What do you think?
Rate this book
Christmas Special: A Gay Christmas Forbidden Lovers Romance
There's just one make it to Christmas without falling in love.
If the world doesn't believe that Damien Prynce is straight, the heartthrob actor is out of a job.
He follows the script perfectly, until a stubborn mountain man with wild, blue eyes walks onto set. Between runaway reindeer, double dates, and accidental sexting, lines start getting blurred. But no matter what happens between the sheets, there's still one no falling in love. Easy enough, right?
If Connor gets distracted by his cute, inexperienced new friend, he'll lose his family's legacy.
His plans to disappear into the woods and never speak to anyone again start falling apart when he's forced to work with a cocky, red-headed actor who doesn't know when to shut up. Teaching an innocent guy every way a man can blow his mind is too much to resist, but now he needs to find the strength to walk away.
When sparks start to fly, these opposites will find it harder and harder to spend Christmas alone.
Christmas Special is a sassy, steamy forbidden love romance with moderate angst and a very merry guaranteed HEA!
Contains strong language and adult content intended for readers over the age of 18
If the world doesn't believe that Damien Prynce is straight, the heartthrob actor is out of a job.
He follows the script perfectly, until a stubborn mountain man with wild, blue eyes walks onto set. Between runaway reindeer, double dates, and accidental sexting, lines start getting blurred. But no matter what happens between the sheets, there's still one no falling in love. Easy enough, right?
If Connor gets distracted by his cute, inexperienced new friend, he'll lose his family's legacy.
His plans to disappear into the woods and never speak to anyone again start falling apart when he's forced to work with a cocky, red-headed actor who doesn't know when to shut up. Teaching an innocent guy every way a man can blow his mind is too much to resist, but now he needs to find the strength to walk away.
When sparks start to fly, these opposites will find it harder and harder to spend Christmas alone.
Christmas Special is a sassy, steamy forbidden love romance with moderate angst and a very merry guaranteed HEA!
Contains strong language and adult content intended for readers over the age of 18
247 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2021
28 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Riley Nash
26 books930 followersInternational bestselling author Riley Nash (he/they) is based in the rainy PNW and writes stories about broken boys who find home in each other, hurt/comfort, and mental health rep.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 14, 2022
I've read a lot of books this month that were basically Hallmark movies in book form - so I loved that this book takes place on the set of a cheesy Christmas movie and one of the characters is the leading actor in those movies. Loved the premise, the setting, all the behind the scenes of Hallmark movies, and I even actually really liked the characters too.
What didn't work for me is the romance. Everything started so slow, and when I finally started feeling a connection between the characters, the book basically ended. The pacing was off. I never fully felt or bought into the romance. Also- parts of this book were confusing. I would have to reread paragraphs to figure out what was happening, what everyone was doing, where everyone was. One scene would quickly move to the next in a confusing way. It's hard to explain but I can't remember ever reading a book and having to reread so much to figure out what the characters were supposed to be doing while they were speaking. This was especially true in the scenes they were filming the movie - I had such a hard time visualizing what was supposed to be happening.
I realize this is the author's first book they wrote and I have read all their subsequent books and I did not at all have the same issues with the romance or the confusing narrative in their newer books so I guess I'll just chalk it up to an author's debut.
What didn't work for me is the romance. Everything started so slow, and when I finally started feeling a connection between the characters, the book basically ended. The pacing was off. I never fully felt or bought into the romance. Also- parts of this book were confusing. I would have to reread paragraphs to figure out what was happening, what everyone was doing, where everyone was. One scene would quickly move to the next in a confusing way. It's hard to explain but I can't remember ever reading a book and having to reread so much to figure out what the characters were supposed to be doing while they were speaking. This was especially true in the scenes they were filming the movie - I had such a hard time visualizing what was supposed to be happening.
I realize this is the author's first book they wrote and I have read all their subsequent books and I did not at all have the same issues with the romance or the confusing narrative in their newer books so I guess I'll just chalk it up to an author's debut.
December 18, 2022
A GFY Christmas story...that has sass, angst, and an M/M relationship.
Damien, is straight, a ginger with hazel eyes,
short beard and is an actor.
