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A Graphically Designed Holiday
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2019 Advent Calendar collection Homemade for the Holidays.
Graphic designer Eli has harbored a secret crush on nerdy math teacher Lincoln since they were at school together, and he’s perfectly content with his unrequited feelings—until Lincoln requests a special handmade holiday a dating profile with all the bells and whistles Eli can include, one that will be sure to find Lincoln a boyfriend for Christmas.
Eli uses building the profile as an excuse to spend time with Lincoln, but will he be able to watch his friend find love with someone else?
Graphic designer Eli has harbored a secret crush on nerdy math teacher Lincoln since they were at school together, and he’s perfectly content with his unrequited feelings—until Lincoln requests a special handmade holiday a dating profile with all the bells and whistles Eli can include, one that will be sure to find Lincoln a boyfriend for Christmas.
Eli uses building the profile as an excuse to spend time with Lincoln, but will he be able to watch his friend find love with someone else?
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2019
2 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 3, 2020
3.5 Hearts - Blog holiday reads with Ann!
Oh this went down nice and easy!
Eli has been pining for his bestie Lincoln, since college, but as usual, the typical reasons for not making a move always stems from the fear that it'll ruin the friendship.
When Eli can’t say no to Lincoln’s request to help him find a boyfriend before Christmas by sprucing up his online dating page, there’s all sorts of inner turmoil.
This really does the trope of friends to lovers just right, with a bit of cluelessness, a lot of UST, with the added bonus of a virgin (though admittedly, the smexy progression rubbed me wrong). Despite that one snafu, this still left me with a smile on my face!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Check out the blog for more advent reviews!
Oh this went down nice and easy!
Eli has been pining for his bestie Lincoln, since college, but as usual, the typical reasons for not making a move always stems from the fear that it'll ruin the friendship.
When Eli can’t say no to Lincoln’s request to help him find a boyfriend before Christmas by sprucing up his online dating page, there’s all sorts of inner turmoil.
This really does the trope of friends to lovers just right, with a bit of cluelessness, a lot of UST, with the added bonus of a virgin (though admittedly, the smexy progression rubbed me wrong). Despite that one snafu, this still left me with a smile on my face!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Check out the blog for more advent reviews!
December 30, 2019
3 Stars
This was a simple and breezy read, following best buddies Eli and Lincoln as they navigate their changing relationship and find love together over the holiday season.
Graphic designer Eli agrees to help his best-friend (and long-time secret love) Lincoln to create the perfect dating app profile for Christmas. This pains Eli because he wants to be the one to win Lincoln’s heart, but being the great friend and self-sacrificing guy that he is, Eli puts his heartache aside and agrees to help Lincoln in any way he can.
Needless to say, Lincoln wants Eli just as much as Eli wants Lincoln, and after overcoming a little bit of miscommunication and finding a little bit of Christmas courage, these two guys get their perfect Christmas wish.
This was a quick read and a happy one, but I will admit I found the characters a tad strange at times – mostly, Lincoln’s doe-eyed innocence seemed a bit out of place to me, and I’m not sure why that was exactly.
Overall, a charming albeit quirky little addition to this year’s Dreamspinner advent offerings.
This was a simple and breezy read, following best buddies Eli and Lincoln as they navigate their changing relationship and find love together over the holiday season.
Graphic designer Eli agrees to help his best-friend (and long-time secret love) Lincoln to create the perfect dating app profile for Christmas. This pains Eli because he wants to be the one to win Lincoln’s heart, but being the great friend and self-sacrificing guy that he is, Eli puts his heartache aside and agrees to help Lincoln in any way he can.
Needless to say, Lincoln wants Eli just as much as Eli wants Lincoln, and after overcoming a little bit of miscommunication and finding a little bit of Christmas courage, these two guys get their perfect Christmas wish.
This was a quick read and a happy one, but I will admit I found the characters a tad strange at times – mostly, Lincoln’s doe-eyed innocence seemed a bit out of place to me, and I’m not sure why that was exactly.
Overall, a charming albeit quirky little addition to this year’s Dreamspinner advent offerings.
December 2, 2019
I enjoyed this one a lot. Even though there are some tropes in here I don't usually like (pining for years instead of just saying something, twenty-something virgin) I think the sweetness overcame those things in the end. The relationship with Dad was well done, the trips around town to see the sights were nice, and I really enjoyed the graphic design bits.
I'm glad I started with this one from this year's Advent package.
I'm glad I started with this one from this year's Advent package.
December 27, 2019
*2.5 stars*
Eli and Lincoln are best friends but Eli wouldn't say no to being more than that. His feelings are about to get tested though as Lincoln is determined to find a boyfriend with the help of his friend.
When Lincoln asks for Eli's help with his online dating profile, Eli reluctantly agrees thinking that at least they'll spend a lot of time together. The whole process seemed a bit too much to me, like they were making a site for a professional model or something. They had photo sessions in different settings, they had sessions about which font to use or what color should be in the background and they gave a lot of though in what would be written in the "about me" section.
Of course, all that contributed to them spending time together, which was Eli's purpose, but it still seemed extreme. I wasn't very happy with this short but I did enjoy the friendship between Eli and Lincoln.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me in exchange for an honest review. *
Eli and Lincoln are best friends but Eli wouldn't say no to being more than that. His feelings are about to get tested though as Lincoln is determined to find a boyfriend with the help of his friend.
When Lincoln asks for Eli's help with his online dating profile, Eli reluctantly agrees thinking that at least they'll spend a lot of time together. The whole process seemed a bit too much to me, like they were making a site for a professional model or something. They had photo sessions in different settings, they had sessions about which font to use or what color should be in the background and they gave a lot of though in what would be written in the "about me" section.
Of course, all that contributed to them spending time together, which was Eli's purpose, but it still seemed extreme. I wasn't very happy with this short but I did enjoy the friendship between Eli and Lincoln.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me in exchange for an honest review. *
December 10, 2019
Hmmm, I thought the friendship factor was a little unexplored. I was surprised that the story started with full scene of Eli telling his father that he wanted to go work as graphic designer. I didn't understand what the scene was for. ALTHOUGH, in the end, I actually liked Eli's relationship with his father better than his crush over his friend, Lincoln. The father-son relationship has more emotions.
December 7, 2019
Unicorn Christmas Review with *A Reader Obsessed*!
This friends to lovers story nailed the trope so well. The author did a great job of showing me the depth of Eli and Lincoln’s friendship through references to their history and the time they spent together. It was organically done and made me totally believe they were meant to be together well before the two of them figured it out.
And the journey was bittersweet even though I was sure they were going to get their HEA because all of the warm fuzzy love was so obviously there. But, I could also respect Eli’s wishes to protect their friendship and it was worth it to him, to sacrifice his own happiness, as long as Lincoln got his.
Thankfully the sacrifice was unnecessary and Lincoln’s grand gesture leveled the field between them and the ending was just perfect.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
This friends to lovers story nailed the trope so well. The author did a great job of showing me the depth of Eli and Lincoln’s friendship through references to their history and the time they spent together. It was organically done and made me totally believe they were meant to be together well before the two of them figured it out.
And the journey was bittersweet even though I was sure they were going to get their HEA because all of the warm fuzzy love was so obviously there. But, I could also respect Eli’s wishes to protect their friendship and it was worth it to him, to sacrifice his own happiness, as long as Lincoln got his.
Thankfully the sacrifice was unnecessary and Lincoln’s grand gesture leveled the field between them and the ending was just perfect.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
December 6, 2019
I liked the fact in such short pages, you find out a lot about the MCs. Plus, even if they're the background characters, I'm glad that there's actually two HEAs.
December 27, 2019
Eli is supposed to be meeting his best friend, Lincoln, for drinks but since he is late, worries that Lincoln may not be there when he arrives. Lincoln is the most important person in Eli’s life. In fact, Eli is secretly in love with him, but since Lincoln has never given him any reason to believe that he’s interested, Eli has been content to be relegated to the best friend category, taking whatever attention he can get from him.
Although a little tipsy, Lincoln is still there waiting for Eli. During the course of their conversation, Lincoln admits that he is tired of being alone and wants to find a boyfriend. Not only that, he wants Eli to use his expertise as a graphics designer to design a profile ensuring that Lincoln will be certain to achieve his goal. The thought of Lincoln with someone other than himself makes Eli sick, if that’s what Lincoln really wants, he is resigned to give it to him. Eli works for weeks on designing the profile, hoping that Lincoln will come to his senses; that he will see that what he is looking for is right under his nose, but he never does. When Eli makes one last-ditch effort to show Lincoln how he cares, he embarrasses himself and leaves without telling Lincoln where he has gone.
Two friends who realize that they should be lovers is a wonderful outcome, but I find the angst that occurs in the meantime almost unbearable. I want to knock their heads together and yell at them to open their eyes! I loved Eli and Lincoln, but, for the life of me I can’t understand how two people who are supposed to be so close emotionally can have such bad communication between them. The important thing is, they finally realized that what they needed was right under their noses. Thanks, Ren, for the holiday miracle.
Although a little tipsy, Lincoln is still there waiting for Eli. During the course of their conversation, Lincoln admits that he is tired of being alone and wants to find a boyfriend. Not only that, he wants Eli to use his expertise as a graphics designer to design a profile ensuring that Lincoln will be certain to achieve his goal. The thought of Lincoln with someone other than himself makes Eli sick, if that’s what Lincoln really wants, he is resigned to give it to him. Eli works for weeks on designing the profile, hoping that Lincoln will come to his senses; that he will see that what he is looking for is right under his nose, but he never does. When Eli makes one last-ditch effort to show Lincoln how he cares, he embarrasses himself and leaves without telling Lincoln where he has gone.
Two friends who realize that they should be lovers is a wonderful outcome, but I find the angst that occurs in the meantime almost unbearable. I want to knock their heads together and yell at them to open their eyes! I loved Eli and Lincoln, but, for the life of me I can’t understand how two people who are supposed to be so close emotionally can have such bad communication between them. The important thing is, they finally realized that what they needed was right under their noses. Thanks, Ren, for the holiday miracle.
January 7, 2020
Having known each other since school, Eli and Lincoln have been friends a long time. When Lincoln asks Eli for help making his dating profile can the two men find something special together?
I enjoyed this fun frolic of a short story. Eli and Lincoln have been friends forever and their chemistry and attraction was lovely to witness. The story is told only from Eli’s perspective so there were a few brief moments – particularly in the beginning – where I wasn’t completely certain that Lincoln felt the same level of attachment and commitment that Eli did, but that was fairly quickly put to rest when the men finally kissed.
Steamy and sensual I found this to be a really enjoyable friends-to-lovers story, even if Eli was a little dense in picking up Lincoln’s clues and hints. There’s tons of fun and chemistry and I thought the author added just the right amount of humour into it all as well to keep the tone and pace light (the scene where Eli has a conversation while drunk with his dad – and the results from that conversation – made me laugh aloud for ages).
With a wonderful happy ending and a fair bit of chemistry exploding between the two men I feel most readers should enjoy this short and fun story.
I enjoyed this fun frolic of a short story. Eli and Lincoln have been friends forever and their chemistry and attraction was lovely to witness. The story is told only from Eli’s perspective so there were a few brief moments – particularly in the beginning – where I wasn’t completely certain that Lincoln felt the same level of attachment and commitment that Eli did, but that was fairly quickly put to rest when the men finally kissed.
Steamy and sensual I found this to be a really enjoyable friends-to-lovers story, even if Eli was a little dense in picking up Lincoln’s clues and hints. There’s tons of fun and chemistry and I thought the author added just the right amount of humour into it all as well to keep the tone and pace light (the scene where Eli has a conversation while drunk with his dad – and the results from that conversation – made me laugh aloud for ages).
With a wonderful happy ending and a fair bit of chemistry exploding between the two men I feel most readers should enjoy this short and fun story.
June 9, 2023
The story is filled with clichés but I kind of liked it quite far in, even though already in the beginning there was this:
No, I'm pretty sure there was some exaggerating still.
So, the clichés that I remember out of my head now:
- too scared to risk friendship for 5 years (no obstacles, both gay, out and available)
- "make me pretty to date" (dating profile this time)
- falling on top of each other
- let's practise kissing
- no communication
- grand gesture
- intercourse centricity
I didn't really care that much initially, practise kissing was hot and the guys were nice with each other. Kinda cringe at times but still cute. I lost the thread when they went radio silent and then came the grand gesture. After that an uncomfortable sex scene . Then jump into the ridiculous epilogue. No salvation here.
“I’VE ALREADY ordered three beers,” complained Lincoln - - “For a lowly geometry teacher, that’s practically a week’s worth of salary.” Eli knew Lincoln wasn’t exaggerating.
No, I'm pretty sure there was some exaggerating still.
So, the clichés that I remember out of my head now:
- too scared to risk friendship for 5 years (no obstacles, both gay, out and available)
- "make me pretty to date" (dating profile this time)
- falling on top of each other
- let's practise kissing
- no communication
- grand gesture
- intercourse centricity
I didn't really care that much initially, practise kissing was hot and the guys were nice with each other. Kinda cringe at times but still cute. I lost the thread when they went radio silent and then came the grand gesture. After that an uncomfortable sex scene . Then jump into the ridiculous epilogue. No salvation here.
April 20, 2024
This was sweet and I enjoyed it but it was very predictable and had some real problems. The museum was cool though.
Telling telling telling and more telling.
The premise of spending four years getting an engineering degree you hate just to get a family heirloom because it’s a great desk is ridiculous. It would be bad enough if it were so it didn’t get in the wrong hands but really? It’s not like his dad is going to get rid of it. His father wants to keep it in the family too.
They just left school (because he hadn’t yet told his dad he had gotten a new job at a design firm) so Lincoln’s only been a teacher for a year when he’s promoted? Seriously?
This one is all me: I couldn’t figure out the Crostic. I do word puzzles frequently and crosswords nearly every day but I didn’t get it at all. I don’t think I’m as smart as I think I am. :) Good job but I wish there’s been an explanation.
Telling telling telling and more telling.
The premise of spending four years getting an engineering degree you hate just to get a family heirloom because it’s a great desk is ridiculous. It would be bad enough if it were so it didn’t get in the wrong hands but really? It’s not like his dad is going to get rid of it. His father wants to keep it in the family too.
They just left school (because he hadn’t yet told his dad he had gotten a new job at a design firm) so Lincoln’s only been a teacher for a year when he’s promoted? Seriously?
This one is all me: I couldn’t figure out the Crostic. I do word puzzles frequently and crosswords nearly every day but I didn’t get it at all. I don’t think I’m as smart as I think I am. :) Good job but I wish there’s been an explanation.
December 9, 2019
I remain amazed at authors who are able to write short stories with such heart, emotional heft and clearly defined MCs. Takes some considerable skill to give readers such a well rounded Christmas tale. Lincoln and Eli are best friends but Eli has been in love with Lincoln for years. Lincoln has never had a boyfriend and enlists Eli's help to build a profile on a dating web site. Devastated, Eli does it but is dismayed that Lincoln will find a boyfriend and end the friendship. In a few quick sentences we find out a fair amount of backstory on both MCs. Loved Eli's dad! So this is Romancelandia so you know what happens. But it's done so well. I stalked this author and it looks like she's written holiday stories back in 2018 but not much else. No web site for her. Just a short blurb at the end of the book. Hope she writes more. I really enjoyed this.
December 23, 2019
I loved this! Eli and Lincoln's story had me on the verge of tears throughout. I knew there would be an HEA but I couldn't help but feel anxious about the guys getting there. The connection and spark between these two was strong and I loved that!
TAGS
-- Holiday/Christmas -- really sweet -- made me anxious -- had me on the verge of tears -- loved the MCs... Eli & Lincoln -- first time -- great little holiday read -- less than 50 pages -- recommended read
December 18, 2019
3.75 stars
December 27, 2019
I couldn't believe Eli doesn't catch on sooner to what is happening with Lincoln. Thankfully, Eli's dad is there for him and is willing to help things get straightened out.
January 27, 2020
This was lovely, sweet and funny!
December 7, 2020
3.5 stars
December 6, 2019
Very sweet, a bit sugary at the end but it's a Holiday season so sweetness overload is expected.
Nice characters, light writing, it worked for me.
Nice characters, light writing, it worked for me.
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December 26, 2019review to follow
October 28, 2020
Easy reading, pacy Christmas story.
Whilst the graphic design is a nod to the Homemade theme, it does allow Eli and Lincoln to move from friends to lovers.
Whilst the graphic design is a nod to the Homemade theme, it does allow Eli and Lincoln to move from friends to lovers.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews