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The Great Santa Showdown
It's two weeks before Christmas, and the official Santa Claus of the small town of Yuleboro is retiring. The town takes Christmas seriously, with year-round celebrations, themed diners and guesthouses, and a Santa Claus who makes regular public appearances.
Fifty-something bookstore owner Gregory has long dreamed of taking over the role. However, he's far from the only one. Grandfather and tree farmer John has been waiting his whole life for this opportunity and plans to seize it with both hands, despite objections from his daughter.
Alongside a host of other competitors, they’ll battle their way through a tournament designed to test the skills of any would-be Kris Kringles, and find it takes more than a belly and a beard to wear the red suit. As Gregory and John go head to head in the town’s first-ever Great Santa Showdown, will it be more than just the competition that heats up?
Fifty-something bookstore owner Gregory has long dreamed of taking over the role. However, he's far from the only one. Grandfather and tree farmer John has been waiting his whole life for this opportunity and plans to seize it with both hands, despite objections from his daughter.
Alongside a host of other competitors, they’ll battle their way through a tournament designed to test the skills of any would-be Kris Kringles, and find it takes more than a belly and a beard to wear the red suit. As Gregory and John go head to head in the town’s first-ever Great Santa Showdown, will it be more than just the competition that heats up?
48 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2022
1 person is currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Glenn Quigley
11 books77 followersGlenn Quigley is an author and artist originally from Tallaght in Dublin, Ireland, and now living in Lisburn, Northern Ireland with his husband, Mark.
His first novel, The Moth and Moon, was published in 2018 by Ninestar Press.
He has eight novels to date — The Moth and Moon, The Lion Lies Waiting, We Cry The Sea, These Young Wolves: The Knights of Blackrabbit book one, The Star We Sail By: The Knights of Blackrabbit book two, Teacup Promises, Curse of the Stag's Eye, and Heart of the Wren. He has a short story, Use as Wallpaper, all from Ninestar Press, and a novella named The Great Santa Showdown with JMS Books which was collected in the anthology 2023 Top Ten Gay Fiction.
His second novel, The Lion Lies Waiting, was runner-up in the 2019 Rainbow Awards list for Best Gay Book. His third novel, We Cry The Sea, was runner-up in the 2021 Rainbow Awards for Best Gay Book.
When not writing, he paints portraits in acrylics and watercolours. He also designs for the popular brand themoodybear.com. In 2022, he created a series of portraits based on characters from his Moth and Moon novel trilogy which were displayed in Kallio Library, Finland, and at a gay event in Estonia.
His first novel, The Moth and Moon, was published in 2018 by Ninestar Press.
He has eight novels to date — The Moth and Moon, The Lion Lies Waiting, We Cry The Sea, These Young Wolves: The Knights of Blackrabbit book one, The Star We Sail By: The Knights of Blackrabbit book two, Teacup Promises, Curse of the Stag's Eye, and Heart of the Wren. He has a short story, Use as Wallpaper, all from Ninestar Press, and a novella named The Great Santa Showdown with JMS Books which was collected in the anthology 2023 Top Ten Gay Fiction.
His second novel, The Lion Lies Waiting, was runner-up in the 2019 Rainbow Awards list for Best Gay Book. His third novel, We Cry The Sea, was runner-up in the 2021 Rainbow Awards for Best Gay Book.
When not writing, he paints portraits in acrylics and watercolours. He also designs for the popular brand themoodybear.com. In 2022, he created a series of portraits based on characters from his Moth and Moon novel trilogy which were displayed in Kallio Library, Finland, and at a gay event in Estonia.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 11, 2022
I have never read an mm romance with older characters before so this was a welcome change. I guess the oldest an mlm character has been in any of the books that I've read was 25, maybe younger. Just reading about people either in my age group or younger because I generally drift towards their stories.
The story is set in a place that was a winter wonderland with Christmas getting celebrated year around. I enjoyed reading about the place and what was situated where, mentioned as tiny nuggets here and there in the story. The description to Gregory's bookshop was so well done, I could imagine how the place looked like without any efforts. The reason for why it was named what it was named was very thoughtful. And John's Christmas farm was chef's kiss. From the bookshop and farm to the entire town as a whole, the story really is a visual treat.
