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dith_kusu's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. This had the squeal-inducing Christmas magic premise, and Jonah and Sacha had great chemistry and I liked the concept of their two characters, the lovely meet cute with the redhead cheery British posh boy and the silent hot grouchy Russian expat in London over the holiday season. But as the story went on, while this was a breezier read, I felt that the scant character sketches of the couple either warranted a shorter novella-length story... Or if author wanted a longer book, they should've given more of the two's backstory beyond the hints and glimpses touched upon, only to then quickly move past to get to the inevitable declarations of love that felt inorganically sped up and not heartfelt. Sacha has a sad family past that's made him into this commitment phobic guy who sabotages their burgeoning relationship by saying they're not friends, he just wants the sex, then comes back and it's quickly resolved in time for the Christmas gathering with Jonah's extensive loving family who we also barely get mentions of. I also felt that the story could've used more infusion of the holiday spirit, lacking the full force of that cheery or wistful atmosphere that could've boosted it up overall for me, though the mention of Sacha's yolka was nice. This author does do pretty good quicker M/M romance reads though, has a huge back catalog and churns quick output, and I appreciate the casual but distinctive UK setting of their works, and that the characters range from lower middle class backgrounds like my last read of hers, to the casually posh rich people depicted here. I have so many books I want to read before the end of the year but due to my particularly bad mood flareup over however this long time, I won't be making a dent in that pile within the remaining week left in 2020 (what is time!?). Hope to squeeze in at least one or two reads by next week though, hopefully.
bfdbookblog's review against another edition
4.0
I kind of loved this book from the beginning, even though Sacha pissed me off a time or two. I was sucked in and didn’t want to put it down and let me tell you I am itching to hear this vocally performed because I think I’ll love it even more then.
Sacha broke my heart. Jonah warmed it. Sacha clearly needs Jonah to thaw his frozen heart. They both need a distraction from work and someone to give them a work-life balance. Their instant chemistry, entertaining banter, and immediate emotional pull drew me in, and didn’t let go. Thankfully the ‘relationship’ miscue didn’t last long, and they figured things out quickly.
I’d love to see them again in a future book. Does Nico have a story? If not, he’s getting one, right?
Sacha broke my heart. Jonah warmed it. Sacha clearly needs Jonah to thaw his frozen heart. They both need a distraction from work and someone to give them a work-life balance. Their instant chemistry, entertaining banter, and immediate emotional pull drew me in, and didn’t let go. Thankfully the ‘relationship’ miscue didn’t last long, and they figured things out quickly.
I’d love to see them again in a future book. Does Nico have a story? If not, he’s getting one, right?
adventures_by_nessa's review against another edition
4.0
Angels In The City was an easy, short listen. I also tend to listen to audiobooks at a faster speed and this made this listen even shorter. I enjoyed this couple and found myself wanting more.
The book was interesting with this being a new to me author. The chemistry between the couple was good, enjoyable plot, and easy pace. Overall, the book was enjoyable and I was listen to more from this author.
*Listener Note: I received a free copy of this audiobook through Gay Romance Reviews (GRR) and this is my honest review.
The book was interesting with this being a new to me author. The chemistry between the couple was good, enjoyable plot, and easy pace. Overall, the book was enjoyable and I was listen to more from this author.
*Listener Note: I received a free copy of this audiobook through Gay Romance Reviews (GRR) and this is my honest review.
dithkusu's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. This had the squeal-inducing Christmas magic premise, and Jonah and Sacha had great chemistry and I liked the concept of their two characters, the lovely meet cute with the redhead cheery British posh boy and the silent hot grouchy Russian expat in London over the holiday season. But as the story went on, while this was a breezier read, I felt that the scant character sketches of the couple either warranted a shorter novella-length story... Or if author wanted a longer book, they should've given more of the two's backstory beyond the hints and glimpses touched upon, only to then quickly move past to get to the inevitable declarations of love that felt inorganically sped up and not heartfelt. Sacha has a sad family past that's made him into this commitment phobic guy who sabotages their burgeoning relationship by saying they're not friends, he just wants the sex, then comes back and it's quickly resolved in time for the Christmas gathering with Jonah's extensive loving family who we also barely get mentions of. I also felt that the story could've used more infusion of the holiday spirit, lacking the full force of that cheery or wistful atmosphere that could've boosted it up overall for me, though the mention of Sacha's yolka was nice. This author does do pretty good quicker M/M romance reads though, has a huge back catalog and churns quick output, and I appreciate the casual but distinctive UK setting of their works, and that the characters range from lower middle class backgrounds like my last read of hers, to the casually posh rich people depicted here. I have so many books I want to read before the end of the year but due to my particularly bad mood flareup over however this long time, I won't be making a dent in that pile within the remaining week left in 2020 (what is time!?). Hope to squeeze in at least one or two reads by next week though, hopefully.
teenykins's review against another edition
3.0
This was warm and sweet and really low angst, which is not something that happens a lot with Garrett Leigh.
Loved Jonah who was sweet and kind and Sacha being all grumpy and moody and totally enchanted by Jonah and I loved how their story began, I liked their interactions with Eleanor -Jonah's mother-, and Jonah and Sacha's encounters and conversations.
But, and this is the reason for my 3 stars, there was a lot between their encounters that was about their jobs that was more detailed than I liked and since it had nothing to do with the story, it was slooooooowing things down, so much so it took me 4 days to finish this and a lot of will power to power through. At some point too I totally lost the passage of time and although the book starts with the words "The start of the festive season..." which to me means December 1st, I think the story spanned 2 months...? I don't know, I lost it.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Loved Jonah who was sweet and kind and Sacha being all grumpy and moody and totally enchanted by Jonah and I loved how their story began, I liked their interactions with Eleanor -Jonah's mother-, and Jonah and Sacha's encounters and conversations.
But, and this is the reason for my 3 stars, there was a lot between their encounters that was about their jobs that was more detailed than I liked and since it had nothing to do with the story, it was slooooooowing things down, so much so it took me 4 days to finish this and a lot of will power to power through. At some point too I totally lost the passage of time and although the book starts with the words "The start of the festive season..." which to me means December 1st, I think the story spanned 2 months...? I don't know, I lost it.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
leslie_kent's review against another edition
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 luchik (☀️) Stars. Rounding up!
It appears three times is the charm for Garrett Leigh and me.
It appears three times is the charm for Garrett Leigh and me.
knrt_17's review against another edition
5.0
Another amazing story for Garrett Leigh. This mm story tells the tale of Jonah, a young happy Englishman, to busy with work to find love and Sacha a dark moody Russian, to busy with work to find love. Starting out as a one night stand, love pulls these two together and they don't even know it. Many ups and downs with the moody Russian but in the end they realise they love each other, proving there is someone for everyone. I loved reading this story.
cabc's review against another edition
5.0
Can Garrett write a bad book? The obvious answer: no, she 100% cannot. I loved this story. It’s not her usual level of angst, but her characters are still real and flawed and looking for love without realizing it. Jonah and Sacha are very different men, so it’s fun to see how their relationship develops. And they are definitely hot together.
This is a holiday book with some common tropes, but with a Garrett twist. If you’re looking for a book to read this holiday season, definitely add this to your list.
This is a holiday book with some common tropes, but with a Garrett twist. If you’re looking for a book to read this holiday season, definitely add this to your list.