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One Last Wish

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Blair

Heading home for the holidays was the last thing I wanted to do. I had plans. Plans that didn’t involve visiting the back of beyond.

But a call from mum two weeks before the holidays put paid to said plans. Grandpa was sick and wanted to see me. He’d been a big part of my life growing up and I wouldn’t deny him that. He’s got a list too. Not a bucket list, he didn’t like that name.

He had a wish list and wanted my help.

What I didn’t expect, though, was the annoyingly cheerful Angus with his kilt, tattoos, and piercings. He was totally not my type

Angus

William Campbell was my best friend, even at the ripe old age of eighty-seven. We’d talk, play chess and talk some more. He’d boast about his high-flying grandson, Blair and I’d listen and nod. In the twelve months, I’d looked after William, I’d never seen him. He’d visited, just not when I was around, and to be honest, I was pleased about that. He was arrogant and selfish and didn’t seem to care one jot about his grandpa.

Now he’s here and I’m trying to hate him. Hate his perfect smile, and his warm brown eyes but he’s pushing all my buttons, and not in a bad way, and when William asks me to help Blair fulfill his wish list, who am I to say no?

One Last Wish is an MM Christmas standalone featuring a grumpy architect and a carefree carer. They come together over an old man's wish list, trying to bring a little light to his life, at the same time finding that opposites really do attract.

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2022

22 people are currently reading
98 people want to read

About the author

Alex J. Adams

25 books177 followers
Alex is an MM author from the NW of England. She's married with three grown-up sons and two Tamaskan dogs, her night time companions when she's writing into the early hours!

She writes gritty, realistic, mainly contemporary romance but always with a happy ever after.

Her tagline? Finding Forever - One Chapter at a Time.

An avid reader, she started writing one lunch break, writing her first book in no time at all. From there, her passion grew and The Nava Dance Studios series was born. Her writing style has changed, a darker feel creeping into her work and while she doesn't profess to be a dark author, she covers some socially dark subjects.

She'd love to move somewhere sunny with a beach view, continuing to write about her perfectly, imperfect men.

Follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Bookbub.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
Profile Image for ~Nicole~.
851 reviews405 followers
December 19, 2022
Dnf at 50%. As much as I loved Grandpa I have to stop here. I cannot stand a second more of that petulant self centered man-child. He shows up at his dying grandpa’s door after he couldn’t be bothered for months to visit or to care , he gets jealous of the caregiver for being there for his grandad and he swears he’ll do anything to make his grandpa’s last days wonderful (well, anything BUT a teeny tiny tattoo 🙄 God he was such a child) .Then he gets annoyed with his grandpa for not saying anything about being bisexual ; he almost throws a tantrum. Later he gets annoyed and dismisses his grandad’s caregiver because he refused to kiss him not caring that his grandpa needed him. And it’s still the other guy the one who comes asking for forgiveness. I thought I would like Angus, the other MC..He was a kilt-wearing ,long haired beefy tattooed giant of a man who was caring and loved cooking and adored his dog . But then he was so bland and he allowed that petulant idiot walk all over him so I decided that enough is enough. Plus , the writing was not that good , it was simplistic and blunt and the dialogues between the MCs were stilted and awkward.
Profile Image for Hanna W.
30 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Phewww this book was definitely an emotional rollercoaster. But a good one.

First thing I loved? The sunshine in this book was six feet five, heavily tattooed and wearing a kilt. Not what I expected (definitely appreciated it tho). But I loved Angus. He was funny, sweet and caring.
Blairs and his chemistry was just perfect. I loved the way they completed each other.

I loved that William was respected and cared for by Angus and Blair. His wish list was just hilarious and cute.
My heart broke a little when William opened up about his past. But I am convinced that meeting his lover again gave him peace.

The story itself was really cute but sad at the same time. I might have cried a little (or a lot). But as the author said, life happens and you can’t control it.

I definitely enjoyed reading that. This is the first book I read from this author and it won’t be the last.

[I received an digital arc and this is my honest opinion]
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,851 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2022
Blair is heading home, to his grandpa who’s sick, he didn’t expect the caregiver was a giant tattooed guy in a kilt. A man who looked down his nose at Blair.

Yes, Angus disliked Blair even before they met. Who leaves his grandpa behind and never visits? So yeah, Blair can’t be a nice guy.
But he was, grumpy sometimes but he loved his grandpa dearly and it was mutual.
It’s almost Christmas and this will be grandpa’s last. He got a wish list.
Blair and Angus will fulfill his wishes.