Black, atheist and gay, Gregory was everything that Santa shouldn't be, religiously speaking. And that's exactly why I became interested in him and his journey of getting his dream job. Will he be denied outright on religious grounds? Will he face discrimination? Will he be out of the race even before registering himself for it?
There were a handful of light-hearted scenes here and there, especially the banter between John and Gregory. Loved it. And no, I didn't know that Santa was an elf although I have questioned why he only had elves for helpers. Guess I finally have my answer, thanks to John. It had its share of emotional moments, especially Colin's speech towards the end of the story. John's reason to become Santa had me teary-eyed and so did Gregory's. I shed tears a couple of times throughout the story.
I loved Colin from the very beginning, the way he came up and explained the procedure of getting a new Santa to the young kids was sweet. Thank you Colin for being Santa. You were definitely worthy.
Yay for the representation: Gay (MLM to be precise) ✅ Older men ✅ Black ✅ Wheelchair user ✅ WLW ✅ Pansexual (or let's just not put any labels to the person) ✅
There was the slightest hint of magic towards the end but it never materialized into anything. The same thing crossed my mind when I read what Colin told about himself, what Gregory later doubted but of course the author didn't give us an exact answer. Mean 😒
The last scene, or the last couple of scenes to be precise, reminded me of the advertisement from Norwegian postel services, Posten, that came out last Christmas season about a man asking for Santa to be his Christmas present. I can't tell you how many times I have cried watching it. It's basically a short film. And although it has nothing to do with this story, including the storyline, there still are some similarities - these two are about two older men, there is slow burn and Santa falls in love with a man in both of them.
A sweet and cozy low angst slow burn mm rivals to lovers clean romance, this book was exactly what I needed. And yay to Santa being gay. Fast-paced and unputdownable, this was a quick read for me. Would love to read more by the author. Flying colours.
The story is set in a place that was a winter wonderland with Christmas getting celebrated year around. I enjoyed reading about the place and what was situated where, mentioned as tiny nuggets here and there in the story. The description to Gregory's bookshop was so well done, I could imagine how the place looked like without any efforts. The reason for why it was named what it was named was very thoughtful. And John's Christmas farm was chef's kiss. From the bookshop and farm to the entire town as a whole, the story really is a visual treat.
Black, atheist and gay, Gregory was everything that Santa shouldn't be, religiously speaking. And that's exactly why I became interested in him and his journey of getting his dream job. Will he be denied outright on religious grounds? Will he face discrimination? Will he be out of the race even before registering himself for it?
There were a handful of light-hearted scenes here and there, especially the banter between John and Gregory. Loved it. And no, I didn't know that Santa was an elf although I have questioned why he only had elves for helpers. Guess I finally have my answer, thanks to John. It had its share of emotional moments, especially Colin's speech towards the end of the story. John's reason to become Santa had me teary-eyed and so did Gregory's. I shed tears a couple of times throughout the story.
I loved Colin from the very beginning, the way he came up and explained the procedure of getting a new Santa to the young kids was sweet. Thank you Colin for being Santa. You were definitely worthy.
Yay for the representation: Gay (MLM to be precise) ✅ Older men ✅ Black ✅ Wheelchair user ✅ WLW ✅ Pansexual (or let's just not put any labels to the person) ✅
There was the slightest hint of magic towards the end but it never materialized into anything. The same thing crossed my mind when I read what Colin told about himself, what Gregory later doubted but of course the author didn't give us an exact answer. Mean 😒
The last scene, or the last couple of scenes to be precise, reminded me of the advertisement from Norwegian postel services, Posten, that came out last Christmas season about a man asking for Santa to be his Christmas present. I can't tell you how many times I have cried watching it. It's basically a short film. And although it has nothing to do with this story, including the storyline, there still are some similarities - these two are about two older men, there is slow burn and Santa falls in love with a man in both of them.