Connor, 6'6", long dark brown hair,
blue-gray eyes, is a blacksmith, woodworker, and animal training specialist. He has a silver-tipped dark furred Maine Coon Cat, Tommy.
Connor's not used to the luxury that Damien is, and besides, Damien only acting straight. The movie set is full of various characters, excitement, a pushy director, and more. Connor will be handling the animals and ends up acting a bit, too.
Tommy
There's a lot of jumping around from scene to scene, lots of characters, and hardly any real "couple" scenes.
( * But I learned after I read it that it's her first book ! That makes sense, because I've read other books by her and liked them very much. )
The sexy times are hot and firsts for Damien. The problem is neither man wants to be out, because Damien's actor status would be jeopardized, and Connor's business with the small town homophobia would be tougher to handle.
Both guys are likable and the story is different, plus we get their deepest thoughts, worries, and of course their pasts that shaped them, are explained.
It's a good romance and has a happy ending.
========
Damien, is straight, a ginger with hazel eyes,
short beard and is an actor.
Connor, 6'6", long dark brown hair,
blue-gray eyes, is a blacksmith, woodworker, and animal training specialist. He has a silver-tipped dark furred Maine Coon Cat, Tommy.
Connor's not used to the luxury that Damien is, and besides, Damien only acting straight. The movie set is full of various characters, excitement, a pushy director, and more. Connor will be handling the animals and ends up acting a bit, too.
Tommy
There's a lot of jumping around from scene to scene, lots of characters, and hardly any real "couple" scenes.
( * But I learned after I read it that it's her first book ! That makes sense, because I've read other books by her and liked them very much. )
The sexy times are hot and firsts for Damien. The problem is neither man wants to be out, because Damien's actor status would be jeopardized, and Connor's business with the small town homophobia would be tougher to handle.
Both guys are likable and the story is different, plus we get their deepest thoughts, worries, and of course their pasts that shaped them, are explained.
It's a good romance and has a happy ending.
========
January 3, 2022
This was such a cute and grand story! I really loved the Hallmark-esque Christmas movie franchise backdrop, and the way Damien was the star of these movies. I died over how he was chafing against the role he played, how he felt he had to be the person his fans expected him to be, how he kept himself in the closet and hoped he could find someone to make him forget. I loved how much he cared, how he wanted to be there for his fans and genuinely cared about what they thought of him. Connor is losing everything and simply wants to lose himself in his grandfather's old cabin, the only thing he's ever wanted, the one thing he's about to lose the chance to ever call his own.
When Damien and Connor meet on the set of Damien's latest movie, Damien finds Connor to be kinder than he appears, and Connor finds Damien to be shy and vulnerable in a way he never expected from the movie star. I really loved watching these two get to know each other, how, for the first time, Damien had met someone he wanted to step out of the closet for, how he wanted to find the happiness he acted out on the screen every year.
I really loved these two and this whole story and how they helped each other see what they really wanted out of life. I liked how Damien finally got to be himself and how his fans were there for him. I loved how Connor got everything he had wanted and how Damien helped him get it. I loved these two and how adorable they were.
When Damien and Connor meet on the set of Damien's latest movie, Damien finds Connor to be kinder than he appears, and Connor finds Damien to be shy and vulnerable in a way he never expected from the movie star. I really loved watching these two get to know each other, how, for the first time, Damien had met someone he wanted to step out of the closet for, how he wanted to find the happiness he acted out on the screen every year.
I really loved these two and this whole story and how they helped each other see what they really wanted out of life. I liked how Damien finally got to be himself and how his fans were there for him. I loved how Connor got everything he had wanted and how Damien helped him get it. I loved these two and how adorable they were.
December 5, 2024
Recently I realized that I had ONE LAST BOOK BY RILEY NASH to read - Christmas Special! I kept putting it off because 1) I didn't want to be done with Riley's backlist and 2) I could NOT wrap my head around how Riley's writing, which is usually FULL of angst, would translate to a... holiday read? But y'all - this is NOT your typical Hallmark holiday romance. You get Riley signature angsty moments and tortured men, but also a really intriguing take as the story takes place ON THE SET OF A HOLIDAY MOVIE. It's very meta and cool and I enjoyed every minute. My only sadness is that I now don't have any new Riley to read!
