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What Happens at Christmas
When two friends pose as boyfriends, could what happens at Christmas turn into something more?
Justin is recently and unhappily single. Christmas is coming, and he doesn’t want to face his ex alone at their office party. So Sean—Justin’s best mate and long-time secret crush—volunteers to go with him and pretend to be his new flame.
Sean has always lusted after Justin from afar, but there’s never been a good opportunity to ask him for more than friendship. Posing as Justin’s boyfriend isn’t a chore, and if Justin wants to rebound onto him, Sean’s more than willing. At the party pretence and reality blur, and a kiss on the dance floor leads to a night of passion.
In the aftermath, they both assume it was a one-time thing until fate intervenes. Stuck together in London over the holidays, they give in to temptation again. But what happens at Christmas stays at Christmas... right?
Justin is recently and unhappily single. Christmas is coming, and he doesn’t want to face his ex alone at their office party. So Sean—Justin’s best mate and long-time secret crush—volunteers to go with him and pretend to be his new flame.
Sean has always lusted after Justin from afar, but there’s never been a good opportunity to ask him for more than friendship. Posing as Justin’s boyfriend isn’t a chore, and if Justin wants to rebound onto him, Sean’s more than willing. At the party pretence and reality blur, and a kiss on the dance floor leads to a night of passion.
In the aftermath, they both assume it was a one-time thing until fate intervenes. Stuck together in London over the holidays, they give in to temptation again. But what happens at Christmas stays at Christmas... right?
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2015
About the author
Jay Northcote
48 books1,631 followersI don't hang out on Goodreads much, so if you'd like to connect with me then Twitter, Facebook or an email is usually best :) All my contact details are on my website.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
November 3, 2015
This book is a burst of sweetness and sparkle and JOY.
Justin and Sean have been best mates since grammar school, but Sean didn't come out until uni, and at that point Justin decided his unrequited crush would remain just that.
Newly single after dumping his cheating boyfriend, Justin is beyond thrilled to have his friend visit, even more so when Sean promises to be his pretend boyfriend for the company Christmas party.
I do love me some pretend boyfriend action, especially when it ends with frantic kisses and handjobs against the front door. Patience. Who needs it?
This story has it all:
~ BFFs to lovers (totally believable and totally HOT)
~ serious CUTENESS (Sean and Justin know each other so well, every conversation is filled with inside jokes and teasing banter; throw in the Britishisms, and I was a GONER.)
~ slow burn (Both Sean and Justin are reluctant to share their true feelings in case they aren't reciprocated; frustrating, yes, but it made for some intensely ramped-up sexual tension.)
~ plenty of sexy times (And I mean SCORCHING, all the more so for being real, a little bit awkward, but completely unscripted & raw)
~ holiday spirit(ness): Christmas lights, movie marathons, snow penises ... you know, the usual
~ HEA (Love & family, y'all; what else is there?)
~ gibbons (I admit: I had to google an image, which I'm helpfully including below.)
I may be Jewish, but I eat the Christmas feels up with a spoon, and this is the perfect feel-good holiday romance.
Cheers!
Justin and Sean have been best mates since grammar school, but Sean didn't come out until uni, and at that point Justin decided his unrequited crush would remain just that.
Newly single after dumping his cheating boyfriend, Justin is beyond thrilled to have his friend visit, even more so when Sean promises to be his pretend boyfriend for the company Christmas party.
I do love me some pretend boyfriend action, especially when it ends with frantic kisses and handjobs against the front door. Patience. Who needs it?
This story has it all:
~ BFFs to lovers (totally believable and totally HOT)
~ serious CUTENESS (Sean and Justin know each other so well, every conversation is filled with inside jokes and teasing banter; throw in the Britishisms, and I was a GONER.)
~ slow burn (Both Sean and Justin are reluctant to share their true feelings in case they aren't reciprocated; frustrating, yes, but it made for some intensely ramped-up sexual tension.)
~ plenty of sexy times (And I mean SCORCHING, all the more so for being real, a little bit awkward, but completely unscripted & raw)
~ holiday spirit(ness): Christmas lights, movie marathons, snow penises ... you know, the usual
~ HEA (Love & family, y'all; what else is there?)
~ gibbons (I admit: I had to google an image, which I'm helpfully including below.)
I may be Jewish, but I eat the Christmas feels up with a spoon, and this is the perfect feel-good holiday romance.
Cheers!
November 28, 2015
Jay's "What Happens at Christmas" was as fun as it was adorable.
In this story, she went with the best friends to lovers trope, where Justin, "the gay one," recently dumped his cheating boyfriend of 6 months.
Then his best friend Sean, "the until-recently 'straight' one," who's been traveling the world for 9 months, returns to London, staying on Justin's couch until he finds a job and his own place.
But the upcoming company Christmas party is happening in a few days, where Justin's ex-douchehole, Andy, and the new boyfriend will be in attendance.
To make the ex jealous and show him that Justin isn't a pining mess, which he kind of is, Sean volunteers to play the part of Justin's new squeeze.
Seeing the ex get his comeuppance returned in spades is a true thing of beauty, plus, the new boyfriend, Johnny, being let in on what a cheating asshole Andy is? Ahhh, karma is a bitch, people, and a blast to watch what goes around come right the fuck back around.
But 'playing' at being boyfriends comes very easily to Justin and Sean. Way too easy, in fact, as each has been secretly in love with the other since they were teenagers.
So after both alcohol and hours of dancing, the boys are so worked up that they let themselves give in to their long-held attractions, only to then put in the 'one-off' column the next morning out of fear.
But what happens when the boys are snowed in together for the holidays?
The steam level was pretty up there, but not quite as high as some of Jay's other books that I've read, just in case that's important to you.
The cute and sweet factor was pretty off the charts, which I adored.
The book does end with a strong HEA, so I definitely recommend this 4-star read for anyone interested in a very good friends-to-lovers story.
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
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November 5, 2021Currently only sale for 99c/99p. Nov 5 - 15
https://bit.ly/3ELShxk
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My Christmas novella for 2015.
Friends-to-lovers, fake boyfriends, pining, sexy times, eventual fluff... the usual :)
https://bit.ly/3ELShxk
************
My Christmas novella for 2015.
Friends-to-lovers, fake boyfriends, pining, sexy times, eventual fluff... the usual :)
December 7, 2020
Okay, here's the deal with Jay Northcote: I like his stuff, just not nearly as much as everyone else seems to. Yes, this story was an easy, adorable holiday read, but I had a hard time remembering the details only a couple days after I finished it.
I've read more fake boyfriends ---> real boyfriends stories than I can count, but it's a trope that never seems to get old. Sean and Justin have been friends since they were kids, and though both are gay, they have always kept their friendship platonic. Now, Justin wants Sean to pretend to be his boyfriend to make an ex jealous... despite the fact that Justin has real feelings for Sean.
Now, this book had a lot of positives, especially when the two guys FINALLY get down and dirty, but *gah*, it killed me that the only thing keeping these guys apart all that time was a lack of communication. I like a good friends-to-lovers story as much as the next gal, but when all problems could have been resolved with a simple chat, EVEN AFTER THEY STARTED HOOKING UP, it made me want to bash my head against the wall.
Positives: cute monkeys, holiday snuggles, and a sweet HEA.
Negatives: communication fails, not much tension.
I'd recommend this book to Jay Northcote fans, for sure, because this story just happened to touch upon a pet peeve of mine.
**Copy provided in exchange for an honest review**
I've read more fake boyfriends ---> real boyfriends stories than I can count, but it's a trope that never seems to get old. Sean and Justin have been friends since they were kids, and though both are gay, they have always kept their friendship platonic. Now, Justin wants Sean to pretend to be his boyfriend to make an ex jealous... despite the fact that Justin has real feelings for Sean.
Now, this book had a lot of positives, especially when the two guys FINALLY get down and dirty, but *gah*, it killed me that the only thing keeping these guys apart all that time was a lack of communication. I like a good friends-to-lovers story as much as the next gal, but when all problems could have been resolved with a simple chat, EVEN AFTER THEY STARTED HOOKING UP, it made me want to bash my head against the wall.
Positives: cute monkeys, holiday snuggles, and a sweet HEA.
Negatives: communication fails, not much tension.
I'd recommend this book to Jay Northcote fans, for sure, because this story just happened to touch upon a pet peeve of mine.
**Copy provided in exchange for an honest review**
November 19, 2015
This was my first holiday read for 2015 and I couldn't have chosen better! Don't miss this sweet, sexy and angst-free Christmas story. It's a great way to get in the spirit of the season.
I realise I sound like a commercial. I don't care, I'm happy and warm, because...holiday feels!
This story has not only one, but two of my favorite tropes. "Friends-to-lovers" and "fake boyfriend".
The plot is simple but the execution is just right. Justin broke up with his douchebag-cheating boyfriend. Instead of going at the company's Christmas party all alone and miserable, he and his best friend Sean agree to pose as boyfriends. Until things start to feel too real.
The friends-to-lovers theme worked really good. Justin and Sean were BFFs and had a secret crush on each other. It was very believable and things progressed naturally.
The slow burn almost killed me. Right until 50% they kept dancing around each other and then BOOM! The second half is very steamy and the sex is smoking hot.
I loved that despite the amazing sexual chemistry between them, the romance and the friendship they shared never took a backseat. What I felt that was missing in Helping Hand (which I liked but didn't love), I found it here.
There is cuddling, exchanging cheap gifts, watching movies bundled together on the sofa , making snow penises instead of a snowman (and arguing about weather it should be cut or uncut), snuggling under the covers.
One of my favorite stories of the author. Recommended!
*Also posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
November 20, 2015
Justin has just split up with his cheating boyfriend and he can't wait to see his best friend Sean after nine months apart. They have known each other since they were seven, and Justin has had a secret crush on Sean since his teenage years. But what Justin doesn't know is that Sean feels the same way about him.
There's an office Christmas party coming up, and Justin doesn't want to go there on his own because his ex will be there with his new bloke. So when Sean volunteers to go with him as his pretend boyfriend, he happily agrees.
Justin and Sean practice being a couple before the party, but over time their whole pretend relationship stops feeling like pretending. It feels real and right.
This is a lovely and spicy Christmas story with a sweet, slow burn. It's perfect for a cold winter day.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
May 4, 2017
***2.5 Stars***
A friends to lovers trope, which includes a little "pretend" dating, set during the holiday season....should have been the perfect, low angst, feel good read, right? Unfortunately, I spent most of this book alternating between reading and...
This book ended up having one of my biggest pet peeves....lack of communication. A simple conversation...one admission...that's all that was needed in order for Sean and Justin to stop running around in circles. I can understand the fear of ruining a friendship and the trepidation of putting your feelings out there, but the repetitiveness and frustration carried on for far too long in this book.
Sean and Justin didn't get on the same page until almost the very end....90% of the book was a loop of "I should say something, but I don't want to ruin our friendship" and "I wonder if he feels the same way, but I'm afraid to ask."
Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me. More frustration than romance.
***ARC courtesy of author***
November 25, 2015
You’ve read that book before that felt real, right? It pulsed with such a solid heartbeat that you didn’t doubt for a second it was genuine.
But what about that book that you wanted to be real? The one that your heart pleaded with your brain, “just tell me it’s real, I don’t care if it’s not, let’s just pretend it is!”
This book.
I want this book to be real. An honest to goodness true life tale. I want Justin to exist. I want Sean to exist. I want every morsel of this story to exist. I wish with my whole heart that it is factual and actual and….simply true.
Why? Because it dazzles with charm, twinkles with joy, and glistens with passion….it’s the perfect package and I LOVED it.
Justin never actually ‘came out’. He didn’t have to, he was constantly ‘called out’. Everyone knew he was gay, there was no denying it. His best friend Sean though, well, he was a late bloomer with his sexuality and he danced with denial for years. The force driven behind Sean’s realization and acceptance of his sexuality was his underlying attraction to his bestie. Justin was a serial monogamist and never single long enough for Sean to act on his hidden desires. Little did Sean know that Justin felt the same and kept bouncing from one boyfriend to another to avoid idle hands and make a move that might cost him his best friend.
I’m a firm believer in ‘everything happens for a reason’ and sometimes the time is just not right. But when the time is right, it can be a beautiful gift.
It’s nearly Christmas when Sean returns from his adventurous travels. He took his backpack and trekked across the world for most of the year and needs a place to crash. Considering how his father handled his coming out, he’s not keen on going back home, so he turns to Justin. Justin is recovering from a recent break up and is eager for the distraction of a house guest, especially since it’s his favorite mate.
Justin wants to skip out on the holiday office party to avoid his ex. He is certain he will arrive with his latest arm candy and he just can’t bear to watch. When Sean suggests that he attend as his ‘plus one’ and pretend to be his boyfriend Justin is game. Maybe this will turn out to be fun after all. Pretending to be Sean’s boyfriend won’t be difficult but what happens when it doesn’t feel like pretending anymore?
Jay has fine tuned the art of ‘friends-to-lovers’ and she creates the most amazing holiday tales. From monkeying around and abominable snow dicks to dreamy first kisses and sultry wall sex, she nails it with this holiday treasure. One of my favorite books this year and must add to your wish list.
AND! You can open this glorious gift early…it’s out THIS WEEK! Go on, go get it…Christmas just came early.
*4.5 Happy-HAPPY-Hotiday stars*
But what about that book that you wanted to be real? The one that your heart pleaded with your brain, “just tell me it’s real, I don’t care if it’s not, let’s just pretend it is!”
This book.
I want this book to be real. An honest to goodness true life tale. I want Justin to exist. I want Sean to exist. I want every morsel of this story to exist. I wish with my whole heart that it is factual and actual and….simply true.
Why? Because it dazzles with charm, twinkles with joy, and glistens with passion….it’s the perfect package and I LOVED it.
Justin never actually ‘came out’. He didn’t have to, he was constantly ‘called out’. Everyone knew he was gay, there was no denying it. His best friend Sean though, well, he was a late bloomer with his sexuality and he danced with denial for years. The force driven behind Sean’s realization and acceptance of his sexuality was his underlying attraction to his bestie. Justin was a serial monogamist and never single long enough for Sean to act on his hidden desires. Little did Sean know that Justin felt the same and kept bouncing from one boyfriend to another to avoid idle hands and make a move that might cost him his best friend.
I’m a firm believer in ‘everything happens for a reason’ and sometimes the time is just not right. But when the time is right, it can be a beautiful gift.
It’s nearly Christmas when Sean returns from his adventurous travels. He took his backpack and trekked across the world for most of the year and needs a place to crash. Considering how his father handled his coming out, he’s not keen on going back home, so he turns to Justin. Justin is recovering from a recent break up and is eager for the distraction of a house guest, especially since it’s his favorite mate.
Justin wants to skip out on the holiday office party to avoid his ex. He is certain he will arrive with his latest arm candy and he just can’t bear to watch. When Sean suggests that he attend as his ‘plus one’ and pretend to be his boyfriend Justin is game. Maybe this will turn out to be fun after all. Pretending to be Sean’s boyfriend won’t be difficult but what happens when it doesn’t feel like pretending anymore?
Jay has fine tuned the art of ‘friends-to-lovers’ and she creates the most amazing holiday tales. From monkeying around and abominable snow dicks to dreamy first kisses and sultry wall sex, she nails it with this holiday treasure. One of my favorite books this year and must add to your wish list.
AND! You can open this glorious gift early…it’s out THIS WEEK! Go on, go get it…Christmas just came early.
*4.5 Happy-HAPPY-Hotiday stars*
November 28, 2015
3.5 Stars!
I ended up liking this one more than I thought I would.
I don't care for the pretend boyfriend trope. It's eye roll inducing. And this one did get on my nerves a time or two.
But both MCs were pretty likable and it was an easy read which fit what I needed at the time.
I ended up liking this one more than I thought I would.
I don't care for the pretend boyfriend trope. It's eye roll inducing. And this one did get on my nerves a time or two.
But both MCs were pretty likable and it was an easy read which fit what I needed at the time.
June 10, 2017
Northcote definitely has an MO, and it's typically low on the angst and oh so sweet and sexy.
I'm pretty sure you can't go wrong with the friends to lovers trope, coupled with the fake boyfriend setup. Justin and Sean have known each other for forever, and fortuitous circumstance has provided them with a perfect opportunity to perhaps take that next step. Oh how they circle around each other, wanting to make a move, too scared to make a move.
This went way beyond expectations with extra gooeyness, lovely pining UST, and excellent scorching smex. Another HEA Christmas win!!
I'm pretty sure you can't go wrong with the friends to lovers trope, coupled with the fake boyfriend setup. Justin and Sean have known each other for forever, and fortuitous circumstance has provided them with a perfect opportunity to perhaps take that next step. Oh how they circle around each other, wanting to make a move, too scared to make a move.
This went way beyond expectations with extra gooeyness, lovely pining UST, and excellent scorching smex. Another HEA Christmas win!!
November 18, 2015
*** 4.5 Stars ***
Friends to lovers, pretend boyfriend shenanigans, AND it’s a Christmas story?! I must have made Santa’s “nice” list this year! LOVED IT!
Friends to lovers, pretend boyfriend shenanigans, AND it’s a Christmas story?! I must have made Santa’s “nice” list this year! LOVED IT!
March 15, 2016
"He'd been blessed with a white Christmas in the company of the person he loved best in the world."
This was really very lovely. I love the fake boyfriend trope and I adore a friends to lovers trope and this had both. So WINNING!!
Sean and Justin were adorable, they were also ridiculously clueless. I mean seriously!!
But they were also HAWT as f**k!!
I so enjoyed the writing here, especially when it came to the sex. It wasn't just porn star nookie it felt more real. It was awkward at times, sweet at times and yeah, porn star worthy at times. It was a good mix I felt.
A few things felt unresolved for me but overall this was a very enjoyable addition to Christmas.
"I'm secure enough in my masculinity that I can indulge my love of pretty things. I'm sad for you that you have to prove yourself by living a life devoid of beauty."
This was really very lovely. I love the fake boyfriend trope and I adore a friends to lovers trope and this had both. So WINNING!!
Sean and Justin were adorable, they were also ridiculously clueless. I mean seriously!!
But they were also HAWT as f**k!!
I so enjoyed the writing here, especially when it came to the sex. It wasn't just porn star nookie it felt more real. It was awkward at times, sweet at times and yeah, porn star worthy at times. It was a good mix I felt.
A few things felt unresolved for me but overall this was a very enjoyable addition to Christmas.
"I'm secure enough in my masculinity that I can indulge my love of pretty things. I'm sad for you that you have to prove yourself by living a life devoid of beauty."
December 27, 2023
2,75 stars.
I wasn't really feeling any chemistry between the MCs who supposedly had been in love since they were teenagers. Being best friends both never had let the other know about their respective crushes, though. Justin had thought for a long time that Sean was straight, and Sean hadn’t risked coming out because of his homophobic father.
And later on Justin had always had one or another boyfriend (not so sure how I feel about that).
How Justin was for the first quarter of the book sorry that he wasn't anymore with his ex (who had cheated on him for months until 2 weeks ago when they broke up) was a bit disturbing, too (he just liked to be a part of a coupleyou know!).
The MCs hooked up at around 50% of the book, both know they are in love with the other, but... since the book otherwise would be too short the author needed to add chapters with them not comunicating and not touching each other. I'm not interested in reading further and quitting at 71% (because of the not comunicating, not the not touching, haha).
I wasn't really feeling any chemistry between the MCs who supposedly had been in love since they were teenagers. Being best friends both never had let the other know about their respective crushes, though. Justin had thought for a long time that Sean was straight, and Sean hadn’t risked coming out because of his homophobic father.
And later on Justin had always had one or another boyfriend (not so sure how I feel about that).
How Justin was for the first quarter of the book sorry that he wasn't anymore with his ex (who had cheated on him for months until 2 weeks ago when they broke up) was a bit disturbing, too (he just liked to be a part of a coupleyou know!).
The MCs hooked up at around 50% of the book, both know they are in love with the other, but... since the book otherwise would be too short the author needed to add chapters with them not comunicating and not touching each other. I'm not interested in reading further and quitting at 71% (because of the not comunicating, not the not touching, haha).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2016
3.5 Stars
Cute, fluffy, Christmashy.... A nice little snack overall.
Cute, fluffy, Christmashy.... A nice little snack overall.
December 15, 2015
4 Stars
This is just the type of Christmas tale that I want to read. It was a feel-good story, with just the right amount of romantic angst.
Justin and Sean have been friends since childhood and are finally reuniting after some months apart due to Sean's recent travel adventures. Both men are now openly gay and have been secretly harbouring long-term feelings for the other since they were teenagers. However, the timing was always off. For one, Justin believed Sean was straight until their college years, and even after Sean came out, Justin, being a serial monogamist, was always in one relationship or another.
When Sean returns from his travels, he stays with newly single Justin in his London flat. The two fall back into their easy friendship like they were never apart and when Justin needs to make his ex jealous at his upcoming work Christmas party, Sean offers himself up as fake-boyfriend.
Faking their feelings comes a little too easily for both men and soon enough the lines are blurred. It takes a lot of courage and honesty for both Justin and Sean to admit what they truly feel for one another, but the risk is worth the reward.
Justin and Sean were relatable characters - even though I found myself repeatably wanting to hit them both over their lack of communication, I still understood their hesitance and fear. Let's face it, it would be such a hard thing to express feelings of love to someone who is a life-long friend. I might get frustrated when reading this type of story, wanting so badly to have one or both characters to lay their feelings out for the other to see, but I totally get it, realistically speaking. What if the other person doesn't feel the same? What if they do but the romantic relationship doesn't pan out!? It's a risky game, but in this case the results were perfect!
You can't go wrong with a good friends-to-lovers story, featuring an awesome fake-boyfriends theme. Ho, ho, ho!
This is just the type of Christmas tale that I want to read. It was a feel-good story, with just the right amount of romantic angst.
Justin and Sean have been friends since childhood and are finally reuniting after some months apart due to Sean's recent travel adventures. Both men are now openly gay and have been secretly harbouring long-term feelings for the other since they were teenagers. However, the timing was always off. For one, Justin believed Sean was straight until their college years, and even after Sean came out, Justin, being a serial monogamist, was always in one relationship or another.
When Sean returns from his travels, he stays with newly single Justin in his London flat. The two fall back into their easy friendship like they were never apart and when Justin needs to make his ex jealous at his upcoming work Christmas party, Sean offers himself up as fake-boyfriend.
Faking their feelings comes a little too easily for both men and soon enough the lines are blurred. It takes a lot of courage and honesty for both Justin and Sean to admit what they truly feel for one another, but the risk is worth the reward.
Justin and Sean were relatable characters - even though I found myself repeatably wanting to hit them both over their lack of communication, I still understood their hesitance and fear. Let's face it, it would be such a hard thing to express feelings of love to someone who is a life-long friend. I might get frustrated when reading this type of story, wanting so badly to have one or both characters to lay their feelings out for the other to see, but I totally get it, realistically speaking. What if the other person doesn't feel the same? What if they do but the romantic relationship doesn't pan out!? It's a risky game, but in this case the results were perfect!
You can't go wrong with a good friends-to-lovers story, featuring an awesome fake-boyfriends theme. Ho, ho, ho!
November 30, 2019
DNF @ 44% and returned for a refund.
It's not like I haven't read worse -- I've read much, much worse. But this was like the Velveeta cheese of m/m romance. The sheer, staggering mediocrity of it broke my spirit. I resented having spent money on it. I wanted my 99 cents back.
It's not like I haven't read worse -- I've read much, much worse. But this was like the Velveeta cheese of m/m romance. The sheer, staggering mediocrity of it broke my spirit. I resented having spent money on it. I wanted my 99 cents back.
November 27, 2015
I expected this to be a bit more angsty, but I was glad it wasn’t.
Justin has been recently dumped by his boyfriend. His ex is going to be at the company Christmas party, with his new boyfriend, so Justin decided to bring his best friend Sean and pose as boyfriends.
Justin and Sean have been in love with each other since they were in their teens, but Sean was deeply in the closet until college and Justin had a boyfriend at that time, so it was never the time for them.
The Christmas party turns into a hot and heavy night, but both guys don’t know what to expect after that, so they try to keep it light.
I expected the ‘morning after’ to be awkward, but it wasn’t. Justin and Sean did hide their true feelings from each other for the most part, but at least they admitted to their attraction. I really liked that. No artificial angst due to lack of communication (only a little).
A great, low-angst holiday read.
Justin has been recently dumped by his boyfriend. His ex is going to be at the company Christmas party, with his new boyfriend, so Justin decided to bring his best friend Sean and pose as boyfriends.
Justin and Sean have been in love with each other since they were in their teens, but Sean was deeply in the closet until college and Justin had a boyfriend at that time, so it was never the time for them.
The Christmas party turns into a hot and heavy night, but both guys don’t know what to expect after that, so they try to keep it light.
I expected the ‘morning after’ to be awkward, but it wasn’t. Justin and Sean did hide their true feelings from each other for the most part, but at least they admitted to their attraction. I really liked that. No artificial angst due to lack of communication (only a little).
A great, low-angst holiday read.
December 18, 2016
What Happens at Christmas is a best friends to lovers story, what makes this one different for me is the best friends are Justin and Sean. I have not read a friends to lovers in M/M before.
Justin and Sean have secretly crushed on each other since high school. Justin came out in school but for Sean it took much longer and when he finally came out Justin had started seeing Andy and Sean was about to go travelling so nothing was said.
Now Sean is back in London on Justin's doorstep, Justin has dumped cheating Andy. They come up with a plan to be pretend boyfriends for Justin's works Christmas party to show Andy that he has moved on.
Will these two FINALLY admit to each other how they really feel and have a Merry Christmas?
I enjoyed everything about this story I loved Justin and Sean together and it was very Christmasy and HOT at times.
Justin and Sean have secretly crushed on each other since high school. Justin came out in school but for Sean it took much longer and when he finally came out Justin had started seeing Andy and Sean was about to go travelling so nothing was said.
Now Sean is back in London on Justin's doorstep, Justin has dumped cheating Andy. They come up with a plan to be pretend boyfriends for Justin's works Christmas party to show Andy that he has moved on.
Will these two FINALLY admit to each other how they really feel and have a Merry Christmas?
I enjoyed everything about this story I loved Justin and Sean together and it was very Christmasy and HOT at times.
December 13, 2023
Sweet friends to lovers Christmas read.
Justin and Sean are best friends since they were kids, each has a crush on the other since years but no one has the heart to admit it.
Justin, since recently single, doesn't want to go to his office Christmas party, because his ex will be there too. So when Sean only a few days before the party returns from a several months-long trip, they decide to pretend to be boyfriends during the event.
Of course they both enjoy the evening and also the night.
Still they need several more days and a snowstorm before they finally admit their feelings.
Justin and Sean are best friends since they were kids, each has a crush on the other since years but no one has the heart to admit it.
Justin, since recently single, doesn't want to go to his office Christmas party, because his ex will be there too. So when Sean only a few days before the party returns from a several months-long trip, they decide to pretend to be boyfriends during the event.
Of course they both enjoy the evening and also the night.
Still they need several more days and a snowstorm before they finally admit their feelings.
November 19, 2015
Review originally posted at Sinfully Gay Romance Book Reviews
4.5 stars
Jay Northcote really has a knack for writing stories with sweet young men you can’t help but love and want to see find their way to each other. Long-time friends to lovers, each having kept their crush on the other quiet for reasons that changed over the years, finally taking the chance. Yes, it’s been done before, but Jay Northcote has done it really well here with Justin and Sean, and the Christmas setting just adds to the cute and sweet factor.
The two MC’s grew up together and while Justin was out since they were young, Sean only came out fairly recently due to fear of his father’s reaction. Justin always believed he was crushing on his straight best friend, but Sean was crushing on him as well. After coming out Sean couldn’t find the right time to try to express his feelings; either Justin was dating someone or Sean was ready to leave on a nine month trip. Now he’s back, Justin is rid of his awful ex (who is also Justin’s co-worker) and Sean is going to pose as his fake boyfriend at the company Christmas party. That all goes better than expected, especially once they get home and get busy. The morning after both fear it will be awkward and can’t bear to have it affect their friendship. They also both want more, but are quiet as they secretly assess the other’s reaction. Take all these feelings, add in some snow, some snuggling, a couple of gibbons and some holiday magic and you’ve got a sexy, romantic and very sweet story.
It was so much fun to read the build up to them finally declaring their feelings. The men know each other well and are totally comfortable with each other as friends, it really shows during their “pretend boyfriend” times and serves to amp up the chemistry in each small touch and look. Once they have had a taste of what the next step in their relationship can be, the tension buzzing beneath the surface is palpable. The dual POV works, with insight into both their reasons for holding back, fears of an uncertain future and their worry that things will go horribly wrong if they finally voice their feelings.
If you love a good Holiday story, with a slow build, and a very worthwhile payoff, grab the hot chocolate and don’t miss this one.
4.5 stars
Jay Northcote really has a knack for writing stories with sweet young men you can’t help but love and want to see find their way to each other. Long-time friends to lovers, each having kept their crush on the other quiet for reasons that changed over the years, finally taking the chance. Yes, it’s been done before, but Jay Northcote has done it really well here with Justin and Sean, and the Christmas setting just adds to the cute and sweet factor.
The two MC’s grew up together and while Justin was out since they were young, Sean only came out fairly recently due to fear of his father’s reaction. Justin always believed he was crushing on his straight best friend, but Sean was crushing on him as well. After coming out Sean couldn’t find the right time to try to express his feelings; either Justin was dating someone or Sean was ready to leave on a nine month trip. Now he’s back, Justin is rid of his awful ex (who is also Justin’s co-worker) and Sean is going to pose as his fake boyfriend at the company Christmas party. That all goes better than expected, especially once they get home and get busy. The morning after both fear it will be awkward and can’t bear to have it affect their friendship. They also both want more, but are quiet as they secretly assess the other’s reaction. Take all these feelings, add in some snow, some snuggling, a couple of gibbons and some holiday magic and you’ve got a sexy, romantic and very sweet story.
It was so much fun to read the build up to them finally declaring their feelings. The men know each other well and are totally comfortable with each other as friends, it really shows during their “pretend boyfriend” times and serves to amp up the chemistry in each small touch and look. Once they have had a taste of what the next step in their relationship can be, the tension buzzing beneath the surface is palpable. The dual POV works, with insight into both their reasons for holding back, fears of an uncertain future and their worry that things will go horribly wrong if they finally voice their feelings.
If you love a good Holiday story, with a slow build, and a very worthwhile payoff, grab the hot chocolate and don’t miss this one.
November 19, 2016
Mark Steadman does a good job with the character voices and keeps a steady pace for the narration. My only complaint for the narration was I felt like he got a little heavy on pauses.
One of the things I felt that was needed to really get the narration right was the relationship between Justin and Sean and Steadman does well with both the external and internal dialogue.
The story was well written, and the characters well fleshed out...but damn the miscommunication bugged the hell out of me. This was 90% miscommunication but luckily, Northcote writes interesting characters, and it's such a short novella that there really wasn't a whole lot of time to get really annoyed.
Overall, it's a fun story with some pretty hot sexy times, good narration, easy flow, and a sweet HFN/HEA that put me right into a sweet holiday mood.
Audio copy of What Happens at Christmas provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
November 28, 2015
5 Stars
This swoon worthy friends to lovers book was PERFECT in every way! It was the best kind of holiday story, because it was that and so much more. I loved everything from the steam level to the just right amount of angst to the tenderness. This is my favorite Jay Northcote book!
This swoon worthy friends to lovers book was PERFECT in every way! It was the best kind of holiday story, because it was that and so much more. I loved everything from the steam level to the just right amount of angst to the tenderness. This is my favorite Jay Northcote book!
Want to read
October 30, 2015I'm a sucker for fake boyfriends. What can I say...
November 25, 2015
My first CHristmas read of the season. Great fun!
December 14, 2015
Super fluffy Christmas story!
November 25, 2015
Warm and fuzzy fluffy fluffiness. This book felt like a hug. I made the wise decision of reading this curled up in my favorite chair and blanket near my lit up Christmas tree. While drinking hot chocolate. You should too. It's kind of like drinking wine while watching Sideways.
That being said, this is such a sweet book. I have a soft spot for friends to lovers stories, and this is a good one. Sean and Justin have been best friends since they were teenagers. Justin's boyfriend broke his heart, and Sean is standing in as his pretend boyfriend at a company Christmas party. Yes, it's easy to predict how this story will go. Is the plot innovative and original? Of course not. But it's like putting on a pair of comfy pajamas.
This book is also a great remedy for an angst hangover. I tend to like my books either insanely emotional or light and sweet. This was a salve for wounds inflicted by my last read. It worked quite well. The writing is solid, the dialogue felt genuine, and the characters are lovable. What Happens at Christmas may not be deep or poignant, but damn if it doesn't feel good.
That being said, this is such a sweet book. I have a soft spot for friends to lovers stories, and this is a good one. Sean and Justin have been best friends since they were teenagers. Justin's boyfriend broke his heart, and Sean is standing in as his pretend boyfriend at a company Christmas party. Yes, it's easy to predict how this story will go. Is the plot innovative and original? Of course not. But it's like putting on a pair of comfy pajamas.
This book is also a great remedy for an angst hangover. I tend to like my books either insanely emotional or light and sweet. This was a salve for wounds inflicted by my last read. It worked quite well. The writing is solid, the dialogue felt genuine, and the characters are lovable. What Happens at Christmas may not be deep or poignant, but damn if it doesn't feel good.
December 8, 2015
Christmas BR with Marcie, Sonia and Paul (8th X-mas read 2015)
Lovely, fluffy British friends-to-lovers story!!
The guys were incredibley ignorant in their feelings towards each other, but very sweet!!
"This doesn't feel like pretending.This feels real."
"Yeah, It does to me too.
"I don't think I was ever pretending. Not really.
"I love you."
"I love you too."
"Like a friend?"
"Like boyfriend."
December 29, 2018
***** Awwww.... sweet, lighthearted, romantic, lovely tale of two friends who finally realize they really love each other. Sean and Justin have been friends since childhood and now are willing to be honest and open up about their mutual love for one another. It takes being stranded together at Christmas to bring out the reluctant feelings. Each was afraid to be rejected. We get deeply wonderful characters, very hot M/M sexiness, and a sweet well written tale.
Highly recommended!!! ENJOY !!!
Highly recommended!!! ENJOY !!!
December 3, 2015
2.5 stars
Meh.
For a novella this felt too long. I didn't feel the supposed sexual tension. Considering that I thought the climax would be the Christmas party, the built up was mundane, and the aftermath dragging. I LOVED friends to lovers theme, but I thought this was plain boring. Yawn.
On that note, I really think that maybe Northcote is not an author for me. Her stories are almost always fall into either my meh or nothing special category *shrugs*
Meh.
For a novella this felt too long. I didn't feel the supposed sexual tension. Considering that I thought the climax would be the Christmas party, the built up was mundane, and the aftermath dragging. I LOVED friends to lovers theme, but I thought this was plain boring. Yawn.
On that note, I really think that maybe Northcote is not an author for me. Her stories are almost always fall into either my meh or nothing special category *shrugs*
December 26, 2015
*** 3,5 sweeeet stars ***
A bit... flat, because nothing really happened, but the story was good. Cute, nice, sweet, fluffy. Take your pick! A fast, light, holiday read. A fantasticly written kissing scene. :)
Plus for UK setting. :)
~~~ gift from my Secret Santa Teo! ~~~
A bit... flat, because nothing really happened, but the story was good. Cute, nice, sweet, fluffy. Take your pick! A fast, light, holiday read. A fantasticly written kissing scene. :)
Plus for UK setting. :)
~~~ gift from my Secret Santa Teo! ~~~
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