Oh dear, what a beautiful read, there are some precious moments.
Blair and Angus fit so well. Grandpa has a secret, no one ever knew about. Until he told Blair and Angus.
For Blair it’s a moment of truth, what happened to grandpa can’t happen to them.
While there are sad moments, this story was filled with warm, honest, real-life moments.
I enjoyed it very much. Captivatingly written, emotional, and utterly realistic.
A precious story!
Profile Image for Edga.
2,241 reviews23 followers
November 23, 2023
Beautifully poignant romance.

One Last Wish by Alex J Adams is part of the Coming home series. It's about a guy coming to terms with the imminent death of his grandfather, who has a wish list and wants Blair's help to fulfill it. Angus, William's (the grandfather) carer, and Blair set out together to fulfill as many of William's wishes they can. Together the 3 have some lovely experiences filled with humour and all the feels. I loved it. Don't be put off by what I've said above. It's an emotional and poignant read. It's so true to life, it’s incredibly heartfelt and relates to real relationships so well.
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,839 reviews37 followers
December 5, 2022
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This tugged at every heartstring I had. Dealing with regrets and the idea of losing a loved one is something we can all relate to, and around the holidays that can heighten those feelings. But Alex addresses it with love, tenderness, and some fun, which keeps it from making it too sad. Instead, leaves you feeling peaceful and grateful.

Blair is an architect whose life has been caught up in the race to achieve his goals, create a successful practice, etc. Along the way, he’s let his relationship slide with his grandfather. When he’s brought back to the quaint town he loved as a child to see the man and help him with his wish list, he’s also introduced to the very sexy, kilt-wearing carer.

Angus love’s his life as a carer. Spending time with the people in his community, but especially William. What he doesn’t have time for is the big city grandson who he doesn’t like on principle.

The story of Angus and Blair joining forces to accomplish William’s wish list is equal parts cute, funny, loving, and sexy. It requires facing one’s mistakes and taking measures of the things that are important in life.

The more I sit with this one, the more I love it, and it makes any tears shed totally worth it!
Profile Image for Colleen (boo_boos_books) Hewitt.
307 reviews7 followers
December 7, 2022
I do love a little grumpy/sunshine Christmas book and this certainly ticked all my boxes.
Being a carer myself I connected to Angus the most finding his feelings and experiences to be realistic. The story is a whole really pulled on my heartstrings from Blair’s guilt and Williams list to Angus‘s form of sunshine and Williams past.I cried more than once (not all tears were in sadness though).

Blair and Angus really feel like they were meant for each other. There’s very little angst, Just lots of love and care. If you are after swoony and fluffy this probably isn’t the book for you. It is an emotional and realistic read. I found it to be well written, and I didn’t want to put it down. Alex is writing really hits home.
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,159 reviews95 followers
December 23, 2022
4.5⭐️ - This was such a sweet holiday read. I especially loved that was set in Scotland!! I also found the characters to be so relatable! I loved how the author addressed the impending loss of a loved one.

I also thought she did a wonderful job expressing how guilty Blair felt for not being more present in his grandfather’s life. Blair didn’t intend on being away for so long but he was so focused on building his business that his priorities shifted. I don’t think he was ever truly upset or jealous of the time Angus spent with his grandfather either. I think Blair was mourning his loss before it had happened. Blair deeply loved his grandfather an simply didn’t know how to cope with his grief.

Angus was a wonderful and caring man. It was understandable that he was skeptical of Blair. He’d worked as William’s (the grandfather) caregiver for a year and hasn’t met Blair in all that time. He did overstep a little but only because he loved William and didn’t want Blair to have any more regrets. I enjoyed how big Angus was physically but how soft he was emotionally. He gave Blair such a safe place to open and ultimately to mourn.

The spice wasn’t heavy but it was passionate and showed such a deep connection between the men. I absolutely bought into their feelings and felt their love!
Profile Image for Trip .
904 reviews30 followers
November 20, 2024
This book gave so much more then I expected, for such a short read. It gives all of the feelings - my heart aches in all the best ways. So much emotion and the writing is stunning, very real and thoughtful. Tears were had, yet I adored this story.

While there is a lovely romance developed in the story between Angus & Blair, they're really sweet together and compliment so well. The hurt/comfort, the teasing and growing feels are wonderful.

