‘Tis the night before the night before Christmas and there’s only one Bright Light Beauty Shoppe left in all of Connecticut. When Mitch and Jackson make a simultaneous grab for it, they make a connection that goes deeper than a brush of hands over a gaudy pink-and-purple box. Mitch is shopping for his youngest sister, who he hasn’t seen since he came out to his parents a year and a half ago. This will be his first Christmas back with the family he’s not sure he can forgive. Jackson is shopping for a new boyfriend. No! Bad Jackson. He’s supposed to be on a relationship break. His ex-boyfriend only moved out a month ago and his best friend tells him he’s too quick to jump into commitments. The plan is to enjoy some uncommitted sex, so why not enjoy it with Mitch? As the final days of Christmas count down, Mitch and Jackson find that all they have to do to get everything they want this year is give love a chance. Giving Chances is an M/M standalone Christmas novella with a happy ending.
Tanya writes in a variety of romantic and erotic genres, being an avid follower of many of these genres herself. Some of her favorites are M/M romance, MFM threesomes, and BDSM with male submissives.
Tanya lives in New England with her boyfriend and her cat and has participated in many of the activities about which she writes, but not all of them. It's left to the reader to decide which are which.
There's nothing wrong with this; it's just not for me. Any character whose highest aspiration in life is to couple up and settle down is a character I'll find intrinsically boring. What engages me as a reader is watching characters fall in love despite themselves -- not because they're primed and ready for the first eligible candidate to come along so they can disappear into the mundanity of domestic life. Meh. Maybe chalk it up to my being on the aromantic spectrum, but this story is just too romance-y for me. YMMV.
Charming, loving, sweet, real, and heartwarming ! This is pertinent and important also. Jackson and Mitch, an immediate match, a perfect couple, a destined pair.
Very hot, sizzling sexy time.
A Christmassy story full of warmth. Highly recommended. ENJOY ! ============== I LOVED the Tanya Chris book, "Aftercare" Marvelous writing. ===============
I mostly enjoyed this holiday novella. It was pretty steamy, slightly angsty and had a few interesting characters. The characters were likable, the situations were close to real and the dual POV allowed me more insight into MCs. What bothered me was constant mention of ex-boyfriend when being in company of a new love interest. And another one, I guess it became a pet peeve, was the word "squealed" used in intimate situations (ex: He squealed as he came). This verb makes me think of cute little piglet running in circles and happily squealing but not a man reaching his pleasure. So not s*exy. Otherwise, this was a sweet snippet.
Sweet and sexy story of two guys who meet over a toy a few days before Christmas. A one night stand turns into more when they decide to take a chance. Includes a sweet epilogue set a year later.
My first Christmas story of the season and it wasn't half bad. Jackson and Mitch are two people who want the same things out of a relationship but are both skittish in seeing where this one can go. Between the magical pull between them are guys will get there HEA.
Such a pity this got buried before Xmas, but it was a good Christmassy read with carols, lights and a massage ;-).
Mitch's parents, staunch Catholics, felt that gay marriage somehow demeaned their own wedding vows...you know a man and woman in God's eyes is the only way it's done, so when he came out to them, out of the door he went. His 6 siblings were all younger than him, and only two of them kept in contact. After not seeing any of them for over a year, his parents invite him to Xmas dinner and he's busy rushing around trying to find pressies for everyone when he grabs a toy at the same time as someone else.....
Jackson was a lovely character, and just wanted the 'man, dog and white picket fence', but felt he always rushed into things. Maybe this year will be different.....
This was a short quick read that I liked. Mitch and Jackson met while out shopping they reached for the same gift. Mitch is shopping for his youngest sister, who he hasn’t seen since he came out to his parents a year and a half ago. Mitch comes from a large Catholic family who has not accepted his coming out well they have ignored him, seemingly turned their backs on him. Jackson is shopping for his niece Jackson has just come out of his latest long-term relationship with strict orders from his closest friend to avoid starting up with a new relationship immediately. When Mitch ask him out he agrees to have coffee with him. This was a short quick book that I liked it was a sweet cute read. This was my first time reading this author this book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
Meh. I thought this was going to be a cute, sexy Christmas novella but it had an After School Special / Very Special Episode vibe that I wasn’t expecting. The “you must give your family a second chance, it’s Christmas” message came off as heavy handed to me.
Mitch and Jackson meet-cute when they both grab the last available must-have toy. They resolve who gets the toy easily and have a one night stand that turns into a 2 day sex and cuddle fest. Mitch is worried about Christmas with his family - he hasn’t seen his his parents for 1 1/2 years, since they reacted very badly when he came out but his mom invited him as a peace offering. Mitch worries he’s letting down “his people” by accepting the invitation without a full apology and acceptance but misses his family. Jackson encourages him to give his parents a chance.
I agree with the basic message that it’s possible for families to stay connected even if they don’t agree on everything if there’s basic respect on all sides. But it felt really clunky - not like it naturally grew out of the character development.
"You've known him for forty-eight hours and you're obsessed." ~Carolyn to Jackson
Can I start waxing lyrics on how much I enjoyed this book? Regardless of how fast-paced and sappy it became, I loved the growth of Mitch throughout the pages. As the eldest child, much was required of him. His life had become that of suffrage and trying to understand and make sense of why his parents had an issue with whom he had become.
In meeting Jackson, younger sibling in complete opposite to Mitch being an older sibling, Jackson was able to show Mitch that being on the extreme end of things had a way of making issues different. I loved Jackson. His infectiousness was bubbly. He loved and he loved hard. He was a guy who loved love and wore his feelings on his sleeves. I felt for him when he stated: "I just have a tendency to fall too hard, too fast." As all he wanted was to love and be loved in return.
For Mitch, Jackson was needed in his life and he became a better person for it. I even forgot this was a Christmas story, so caught up as I was in the romance aspect. This is definitely a read for the season.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
This had a little more sex than I like in a holiday story (what can I say, I’m a bit of a prude), but I really liked the way the guys spoke and behaved like real people. The progression of their friendship/relationship felt natural even over such a short period of time. Will read more by this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet and sexy Christmas novella. It is well written in a nice flowing writing style that kept me reading. It starts with the opening scene that Mitch and Jackson grab the same Christmas gift. Surprisingly, they don’t argue about it but have a civilized conversation. That is the start of something beautiful. They keep talking about being it a one-night thing, but everyone can tell it is more than that. The prolonging of saying their goodbyes and coming up with excuses for staying together are a dead giveaway. It was so recognizable. Very well done. I loved the characters. Mitch and Jackson were lovely characters, well developed and relatable. The sex scenes are smoking hot. The story is sweet, sexy and funny with lighthearted banter between Mitch and Jackson. The author doesn’t shy away from addressing sensitive issues like the fact that Mitch’s parents have voted against same-sex marriage despite having a gay son. It is not heavy but has just the right touch to make you think about it. Although not everything is solved, there is a happily ever after. And who knows, maybe there is more to come. I wouldn’t mind reading more about Mitch and Jackson. This is a quick and easy read to get you into the Christmas spirit.
i loved this story! Giving Chances is the perfect name for this lovely story because it was all about giving another chance for a relationship and for family. The perspective of this book offered the concept that everyone is a work in progress and that everyone grows.
Mitch and Jackson steam up the pages with hot intimate scenes and creative interactions. So many beautifully written moments as these two men create a future filled with love and dreams coming true. Nicely crafted story, great characters and lots of fuzzy feels.
Cute, cute short story. Sweet and sexy at the same time. I loved both Mitch and Jackson. Together they made a wonderful duo.
Mitch came out to his parents over a year ago and hasn’t seen them since. So when the invitation to come for Christmas this year is issued, he’s nervous and scared while still happy it happened. But this sends him scurrying to the mall for gifts. Where he and Jackson both grab the last toy on the shelf. This leads to a discussion about who needs it most. Mitch’s 12-year-old sister or Jackson’s 5-year-old niece. When Jackson points out the age range for the toy, Mitch must admit that his sister is too old for it. And leaves Mitch without any ideas for his sister.
Caring and nurturing Jackson now feels bad, because Mitch is so lost about what to get now. So, he offers a few suggestions before hurrying away to his job. Both he and Mitch wish they’d taken the time to exchange info or at least let the other know there was interest. As Mitch wanders the mall, he takes Jackson’s suggestion for his sister then sees a massage shop. He thinks this might be a great gift for his mother. And look who works there. Jackson. Well, one thing does lead to another. They each have an interest in the other, so maybe they should see where it goes, at least for one night. Jackson invites Mitch to his place for a massage. And a massage wasn’t the only thing that table was used for. Their one-night stand turns into a morning after. Neither wants to stop there, leaving Jackson to invite Mitch to a friend’s get together.
Through all of this, Jackson keeps telling Mitch to give his parents a second chance. That is what the season is all about. Forgiveness. But Mitch wants to hold on to his bitterness just a little bit, how could his parents have done this to him? And yet, when he goes home, he and his family start the slow healing process.
Well written, but like I said, very short. And that is the only negative for me. There was more that I wanted, like what happened with Mitch’s brother Joseph? The year gap at the end, I needed more of Jackson’s and Mitch’s relationship. How did they get there, a year down the road?
This is a cute but very hot sexy book of Mitch & Jackson! Mitch has been invited to his parents house for Christmas for the first time since he came out over a year ago! He needs to buy present for his siblings, so heads to the mall. Mitch and Jackson meet at a shopping mall when they both grab the same toy which happens to be the last in store. Mitch wants it for his 12 year old sister and Jackson wants it for his 5 year old neice! Neither wants to give it up, should they flip for it? Jackson points out that it's babyish for a 12 year old, Mitch thinks hes just saying that until he sees the age range on the box. Jackson tells Mitch of another shop which is better and more grown up for his sister, so Mitch gives Jackson the toy. Jackson has to get to work in the mall, thanks Mitch before disappearing. Both men wish they'd got the others phone number! Mitch wanders around the mall then comes across a massage shop and can't mistake that ass! Jackson works there, even better he's a masseur, awe he would love to receive one from Jackson! Mitch invites Jackson for coffee, Jackson invites Mitch to his condo for a massage in his massage room! The things they do on the table is flaming hot 🔥🔥🔥. They are both certain they want it to be a one night stand, but one night turns into the next day, then a party as neither wants the other to leave. Mitch meets Jackson's very protective best friend Carolyn who he's convinced doesn't like him! Jackson tends to fall in love to quick so she's only looking out for him. Mitch is getting more and more nervous about going to his very Catholic parents house but Jackson convince's him to go. Mitch and his mum have a heart to heart then she asks about the guy he likes. Is she finally accepting him? He needs to ring Jackson and decides he doesn't want him for one night stands he wants him all the time! A year later they're going to Mitch's parent house, he just wishes his brother Joseph would accept him! I enjoyed this book but would have liked to see what happened with Joseph. Is this leading to book 2?
Tanya Chris gave me more than a few reasons to consider "Giving Chances" this Christmas while reading this novella. Giving Chances is a sweet Christmas treat which emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance as well as giving others the chance to accept and be accepted in return. People are only who they are and no people are perfect; everyone should get at least one more chance to remain a part of each other's lives.
Mitch comes from a large Catholic family who has not accepted his coming out well. They have ignored him, seemingly turned their backs on him, and only this year decided to invite him back. A lot of the current political climate with the legalization of gay marriage as well as the Presidential election results were brought up regarding his side of this story. I can honestly admit I don't enjoy politics in my holidays, but I do understand the author's motivations for including the content as it does a great job of explaining the motivations behind his family's actions after he came out.
Jackson has just come out of his latest long-term relationship with strict orders from his closest friend to avoid starting up with a new relationship immediately. I loved Jackson being both a very sensual man due to his career as a massage therapist as well as his comfort with his sexuality along with his desire to have a solid, long-term relationship which could result in marriage, children, a dog, a house with a picket fence, and the whole works. It's rare to see a man who wants permanence. I loved how up-beat he was since his positive attitude is what helped encourage the Christmas theme throughout.
The novella has an epilogue set a year after the events of the book which I truly was grateful for as it showcased how both characters had experienced growth both independently as well as together. Overall, I'd rank it a solid four-star read filled with lots of holiday goodness to warm up the Christmas spirit inside any reader. I'm adding Tanya Chris to my list of authors-to-watch for the future!
Surprisingly deep for such a short story about a meet-cute and a one-night-stand that has potential for more. Jackson falls hard and fast and can't seem to help himself. He should be taking a break since he just got out of a long relationship but something about Mitch makes him not try to resist very hard. Determined to keep things to just one night he brings Mitch home. But no matter what he does, he can't help feeling like there could be more with this guy. With a ton of little slips about the future he's sure that Mitch will freak and walk out. Mitch, however, isn't scared of the idea of more. He's equally drawn to Jackson and is more than a little attracted. They spend the evening enjoying one another physically and opening up in ways they weren't expecting which leads to a bit of the "more" that they're trying not very hard to avoid. Jackson challenges Mitch and Mitch allows Jackson to be himself. They both can be what the other needs and by the end of the story we see the beginnings of something very sweet. Their epilogue is sweet and made me enjoy Jackson's openness and Mitch's steadiness. Tender, hot, and filled with warmth and potential, this is a great Christmas novella.
Read and willingly reviewed this ARC for the author.
Love this book! Scared of moving too quickly, both take the easy route and only ask for the next few hours, and then another few...and another. I love this book! It may be a quick read but within the few pages is a connection is felt between the two MC's. The supporting characters offer enough cynicism and love to give variety to the feelings. One of my favourite things is that it feels believable, their relationship and the way it builds over the three days they spend together. Each of their inner monologues enhances the emotion that they are both feeling towards the season and each other. Mitch and Jackson are great characters, each complementing the other. Jackson's optimism brings Mitch into taking chances with his family and moving forward with them. Mitch brings the security and feeling of home that Jackson needs after his recent failed relationship. The downfall for this book is it would, I think, be great as a longer story. I know it's a holiday novella and it's brilliant for what it is but a girl can dream :-) I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
This is a delightful and hot Christmas romance that I loved. It is beautifully written and full of emotion. I fell in love with Mitch and Jackson and I wish their story was longer. Mitch has a chance to reunite with the family that turned their backs on him when he came out more than a year ago. Two of his siblings kept in contact with him and he has been invited to spend Christmas day with most of his family. Amid the stress of shopping for presents at the mall Mitch meets Jackson. That chance meeting is the start of their relationship. The ending is great and made me cry happy tears. I can't wait to read more books by Tanya Chris as I always enjoy her books. I was given an ARC to review by the author.
This is a quick little Christmas read that is going to make you want a massage! It was cute and funny to read Mitch and Jackson stumble around each other till they got their footing. I just wanted to squeeze Mitch for more than half this book. And poor Jackson just wanting to be a part of a whole. These guys were just great and the sex was hot! Christmas can be hard but harder without your support group. And Jackson, man he really wants to be someone's support. Now if only these two could get out of their own ways and find that the spark at Christmas can really start a fire for them. If you are looking for some sweet and sexy Christmas cheer then you will want to pick this up. Loved this read and have shared it with my other like minded cheer and sexy men loving readers!
Giving Chances was an apt title for this sweet Christmas novella - not only did Mitch and Jackson give each other a chance, but they encouraged each other to do so in other areas of their lives.
The premise of the story sucked me in right away - two guys reaching for the last toy on the shelf while shopping - and the progression from there was believable. Mitch and Jackson had instant chemistry, but also some inevitable awkwardness and minor stumbling blocks to overcome on their way to happiness. There was a surprising amount of depth packed into this relatively short novella, and I enjoyed it. (Also, I have never been so envious of a massage in a book in my life!)
What a cute story that puts the reader in the mood for Christmas. It's well written and the plot is good. This is a low angst book and leaves you with a feel good feeling. Tanya Chris writes a story well and this is no different. I really good read. Mitch nd Jackson meet when they reach for the same toy and they feel the attraction. A chance meeting has them agreeing to go for coffee. That ends up with them going home together. The Christmas spirit and two hot men what more could you want. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Oh man talk about the feels. So much from this story not only hit my emotions but also had me stop and think. Jackson telling Mitch to give them a chance and then again telling him to give Joseph a chance had me falling in love with him. It’s a Christmas story so I knew the potential to get the water works Going was there but wow the sweet contentment tears and warm heart I had after just sealed the deal. Looks like I found a new stalking victim...I mean author I’ll be following. (More like scoping out release dates😊). Tanya Chris you’ve got a new big fan in me.
A wonderful Christmas story. Short, sweet, and totally in the spirit. It’s a story of chances given. Given to family and new friends and not taking things for granted. Well written and fun while being insightful and romantic. It even has a scrooge impersonator. Who turns out to be a well intentioned friend even while being proven wrong.
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Giving Chances by Tanya Chris. I absolutely loved this Sweet Christmas story! I believe this is the third story I’ve read by Tanya. I’ve enjoyed them all and they were all quite different. I would love to read more about Mitch & Jackson in the future. Maybe a story about their up coming Wedding. That would be great. Loved the characters and the storyline in this book! A great Christmas story!
A new to me author, found through the ARC group. This is a sweet seasonal romance, two men meet over the last item on the shelf, something clicks and its all pretty good from there. Both Mitch and Jackson are charismatic. Both have issues to deal with ( not of the super angsty kind...this IS a Christmas story)It was a quick enjoyable read of the kind I like at this time of year. I particularly liked that we see the guys at the next Christmas and how their lives have developed.
Its fluent written, nice short story.... in my opinion, the end was coming too abrupt, but it's a SHORT story, not a big book. Who of us didn't know the shopping stress before christmas (ok, ME not, I have my gifts most ot the time finish at September, I'm collecting the whole year and then didn't find them again) and would wish (as single) that THIS could happen. Find the (big) love at shopping. At the hardest time of the year. Enjoy the little story, let your dreams fly.....
👍👍 I found this 👬 romance warm and cute, with some very hot action between the MCs, Mitch and Jackson. Mitch still has some issues with his super Catholic family to work on, but Jackson was lovely, encouraging Mitch to give his parents another chance to accept his gay lifestyle. The intimacy between these two is super hot and the story is a nice length for a cozy afternoon read by the fire. 🔥😜
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Love this cute and sweet quick read. Mitch and Jackson meet while Christmas shopping as they reach for the same toy. The attraction is instant and the chemistry sizzling. What they originally agree on being a one night stand turns into so much more as they help each other and give each other a chance at love! Loved it!! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
First book by this author for me but won't be the last. The MC's, Mitch & Jackson, are sexy & sweet together. This was a short but very cute Christmas story. Well done on character development and the storyline was great. Would recommend this book for anyone looking for that spark of Christmas Magic.