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eesh25's review
3.0
I could have really liked this book. But there were these little things that came together and made that not possible. Like Logan's ignorance when it comes to bisexuality, in that he seems to think that it's something made-up by frat boys or whatever. And even though he learns that's not the case, he says something stupid about it multiple times. Also, the whole bisexuality-isn't-real thing pisses me the fuck off.
Then there was the "dirty talk" which was so fucking awkward that I had to distance myself from the book every time it came up. The 'this is just a deal' denial/excuse also went on for way too long.
Honestly, this could have been a very cute Christmas story. It has a good plot. But the execution faltered and made the entire thing come off as clumsy. There were still cute scenes. And had the writing been smoother, I really think the book would've been great.
Then there was the "dirty talk" which was so fucking awkward that I had to distance myself from the book every time it came up. The 'this is just a deal' denial/excuse also went on for way too long.
Honestly, this could have been a very cute Christmas story. It has a good plot. But the execution faltered and made the entire thing come off as clumsy. There were still cute scenes. And had the writing been smoother, I really think the book would've been great.
whimsicalmeerkat's review
3.0
Not her best effort, which is a shame, because there wasn’t even a hint of bi-erasure.
rellimreads's review
4.0
I can always count on Keira Andrews for an enjoyable story and The Christmas Deal is no exception. Single Dad, Fake Relationships, & Opposites Attract are some of my favorite tropes, and I’ve definitely been in the mood for some holiday-themed books, so this was a good fit. It’s also a complete stand alone.
Logan, 37, is grumpy, recovering from an injury, out of a job, and about to be homeless. To top it off he’s the only parent to his deceased wife’s son, Conner. Being a step-parent doesn’t come naturally. Seth, 38, is workmates & friends with Logan’s sister Jenna. When a work situation forces Seth into inventing a family – Jenna loans him Logan & Conner. The caper begins!
While it is successful in contrasting Seth’s “buttoned-up” persona and is consistent with Logan’s character, the plethora of cuss words did feel like a bit much at times given that this is a holiday-themed book. Overall the story is at turns sweet, sad, and funny; Logan coming to terms with his true feelings for Seth, Seth worried about falling in love with a straight man, and Conner struggling to find his place in what has been an unstable world. These come together nicely and ultimately this is an enjoyable Christmas listen.
The initial ending is an HFN as Logan & Seth recognize that going even though they’re going from pretend to real – it is a burgeoning relationship. Andrews provides a lovely 5-years-later epilogue that solidifies the HEA.
John Solo does a good job here. All the characters have distinct and consistent voices. Solo, as always, does a terrific job evoking emotions and he really brings this story to life.
Logan, 37, is grumpy, recovering from an injury, out of a job, and about to be homeless. To top it off he’s the only parent to his deceased wife’s son, Conner. Being a step-parent doesn’t come naturally. Seth, 38, is workmates & friends with Logan’s sister Jenna. When a work situation forces Seth into inventing a family – Jenna loans him Logan & Conner. The caper begins!
While it is successful in contrasting Seth’s “buttoned-up” persona and is consistent with Logan’s character, the plethora of cuss words did feel like a bit much at times given that this is a holiday-themed book. Overall the story is at turns sweet, sad, and funny; Logan coming to terms with his true feelings for Seth, Seth worried about falling in love with a straight man, and Conner struggling to find his place in what has been an unstable world. These come together nicely and ultimately this is an enjoyable Christmas listen.
The initial ending is an HFN as Logan & Seth recognize that going even though they’re going from pretend to real – it is a burgeoning relationship. Andrews provides a lovely 5-years-later epilogue that solidifies the HEA.
John Solo does a good job here. All the characters have distinct and consistent voices. Solo, as always, does a terrific job evoking emotions and he really brings this story to life.
chiarob's review
4.5
This was a solid fake-dating romance. It was original and entertaining. I'll definitely read Connor's book.
I think it could become a favorite on a re-read.
I think it could become a favorite on a re-read.
bitchie's review
4.0
Logan isn't just a guy down on his luck, his luck is absolute crap. Injured on the job, left holding the bag for an accident that wasn't his fault, with tons of injuries and medical bills, a quickie marriage to his nurse, followed by her sudden death, leaving him the sole person responsible for a 13 year old boy who hates him, he still can't find a job. Oh yeah, and he's just got evicted.
Yes, Logan's luck is in the sewer, it's so bad. Thank goodness for his sister Jenna, and her co-worker Seth. Between them, they cook up a fake relationship trope that helps everyone- Seth gets a promotion from a woman who pushes family over everyone else, and Logan gets a home, even if it's only temporary. But of course, we all know it's not going to be temporary, right?