A sweet and cozy low angst slow burn mm rivals to lovers clean romance, this book was exactly what I needed. And yay to Santa being gay. Fast-paced and unputdownable, this was a quick read for me. Would love to read more by the author. Flying colours.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2022
The Great Santa Showdown is a fun and no angst short story about two mature men competing to become Yuleboro's next Santa. While they start out as adversaries they quickly bond over their shared passion of epitomizing Jolly ol' St. Nick. Yuleboro is a year-round homage to Christmas and every business in the small town gets into the spirit.
Quigley's always vivid writing offers a nice mix of world building, humor, and budding romance. The story ends with a sweet first kiss for John and Gregory, but it's easy to see the promise of a happy future together. Adorable holiday read.
I received an advanced copy of the ebook from the author and am leaving an honest review.
Quigley's always vivid writing offers a nice mix of world building, humor, and budding romance. The story ends with a sweet first kiss for John and Gregory, but it's easy to see the promise of a happy future together. Adorable holiday read.
I received an advanced copy of the ebook from the author and am leaving an honest review.
December 5, 2022
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *
The Great Santa Showdown is the perfect cozy Christmas novella with the small-town feel, low angst, rivals to lovers and plenty of feels!!
Santa is a big deal in Yuleboro the current Santa is retiring. John and Gregory have both longed to be Santa for ages and now might be their time except neither one of them is planning on giving up the fight.
As the town gets ready for the festivities that will test the skills of each of the competitors to see can be the ultimate Santa Claus it is more than just the fire and hot cocoa heating up in this small town.
Gregory and John equally won my heart but I've got to say I was swooning hard for Gregory from the very start!! There was something about him that just had my heart so happy. And John, his heart was so big even if it did seem to get a little lost there for a moment.
Glenn Quigley delivered one of the most heartfelt Christmas novellas I have ever read with all the things that make you remember why Christmas time is such a loving and happy time of year.
And of course, because my heart is such a hopeless romantic fingers crossed that we haven't seen the last of Gregory and John or Yuleboro!!
The Great Santa Showdown is the perfect cozy Christmas novella with the small-town feel, low angst, rivals to lovers and plenty of feels!!
Santa is a big deal in Yuleboro the current Santa is retiring. John and Gregory have both longed to be Santa for ages and now might be their time except neither one of them is planning on giving up the fight.
As the town gets ready for the festivities that will test the skills of each of the competitors to see can be the ultimate Santa Claus it is more than just the fire and hot cocoa heating up in this small town.
Gregory and John equally won my heart but I've got to say I was swooning hard for Gregory from the very start!! There was something about him that just had my heart so happy. And John, his heart was so big even if it did seem to get a little lost there for a moment.
Glenn Quigley delivered one of the most heartfelt Christmas novellas I have ever read with all the things that make you remember why Christmas time is such a loving and happy time of year.
And of course, because my heart is such a hopeless romantic fingers crossed that we haven't seen the last of Gregory and John or Yuleboro!!
December 12, 2022
This short story (48 pages) was a cute, funny tale of the search for a new Santa in the cosy village of Yuleboro. Competition is fierce, with the two main competitors battling it out with plenty of ho ho ho-ing and jingling of bells.
Gregory and John with their gentle rivalry and growing affection for each other, are delightful characters. The book is as warm and sweet as eggnog, a perfect read for a snowy afternoon under the Christmas tree. There’s no smut, which you might expect from the teasing blurb and the warning at the beginning of the book which says it’s for ADULTS ONLY. It also says it MAY contain explicit scenes (it doesn’t) so you can be reassured this is a smut-free zone (I hate saying “clean” but I hope you know what I’m getting at.) Sticky issues of racism and homophobia in small-town America are swept aside. Nothing bad ever happens in Yuleboro, and sometimes, that is no bad thing.
In short, this is a charming, quick read with plenty of humour and great characters, and a storyline perfect for the Christmas holidays. Ho ho ho!
