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Baby, it's Cold
Talk about Kitchen Nightmares! TV Chef Rocky and Foodie Blogger Jesse have been pals forever, so it should have been the most natural thing in the world to kick their relationship up a notch. Instead, it turned out to be a disaster. But Christmas is the season of love, and someone’s cooking up a sweet surprise…
(This story is also available in the COMFORT AND JOY anthology)
(This story is also available in the COMFORT AND JOY anthology)
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2014
8 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
225 books5,420 followersAuthor of 100+ titles of Gay Mystery and M/M Romance, Josh Lanyon has built her literary legacy on twisty mystery, kickass adventure, and unapologetic man-on-man romance.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
December 26, 2025
This was a very enjoyable story for how short it is.
It has some of my favourite things – second chance romance, a cabin in the woods/mountains, lots of snow, cooking and everything warm and cozy. I really liked Jesse and Rocky, they felt very familiar right from the start.
The beginning can feel a bit confusing when reading for the first time, but we learn everything about their past throughout the story.
Michael Ferraiuolo did a great job bringing both characters to life.
*********
Reread 12/2020: I enjoyed it just as much, if not more. And this time I read their Christmas Coda. Thank you, Elena! 😊
Reread 11/2021
Reread 12/2021
Reread 12/2022 One of my favourite comfort reads. I only wish it was longer.
Reread 12/2023
Reread 9/2024
Reread 12/2024
Reread 12/2025
It has some of my favourite things – second chance romance, a cabin in the woods/mountains, lots of snow, cooking and everything warm and cozy. I really liked Jesse and Rocky, they felt very familiar right from the start.
The beginning can feel a bit confusing when reading for the first time, but we learn everything about their past throughout the story.
Michael Ferraiuolo did a great job bringing both characters to life.
*********
Reread 12/2020: I enjoyed it just as much, if not more. And this time I read their Christmas Coda. Thank you, Elena! 😊
Reread 11/2021
Reread 12/2021
Reread 12/2022 One of my favourite comfort reads. I only wish it was longer.
Reread 12/2023
Reread 9/2024
Reread 12/2024
Reread 12/2025
December 21, 2014
2.5 stars. Review posted December 21, 2014
Option A
1 + 1 + 1 = 3
Option B
1 + 1 = 2
Baba, what would you like to choose? I take option B. Thank you. Thank you.
Baba, stop being so polite. Got it?
Though the writing was very good, I can't deny the fact that and the resolution came too late. And that Nice until I told myself we should get down to business. FINALLY. Well, and then I was kinda past caring. On the bright side, Rocky with his tattoos and piercings was hot as sin but funnily enough, that wasn't all that obvious. The author should have exploited Rocky's physical appeal much more. In my book, that was a lost opportunity to make something really great out of this short read. Also, there was not enough Ugh!
And Rocky telling Jesse It's careless and a nuisance. By the way, the novella provided the usual trademark Lanyon ending. Abrupt. What else is new?
Favorite quotes:
"Thanks. I appreciate it," I said. "But really. I've got to go. If I leave now I can still get back in time for Midnight Mass."
"When was the last time you went to mass?" Rocky demanded.
"I don't know. That's not the point."
Rocky said irritably, "Yes, it is. What the hell is with the sudden religious mania? Say an extra prayer tonight. Jesus will forgive you."
"Forget about the dishes," Rocky lifted the lid of the pan, sniffed deeply at the waft of garlic and wine, and turned off the heat. "Why don't you go sit by the fire and I'll bring you some chicken broth."
Rocky gave me a dark and unamused look.
"Well? Aren't I?"
"Or I could just hit you with this frying pan," Rocky said.
"I'll take the sofa and the soup."
"Good choice."
All in all not a bad read by any means but it's by far not among my faves by Josh Lanyon. There are better options to choose from. Just saying...
Option A
1 + 1 + 1 = 3
Option B
1 + 1 = 2
Baba, what would you like to choose? I take option B. Thank you. Thank you.
