Two clashing colleagues stuck together for Christmas–will opposites eventually attract?Patrick has been single since he broke up with his cheating ex almost a year ago. With Christmas looming, he’s resigned to spending it alone with only memories of happier times for company. When a business trip with a co-worker leaves them stranded in the Lake District due to heavy snow, it seems Patrick will … seems Patrick will have company for Christmas after all. It’s a shame his companion is Kyle, who’s undeniably attractive, but annoying as hell.
Aware of Patrick’s reluctant admiration, Kyle basks in the attention even though Patrick isn’t the type of man he normally goes for. Averse to relationships after being hurt in the past, Kyle enjoys the occasional hook up, but has given up on seeking anything more meaningful.
Stuck together, their antagonism escalates along with a heavy dose of sexual tension until it finally ignites. What starts as a Christmas fling soon feels like something special; but will their tentative connection melt away as the snow thaws? If they’re going to take a chance on finding happiness together, they’ll have to put their differences aside and learn to trust one another.
Contains: enemies-to-lovers, snowball fights, bickering, spanking, a cute dog, a wise old lady, mistletoe, and a happy ending (of course).
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I’m usually a slow reader, but for some reason I devour Jay Northcote’s novels in a day or two. Stuck With You was no exception! A cozy, sexy read to get you into the holiday spirit.
*I received the copy in exchange for an honest review*
This year it’s my first Christmas season in queer romance fiction so I am quite behind when it comes to backlist books. And this one was pretty much my first Christmas read this year so it has a special spot because of this. The added fact that it is from my favourite author just makes it better.
This is a sweet story in general but also quite hot! I mean, what else is going to happen when two co-workers who can’t get along get stranded in a small village and stay in former pigsty which is now renovated but only has one bed?
Well, while sex is obviously there, there was also spanking! All consensual, of course, and I loved how Patrick was all careful about how Kyle was feeling, checking even during the roleplaying, and was quite attuned into Kyle’s reactions.
There is some angst, but it’s not really strong, and it’s resolved fairly quickly, so it only leaves the reader annoyed with both the characters, and especially Patrick, for a few pages.
BUT! My favourite part of the book actually had nothing to do with the main characters, spanking, or hot sex scenes. My favourite part was the old lady who let them stay in not-quite-finished place. Mrs Wilcox seemed like a bitter old lady at first but when she starts trusting the guys, she becomes that wonderful almost-grandma like type who we all need in our lives. She doesn’t let the guys to get shit between them, encouraging them to do the right thing.
Stuck with You is one of the Christmas stories I will keep rereading this season, and possibly longer (or at least next winter ), because it’s warm and fuzzy and sexy and just…amazing
This Christmas novella has an amazing frenimies to lovers plot with a dash of kink. Absolutely perfect holiday read!! I loved the stowed in trope and Mrs Wilcox.I love Kyle and Patrick together!! First time reading Jay Northcote and will definitely check out the rest of her books.
* ARC provided by the author
Christmas. Snow. Thrown together. Enemies to lovers. Spanking.
What’s not to like!
4.5 stars- I always have a soft spot for enemies-to-lovers romance. Write that trope into a holiday romance, and I was very excited for Stuck with You. Although this author regularly delivers for me, I have to admit I was still surprised at how much this book drew me in and left me smiling. Even if it’s been done before, I really liked the set-up of trapping together work colleagues who don’t see eye to eye thanks to an ill-timed snowstorm in England. The Lakes District made for a picturesque, cozy small town setting, perfect for that holiday snowed in feel and the characters offered sass, heat, and some sweet.
From the start, the author did an excellent job pitting Kyle and Patrick against one another while ensuring both men remained likable and accessible to the reader. I enjoyed the push and pull of their opposing personalities and simmering attraction, finding their differences unexpectedly complimentary as the book progressed. There was a good amount of banter between the men that kept things lively, giving the book an upbeat, sometimes brisk pace. Unfortunately, this tempo and the stranded set-up did mean the romance felt a bit like a whirlwind, with things progressing quickly from discord to lust to love. While that meant the relationship development was rushed, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment all that much and it was outweighed by the blistering physical chemistry between Kyle and Patrick. Despite the clear connection, the couple’s passion caught me a bit unawares. I guess I was just not expecting how much heat Stuck with You would contain, and even better, it was naturally sexy rather than forced. Overall, despite having a condensed romantic timeline, Stuck with You was a fun enemies-to-lovers holiday romance with a satisfying amount of depth and more than enough heat to warm you this winter.
*Reviewed for Alpha Book Club*
Patrick and Kyle
This book was so sweet. A perfect Christmas read! It’s an enemies to lovers, snowed in together story. Both MCs have past hurts that are making then hesitant. But when they come together HOT! There is even a bit of unexpected kink. Definitely add this book to your holiday reading list!