Gregory and John with their gentle rivalry and growing affection for each other, are delightful characters. The book is as warm and sweet as eggnog, a perfect read for a snowy afternoon under the Christmas tree. There’s no smut, which you might expect from the teasing blurb and the warning at the beginning of the book which says it’s for ADULTS ONLY. It also says it MAY contain explicit scenes (it doesn’t) so you can be reassured this is a smut-free zone (I hate saying “clean” but I hope you know what I’m getting at.) Sticky issues of racism and homophobia in small-town America are swept aside. Nothing bad ever happens in Yuleboro, and sometimes, that is no bad thing.
In short, this is a charming, quick read with plenty of humour and great characters, and a storyline perfect for the Christmas holidays. Ho ho ho!
December 10, 2022
A truly fantastic, warm to your toes story!
The Great Santa Showdown is a marvelous story of a retiring Santa Claus and a competition to determine who will take his place in the ever growing town of Yulesboro. Set in an era where bigotry and homophobia don’t exist, it’s a refreshing read and a throwback to the typical Hallmark movies you see at this time of the year, but a much more inclusive one! Go ahead and treat yourself to this short story. You won’t be sorry and there’s plenty more to explore in the authors The Moth and Mood series.
The Great Santa Showdown is a marvelous story of a retiring Santa Claus and a competition to determine who will take his place in the ever growing town of Yulesboro. Set in an era where bigotry and homophobia don’t exist, it’s a refreshing read and a throwback to the typical Hallmark movies you see at this time of the year, but a much more inclusive one! Go ahead and treat yourself to this short story. You won’t be sorry and there’s plenty more to explore in the authors The Moth and Mood series.
December 6, 2022
4.75 rounded up.. this story is adorable with the humor and the Christmasness!! I loved the things Santa had to do to prove himself and that John and Gregory just worked.. I don't know why it was set up to hate eachother.... but I love them I love the ending and Glenn's writing really is amazing. I usually hate short stories.. what are you doing to me glenn?
November 26, 2023
All things Merry and Bright
Author Glenn Quigley has a way of creating a world that you fall into and fall in love with. This short story has everything you could possibly want for the holiday season. You’ll smile the whole time you read this story, even as you wipe away a tear or two.
If you want a sweet holiday masterpiece then this is the story for you. If the Hallmark channel is listening here’s your next gay themed holiday movie.
Author Glenn Quigley has a way of creating a world that you fall into and fall in love with. This short story has everything you could possibly want for the holiday season. You’ll smile the whole time you read this story, even as you wipe away a tear or two.
If you want a sweet holiday masterpiece then this is the story for you. If the Hallmark channel is listening here’s your next gay themed holiday movie.
December 8, 2022
I never realized people had the hots for Santa until Blanche Devereaux chased a mall Santa around the wickered living room of the Golden Girls in one of the Christmas episodes. Now I'm all for a man, especially one with some meat on his bones, woof daddy, who'll bring me presents - but as for having the hots for the big guy himself, eh not so much. However in Glenn Quiqley's charming small town of Yuleboro, it appears every one has the hots for the jolly one, though not in the same thirsty way Blanche did. Yuleboro is a town straight out of a Hallmark movie, and if that's your thing then you're in luck, 'cause these folks love them some Christmas, and more importantly Santa. So when the town's Santa-in-residence decides to retire two weeks before the big day, an uproar occurs leading every husky, bearded daddy to a RuPaul's Drag Race style fight for the chance to don their gay apparel and take up the mantle of the jolly one. Santa's start your engines...
There is an adorable queer love story at the center of all the Kringle madness (Take that Candance Cameron Burr) when two gents both want the title, and start as rivals only to end up....well no spoilers but really it's a cozy Christmas story so I think you can guess where it goes, the fun is in getting there. From decorating trees to blindly wrapping presents, challenges come at our would-be Santa's fast and furiously. But who will win? Who will lose? Who will take their clothes off? (No one, sadly).