However it's Grandpa William who shines in this story, his list and learning about his life. Seeing him sparkly among people and brightness in what time his got left, alongside his deteriorating health hits so hard. I just fell in love with him and truly fell into the inevitable heartbreak, along with his One last wish so heartwarming.

There are plenty of Christmas and snowy festive feels, with the ice-skating and decorations spending time with everyone. Can't forget the tattoos and the star, also Hunter the dog so sweet!

I was simply charmed and captured from start to finish in this tale, I couldn't give any less then 5 stars for all the feelings. Such a beautiful story ✨

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amy Voce.
417 reviews29 followers
April 29, 2024
Another emotionally poignant edition in the Coming Home series. Really enjoyed this grumpy/sunshine romance between Blair and Angus who embark on fulfilling Grandpa William's last wishes on his bucket list. This story is filled with hard truths, and regrets, and grief. But also hope, fresh starts and love after heartache.
Profile Image for Ana  Nimity.
1,298 reviews62 followers
December 10, 2022
Some of the teasers for this book mention the tall, broad Scotsman in a kilt. That would be Angus and he's certainly tease-worthy, but it's the relationships in this book that drew me in.

Angus is the carer for Blair's grandfather, and the relationships among these men makes my heart happy. Blair's poignant realization that his grandfather doesn't have much time left, Angus caring for them both...it's a special holiday romance that's more than pretty lights and decorations.

It's just the right length, too. Plenty of time for Angus and Blair to fall for each other, but short enough to drive home the point that none of us knows how much time we have, and love is so precious, you should grab it while you can. Just like you should grab this book!
Profile Image for Jenn ReadsBooks.
310 reviews16 followers
December 30, 2022
4.5 stars
Alex J. Adams brought us a beautifully emotional, grumpy/sunshine holiday book to get us through the cold nights.

Blair’s grandfather is unwell and this will be his last Christmas with him. He hasn’t seen his grandfather in quite awhile, but they have always been close. Blair cancels his holiday plans and heads to say goodbye to his grandfather. When Blair arrives he comes face to face with his grandfather’s caregiver, Angus.
Angus is beautiful, cheerful, pierced and tattooed. He also fancies wearing a kilt. His best friend is William Campbell, Blair’s grandfather. He’s more than just a client to Angus, which leaves Angus not looking forward to finally meeting William’s grandson. In the year since he’s started caring for William, Blair has yet to make an appearance. Now that William is dying his grandson deigns to make an appearance, which leaves Angus angry on William’s behalf and settles on hating him.

Except Blair is genuine, from his smile to the love he has for his grandfather and Angus is having trouble remembering why he was supposed to hate him. Blair is also struggling to maintain professional distance from his grandfather’s cheerful caregiver and when William alerts the men that he’ll need both their help to complete his “wish list” (he didn’t like the term bucket list just because he was about to kick the bucket), it becomes even harder for Blair to continue thinking of Angus as just his grandfather’s caregiver.

As the two men help William tick the items off his list, romance blooms. But Blair lives hours away, working a soul-sucking job and Angus’ clients and family are here. When William passes away before the list is complete, will their love continue to burn or will Blair return to the city, alone and broken-hearted?

I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
One Last Wish
Alex J. Adams
Profile Image for Andrée.
108 reviews3 followers
April 28, 2023
This is a 4.5 stars for me! What a lovely short romance novel laced with end-of-life realism and regret. I don't know how Alex J. Adams manages to pack this much emotion and genuineness is such a small novel... it made me shed a few tears!

After hearing from his mother that his dear grand-father William is at the end of his life, Blair heads over to his small hometown to spend some quality Christmas time with the man who had once been like a father to him. Once there, Blair finds out that William has a bucket list, or a wish list, of activities for his last days on Earth and that bucket list has to be completed with the help of Angus... his grand-father's gorgeous carer.

In just a few short pages, and in both Blair and Angus' point of view, the author manages to depict both characters' main personality traits, physical attributes, ex-lovers and the reasons those relationships failed. Not to mention that the reader instantly adores grand-pa William. Over the few weeks of "wish granting" memorable memories are created, fun is had, trust is built, secrets are revealed and love blooms.

