Yani Nicolaou is sworn off love for good. After fleeing a bad break-up in London, the only blood, sweat, and tears he has left are for his gyro stall at the Christmas market. Rebound fling? No thanks. He’s sticking to one-night-stands.Ex-army vet Gavin Richie has even less capacity for romance. Managing a homeless shelter while recovering from injury keeps him far too busy. So what if he’s often … he’s often alone? He’s content being single, or so he thinks until a chance meeting lights a spark he can’t ignore.
Yani is the warmth and affection Gavin hadn’t known he was missing. As Christmas lights up the city, their lives entwine in more ways than one. Falling for each other is easy. Holding on is harder, unless a hometown Christmas proves their love can last longer than the festive season.
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Loved Yani and Gavin!
Absolutely loved this story. Two somewhat damaged men slowly work their way into love.
Yani has moved to Leeds from London after a bad break up. He is forging ahead with his own business creating delicious works of Greek food at a stall in the food court. ( ok thats not the word but general idea is food court). He’s sworn off relationships, has some trust issues, and a side of OCD to go with it. But something about Gavin makes Yani want to keep trying for more than just a one nighter.
Gavin runs a soup kitchen/homeless shelter. He is a medically retired soldier with PTSD. He first noticed Yani at a coffee place, then Yani was volun-told into cooking dinner for the homeless and showed up at Gavin shelter.
I loved the characters and the way they worked through their issues together. Great story.
This was a wonderful holiday read and I absolutely loved meeting Wedge again 🙂
Both men have their own struggles with mental health and life challenges. It was wonderful to see see the realistic dance at finding how they fit.
Audiobook review:
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Overall – 5
Wonderfully British; a beautiful story.
I read Hometown Christmas when it came out as an ebook a year ago and I loved it. Some of the comments I made at that time don’t exactly apply to the audiobook but I still think they’re pertinent. I love books that challenge me in different ways. Hometown Christmas is one of those books. It has a lot of new-to-me British terms/slang and I loved it. I will admit, though, that I’m very happy I first read it on a device that makes it super easy to look stuff up while I’m reading. While I got the gist of most words as they were used in context during the story, I love being able to really know what a particular term means.
It’s kind of funny, I didn’t really think of this so much as a Christmas story. Christmas is there but not until near the end of the book and that was fine with me. The story is more about two men, kind of broken in different ways, coming together and creating a relationship that worked for them.
Gavin is former military, discharged due to a serious injury, and he can’t talk about a lot of his life. Yani is a cook who has his own stall in a market where he sells Greek food. He has OCD and has to fight to keep it from controlling him.
Both Gavin and Yani are a bit gun shy when it comes to relationships. They first get together as a one-off then become friends. Because of his last failed relationship, it takes Yani a bit of time to accept the fact that what he and Gavin have is more than just a fling. Gavin’s infinite patience, and understanding of Yani’s OCD, pays off and Yani finally accepts that he’s in love with Gavin.
Dan Calley did another great job with his performance of this story and I know I’ll be listening to more books that he performs.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
Hometown Christmas by Garrett Leigh is a contemporary holiday M/M romance. Yani and Gavin’s lovestory is one of instant attraction, sweet connection, and sexy interaction. There is hurt and comfort and some big emotion and topics in these pages. I found the story well written, entertaining, and enjoyable…with characters that maybe flawed but are for sure endearing. Dan Calley does a great job as Narrator and it is a fantastic performance of voicework and clear recording work. Very enjoyable listen.
Will they find love in time for Christmas? (an audio review)
I’m not a huge Christmas fan but a really good holiday romance has been known to put me in the mood. This was one of those books. Probably because Yani has sworn off love. He’s got a stall at the local market where he sells Greek food and he’s popular. He’s got friends and acquaintances and has no need for anyone else. Then he meets Gavin. Gavin who is even less looking for love. He’s recently out of the military with a whole bunch of problems and has taken a job at a homeless shelter. Helping the less fortunate. But when they are short a cook one night, Yani comes to the rescue.
Suddenly both men are facing someone they can be attracted to. Someone they might want to hook-up with. Someone to occupy their time before Christmas arrives.
Except hooking up isn’t enough. They like spending time with each other. They’re there to support each other – Yani as he faces the loneliness of not being with his family and Gavin as he deals with what he endured in the military. When one is imperiled, the other is there to rescue. In the process, they realize they’ve become more than just f-buddies.
So this is a Garrett Leigh book and there are characters with mental illnesses but they the illnesses don’t define them. It just is. I like that about her writing. Real characters who could be people I know in my life. My only complaint is the men are smokers. And I get that it’s an addiction and it might suit the characters but, in this day and age, it just hits me the wrong way. I want these characters to have nice healthy long lives. Just sayin’
Another great book narrated by the wonderful Dan Calley. He and Ms. Leigh make magic and it makes me almost – almost – get into the Christmas spirit. Well done.
I was given a free audio copy from the author and the GRR arc team for review.
3.5
I wouldn’t call this a holiday book. It’s just a book that happens to take place in December. The main focus is on a shelter and just being able to keep the doors open and feed the homeless. So if you’re not really a holiday read kinda person this one would read like any other story.
Also, the write up here says friends to lovers. When I hear that I think about friendships already made. This was rather 2 strangers that are forced to be around each other lots while they volunteer which leads to them bonding, which leads to them starting to “hook up”. Both men don’t want more and struggle with their own problems from pasts events and mental health that lead them to push others away.
I struggled with what to rate this book. I would give it a 3 stars for content. Not alot happens and it’s mostly repetitive. Them serving food and chatting. However I would say 4 stars for the Characters. They had great chemisty and so much in common even though it doesn’t really seem like on the outside. Both characters were sweet and loveable. I empathized for their hardships, esp Gavin who is a injured ex veteran. There’s lots of mutual hurt/comfort and I loved hearing their bond grow. It was well written and very sweet and heartwarming. I just wish it was a bit more eventful.
I would rate the narrator a 4. His voice/accent was pleasant and he kept a good pace. You could hear the different emotions. However, it was mostly the same voice for the 2 main characters and dialogue and a few times I kinda drifted from lack of enthusiasm but that was prob more due to not much happening in the plot.
Hometown Christmas is the first book I read by Garrett Leigh, and I really enjoyed her writing. The story is sweet and oozes Christmas but it also touches on mental health topics in a very clever and elegant way. So even if the book revolves around a lighter topic like the holidays, the author managed to make it even more realistic and of importance.
Both Yani and Gavin are deep and well-constructed characters, who are flawed and face real issues. Yet, it’s a story that makes you smile and filled with detailed descriptions of food and aromas. And this is another big component of the novella: the food as the thread that connects the story and the characters.
Let me state at the beginning that it was not a bad story. There were a lot of good points about it, starting with really interesting characters.
That being said though, I had a hard time getting into the book. First reason for that was the choppy narration. I felt it was really chaotic at times. Second – the chemistry between characters. I did not fell it to be honest. It all felt a bit removed and the narration style did not carry the emotions I would have expected.
I really like Garrett Leigh and their stories, but this one will not be a favorite of mine.
This is a great story of two men who turn an immediate attraction into a lovely slow burn romance. Yani and Gavin are well written characters who are complex and relatable. They both have issues they are working on. Gavin’s experience with PTSD helps him to be patient and steady for Yani as Yani works through his own OCD. I love the conversations, the building of trust, and the connection here. These men are so good for each other, and I love them together.
This is a perfect example of how a Christmas story should be. It is a reminder that we are more than the battles we fight inside ourselves, more than the physical scars we carry, and more than what we see of ourselves.
This book was a beautiful story of two strong, yet vulnerable men. They’ve both closed themselves off from the world, in an effort to protect themselves. Yet, somehow they SEE each other. This is their journey towards love, love for themselves and for each other. They are complicated and messy, yet stubborn and loyal. Their journey involves a slow burn, but the chemistry is white hot. You can feel it through the page.
I love how Garrett Leigh writes a lot of stand alone books, yet still connects them to one or more of her previous books, or even sets things up for future books. I haven’t read the two other books that include Gavin, and only one of the books Yani is from. Some previous characters, from Gavin’s life, pop in for a visit. For those who’ve read them, it will be fun seeing them again. For those of us who haven’t, it may be just what we need to dive into the other books. I know I’m intrigued.
This was a fun, low to medium angst, and well written story. I loved Gavin and Yani. How could you not?
***I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
What a great way to start my Christmas romance reading for the year! The story of Yani and Gavin has an age gap, two men who have given up on love finding it in a most unexpected place, the use of the homeless shelter and the food market as settings is perfect. Leeds is a nice change from the typical London setting and I want to know more about it.
The characters in this story make you believe in the power of the human spirit. And the power of our need for closeness and love. They have suffered pain in the past but are strong enough to take the chance on love again. Not only that, but they devote much of their lives helping others in need.
They have friends and family that serve as models of ‘what could be’ as well as sounding boards. The holiday season is indeed a special time of year!
Two flawed men, finding peace and happiness together.
I love Garrett Leigh’s writing style, a bit rough, and scratching. You don’t expect fluff from her books, but real characters, with all their faults, baggage, and problems. And this is exactly what you have in Hometown Christmas, too. Gavin and Yani are two scarred characters, both having some sort of mental condition and none looking for a relationship.
Gavin may be the one who let go of his reserve faster, but I loved that, as soon as Yani asks him to take a step back, he complies immediately, without pressuring him, but without disappearing either, he just stands on the side, a quiet but strong and reassuring presence, ready to give more whenever Yani is ready.
Wow! Fantastic! I picked it up and did not put it down!! I fell in love with Yani and Gavin!! Yani is dealing with OCD and Gavin with PTSD. Gavin is ex-military and now is working at a homeless shelter. Yani has moved to Leeds and is running his own food truck. They come together to feed the homeless. Two flawed men that were perfect for each other. I loved the flow in this story, it didn’t feel rushed. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
4.5 stars! Yani and Gavin both have scars and trust is a problem. They each deal with mental health needs and I was impressed with how they addressed them. No judgment, no hiding; just acknowledgment and acceptance. I liked that Yani expressed his need to slow down and Gavin immediately complied without pressuring him. Gavin’s recognition that he loves Yani doesn’t even make him pause. Yani takes a bit longer to acknowledge it but it’s there all the same.
These two make appearances in other stories before they meet. Gavin (aka. Wedge) in Between Ghosts and Soul to Keep. Yani in Misfits and Strays.
Audiobook: excellent narrator
I don’t know that anyone does an interconnected universe of standalones better than Miss Leigh. Hometown Christmas features secondary characters from a few different series but absolutely works as a standalone.
I loved the steady rhythm to this story of two wounded souls who found support and understanding in one another. I also appreciated the author’s approach to Gavin’s PTSD and Yani’s OCD. Neither was trivialized, nor were they the overwhelming focus of the story, instead they were treated as personality characteristics, and the characters get to show their strength and resolve to live full lives while managing their disorders. The romance between Yani and Gavin had plenty of heat, but also carried a slow burn element, and I enjoyed watching the characters dance closer and closer to one another while revealing themselves and building trust and chemistry. Though Hometown Christmas is framed around the holidays, I wouldn’t consider it holiday centric and think it’s definitely a story that can be enjoyed year round.
4.5 Stars
This is pretty much the perfect Christmas story. It’s not all tinsel and baubles, it’s more low key twinkling lights because it’s not all about Christmas. It’s a story that happens to take place in the run-up to Christmas.
Once again Garrett Leigh has created two highly likable men. There’s a grittiness about it because Gavin and Yani have their problems, they haven’t exactly walked in a straight line. Both men’s issues felt real and the Author tackled them extremely well.
Their first encounter was everything! That moment when you lock eyes with someone and the attraction is all-consuming. I could totally picture them standing in that coffee shop just staring at each other.
I was so happy to get another story by her set in the North of England. Leeds has become a kind of second home to me and I could picture vividly the Christmas market where Yani had his food stall.
Highly recommended! You’ll fall in love with Gavin and Yani, I’m sure!
DBO~Review by Judith~
I loved this story. It’s got a lovely Christmas vibe but it’s not overly sweet. Set partially in a homeless shelter over Christmas it doesn’t shy away from the reality of that situation, nor does it hide from the mental stresses of the MCs. But it didn’t have the angst that can often be found in this author’s books.
I love the way this author writes their MCs. Both guys have depth, and a past that makes them interesting. I loved Gavin especially.
Warning: Don’t read when hungry. I craved gyros and ginger cake while reading.
This book left me with a rumbling tummy and a huge smile.
Highly recommended.