While I will openly admit this is not a genre I'm too familiar with, my time in Yuleboro was cute if not quick. My issue (hence the 3.5 stars) is mainly the pace at which we move. Yes, I get it's a novella, short and sweet, but there's a lot of interesting things happening; rivalries, blossoming feelings, father-daughter relationships, and the cute besties of our main characters we never get to spend a lot of time with, or learn more about. Everything and everyone speeds by at a clip, and again, perhaps that's how the Cozy story genre works, but for me, it zipped a little merrily on down candy cane lane too fast. While The Great Santa Showdown is as charming as hot cocoa with marshmallows, well-written, and a very fun read, especially the romance focused on two burly would-be Santa's of a certain age, I wanted more. More holiday ambiance, more sparky banter, more Burl Ives in the background, and more romance - I mean we only get one hairy nip slip. One? Do they even know it's Christmas time?
I am certain lovers of Christmas stories, romance, and burly bearded men will find much to love. The Great Santa Showdown is a perfect treat to escape too next to a warm fire or under the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree, drunk on eggnog, and avoiding our families.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for this honest review)
There is an adorable queer love story at the center of all the Kringle madness (Take that Candance Cameron Burr) when two gents both want the title, and start as rivals only to end up....well no spoilers but really it's a cozy Christmas story so I think you can guess where it goes, the fun is in getting there. From decorating trees to blindly wrapping presents, challenges come at our would-be Santa's fast and furiously. But who will win? Who will lose? Who will take their clothes off? (No one, sadly).
While I will openly admit this is not a genre I'm too familiar with, my time in Yuleboro was cute if not quick. My issue (hence the 3.5 stars) is mainly the pace at which we move. Yes, I get it's a novella, short and sweet, but there's a lot of interesting things happening; rivalries, blossoming feelings, father-daughter relationships, and the cute besties of our main characters we never get to spend a lot of time with, or learn more about. Everything and everyone speeds by at a clip, and again, perhaps that's how the Cozy story genre works, but for me, it zipped a little merrily on down candy cane lane too fast. While The Great Santa Showdown is as charming as hot cocoa with marshmallows, well-written, and a very fun read, especially the romance focused on two burly would-be Santa's of a certain age, I wanted more. More holiday ambiance, more sparky banter, more Burl Ives in the background, and more romance - I mean we only get one hairy nip slip. One? Do they even know it's Christmas time?
I am certain lovers of Christmas stories, romance, and burly bearded men will find much to love. The Great Santa Showdown is a perfect treat to escape too next to a warm fire or under the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree, drunk on eggnog, and avoiding our families.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for this honest review)
December 4, 2022
Crack open the chocolates and pour yourself a tipple because something amazing has fluttered in with the snow. The Great Santa Showdown, by the marvelous Glenn Guigley. And what a feast this book is. I was lucky to receive an ARC copy because I’ve been good this year, mostly, sometimes...
This story has a chocolate-box feel. Gooey, delicious, and ever-so moreish. It begins with a wee drab of whiskey, or that could just be me... Two weeks before the big day, in the town of Yulebro, a catastrophe happens—Santa retires. Nooooo! Deck the halls with snowballs of horror! Nothing could be worse. There’s only one thing to do—Find a new Santa by way of a series of competitive stages. A Santa X-Factor, if you like. Of course, the role is much sought after so there’s bound to be some bickering and fun amongst the Santa wannabe’s.
John and Gregory—belly’s, beards and bears—each want very, very much to become the new S. And they have attributes aplenty, being jolly, handy with the hands and, oh yes, gay. The rivalry between these gentle chaps is delightfully funny and made me giggle over my eggnog.
Throughout the weeks they inevitably get to know the man beneath the beard, and each find a friend, and hopefully a little mistletoe kiss bit more.
“John studied Gregory’s face—the heavy brow, the wide cheeks, the salt and pepper beard—and spotted something he hadn’t noticed before. The sadness in Gregory’s eyes. Honestly, John hadn’t really noticed Gregory before at all. He’d been just another obstacle standing between John and victory.”
The Great Santa Showdown, by Glenn Guigley, is a fuzzy, cute, sweet, gentle story about not being a stubborn asse; looking beyond the fluff and grasping what you truly need by the antlers. Highly recommended! Grand, grand, grand.
