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So This is Christmas #2
Beautiful Temptation
Blair Anderson only thinks of Caden Bell as his best friend’s younger brother, a straight-laced jock still dating his high-school sweetheart. They are as different as night and day. Caden has always considered Blair an enigma, the way he lights up every room with his self-confidence and perfectly sculpted cheekbones. But since childhood they’ve drifted worlds apart.
Life as an international model isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, so when Blair escapes to his best friend’s beach house for some R&R, he’s shocked to discover Caden had the same idea. Apparently, he called it quits with his girlfriend and was looking for a little alone time too.
Instead of rock, paper, scissors to determine who gets to stay, they decide to share the house and keep out of each other’s way. Easier said than done. As they reconnect, Blair is captivated by Caden’s bald honesty. And Caden realizes that Blair isn’t a mystery—he’s genuine and funny and still utterly gorgeous.
Seeing Blair in a new light short-circuits Caden’s brain, and before he knows it, he’s confiding in Blair about his bi-curiosity. Blair couldn’t be more taken aback as advice turns to solace, then ignites into an intense spark neither man anticipated. Blair had done and seen it all, so what could it hurt to help Caden experience some new things?
After all, it’s only a holiday hookup.
Until it’s not.
PLEASE NOTE: This book completely stands alone from Beautiful Dreamer and they do not have to be read in order.
Life as an international model isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, so when Blair escapes to his best friend’s beach house for some R&R, he’s shocked to discover Caden had the same idea. Apparently, he called it quits with his girlfriend and was looking for a little alone time too.
Instead of rock, paper, scissors to determine who gets to stay, they decide to share the house and keep out of each other’s way. Easier said than done. As they reconnect, Blair is captivated by Caden’s bald honesty. And Caden realizes that Blair isn’t a mystery—he’s genuine and funny and still utterly gorgeous.
Seeing Blair in a new light short-circuits Caden’s brain, and before he knows it, he’s confiding in Blair about his bi-curiosity. Blair couldn’t be more taken aback as advice turns to solace, then ignites into an intense spark neither man anticipated. Blair had done and seen it all, so what could it hurt to help Caden experience some new things?
After all, it’s only a holiday hookup.
Until it’s not.
PLEASE NOTE: This book completely stands alone from Beautiful Dreamer and they do not have to be read in order.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2019
89 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Christina Lee
58 books2,149 followersChristina writes romance in different sub-genres, mostly with LGBTQ characters, not only because she's part of the community, but because representation matters, and everyone deserves a happily-ever-after.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.
You can find more info on her website: www.christinalee.net. From there you can link to her Facebook reader group as well as her IG account and newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
November 20, 2019
Even though I usually stay away from all the Christmassy stories... I had to give this one a go, I mean it is still a Christina Lee book after all !!
This was a nice and sweet read and I did really enjoy it, but I am still not a fan of holiday reads. So it didn't convert me...unfortunately. I think people who are all into the "Christmas" stories will have a wonderful time with this one.
I also made a mistake not reading "Beautiful Dreamer" beforehand, even though this one can be read as a stand-alone. It still might have heightened my enjoyment a bit.
I am going with 3 - 3,5 stars
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
This was a nice and sweet read and I did really enjoy it, but I am still not a fan of holiday reads. So it didn't convert me...unfortunately. I think people who are all into the "Christmas" stories will have a wonderful time with this one.
I also made a mistake not reading "Beautiful Dreamer" beforehand, even though this one can be read as a stand-alone. It still might have heightened my enjoyment a bit.
I am going with 3 - 3,5 stars
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
November 17, 2019
Just like book one, this is an absolutely delightful Christmas romance featuring a brother's best friend.
I think overall I liked this one a teeny bit more than the first one because there was less stored up hurt between Caden and Blair than there had been with Finn and Garrett.
Everything just flowed smoothly from them reconnecting as friends, to their mutual attraction and then falling for the other.
Again it's relatively low steam but again it works perfectly within the setting.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I think overall I liked this one a teeny bit more than the first one because there was less stored up hurt between Caden and Blair than there had been with Finn and Garrett.
Everything just flowed smoothly from them reconnecting as friends, to their mutual attraction and then falling for the other.
Again it's relatively low steam but again it works perfectly within the setting.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
November 20, 2019
3.5 stars
I had a few niggles but overall it was a sweet and enjoyable Christmas read.
The setting was really nice and the characters were likeable. I liked that Finn from Beautiful Dreamer made a brief appearance. That story is one of my favourite holiday novellas.
I had a few niggles but overall it was a sweet and enjoyable Christmas read.
The setting was really nice and the characters were likeable. I liked that Finn from Beautiful Dreamer made a brief appearance. That story is one of my favourite holiday novellas.
December 5, 2019
4 Stars
I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it a million times again: I am an absolute sucker for a good best-friends-brother themed M/M romance. This series is two-for-two in delivering on that count!
International model Blair needs a major breather from his party hard lifestyle, but when he shows up at his best friend Chris’s (supposedly empty) holiday house for some much needed R&R over Christmas, the last thing Blair expects is to be confronted with an older and hotter Caden, Chris’s younger brother who Blair hasn’t seen in almost a decade.
Both needing the peace and quiet of the beachside location, and both needing some serious time to think through some of their personal troubles (without the hassle of a big family Christmas back home), Blair and Caden decide to stay at the holiday house together. Although the unexpected arrangement leaves each man feeling a bit wary, they ease into a renewed friendship so naturally that it takes them both a little bit by surprise.
What Blair soon learns is that Caden is processing his newly accepted bisexuality, and once that fact is revealed, all bets are off, as Blair and Caden find themselves becoming more and more attracted to one another, on an emotional, mental, and most definitely on a physical level.
This story had a calm and easy way about it, with the first half simply following Blair and Caden as they sorted through their emotional woes and reconnected quietly but assuredly over the week they spent together at the beach house. All of that worked wonderfully for me and I found myself really liking both Blair and Caden, separately and together.
But then came the annoying family intrusion, and I’ll admit I had my grumpy pants on after that. The fact Caden’s family showed up for Christmas, even though he’d specifically expressed his wishes for some desperately needed alone time, really got up my goat. I have a serious issue in life with overbearing people who think they know what’s good for others. Although they meant well, I found it really forceful and inconsiderate of Caden’s wants and needs, particularly where his mother was concerned. This plot point took a bit of wind out of my sails because I was more than content to just have this whole story feature Caden and Blair reconnecting and falling in love alone at a beach house. But what can ya do?
Overall, though, I actually think I liked this more than book one (Beautiful Dreamer), which was unexpected but pleasantly surprising. Well meaning intrusion aside, I liked the tone of this story, and I appreciated the unexpected emotional weight that both Blair and Caden’s characters expressed throughout. Plus, they were so damn sweet and sexy together, I couldn’t help but adore them both.
I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it a million times again: I am an absolute sucker for a good best-friends-brother themed M/M romance. This series is two-for-two in delivering on that count!
International model Blair needs a major breather from his party hard lifestyle, but when he shows up at his best friend Chris’s (supposedly empty) holiday house for some much needed R&R over Christmas, the last thing Blair expects is to be confronted with an older and hotter Caden, Chris’s younger brother who Blair hasn’t seen in almost a decade.
Both needing the peace and quiet of the beachside location, and both needing some serious time to think through some of their personal troubles (without the hassle of a big family Christmas back home), Blair and Caden decide to stay at the holiday house together. Although the unexpected arrangement leaves each man feeling a bit wary, they ease into a renewed friendship so naturally that it takes them both a little bit by surprise.
What Blair soon learns is that Caden is processing his newly accepted bisexuality, and once that fact is revealed, all bets are off, as Blair and Caden find themselves becoming more and more attracted to one another, on an emotional, mental, and most definitely on a physical level.
This story had a calm and easy way about it, with the first half simply following Blair and Caden as they sorted through their emotional woes and reconnected quietly but assuredly over the week they spent together at the beach house. All of that worked wonderfully for me and I found myself really liking both Blair and Caden, separately and together.
But then came the annoying family intrusion, and I’ll admit I had my grumpy pants on after that. The fact Caden’s family showed up for Christmas, even though he’d specifically expressed his wishes for some desperately needed alone time, really got up my goat. I have a serious issue in life with overbearing people who think they know what’s good for others. Although they meant well, I found it really forceful and inconsiderate of Caden’s wants and needs, particularly where his mother was concerned. This plot point took a bit of wind out of my sails because I was more than content to just have this whole story feature Caden and Blair reconnecting and falling in love alone at a beach house. But what can ya do?
Overall, though, I actually think I liked this more than book one (Beautiful Dreamer), which was unexpected but pleasantly surprising. Well meaning intrusion aside, I liked the tone of this story, and I appreciated the unexpected emotional weight that both Blair and Caden’s characters expressed throughout. Plus, they were so damn sweet and sexy together, I couldn’t help but adore them both.
December 3, 2019
3.75 Stars!! 😍 Another sweet holiday story 🎄🎅🏼by Christina Lee; continuing her series from last year "So this is Christmas". Here we get the story of Blair and Caden👨❤️👨; Blair who is best friends with Caden's older brother, is a fashion model who is going through a little bit of a slump after years of a grueling diet and life-style in the modeling business. Looking for an escape and some quiet time he comes to his friend's empty summer house in Florida. Caden, having recently broken his relationship with his long-time girlfriend, is going through a bi-curious crisis and gets the same idea of getting away from his nosy family. They literally bump into each other in the empty house and instead of one of them moving out they decide to stay together in separate guest rooms till the end of the holidays. Their main plan to relax and recharge still standing while they reconnect as friends. Reigniting the old friendship is easy, but keeping things platonic is not.😳😉 Blair and Caden find it hard to keep away from each other and soon a harmless "kiss-cam" 💞 at a game leads to much more. 🔥🔥❤️
But what happens when Caden's nosy family crashes in just before Christmas? Can they keep their relationship secret? And what about their growing feelings for one another? Can they hide that or will they finally confess their true feelings and get their HEA?💝
This was another wonderful low-angst, sweet holiday romance which can be read as a standalone despite being a part of the series. Highly recommended to all fans of M/M holiday romances 👍👍
But what happens when Caden's nosy family crashes in just before Christmas? Can they keep their relationship secret? And what about their growing feelings for one another? Can they hide that or will they finally confess their true feelings and get their HEA?💝
This was another wonderful low-angst, sweet holiday romance which can be read as a standalone despite being a part of the series. Highly recommended to all fans of M/M holiday romances 👍👍
November 27, 2019
*4,5 stars*
This was highly enjoyable on many fronts:
- two really likeable MCs with real issues
- some lovely UST
- some great firsts for Caden
- some relationship development (something that's not so easy to do convincingly in a novella)
- some angst
- and still a lot of cuteness and fun, involving Christmas and family without going overboard with either of the latter.
Loved the slowly developing feelings, the stirring of real emotions and the heat and desire.
Lovely and heartwarming with a bit of spice on the side.
Perfect Christmas novella for me!
This was highly enjoyable on many fronts:
- two really likeable MCs with real issues
- some lovely UST
- some great firsts for Caden
- some relationship development (something that's not so easy to do convincingly in a novella)
- some angst
- and still a lot of cuteness and fun, involving Christmas and family without going overboard with either of the latter.
Loved the slowly developing feelings, the stirring of real emotions and the heat and desire.
Lovely and heartwarming with a bit of spice on the side.
Perfect Christmas novella for me!
November 14, 2019
After devouring last year's Beautiful Dreamer and hoping that Blair would get HEA, I jumped at the opportunity to review Beautiful Temptation by Christina Lee.
From the go, I knew that there was more to Blair than what we saw. Blair has been through a lot and in need of downtime to heal both physically and emotionally. He figures so alone time in paradise is just what he needs, but he didn't count on his best friend's little brother, Caden, to have the same idea.
Caden feels the need to escape after a recent break-up from his long term girlfriend and because after some soul searching; he's ready to admit to himself that he's bisexual. Running into Blair was the last thing he expected.
What I loved:
-Alternating POVs. I loved being inside both their thoughts; it allowed us to see how they viewed each other as teens and how their feelings for each other began to grow.
-Kisses. Holy sweet, sensual kisses. Although I love sexually steamy books, nothing beats well-written kisses and the kisses Blair and Caden shared were on fire.
-I'm a sucker for the friend's brother trope, and it was well executed. While there was trepidation on Blair's side, it wasn't drawn out and exaggerated.
-Love the secondary cast of characters. Caden's family is all kinds of awesome, and I loved their relationship with Blair. He was, in every sense, a part of their family.
-Opposites attract. Blair is vibrant and snarky, while Caden is more down to earth and into sports.
-CHEMISTRY.
-Secret rendezvous. There's something about couples sneaking around and having secret hook-ups that does it for me in books.
-And the end is uber sweet. We have a little epilogue- which is so not a Christina Lee, so I was squealed a little when I saw there was one.
Beautiful Temptation is an excellent addition to the So This is Christmas series; I think it's better than its predecessor. It was a joy to read. It's a feel-good story that is equal parts sweet and sensual.
5 Stars
December 27, 2019
Things got resolved a bit abruptly but, overall, a very pleasant holiday read.
December 31, 2023
Blair and Caden ❤️❤️
‘Beautiful Temptation’ was exactly what I needed today.
Blair is a high fashion model, living the fast life, hardly ever home, travelling the world on modelling assignments and advertising campaigns. Plus hooking up whenever he felt the need, wherever he was working.
His best friend since childhood is Christopher Bell, whose family became his whenever his parents weren’t available, which was often. He was like part of the Bell family. Blair is feeling burnt out and so tired he needs to take some time out and think about reducing his modelling assignments and doing something different, not so much travelling around the world. He asked his friend Christopher if he could use his beach house for the upcoming Christmas holidays.
Caden Bell, is Christopher’s younger brother who is a Sports Reporter and Radio commentator. Sport is his life. He’s feeling out of sorts just before Christmas and instead of heading off skiing with his parents and his brothers family, he decides to head off alone to Christopher’s beach house for some alone time and serious thinking. He’s just unpacked his stuff and chose his bedroom.
When Blair arrives at the Beach house he’s surprised to see a car already parked in the driveway.
When Caden and Blair come face to face, Blair is stunned at seeing Caden so grown up, it’s years since he’s seen him. However, Blair volunteered to go find a hotel seeing as Caden’s family own the property.
They eventually agreed to share the space and they became close, cooking, drinking wine and beach strolls., enough for Caden to share that he has broken up with his girlfriend since High School and is trying to figure out things about himself. Blair also opens up about his plans to change his work lifestyle.
********************
I’d just love to keep reading more about Blair and Caden, but it was a relatively short read. It was surprising to see this different side of Blair, compared to how he was in ‘Beautiful Dreamer’ Book 1 in this Christmas Duet. There he was a guest staying in a cabin in the woods with his friend Finn and his family also at Christmas. He was quite a ‘footloose playboy’ there, probably before his lifestyle started to catch up on him.
I’m not really into ‘special Christmasy’ reads, but I enjoyed both books in this duet by Christina Lee. I’ve read a few of her books now and she never disappoints. I’d happily recommend her stories.
‘Beautiful Temptation’ was exactly what I needed today.
Blair is a high fashion model, living the fast life, hardly ever home, travelling the world on modelling assignments and advertising campaigns. Plus hooking up whenever he felt the need, wherever he was working.
His best friend since childhood is Christopher Bell, whose family became his whenever his parents weren’t available, which was often. He was like part of the Bell family. Blair is feeling burnt out and so tired he needs to take some time out and think about reducing his modelling assignments and doing something different, not so much travelling around the world. He asked his friend Christopher if he could use his beach house for the upcoming Christmas holidays.
Caden Bell, is Christopher’s younger brother who is a Sports Reporter and Radio commentator. Sport is his life. He’s feeling out of sorts just before Christmas and instead of heading off skiing with his parents and his brothers family, he decides to head off alone to Christopher’s beach house for some alone time and serious thinking. He’s just unpacked his stuff and chose his bedroom.
When Blair arrives at the Beach house he’s surprised to see a car already parked in the driveway.
When Caden and Blair come face to face, Blair is stunned at seeing Caden so grown up, it’s years since he’s seen him. However, Blair volunteered to go find a hotel seeing as Caden’s family own the property.
They eventually agreed to share the space and they became close, cooking, drinking wine and beach strolls., enough for Caden to share that he has broken up with his girlfriend since High School and is trying to figure out things about himself. Blair also opens up about his plans to change his work lifestyle.
********************
I’d just love to keep reading more about Blair and Caden, but it was a relatively short read. It was surprising to see this different side of Blair, compared to how he was in ‘Beautiful Dreamer’ Book 1 in this Christmas Duet. There he was a guest staying in a cabin in the woods with his friend Finn and his family also at Christmas. He was quite a ‘footloose playboy’ there, probably before his lifestyle started to catch up on him.
I’m not really into ‘special Christmasy’ reads, but I enjoyed both books in this duet by Christina Lee. I’ve read a few of her books now and she never disappoints. I’d happily recommend her stories.
December 7, 2019
Caden and Blair, each looking for peace and quiet to sort out their lives, each for a different reason, both show up at Caden's brother's Sarasota beach house. We get a glimpse of their childhood, where they grew up together, because Blair was his brother's best friend.
* Blair is now a super famous model, but burnt out,
recovering from his fast paced life, of cocaine, etc. With time off, he's deciding what to do next.
* Caden, shows up at his brother's beach house, too,
looking to internally discover his forward moves, after breaking up with his long time girlfriend, he was with since high school. Our men have known each other, but hadn't spent any time together in a long while.
Sportscaster/writer Caden and Flamboyant Blair exchange pasts and catch up on families information. Meanwhile, Caden has always wondered why Blair made him uncomfortable all those years ago.
Caden has recently decided to act on his feelings for men. They talk, walk, and cook, and get comfy around each other. One thought leads to another, where we see our charming men find their passions.
Hot sexy times, firsts for Caden, and really, firsts for experienced Blair, because no one has ever treated him the way Caden does.
A lovely, interesting, Christmasy tale, that show what being your true self can bring into your life. Family shows up on the doorstep, insecurities rise up, and we get an HFN.
ENJOY and Merry Christmas !
=========
* Blair is now a super famous model, but burnt out,
recovering from his fast paced life, of cocaine, etc. With time off, he's deciding what to do next.
* Caden, shows up at his brother's beach house, too,
looking to internally discover his forward moves, after breaking up with his long time girlfriend, he was with since high school. Our men have known each other, but hadn't spent any time together in a long while.
Sportscaster/writer Caden and Flamboyant Blair exchange pasts and catch up on families information. Meanwhile, Caden has always wondered why Blair made him uncomfortable all those years ago.
Caden has recently decided to act on his feelings for men. They talk, walk, and cook, and get comfy around each other. One thought leads to another, where we see our charming men find their passions.
Hot sexy times, firsts for Caden, and really, firsts for experienced Blair, because no one has ever treated him the way Caden does.
A lovely, interesting, Christmasy tale, that show what being your true self can bring into your life. Family shows up on the doorstep, insecurities rise up, and we get an HFN.
ENJOY and Merry Christmas !
=========
December 29, 2021
✽ 4.5 STARS ✽
Very similar to #1 book Beautiful Dreamer (being into brother's best friend; to celebrate the Christmas holidays with the best friend's family in charlet / beach house, etc.), but I loved it nevertheless. Blake already appeared in #1 book and I didn't like him much, but here he showed his true colours and it was beautiful holiday story.
Very similar to #1 book Beautiful Dreamer (being into brother's best friend; to celebrate the Christmas holidays with the best friend's family in charlet / beach house, etc.), but I loved it nevertheless. Blake already appeared in #1 book and I didn't like him much, but here he showed his true colours and it was beautiful holiday story.
November 15, 2019
Just lovely. I’m a sucker for a best friends brother story. Sweet, sexy, full of feels and Christmas spirit. Add this one to your Christmas Romance reading list. I’ve only read a few books by this author and they were just ok for me. This one is by far my favorite so far. 🎄😍💜🔥
November 15, 2019
Awww.... this is adorable.
Review soon!
Review soon!
December 18, 2019
A sweet, darling holiday romance. Same formula as the previous book: best friend's kid brother became hot, spending holidays together, slow burn as feelings and realizations come to the surface. But damn if it isn't a good formula. I loved it. 💕 And despite the similarities of the situation I thought Blair and Coden's personalities really shone through. I loved how sensitive Coden was to Blair's eating issues. Blair really needed caring for and Coden needed somebody to care for. They were perfect for each other. Ending was sweet Christmas magic.
December 11, 2021
Sweet, light, and steamy hot, Christina Lee's Beautiful Temptation is a perfect holiday highlight. #2 in the standalone So This Is Christmas series, both books are performed by Michael Dean.
This is a classic opposites attract romance, with a side of hurt/comfort, and a hearty portion of exploring new waters. One of my favorite tropes, Blair leading Caden on his journey of self-discovery is "beautifully" done. These two have sparking chemisty, and fans of Michael Dean know that nobody perfoms MM romance better than he does!
I'm diving into Beautiful Dreamer next.
an audiobook copy of Beautiful Temptation was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
This is a classic opposites attract romance, with a side of hurt/comfort, and a hearty portion of exploring new waters. One of my favorite tropes, Blair leading Caden on his journey of self-discovery is "beautifully" done. These two have sparking chemisty, and fans of Michael Dean know that nobody perfoms MM romance better than he does!
I'm diving into Beautiful Dreamer next.
an audiobook copy of Beautiful Temptation was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
November 25, 2019
I wasn’t expecting this. This is my first time reading this author, and if the rest of her books are like this one, I’ll be reading them all. The innocents of these two. Both MC’s at a crosswords finding each other and making a new path. This was a really lovely story. They were very cute with each other. I adored both characters. I swooned and was set on fire.
Wonderful writing, great side character good book.
And this absolutely can be read as a stand-alone
Wonderful writing, great side character good book.
And this absolutely can be read as a stand-alone
December 5, 2021
Adorably sweet story with a newly uncloseted best friend's little brother. It had all the feels of a cozy, heartwarming hug. Perfect for this time of year!
November 18, 2019
Beautiful heart-felt story. I adored both Blair and Caden. They were both in a difficult situation in life and sometimes holidays' cheer isn't what's needed, it's the peace and quiet and sometimes the RIGHT company even if an unexpected one.
Caden Bell needs to figure some things out and though he loves his family he needs the time alone which is why when everyone is away he decides to go to his brother Christopher's beach house saying nothing to anyone. Yet Blair Anderson, Christopher's best friend, has already given Blair the okay to said beach house and when they stumble upon each other they are both reluctant to leave yet not sure about staying together. They might have gotten along great when they were kids (or rather when Caden was a kid) but as teenagers things have changed a bit and though both have secretly kept tubs on one another it's totally different spending this time together when both are in need of solace.
It doesn't take long for them to realize they actually DO get along pretty great. Even if the overly vibrant extroverted life-of-the-party model couldn't be more different than the muscled jock who liked to keep to himself. Yet the compassion Caden shows right from the start towards Blair makes him reluctant to leave even if he would rather stay on his own. After having a heart to heart things change. They both see there is more to each other than they thought or saw before. Blair have been living a very stressful life including drugs and an eating disorder and Caden have broken up with his high-school sweetheart to figure out his own bisexual sexuality.
After having a rather unexpected heart to heart to decide to try something between them but their plans gets interrupted which means if they truly want each other they need to make a decision. Playing around might have been their initial goal but even the little time they spent together made them realize they CRAVE to have more.
I think it's easy to put each of the guys in a "box" of what you'd expect from their occupation. It's actually what they saw in each other even if they grew up together. Their time together showed them how much it doesn't really matter, what matters is their heart - what they want and need. Caden's girlfriend might have become a close friend to him but her conservative perspectives wasn't something he shared or appreciated about her, that's without mentioning his sexuality. He needed a different relationship, one he felt accepted. For Blair who have been a part of the Bell family for years now their acceptance is everything, yet it's not enough. He have been living on his own for too long, sharing men and experiences but never settling down. He had a wild life but he is totally and absolutely burned down and what Caden gives him, even if just temporarily at first is everything he wasn't even able to admit to himself - finding someone who sees HIM and cares for HIM, security, a safe place to be his true self, not who everyone expects him to be. Isn't it what we all want? Lucky these two found it in each other.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
While this is offered as the second book in the "So This Is Christmas" series there is NOTHING to tie these two together except for the setting - sharing Christmas together. Though I highly recommend the first one it truly doesn't matter for this one if you read it or not.
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
Caden Bell needs to figure some things out and though he loves his family he needs the time alone which is why when everyone is away he decides to go to his brother Christopher's beach house saying nothing to anyone. Yet Blair Anderson, Christopher's best friend, has already given Blair the okay to said beach house and when they stumble upon each other they are both reluctant to leave yet not sure about staying together. They might have gotten along great when they were kids (or rather when Caden was a kid) but as teenagers things have changed a bit and though both have secretly kept tubs on one another it's totally different spending this time together when both are in need of solace.
It doesn't take long for them to realize they actually DO get along pretty great. Even if the overly vibrant extroverted life-of-the-party model couldn't be more different than the muscled jock who liked to keep to himself. Yet the compassion Caden shows right from the start towards Blair makes him reluctant to leave even if he would rather stay on his own. After having a heart to heart things change. They both see there is more to each other than they thought or saw before. Blair have been living a very stressful life including drugs and an eating disorder and Caden have broken up with his high-school sweetheart to figure out his own bisexual sexuality.
After having a rather unexpected heart to heart to decide to try something between them but their plans gets interrupted which means if they truly want each other they need to make a decision. Playing around might have been their initial goal but even the little time they spent together made them realize they CRAVE to have more.
I think it's easy to put each of the guys in a "box" of what you'd expect from their occupation. It's actually what they saw in each other even if they grew up together. Their time together showed them how much it doesn't really matter, what matters is their heart - what they want and need. Caden's girlfriend might have become a close friend to him but her conservative perspectives wasn't something he shared or appreciated about her, that's without mentioning his sexuality. He needed a different relationship, one he felt accepted. For Blair who have been a part of the Bell family for years now their acceptance is everything, yet it's not enough. He have been living on his own for too long, sharing men and experiences but never settling down. He had a wild life but he is totally and absolutely burned down and what Caden gives him, even if just temporarily at first is everything he wasn't even able to admit to himself - finding someone who sees HIM and cares for HIM, security, a safe place to be his true self, not who everyone expects him to be. Isn't it what we all want? Lucky these two found it in each other.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
While this is offered as the second book in the "So This Is Christmas" series there is NOTHING to tie these two together except for the setting - sharing Christmas together. Though I highly recommend the first one it truly doesn't matter for this one if you read it or not.
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
November 16, 2019
I absolutely loved this book!
Brother’s friend is one of my favourite tropes. Make it MM and it’s like double prizes!
Beautiful Blair has been living in the fast lane. Fast work. Fast travel. Fast meaningless sex. He wants to take his foot off the pedal and chill alone at his best friend Chris’ beach holiday home.
Chris’ brother Caden, newly broken up from his high school sweetheart had the same idea. Neither expects the other to be there - quelle surprise!
Caden is like a super sweet care giver. He sees. He knows. He listens. Blair doesn’t realise how much he needs that shoulder and that comfort. But it works both ways because Caden needs Blair’s wisdom and listening ear just as much.
I just loved the two of them together. I want to be their best girlfriend and watch their adorableness. Fabulous novella.
Brother’s friend is one of my favourite tropes. Make it MM and it’s like double prizes!
Beautiful Blair has been living in the fast lane. Fast work. Fast travel. Fast meaningless sex. He wants to take his foot off the pedal and chill alone at his best friend Chris’ beach holiday home.
Chris’ brother Caden, newly broken up from his high school sweetheart had the same idea. Neither expects the other to be there - quelle surprise!
Caden is like a super sweet care giver. He sees. He knows. He listens. Blair doesn’t realise how much he needs that shoulder and that comfort. But it works both ways because Caden needs Blair’s wisdom and listening ear just as much.
I just loved the two of them together. I want to be their best girlfriend and watch their adorableness. Fabulous novella.
November 19, 2019
Hot holiday romance
Here's what I liked- Caden was new to dating men, these two were unexpectedly thrown together after all these yrs, it's a secret fling that can't last, and it's pretty hot. Blair needs someone to look after him, too. I loved it.
Here's what I liked- Caden was new to dating men, these two were unexpectedly thrown together after all these yrs, it's a secret fling that can't last, and it's pretty hot. Blair needs someone to look after him, too. I loved it.
October 13, 2022
I liked this much more than the previous book.
Blaire and Caden were great together, the story didn't feel rushed at all.
I couldn't get over Caden's mother's intrusion on their alloan time. Both wanted to escape christmas and she decides to bring the family's christmas celebrations to them? That was beyond selfish and disrespectful.
Besides this, the storyline was sweet and I loved it.
4 stars.
Blaire and Caden were great together, the story didn't feel rushed at all.
I couldn't get over Caden's mother's intrusion on their alloan time. Both wanted to escape christmas and she decides to bring the family's christmas celebrations to them? That was beyond selfish and disrespectful.
Besides this, the storyline was sweet and I loved it.
4 stars.
November 19, 2019
Enjoyed this one ALOT.
Mare~Slitsread
Mare~Slitsread
December 16, 2019
I honestly just thought that this was fine. Sweet, but kind of boring.
November 15, 2019
Two polar opposites Caden and Blair share a beach house that Caden’s brother owns.
This book checks all my boxes. First time gay, brother’s best friend and high levels of sweetness.
This is a low angst but beautiful love story. It made me feel all mushy inside which is hard to do usually because my heart is made of coal.
Loved the 1st one in this series and the 2nd was just as wonderful.
Both can be read as stand-alones.
This book checks all my boxes. First time gay, brother’s best friend and high levels of sweetness.
This is a low angst but beautiful love story. It made me feel all mushy inside which is hard to do usually because my heart is made of coal.
Loved the 1st one in this series and the 2nd was just as wonderful.
Both can be read as stand-alones.
Read
November 14, 2019Linkage:
🎄Universal: mybook.to/BeautifulTemptation
🎄US link (in KU): https://amzn.to/34MkxOv
#brothersbestfriend #bicuriosity #beachholiday
🎄Universal: mybook.to/BeautifulTemptation
🎄US link (in KU): https://amzn.to/34MkxOv
#brothersbestfriend #bicuriosity #beachholiday
November 15, 2019
Loved this swoony holiday romance. <3 <3 <3 Falling in love with Blair and Caden was such a great way to spend an evening! Full review coming to www.thenovelapproachreviews.com
November 19, 2019
This is a great sweet Christmas read. There is minimal angst here. Caden is out of a long term relationship he ended because he needs to find himself. Blair is his brother's out and proud model best friend, who has always been so sure of himself. They meet at Caden's brother's vacation home at a time in both their lives that they are the most vulnerable and discover that they have way more in common then they ever imagined. Blair needs a change his jet setting life has led him down some unhealthy paths and Caden needs a friend who understands what he is going through. Together they form and unlikely friendship and an even more beautiful romance.
Great story, developed well, with some really great chemistry between Blair and Caden.
Great story, developed well, with some really great chemistry between Blair and Caden.
November 15, 2019
Loved it!!!
I absolutely loved Caden and Blair’s story! I love a good childhood friends to lovers romance, and when you toss in brother’s best friend I’m totally on board! I loved the chemistry that built between Caden and Blair, which only continued to get hotter as their unexpected holiday alone was interrupted. I loved the sweetness and tenderness of them finding each other, and at points it brought tears to my eyes. I didn’t want to finish their story, because then it would be over! I loved Caden and Blair and I know they will stick with me! This is one of my favorites reads of the year, and I couldn’t recommend it more!
I absolutely loved Caden and Blair’s story! I love a good childhood friends to lovers romance, and when you toss in brother’s best friend I’m totally on board! I loved the chemistry that built between Caden and Blair, which only continued to get hotter as their unexpected holiday alone was interrupted. I loved the sweetness and tenderness of them finding each other, and at points it brought tears to my eyes. I didn’t want to finish their story, because then it would be over! I loved Caden and Blair and I know they will stick with me! This is one of my favorites reads of the year, and I couldn’t recommend it more!
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