a group of friends booking an annual getaway for the holidays. I also loved the idea of mixing some emotional moments with a bit of silliness in this found family romance. Watching this group of longtime friends hold true to and shift some of their most precious holiday traditions was an entertaining and lovely way to pass my weekend.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I found Trevor very relatable in his insecurities as well as his desire to see his loved ones as fulfilled and happy as possible. The entire cast of characters in Salvaging Christmas is very diverse and interesting. I loved seeing how all these relationships came together and even shifted over the course of the book.

The introduction of “outside” characters added a nice layer to the story as well, and I especially liked Rudy’s role as Trevor’s new romantic interest. The relationship between the two men felt relatively simple, but also very sweet and honest with just the right amount of heat. Although Trevor and Rudy’s romance wasn’t the main focus of Salvaging Christmas’s plot, it didn’t feel like it was left to the background either, culminating in what proved to be a well-balanced read.

All in all, Salvaging Christmas is a unique holiday story filled with multiple characters, some drama, a good bit of humor, a dash of heat, plenty of seasonal nods, and a wonderful sense of found family. If you enjoy books that have a little of everything. I’d definitely recommend this story.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Harrison Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story by a "new to me" author was a pleasant surprise. Trevor McTavish and his best friend, Cheryl, lead a yearly Christmas retreat for their friends but this year's comes with complications as previous attendees start dropping out.

Trevor and Cheryl decide to make a go of it anyway and travel to their destination, a lodge in Scotland at Loch Arkaig. Some unexpected guests show up along with Trevor's ex, who's decided that he's not gay after all and has married, leading to some interesting group dynamics, particularly when Trevor meets Rudy, one of the owners of the lodge. It's a fun book overall, with some cute banter and a bit of mild angst as Trevor and Cheryl attempt to move on from their respective exes.

There was a bit too much instalove for my taste here but the story moved well and I found most of the relationships and characters believable (even though some of the interactions with Rudy's ex, who shows up near the end of the book, tested my patience). All in all, a relaxed Christmas read. I'll probably be reading more of Lancaster.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a Christmas romance, and Rudy and Trevor have lots of suitably glorious holiday moments, with snow, a picturesque horseback rescue (ok, the horseback part is picturesque) and lots of Christmas-cheer based flirting. The real heart of the story, however, felt more rooted in the ensemble cast of guests that brings Trevor to rent the property Rudy's family owns: it's a rich collection of characters, some obviously likable, some initially awful that grow on you after a while (and some that just stay terrible). There's drama and growth and bonding, with good food, lots of alcohol, and appropriate holiday spirit. They bring to life the spirit of "chosen family," and it was nice to see pretty much everyone get a suitable happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.