This story has a chocolate-box feel. Gooey, delicious, and ever-so moreish. It begins with a wee drab of whiskey, or that could just be me... Two weeks before the big day, in the town of Yulebro, a catastrophe happens—Santa retires. Nooooo! Deck the halls with snowballs of horror! Nothing could be worse. There’s only one thing to do—Find a new Santa by way of a series of competitive stages. A Santa X-Factor, if you like. Of course, the role is much sought after so there’s bound to be some bickering and fun amongst the Santa wannabe’s.
John and Gregory—belly’s, beards and bears—each want very, very much to become the new S. And they have attributes aplenty, being jolly, handy with the hands and, oh yes, gay. The rivalry between these gentle chaps is delightfully funny and made me giggle over my eggnog.
Throughout the weeks they inevitably get to know the man beneath the beard, and each find a friend, and hopefully a little mistletoe kiss bit more.
“John studied Gregory’s face—the heavy brow, the wide cheeks, the salt and pepper beard—and spotted something he hadn’t noticed before. The sadness in Gregory’s eyes. Honestly, John hadn’t really noticed Gregory before at all. He’d been just another obstacle standing between John and victory.”
The Great Santa Showdown, by Glenn Guigley, is a fuzzy, cute, sweet, gentle story about not being a stubborn asse; looking beyond the fluff and grasping what you truly need by the antlers. Highly recommended! Grand, grand, grand.
December 4, 2022
When November hits and the air changes (at least where I live), I'm officially in a festive mood. Give me ALL the holiday reads. The Great Santa Showdown by Glenn Quigley is a sweet holiday novella, perfect for the season.
When their town's official Santa retires, Gregory and John enter a competition to become his replacement. Both men have so much heart, and I loved getting to know them in this short book. The chemistry between these rivals to lovers is palpable immediately, and Glenn Quigley does a fantastic job balancing their competitiveness with an underlying sweetness. I loved getting to know these characters, their friends and families, and watching them compete to be the new Santa.
A slow burn, this M/M, low-angst, low-heat, sweet and cozy novella is just the present you want to find under the tree.
When their town's official Santa retires, Gregory and John enter a competition to become his replacement. Both men have so much heart, and I loved getting to know them in this short book. The chemistry between these rivals to lovers is palpable immediately, and Glenn Quigley does a fantastic job balancing their competitiveness with an underlying sweetness. I loved getting to know these characters, their friends and families, and watching them compete to be the new Santa.
A slow burn, this M/M, low-angst, low-heat, sweet and cozy novella is just the present you want to find under the tree.
December 7, 2022
This has everything you want from a holiday read. Cosy winter setting - check. A flurry of Santas - check. Enemies to lovers - double check.
I loved this short story. I hope Glenn writes more in this world. Yuleboro sounds like a fun place to hang out in!
I loved this short story. I hope Glenn writes more in this world. Yuleboro sounds like a fun place to hang out in!
December 10, 2024
The latest Santa is retiring, it's time to pick the next Santa, seems like lots of men in the town want to win the chance, things get intense and then a bit of affection. A nice festive short read.
November 26, 2024
So adorable! Loved every second. Glenn is a lot of fun as a writer, keeping things so cozy and familiar in the best way. Highly recommend this book
December 20, 2022
This was an absolutely delightful short story about a contest between two rivals in a small town competing to become their town’s next Santa.
Glenn Quigley has the gift of creating realistic and charming characters in believable settings and entertaining plot twists in less time than it takes some authors to do in hundreds of pages.
It’s always welcome to read something focusing on older and imperfect gay men compared to the snoozy stereotypes typically featured in gay romances. John and Gregory are endearing examples of how characters can be flawed and interesting without resorting to lazy toxicity or overstuffed snarkiness.
This story was funny, charming, fast paced, and heartfelt without being cloying. Hallmark wishes it could do holiday stories this well. I also recommend this for those who want to incorporate holiday reading but don’t want to commit to a longer read amid other holiday pressures.
Glenn Quigley has the gift of creating realistic and charming characters in believable settings and entertaining plot twists in less time than it takes some authors to do in hundreds of pages.
It’s always welcome to read something focusing on older and imperfect gay men compared to the snoozy stereotypes typically featured in gay romances. John and Gregory are endearing examples of how characters can be flawed and interesting without resorting to lazy toxicity or overstuffed snarkiness.
This story was funny, charming, fast paced, and heartfelt without being cloying. Hallmark wishes it could do holiday stories this well. I also recommend this for those who want to incorporate holiday reading but don’t want to commit to a longer read amid other holiday pressures.
June 23, 2024
A very Christmas worthy tale, as a new Santa is required.
John and Gregory start off as major rivals for the vacancy but their inherent goodness eventually leads them to become allies in the face of an indifferent host and unsuitable rivals.
The ending is as expected in terms of Santa and perhaps a new beginning for the two of them.
As always, cleanly written story telling
John and Gregory start off as major rivals for the vacancy but their inherent goodness eventually leads them to become allies in the face of an indifferent host and unsuitable rivals.
The ending is as expected in terms of Santa and perhaps a new beginning for the two of them.
As always, cleanly written story telling
December 16, 2022
When November hits and the air changes (at least where I live), I'm officially in a festive mood. Give me ALL the holiday reads. The Great Santa Showdown by Glenn Quigley is a sweet holiday novella, perfect for the season.
When their town's official Santa retires, Gregory and John enter a competition to become his replacement. Both men have so much heart, and I loved getting to know them in this short book. The chemistry between these rivals to lovers is palpable immediately, and Glenn Quigley does a fantastic job balancing their competitiveness with an underlying sweetness. I loved getting to know these characters, their friends and families, and watching them compete to be the new Santa.
When their town's official Santa retires, Gregory and John enter a competition to become his replacement. Both men have so much heart, and I loved getting to know them in this short book. The chemistry between these rivals to lovers is palpable immediately, and Glenn Quigley does a fantastic job balancing their competitiveness with an underlying sweetness. I loved getting to know these characters, their friends and families, and watching them compete to be the new Santa.
February 4, 2023
Cute!
The premise was enough to get me to read this short story. 2 Santa’s competing to be the town Santa. Both are gay, both have personal reasons for wanting the job so badly and both are firm believers in the spirit of Christmas.
This was pretty diverse, though we don’t see a ton of Gregory’s family. The story is so short that the absence left me to wonder if they weren’t on good terms and if his only family was one that he’d made with Floyd.
The transition between John and Gregory competing and starting to like each other came a bit too quickly. However, the story is so cute that it didn’t ruin anything for me. Adorable!
The premise was enough to get me to read this short story. 2 Santa’s competing to be the town Santa. Both are gay, both have personal reasons for wanting the job so badly and both are firm believers in the spirit of Christmas.
This was pretty diverse, though we don’t see a ton of Gregory’s family. The story is so short that the absence left me to wonder if they weren’t on good terms and if his only family was one that he’d made with Floyd.
The transition between John and Gregory competing and starting to like each other came a bit too quickly. However, the story is so cute that it didn’t ruin anything for me. Adorable!
December 8, 2022
This is such a cute idea for a story. Santas battle it out to win the prestigious role of being the town's designated old man with a beard. The current one is retiring due to extreme old age.
And yes, there is a romance element to this, but the tasks these red clad men have to complete in order to not be ejected from the next round of the competition is what makes this Christmas tale so delightful.
Charming.
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review.*
And yes, there is a romance element to this, but the tasks these red clad men have to complete in order to not be ejected from the next round of the competition is what makes this Christmas tale so delightful.
Charming.
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review.*
December 26, 2025
The Yuleboro Santa has announced his retirement and now the race is on to find his replacement. There are plenty of candidates but who has the right stuff to take on this full-time job? Gregory now in his 50s has dreamed of taking on the job as has John. As the competition heats up the two front runners start to see and understand each other more. Is Gregory seeing sparks in John's eyes? An interesting beginning to what could become a very heated partnership.
December 19, 2024
A lot of fun, with a sweet ending.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews