Adrien English e il mistero di Natale

The Adrien English Mysteries #5.5

by Josh Lanyon

Tornato a casa in anticipo dopo aver trascorso il Natale nella cara, vecchia Inghilterra, l’investigatore dilettante a tempo perso Adrien English è costretto a fare i conti con delle allarmanti novità in famiglia e, come se non bastasse, una vecchia conoscenza si fa viva in cerca di aiuto per rintracciare il fidanzato scomparso.

Per sua fortuna, Adrien conosce un bravo detective privato…

Genres: M M Romance, Mystery, Romance, Contemporary, Christmas, Holiday, LGBT

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2016

About the author

Author 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.

Reviews

[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook - 5+++++ stars
Story - Infinity stars

Thank book gods Chris came back to narrate this one.

Loved it all over again.

******************************************

Reread July 2021

I had so much fun revisiting this series. 😍

Thanks so much to my unofficial buddy readers for the wonderful time.
******************************************
5++++++++++ stars



“Of course I want you there. But…we’re Irish. We get drunk and say stupid things. I can’t guarantee that someone there tonight won’t say something stupid.”
It was tempting to answer, “I’m English. We stay sober, kick ass, and enslave your lot for eight hundred years.” That would not have reduced his stress level any. I finished knotting my tie, assessing the results.

-Adrien with an E, i am going to miss you.

-Jake i am going to miss you.

-The ending was perfect.

Thank you so much Elena, Linda, Moony, Rosa, Teal and Xia for the amazing buddy read. It was so much fun.

[Snjez · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was a great Christmas story with a perfect ending. I loved spending more time with Adrien and Jake and seeing them being happy together.

I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy the audiobook, I loved Chris Patton's narration of previous books in the series, but Kale Williams did such a great job with it, I haven't even noticed.

*******
Re-read 7/2021: Loved it even more this time around. Rating rounded up.
Re-read 2/2023

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I FORGIVE YOU, JAKE.

I FORGIVE YOU FOR THAT ONE THING AND THAT OTHER HUGE THING AND THAT REAAAAAALLY HUGE THING. BUT NOW ALL IS FORGIVEN.

JAKE 4EVER <333333

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the circle closes.

Putting away the tissues I cried into (of happiness), I need to shout out to the world how happy I am to end my reading year with THIS book.

It's perfection!

I loved every single letter in this one. It was the perfect closure to Adrien and Jake (although I hope not the last one)

Kevin O'Reilly (from book 2 A Dangerous Thing) is back and asking Adrien for help finding his missing boyfriend. Ivor Arbuckle (I'm not shitting you, that *is* his name) went to visit his homophobic upper class family for the Christmas holidays and never returned. Kevin is devastated, fearing that the Arbuckles are keeping Ivor away from him. Adrien promises Kevin that his cop-gone-PI boyfriend Jake will look into the matter. Jake sure (NOT) jumps at the chance of helping Adrien's former almost-love interest who still looks like a younger version of himself.

However, presenting the case to Jake reveals that the Arbuckle family already contacted a PI to help find their missing son. Now guess who that PI is...

I loved the main plot and I think it's just thanks to this being a Christmas story that it didn't end very sadly.

I frigging LOVE Adrien. I had no idea how much I missed his humor. It's not even like this series is particularly famous for a comedy factor (actually many of the books saddened me deeply...), but Adrien's sarcastic comments and pop-culture references are simply THE BEST. I absolutely love him.

As you already know from the last book The Dark Tide, Adrien and Jake are finally together and this is the FIRST book in the series that does not have a big question mark hovering above them, although Jake still fears that his happiness with Adrien might just be a temporary thing, feeling that he just doesn't deserve a HEA.

But he so does.

Jake has become one of the greatest characters of all time to me. He's literally up there on the top three (still fighting with Vadim over the top place ;-)

And the ending, the ENDING!!! I couldn't believe it!!!

Everything I hoped for was in this story! the final confrontation with Jakes' family (and dear God, even the kids played with toy cop cars....), a child on the horizon (let's face it, Adrien and Jake will be substitute daddies more often than they would like to, LOL) and A Frigging PROPOSAL!!!

