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Hometown Christmas
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Can Yani and Gavin go from friends to lovers this Christmas?
Yani Nicolaou is sworn off love for good. After fleeing a bad break-up in London, the only blood, sweat, and tears he has left are for his gyro stall at the Christmas market. Rebound fling? No thanks. He’s sticking to one-night-stands.
Ex-army vet Gavin Richie has even less capacity for romance. Managing a homeless ...more
Yani Nicolaou is sworn off love for good. After fleeing a bad break-up in London, the only blood, sweat, and tears he has left are for his gyro stall at the Christmas market. Rebound fling? No thanks. He’s sticking to one-night-stands.
Ex-army vet Gavin Richie has even less capacity for romance. Managing a homeless ...more
Kindle Edition, 164 pages
Published
November 21st 2019
by Fox Love Press
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Nov 08, 2019
Judith
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
arc,
british,
couldn-t-wait-to-read,
m-m,
british-boys,
favourite-author,
slinky-boys,
gorgeous-boys,
lgbtq,
dbo-arc
4.5
Garrett Leigh at her best here.
This is pretty much the perfect Christmas story.It's not all tinsel and baubles,it's more low key twinkling lights because it's not all about Christmas.It's a story that happens to take place in the run up to Christmas.
Once again Garrett Leigh has created two highly likeable men. There's a grittiness about it because Gavin and Yani have their problems,they haven't exactly walked in a straight line.Both men's issues felt real and the Author tackled them extremely ...more
Garrett Leigh at her best here.
This is pretty much the perfect Christmas story.It's not all tinsel and baubles,it's more low key twinkling lights because it's not all about Christmas.It's a story that happens to take place in the run up to Christmas.
Once again Garrett Leigh has created two highly likeable men. There's a grittiness about it because Gavin and Yani have their problems,they haven't exactly walked in a straight line.Both men's issues felt real and the Author tackled them extremely ...more
Nov 22, 2019
Simone
added it
Time of Death @ 63%
Oh my, apparently there is a first time for everything... I never thought I would see the day where I give up on a Garrett Leigh book, but apparently the curse of highly anticipated books is a thing lately.
I virtually begged on my knees for Wedge's story since I've read Between Ghosts and Soul to Keep, and now that I got it, I'm dragging my feet here and I think it's time to move on. The chemistry between Gavin (Wedge) and Yani is missing the spark for me, fade-to-black s ...more
Oh my, apparently there is a first time for everything... I never thought I would see the day where I give up on a Garrett Leigh book, but apparently the curse of highly anticipated books is a thing lately.
I virtually begged on my knees for Wedge's story since I've read Between Ghosts and Soul to Keep, and now that I got it, I'm dragging my feet here and I think it's time to move on. The chemistry between Gavin (Wedge) and Yani is missing the spark for me, fade-to-black s ...more
Want to just start off by saying "kudos" to the author for not only writing an incredibly sweet and lovely love story between her two main characters, but did it with both of them having mental conditions. She created two flawed but perfect men, one with OCD and the other PTSD and she did so with such realism, humor and love that it took my breath away. I completely and utterly fell in love with Yani and Gavin. I loved the fact that each of them, though having to deal with the day to day issue o
...more
4.5 Stars!
Classic Garrett Leigh.
Christmas story perfection.
Classic Garrett Leigh.
Christmas story perfection.
I've been wanting Wedge's story since he first appeared in Garrett's stunningly brilliant books Between Ghosts and the Rented Heart series.
Once the joker of the pack, since his accident, he's retreated into himself and moved back home.
And, once again, I'm tickled by Garrett setting another book in my birth place of Leeds. She gets all the nuisances which make it such a fascinating city right.
Another thing she nails is her military research. I've said it before, I've family who were Special Force ...more
Once the joker of the pack, since his accident, he's retreated into himself and moved back home.
And, once again, I'm tickled by Garrett setting another book in my birth place of Leeds. She gets all the nuisances which make it such a fascinating city right.
Another thing she nails is her military research. I've said it before, I've family who were Special Force ...more
Garrett Leigh never fails to transport me to a world far, far away. Even though her settings are typically just "across the pond", there is something about her characters and their lives that is completely foreign to me. To say that she captures my imagination is putting it mildly. When I dive into one of her books I know I'm going on a full adventure with words, scenes and people that are wholly unique.
I'm not sure I'd call Gavin and Yani's story a happy little Christmas tale. Then again, are a ...more
I'm not sure I'd call Gavin and Yani's story a happy little Christmas tale. Then again, are a ...more
Loved it, the wait for Wedge's story so worth the wait.
Gavin + Yani = Christmas happy place 💖
...more
Gavin + Yani = Christmas happy place 💖
...more
*3.5 stars*
A holiday read by Garrett Leigh, Hometown Christmas is a story about giving love and compassion to those around you.
Yani is a cook from Cyprus that has lived in England for years while his whole family is back on the island. He has worked many festivals with a food track and it's finally the time for him to do something of his own, so now he has a tent at the market.
Gavin is ex-military, out because of an accident that happened while he was abroad. He's been out for a few years workin ...more
A holiday read by Garrett Leigh, Hometown Christmas is a story about giving love and compassion to those around you.
Yani is a cook from Cyprus that has lived in England for years while his whole family is back on the island. He has worked many festivals with a food track and it's finally the time for him to do something of his own, so now he has a tent at the market.
Gavin is ex-military, out because of an accident that happened while he was abroad. He's been out for a few years workin ...more
Dec 21, 2019
Lost in a Book
rated it
liked it
Shelves:
2019-books,
arc-or-review-copy,
disability,
automatic-author,
age-gap,
holiday,
sir-yes-sir
3.25 Stars
Hmmm… I liked Hometown Christmas. I wouldn’t classify it as a holiday book but more of a story that happens to take place during the holidays. This book falls in line with other Garrett Leigh reads where there are characters with disabilities, complexities, and a splash of angst.
So, with Christmas only a few days away, I’m just gonna give a quick and dirty review.
~Yani and Gavin meet, eye fuck, and continue on their way…
~Until Yani shows up to cook for the shelter Gavin is running.
~Th ...more
Hmmm… I liked Hometown Christmas. I wouldn’t classify it as a holiday book but more of a story that happens to take place during the holidays. This book falls in line with other Garrett Leigh reads where there are characters with disabilities, complexities, and a splash of angst.
So, with Christmas only a few days away, I’m just gonna give a quick and dirty review.
~Yani and Gavin meet, eye fuck, and continue on their way…
~Until Yani shows up to cook for the shelter Gavin is running.
~Th ...more
Nobody's sadder than me when a Garrett Leigh book doesn't become a favorite. I enjoyed Hometown Christmas but I did not love it, at least not with the ferocity I usually love a book by this author. I absolutely believe that had the story been longer, I wouldn't have liked this a lot more. But somehow it felt short, rushed and maybe a little....unbalanced.
First things first, I counted on Leigh to nail the Greek MC and I was right. There wasn't a lot of Greekness in it, but what was there -the coo ...more
First things first, I counted on Leigh to nail the Greek MC and I was right. There wasn't a lot of Greekness in it, but what was there -the coo ...more
I hate to admit that it’s been too long for me to remember Wedge (Gavin) from previous books, but I really liked him (again) anyway!
Both Gavin and Yani are complex characters with tons of past and present issues to deal with. Gavin’s back injury from his military service and Yani’s OCD being the major ones that come into play here.
If that sounds pretty heavy going for a Christmas novella, don’t worry. Yes, there are serious questions raised and life changing moments happen in the best sort of wa ...more
Both Gavin and Yani are complex characters with tons of past and present issues to deal with. Gavin’s back injury from his military service and Yani’s OCD being the major ones that come into play here.
If that sounds pretty heavy going for a Christmas novella, don’t worry. Yes, there are serious questions raised and life changing moments happen in the best sort of wa ...more
I’m a creature of habit. I have a small list of places that sing to my soul and caught in the midst of Leigh’s words is one of them. There are many reasons why I continue to seek her blissful (okay, not always but I AM happy by the end!) havens but the unending cord that connects her stories is on the top of the list. I am rather fond of all her friends and can’t tell you how happy it makes me when they reappear in a new light. I was bouncing in my seat when I realized Gavin was Wedge from our S
...more
Hometown Christmas is holiday romance Garrett Leigh style. The tone of the story is one of hope. We have two men who are, in a sense starting over. Yani has recently gotten out of a bad relationship, and Gavin has been discharged from the military and overcomes physical injuries he suffered while enlisted.
While the story holds the warm feelings of the holidays, it still sheds light on real-life issues- homelessness, PTSD, OCD. I love that she was able to capture the spirit of the holidays while ...more
While the story holds the warm feelings of the holidays, it still sheds light on real-life issues- homelessness, PTSD, OCD. I love that she was able to capture the spirit of the holidays while ...more
Dec 18, 2019
Denise H.
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
angst,
thought-provoking,
drama,
healing-comfort,
humor,
military,
suspense,
contemporary,
m-m-romance,
m-m-sex
In England, two men with deep, dark insecurities, flaws and loneliness meet and ponder the reality of truly letting someone into their lives.
Yani, 28, Greek chef who works a Food Market stall in Leeds,
has OCD, and has failed romance. His best gal friend, Bex, calls in a favor, so he agrees to cook at the homeless shelter.
Gavin, 38, ex-military, with war wounds and tattoos, runs the shelter.
When the men meet, it's instant attraction, but neither guy thinks he can have a long term relationshi ...more
Yani, 28, Greek chef who works a Food Market stall in Leeds,
has OCD, and has failed romance. His best gal friend, Bex, calls in a favor, so he agrees to cook at the homeless shelter.
Gavin, 38, ex-military, with war wounds and tattoos, runs the shelter.
When the men meet, it's instant attraction, but neither guy thinks he can have a long term relationshi ...more
The Story: 2
Narration:3.5
3.5 stars
Yani left the hustle and bustle - and the heartbreak - of London behind for his small gyro stand. He’s content with the new life he’s building, though it involves a self-imposed ban on love.
Gavin still occasionally struggles with his life-altering injuries, but he’s determined to put all of his drive into his homeless shelter. It gets lonely sometimes, but he’s too busy for a relationship.
Their paths first cross randomly. And that lock of eyes was everything. So visceral!
The two men are ...more
Yani left the hustle and bustle - and the heartbreak - of London behind for his small gyro stand. He’s content with the new life he’s building, though it involves a self-imposed ban on love.
Gavin still occasionally struggles with his life-altering injuries, but he’s determined to put all of his drive into his homeless shelter. It gets lonely sometimes, but he’s too busy for a relationship.
Their paths first cross randomly. And that lock of eyes was everything. So visceral!
The two men are ...more
“Hometown Christmas” was my first Christmas story for the 2019 holiday season...and
...it turned out to be a good choice. I freely admit I’m not only a fan of this author, I’m also a fan of Christmas, so to me this sounded like a good combination.
Yani Nicolaou has sworn off romance and fled London with a broken heart. He’s all about making a success of his gyro stall at the Christmas Market. There’s no time or room for romance in his life, if he’s lucky he could maybe squeeze in a one night s ...more
...it turned out to be a good choice. I freely admit I’m not only a fan of this author, I’m also a fan of Christmas, so to me this sounded like a good combination.
Yani Nicolaou has sworn off romance and fled London with a broken heart. He’s all about making a success of his gyro stall at the Christmas Market. There’s no time or room for romance in his life, if he’s lucky he could maybe squeeze in a one night s ...more
This story started really strong for me, but for whatever reason, I started to feel like I was missing gaps in logic or thinking or feelings from one or both MC's as the story progressed. As a result, it was hard for me to get invested in their love story. It was also hard for me to believe major story elements such as the reason Yani was weary to commit to a serious relationship. Was it just me? I might go back and re-read sections later to see if I feel differently.
...more
Overall book rating: 3.5
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
Sometimes I want MORE. This was one of those times.
I still enjoyed the read. Garrett Leigh is one of my favorite authors for
a reason.
But....
I wanted more of the between the MC's time. Just a little something more.
...more
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
Sometimes I want MORE. This was one of those times.
I still enjoyed the read. Garrett Leigh is one of my favorite authors for
a reason.
But....
I wanted more of the between the MC's time. Just a little something more.
...more
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
I generally do not read holiday stories; it’s just not my thing, but a Garrett Leigh book is impossible to pass up, so holiday or not, I was in.
Yani and Gavin are both closed off to the possibility of a relationship for different reasons. Yani just got out of a bad breakup and his OCD wins some days and Gavin is still recovering from military injuries and his PTSD can send his mood in different directions. Right from the start, I always love the dialogue and bant ...more
3.75 stars
I generally do not read holiday stories; it’s just not my thing, but a Garrett Leigh book is impossible to pass up, so holiday or not, I was in.
Yani and Gavin are both closed off to the possibility of a relationship for different reasons. Yani just got out of a bad breakup and his OCD wins some days and Gavin is still recovering from military injuries and his PTSD can send his mood in different directions. Right from the start, I always love the dialogue and bant ...more
*ARC provided by the author *
I'm so sorry I couldn't get to this one earlier!
As usual, Garrett Leigh treats us readers with some deep, insightful character building. The progress of the relationship is delightful, honestly to die for.
I know this author is mainly known for the angsty content and the hot sex scenes (some even early enough in the story to catapult me out of my comfort zone). This book, however, was completely different from that: there was a gentler progress of the relationship, wi ...more
I'm so sorry I couldn't get to this one earlier!
As usual, Garrett Leigh treats us readers with some deep, insightful character building. The progress of the relationship is delightful, honestly to die for.
I know this author is mainly known for the angsty content and the hot sex scenes (some even early enough in the story to catapult me out of my comfort zone). This book, however, was completely different from that: there was a gentler progress of the relationship, wi ...more
I had a hard time connecting with these characters. Yani just kept running away and Wedge was distant. Their connection just seemed forced to me.
I’ve read three books by Garrett Leigh. I thought “What Remains” was wonderful so I know she can write books I really enjoy. This one just was ok for me.
I’ve read three books by Garrett Leigh. I thought “What Remains” was wonderful so I know she can write books I really enjoy. This one just was ok for me.
2 stars 🌟 🌟
This book took longer than it should have for me to read. I'm thinking me and this author may not mix 🤷🏽♀️. ...more
This book took longer than it should have for me to read. I'm thinking me and this author may not mix 🤷🏽♀️. ...more
I feel bad for saying this, but this book was a real disappointment. It dragged, and it was a chore to finish, and the most interesting parts were about the food. I'm pretty sure it's just me, though. Most other people seemed to have enjoyed it just fine.
...more
This book was the very definition of right book, right time. It was exactly the right time of year to read it (Christmas Day and Boxing Day), I was in exactly the right frame of mind (relaxed) and place (cozied up with family in my childhood home), and the subject matter was exactly the right blend of sad and sweet that catches me in the feels but doesn't overwhelm me and make me sob my heart out.
...more
The story of Gavin and Yani is in many ways similar to the Marc and Jamie's, but they're actually just as different.
I liked the book but I didn't love it as much as I thought.
Somehow I couldn't feel the connection between the MC's and didn't believe in their love at all. Perhaps if the book was not a novella, reading about the evolution of their relationship would make their love more believable. But what's done is done.
...more
I liked the book but I didn't love it as much as I thought.
Somehow I couldn't feel the connection between the MC's and didn't believe in their love at all. Perhaps if the book was not a novella, reading about the evolution of their relationship would make their love more believable. But what's done is done.
...more
Really enjoyed this story of two different, emotionally bruised guys finding each other around Christmas time. Sweet & steamy - recommended.
What a beautifully touching, heartwarming holiday story. Both young men, Gavin and Yani, had their issues and each found a way to help the other not only cope but embrace their core and just live.
Gavin is a former soldier, injured in the line of duty. He's recovered from a broken neck though still has some residual weakness and tingling in his extremities. A bigger issue is his PTSD but he's not much for complaining and soldiers on, so to speak. Yani runs a food stand at the local market, now h ...more
Gavin is a former soldier, injured in the line of duty. He's recovered from a broken neck though still has some residual weakness and tingling in his extremities. A bigger issue is his PTSD but he's not much for complaining and soldiers on, so to speak. Yani runs a food stand at the local market, now h ...more
Original review December 14, 2019:
DNF at 50%. I’m not sure why but I’m just not hooked. The characters are nice enough but I’m relatively bored and uninvested. Sweet story but I just keep wishing I was done. No point in forcing myself when I can make my wish come true and end it now.
If I were to rate it now, I’d give it 3 stars.
Definitely worth checking out if you have KU.
Edited to add December 15, 2019:
Turns out I was still thinking about Yani and Gavin when I woke up the next morning and dec ...more
DNF at 50%. I’m not sure why but I’m just not hooked. The characters are nice enough but I’m relatively bored and uninvested. Sweet story but I just keep wishing I was done. No point in forcing myself when I can make my wish come true and end it now.
If I were to rate it now, I’d give it 3 stars.
Definitely worth checking out if you have KU.
Edited to add December 15, 2019:
Turns out I was still thinking about Yani and Gavin when I woke up the next morning and dec ...more
Two damaged men who dance around each other before getting together in the end.
I did like both Yani and Gavin.
I did like both Yani and Gavin.
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Bonus Material available for all books on Garrett's Patreon account. Includes short stories from Misfits, Slide, Strays, What Remains, Dream, and much more. Sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/garrettleigh
Facebook Fan Group, Garrett's Den... https://www.facebook.com/groups/garre...
Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British writer, cover artist, and book designer. Her debut novel, Slide, wo ...more
Bonus Material available for all books on Garrett's Patreon account. Includes short stories from Misfits, Slide, Strays, What Remains, Dream, and much more. Sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/garrettleigh
Facebook Fan Group, Garrett's Den... https://www.facebook.com/groups/garre...
Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British writer, cover artist, and book designer. Her debut novel, Slide, wo ...more
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“I’m going to take that as a yes.” “You should. That was amazing.” Gavin laughed, soft and sweet. “Should hope so. We’ve done it in my head enough times.” “Same, man. Same.”
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