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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS is the third installment in the Christmas Falls Season 2 series. Christmas Falls is a multi-author Christmas themed series set in the same small town. The books can be read in any order without issue.
Leo moves to Christmas Falls looking for love. He's had a horrible dating history in Chicago and hopes it gets better in Christmas Falls. Leo is a web designer and can essentially work from anywhere so when he agrees to help Nick redo his matchmaking website. Leo is instantly attracted to Nick but Nick is still mourning his late wife and Leo believes Nick is straight. Nick offers Leo his matchmaking services for free so Leo can try out the website to make sure everything works. What he's not expecting are the worst dates in history. Each date is worse than the last. Leo thinks he's the problem or his hung up on his attraction to Nick and not really putting his all into these dates.
Nick loves his work as a matchmaker. When he lost his wife he was lost and this helped honor her and but smiles on peoples faces giving them the chance at a love that he and Nicole had. The more time he spends with Leo the more he can't stop thinking of him. Is he ready to finally move on? He's always known he was bi but has never been with a man is he ready to take that step? Was he unknowingly setting Leo up on horrible dates on purpose so he wouldn't find his HEA?
I loved Nick and Leo. Leo was so patient and kind with Nick. He was understanding with Nick in his grief. He never wanted to replace Nick's wife but give him the opportunity to love again. Such a sweet emotional read set in the perfect little Christmas town. I can't wait for more from these residents!
I was given a free copy of this book to read and review by Neon Rainbow.
Leo moves to Christmas Falls looking for love. He's had a horrible dating history in Chicago and hopes it gets better in Christmas Falls. Leo is a web designer and can essentially work from anywhere so when he agrees to help Nick redo his matchmaking website. Leo is instantly attracted to Nick but Nick is still mourning his late wife and Leo believes Nick is straight. Nick offers Leo his matchmaking services for free so Leo can try out the website to make sure everything works. What he's not expecting are the worst dates in history. Each date is worse than the last. Leo thinks he's the problem or his hung up on his attraction to Nick and not really putting his all into these dates.
Nick loves his work as a matchmaker. When he lost his wife he was lost and this helped honor her and but smiles on peoples faces giving them the chance at a love that he and Nicole had. The more time he spends with Leo the more he can't stop thinking of him. Is he ready to finally move on? He's always known he was bi but has never been with a man is he ready to take that step? Was he unknowingly setting Leo up on horrible dates on purpose so he wouldn't find his HEA?
I loved Nick and Leo. Leo was so patient and kind with Nick. He was understanding with Nick in his grief. He never wanted to replace Nick's wife but give him the opportunity to love again. Such a sweet emotional read set in the perfect little Christmas town. I can't wait for more from these residents!
I was given a free copy of this book to read and review by Neon Rainbow.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
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:
No
Another sweet romance set in Christmas Falls. This one sees town matchmaker, Nick, and new-to-town, Leo, slowly growing closer as Nick tries to match Leo up to his perfect date. The only flaw is that Leo is crushing on Nick, and Nick lost his wife a couple of years ago and has had no interest in dating. At least, not until now.
Nick is a total sweetheart, believing in love for everyone regardless of age, gender, sexuality etc, having the romance books his late wife wrote as inspiration. Leo has been helping Nick with his website from afar but now the younger man has moved to Christmas Falls and they finally get to meet in person. And what a surprise that is for both of them. Leo is instantly taken, even more so than he was just from online but he had quite a few bad experiences before he moved that have left him a little jaded. Nick offers free matchmaking and in return will get feedback on the process.
Who knew that watching and hearing someone else go on dates could open your heart and eyes to love again. At times it is an emotional read as Nick looks to move forward but also as Leo's heart is open to being hurt by Nick because of how close they get.
It's so good to be back in this festive town, with cameo's from much loved characters and talk of those from this series and the author's own separate works. A must read for fans of the series and looking to enjoy a second chance at a HEA for a widower and the young man who brings light back into his life.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Nick is a total sweetheart, believing in love for everyone regardless of age, gender, sexuality etc, having the romance books his late wife wrote as inspiration. Leo has been helping Nick with his website from afar but now the younger man has moved to Christmas Falls and they finally get to meet in person. And what a surprise that is for both of them. Leo is instantly taken, even more so than he was just from online but he had quite a few bad experiences before he moved that have left him a little jaded. Nick offers free matchmaking and in return will get feedback on the process.
Who knew that watching and hearing someone else go on dates could open your heart and eyes to love again. At times it is an emotional read as Nick looks to move forward but also as Leo's heart is open to being hurt by Nick because of how close they get.
It's so good to be back in this festive town, with cameo's from much loved characters and talk of those from this series and the author's own separate works. A must read for fans of the series and looking to enjoy a second chance at a HEA for a widower and the young man who brings light back into his life.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Grief
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I believe this was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it. I'll definitely be reading more of their books.
Season 2 of Christmas Falls sees a lot of matchmaking happen (Nick first appears in the Snuggle Is Real). This time, we get to see the matchmaker himself, Nick, find his own match, though he doesn't realize that's what happening at first.
Nick is a widower who started a matchmaking service in honor of his late wife. Leo is a web designer who is hired to help Nick with his website. As a thank you for his services, Nick offers to help the hopeless romantic but helpless with love, Leo, find his perfect match. Leo wants nothing more than to fall in love and be loved in return, but every date Nick sets him up on ends in disaster. Nick can't understand why, especially as he gets to know Leo better and sees how wonderful he is...and starts to fall for him himself.
I found Leo's disaster dates to be pretty entertaining and both MCs are immensely likeable. My only complaint is how drawn out the will he/won't he with Nick was. I understand the complexities of what Nick was dealing with in not only his bi-awakening, but also moving on from his late wife. But I felt pretty sorry for Leo at times with the hot and cold act he had to endure. I'm not sure I would have been as understanding. In the end, it was all worth it though as these two figure it out and get their Hallmark-worthy HEA.
Season 2 of Christmas Falls sees a lot of matchmaking happen (Nick first appears in the Snuggle Is Real). This time, we get to see the matchmaker himself, Nick, find his own match, though he doesn't realize that's what happening at first.
Nick is a widower who started a matchmaking service in honor of his late wife. Leo is a web designer who is hired to help Nick with his website. As a thank you for his services, Nick offers to help the hopeless romantic but helpless with love, Leo, find his perfect match. Leo wants nothing more than to fall in love and be loved in return, but every date Nick sets him up on ends in disaster. Nick can't understand why, especially as he gets to know Leo better and sees how wonderful he is...and starts to fall for him himself.
I found Leo's disaster dates to be pretty entertaining and both MCs are immensely likeable. My only complaint is how drawn out the will he/won't he with Nick was. I understand the complexities of what Nick was dealing with in not only his bi-awakening, but also moving on from his late wife. But I felt pretty sorry for Leo at times with the hot and cold act he had to endure. I'm not sure I would have been as understanding. In the end, it was all worth it though as these two figure it out and get their Hallmark-worthy HEA.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It feels mean to give this less than 3 stars, but the potential with Nick and Leo in the first half was seriously let down by the writing in the second half.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Christmas Falls: Season 2 is a multi-author collaborative series, and all the books can be read as a complete standalone.
The 12 Dates of Christmas is a low-angst, cozy, feel-good holiday romance set in Christmas Falls. It’s about second chances, unexpected love, and a little matchmaking magic mixed with humour and feel-good vibes.
The story focuses on Nick and Leo. Nick is a widowed matchmaker who has spent the past three years helping others find love, convinced his own chance at happiness is over. On the other hand, Leo is a new resident of Christmas Falls, a hopeless romantic who’s looking for a fresh start and maybe his own happily-ever-after. When Nick offers to set Leo up on a series of dates as a thank-you for helping build his matchmaking website, things take an interesting turn. The dates are hilariously bad, but that journey ultimately leads them to each other.
Nick and Leo are a sweet pair, and I loved how their personalities complemented each other. The slight age gap between them actually added to their relationship, which I don’t feel like it happens often in books. So it was lovely to see how Nick’s life experience and reserved nature contrast with Leo’s youthful optimism and openness. Leo sometimes feels a bit naive, but his sincerity and longing to be loved make him easy to root for. That said, Nick is written with depth, and the difficult time he has to move on from his late wife’s memory gives real emotional impact to the story.
Even though Nick's actions hurt Leo, I like that the author didn’t shy away from it. It shows the complex reality of falling in love again after losing the person that was the love of your life. It showed how messy, unpredictable and vulnerable that process can be. And how sometimes you need to take a step back to sort yourself out so you can move forward. And that made it even more satisfying to watch Nick's gradual realisation that he’s falling for Leo. It was tender and realistic, and heartwarming to watch him put effort into wooing Leo once he decides to take that step.
The town of Christmas Falls itself feels like a character, and its small-town charm and holiday obsession is a perfect backdrop for all the romance. It’s also fun to see characters from other books pop in and out of the story without feeling out of place. I like how it all ties together so well, giving the series a sense of community which makes it even more enjoyable.
I received a copy of this book from Neon Rainbow Reviews, and this is my unbiased review.
The 12 Dates of Christmas is a low-angst, cozy, feel-good holiday romance set in Christmas Falls. It’s about second chances, unexpected love, and a little matchmaking magic mixed with humour and feel-good vibes.
The story focuses on Nick and Leo. Nick is a widowed matchmaker who has spent the past three years helping others find love, convinced his own chance at happiness is over. On the other hand, Leo is a new resident of Christmas Falls, a hopeless romantic who’s looking for a fresh start and maybe his own happily-ever-after. When Nick offers to set Leo up on a series of dates as a thank-you for helping build his matchmaking website, things take an interesting turn. The dates are hilariously bad, but that journey ultimately leads them to each other.
Nick and Leo are a sweet pair, and I loved how their personalities complemented each other. The slight age gap between them actually added to their relationship, which I don’t feel like it happens often in books. So it was lovely to see how Nick’s life experience and reserved nature contrast with Leo’s youthful optimism and openness. Leo sometimes feels a bit naive, but his sincerity and longing to be loved make him easy to root for. That said, Nick is written with depth, and the difficult time he has to move on from his late wife’s memory gives real emotional impact to the story.
Even though Nick's actions hurt Leo, I like that the author didn’t shy away from it. It shows the complex reality of falling in love again after losing the person that was the love of your life. It showed how messy, unpredictable and vulnerable that process can be. And how sometimes you need to take a step back to sort yourself out so you can move forward. And that made it even more satisfying to watch Nick's gradual realisation that he’s falling for Leo. It was tender and realistic, and heartwarming to watch him put effort into wooing Leo once he decides to take that step.
The town of Christmas Falls itself feels like a character, and its small-town charm and holiday obsession is a perfect backdrop for all the romance. It’s also fun to see characters from other books pop in and out of the story without feeling out of place. I like how it all ties together so well, giving the series a sense of community which makes it even more enjoyable.
I received a copy of this book from Neon Rainbow Reviews, and this is my unbiased review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Grief
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
3.5 stars
It's good to be back to Christmas Falls, I love this little town and its never ending Christmas. I loved the author's book of season 1 of this series, Hayden and Joel's story and I'm a little bummed I didn't totally connect with this one.
I really really liked Leo: he's a hopeless romantic, he's looking for the love of his life, he fell in love with the vibes of the city after visiting it several times and decided to move there. He's personality is the complete opposite of Nick's.
He's a very confusing man: he's still grieving his wife (who passed away three and half years before the start of the story), he doesn't believe in the forever kind of love anymore but, at the same time, he wants to help people to find what he and his wife had; he wants Leo (at least physically) but he doesn't want casual sex nor he's not ready to date. He gets jealous of a couple of guys Leo had chances with, but he ghosted Leo after having wonderful sex with him.
Because of Nick, I found it difficult connect with this story: it's supposed to be a romance between two men, but Nick's late wife has still such a huge part in her husband's life and she's present through all the book because he constantly talks about her.
The third part of the book was good: I loved all the dates Nick planned and I liked how he was adamant to show Leo he valued him more than just sex. It was very good to see them together building their relationship.
(side note: the Evanston aren't having the best season, but I'm happy Gabriel Theriault is still awesome!)
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow and this is my honest review.
It's good to be back to Christmas Falls, I love this little town and its never ending Christmas. I loved the author's book of season 1 of this series, Hayden and Joel's story and I'm a little bummed I didn't totally connect with this one.
I really really liked Leo: he's a hopeless romantic, he's looking for the love of his life, he fell in love with the vibes of the city after visiting it several times and decided to move there. He's personality is the complete opposite of Nick's.
He's a very confusing man: he's still grieving his wife (who passed away three and half years before the start of the story), he doesn't believe in the forever kind of love anymore but, at the same time, he wants to help people to find what he and his wife had; he wants Leo (at least physically) but he doesn't want casual sex nor he's not ready to date. He gets jealous of a couple of guys Leo had chances with, but he ghosted Leo after having wonderful sex with him.
Because of Nick, I found it difficult connect with this story: it's supposed to be a romance between two men, but Nick's late wife has still such a huge part in her husband's life and she's present through all the book because he constantly talks about her.
The third part of the book was good: I loved all the dates Nick planned and I liked how he was adamant to show Leo he valued him more than just sex. It was very good to see them together building their relationship.
(side note: the Evanston aren't having the best season, but I'm happy Gabriel Theriault is still awesome!)
I received an ARC of this book from Neon Rainbow and this is my honest review.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
lighthearted
The Christmas Falls matchmaker meets his match while working together to launch his new website.
Leo Fenner and Nick Morgan have been working together to launch a website for Nick’s matchmaker service that he started to honor his late wife and to help people find love like they did. Leo’s new to Christmas Falls and is desperate to find the love of his life despite a lot of bad dating luck in Chicago. So, as a thank you for his work on the website, Nick encourages Leo to sign up for his service and sets him up on dates. However, the dates are a major bust, though they bring Leo and Nick closer together than they ever expected. The dates with other people turn into dates between the two of them.
Nick isn’t sure he’s completely ready to date again and ends up waffling on Leo multiple times, making him feel terrible along the way and then going over-the-top to make it up to him when he finally figures it out. I think the idea of these two together turned out better than the actual execution - seeing Leo go along with Nick’s poor treatment really put a bad taste in my mouth. Once they work things out, it gets better, but it wasn’t enough for me to forget. The Christmas Falls cast of characters and atmosphere saved this one for me; it ended up being a little sickly sweet and wrapped up incredibly conveniently. It was an easy read and always fun to return to Christmas Falls, but this one wasn’t one of my favorites.
Leo Fenner and Nick Morgan have been working together to launch a website for Nick’s matchmaker service that he started to honor his late wife and to help people find love like they did. Leo’s new to Christmas Falls and is desperate to find the love of his life despite a lot of bad dating luck in Chicago. So, as a thank you for his work on the website, Nick encourages Leo to sign up for his service and sets him up on dates. However, the dates are a major bust, though they bring Leo and Nick closer together than they ever expected. The dates with other people turn into dates between the two of them.
Nick isn’t sure he’s completely ready to date again and ends up waffling on Leo multiple times, making him feel terrible along the way and then going over-the-top to make it up to him when he finally figures it out. I think the idea of these two together turned out better than the actual execution - seeing Leo go along with Nick’s poor treatment really put a bad taste in my mouth. Once they work things out, it gets better, but it wasn’t enough for me to forget. The Christmas Falls cast of characters and atmosphere saved this one for me; it ended up being a little sickly sweet and wrapped up incredibly conveniently. It was an easy read and always fun to return to Christmas Falls, but this one wasn’t one of my favorites.