Monday, November 28, 2016

Book Review: A FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS by Jay Northcote

A Family For Christmas - Jay Northcote


Cover Design: Garrett Leigh
Release: November 18
Length: 45,000 words



Blurb

Zac never had a family of his own, but Rudy has enough to share.

Shy, inexperienced Rudy has a crush on Zac from the moment his new colleague walks through the door. On an office night out before Christmas, Rudy finds the courage to make a move, and they form a tentative bond. When he discovers Zac will be alone at Christmas, he invites Zac to come home with him.

Zac prefers to keep people at arm's length. Yet when Rudy offers him a family Christmas it's impossible to resist. With no parents of his own, Zac is pleasantly surprised to be welcomed by Rudy's. The only drawback is that everyone assumes they're a couple. Unwilling to disappoint Rudy's mum and make Christmas awkward, they decide not to deny it.

It's not a chore for Zac to pose as Rudy's boyfriend, but the pretence makes him want things that scare him-things like a real relationship with Rudy. Zac's suffered enough rejection in his life already and is afraid to risk his heart. If he can get over his past rejection and let Rudy inside his armour, he might get more for Christmas than he ever imagined.



Carra's Review

Sometimes, holiday romances can be run of the mill and cheesy.  But sometimes, they reach out and grab you and hug you tight…and that’s what A Family for Christmas did for me.  If you’re a holiday romance fan—particularly if you like the “fake boyfriend” trope—then this one is definitely a must-read.

Rudy was kind of adorable and innocent.  A bit shy when it comes to Zac, but still willing to put himself out there.  Zac was one of those characters who you just want to scoop up in your arms and make him feel safe and wanted.  His past is not what you’d want to see any kid go through, and as a result he’s closed himself off from feeling anything beyond friendship with anyone.  Thank goodness for sweet Rudy and his kooky family!

I loved how accepting and loving Rudy’s entire family was not just to Rudy, but to Zac as well.  Rudy’s mom sure put a smile on my face (and I want to know where I can get her apron!).  They all had Zac wanting what he thought he couldn’t have…even though it was right there waiting for him (just like Rudy).  The way Zac and Rudy are together feels natural and easy, and just RIGHT.  Even though the time period the story takes place in is not very long, nothing ever feels rushed between them.


A Family for Christmas is sweet and romantic, peppered with just a bit of spice, and gives you that heartwarming feeling once you’re done.  This one’s going to be on my annual holiday re-read list because I know it will put a smile on my face every time I read it.  4.5 stars from me, and while it’s not too naughty it does have enough to make this an 18+ read.  Sometimes tequila ends well…this is one of those times.  Cue the *happy sigh* ;-)



Author Bio

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. He has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and 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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