Baba, stop being so polite. Got it?
Though the writing was very good, I can't deny the fact that and the resolution came too late. And that Nice until I told myself we should get down to business. FINALLY. Well, and then I was kinda past caring. On the bright side, Rocky with his tattoos and piercings was hot as sin but funnily enough, that wasn't all that obvious. The author should have exploited Rocky's physical appeal much more. In my book, that was a lost opportunity to make something really great out of this short read. Also, there was not enough Ugh!
And Rocky telling Jesse It's careless and a nuisance. By the way, the novella provided the usual trademark Lanyon ending. Abrupt. What else is new?
Favorite quotes:
"Thanks. I appreciate it," I said. "But really. I've got to go. If I leave now I can still get back in time for Midnight Mass."
"When was the last time you went to mass?" Rocky demanded.
"I don't know. That's not the point."
Rocky said irritably, "Yes, it is. What the hell is with the sudden religious mania? Say an extra prayer tonight. Jesus will forgive you."
"Forget about the dishes," Rocky lifted the lid of the pan, sniffed deeply at the waft of garlic and wine, and turned off the heat. "Why don't you go sit by the fire and I'll bring you some chicken broth."
Rocky gave me a dark and unamused look.
"Well? Aren't I?"
"Or I could just hit you with this frying pan," Rocky said.
"I'll take the sofa and the soup."
"Good choice."
All in all not a bad read by any means but it's by far not among my faves by Josh Lanyon. There are better options to choose from. Just saying...
December 18, 2021
4 Stars
A less common Lanyon that doesn’t focus on a mystery or a dead body but rather exes and their volatile feelings towards each other.
Rocky and Jesse have been best friends since teens, and each has secretly loved the other for probably just as long. However, their recent try at turning said friendship into something more didn’t quite work out, and now Jesse is desperate for a Christmas reconciliation.
A pretty painful, thoughtful look at two souls perfect for the other but who were too scared they’d mess things up and unfortunately, did so anyways.
Of course, there’s a happy conclusion. Of course, this ends abruptly. Regardless of my frustration (which just indicates spot on writing), this was an angsty win that produced a satisfying laugh at the finale.
A less common Lanyon that doesn’t focus on a mystery or a dead body but rather exes and their volatile feelings towards each other.
Rocky and Jesse have been best friends since teens, and each has secretly loved the other for probably just as long. However, their recent try at turning said friendship into something more didn’t quite work out, and now Jesse is desperate for a Christmas reconciliation.
A pretty painful, thoughtful look at two souls perfect for the other but who were too scared they’d mess things up and unfortunately, did so anyways.
Of course, there’s a happy conclusion. Of course, this ends abruptly. Regardless of my frustration (which just indicates spot on writing), this was an angsty win that produced a satisfying laugh at the finale.
December 29, 2025
Reread 12/2025
Holiday comfort read that's isn't overflowing with sweetness and Christmas kitsch. Loved it.
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Read 12/2024
4,25 stars.
This was delightful, lovely and heart warming.
I love MCs who can admit they made mistakes.
Thanks Snjez for the rec ❤️
I'm sure I'll reread this little gem every winter.
Holiday comfort read that's isn't overflowing with sweetness and Christmas kitsch. Loved it.
-----
Read 12/2024
4,25 stars.
This was delightful, lovely and heart warming.
I love MCs who can admit they made mistakes.
Thanks Snjez for the rec ❤️
I'm sure I'll reread this little gem every winter.
March 10, 2016
Review written February 28, 2016
2 1/2 Stars - Pretty pale but a bit xmas'ish sweet
Once again was it time for a Josh Lanyon audiobook. This time a 2 hours Christmas novella well enough narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo. — Baby, it's Cold is my 37th book (novel, romance, crime fiction, short story, novella, serial part..) by JL and I'm sorry but this was actually poorly "meh'. There are so many to choose between, choose another one (and you will smile a lot more)
*********************************************
Baby, it's Cold is a story about the TV Chef Rocky and a former 'boyfriend/fling' Foodie Blogger Jesse. A surprise dinner sounded as a good idea. Or? There is also the agent with an eye for the popular Rocky. Three men in a small cabib - one to many?
A lot about making tasty food 'course...
This shorty was simply not good enough. Not to be written by my favorite writer in any case. Baby, it's Cold felt pale and pretty uninspiring. Yes, of course they kissed each other hot and HEA-like at last, but despite that didn't my usually so romantic heart starting to throb once. I never felt for this sweet story or these poor characters. — Though it worked well as simple audio entertainment, instead of a music radio channel, when I this evening frosted the freezer and cleaned up after the weekend in my kitchen.
Quickly done and probably (incredibly) quickly forgotten. Yes indeed, a master can not always be on top. Not even JL.
*********************************************
I LIKE - a tiny whiny bit
2 1/2 Stars - Pretty pale but a bit xmas'ish sweet
Once again was it time for a Josh Lanyon audiobook. This time a 2 hours Christmas novella well enough narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo. — Baby, it's Cold is my 37th book (novel, romance, crime fiction, short story, novella, serial part..) by JL and I'm sorry but this was actually poorly "meh'. There are so many to choose between, choose another one (and you will smile a lot more)
*********************************************
Baby, it's Cold is a story about the TV Chef Rocky and a former 'boyfriend/fling' Foodie Blogger Jesse. A surprise dinner sounded as a good idea. Or? There is also the agent with an eye for the popular Rocky. Three men in a small cabib - one to many?
A lot about making tasty food 'course...
This shorty was simply not good enough. Not to be written by my favorite writer in any case. Baby, it's Cold felt pale and pretty uninspiring. Yes, of course they kissed each other hot and HEA-like at last, but despite that didn't my usually so romantic heart starting to throb once. I never felt for this sweet story or these poor characters. — Though it worked well as simple audio entertainment, instead of a music radio channel, when I this evening frosted the freezer and cleaned up after the weekend in my kitchen.
Quickly done and probably (incredibly) quickly forgotten. Yes indeed, a master can not always be on top. Not even JL.
*********************************************
I LIKE - a tiny whiny bit
April 27, 2020
There are times when I let my cat on the balcony on a sunny morning, and he stretches out, as though elasticising his skin for maximum sunbathing. Then he sits there, lounging like an Egyptian princess in a Hollywood production flicking his tail as he is unimpressed by his surroundings. When suddenly, he rolls onto his back, curls himself into a ball and rolls over and over again. Making little chuffing noises that make me simultaneously heart eyed and worried. But one thing's for sure, I can see how much he's enjoying his rolling around on the sun baked warm floor.
I felt exactly like him rolling in the sun reading this book.
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I felt exactly like him rolling in the sun reading this book.
Pinterest 🌟 Blog 🌟 Twitter
December 5, 2024
Sweet goodness, Jesse made me cry. Such a heartbreaking book.
My first book by Josh Landon, and yes it was a good choice, even though the beginning was pretty confusing. But the writing style won me over and later the confusion cleared up nicely. In any case, it's an interesting way to tell this story.
And in addition to all the things that made me sob, there were also a few nice, funny ones.
“Right. But I don’t want to take a chance of getting snowed in. How will Santa know where to deliver my presents?”
Rocky chuckled. “Are you sure you’re not getting a lump of coal this year?”
“Now, you’re not supposed to tell. It ruins the surprise.” 🤭☃️🤭
My first book by Josh Landon, and yes it was a good choice, even though the beginning was pretty confusing. But the writing style won me over and later the confusion cleared up nicely. In any case, it's an interesting way to tell this story.
And in addition to all the things that made me sob, there were also a few nice, funny ones.
“Right. But I don’t want to take a chance of getting snowed in. How will Santa know where to deliver my presents?”
Rocky chuckled. “Are you sure you’re not getting a lump of coal this year?”
“Now, you’re not supposed to tell. It ruins the surprise.” 🤭☃️🤭
September 12, 2024
Rocky and Jesse have been friends for ages, but when they decided to take their friendship to a romance it didn't go so well. Now, things are tense in the aftermath of their relationship. We follow Jessie's perspective as he tries to stay friends with Rocky, while also still having romantic feelings for him.
I really enjoyed this second chance romance. In such a short page count, Lanyon managed to convey our couples complicated history and feelings. I loved the setting of a cosy snowed-in cabin. I only wish that the ending was longer, I wanted to spend more time with Rocky and Jesse!
I really enjoyed this second chance romance. In such a short page count, Lanyon managed to convey our couples complicated history and feelings. I loved the setting of a cosy snowed-in cabin. I only wish that the ending was longer, I wanted to spend more time with Rocky and Jesse!
December 19, 2023
Story: 3 stars
Audio: 4 stars
Good story, but didn’t like that there was no smut at all. 😟 Good narration overall 👍🏻👍🏻
Audio: 4 stars
Good story, but didn’t like that there was no smut at all. 😟 Good narration overall 👍🏻👍🏻
October 1, 2024
Short, well written, non-spicy, friends-to-lovers-second-chance-romance.
Josh Landon is really good at writing interesting characters, especially in longer books. This novella, while slightly older (is from 2014), didn’t disappoint in that regard either: it’s the story of Jesse, a food blogger/journalist, and Rocky, his best friend, a chef, who works for Jesse’s family.
It starts with Jesse surprising Rocky at his cabin in the woods, claiming that he’s been hired by a secret admirer to cook for them for a date. Because yes, he and Rocky were in a relationship a few months ago, but they broke up after a fight, and now Jesse wants to fix things. What he didn’t count upon: There is, in fact, a secret admirer who shows up at Rocky’s, too.
It’s… nice, with a touch of pine cones and Christmas. Good thing I listened to it while cooking, because there’s quite a bit of delicious food talk 😅 And while the story is well developed for such a short book, I missed a bit of steam.
Really good narration by Michael Ferraiuolo, although I had slight difficulties distinguishing Rocky and Jesse’s voices in dialogues - 3.5 stars rounded up because of it.
Josh Landon is really good at writing interesting characters, especially in longer books. This novella, while slightly older (is from 2014), didn’t disappoint in that regard either: it’s the story of Jesse, a food blogger/journalist, and Rocky, his best friend, a chef, who works for Jesse’s family.
It starts with Jesse surprising Rocky at his cabin in the woods, claiming that he’s been hired by a secret admirer to cook for them for a date. Because yes, he and Rocky were in a relationship a few months ago, but they broke up after a fight, and now Jesse wants to fix things. What he didn’t count upon: There is, in fact, a secret admirer who shows up at Rocky’s, too.
It’s… nice, with a touch of pine cones and Christmas. Good thing I listened to it while cooking, because there’s quite a bit of delicious food talk 😅 And while the story is well developed for such a short book, I missed a bit of steam.
Really good narration by Michael Ferraiuolo, although I had slight difficulties distinguishing Rocky and Jesse’s voices in dialogues - 3.5 stars rounded up because of it.
December 31, 2018
Story 3 stars
Narration 3.5 stars
The setting was lovely and I loved the MCs once they finally started talking, but it was too little too late. For most of the story they weren’t very likable, there was a lot of miscommunication and a feeling of bitterness in their interaction, not helped in the least by the presence of a secondary character whose only role was to make things more difficult for them. Like they needed any help at all on that front. Overall, I found the result pretty frustrating.
I wasn’t thrilled with the narrator at the beginning, but by end he’d grown on me.
On the other hand, I loved seeing Jesse and Rocky so comfortable with each other in their Christmas Coda. http://joshlanyon.blogspot.com/2015/1...
Narration 3.5 stars
The setting was lovely and I loved the MCs once they finally started talking, but it was too little too late. For most of the story they weren’t very likable, there was a lot of miscommunication and a feeling of bitterness in their interaction, not helped in the least by the presence of a secondary character whose only role was to make things more difficult for them. Like they needed any help at all on that front. Overall, I found the result pretty frustrating.