For someone who is constantly on guard and stressed about his situation, I loved how goofy star actor Damien was - he's really a pretty funny guy. He's been closeted his entire life and is afraid coming out will ruin his on screen reputation, but his attraction to Connor (literally) cannot be ignored. Connor definitely reminded me of some of Riley's characters in other books - stoic, grumpy guy who is just trying to get by. Though it's a bit of a slow burn, I felt like their relationship developed really organically and I love how they are both able to help each other while also finding love where they didn't expect to.
If you are a fan of Riley's other books like me, DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS ONE! It's the perfect time of year to try it out, and it's such a good read. Definitely one to add to your holiday TBR!
For someone who is constantly on guard and stressed about his situation, I loved how goofy star actor Damien was - he's really a pretty funny guy. He's been closeted his entire life and is afraid coming out will ruin his on screen reputation, but his attraction to Connor (literally) cannot be ignored. Connor definitely reminded me of some of Riley's characters in other books - stoic, grumpy guy who is just trying to get by. Though it's a bit of a slow burn, I felt like their relationship developed really organically and I love how they are both able to help each other while also finding love where they didn't expect to.
If you are a fan of Riley's other books like me, DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS ONE! It's the perfect time of year to try it out, and it's such a good read. Definitely one to add to your holiday TBR!
December 9, 2023
Riley never does me wrong and this Christmas book was just the best! Hit all the holiday feels. I loved that the guys so much. Hallmark movie all the way
2 guys who on the outside appear to be on opposing sides of small town meets Hollywood but in the end realize they need each other for their happily ever after.
Reindeers and movie magic push these 2 together and apart the whole book and I was here for all of it!i
I should add I let Alexa read this to me....I had multitasking to do so sadly my emotional attachment is not as strong when I do that. With that said I still absolutely loved it!
2 guys who on the outside appear to be on opposing sides of small town meets Hollywood but in the end realize they need each other for their happily ever after.
Reindeers and movie magic push these 2 together and apart the whole book and I was here for all of it!i
I should add I let Alexa read this to me....I had multitasking to do so sadly my emotional attachment is not as strong when I do that. With that said I still absolutely loved it!
December 23, 2023
3.5
This was very cute and hallmarky with a touch of Riley’s signature angst!
This was very cute and hallmarky with a touch of Riley’s signature angst!
December 27, 2024
4.5 stars
Riley Nash just always has a way of packing so much emotion into their stories, without it feeling overwhelming and forced. It's all so genuine. This holiday story was both heart-wrenching and cozy somehow. Damien and Connor are super interesting MCs that are very well developed and have so much depth. Damien's struggles with coming out, despite him being a movie star, felt so real and relatable. It's something so many queer people have struggled with. I did struggle a bit at first when Damien and Connor initially got together because it felt a little sudden to me. The relationship development wasn't exactly an even path. It felt a little jumpy at first but smoothed out and became a little more believable as time went on. Overall, I really enjoyed this, which is not a surprise because it is Riley Nash, after all. This is something quite different from Riley Nash's other works, but also very recognizable in a very good way. Definitely recommend if you want an emotional, slightly ansgty, but also cozy holiday read.
Riley Nash just always has a way of packing so much emotion into their stories, without it feeling overwhelming and forced. It's all so genuine. This holiday story was both heart-wrenching and cozy somehow. Damien and Connor are super interesting MCs that are very well developed and have so much depth. Damien's struggles with coming out, despite him being a movie star, felt so real and relatable. It's something so many queer people have struggled with. I did struggle a bit at first when Damien and Connor initially got together because it felt a little sudden to me. The relationship development wasn't exactly an even path. It felt a little jumpy at first but smoothed out and became a little more believable as time went on. Overall, I really enjoyed this, which is not a surprise because it is Riley Nash, after all. This is something quite different from Riley Nash's other works, but also very recognizable in a very good way. Definitely recommend if you want an emotional, slightly ansgty, but also cozy holiday read.
November 16, 2022
3.75 stars
This was sweet!
I’ve been wanting to read more MM Christmas books and this was great, who doesn’t love a grumpy/sunshine book? And I love how it was Hallmark based too.
This was my first book by Riley Nash, and I think all her books will tend to be on the slow burn side, but I’m excited to read the rest of her books when the mood strikes!
This was sweet!
I’ve been wanting to read more MM Christmas books and this was great, who doesn’t love a grumpy/sunshine book? And I love how it was Hallmark based too.
This was my first book by Riley Nash, and I think all her books will tend to be on the slow burn side, but I’m excited to read the rest of her books when the mood strikes!
October 28, 2022
A very cute Christmas story
I enjoyed the story immensely and loved the differences in the two MCs. And it had some steam but not so over the top like so many others get as soon as they get together.
I think this is the first book I have read by the author and would have gave it 4.5 if I had that option.
I enjoyed the story immensely and loved the differences in the two MCs. And it had some steam but not so over the top like so many others get as soon as they get together.
I think this is the first book I have read by the author and would have gave it 4.5 if I had that option.
December 2, 2023
Riley Nash recently posted a teaser for this book, and quicker than you can say Ho, Ho, Ho, I had clicked, downloaded, and dove right in.
This book has all the elements of a Hallmark movie, but also shows the take no prisoners side of movie making.
Merriment Studios has basically taken over the town of McKague and turned it into Silver Bells, a 365 day a year commercial winter wonderland. Never mind they’ve pushed out long time residents, purchasing and demolishing historic buildings to set up ice rinks and other Christmas-centric spots for their movies.
When closeted actor Damien meets local blacksmith/artist/seasonal studio worker Connor, all bets are off.
Damien is the face of the studio. If he’s tired of the same old scripts and lack of creative challenge, that’s on him. As much as he wants more, he’s also afraid of disappointing his fans. And worried about the fallout of coming out.
Connor hates what the studio has done to the town he loves, and just wants to reclaim his grandfather’s cabin. The world has beaten down this stoic, sad, beautiful man, and you’ll want to give him a big hug. There’s a moment when he realizes what his given up in pursuit of his dream. It’s real and raw and will break your heart.
Things aren’t easy for them. Damien’s chance to come out on his own terms is taken away, and Connor’s cruel ex can’t help stir the pot. (Every movie needs a good villain, right?)
This is a such a good story. A Hallmark -ish movie with angst, emotions, and humor. Watching these two walking disasters fall in love and get their HEA is so satisfying. Seeing them help each other make their dreams come true is an extra dash of Christmas magic.
Bonus points for the way Damien’s outing was handled. Neither studio deserved him with their wish washy response until they saw public opinion was on his side. I loved the path he chose.
The secondary characters are wonderful, and Riley has a lot of fun with on-set details. And the movie titles were perfect. Happily Ever Antler anyone?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
This book has all the elements of a Hallmark movie, but also shows the take no prisoners side of movie making.
Merriment Studios has basically taken over the town of McKague and turned it into Silver Bells, a 365 day a year commercial winter wonderland. Never mind they’ve pushed out long time residents, purchasing and demolishing historic buildings to set up ice rinks and other Christmas-centric spots for their movies.
When closeted actor Damien meets local blacksmith/artist/seasonal studio worker Connor, all bets are off.
Damien is the face of the studio. If he’s tired of the same old scripts and lack of creative challenge, that’s on him. As much as he wants more, he’s also afraid of disappointing his fans. And worried about the fallout of coming out.
Connor hates what the studio has done to the town he loves, and just wants to reclaim his grandfather’s cabin. The world has beaten down this stoic, sad, beautiful man, and you’ll want to give him a big hug. There’s a moment when he realizes what his given up in pursuit of his dream. It’s real and raw and will break your heart.
Things aren’t easy for them. Damien’s chance to come out on his own terms is taken away, and Connor’s cruel ex can’t help stir the pot. (Every movie needs a good villain, right?)
This is a such a good story. A Hallmark -ish movie with angst, emotions, and humor. Watching these two walking disasters fall in love and get their HEA is so satisfying. Seeing them help each other make their dreams come true is an extra dash of Christmas magic.
Bonus points for the way Damien’s outing was handled. Neither studio deserved him with their wish washy response until they saw public opinion was on his side. I loved the path he chose.
The secondary characters are wonderful, and Riley has a lot of fun with on-set details. And the movie titles were perfect. Happily Ever Antler anyone?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
November 30, 2023
Será este mí primer año leyendo historias navideñas y o soy muy mala eligiendo o mi obsesiva pulsión de leer mayoritariamente LGBT me hace llegar a historias que no terminan de darme lo que busco. Existe la posibilidad de que yo haya entrado en el género con muchas expectativas, así que tampoco me tomes tan en cuenta.
Sobre esta historia puedo decir a su favor que tuvo ese algo que no sé explicar que me hacía volver a terminarla. Y no puedo explicarlo, porque nada en ella termino de convencer nunca.
¿El romance? Una mezcla entre instalove y no instalove. Pasa rápido, pero lento. Los sentimientos están ahí desde un primer vistazo, pero igual demoramos hasta llegar al punto. Creo que mí principal problema es que sienten demasiado uno por el otro en demasiados pocos segundos y ni los diálogos o los pensamientos internos de los personajes me dan un cien por ciento instalove ni no me lo dan. Fue raro de leer.
La trama navideña en sí misma no es la gran cosa. Pero al menos hay nieve, renos y amor (?
Los personajes... Entiendo que me... Eh... Gustaron? No sé. No están mal, pero tampoco me enamoré de ninguno de los dos. Los problemas como siempre son más del estilo: si hablemos esto se solucionaría, o tal vez no, pero nunca lo sabremos.
Es un historia entretenida, ligera, pero tiene muchos momentos cringe y muchos momentos de... Ok, esto no solo no va a ningún lado, sino que es una trama desaprovechada. No se profundiza en los problemas, no se crea trama en base a ellos y todos los problemas se solucionan demasiado rápido para ser considerados un problema en primer lugar. Se crea como este estrés porque una cosa no pase, pero cuando al final pasa, para mí desgracia, no hay una consecuencia ni mínimamente estresante, lo que hace que todo el preludio me fastidie más que me haya entretenido.
¿Es una historia que recomiende? No sé. No me animo a tanto, pero creo que podría interesar para pasar el rato sin esperar mucho de ella.
Sobre esta historia puedo decir a su favor que tuvo ese algo que no sé explicar que me hacía volver a terminarla. Y no puedo explicarlo, porque nada en ella termino de convencer nunca.
¿El romance? Una mezcla entre instalove y no instalove. Pasa rápido, pero lento. Los sentimientos están ahí desde un primer vistazo, pero igual demoramos hasta llegar al punto. Creo que mí principal problema es que sienten demasiado uno por el otro en demasiados pocos segundos y ni los diálogos o los pensamientos internos de los personajes me dan un cien por ciento instalove ni no me lo dan. Fue raro de leer.
La trama navideña en sí misma no es la gran cosa. Pero al menos hay nieve, renos y amor (?
Los personajes... Entiendo que me... Eh... Gustaron? No sé. No están mal, pero tampoco me enamoré de ninguno de los dos. Los problemas como siempre son más del estilo: si hablemos esto se solucionaría, o tal vez no, pero nunca lo sabremos.
Es un historia entretenida, ligera, pero tiene muchos momentos cringe y muchos momentos de... Ok, esto no solo no va a ningún lado, sino que es una trama desaprovechada. No se profundiza en los problemas, no se crea trama en base a ellos y todos los problemas se solucionan demasiado rápido para ser considerados un problema en primer lugar. Se crea como este estrés porque una cosa no pase, pero cuando al final pasa, para mí desgracia, no hay una consecuencia ni mínimamente estresante, lo que hace que todo el preludio me fastidie más que me haya entretenido.
¿Es una historia que recomiende? No sé. No me animo a tanto, pero creo que podría interesar para pasar el rato sin esperar mucho de ella.
December 26, 2023
Given that it’s Riley, I should not have been surprised by how much heart was in this story. A plot that sounds so simple - actor of cheesy holiday movie fame meets taciturn mountain man - had no business being this nuanced, this sexy, or this damn funny. But it was! Damien is the star of Merriment Studios, the soulless producer of soulless Christmas romance films that has taken over the small-town of McKague and rebranded it as Silver Bells, killing the spirit of the town and slowly pushing out the locals. One of these locals is Connor, a struggling craftsman desperate to retake his family land from the clutches of corporate overlords. After being pulled into a job corralling the reindeer for Damien’s latest film, he meets the star and is repulsed by him. So repulsed. Really.
Damien’s story is perhaps even sadder than Connor’s. He is deeply closeted, and convinced that coming out would be letting down his fans, who know him as a paragon of heterosexual maleness. Like anyone living a lie, he’s an intensely lonely person. When he meets the brash and uncouth Connor, he’s terrified he won’t be able to control the feelings bubbling up in him. The push and pull between these two was delicious! It’s a slow burn, but the spice is poignant and steamy when we get there. But while the romance and plot were engaging, the icing on the Christmas cookie is the humor. I chuckled aloud numerous times reading this, as the sarcasm, banter, and physical comedy were on point. While not packing quite the emotional heft of Riley’s later works, this is a must-read if you’re looking for a heartfelt and hot holiday romance!
Damien’s story is perhaps even sadder than Connor’s. He is deeply closeted, and convinced that coming out would be letting down his fans, who know him as a paragon of heterosexual maleness. Like anyone living a lie, he’s an intensely lonely person. When he meets the brash and uncouth Connor, he’s terrified he won’t be able to control the feelings bubbling up in him. The push and pull between these two was delicious! It’s a slow burn, but the spice is poignant and steamy when we get there. But while the romance and plot were engaging, the icing on the Christmas cookie is the humor. I chuckled aloud numerous times reading this, as the sarcasm, banter, and physical comedy were on point. While not packing quite the emotional heft of Riley’s later works, this is a must-read if you’re looking for a heartfelt and hot holiday romance!
July 8, 2023
Christmas Special wasn't at all what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it so much!!!
The plot is very Christmas movie-ish, which is spot on because it takes place mostly on the set of a Christmas film. And while it IS like that, it also isn't.
There's a loneliness to Connor, who just happens to be a favorite type of main character. Quiet and brooding. Slow and silent. Purposeful. I loved that big man, and throughout the entire story , I just wanting him to fulfill his dreams.
Damien is the main actor in a series of made-for-tv Christmas movies. He's gay and super closeted. The man is terrified of change and losing everything. He's invested so much of his identity and self-worth into being who his fans want him to be that he's miserable.
While on the set of Happily Ever Antler 😂😂😂 Damien meets Conner. These two are an absolute mess. Bless their hearts.
I loved watching these two fall in love. I loved seeing them both thrive and achieve their dreams. It was so sweet. A little angsty, but definitely sweet.
Nicky was a damned troll. That's all I have to say about him.
While I adored this book and definitely recommend it, maybe wait until December. It'll TOTALLY match the vibe of the story!
The plot is very Christmas movie-ish, which is spot on because it takes place mostly on the set of a Christmas film. And while it IS like that, it also isn't.
There's a loneliness to Connor, who just happens to be a favorite type of main character. Quiet and brooding. Slow and silent. Purposeful. I loved that big man, and throughout the entire story , I just wanting him to fulfill his dreams.
Damien is the main actor in a series of made-for-tv Christmas movies. He's gay and super closeted. The man is terrified of change and losing everything. He's invested so much of his identity and self-worth into being who his fans want him to be that he's miserable.
While on the set of Happily Ever Antler 😂😂😂 Damien meets Conner. These two are an absolute mess. Bless their hearts.
I loved watching these two fall in love. I loved seeing them both thrive and achieve their dreams. It was so sweet. A little angsty, but definitely sweet.
Nicky was a damned troll. That's all I have to say about him.
While I adored this book and definitely recommend it, maybe wait until December. It'll TOTALLY match the vibe of the story!
December 16, 2023
Reindeer
💕A sweet, low angst holiday story that makes you wonder if sometimes we truly go over the top at this time of year. It’s the same Christmas specials year after year. Some I love; others we watch for tradition. Sometimes I wonder if Connor is right. Find a place off the grid and hide from humanity. Lol. I’m pretty close to that as it is. Then I remember friends and family and everything is worthwhile.
I love the reindeer and how Connor just gets them. I love how Damien makes Connor just that little bit less grumpy. I love Connor’s sentimentality over his grandad’s cabin. That view just sounds absolutely amazing. I love that the story takes place in BC. I love the side characters. Paul, Anastasia, Tan (an Asian chef’s kiss). I love how the story comes to a beautiful ending.
💕A sweet, low angst holiday story that makes you wonder if sometimes we truly go over the top at this time of year. It’s the same Christmas specials year after year. Some I love; others we watch for tradition. Sometimes I wonder if Connor is right. Find a place off the grid and hide from humanity. Lol. I’m pretty close to that as it is. Then I remember friends and family and everything is worthwhile.
I love the reindeer and how Connor just gets them. I love how Damien makes Connor just that little bit less grumpy. I love Connor’s sentimentality over his grandad’s cabin. That view just sounds absolutely amazing. I love that the story takes place in BC. I love the side characters. Paul, Anastasia, Tan (an Asian chef’s kiss). I love how the story comes to a beautiful ending.
August 28, 2023
Well written but...
Expecting a light-hearted holiday romp, I was pleasantly surprised to find significant character driven angst (with both MCs). The story is well written, engaging, with good secondary characters, and strong chemistry between the MCs.
No true spoilers follow.
However, for me, at the halfway point, one of the MCs acted totally out of character which took me out of enjoying the story. I skimmed the second half until reading the last chapter and epilogue.
This is my first book by this author and I plan to read this author again.
Expecting a light-hearted holiday romp, I was pleasantly surprised to find significant character driven angst (with both MCs). The story is well written, engaging, with good secondary characters, and strong chemistry between the MCs.
No true spoilers follow.
However, for me, at the halfway point, one of the MCs acted totally out of character which took me out of enjoying the story. I skimmed the second half until reading the last chapter and epilogue.
This is my first book by this author and I plan to read this author again.
July 2, 2023
Took me a while to get into this, it's a bit of a slow starter, but it got there in the end. I think the author learned a lot while writing this book, to start off with I was just seeing little flashes of Riley's magic, barely anything at all, but as it got further through it got better and started to feel more like Riley's voice. It ended so well I have to give it a high score. Probably not the best place to start if you're new to his writing though.
December 18, 2024
DNF 25%
I love the setting of this book, a cheesy Hallmark movie set, and the inclusion of the reindeer, but it’s just so slow. Nothing is really happening.
Riley is one of my favorite authors, but I don’t see a lot of their heart that I’ve come to love in their newer books. I’ve been wanting to read this for a couple of years and I’m glad I can finally check it off the list.
I love the setting of this book, a cheesy Hallmark movie set, and the inclusion of the reindeer, but it’s just so slow. Nothing is really happening.
Riley is one of my favorite authors, but I don’t see a lot of their heart that I’ve come to love in their newer books. I’ve been wanting to read this for a couple of years and I’m glad I can finally check it off the list.
November 28, 2023
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
Tears: 0
LOVE Riley and this holiday story is a super cute holiday story. Hallmark movie, opposites attract, first times (loved this part of it!). This is a full length holiday book and I loved it.
Spice: 🌶🌶
Tears: 0
LOVE Riley and this holiday story is a super cute holiday story. Hallmark movie, opposites attract, first times (loved this part of it!). This is a full length holiday book and I loved it.
December 3, 2024
3.25 stars
I liked the ending very much, but there we're definitely times this was a bit of a slog to get through. A lot of yes, no, yes, hell no, hella yes moments between these two guys, but the ending was worth the mild whiplash.
I liked the ending very much, but there we're definitely times this was a bit of a slog to get through. A lot of yes, no, yes, hell no, hella yes moments between these two guys, but the ending was worth the mild whiplash.
December 26, 2024
Another good read by Riley Nash.
They really know how to write good angst that makes you want to keep reading so you can get to the characters' happily ever after. I loved both Connor and Damien and was so excited when they finally stopped pining and got together!
They really know how to write good angst that makes you want to keep reading so you can get to the characters' happily ever after. I loved both Connor and Damien and was so excited when they finally stopped pining and got together!
February 4, 2023
Cute lil cheesy Christmas forbidden lovers story. Definitely didn’t love this as much as Riley’s other books but it was a cute fun read nonetheless.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews