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A Christmas Reunion

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The Christmas Eve Dance six years ago was the scene of angry words and heartbreak. This Christmas, it’s time for forgiveness and second chances.

Hunter Cavendish fled his hometown six years ago and has avoided returning ever since. Now an up-and-coming designer, he succumbs to family pressure and agrees to come home for Christmas. But the fates must be conspiring against him, because the very first person he runs into is Aaron McBride—the man he’s never been able to resist. The man who broke his heart.

Aaron McBride loves his small town, loves the gift store he owns, and absolutely adores Christmas—it’s his favorite time of the year. That is, until this year. This year he’s forced to work alongside the infuriating and entitled Hunter Cavendish on the Christmas Eve Dance decorating committee. There’s no way he’s going to fall under the spell of his charms again—absolutely not.

But the Christmas spirit weaves its magic, bringing the two of them together and providing the perfect opportunity for apologies, fresh starts, and falling in love again. So long as they can put the past behind them…

A Christmas Reunion is a cute, feel-good holiday romance featuring enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, second chances, lots of Christmas sweetness, and a well-deserved happy ending.

132 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2020

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About the author

Nic Starr

44 books362 followers
Nic Starr lives in Australia where she tries to squeeze as much into her busy life as possible. Balancing the demands of a corporate career with raising a family and writing can be challenging but she wouldn’t give it up for the world.

Always a reader, the lure of m/m romance was strong and she devoured hundreds of wonderful m/m romance books before eventually realising she had some stories of her own that needed to be told!

When not writing or reading, she loves to spend time with her family–an understanding husband and two beautiful daughters–and is often found indulging in her love of cooking and planning her dream home in the country.

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5 stars
47 (25%)
4 stars
71 (37%)
3 stars
58 (31%)
2 stars
8 (4%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,212 reviews304 followers
November 21, 2021
This was a short quick read that I thought was ok. Hunter and Aaron were friends and high school sweethearts six years ago, but they broke up the night of their town's annual ball due to a misunderstanding. Hunter hasn't been back home since that night and he is an interior designer who is trying to make his own path in life away from his family's social standing and expectation. Aaron owns a gift shop and isn't from a wealth like Hunter's family. When they run into each other while Hunter is home they agree to put the past behind them and they become friends while working together on the town’s annual ball. They finally learn the truth about their break-up and the lies that caused that fracture it. I did not like Hunter's family and he stands up to them and chooses Aaron over them. I wanted more from this story. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors or grammar. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,329 reviews387 followers
December 7, 2020

A second chance romance, friends - enemy - friends to lover that I liked a lot. This one was fun to read.
But still Aaron and Hunter didn't talk about their problem for six years seems a bit disturbing for me.
I liked Garrett, Aaron's friend and I think he should be having his own story.
Full review soon.
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
2,643 reviews23 followers
December 4, 2020
Hunter and Aaron were the victims of a huge misunderstanding that sent them each their separate ways with broken hearts and lots of anger. Now several years later, Hunter has come back to Cavendish Crossing for Christmas. He isn’t looking forward to the burden of familial expectations he has fought so hard to escape. Now he has to work with Aaron on the committee to decorate for the Christmas Eve dance. This was a sweet holiday tale about putting the past behind you and getting reacquainted with old friends. These two still have feelings for each other and it doesn’t take much to get them to look past differences and find a little Christmas magic. The character of Hunter’s mother was someone that I kinda loved to hate. Hunter is able to get past everything and try and heal the differences so his family can be all together at Christmas. I enjoyed this Christmas story and it was a nice escape. We need those right now! I would highly recommend this book. I did read an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,619 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2020
Returning to Cavendish Crossing after four years isn’t Hunter’s first choice but he can’t absent at his grandparent's anniversary. It’s still breathtaking to be back in the mountains.
He has to survive two weeks and avoid all Christmas town activities and... Aaron.

It’s been six years since the last time Aaron saw Hunter and four years since the guy left town.
Six years ago something happened between Hunter and Aaron and Hunter is still hurt.

Fate decided, or was it Christmas spirit, they had to work together on a Christmas activity.
The dislike isn’t that deep and sparks are there again. Wait until they understand what really happened six years ago. Ha!

His parents were getting on my nerves, they were haughty, and had only eyes for status and ambition. Always trying to get Hunter in their business and their circle of friends ugh.
I couldn’t stand them. Thank goodness for Hunter the way he stood up and defended Aaron and himself.

The parts with Hunter and Aaron together was great and enjoyable.
I was thrilled with their happy ending!
Overall a nicely written, sweet, and enjoyable narrative with adorable main characters!
Another wonderful addition to my Christmas shelf!
Profile Image for Rebecca Park.
799 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2020
Hunter comes from a wealthy family & 6 years ago he was afraid to face them and ran from the one man he loved the most! Aaron has a beautiful gift shop that he opened & started to move on after his heart was broken 6 years ago, but this book is about second chances! Aaron & Hunter are working on the Christmas Eve dance together and along the way they fall in love again! They discovered the miscommunication from the past and put it behind them! These two men have such a beautiful connection! I really enjoyed watching them fall in love again! 😀❤️
Profile Image for Anne Barwell.
Author 22 books107 followers
December 11, 2020
I always know I’m going to get a read that perfectly hits my reading spot when I pick up a book by this author, and this story was no exception. A Christmas Reunion was a feel good sweet second chance romance with wonderful characters.

Hunter and Aaron are both sweet guys. It’s obvious from the start that, although they each feel rejected by the other, they’re both still smitten. I loved the scenes of them reconnecting, especially as their expectations don’t pan out, but blossom into something much better. I liked how the author built their characters, and showed who they were through their interactions with the townspeople, and their friends and family. As a side note, Aaron’s shop sounds amazing and a place I’ve love to spend time in. I loved the way both he and Hunter followed their dreams.

The gorgeous descriptions bring the town of Cavendish Crossing to life. I love stories set in small towns. This one has a wonderfully rich history tied to Hunter’s family, and feels like a character in its own right. I love the supporting cast, especially Hunter’s sister Brooke, and Aaron’s friend Garrett. I liked how Brooke encouraged Hunter to follow his heart, and not give into the expectations of their parents. I liked the way the issues he had with his mother resolved, and I hope that Richard gets what is coming to him. The sweet romantic peek into their life a year on was a perfect conclusion to the story.
Profile Image for Kim Stone.
1,436 reviews
December 8, 2020
I’ve read this author before. This is a mm novella with a Christmas theme. Main characters are are Hunter and Aaron. Hunter comes from a well to do family and has broken away to have his own business out of town. Aaron has a shop in the local town. Second chance love story. I’ll read more from this author.
Profile Image for Shweta.
228 reviews11 followers
December 3, 2020
A lovely second chance romance that perfectly captures the holiday spirit.

The novella follows low on confidence MC- Hunter as he braces to spend Christmas with his holier-than-thou parents and his long lost friend and first love -Aaron.
After a bad first encounter, the duo fall back to old ways, whilst trying to ignore the attraction they feel towards each other.

As ghosts of the past, reality and insecurities try to intervene, Hunter is made to choose between love for his parents or a second shot at love.
I loved how the author has captured the cheer and spirit of Christmas through their words-be it human emotions or descriptions of scenery.
The MCs chemistry was adorable and so very tender to read. And I loved Aaron's character - his personality and his special love for the winter season.

The epilogue was a treat to read.
The perfect read for a snowy evening that will have your romantic heart soar in holiday spirit.
ARC received in exchange of a honest review.
Profile Image for Amanda D.
684 reviews
December 7, 2020
Love always deserves a second chance

It has been a long time since I’ve read a book that didn’t focus as much on the couples sexual relationship as their romantic one. It was refreshing to be able to focus on how Aaron and Hunter repair the pain from the past to move towards a beautiful new future together. Nic does a wonderful job with Aaron’s insecurities and the pressures that Hunter feels from his family. They don’t feel fake but like the reader can empathize with either of them. A Christmas Reunion is a beautifully written second chance romance that leaves you with a sense of hope and happiness. It’s sure to be one of those books you seek out when you are in the need of a feel good romance. This review is an honest and unbiased reflection of my thoughts after reading an advanced readers copy of the book.
1,594 reviews12 followers
December 4, 2020
A terrific holiday treat. Aaron and Hunter, once friends but now not necessarily enemies, perhaps just not friendly. First meeting after four years is a disaster. Next few improve a bit and finally truths are revealed and love finds itself entrenched within these two heroes’ hearts. This story has some really good feel good moments. It has a healthy healing and good friends and family to aid in the recovery. Hunter’s mom deserves a “good for you” as she accepts her mistakes, graciously. This story is a holiday delight. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
286 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2020
A Beautiful 2nd Chance Romance....
What a way to mend a broken heart, but to get a 2nd chance at true love. Aaron and Hunter got the chance to find love again and put the past to rest. The fact that spent too many years apart because of meddling idiot. I loved the reunion and loved how their new journey brought them full circle to a new beginning. It was a bit bumpy but once they finally decided to talk about the past, they were able to cross off old hurts and begin afresh. This book is a super sweet holiday romance add 2nd chance to have your true love, exceptional.
I received an ARC and voluntarily read it for an honest review.
3,252 reviews33 followers
December 3, 2020
Aaron and Hunter had grown up together...and fell in love.
But parental interference, societal pressure and lies drew them apart.

Hunter comes back for a family celebration and finds himself working on a committee with Aaron. With some support from Hunter's sister, he stood up to his parents and went for the man he really loved.

A sweet romance that makes you feel good in this holiday season.

Profile Image for Kel Caffekey.
195 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2023
I read this pretty much all in one go and loved both characters. It was easy to picture both Hunter and Aaron in my minds eye and I loved how the mother came around at the end. Great story and one that made me go aww at the end with the final gesture of love between the 2 guys.
I'll definitely read more by this author as there was just the right amount of everything to make it a great holiday romance.
758 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2020
I thought A Christmas Reunion was so charming and sweet. I love redemption and miscommunication like this, especially with young adults. I thought Aaron and Hunter were adorable together. It was fast-paced and cute. I liked the secondary characters and thought there’s possibilities for more to learn about their hometown. I definitely recommend this story.
Profile Image for Vicki.
950 reviews20 followers
December 4, 2020
A cute, low angst, second chance Christmas story that left me smiling.
Hunter and Aaron find themselves back together after a misunderstanding a few years ago.
This is an easy to read, low heat, engaging romance with likeable main characters and lots of Christmas cheer.
Profile Image for Ajax1978.
240 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2020
The beginning set up a story that I don’t really feel like it followed through with. Hints were dropped of some huge fight that made Aaron and Hunter split up when they were eighteen and stay apart for six years. And yet when all was revealed it was simply a jackass character interfering, spreading a couple of lies years ago and was dealt with and forgiveness given in a few sentences. I don’t know, I just think so much more story was there, from the families of each guy, to the dance and auction that they spent so much time planning and yet when it happened not much at all was said about it, or the whole process of Hunter moving back to be with Aaron in the tiny town. I wanted more.
Profile Image for Beth.
2,595 reviews21 followers
December 7, 2020
This is a quick read and a sweet holiday second chance romance. After a heartbreaking break up at the Christmas Eve dance six years ago, Aaron and Hunter meet up again and end up having to work together getting things ready for this year’s Christmas Eve dance. The forced proximity has them re-examine what occurred six years ago.

The story has a good start and I liked both MCs but the reconciliation is rushed and comes off as anti-climatic. This is very low-angst so there is virtually no reckoning, no climactic scene. That’s a big let down. I wanted more of what caused the split and consequences for those involved. At the very least a confrontation. Especially since said confrontation could have been tied in nicely to Hunter dealing with his father.

The story seemed rushed and I wanted more backstory. Secondary characters give us a little buzz but then don’t get much more to do. I wanted more info on Garrett, on Brooke (how is she defying the parents as is intimated). We din’t get to meet Aaron’s family at all. Wouldn’t they have some feelings about Hunter being back in Aaron’s life?

Hunter’s parents have controlled his life and dictated his behavior and his sudden discovery of a backbone barely ripples the surface. It just wasn’t realistic or fulfilling. Especially what we are told about the mother’s background (which also needed more detail. How does she not get it?)

There is the base of a good story here, and what there is is an enjoyable holiday read. I was just left a bit unfulfilled as there seemed to be so much more that could have been done with the story to make it meatier. And I always want to see the jerks get their comeuppance!

**I voluntarily read an arc and this is my unbiased opinion.**
Profile Image for Tracy Perry.
1,413 reviews44 followers
December 15, 2020
I enjoyed the story but I wish there was more of Hunter & Aaron together not just towards the end when the good stuff is happing, haha. I liked both characters and glad they got a second chance they definitely deserved over six years of a misunderstanding, wish they had confronted Richard about it too and talk it out more, but it all worked out happy in the end and I was smiling and awing.
Profile Image for SC.
798 reviews22 followers
January 12, 2021
Should have been a novella

There are so many pages of inconsequential details, thoughts, descriptions, and none of them help the story line at all. Taking those out would have shortened the book to a novella or short story, but it also would have kept it from being as boring as I found it to be.

We spent the majority of the book under the impression that these two had some great big blow out, this epic fight. The things that they said to each other were implied to have been incredibly hurtful - only to have the author completely gloss over the whole thing. In fact all we get is "I think I called you a snob" and that's pretty much it. Lame. I was reading chapter 8 and I kid you not, a few pages in I had to go back and re read it, but changed the characters to female form and guess what ? Yeah, not masculine at all, odd since you know, a book about two gay men. Slow burn since nothing happens until the 80% mark, and even then, it's like nothing happened since it's all just a bunch of "oh he showed him a real good time last night" wink, wink, nudge, nudge. And lastly, one of my pet peeves. If you are basing the book in the U.S. - in this case just a few hours from San Francisco, I should not be able to tell you are an Aussie author. Also needed a bit more proofreading, but that is obviously the least of this book's problems.
Profile Image for Lisa.
526 reviews4 followers
December 6, 2020
A Christmas Reunion is a second chance enemies to lovers holiday romance with low angst and a slow burn. Hunter and Aaron were friends and high school sweethearts six years ago but they broke up the night of their town's annual ball due to a misunderstanding. Hunter hasn't been back home since that night and he is a successful interior designer who is trying to make his own path in life away from his family's social standing and expectation. Aaron owns a gift shop and isn't from wealth like Hunter's family. Both men meet by accident and are forced to work together for the town’s annual ball. They renew their friendship after spending more time together. They finally learn the truth about their original break-up and the lies and misinformation that caused that fracture. Both men agree to start afresh and Hunter stands up to his family and chooses Aaron over them. Luckily, his mother comes around because she wants to have her son in her life. Quick and delightful holiday read with an important message about choosing one's own happiness over family expectations :) Really enjoyed both men and their allies...not so much Hunter's family.
Profile Image for Plum Kreole.
417 reviews5 followers
December 7, 2023
“Un Noël glacial”, c’est une douce romance de la seconde chance basée sur un amis/ennemis to lovers qui m’a bien plu, avouons-le. Je ne suis pas friande de ce genre de romance, surtout sur la thématique “Noël”, mais celle-ci fait bien le job (même si un format Nouvelle aurait amplement suffi, puisque j’ai trouvé certains détails et descriptions inutiles au récit)

Aaron et Hunter ont été victimes d’un énorme malentendu et se sont séparés en colère, pleins d’incompréhensions et le cœur en berne. Nous les retrouvons quelques années plus tard, et il se pourrait que cette fois-ci la magie de Noël opère et use de son charme et de ses sortilèges pour réunir ces deux êtres …

Voici une petite romance pleine de douceur, de tendresse, une lecture sans prise de tête. C’est la lecture idéale pour une après-midi cocooning devant la cheminée, sous un plaid avec un bon chocolat chaud/marshmallow (oui je suis gourmande :p )
Profile Image for Edga.
1,985 reviews26 followers
December 4, 2020
A cute low angst Christmas Story. Hunter and Aaron haven't seen each other for years, but the minute they do, all the anger of their parting comes flooding back for both of them. They end up having to work together, and only then do the pair begin to thaw towards the other.

I loved this couple, they both grew over the course of the book, and discovered the true meaning of love. I also loved the way in which Hunter stood up for himself, even when faced with hostile people and situations. Using a Christmas ball as the background for the renewal of their relationship was a great idea. Nice Christmas read.
Profile Image for avid reader 1.
734 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2020
4 ¼ Stars
A Christmas Reunion is a sweet Christmas read.
It took a few pages to get into the story, but I enjoyed it once I did.
There is some angst, but after I fussed at the characters and they pulled their heads out of their butts, I was satisfied with the progress of their new relationship. I like the tropes the author used and wish it could have been longer and more detailed.
The passion and love these guys share are lovely to see, and I am satisfied with their HEA.
I look forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for Kendra T.
2,690 reviews42 followers
December 8, 2020
A very lovely second chance romance. Hunter left town 6 years ago (when he was 18) after a huge break up with Aaron. Of course there was a huge misunderstanding that no one communicated about in all those years, but when Hunter comes back to town for his grandparents’ anniversary, he find that his attraction to Aaron is as strong as it always was. I liked how there was some mi or angst in the beginning, but then they let it all go and just enjoyed getting to know each other again. Low angst with an awesome best friend and sister. I enjoyed this a lot. Perfect for the holidays.
2,320 reviews7 followers
December 9, 2020
A sweet second chance romance that is a quick read. Hunter and Aaron had a big falling out years ago because of misunderstandings and miscommunications. Hunter is finally coming home again after 4 years and of course, the first person he runs into is Aaron, and not in a good way. Then they're thrown together to organize the annual Christmas charity dance! As they spend time together, they begin to realize that maybe the past can be overcome if only they open themselves again. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Shana.
404 reviews5 followers
December 12, 2020
This was a super cute second chance Christmas Romance. Aaron and Hunter both broke each other’s heart six years ago but they may finally have the chance to resolve their issues. I enjoyed the bit of mystery in the beginning about what happened at the Christmas dance six years ago.

Hunter & Aaron were so cute together and their chemistry was amazing. Garrett was a great secondary character and I’d love for him to get his own story.

If you like holiday romance this book is for you.

I did receive a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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