I loved this novel because:

- It illustrates the inevitable hardship that comes with caring for an elderly loved one and the guilt someone might have for not spending more time with them before it’s too late.
- It promotes healthy romantic relationship behaviours like putting yourself in someone else's shoes and anticipating or putting their needs before your own during difficult times. For example: maybe sleeping and cuddling should trump my desire of making love to you since you seem to be struggling.
- The sex scenes are beautiful and meaningful. Considering the tone of the novel I thought those were well written and a better alternative to intense carnal ravaging scenes.
- The author drops little wisdom nuggets like: "I looked how I looked. Fuck everyone else and what they thought. Those that knew me knew what I was like. (...) Appearances didn't alter a personality."

The only thing that irked me somewhat, and I am nitpicking here, is that some of the dialogue is either rushed or a little off. For example, Blair mentions that he is not a "sub" too casually during one of his first private conversations with Angus. It would've probably taken someone aback if it had happened in real life. I realize it's probably due to the short length of the novel but it made me frown once in a while.

That being said, it was such a wonderful story and I thank Alex J. Adams and BookSirens for the free copy. It was beautiful, reminded me to enjoy the company of my loved ones before it's too late and to make sure I have no regrets at the end of my own life. *chef's kiss*
Profile Image for Joanne .
223 reviews6 followers
December 4, 2022
One Last Wish by Alex J Adams is a MM Christmas romance about going home, past regrets, and making a dying man’s last wishes come true.
I felt an instant connection to Blair’s character, having lived away from my own family for many years. His distance from his grandfather, William, never lessened his love for him but, like many of us, life gets busy and keeps us from those we love until reality gives us a wake up call.
When his grandpa’s failing health calls Blair back to his roots for the holidays, he never expected to find true love with William’s sexy, kilt wearing, caregiver Angus. The two are polar opposites and each have preconceived ideas about the other but bond as they help Blair’s grandfather fulfill his list of final wishes.
Alex’s writing really packed an emotional punch in this story as I felt everything these characters went through as they fell for each other, and supported each other in their grief when William passes. While there is sadness in this story, it didn’t overshadow the hope, romance, and love blossoming between Blair and Angus. If anything, it was another thing bringing them together and reminding us all of what’s truly important around the holidays; seeing beyond our differences, being there for each other, love and family.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
December 8, 2022
One Last Wish is part pf the multi author series Home for the Holidays. Blair gets a phone call; he needs to come and spend some time with his beloved grandfather before he dies. He knew that his grandfather had a caretaker, but he never imagined Angus. Angus is big, he wears kilts and is covered in tattoos. But he’s also a caring man, he bakes, cooks and loves William, Blair’s grandfather. William tells the two men that he has a bucket list that he’d like them to help him with before he dies. In the process, the two men fall in love. This was such an amazing, beautiful story!! Loved everything about it! Well written with addicting pacing that hooked me. I couldn’t put it down!
Profile Image for Nedra81 .
907 reviews
December 6, 2022
Such a sweet Christmas story, and the dedication of these characters towards William was heartwarming. The blissful emotions portrayed by pure beauty, wonderfully captured by the characters words and the readers minds. Alex writes realism, causing tears of happiness to flow.

“𝕀’𝕝𝕝 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕟𝕪 𝕨𝕒𝕪 𝕀 𝕔𝕒𝕟. 𝕁𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕕𝕖𝕡𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖.”

Angus and Blair were made for each other, a missing piece of their puzzles. The care Angus so willingly gave, knowing just what Blair needed, spoke of their intense connection. And, their chemistry was fiercely euphoric, setting the pages on fire with their passionate love. Not including Angus’ hair, tattoos, and piercings 😩

𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕞𝕖. 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕀 𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕕.

An emotional story of love, loss, regrets, and grief, but handled in an appropriate manner. Alex knows just how to pull at her reader’s heartstrings with care, while also including some humor and excitement. One Last Wish left me feeling complete and at peace with tears of contentment.
Profile Image for K-Me.
2,826 reviews
December 9, 2022
In summary I absolutely loved everything about this story. It is subtly sad, but in the most realistic and heartwarmingly relatable way possible. Grandpa William won my heart and stole the show here. Blair his grandson is here to spend time with his grandfather and ends up with more than he was planning on with kilt wearing Angus his caretaker. Of course, Angus had initial assumptions about this returning grandson, but their chemistry was undeniable. Super sweet and emotionally moving. I cried but left happy and warm
Profile Image for Mary Vitrano.
434 reviews7 followers
December 3, 2022
This is one of the best Christmas books I've read, and definitely my favorite book written by this author.
This is not your classic Christmassy book, is a story of love, family, grief, hope and everything in between.
It has the bonus trope of grumpy/sunshine and a tattooed and pierced man in kilt.
What's not to love?
Please, read the TW, but if that's not something triggering for you, than give it a chance. It'll brighten your day.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Laura Gimbel.
357 reviews9 followers
December 25, 2023
A great story by an amazing author.
Blair goes home to visit his grandfather whose health is failing. He hasn’t visited with him in a while. It’s winter and close to Christmas. His grandfather has a care person, Angus. At first Blair and Angus do not like each other; then slowly they come around and love hits.
3,010 reviews46 followers
December 21, 2022
This is an opposites attract holiday romance. Blair returns home when he learns his beloved Grandfather is failing. Sparks fly when he meets the kilt wearing, tattooed care taker Angus.
Though there is the underlying sadness of the grandfather's health this is really a joyous book about celebrating life and love.
Together, Blair and Angus work to fulfill all of the grandfather's wishes. Along the way they manage to fall in love.
658 reviews16 followers
December 6, 2022
One Last Wish (Home for the Holidays) by Alex J. Adams is a story about a man coming to terms with his grandfather dying and finding love as it happens. Blair owns a successful architecture company in Edinburgh which takes up all of his time, which is one reason why he has a hard time keeping a boyfriend. His mother calls to tell him that his grandfather, who he was very close to when he was young, is sick and that he needs to go and visit him. He lives in a small town 80 miles away so he leaves as soon as he can. Angus is his grandfather’s caretaker and is a big strong capable man who also had a boyfriend who left him because he refused to move to please him. He loves his town and his work and saw no reason to leave. He has been Blair’s grandfather’s caretaker for 12 months and has never met him so he feels like he is very uncaring because he doesn’t visit. When they meet at his grandfather’s house he realizes that he may be wrong about that because it is very obvious that Blair loves him and feels very guilty about not coming by more. The story continues as Blair finds out that William, his grandfather, doesn’t have much longer to live but wants to make the most of the time he has left. He has a list of wishes that he wants to complete, some that include Blair and Angus and some for just him. As they go about fulfilling them they realize how much they like each other. Blair discovers that he needs someone who shows care for him and Angus is just the person to do that. Christmas comes and William has a wonderful time and makes many memories for the people around him, as well as making a secret wish for himself come true. In the meantime, Blair and Angus realize how much they mean to each other and when Blair leaves to go home they are determined to continue their relationship, even though it might have to be long distance. Then the inevitable happens with William and he leaves a special box for Blair. In it they find out that they have made his final wish come true, the one he never told them about. I really enjoyed this story. It is not your typical Christmas story that is filled with joy and happiness and no angst, but one that while there is some sadness, it is also has a quiet joy as they do things together and the hope that everything will work out. The characters were interesting and you could understand all their mixed feelings about what was happening. I also liked the small-town setting that added to the feeling of closeness. The love scenes were well written and the ending was especially poignant. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a different kind of Christmas story that while not all happiness and light, will still leave you with a good feeling when you have finished it.
Profile Image for Kiki Reads.
451 reviews16 followers
December 18, 2023
One Last Wish is a beautiful, bittersweet little Christmas novel.
Blair is a successful architect, leaving Edinburg to visit his grandfather, who has hidden how sick he really is. He loves his grandfather, but life has flown by. His realization at how ill his grandfather is, and how little time he has left, has him cycling through guilt, regret, and fear. I thought Blair’s reaction was delicately written and so relatable.
Angus is not Blair’s biggest fan. He’s been William’s caregiver for over a year, and heard his tales of his wonderful grandson. Yet he’s never met him. He’s skeptical, and Blair’s grumpy attitude does little to change that first impression. Angus is lovely. A caring giant of a man, with tattoos, piercings, and a penchant for kilts I loved how caring he was and seeing the friendship he had with William.
When William enlists them both men to help him vicariously check things off his bucket list, there’s a quick thaw as they share things about themselves.
William knows he hasn’t much time left, and ice skating and karaoke give way to a search for his lost first love. This subplot was so tenderly done, and the resolution was beautiful. Expect to tear up a little.
Even though brawny, long-haired Scotsmen are not his type, Blair is drawn to Angus. Angus made me love him even more by taking things slow, knowing at one point what Blair really wanted was comfort, not a quick roll in the hay. (There’s plenty of spice, but only when they’re both ready.)
I loved this heartfelt and romantic story and the message of accepting love when it finds you. Gorgeous. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Profile Image for LGO.
456 reviews
January 2, 2024
4 estrellas

⚪ M/M Romance
⚪ Christmas Holiday Romance

Blair tiene que cancelar a última hora sus planes para las vacaciones de navidad para ir de visita al pequeño pueblo donde vive su abuelo por mandato de su madre. Lo que no sabe es que su abuelo está muy enfermo y que éstas sean probablemente las últimas navidades que pueda celebrar con él. Su abuelo tiene un cuidador, Angus, que ha pasado mucho tiempo con él a lo largo de los últimos meses y se ha convertido en un gran amigo para su abuelo Por eso, al principio, Blair está celoso de la relación que tienen. Angus está preparado para que el nieto de su cliente y amigo no le guste, porque no ha estado cerca de su abuelo en el tiempo que lleva trabajando para él. Sin embargo, cuanto más se conocen y cuanto más tiempo comparten para intentar cumplir la lista de últimos deseos de su abuelo, Blair y Angus más se gustan. Sin embargo, hay un problema. Blair es un adicto al trabajo que vive en Edimburgo y Angus no quiere tener que dejar su pueblo donde vive feliz con su perro y su kilt. Además, ninguno de los dos ha tenido una buena referencia de relaciones anteriores y eso les causa algo de inseguridad antes de ser valientes e ir a por lo que de verdad quieren.

Los dos protagonistas son adorables y, aunque todo pasa muy rápido y la trama es un poco plana y predecible, es un libro que he disfrutado y recomiendo. Además, un romance navideño en Escocia es siempre un sí.
Profile Image for Sheena.
807 reviews13 followers
December 3, 2022
4.5 stars.
This is Alex J Adams' first Christmas story, and this is no Hallmark tale. It's part of the Home for the Holidays series. This wouldn't be an Alex story if there wasn't an undercurrent of darkness in the story. Although, I'm not sure darkness is the right word for this story, it's more a sense of inevitability that you feel from the start. She doesn't shy away from it, and I love that. I also love that it's set in Scotland, too many authors who set books in Scotland try to write in a 'scottish accent' and it never works. Alex has the balance just right of the odd word here and there, it's so well done.

For the most part, I liked the main characters too, Blair, William and Angus. I liked the relationship between Blair and his grandad, sad as it was. If I'm honest though, I didn't really feel the chemistry between Blair and Angus, it all happened so quickly and I'd have liked a little more interaction between them, but that's just me. There was plenty of heat there too, and they were well suited. I did like them ticking things off the list, that was a bit different.

So while it's a sad (ish) story, there is a nice Christmas theme and and a good HEA. Alex keeps honing her craft and each story shows that.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Courtney Brown.
57 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2022
For such a short book, this sure packed an emotional gut punch. In just a few pages I ended up falling in love with Blair, Angus and William. All these men have face trials in their lives and come out of it on the other side, a little damaged but still full of love. The wish list in this book provided a way for these men to get to know each other without any weird random meet-ups. The spice level in this book is minimal, but enough to whet the appetite if that is your jam. It was lovely to see these men be able to read what the other wanted and needed without many words spoken, that seems like a sign of true love.

The relationships that both men have with William is also endearing. It makes you want to call your grandparents or hug them if they are close enough. Angus is a large, tattoo, bearded man in a kilt, but he is such a sunshine-y character that William calls him his angel. And Blair is so grumpy, but so caring for his grandfather, wanting to do whatever he can to make him comfortable and happy during what they know will be the last Christmas of William's life.