My only real complaint here is that I wanted more of Connor on the page. As he's in private school, he's not really around much until the last third of the book, and I would like to have seen him more in the home with Seth and Connor. But that's it, otherwise, this was a really sweet, but not too sappy, Christmas story. Not bad for my first of the season!
Yes, Logan's luck is in the sewer, it's so bad. Thank goodness for his sister Jenna, and her co-worker Seth. Between them, they cook up a fake relationship trope that helps everyone- Seth gets a promotion from a woman who pushes family over everyone else, and Logan gets a home, even if it's only temporary. But of course, we all know it's not going to be temporary, right?
My only real complaint here is that I wanted more of Connor on the page. As he's in private school, he's not really around much until the last third of the book, and I would like to have seen him more in the home with Seth and Connor. But that's it, otherwise, this was a really sweet, but not too sappy, Christmas story. Not bad for my first of the season!
a_reader_obsessed's review
3.0
3.5 Hearts
As per the blurb, Seth and Logan are both in a pickle. Seth needs to look attached in order to be considered for a promotion, and Logan needs a place to stay for the holidays as he struggles with his own demons of being unemployed and a newly single dad.
Essentially, Seth is a lot in stasis after his breakup a year ago. He’s been passed over for advancement due to not being married, so Logan’s situation is the perfect solution. Seth will get a ready made family with his fake fiance, and he’ll also get his house finally finished for dinner with the boss to show he’s the right man for the job. Meanwhile, Logan can provide his stepson his first holiday without his mom while not feeling like a complete loser as he earns his keep. Eventually and not surprisingly, close quarters allow Seth and Logan to fortuitously make another “deal”. Seth, having only been with one other person, is locked up real tight, and Logan desperately needs some stress relief. It’s only just “getting off” with absolutely no strings attached and absolutely no feelings involved. Uh huh.
Beware Logan, who insists his same sex attraction is only relegated to hook ups and is adamantly still straight. He also has some serious self loathing due to his unfortunate bad luck in all things regarding love, career, and finances. Seth in turn, has boatloads of insecurity and an awful hateful family to come to terms with. Mix this with a grieving surly teen, and this really runs the emotional gamut.
Narrated by John Solo, I truly appreciated the different tones and inflections as his performance was spot on with all the feelings Andrews brings to the table. This audio version is highly recommended if you’re a fan of Solo, Andrews, or both!
Reassuredly, Andrews rarely skimps on the smexy, and here she doesn’t fail in the UST, the explicit, or the dirty talk. Thankfully too, there’s no protracted angst as both Logan and Seth eventually realize their love for one another and become the family they always desired. So yes, this is quite the implausible romance, but as Christmas stories go, the reader is advised to just kick back and go with the flow. Cheers!
Thanks to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for an honest review
As per the blurb, Seth and Logan are both in a pickle. Seth needs to look attached in order to be considered for a promotion, and Logan needs a place to stay for the holidays as he struggles with his own demons of being unemployed and a newly single dad.
Essentially, Seth is a lot in stasis after his breakup a year ago. He’s been passed over for advancement due to not being married, so Logan’s situation is the perfect solution. Seth will get a ready made family with his fake fiance, and he’ll also get his house finally finished for dinner with the boss to show he’s the right man for the job. Meanwhile, Logan can provide his stepson his first holiday without his mom while not feeling like a complete loser as he earns his keep. Eventually and not surprisingly, close quarters allow Seth and Logan to fortuitously make another “deal”. Seth, having only been with one other person, is locked up real tight, and Logan desperately needs some stress relief. It’s only just “getting off” with absolutely no strings attached and absolutely no feelings involved. Uh huh.
Beware Logan, who insists his same sex attraction is only relegated to hook ups and is adamantly still straight. He also has some serious self loathing due to his unfortunate bad luck in all things regarding love, career, and finances. Seth in turn, has boatloads of insecurity and an awful hateful family to come to terms with. Mix this with a grieving surly teen, and this really runs the emotional gamut.
Narrated by John Solo, I truly appreciated the different tones and inflections as his performance was spot on with all the feelings Andrews brings to the table. This audio version is highly recommended if you’re a fan of Solo, Andrews, or both!
Reassuredly, Andrews rarely skimps on the smexy, and here she doesn’t fail in the UST, the explicit, or the dirty talk. Thankfully too, there’s no protracted angst as both Logan and Seth eventually realize their love for one another and become the family they always desired. So yes, this is quite the implausible romance, but as Christmas stories go, the reader is advised to just kick back and go with the flow. Cheers!
Thanks to the author/publisher for the audio in exchange for an honest review
jjohans3's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content