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sirlancereads's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
iamtais's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
robazizo's review against another edition
3.0
I don't know what it was exactly, but somehow this story didn't really work for me, when I usually love Jay's work. Rudy was 24 but read much younger and he didn't really feel like an equal to Zac. And maybe because of that I couldn't really feel the connection between them and couldn't really see why Zac was interested in him as a partner. I got the impression it was more friendship and warmth that he found in him, because of the way he kept calling Rudy cute and adorable (among other things). I just didn't feel that extra sexual spark between them. Major kudos for Rudy's family though. They were really wonderful, as was Holly.
readingwithhippos's review against another edition
4.0
I can’t resist stories with what I think of as the Harry Potter/Ron Weasley dynamic, where a character with no family or a crappy family goes home with a character with a big, boisterous, happy family and is brought merrily into the fold. Zac wears his standoffishness like armor, never letting anyone get too close and never trusting himself to be in a real relationship. When his coworker Rudy invites him to come home with him for the holidays, Zac’s impulse is to say no, but Rudy’s kindness and openness change his mind. Rudy’s parents, siblings, and extended family welcome Zac with open arms, and when his mother assumes they’re an item, it seems easier to pretend than set the record straight. And it turns out that acting like Rudy’s boyfriend is just as easy as feeling like part of the family.
kappareads's review
3.0
12/12/2021: 3 stars
Clearly giving this book a second chance was worth it! It was a cute Christmas romance with a hint of "oh no, the family assumes things about us, let's just go with it?"
It was quick in some parts, but it was also funny and very steamy. I was very impressed by how good the smut is. This isn't a new favorite, but I'd read from this author again!
12/20/2020: DNF 37%
It jumped the gun for me with the relationship and I wasn't really vibing with everything else to keep me reading. Maybe I'll give it a second chance next year? But my mental state also isn't helping me rn
Clearly giving this book a second chance was worth it! It was a cute Christmas romance with a hint of "oh no, the family assumes things about us, let's just go with it?"
It was quick in some parts, but it was also funny and very steamy. I was very impressed by how good the smut is. This isn't a new favorite, but I'd read from this author again!
12/20/2020: DNF 37%
It jumped the gun for me with the relationship and I wasn't really vibing with everything else to keep me reading. Maybe I'll give it a second chance next year? But my mental state also isn't helping me rn
ju_51's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
myzanm's review against another edition
5.0
One of my favorite reads so far this season...
I loved that the angst was kept to a minimum even if it was present. It was a real feel good story.
I loved the characters. Not just Rudy and Zac, but all of Rudy’s family and even the few coworkers we got a glimpse of. It got me wondering if they are featured in any other books... I might have to investigate because I want more!
I loved that the angst was kept to a minimum even if it was present. It was a real feel good story.
I loved the characters. Not just Rudy and Zac, but all of Rudy’s family and even the few coworkers we got a glimpse of. It got me wondering if they are featured in any other books... I might have to investigate because I want more!
papercranestitches's review
4.0
*** 4.25 Stars ***
Yup, this is the sweet, fluffy Christmas crack that I was hoping for when I pick up a Northcote book. He delivers adorable MCs, a little raw emotion and awkwardness, and a dash of smex like no one else.
Yup, this is the sweet, fluffy Christmas crack that I was hoping for when I pick up a Northcote book. He delivers adorable MCs, a little raw emotion and awkwardness, and a dash of smex like no one else.