Two characters with opposite dispositions and an outlook on life that could not be more different are at the center of this delightful Christmas story. Noah is gruff, unapproachable (or so he likes to make people think), and despises emotions - yet he is also dedicated to his family in a quiet and understated way. Riley is all sunshine and warmth, a natural people person – but he has no family of his own after they rejected him because he is gay. When the two of them meet at Noah’s family’s annual Christmas reunion/retreat, anything could happen and none of it is going to be simple.

Noah is used to his sister bringing a stranger along to the two-week family Christmas extravaganza in their house on the lake, but what he does not expect is for this stranger to be attractive, friendly, and not the usual “drifter” type at all. Noah finds himself drawn to Riley from the start, but he has no intention of giving in. His experience with relationships is dismal, everyone always runs as soon as they realize Noah really is as socially inept as he seems. And while Noah would never admit this, he has a soft inner core and hurts as much as anyone else when he is rejected.

Riley works hard to make his catering business a success, and since his family rejected him when he came out to them, he has not had a family Christmas in years. So when his friend invites him to come along to join hers, he decides he deserves a Christmas off for once, and comes with her. Nothing could have prepared him for the chaos, many new faces, and sheer warmth of Noah’s family. But the one man who interests him most is Noah, gruff exterior or not. Riley is drawn to him, and in his quiet, unassuming way, he begins to help Noah realize that attraction and feelings may be a lot simpler than he thought.

If you like emotionally withdrawn men and watching them come out of their shell when the right guy comes along, if you want to see how a large family can affect even strangers, and if you’re looking for a read full of Christmas traditions, warmth, and a wonderfully quiet, yet passionate romance, then you will probably like this novella.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
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