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 … 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?
Length: 37,000 words
more
Audiobook review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
I loved this!
This is the first audiobook I’ve listened to by Mark Steadman and I really enjoyed his performance. The different voices he used for the characters made it easy to distinguish who’s talking. I also found his voice very easy to listen to and pleasing as well.
Friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes and Jay Northcote has written a really good one. There’s also a bit of fake boyfriends trope going on, too.
The time never seemed to be right for Justin and Sean to get together romantically but this year Christmas provides the perfect opportunity for them to change that.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
I read the ebook when it first came out, so listening to the audiobook now is like listening to a new story. I loved it. The writing portrays normality and is unashamedly British. Justin and Sean are both so down to earth and it makes a pleasant change to find a book with no angst.
Mark Steadman is just right for this audiobook. He narrates in a matter of fact manner, yet manages to bring Sean and Justin perfectly to life. 5 stars all round.
4.5 stars-
This was my favorite story within the Christmas Crackers collection. I enjoy fake relationships and the friends to lovers tropes, and this combined some great aspects from both. The chemistry, both physical and emotional, was apparent start to finish and I found all those warm fuzzies I look for in holiday romances.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3655367747
Friends-to-lovers, faking being boyfriends and snowed in together over Christmas. This book has everything going on for it for being the perfect Holyday read, just the right amount of sweetness, fun and steaminess to keep the balance.
Sean and Justin have been in love with each other for most of their lives, but the time has never been right to tell the other, so they’ve each kept their pining a secret. I loved how one crack at a time they finally let their walls crumble to finally get what they want, and how that is actually very easy and feels so right.
A lovely story, warm and cozy like a blanket in front of the fireplace.
Justin and Sean have been best friends since they were children, and have had the hots for each other for almost as long. The only problem is they’ve never told each other, and now they’ve decided to pretend to be boyfriends at a work Christmas party, to make Justin’s cheating ex jealous. I really enjoyed this friends-to-lovers story… these guys are sweet, randy, and surprisingly mature for their age… it’s a really fun novella-length listen with plenty of heat and very low angst. Mark Steadman’s characterizations are pleasant and his overall performance is top notch, and I would happily listen to him again.
it was a fun read. solid characters and i liked how even tho the author is british, there wasn’t a lot of british wors or slang that would confuse me while i read. and no i’m not going to dictionary.com them. if i have to do that then for get it.
I really liked the characters, I was hoping for them all the way!!
1