This was the perfect Christmas read to get in the holiday spirit. It combined the grumpy-sunshine trope, with lots of love, both of the romantic kind and the familial kind.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,635 reviews14 followers
December 18, 2022
Poignant, passionate M/M Christmas romance
Angus is determined to dislike the Blair character he has concocted in his brain from hearsay but when he meets him in the flesh, there are other feelings that he concocts. Blair Campbell is going to Aberfeldy, Scotland where he had spent so many wonderful days with his lovable grandfather, William. William is ill but nobody will share to the extent until 30yo Blair gets to Aberfeldy and sees for himself. The robust man from his youth is not the man he sees but a withered and frail old man. Enter Angus his caregiver who is 32yo, big, 6 feet 5 inches, tattooed, pierced and wearing a kilt in the customary way. Wink. Blair is attracted immediately, but Angus seems to hate him if the scowls when he’s around are indicative. Both men have been discontented in love. Can they make a go of it? Can they help William complete his last wishes?
Such a passionate and heartwarming story. There will be a surprise or two with a beautiful ending. By chapter 14 if you aren’t needing tissues, check your pulse. If you like touching M/M romance with medium steam but lots of passion, you really need to read this book. I adored this story. I’m tearing up just thinking about the ending. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
Profile Image for Marion.
1,789 reviews
August 23, 2023
This is a very well written MM Christmas Story with both love and loss. Though to be honest, the title One Last Wish lets you know that there will be loss somewhere in the story. This is the story of Blair, Angus and William. Blair is a successful architect who was pressure by his mom to change his Spain holiday plans and go and visit his Grandfather William instead. Blair spent many a holidays enjoying himself with his grandfather for company. When he get to Williams place, he is shocked by how much William has changed. He is sick and is slowly dying. He is never getting better. Angus is the care giver who has been looking after William. The two of them have become fast friends. When Blair first arrives, he is jealous of William and Angus' relationship. Both Angus and Blair are expecting to dislike each other from the start. But then William pulls out the list. A check list of things he wants to do before he passes. And he wants Angus and Blair to do them with him. This is their story. It is rather like a Hallmark movie in book form. You will have tears and you will enjoy seeing how the relationships grow. This is a well written book and easy to read. Though you may need a Kleenex or two at times; it is generally an uplifting story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for LC.
773 reviews8 followers
December 10, 2022
All. The. Feels!!!

Are you ready for a Christmas book that will bring you all feels? It will bring you joy, sadness, and a happiness that you can’t imagine.

I’m all into the Christmas book reading right now and I mean from the light and fluffy end of the spectrum to the s€xy Elf end of the spectrum. This book has me somewhere in the middle of crying in a sad and yet almost cathartic way part of the spectrum. The story of Blair and Angus and William’s wish list held me captive. Imagine being lucky enough to be asked to complete a bucket list with a loved one? I can only imagine the emotions that could bring up for a person. Not to mention having to share that time, possibly the last bit of time ever, with your Grandfather’s caregiver/friend. Angus though brings something special to the table, he is kind, understanding, and forms a special friendship with Blair.

Oh man, this story just brought me to tears and back again. I feel like this is such a good Christmas book, BECAUSE you enjoy such a range of emotions. Sometimes you need to feel all those feels and you need authors that can take you to all those different places emotionally.
Profile Image for DebbieReadsBooks.
2,764 reviews50 followers
December 14, 2022
Independent reviewer for Book Sirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.

While the reason for Blair's visit to his grandpa is incredibly sad, what I found I liked most about this book was the love here.

Yes it's been a while since Blair came home, but he spoke to his grandpa all the time. Finding out William only has a few months left makes Blair see things differently. He thought Angus, William's carer, a grumpy so and so, but once Blair gets his head out his backside, he can see that Angus is hurting too. Doing the things on William's wish list bring them closer together, and I loved that there was a natural flow to how their relationship developed.

Angus has looked after William for a year, and losing his best friend is breaking his heart. Finding Blair is NOT the jumped up little snob he thought him to be was a revelation, and Angus' heart does funny things.

I loved William's admission about his first love, and what they are able to do for him.

I originally tagged this as 4 stars, but I really can't find a single thing wrong with it!

so,

5 full and shiny stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
1,897 reviews7 followers
December 15, 2022
Finding your love while your heart is breaking

This was a beautiful book, tinged with sorrow, but full of love all round. Familial love and romantic love are the basis of the story, as is spending time with your loved ones while you still can.
Blair and Angus were perfect together, a bit of grumpy/sunshine but that's simpifying them. Each recognises something in the other that calls to them, while also being drawn close because of their love of William. They found solace in each other while also finding a deep love that neither expected but embraced fully.
The love between Blair and his grandfather, William, shone through and their time spent together was cathartic for both of them in so many different ways. Even when you're eighty-seven, life is still short, but William was all dignity and grace with a twinkle in his eye (and a naughty karaoke song on his wish list!), and he made the most of every minute.
I was sad when I read this but didn't shed a tear until this moment. If you've lost a loved one, you understand when I say it creeps up on you when you least expect it. This book is beautifully and sensitively written, and touched my heart.
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