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No Place Like Home
Will Oliver get the gift he’s hoping for this Christmas?
Oliver Walker’s Christmas is shaping up to be a quiet one. That is until hunky neighbour Ed Middleton moves in next door.
Attraction is instant, but Ed is only there temporarily and neither wants to start something with an expiration date.
As the festive season approaches, holiday cheer wraps around them, and giving in to temptation is inevitable. But Ed is still set on moving in the new year—a fresh start, miles away from those he’s closest to.
If Oliver doesn’t want to lose his heart, he’ll have to show Ed that home is wherever he wants it to be, and love is possible no matter what.
No Place Like Home is a heartwarming story of love between neighbours, family and friends, about adorable rescue cats, and remembering that sometimes the very thing you're looking for is right under your nose.
Oliver Walker’s Christmas is shaping up to be a quiet one. That is until hunky neighbour Ed Middleton moves in next door.
Attraction is instant, but Ed is only there temporarily and neither wants to start something with an expiration date.
As the festive season approaches, holiday cheer wraps around them, and giving in to temptation is inevitable. But Ed is still set on moving in the new year—a fresh start, miles away from those he’s closest to.
If Oliver doesn’t want to lose his heart, he’ll have to show Ed that home is wherever he wants it to be, and love is possible no matter what.
No Place Like Home is a heartwarming story of love between neighbours, family and friends, about adorable rescue cats, and remembering that sometimes the very thing you're looking for is right under your nose.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2019
48 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Annabelle Jacobs
52 books405 followersAnnabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with her three rowdy children, and two cats.
An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.
An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 2, 2019
Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever read a book character who was this easily offended before. Perhaps offended is a strong word, but Oliver did feel as if Ed should apologize for things I didn’t think were that bad at all.
Ed sees a strange man breaking into the house next door so he calls the police. It turns out the burglar is the neighbor’s nephew and he forgot his keys. Ed apologizes, but feels terribly embarrassed about it.
Later when they see each other again in the back garden, Ed apologizes for not being super welcoming and friendly before and Oliver accepts the apology.
This was my first: WTH?! moment. Ed wasn’t particularly unfriendly when they first met. He was embarrassed about being wrong, but I didn’t understand why since he did see someone breaking into his neighbor’s house. Nothing to be embarrassed about I would say. And he didn't act unfriendly at all.
And the way Oliver was thinking he was hoping Ed would apologize for how they first met or he wouldn’t like him really bothered me.
Later Ed says to Oliver that he is stronger than he looks when they are lifting heavy stuff. Once again, Oliver is not charmed by that comment and Ed profusely apologizes. I didn’t think it was that weird a comment to say to a skinny shorter guy, but apparently it was??
I eventually quit because I came to the conclusion I seriously disliked these guys. Especially Oliver.
Ed sees a strange man breaking into the house next door so he calls the police. It turns out the burglar is the neighbor’s nephew and he forgot his keys. Ed apologizes, but feels terribly embarrassed about it.
Later when they see each other again in the back garden, Ed apologizes for not being super welcoming and friendly before and Oliver accepts the apology.
This was my first: WTH?! moment. Ed wasn’t particularly unfriendly when they first met. He was embarrassed about being wrong, but I didn’t understand why since he did see someone breaking into his neighbor’s house. Nothing to be embarrassed about I would say. And he didn't act unfriendly at all.
And the way Oliver was thinking he was hoping Ed would apologize for how they first met or he wouldn’t like him really bothered me.
Later Ed says to Oliver that he is stronger than he looks when they are lifting heavy stuff. Once again, Oliver is not charmed by that comment and Ed profusely apologizes. I didn’t think it was that weird a comment to say to a skinny shorter guy, but apparently it was??
I eventually quit because I came to the conclusion I seriously disliked these guys. Especially Oliver.
November 26, 2020
Ouch, but this book was sooo boring. It was slow as molasses and about as exciting.
I love relationship-focused stories, but this one meandered and went nowhere. I felt no chemistry between the MCs. By 40% I wanted to DNF. By 60% I was desperate for a plot twist.
But, alas, this book was about Oliver and Ed talking ... to each other, to Ed's sisters, to Oliver's adopted grandmother ... NOTHING HAPPENED!
The MCs took turns getting offended by the strangest things, and their conversations were painfully awkward.
I like slow burn stories, but there was no spark, no plot, not even a real HEA (even though I was rooting for Monty the cat).
Nope, can't recommend.
I love relationship-focused stories, but this one meandered and went nowhere. I felt no chemistry between the MCs. By 40% I wanted to DNF. By 60% I was desperate for a plot twist.
But, alas, this book was about Oliver and Ed talking ... to each other, to Ed's sisters, to Oliver's adopted grandmother ... NOTHING HAPPENED!
The MCs took turns getting offended by the strangest things, and their conversations were painfully awkward.
I like slow burn stories, but there was no spark, no plot, not even a real HEA (even though I was rooting for Monty the cat).
Nope, can't recommend.
November 23, 2019
OMG this book, read it!
That's the short version of my review which Annabelle said she'd take 😁
My longer version says this book is a beautifully written Christmas romance about remembering that sometimes the thing you're looking for is right under your nose.
Or, in this case, right next door.
Ed and Oliver are totally perfect for each other. They might have had an interesting start, and that has to be one of the most original and amusing meet/cutes I've read, but it soon becomes clear they have a spark.
There's such a wonderful feeling of warmth in this book, it's not just about love between partners, it's about family and friends, about neighbours and community.