I wasn’t thrilled with the narrator at the beginning, but by end he’d grown on me.
On the other hand, I loved seeing Jesse and Rocky so comfortable with each other in their Christmas Coda. http://joshlanyon.blogspot.com/2015/1...
December 13, 2024
Super sweet second chance romance full of cozy winter vibes. I’m impressed that the author managed to pack so much complicated history, background and feelings into such a short story.
The ending was a little too abrupt for my taste, but maybe that’s just because I didn’t want it to end so soon at all.
Lovely little novella, thanks Snjez for the rec 🫶❄️
The ending was a little too abrupt for my taste, but maybe that’s just because I didn’t want it to end so soon at all.
Lovely little novella, thanks Snjez for the rec 🫶❄️
January 7, 2022
Cooking and no sex. Not my kind of story.
Too much focus on cooking (I honestly hate cooking), unlikeable characters (all of them), clichés, and no Christmas feels.
Too much focus on cooking (I honestly hate cooking), unlikeable characters (all of them), clichés, and no Christmas feels.
November 6, 2021
This is a short second chance Christmas romance novella by Josh Lanyon which surprisingly has no mystery plot. I was not in the mood for a holiday romance but a sweet Christmas romance sounded best when you are busy cleaning your house. 😂😂
There was some fluff and talk about Christmas dinner but turns out you can't expect too much sugary sweetness from JL.
Soon, both the MCs realized that they are behaving more like bitter exes than childhood friends.
Still, in 60 pages we get to see a lot about their relationship and issues around their breakup. So, the final reconciliation felt fully justified and not some holiday fluke.
There was some fluff and talk about Christmas dinner but turns out you can't expect too much sugary sweetness from JL.
Soon, both the MCs realized that they are behaving more like bitter exes than childhood friends.
Still, in 60 pages we get to see a lot about their relationship and issues around their breakup. So, the final reconciliation felt fully justified and not some holiday fluke.
December 14, 2014
Yep, liked this one too. I would have liked a little more resolution, because I still felt hurt at the end of this, but the emotion gripped me and the story was a quirky read.
:)
:)
December 19, 2024
Very cute and sweet novella. I do wish there was more.
September 17, 2019
3.5!!! Great holiday short narrated by Michael F about second chances. I loved how this revolves around food and I also loved how the tension built up in this one. Superb and realistic ending with an HFN!
December 29, 2014
Why have I put this book in the "cooking" shelf? Well, Jesse's dinner preparation was so thoroughly described that I had the impression that I was reading one of Jamie Oliver's cooking books. Sorry, but that's not what I want to read in romance novels.
Despite that, I really liked Jesse and Mr. Lanyon's writing was good as always, so this ended up being an okay read. Disappointing because I know he can do - and have done - better, but not bad.
Despite that, I really liked Jesse and Mr. Lanyon's writing was good as always, so this ended up being an okay read. Disappointing because I know he can do - and have done - better, but not bad.
December 16, 2020
Very cute story with relationship angst. Until the end. I'm used to Lanyon's abrupt endings, but this one was worse.
October 30, 2019
3 stars for the narrator. I did not like the voice he chose to do for Rocko.
2 stars for the story. The romance was definitely not there. It was a story about working for a second chance in a relationship. Problem with that is the "couple" spent too much time fighting and being apart for me to see why they should even be together.
2 stars for the story. The romance was definitely not there. It was a story about working for a second chance in a relationship. Problem with that is the "couple" spent too much time fighting and being apart for me to see why they should even be together.
December 9, 2014
Oh, this is funny. In parts. In the beginning…
… the set-up, the snarky banter, what Jesse is hoping to achieve with his master plan. He comes from a family of chefs, has some skills of his own, and maybe making a romantic dinner for his ex-lover, Rocky, will do the trick. Food for comfort. Delicious food… After a disastrous breakup, maybe he can make things right again with Rocky. It helps that Rocky’s cabin up in the mountains is isolated, holds romantic memories of better times, and may be the perfect place for that romantic dinner.
Until things don’t go to plan. And a snow storm hits.
Getting snowed in during a winter blizzard is a very useful and popular plot device in the holiday romance genre. Enforced togetherness. With the elements in a frenzy outside, it’s warm and cozy and conducive to extracurriculars inside. But what if the gig gets crashed by an unwanted guest and the plan goes up in smoke? When nature gets in the way of his plans, in more ways than one, Jesse feels like he’s really left out in the cold.
I said funny in parts. But the part where we find out what really dogs Jesse, why he set fire to his budding romance with Rocky in the first place… that part hits close to home for me, makes my heart hurt. Baby, It’s Cold is an interesting mix of humor and hurt and not at all your typical holiday bit ’o fluff.
I think not being privy to Rocky and Jesse’s early relationship, when things were going well, is distancing. While I liked the unusual set-up of the story, I really couldn’t see how things could work out for them. I’m not even convinced by the final page that it really can. I dunno… that ending leaves me hanging with all these unresolved feelings…
Baby, It’s Cold is part of the Comfort and Joy holiday anthology.
February 24, 2024
I immediately got sucked in and listend to it non stop. Perfect Josh Lanyon. Two friends turned lovers. Then broke up and now - perhaps- back to friends again... or something more. This was a little angsty but just the perfect amount. Take place during christmas but that was more of a christmas tree in the background so I would hardly call i a xmas novella. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 31, 2014
A second chance Christmas story. Also, the frontrunner for the creepiest romance cover - ever.
Two months ago Jesse and Rocky's relationship ended because of jealousy.
Jesse is trying to make things right by coming to Rocky's cabin and cooking a nice Christmas meal for him. The problem is he isn't the only one who has decided to make his move this Christmas.
I so wanted Louis to get a hint and leave sooner. Thanks to him, the ending is abrupt.
Two months ago Jesse and Rocky's relationship ended because of jealousy.
Jesse is trying to make things right by coming to Rocky's cabin and cooking a nice Christmas meal for him. The problem is he isn't the only one who has decided to make his move this Christmas.
I so wanted Louis to get a hint and leave sooner. Thanks to him, the ending is abrupt.
January 11, 2016
First BIG thanks to the secret gifter - I really wanted to read this and was thrilled to receive it. It was a lovely surprise when it turned up in my account. Makes me wish I could give this all the stars.
--
The writing is good, it's easy reading and there was no question of not finishing it.
Unfortunately the characters are unlikeable, uninteresting and all the way through I was thinking they were better off apart.
At the start I felt dropped in the middle of a story. For a short story there is too much focus on cooking - handy book if you're perfecting your Tiramisu or fancying a Rhubarb Bellini.
Then we have Rocky apparently the bad-guy made good with ink and piercings. His character isn't developed when the piercings were mentioned a second time I'd forgotten about them. Didn't get any other visuals except that there was a Christmas tree in one room. The narrator is hapless, jealous, annoying Jesse. In the middle of this is Louis trying to cause some tension.
They explore their faults - so not endearing. Rocky switches from 'it was all just fun' to 'I love you' they both fill with tears then (hopefully) stop sneezing to have sex. 'I love you' can be a wonderful phrase but it needs to have meaning, here it was used as magic. No discussion of doing things differently just 'I love you' and sex.
I give them a week!
But I did learn that: 'Nothing hurts like indifference' in the context of it's better to grow up getting beaten by your dad!
Lanyon Indifference is horrible, it can be joined with neglect - not the case here, he has a strong loving mother and whoever the hell the oft mentioned Poppy is. - Indifference can mess up your emotions leave you insecure, unable to attach, and so on. It scars your heart.
But fists and feet? Those can kill you! They do kill. It means a living in fear.
If Rocky had responded with a punch to Jesse's face; broken his nose, shattered a rib or two - who honestly believes that it would be better than indifference? Get help. Now!
I found that attitude especially given the context extremely ignorant.
--
Also cover crime. It's presumably intended as a man with a cold. It looks like a man holding an axe behind his back about to reign down unholy vengeance and gore. Do not open your door to him. Check the locks and phone the police!
--
The writing is good, it's easy reading and there was no question of not finishing it.
Unfortunately the characters are unlikeable, uninteresting and all the way through I was thinking they were better off apart.
At the start I felt dropped in the middle of a story. For a short story there is too much focus on cooking - handy book if you're perfecting your Tiramisu or fancying a Rhubarb Bellini.
Then we have Rocky apparently the bad-guy made good with ink and piercings. His character isn't developed when the piercings were mentioned a second time I'd forgotten about them. Didn't get any other visuals except that there was a Christmas tree in one room. The narrator is hapless, jealous, annoying Jesse. In the middle of this is Louis trying to cause some tension.
They explore their faults - so not endearing. Rocky switches from 'it was all just fun' to 'I love you' they both fill with tears then (hopefully) stop sneezing to have sex. 'I love you' can be a wonderful phrase but it needs to have meaning, here it was used as magic. No discussion of doing things differently just 'I love you' and sex.
I give them a week!
But I did learn that: 'Nothing hurts like indifference' in the context of it's better to grow up getting beaten by your dad!
Lanyon Indifference is horrible, it can be joined with neglect - not the case here, he has a strong loving mother and whoever the hell the oft mentioned Poppy is. - Indifference can mess up your emotions leave you insecure, unable to attach, and so on. It scars your heart.
But fists and feet? Those can kill you! They do kill. It means a living in fear.
If Rocky had responded with a punch to Jesse's face; broken his nose, shattered a rib or two - who honestly believes that it would be better than indifference? Get help. Now!
I found that attitude especially given the context extremely ignorant.
--
Also cover crime. It's presumably intended as a man with a cold. It looks like a man holding an axe behind his back about to reign down unholy vengeance and gore. Do not open your door to him. Check the locks and phone the police!
January 5, 2016
The Christmas story I’ve been waiting for! I’m amazed at how this happens every single time with Josh Lanyon’s writing, how it makes my heart soar with so much emotion it's hard to breathe sometimes. A sweet heart-squeezer, this story made me laugh and smile and tear up and then laugh again. I love the premise of the story, fresh and unexpected, and Jesse’s courage won me over immediately, and again throughout the story. The way the cooking ties in with Jesse’s emotional state is brilliantly done! I also appreciated the fact that the supporting character, Louis, is actually not a bad guy, and that he cares, which was really nice. It left me wanting to see him happy as well. The way the interaction between the MCs and Louis is rendered is elegant and mature, rare and welcome qualities. So here’s to Rocky and Jesse, a couple I enjoyed getting to know and about whom I’d like to read more in the future. They feel like friends already. Baby, it’s Cold goes to the top of my comfort (re)reads list. Thank you, Josh!
Audiobook version highly recommended as well.
Audiobook version highly recommended as well.
January 9, 2017
What begins as a terrible plan at a second chance, just gets worse and worse.
It also reminded me of why I don't like to cook.
Very cute!
It also reminded me of why I don't like to cook.
Very cute!
December 26, 2023
I thought this was a very effective novella. Lots going on here, but the author allowed each character room to breathe and be their own person. It was definitely fast paced, and I would have really liked more information on the MC's past relationship, but it worked for me. I'd love to read more from this author.
November 19, 2021
I wish the ending had been a little bit more, showing Jesse taking care of a sick Rocky. 🥰
Not the best holiday romance, but enjoyable. Not enough snuggle time!! 3 stars
Not the best holiday romance, but enjoyable. Not enough snuggle time!! 3 stars
December 22, 2014
Jesse turns up to cook for Rocky a TV cook show star for him and his manager. It should have been Jesse’s grandfather but this is just a plan to try and win Rocky back. Jesse and Rocky have known each other for a long time and have a shared history, from friends to lovers. the lovers period didn’t last long and although good was a bit of a disaster. However, Jesse doesn’t want to give up. So he tries to eat humble pie and cooks for Rocky and his manager who he thinks are now together.
So we have a cabin in the middle of the mountains all decorated for Christmas a perfect setting really except for the very tension in the air. Jesse has a plan, he just wants to talk to Rocky and try and win him back. However, I must admit that Jesse did come across to me as being a bit of a drama queen so no wonder Rocky left, although he is by far not perfect either. I really liked the whole setting and scenario. Sometimes the story read a little like a cook show and I felt I could run into the kitchen and try out most of the things that Jesse served up by the end. However, Jesse comes down with the flu and due to bad weather ends up staying the night. This gives them time to talk things out. This was a story about finding forgiveness, about realising that no one is perfect and if you can just talk a solution can nearly always be found. Just the sort of thing for the holiday a mini friends to lovers to enemies and back to lovers. It’s Christmas and these guys have really gone full circle with their relationship.
So we have a cabin in the middle of the mountains all decorated for Christmas a perfect setting really except for the very tension in the air. Jesse has a plan, he just wants to talk to Rocky and try and win him back. However, I must admit that Jesse did come across to me as being a bit of a drama queen so no wonder Rocky left, although he is by far not perfect either. I really liked the whole setting and scenario. Sometimes the story read a little like a cook show and I felt I could run into the kitchen and try out most of the things that Jesse served up by the end. However, Jesse comes down with the flu and due to bad weather ends up staying the night. This gives them time to talk things out. This was a story about finding forgiveness, about realising that no one is perfect and if you can just talk a solution can nearly always be found. Just the sort of thing for the holiday a mini friends to lovers to enemies and back to lovers. It’s Christmas and these guys have really gone full circle with their relationship.
December 22, 2021
3.5 rounded up
I've read a lot of Lanyon and I generally know what to expect going into their books--the good and the bad--so I went into this prepared for a brilliant and hurty read with an abrupt ending and not enough resolution for my personal preferences, and that is exactly what I got. The concept was a little odd/confusing, with Jesse showing up at his ex's cabin in the woods to cook him a fancy dinner because "a secret admirer is going to show up to go on a date with you" ??? It's played off as ridiculous in the book as well, but it was honestly so confusing and odd that I found it distracted from the main story. The characters were lovely, and I really felt for both of them hurting for the relationship that didn't quite take off the way they wanted. There's a lot here packed into 60 pages, and it's all played perfectly for me, right up until the end. There *is* resolution here, and it's no completely unsatisfying, but it didn't quite go far enough for me personally and didn't leave me feeling totally ~finished~. But this is a common issue for me personally with Lanyon's books, and clearly plenty of people find them great as they are! To be clear, I keep coming back to Lanyon's works despite their endings because I generally really enjoy every other aspect, and I imagine I'll keep picking their books up as long as they're writing them!
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Free copy received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've read a lot of Lanyon and I generally know what to expect going into their books--the good and the bad--so I went into this prepared for a brilliant and hurty read with an abrupt ending and not enough resolution for my personal preferences, and that is exactly what I got. The concept was a little odd/confusing, with Jesse showing up at his ex's cabin in the woods to cook him a fancy dinner because "a secret admirer is going to show up to go on a date with you" ??? It's played off as ridiculous in the book as well, but it was honestly so confusing and odd that I found it distracted from the main story. The characters were lovely, and I really felt for both of them hurting for the relationship that didn't quite take off the way they wanted. There's a lot here packed into 60 pages, and it's all played perfectly for me, right up until the end. There *is* resolution here, and it's no completely unsatisfying, but it didn't quite go far enough for me personally and didn't leave me feeling totally ~finished~. But this is a common issue for me personally with Lanyon's books, and clearly plenty of people find them great as they are! To be clear, I keep coming back to Lanyon's works despite their endings because I generally really enjoy every other aspect, and I imagine I'll keep picking their books up as long as they're writing them!
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Free copy received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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