Although, speaking of Jake: Knowing him as well as we do by now, there's a certain thing I just don't buy about him: He may have been a promiscuous guy with that club (that we got a very deep insight into in Stranger Things Have Happened: An Adrien English Write Your Own Damn Story), but him doing s/m sex performances for an audience?? Him, of all people, who wouldn't want ANYONE to know that he was in some way maybe not as straight as a 1950s TV dad?! I just don't believe it. Anonymous sex at a club, okay, sure. But not what allegedly went down in that club. I just don't believe it. Am I the only one having an issue with THAT?!

Still, by now, I consider Adrien English the very best series in m/m. It simply is. And especially so, because it leaves me with a wonderful feeling of bliss and also achievement, having accompanied these guys on their rocky road to happiness.

5 stars is just a joke for this masterpiece! At least make that 5 HUGE stars!!!

I'm so glad I didn't have to wait 4 years for this, as I just read the series back in October! If there is ever another A&J book, please don't let us wait that long again, LOL.

[Simone - on indefinite hiatus - · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread via audiobook December 2018: there's nothing better than spending some quality time with Adrien and Jake (and Kale Williams) while doing Christmas decorations!
--------------------------------------------

For me, this was one of those series I wished would never end, but if there ever was a perfect ending this would be it. Yeah, I might have shed a tear when I was done. Okay, maybe even two... Loved it!!! ❤️

"What the hell just happened?" I asked the universe.
"You're talking to yourself again," the universe replied, pushing open my office door.
Okay, it was Jake, but he was kind of my universe.

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second (Third, Fourth, etc.) Read: August 7 - 8, 2020
I actually finished this in an hour, then started all over again from the beginning, and did it several more times these past two days. I've been uninspired with new books or those waiting in my Kindle. I needed motivation.

So This Is Christmas gave that to me ... a handful of them. Because reading this novella made me fall in love all over again with Adrien and Jake. I also felt proud on how Adrien talked things out with Jake, and Jake communicated about his fear when Adrien asked him straight out. I feel that they really grow their relationship as times go by. ARGH!!! I LOVE THESE TWO SO MUCH!!!


----

First Read: December 30th, 2016

“Have I ever told you I love you?” he asked.

...“Once or twice.”

“I love you. I’ll love you till the day I die. And afterward. If there is an afterward.”

I tried to be objective, I tried to look at this like any other books, looking if there were things I had problems with. But I couldn't. I just couldn't. This was like a birthday present, specially gift-wrapped for me, layered with love and nostalgia, about one of my ever-most-favorite romantic couples of all time.

I can't be objective, you can't make me. I'm just too happy and too satisfied; with everything that going on with my Adrien and Jake. I choked up when I read that perfect ending.

Yeah, this review sucks. Well, I don't care. For me, this story is PERFECT. That is all you need to know :)

(and after the crap I had been through with ARe closing a day before, this felt like joy to my soul. THANK YOU SO MUCH JOSH)

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was awesome to get some more Adrien and Jake.

Loved it !!

[Mare SLiTsReaD Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

God it felt so good being back with these 2. My favourite couple to ever couple. Seriously swooning over here. Seriously



OH GOD OH GOD OH GOD OH GOD
BE STILL MY BEATING HEART
THIS IS ALL I NEED FOR CHRISTMAS

[Lau ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who are wondering whether this series is worth a try, I’ve decided to divide this review in two: a spoiler-free part about the whole series, then a part where I talk about this book (with spoilers).


Spoiler free review for the entire series


Adrien mysteries is one of those series that it’s a hit or a miss. If you are fine with following a mystery-romance where the love interest hasn’t come to terms with being gay and wants to marry a girl and have kids with her, then you may enjoy this one. As someone who tends to stay away from homophobic main characters, I wasn’t expecting this to be a hit for me. There were parts (book three) where I felt a bit hopeless about the romance, but it’s worth a try if you are in the mood to suffer in exchange for experiencing one of the most satisfying character arcs I’ve ever seen. The last three books in this series gave me a reading slump, made me want to not read again anything that’s not them and start crying because it was not fair how good it was, how fast it was over.


I was in one of those slumps where every romance you pick feels recycled, another plot you have read before with characters you already know and a writing style that gives you nothing. I started reading this in Spanish, with one of the worst translations I’ve ever come across, yet I knew it was the beginning of something great. I switched to the English version, delighted to finally have a story with a writing I could lose myself in, a main character I would follow to the moon and back and the kind of humor that makes you smile in public spaces. While there was barely any romance in book one, the promise of a new favorite series makes me think about book one as one of the best experiences I’ve had this year.


“What the hell just happened?” I asked the universe.
“You are talking to yourself again,” the universe replied, pushing open my office door.
Okay, it was Jake, but he was kind of my universe.


Even if the humor, the writing and Adrien’s POV in general were the highlight of the first books for me, Jake’s character is one of those you may start disliking but ends up winning your heart for how much he grows. While I was not in love with having a homophobic character as a love interest, the author was able to show he was also the victim. How can you hate someone who hates himself? It was the ultimate kind of angst: where you couldn’t direct all the anger to one character, but the situation they were in.


“He never lied to me. I just didn’t ask the questions I didn’t want to know the answers to.”


As you move forward in the series, you'll realize how talented the author is at showing complex emotions, how you can have two good people who are crazy about the other yet unable to fit the pieces together. How they face their inner demons to let themselves fall and trust the other would catch them. How hard is to trust again after your heart cracked against the floor.


The things I wanted from life-and Jake-weren’t the things he could give. But somehow at that moment it just didn’t matter.


On top of that, the mystery and the set of secondary characters makes the story even more catchy, softening the angst of the romance and adding plot to the slow-paced romance.


Overall, I’d understand if you were not in the mood for the angst, but if you enjoy the slow-burn romance, satifying character arcs, great prose and a charming POV, I would highly recommend this series. Adrien won my heart since page one and I’m never going to be the same after witnessing the way Jake worships him. I love them together and the only thing I would have changed was not having a couple more books about them.


⚠️For those who read the series (spoilers):⚠️


My brain is broken. All I can see is that last scene. Am I the only one who thought it was perfect? I want to print the words and frame them on my wall. I’ve decided to mourn this series by sharing some of my favorite quotes/moments with you:


“Aren’t you the one who found a dead body ()?”
“Adrien,” Jake clarified. “Adrien’s the one who finds the dead bodies.”


Jake said, “Listen, I know you think I’m an asshole-I am an asshole- but this is for your protection.”


“You’re going to find this funny. I had no idea how much I would miss you.”
I swallowed hard. “Funny. Yeah.”


“Adrien…”
I smiled. “I know.”
But I didn’t, because what he said was, “I want you in my life-you can set the parameters.”


✨“Love you? Of course I love you. Baby, I fucking worship you.”✨


“When your heart stopped on that boat. () I begged then.”


“Baby, I thought you’d never ask.”


I LOVE THEM SO MUCH WHY IS IT OVER 😭😭😭


↬The Adrien English Mysteries
1. Fatal Shadows: 4.5 stars
2. A Dangerous Thing: 4 stars
3. The Hell You Say: 3.75 stars
4. Death of a Pirate King: 4.5 stars
5. The Dark Tide: 5 stars
5.5/6. So This is Christmas: 5 stars

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Really, never mind the missing person storyline interwoven into this nice novella and just simply concentrate on the love.

It’s been 6 months since Jake and Adrien reunited and though things have been great, there’s still insecurity and doubt and guilt especially on Jake’s part, and it floored me to see the depth of his feelings, feelings we didn’t get very much of from past books. Never fear, Adrien did not shirk at all in return, and I loved the dynamic between these two - intense, poignant, vulnerable, and oh so sexy.

Just wow. This definitely made the turmoil these two went through a lot less hard to bear. I’m a very happy reader.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Ha! They sell Jake Riordan tees.:D


In spite of all the confusing as hell errors and marketing decisions surrounding This Is Christmas, this was a cute and mellow rendezvous with Adrien & Jake. Nothing earth-shattering, and perhaps I'd have prefered a little more amusing family time with the Riordans and Englishes. And a little less blah mystery. And less of that sugary, somewhat bland version of our boys. And less convenient plot twists.

But really, what it probably boils down to is that I'll take all the Adrien & Jake I can get.

[mwana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like



That right there was a mind-gasm. I love love love Adrien. I just... Oh man, I lack words. That was just so...



Adrien and Jake had just got back from London- where they'd been for their Christmas holiday- and shortly after they are encumbered with an "old friend", Kevin, whose boyfriend, Ivor, has gone missing. Adrien offers Jake's services but turns out he's already been hired by the family- the homophobic family- of the missing boy. This leads to a series of macabrely funny events and considering how a magnet for trouble Adrien is, there was no shortage of drama. From Natalie, Angus, Kevin and suddenly, Jake's family is back in the picture. Well, book.

I loved this. I want more of this. I'm just in book nirvana right now.



Josh Lanyon, can I marry your brain? Seriously, I heard it could be legal in Canada.

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta historia corta sirve de epílogo de la serie. Aquí podemos ver que ha pasado con Adrien y Jack, como va su relación y que han hecho desde que resolvieron vivir juntos.
Además, vemos a uno de los personajes del pasado regresar, y como Adrien se avoca a intentar ayudarlo. También vemos que ha pasado con Natalie y Angus, como ha avanzado su "relación" y cuales son los problemas que se enfrentan ahora.
En cuanto al misterio, realmente no hay mucho que decir, porque el libro es básicamente la historia de la relación entre Adrien-Jack y la familia de ambos, y como decidieron ellos pasar sus fiestas navideñas.
Es una bonita historia navideña, llena de perdón y reencuentros, nuevas oportunidades y grandes esperanzas. Un buen cierre para esta serie.

[Jenni Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

OHMYGAWD THAT WAS THE BEST ENDING EVER!!!!

I'm so ridiculously happy right now. My heart is so full. I want to twirl and laugh and do a little happy dance.

This calls for some Carlton...

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

3rd re-read February 2025
__________
I absolutely loved this!!!! So happy to read more about the guys <3

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish]

UPDATE!!! (Thanks for the information, Cider!!!)

"Hi, just to clarify, this book will be 127 pgs for $3.99 and will be released on the 30th based on the updated Amazon page :) "

ORIGINAL POST:

I want to read this but $3.99 for a 19 page novella is nearly extortion. Not happening.

ETA: Extortion might be a harsh word, but I feel that when an author has a loyal fan base, a fan base who wants to read more on a beloved character, charging that kind of money is taking advantage of their loyalty. Not cool.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

All's well that ends well.

Adrien and Jake, nothing pleases me more than the unbridled optimism of this story. The case that Adrien and Jake are dragged into is the side note to the resolutions achieved. Good things can happen, you just gotta believe.

[Argona · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Jilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, what the hell. I decided to go ahead and read this since the last book was totally missing a needed epilogue. Who am I to stop some cheesy goodness after how long the MC's angsted and fought for each other?



For some reason we also needed a mini-mystery in this. It was blah. But, that was okay. We'll leave this series on a high note!


I'm all about giving.

[Trio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never never never add pics to my reviews, but JL posted this on her Patreon and the image is so perfect for AE that I had to add it here:




This was just what I wanted and everything I needed. To experience Jake being so real with Adrien and to see how their relationship is developing was priceless. Between the Christmas Codas and Kit Holmes describing them together in The Boy with the Painful Tattoo I always had hope for Jake and wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. I just wanted to see Jake treating Adrien like he deserved to be treated. Like a partner who mattered, not talking down to him and not playing mind games or being physically intimidating. (It is also reassuring to see Jake struggling with all the developments in his life, it helps make him more real.)

The best part was seeing Adrien so happy. He is delightfully funny in this story; his sense of humor is so playful we can tell straight away that he’s feeling more confident and healthy. After all this time I know Adrien so well, like a very close friend, and it has always broken my heart to see his lack of self-confidence and his insecurities dominating so much of his life.

I don’t really believe Adrien needed Jake, or even a successful relationship, to be a whole person but much of his life was about finding a partner and completing that part of himself. Being sick in High School and missing romantic relationships at that age (other than messing around with Rob) left him with a lack of experience and maturity which he needed to figure out. Having Mel leave him due to his poor health was a blow to his self-confidence and I believe his inability to fully commit to Guy was more about Adrien’s insecurities and less about needing the perfect partner. Adrien was never fully in control of his romantic relationships and it was often heartbreaking to witness. Going through this journey with Adrien and watching him develop and grow, I think the timing was finally right. Adrien has his health, a strong family support system, his business is thriving and he is truly confident and can participate equally in this relationship.

I really enjoyed the story too, it was a nice look into Jake being a PI and including Adrien in that part of his life. It was also nice to get some closure with many of the relationships from earlier books. (I don’t love reading M/F fiction but I would like to read Kate’s story, maybe starting off with her new job in Vermont? To see how this all must have felt to her and how she moves on would be very interesting. Hum, maybe a plot bunny for some fan fic.)

It was a beautiful story and a very satisfying progression in the relationship of Adrien and Jake. Yay, Adrien is finally happy :)

an ARC of this book was provided by the author for my unbiased review

[Jennifer☠Pher☠ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, let's try this again. First review of the New Year didn't work, didn't save and just wouldn't load...

Anyway...

Totally worth the wait. It was a dream to get to spend more time with two of my most favorite boys.

Definitely time for a re-read of the entire series.

Adrien and Jake forever!

[~Mindy Lynn~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*****'s

First of all, I have been wanting another book with these two since I read the last book. I am so obsessed these dudes and expect another book cause you can't just end it like that and not give us more!

I think this is the book every Jake hating but secretly loving reader wanted. I know I did. So happy how it all played out in this. xx

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this was exactly what was needed.

A lot more of Adrien and Jake together.
A look at how their relationship blossoms.
A slice of happiness for both of them.
Of course there is the odd insecurity on both sides, but now they (and we) know that this is it.
And it’s gloriously wonderful.

Happy contented sigh.
This is the icing on the cake. But there’s no sickly sweetness, just pure romance and love. Brilliant ending to an amazing series.

[Trio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great way to enjoy this one again, and it's a stunning performance by Kale Williams.

my original review
I never never never add pics to my reviews, but JL posted this on her Patreon and the image is so perfect for AE that I had to add it here:




This was just what I wanted and everything I needed. To experience Jake being so real with Adrien and to see how their relationship is developing was priceless. Between the Christmas Codas and Kit Holmes describing them together in The Boy with the Painful Tattoo I always had hope for Jake and wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. I just wanted to see Jake treating Adrien like he deserved to be treated. Like a partner who mattered, not talking down to him and not playing mind games or being physically intimidating. (It is also reassuring to see Jake struggling with all the developments in his life, it helps make him more real.)

The best part was seeing Adrien so happy. He is delightfully funny in this story; his sense of humor is so playful we can tell straight away that he’s feeling more confident and healthy. After all this time I know Adrien so well, like a very close friend, and it has always broken my heart to see his lack of self-confidence and his insecurities dominating so much of his life.

I don’t really believe Adrien needed Jake, or even a successful relationship, to be a whole person but much of his life was about finding a partner and completing that part of himself. Being sick in High School and missing romantic relationships at that age (other than messing around with Rob) left him with a lack of experience and maturity which he needed to figure out. Having Mel leave him due to his poor health was a blow to his self-confidence and I believe his inability to fully commit to Guy was more about Adrien’s insecurities and less about needing the perfect partner. Adrien was never fully in control of his romantic relationships and it was often heartbreaking to witness. Going through this journey with Adrien and watching him develop and grow, I think the timing was finally right. Adrien has his health, a strong family support system, his business is thriving and he is truly confident and can participate equally in this relationship.

I really enjoyed the story too, it was a nice look into Jake being a PI and including Adrien in that part of his life. It was also nice to get some closure with many of the relationships from earlier books. (I don’t love reading M/F fiction but I would like to read Kate’s story, maybe starting off with her new job in Vermont? To see how this all must have felt to her and how she moves on would be very interesting. Hum, maybe a plot bunny for some fan fic.)

It was a beautiful story and a very satisfying progression in the relationship of Adrien and Jake. Yay, Adrien is finally happy :)

an audiobook copy of So This is Christmas was provided by the narrator for my unbiased review

[Viv · Rating 5 out of 5]

March 2020: Listening to all of the books back to back made the change to Kale Williams all the more jarring. I love Kale when he does Jason and Sam from The Art of Murder series, but I was sad when listening to this. He just was not Adrien. His Natalie was terrible and even though it is correct for her have an English accent, Lisa just sounded off. I loved this ending for Adrien and Jake though.

December 2017 re-read audiobook style
Am I disappointed that Chris Patton was unable to do this audiobook? Absolutely! However I think that Kale Williams did a fine job representing Adrien and the other characters. My main disappointment was his Jake. It was not distinctive or gruff enough. This book is an utter delight for Jake and Adrien fans though and the audiobook did not take anything away from my enjoyment of the story!
----------------------------------------------------------

June 2017 re-read
Gah! That ending is just amazing! I am crying tears of joy again. I love them so much!
----------------------------------------------------------

Yes, it is 1 am and I just finished this book. To say that I was looking forward to this book is a gross understatement and it just exceeded every one of my expectations. I am literally crying tears of joy right now because of that perfect ending. Jake and Adrien will always be one of my favorite couples.

The audiobook cannot come fast enough!

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

'So This is Christmas' is pretty much a long epilogue for The Dark Tide. Low on the angst and high on the romantic feels, this novella is a great addition to Adrien and Jake's story.

By the end of book 5, I was satisfied that Jake and Adrien had finally found their HEA. There were still a few things to work out, but I didn't doubt that they'd be able to iron out the rough patches. It was great to see that re-affirmed.

There's no more angst, no more second-guessing and distrust. Both Adrien and Jake were sweet lovebirds throughout the book, and had no problem just accepting each other's love and care.

Who knew that Jake was such a big marshmallow on the inside? A romantic one, to boot.

Plus, Jake finally got his cherry popped. It was hot.

Also, I love Adrien's family. They're often ridiculous and meddlesome, but I think they play a big part in making this series as enjoyable as it is.

Overall, I really enjoyed 'So This is Christmas'. Highly recommended for all fans of the series. And if you've been holding off on reading/finishing this series because you don't want to be railroaded by the angst and drama, this novella definitely makes up for all of it!

[Ms. Smartarse · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Adrien English series is one of my all time favorite romances. There's enough fluff to satisfy the raging butterflies in my stomach, plenty of smut to justify turning on the A/C midwinter, and every single story comes wrapped in a thrilling tale of mystery and murder. Is it any wonder that I'm a fangirl?



That being said, while I do greatly enjoy the mystery aspect, along with the heart throbbing will-they-won't-they moments, I can't help but wonder what things are like behind the scenes? Who does the dishes? Who walks the dog? How do they make up after one of their fights? Whose family gets visited first during the holidays?

So This is Christmas is here to give an answer to all those questions. And just because the author knows that things are not the same without a juicy mystery, we get thrown that particular bone as well. Oh, and what a deliciously yummy bone it is! Especially now, that Jake and Adrien's dynamic has changed enough to give their fights a different outcome.



And let's not forget Adrien's hilarious inner musings! Those are always a treat. Even when they make him sound like... a crochety old granny?

“You don’t have to thank me. I mean it. Your family is my family.”
Unless they hurt him again, in which case next holiday season I’d be poisoning the gift baskets.

Score: 4/5 stars

... but for the life of me, I can't remember which other book has Kevin O'Reilly graced. Or was I not supposed to remember one, since there weren't any? It kept bugging me throughout the entire book.

Other than that minor tidbit, it was just brilliant! *cue more fangirling*

============================================
review of book 1: Fatal Shadows
review of book 2: A Dangerous Thing
review of book 3: The Hell You Say
review of book 4: Death of a Pirate King
review of book 5: The Dark Tide
review of Stranger Things Have Happened: An Adrien English Write Your Own Damn Story

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

May 2019: Buddy (Re)read with Linda, Moony, Rosa, Shile, Teal and...Xia is getting there. 😘
It was even better reading this for the second time. Thank you to everyone for this amazing reread and the great discussions. I can't wait to do it again. 😘😘

Original review:
The perfect Christmas story and epilogue (for now? One can only hope) for Adrien and Jake’s journey.
This little gem has everything I was hoping for and more: sweet moments, humor, a little bit of mystery, because after all it’s Adrien we’re talking about, and above all Adrien and Jake.
It was so good to see them navigating life together as a couple and the end alone made all the pain and suffering of the entire series worth it.

[nark · Rating 4 out of 5]

i'm done...🥺

really enjoyed this series overall. Adrien is such a lovable, amazing character! ...and i guess Jake grew on me too.

[Lisazj1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Audio reread/listen September 2021**

Still perfect, every single bit of it!



**First read September 2018**

*melts* If anything can end perfectly, this was it. Bliss!