I loved it, read it people ⛄🎄🐈
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
That's the short version of my review which Annabelle said she'd take 😁
My longer version says this book is a beautifully written Christmas romance about remembering that sometimes the thing you're looking for is right under your nose.
Or, in this case, right next door.
Ed and Oliver are totally perfect for each other. They might have had an interesting start, and that has to be one of the most original and amusing meet/cutes I've read, but it soon becomes clear they have a spark.
There's such a wonderful feeling of warmth in this book, it's not just about love between partners, it's about family and friends, about neighbours and community.
I loved it, read it people ⛄🎄🐈
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
December 20, 2019
About 40% into the book, I complained to my sweet, sweet GR friends in an update:
This book is a slow burn. And I don't mean that in a "Ooooh! This book is so full of UST I. Can't. Even!" kinda way. I mean that in an "I am bored AF" kinda way. Both of these guys are so... BLAND. Like trying to date oatmeal. That's two days old.
And sadly, this book never picked up steam.
It just sorta... plodded along at a 2 out of 10 on the excitement level and stayed there. Even during the "climax" of the story and the supposed-to-be-heart-meltingingly-sweet-DAMMIT! epilogue, there was just... nothing. So spark. No sizzle.
Both of these men were sweet, family oriented guys with mid-level careers and not a whole lot else going on. This book was more than 200 pages, but there was barely enough story here to fill 40 pages.
Sorry friends, this book wasn't offensive in any way, but I just can NOT recommend such a mediocre read.
This book is a slow burn. And I don't mean that in a "Ooooh! This book is so full of UST I. Can't. Even!" kinda way. I mean that in an "I am bored AF" kinda way. Both of these guys are so... BLAND. Like trying to date oatmeal. That's two days old.
And sadly, this book never picked up steam.
It just sorta... plodded along at a 2 out of 10 on the excitement level and stayed there. Even during the "climax" of the story and the supposed-to-be-heart-meltingingly-sweet-DAMMIT! epilogue, there was just... nothing. So spark. No sizzle.
Both of these men were sweet, family oriented guys with mid-level careers and not a whole lot else going on. This book was more than 200 pages, but there was barely enough story here to fill 40 pages.
Sorry friends, this book wasn't offensive in any way, but I just can NOT recommend such a mediocre read.
December 20, 2019
Some things are a given. Me devouring Jacob’s annual holiday story is one of them. This year we have an awkward meet-cute between two new neighbors with a spunky Aunt and a finicky kitty. Ed is working on flipping a house before he moves out of town. After inheriting his Aunt’s home Ed and his siblings decide a makeover is in order before they sell the place. Still licking his wounds from a recent break-up this opportunity seems like the perfect stepping stone for Ed before he packs his bags and heads north. Ed doesn’t have much of a plan but the sparks flying between his new sexy neighbor definitely isn’t one of them. Too bad he’s not staying. He’s off to tackle his dreams and grand adventures await him. No time for a fling and he’s not a hook-up kind of guy. There’s just something about Oliver that makes him wish they had more time. Maybe, just maybe, their Christmas wishes will come true after all.
There’s a bit of push and pull. Ed is a little like a porcupine, bristly and sharp at first glance. But he has the softest underbelly when he trusts enough to show it. Oliver is more like a Goldendoodle, never short of a smile and always willing to help. Put them together and things aren’t always smooth sailing but certainly amusing. I adored Oliver and his lighthearted attitude. I was also smitten with Betty. I could easily see myself sitting in her kitchen, munching on cookies and working on puzzles. I wasn’t so sure about Ed at first but he warmed my heart before long. It was clear to see he was still hurting and feeling a touch lost with his newfound future. His bossy sisters were hilarious and I immediately thought of how lucky he is to have them. Working side by side on the home renovation they discover that there really is….no place like home.
Beware of: Slow burn sets a gentle pace. First impressions aren’t always true impressions. And the acceptance that there’s nothing wrong with a small world…you must catch your happiness wherever you can!
This book is for: If you’re searching for a tender tale that reminds us we don’t always need to chase our dreams….because sometimes they are already at your feet.
Book UNfunk
There’s a bit of push and pull. Ed is a little like a porcupine, bristly and sharp at first glance. But he has the softest underbelly when he trusts enough to show it. Oliver is more like a Goldendoodle, never short of a smile and always willing to help. Put them together and things aren’t always smooth sailing but certainly amusing. I adored Oliver and his lighthearted attitude. I was also smitten with Betty. I could easily see myself sitting in her kitchen, munching on cookies and working on puzzles. I wasn’t so sure about Ed at first but he warmed my heart before long. It was clear to see he was still hurting and feeling a touch lost with his newfound future. His bossy sisters were hilarious and I immediately thought of how lucky he is to have them. Working side by side on the home renovation they discover that there really is….no place like home.
Beware of: Slow burn sets a gentle pace. First impressions aren’t always true impressions. And the acceptance that there’s nothing wrong with a small world…you must catch your happiness wherever you can!
This book is for: If you’re searching for a tender tale that reminds us we don’t always need to chase our dreams….because sometimes they are already at your feet.
Book UNfunk
December 27, 2019
I love a romance featuring two real adults ... you know, fully mature intelligent adults who actually seem to like one another, communicate honestly and openly, and have warm and wonderful families. If you do as well, you're going to really enjoy "No Place Like Home."
Prior to starting a new job up north, Ed is getting his aunt's bungelow ready to sell. Oliver lives next door with his elderly nan, assisting her with daily needs while saving money to buy a house. The two men "meet cute" when Ed thinks Oliver is breaking into the house next door (he lost his key) and calls the police. When Oliver volunteers to help with painting, these two kind, decent men get to know each other.
The pace of this story is slow and steady but never boring as we meet Betty and her cats and Ed's sisters Ruth and Sarah and their families, Oliver finds the perfect Christmas tree, and this wonderful sense of family and love just wraps around you like a cozy quilt. While there's an attraction from the start, there's also a problem - Ed is moving after Christmas and Oliver has "no wish to start something that has an expiration date" while Ed "can't do the no-strings thing, because there always ends up being strings."
When Elise's bungalow starts to feel like home, and Ed and Oliver (finally) decide sex is NOT off the table, there are a lot of decisions to be made but never fear, we get a perfectly lovely HEA that is definitely worth the wait.
4 solid stars for "No Place Like Home" and I suggest you start off the holiday season by picking up this sweet romance with plenty of heart.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review at Gay Book Reviews.
Stop by my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Prior to starting a new job up north, Ed is getting his aunt's bungelow ready to sell. Oliver lives next door with his elderly nan, assisting her with daily needs while saving money to buy a house. The two men "meet cute" when Ed thinks Oliver is breaking into the house next door (he lost his key) and calls the police. When Oliver volunteers to help with painting, these two kind, decent men get to know each other.
The pace of this story is slow and steady but never boring as we meet Betty and her cats and Ed's sisters Ruth and Sarah and their families, Oliver finds the perfect Christmas tree, and this wonderful sense of family and love just wraps around you like a cozy quilt. While there's an attraction from the start, there's also a problem - Ed is moving after Christmas and Oliver has "no wish to start something that has an expiration date" while Ed "can't do the no-strings thing, because there always ends up being strings."
When Elise's bungalow starts to feel like home, and Ed and Oliver (finally) decide sex is NOT off the table, there are a lot of decisions to be made but never fear, we get a perfectly lovely HEA that is definitely worth the wait.
4 solid stars for "No Place Like Home" and I suggest you start off the holiday season by picking up this sweet romance with plenty of heart.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review at Gay Book Reviews.
Stop by my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
December 16, 2019
A lovely, authentically British, very slow burn holiday romance. I enjoyed the development of friendship between Oliver and Ed and their acknowledgment that they couldn't move beyond friends because Ed is leaving shortly after the holiday to move north and start a new business with college mates. But guess what? They slowly fall in love and finally can't resist each other.
There's a strong family theme, a friends to lovers, and an all-around warmth to this holiday tale. Very nice.
Update: Goodreads has decided that I am not allowed to update the shelves for this one. Sigh. I will do that when the glitch is fixed.
There's a strong family theme, a friends to lovers, and an all-around warmth to this holiday tale. Very nice.
Update: Goodreads has decided that I am not allowed to update the shelves for this one. Sigh. I will do that when the glitch is fixed.
December 23, 2021
That was a lovely, gentle, slow burn run-up-to-the-holiday Christmas romance. I needed something like this right about now!
November 27, 2019
This is such a sweet friends to lovers read that has lots of feels and that warm holiday feeling to it!
I am a huge fan of slow burns — especially friends to lovers slow burns — so watching Oliver and Ed develop a friendship and start to slowly navigate towards more was beautiful. Not only do you get the full Christmas romance — you also get plenty of side characters who all add such a special touch to this book. Especially a sweet kitty who is just trying to find his forever home.
This is a perfect low angst holiday romance that’ll make your heart melt and leave you with a smile on your face!
4 sweet stars for this couple <3
I am a huge fan of slow burns — especially friends to lovers slow burns — so watching Oliver and Ed develop a friendship and start to slowly navigate towards more was beautiful. Not only do you get the full Christmas romance — you also get plenty of side characters who all add such a special touch to this book. Especially a sweet kitty who is just trying to find his forever home.
This is a perfect low angst holiday romance that’ll make your heart melt and leave you with a smile on your face!
4 sweet stars for this couple <3
November 26, 2019
Lovely slow-burn Christmassy romance between two guys who end up being neighbours, but who can't see the wood for the trees. I think the saying 'the grass isn't always greener' also applies in this instance, ooh and 'better the devil you know'. Sweet. 4.25 stars from me.
December 4, 2019
It was ok. Maybe I wasn’t in the right head space for this one. It took me way to long to read something that should have taken me a day to read and I kept falling asleep on it. I guess it didn’t really hook me was the problem. Decent book I liked the MC’s just wasn’t my thing I guess
November 30, 2019
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
I really enjoyed this holiday story - it may be centred around Christmas, but actually it would be a good read at any time of the year.
Ed and his sisters have inherited their aunt's home, and decide to do it up and sell it. Ed moves in so that he can work on it, and because he has recently sold his house in readiness to moving up North. All his family are local, but after a bad break up he is moving back to work with Uni friends. As we learn later, this is mainly due to unkind accusations made by his (obviously) nasty ex-boyfriend.
Oliver lives next door with his grandmother, as he and his brother are assessing how much care she might need, and he is saving for his own property, so it seemed like a double win. Thing is though, he really enjoys her company, and now there is the benefit of his very fit new neighbour Ed!
As the two men get to know each other, and live with the knowledge that it is a time limited relationship due to Ed moving away, we (and almost all their friends and family) can see that they are perfect together. Ed however is still suffering from the hit to his self esteem - read on to find out how everything gets straightened out, and why - it is very neat.
Well written, with a good range of characters and a lovely rescue cat, this did an excellent job of bringing some Christmas cheer!
I really enjoyed this holiday story - it may be centred around Christmas, but actually it would be a good read at any time of the year.
Ed and his sisters have inherited their aunt's home, and decide to do it up and sell it. Ed moves in so that he can work on it, and because he has recently sold his house in readiness to moving up North. All his family are local, but after a bad break up he is moving back to work with Uni friends. As we learn later, this is mainly due to unkind accusations made by his (obviously) nasty ex-boyfriend.
Oliver lives next door with his grandmother, as he and his brother are assessing how much care she might need, and he is saving for his own property, so it seemed like a double win. Thing is though, he really enjoys her company, and now there is the benefit of his very fit new neighbour Ed!
As the two men get to know each other, and live with the knowledge that it is a time limited relationship due to Ed moving away, we (and almost all their friends and family) can see that they are perfect together. Ed however is still suffering from the hit to his self esteem - read on to find out how everything gets straightened out, and why - it is very neat.
Well written, with a good range of characters and a lovely rescue cat, this did an excellent job of bringing some Christmas cheer!
December 30, 2019
Slightly older man falls for his slightly younger neighbor. This was sweet, with the only drama surround whether Ed will move north or not and if to start a fling with Oliver.
December 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this warm cup of tea in mug form. I loved the fixing up a bungalow, taking care of an elderly lady, let's get an extra Christmas tree vibes. Ed was just grumpy and stubborn enough to be charming and not annoying, and I like how he came to his own conclusion about moving without a big production.
December 17, 2020
But what the hell, a little flirting never hurt anyone. — Edward Middleton
One of the first things I noticed about No Place Like Home because I don't know the author or her work, is that it's British. My second in a row, which is astounding given how few British set books I read. That means there is vernacular in there that is not unfamiliar to me per se but not frequently used. It's a pleasant change.
Another thing that was a pleasant change it's lovely to see a man so close to his sisters and one so close to his grandmother in the found family way. Both are not frequent. The closeness becomes a matter of contention in the plot which is not a bad choice (not between the protagonists kinda within one). There is a lot of flirtation in this book as is indicated in the blurb, it is a fun game protagonists Oliver and Ed play. But they are playing with fire. This is a plot that can make the reader question any preconceived notions of intimacy and the requirements for a relationship (if that is not something they have dealt with already). Yes, the sex is there but that isn't the focus. For this, to work the chemistry had to be written well and it was. But I must admit while this does lean on tropes it doesn't really unfold as I expected.
Random note dump. It's a hard book to form a proper review for. But
• Oliver and Ed are a well-matched pair from the outset. From their jobs, even if Oliver isn't entirely happy in his. But what isn't said is what job he should be doing. That man is a caregiver at heart.
• Of course, there is a disastrous first meeting but even that says something about compatibility and caring natures.
• Betty is a beautiful character her dottiness is a natural thing and not overdone. It feels like the beginning of something worse but it's not something anyone is saying.
• Monty is super cute I quite like him as a plot devise. I figured out quite early that cat and cat behaviour were going to kinda flow through this book. It's subtle but it's there. It's a nice touch really.
• Rob is a foil and severely underused. But I can see why he is included, in a few pages he shows a side of Oliver that would otherwise have not been demonstrated at all.
I didn't love this but I did like it. I guess it does say something in the book's favour that I stayed up later than I should have to finish it. And I like cats used to send a message. Christmas is not overused though it is more a set-piece a time frame than an integral part of the plot despite is perhaps appearing otherwise. This isn't just a book for the holiday season, Christmas is used a marker of time and as a time of coming together. There aren't any real surprises here just a sweet read that doesn't focus on sex more on the intimacy of relationships (another thing my ace self appreciates). And it's brevity may for some be a selling point in the season of preparation and celebration.
Rating it a three, I just don't think this is a four-star book not with the other books rated four. It will be loved by some I know and I can't even really put my finger on why I didn't like this more.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be near your family, Ed. Relying on them, letting them help you when things get tough isn’t a weakness. It’s not something you need to grow out of. — Oliver Walker
A representative gif:
This gif feels kinda apt. Monty kinda reminds me of Salem in a way. A weird way but it's still there.
December 5, 2019
I loved it!
No Place Like Home is such a sweet story, with just a hint of spice towards the end. I've just read the blurb over again… while it is slanted more towards Oliver and his feelings, I felt the book was much more about Ed.
Ed and his sisters inherited a house from their aunt. Ed will live there temporarily while they get it ready to sell. After a bad breakup, that shook his confidence where relationships are concerned, Ed has plans to move north, a couple of hours away from his family.
Oliver is living with his adopted grandmother, next door to Ed. After a rather rocky introduction they strike up a friendship that turns into more over time even though they both know it has an expiration date. Oliver knows that Ed will be moving but he hopes that their relationship will change Ed's mind and he'll decide to stay.
Ed and Oliver are so sweet together and I really felt their feelings for each other through the words that Annabelle Jacobs wrote. While there are a couple of hot scenes, the story is much more about the relationship that develops between them. It's also about the importance of family and how family relationships influence you. It's obvious throughout the story that Ed and Oliver both care deeply for their families. It's sad that Ed has allowed nasty words from his failed relationship to convince him that he needs to move away from his family.
Ed and Oliver get their Happily Ever After (HEA) and I loved the epilogue where someone else also gets their HEA. No Place Like Home is one of my favorite holiday stories this year.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
No Place Like Home is such a sweet story, with just a hint of spice towards the end. I've just read the blurb over again… while it is slanted more towards Oliver and his feelings, I felt the book was much more about Ed.
Ed and his sisters inherited a house from their aunt. Ed will live there temporarily while they get it ready to sell. After a bad breakup, that shook his confidence where relationships are concerned, Ed has plans to move north, a couple of hours away from his family.
Oliver is living with his adopted grandmother, next door to Ed. After a rather rocky introduction they strike up a friendship that turns into more over time even though they both know it has an expiration date. Oliver knows that Ed will be moving but he hopes that their relationship will change Ed's mind and he'll decide to stay.
Ed and Oliver are so sweet together and I really felt their feelings for each other through the words that Annabelle Jacobs wrote. While there are a couple of hot scenes, the story is much more about the relationship that develops between them. It's also about the importance of family and how family relationships influence you. It's obvious throughout the story that Ed and Oliver both care deeply for their families. It's sad that Ed has allowed nasty words from his failed relationship to convince him that he needs to move away from his family.
Ed and Oliver get their Happily Ever After (HEA) and I loved the epilogue where someone else also gets their HEA. No Place Like Home is one of my favorite holiday stories this year.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
November 24, 2019
I absolutely adored this book! I'm not a huge fan of the holidays and this one made me want to rush out and get a damned Christmas tree!!!!
Ed has moved into his deceased Aunt's condo to help get it ready to sell. He loves his family and is happy to be back home, but he feels as though he needs to move on. His last relationship ended with his partner saying that he was too attached to his family and needed to be a man and stand on his own two feet. So once the place is fixed up... he's moving north.
Then Ed meets Oliver. Oliver is taking care of the woman who lives next door. He's sweet, fun, youthful and Ed likes him almost instantly. (That is after he calls the police on him!)
The two men begin working together in the house. Oliver has some reno skills that Ed needs... and Olver also has a very revealing pair of jeans that Ed doesn't mind seeing every few days. The attraction between them men becomes obvious after a few hours together but both of them are unwilling to act on it. Ed will be moving and neither of them wants to begin something that they know has an expiration date.
This book made me happy. There is so much friendship, family and love in it that I couldn't stop smiling. This is one of those books that I will definitely pick up again if I'm having a rough day or feel like I need to read about a happy ending! Loved it! A holiday story can't get any better than this! perfection as far as I'm concerned.
And Monty!! This is also the story of Monty - a cat who needs a forever home. I bet you want to know what happens to Monty!!! (I was worried about him!)
Ed has moved into his deceased Aunt's condo to help get it ready to sell. He loves his family and is happy to be back home, but he feels as though he needs to move on. His last relationship ended with his partner saying that he was too attached to his family and needed to be a man and stand on his own two feet. So once the place is fixed up... he's moving north.
Then Ed meets Oliver. Oliver is taking care of the woman who lives next door. He's sweet, fun, youthful and Ed likes him almost instantly. (That is after he calls the police on him!)
The two men begin working together in the house. Oliver has some reno skills that Ed needs... and Olver also has a very revealing pair of jeans that Ed doesn't mind seeing every few days. The attraction between them men becomes obvious after a few hours together but both of them are unwilling to act on it. Ed will be moving and neither of them wants to begin something that they know has an expiration date.
This book made me happy. There is so much friendship, family and love in it that I couldn't stop smiling. This is one of those books that I will definitely pick up again if I'm having a rough day or feel like I need to read about a happy ending! Loved it! A holiday story can't get any better than this! perfection as far as I'm concerned.
And Monty!! This is also the story of Monty - a cat who needs a forever home. I bet you want to know what happens to Monty!!! (I was worried about him!)
December 17, 2019
Should probably more genuinely be a 3/3.5. I rated up because ratings are important.
Review contains spoilers.
This is a competently written, sweet, slow romance. I felt that it lacked passion and dramatic tension. I would have liked Ed's proposed move to be more immanent (it's months away with no set date) and there to be more passion in the romance (they're two nice blokes who like next door who seem to like each other and enjoy sex together. I'm aware that's how most relationships are in real life but I'd like some passion in my romance). It just ask ended up feeling a bit anticlimatic to me. They thought they shouldn't get together, then calmly and sprayer changed their minds and got together (as opposed to a mad moment of passion where they couldn't control themselves any more). Ed had a good think and decided not to move (as opposed to something dramatic making his realise everything he stood to lose and forcing him to change his mind).
The author also had some b plots which were developed with varying levels of skill. Betty was handled well, I felt. A lot of the secondary characters were really fleshed out. The cat subplot felt weird. Like, there's what should be a big emotional climax moment when they adopt a cat but the cat didn't get enough page time for me to really care about it 🤷♀️
So, competent but not very exciting. The only thing that really annoyed me was that this was marketed as a Christmas book but it isn't. It's a book set at Christmas but it could have been set in the middle of the summer with only a few minor changes. Which is fine, but if i pick up a Christmas book i want a book in which Christmas is integral to the plot in some way.
Review contains spoilers.
This is a competently written, sweet, slow romance. I felt that it lacked passion and dramatic tension. I would have liked Ed's proposed move to be more immanent (it's months away with no set date) and there to be more passion in the romance (they're two nice blokes who like next door who seem to like each other and enjoy sex together. I'm aware that's how most relationships are in real life but I'd like some passion in my romance). It just ask ended up feeling a bit anticlimatic to me. They thought they shouldn't get together, then calmly and sprayer changed their minds and got together (as opposed to a mad moment of passion where they couldn't control themselves any more). Ed had a good think and decided not to move (as opposed to something dramatic making his realise everything he stood to lose and forcing him to change his mind).
The author also had some b plots which were developed with varying levels of skill. Betty was handled well, I felt. A lot of the secondary characters were really fleshed out. The cat subplot felt weird. Like, there's what should be a big emotional climax moment when they adopt a cat but the cat didn't get enough page time for me to really care about it 🤷♀️
So, competent but not very exciting. The only thing that really annoyed me was that this was marketed as a Christmas book but it isn't. It's a book set at Christmas but it could have been set in the middle of the summer with only a few minor changes. Which is fine, but if i pick up a Christmas book i want a book in which Christmas is integral to the plot in some way.
November 22, 2019
Neighborly love
I'd like to start off by saying how much I adore Betty and Monty. I must say Ed is great at putting his foot in his mouth and a bit stubborn. It’s a good thing Oliver has a wonderful forgiving attitude. Ed’s insecurities sometimes manifest in his curt actions but he is also very sweet and thoughtful. Plus he gets points for being a good neighbor and it will make a funny “how did you meet story” for them. I agree with Oliver about the gnomes and he has great taste in jeans. Ed's family makes me laugh with their not-so-subtle guiding.
"Some things are worth the effort." There was a lot of push and pull and back and forth between Oliver and Ed, which I enjoyed but it also made me want to bonk them on their heads for their stubbornness. It made it all the better when they finally gave in to the heat that's been building between them. All the hilarious innuendos peppered throughout as well as the awkwardly steamy conversations between Oliver and Ed were thoroughly enjoyable. They have great chemistry together and I appreciated how they were always honest with each other. I love it when characters have epiphanies; it makes my day. Ed's surprise for Oliver though really is the best present of them all, all the heart flutters. A truly wonderful and heartwarming holiday story.
I'd like to start off by saying how much I adore Betty and Monty. I must say Ed is great at putting his foot in his mouth and a bit stubborn. It’s a good thing Oliver has a wonderful forgiving attitude. Ed’s insecurities sometimes manifest in his curt actions but he is also very sweet and thoughtful. Plus he gets points for being a good neighbor and it will make a funny “how did you meet story” for them. I agree with Oliver about the gnomes and he has great taste in jeans. Ed's family makes me laugh with their not-so-subtle guiding.
"Some things are worth the effort." There was a lot of push and pull and back and forth between Oliver and Ed, which I enjoyed but it also made me want to bonk them on their heads for their stubbornness. It made it all the better when they finally gave in to the heat that's been building between them. All the hilarious innuendos peppered throughout as well as the awkwardly steamy conversations between Oliver and Ed were thoroughly enjoyable. They have great chemistry together and I appreciated how they were always honest with each other. I love it when characters have epiphanies; it makes my day. Ed's surprise for Oliver though really is the best present of them all, all the heart flutters. A truly wonderful and heartwarming holiday story.
November 26, 2019
3.5 Stars rounded UP
“No Place Like Home” is a sweet and down to earth holidays romance read. The story oozes out closeness and familiarity that warm (readers) heart. The blurb says it all: it’s a heartwarming story of love between neighbors, family and friends, and some rescue cats!
Ed and Oliver were the two charming lead characters with equally delightful friends and family. Other than the occasional exasperation Ed’s way (for his stubbornness) this is a feel good story that lift up the mood. I enjoyed the lively banter, snarky and at times sarcastic comebacks of the characters in this book, be it the leading men and secondaries. The developing relationship between Ed and Oliver felt natural, the reservation (based of past/recent experience) something I could relate to. It’s not exactly a slow burn romance but not an insta-love either, somewhere in between that hit just right. Ed’s epiphany might be a tad too predictable (at least time-wise, considering the hemming and hawing it took him) but I still applauded the way it was handled.
For those who have a hankering of heartwarming, unassuming read, go pick “No Place Like Home” and just enjoy. It’s not saccharine sweet, but neither was there nasty surprises waiting on the corner. A happy beginning guaranteed.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
“No Place Like Home” is a sweet and down to earth holidays romance read. The story oozes out closeness and familiarity that warm (readers) heart. The blurb says it all: it’s a heartwarming story of love between neighbors, family and friends, and some rescue cats!
Ed and Oliver were the two charming lead characters with equally delightful friends and family. Other than the occasional exasperation Ed’s way (for his stubbornness) this is a feel good story that lift up the mood. I enjoyed the lively banter, snarky and at times sarcastic comebacks of the characters in this book, be it the leading men and secondaries. The developing relationship between Ed and Oliver felt natural, the reservation (based of past/recent experience) something I could relate to. It’s not exactly a slow burn romance but not an insta-love either, somewhere in between that hit just right. Ed’s epiphany might be a tad too predictable (at least time-wise, considering the hemming and hawing it took him) but I still applauded the way it was handled.
For those who have a hankering of heartwarming, unassuming read, go pick “No Place Like Home” and just enjoy. It’s not saccharine sweet, but neither was there nasty surprises waiting on the corner. A happy beginning guaranteed.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2019
Woop! Christmas story season is finally upon us (yes I know it’s only November but I don’t care, christmas is coming!!) and I was super excited to read this one from the moment I read the blurb and saw that GORGEOUS cover on Facebook...
No Place Like Home was absolutely WONDERFUL. It is everything I could ever hope for in a cute holiday romance, and a completely perfect story to curl up on the sofa with, drinking hot chocolate and eating ALL the snacks. 😉😁
This story was truly heartwarming and just such a joy to read! The romance was beautiful and sweet, I liked how nothing felt rushed or forced, and the boys were so darn likeable and pretty damn cute together. Plus there were cats, which scored MANY bonus points!! ❤️
It’s no secret that I love Annabelle’s writing. Her stories always flow so well and she always writes such fab and relatable characters who you can connect with pretty much from the very first page. Her novels are all very different but all so wonderful... and her cuter, fluffier stories are SO PERFECT and I love them even more at this time of year!!
I know I’ll revisit this lovely little story, it’s ideal for a bit of lighthearted cuteness and festive reading on a cold evening, all tucked up with a cuppa ☺️ I truly adored it and recommend it to anyone who wants something lovely and heartwarming this holiday season!
No Place Like Home was absolutely WONDERFUL. It is everything I could ever hope for in a cute holiday romance, and a completely perfect story to curl up on the sofa with, drinking hot chocolate and eating ALL the snacks. 😉😁
This story was truly heartwarming and just such a joy to read! The romance was beautiful and sweet, I liked how nothing felt rushed or forced, and the boys were so darn likeable and pretty damn cute together. Plus there were cats, which scored MANY bonus points!! ❤️
It’s no secret that I love Annabelle’s writing. Her stories always flow so well and she always writes such fab and relatable characters who you can connect with pretty much from the very first page. Her novels are all very different but all so wonderful... and her cuter, fluffier stories are SO PERFECT and I love them even more at this time of year!!
I know I’ll revisit this lovely little story, it’s ideal for a bit of lighthearted cuteness and festive reading on a cold evening, all tucked up with a cuppa ☺️ I truly adored it and recommend it to anyone who wants something lovely and heartwarming this holiday season!
April 11, 2020
This started of very slow and for most of the first half I dragged through it, the story improved though and speeds up a lot after that point. With Oliver and Ed getting to know each other, working on the bungalow together and getting ready for Christmas which was super sweet.
I liked that they discuss their relationship and the situation instead of just jumping into it, as was obviously very important to both of them. Also the look at Eds history and reasons behind moving, personally I thought the distance was only short so shouldn't have been a big deal anyway. However I enjoyed the look at their reasons and how they both feel about everything it was lovely, the ending is perfect too! I adored Monty from the start so cute!
While I enjoyed this one as an easy and soft romance, it probably could have cut a lot of the first part without losing any of the story or changed part to give more development as the second half's pacing is very fast with lots of sudden decisions. Compared to first half which was super slow...
Overall the characters were great, Oliver and Ed were sweet together. Also enjoyed Betty, Rob and all of Eds family who added a lot of entertainment along with teasing which was a lot of fun.
I liked that they discuss their relationship and the situation instead of just jumping into it, as was obviously very important to both of them. Also the look at Eds history and reasons behind moving, personally I thought the distance was only short so shouldn't have been a big deal anyway. However I enjoyed the look at their reasons and how they both feel about everything it was lovely, the ending is perfect too! I adored Monty from the start so cute!
While I enjoyed this one as an easy and soft romance, it probably could have cut a lot of the first part without losing any of the story or changed part to give more development as the second half's pacing is very fast with lots of sudden decisions. Compared to first half which was super slow...
Overall the characters were great, Oliver and Ed were sweet together. Also enjoyed Betty, Rob and all of Eds family who added a lot of entertainment along with teasing which was a lot of fun.
November 26, 2019
Home is not just a place… Home is family and love
After breaking up with his partner, Ed Middleton has decided to move up north, to prove himself and the world he does not need his family to succeed. While preparing his big leap, he moves into his deceased aunt’s bungalow to help with the necessary improvements before selling it. Everything goes as planned, until Oliver Walker sneaks into his life. After a somehow rocky start, both men start sharing time together. What starts as attraction soon changes into something deeper, something that makes Ed change his view about many things, and wonder what his priorities are after all…
A very cute story about the importance of family and relationships in general. Both Ed and Oliver are really likeable characters, but also all the secondary characters: family members and friends who have very much to do with creating such a homely, warm atmosphere. We have both characters’ points of view, which is really good, specially witnessing how Ed struggles to understand that what he views as a weakness, his strong bond with his family, is in fact one of his strengths… And then, there is Monty, of course, and I’m a goner.
Really cute.
After breaking up with his partner, Ed Middleton has decided to move up north, to prove himself and the world he does not need his family to succeed. While preparing his big leap, he moves into his deceased aunt’s bungalow to help with the necessary improvements before selling it. Everything goes as planned, until Oliver Walker sneaks into his life. After a somehow rocky start, both men start sharing time together. What starts as attraction soon changes into something deeper, something that makes Ed change his view about many things, and wonder what his priorities are after all…
A very cute story about the importance of family and relationships in general. Both Ed and Oliver are really likeable characters, but also all the secondary characters: family members and friends who have very much to do with creating such a homely, warm atmosphere. We have both characters’ points of view, which is really good, specially witnessing how Ed struggles to understand that what he views as a weakness, his strong bond with his family, is in fact one of his strengths… And then, there is Monty, of course, and I’m a goner.
Really cute.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2019
This is a perfect read for the holiday season! Such a heartwarming feel-good story with a simple message that holds so much truth: there really is no place like home.
This is an incredibly sweet love story, low on heat but utterly enchanting because the MC’s fall into friendship and love in the cutest way. The secondary characters, family and friends of both guys, are loving, supportive and teasing, with Betty undoubtedly one of the most endearing little old ladies ever written and Monty, the prickly cat, also stealing the show at times in the best way.
Ed has been hurt very much by his ex and feels as if he needs to prove something to himself, and that mistaken notion almost leads him to making a very bad mistake. Oliver and Ed try very hard not to fall for each other, because Ed is set to move away, so there is a whole lot of delicious, wistful longing on both their parts before their feelings grow too strong to resist.
In the end, things between Ed and Oliver are resolved in a super romantic scene, with an even sweeter epilogue to follow. I very much enjoyed reading their story.
This is an incredibly sweet love story, low on heat but utterly enchanting because the MC’s fall into friendship and love in the cutest way. The secondary characters, family and friends of both guys, are loving, supportive and teasing, with Betty undoubtedly one of the most endearing little old ladies ever written and Monty, the prickly cat, also stealing the show at times in the best way.
Ed has been hurt very much by his ex and feels as if he needs to prove something to himself, and that mistaken notion almost leads him to making a very bad mistake. Oliver and Ed try very hard not to fall for each other, because Ed is set to move away, so there is a whole lot of delicious, wistful longing on both their parts before their feelings grow too strong to resist.
In the end, things between Ed and Oliver are resolved in a super romantic scene, with an even sweeter epilogue to follow. I very much enjoyed reading their story.
December 18, 2019
Some authors have a special knack for holiday romances and Annabelle Jacobs is one of them. There's just something about her stories that never fail to entertain, warm the heart, and leave you completely fulfilled. Sometimes we have to search far and wide to find what we're looking for(and sometimes what we aren't looking for) and then again there are times when it's right in front of us, or next to us😉.
No Place Like Home is about friends, family, neighbors, romance, heat, humor, drama, but mostly it is filled to the brim with heart. You will smile, laugh, I can't say you will cry but you will definitely have moments of "Awww". I feel like I've written the phrase "feel good story" so many times this holiday reading season and for some people they can only take so many "Hallmark-y" tales but I can't get enough of them, especially when they are as brilliant and heartwarming as No Place Like Home. Annabelle Jacobs has once again earned her place on my #holidaymustreads shelf.
No Place Like Home is about friends, family, neighbors, romance, heat, humor, drama, but mostly it is filled to the brim with heart. You will smile, laugh, I can't say you will cry but you will definitely have moments of "Awww". I feel like I've written the phrase "feel good story" so many times this holiday reading season and for some people they can only take so many "Hallmark-y" tales but I can't get enough of them, especially when they are as brilliant and heartwarming as No Place Like Home. Annabelle Jacobs has once again earned her place on my #holidaymustreads shelf.
November 22, 2019
You want a fun, sweet, slow burn romance with holiday festivities and family, this is it!!!! Ed is going to spruce up his aunts house which was left to him and his sisters then move north to start over. Never does he expect Oliver, currently staying with his neighbor Betty. Oliver is younger, sexy, a killer smile but Ed is moving after the holiday, why start something for a few weeks?
Oliver likes Ed, but can they do long distance, does he want to? They become friends, helping each other out. Oliver really wants this, a relationship, waking up together, but convincing Ed they can do this is another issue. What a wonderful holiday read!! I loved these guys, their friends and families! Absolutely a must read!!!
Oliver likes Ed, but can they do long distance, does he want to? They become friends, helping each other out. Oliver really wants this, a relationship, waking up together, but convincing Ed they can do this is another issue. What a wonderful holiday read!! I loved these guys, their friends and families! Absolutely a must read!!!
November 29, 2019
4.5 Stars
No Place Like Home is a touching neighbor romance by Annabelle Jacobs.
Oliver and Ed meet during a funny misunderstanding, then strike up a neighborly friendship.
Ed is definitely attracted to Oliver, but their age difference makes him weary. What follows is a super sweet story. Ed and Oliver are only going to be together for a short time, but the relationship they develop during that time is super meaningful. And hot!
Their tale is full of some great secondary characters, with family members who are terrific, and a cute cat!
No Place Like Home touches on the lesson that what we think we need to do isn't always the right thing. It's okay to re-evaluate and change one's plans.
No Place Like Home is a touching neighbor romance by Annabelle Jacobs.
Oliver and Ed meet during a funny misunderstanding, then strike up a neighborly friendship.
Ed is definitely attracted to Oliver, but their age difference makes him weary. What follows is a super sweet story. Ed and Oliver are only going to be together for a short time, but the relationship they develop during that time is super meaningful. And hot!
Their tale is full of some great secondary characters, with family members who are terrific, and a cute cat!
No Place Like Home touches on the lesson that what we think we need to do isn't always the right thing. It's okay to re-evaluate and change one's plans.
December 1, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-itr
From that Review: My only complaint about No Place Like Home by Annabelle Jacobs? That is wasn't longer! I just adored this story! It was heartwarming. It was adult, that dealt with a number of themes besides the wonderful romance. All of which Annabella Jacobs addressed with sensitivity, folding it gently into the building slow burn romance between Oliver and Ed.
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-itr
From that Review: My only complaint about No Place Like Home by Annabelle Jacobs? That is wasn't longer! I just adored this story! It was heartwarming. It was adult, that dealt with a number of themes besides the wonderful romance. All of which Annabella Jacobs addressed with sensitivity, folding it gently into the building slow burn romance between Oliver and Ed.
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
December 1, 2019
No Place Like Home showed me that home is where the heart is in this friends-to-lovers romance between two mature men who know how to communicate.
All of the side characters were so real and honest, I felt such an emotional connection.
What a down to earth cozy holiday romance this turned out to be 💚
All of the side characters were so real and honest, I felt such an emotional connection.
What a down to earth cozy holiday romance this turned out to be 💚
December 5, 2019
This is a really sweet one. I liked both characters and their friends and family. The secondary characters were well drawn and the love story was lovely. I’m rounding up a 3.5 because the premise of Ed leaving to prove something to his ex wore thin pretty quickly but overall a good bit of Christmas fluff.
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