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California Christmas #1
XOXO, Santa
How do you ask your best friend to be your first time?
Blake: What do you do when you realize at age 20 that you might like guys?
If you’re me, you come up with a brilliant and foolproof plan:
Proposition the one gay guy you know to swipe your V-card over winter break.
In my case, that’s my childhood best friend, Henry.
Just one problem—Henry hates my guts.
That’s okay, though, because I’ve got a Plan B:
Download an app, find a guy to hook up with, and figure out once and for all if I’m as gay as my internet search history suggests.
One more little problem—before I can meet the guy I’m messaging online, I have to get through a week’s vacation with Henry and our families.
Henry, who can’t stand me, but who I can’t get out of my head.
Henry, who’s off-limits, but who I maybe kinda sorta kissed last night?
Henry, who’s spending an awful lot of time checking messages on his phone…
XOXO, Santa is a 70,000 word stand-alone gay romance novel with holiday sweetness, first-time steam, and a borderline-unhealthy level of snark. It features jock/nerd, friends-to-lovers, and online love tropes.
Blake: What do you do when you realize at age 20 that you might like guys?
If you’re me, you come up with a brilliant and foolproof plan:
Proposition the one gay guy you know to swipe your V-card over winter break.
In my case, that’s my childhood best friend, Henry.
Just one problem—Henry hates my guts.
That’s okay, though, because I’ve got a Plan B:
Download an app, find a guy to hook up with, and figure out once and for all if I’m as gay as my internet search history suggests.
One more little problem—before I can meet the guy I’m messaging online, I have to get through a week’s vacation with Henry and our families.
Henry, who can’t stand me, but who I can’t get out of my head.
Henry, who’s off-limits, but who I maybe kinda sorta kissed last night?
Henry, who’s spending an awful lot of time checking messages on his phone…
XOXO, Santa is a 70,000 word stand-alone gay romance novel with holiday sweetness, first-time steam, and a borderline-unhealthy level of snark. It features jock/nerd, friends-to-lovers, and online love tropes.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2020
243 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
Spencer Spears
44 books443 followersSpencer Spears writes LGBTQ+ stories that are snarky, sweet, and will break your heart in all the best ways. Spencer believes we all deserve to write our own happy endings. When not at the computer, Spencer can be found gardening, knitting, or curled up with a good book. Visit www.spencerspears.com for free books, updates, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
January 23, 2025
2,5 stars.
Parts were funny and cute, parts were bland and crude.
I enjoyed most of the banter between Henry and Blake, I loved Henry's rants about misogyny and patriarchy, and his lectures about consent and being gay.
There were some (supposedly funny) topics/discussions during their messaging that I tried hard to bleach my mind after reading them, they were so cringeworthy (or I wouldn't be able to enjoy a croissant ever again, lol).
Their sexting was a bit too crude at times for me.
Strange enough, after all the build up and teasing and banter online I didn't feel a thing when the MCs were together in real life, not as friends and definitely not when they started having sex.
Parts were funny and cute, parts were bland and crude.
I enjoyed most of the banter between Henry and Blake, I loved Henry's rants about misogyny and patriarchy, and his lectures about consent and being gay.
There were some (supposedly funny) topics/discussions during their messaging that I tried hard to bleach my mind after reading them, they were so cringeworthy (or I wouldn't be able to enjoy a croissant ever again, lol).
Their sexting was a bit too crude at times for me.
Strange enough, after all the build up and teasing and banter online I didn't feel a thing when the MCs were together in real life, not as friends and definitely not when they started having sex.
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January 1, 2023
MM Romance
Ex friends to lovers
3 Stars ⭐️
A To Z Book Title Challenge: X
After reading this author’s book, My First Time Fling, earlier in the year I really had no intention of reading anything else by him due to the cringe factor. But ‘X’ was a tricky letter and unless I wanted to read MF, I opted to give this author a do-over of sorts. Luckily this one, although cringy AF at parts, was readable and I did enjoy things about it. However, I can’t say I’d recommend this to anyone either. 🤷🏻♀️
So, Henry and Blake were besties once upon a time until they drifted apart. Now they are 20 and home for the holidays, about to go on their annual family trip because their parents are friends and do Christmas at a cabin blah blah. For a book with Santa in the title this had very little to do with Christmas except for the time of year, thankfully. Anyway, Blake is having a crisis of sorts this year because he realized he’s not as into women as he once thought but he has no one to figure this out with except for the copious amounts of porn he watched and decides to ask Henry, who is gay, for help. This doesn’t quite work out for a number of reasons and he joins a dating app instead. Henry just got over a breakup and wants to have a fling so he signs up for that site as well and they match not realizing they know each other blah blah.
First off, this is a duet so while this has a HFN, it’s not a complete story. This pains me because I’d really like to never pick up another book by this author but I liked these characters enough to want to see them, especially Blake, find happiness. I’m just not sure it’s worth the absolute cringe factor this author’s books make me feel. So with that, here’s what worked and what was cringy.
*Side note: I’ve been trying to think of things that I really liked about this book and all I can focus on is the cringy shit. 🤣🤣 So, all I have for positives are that this book made me laugh out loud due to how ridiculous both these guys were. Everything else that I liked had a huge helping of cringe tacked on.
I initially liked them talking through the app not realizing they were talking to each other and that’s a good thing because it’s like 85% of the book. However, these messages had content that were just OTT and I get that these two were originally just looking for a one and done but I’d block someone if they said these things to me. I’m going to turn my highlights on because that’s the only way I can make anyone feel my pain. For example though, Henry talks a lot about experimenting with household items when he realized he liked things in his ass. He tried a cucumber, the handle of his sister’s hairbrush and a popsicle. Later in the book he takes video of himself inserting a conditioner bottle up there. Yuck. So while some of their conversations were cute at times, this other stuff ruined it. I also liked when these two spent time together in person but the inner dialogues in their head during those times were just too much.
An example would be this cringy line right here:
”Hey, speaking of hot creamy liquid going inside of things and then gushing back out, I don’t suppose you’re calling to propose we have sex, because, just on the off chance that you are, I’d be down.” EW.
Despite all the sex talk and videos they sent each other over the app, there’s only one sex scene in this book around the 90% mark and honestly that was ok with me because again this author’s scenes are just not for me. This scene in particular was just super awkward which was weird with how close they were at that point.
But all that said, I want the ending and book 2 is just calling out to me like a beacon. I am so afraid my masochistic ass is going to pick it up but if I do that at least you can expect a ranting review with more cringe to brighten your day. Hopefully though I get distracted and forget it exists. 😂
Ex friends to lovers
3 Stars ⭐️
A To Z Book Title Challenge: X
After reading this author’s book, My First Time Fling, earlier in the year I really had no intention of reading anything else by him due to the cringe factor. But ‘X’ was a tricky letter and unless I wanted to read MF, I opted to give this author a do-over of sorts. Luckily this one, although cringy AF at parts, was readable and I did enjoy things about it. However, I can’t say I’d recommend this to anyone either. 🤷🏻♀️
So, Henry and Blake were besties once upon a time until they drifted apart. Now they are 20 and home for the holidays, about to go on their annual family trip because their parents are friends and do Christmas at a cabin blah blah. For a book with Santa in the title this had very little to do with Christmas except for the time of year, thankfully. Anyway, Blake is having a crisis of sorts this year because he realized he’s not as into women as he once thought but he has no one to figure this out with except for the copious amounts of porn he watched and decides to ask Henry, who is gay, for help. This doesn’t quite work out for a number of reasons and he joins a dating app instead. Henry just got over a breakup and wants to have a fling so he signs up for that site as well and they match not realizing they know each other blah blah.
First off, this is a duet so while this has a HFN, it’s not a complete story. This pains me because I’d really like to never pick up another book by this author but I liked these characters enough to want to see them, especially Blake, find happiness. I’m just not sure it’s worth the absolute cringe factor this author’s books make me feel. So with that, here’s what worked and what was cringy.
*Side note: I’ve been trying to think of things that I really liked about this book and all I can focus on is the cringy shit. 🤣🤣 So, all I have for positives are that this book made me laugh out loud due to how ridiculous both these guys were. Everything else that I liked had a huge helping of cringe tacked on.
I initially liked them talking through the app not realizing they were talking to each other and that’s a good thing because it’s like 85% of the book. However, these messages had content that were just OTT and I get that these two were originally just looking for a one and done but I’d block someone if they said these things to me. I’m going to turn my highlights on because that’s the only way I can make anyone feel my pain. For example though, Henry talks a lot about experimenting with household items when he realized he liked things in his ass. He tried a cucumber, the handle of his sister’s hairbrush and a popsicle. Later in the book he takes video of himself inserting a conditioner bottle up there. Yuck. So while some of their conversations were cute at times, this other stuff ruined it. I also liked when these two spent time together in person but the inner dialogues in their head during those times were just too much.
An example would be this cringy line right here:
”Hey, speaking of hot creamy liquid going inside of things and then gushing back out, I don’t suppose you’re calling to propose we have sex, because, just on the off chance that you are, I’d be down.” EW.
Despite all the sex talk and videos they sent each other over the app, there’s only one sex scene in this book around the 90% mark and honestly that was ok with me because again this author’s scenes are just not for me. This scene in particular was just super awkward which was weird with how close they were at that point.
But all that said, I want the ending and book 2 is just calling out to me like a beacon. I am so afraid my masochistic ass is going to pick it up but if I do that at least you can expect a ranting review with more cringe to brighten your day. Hopefully though I get distracted and forget it exists. 😂
December 1, 2024
So very cute and funny and swoony, I’ve had stars in my eyes the entire time while reading it 🤩
Here I was, preparing for a Hallmark Christmas novella, seeing the title and the cover. And while I wouldn’t have minded reading one of those, this was… SO MUCH BETTER 🥰
You know the books where you just want to kick your feet and squeeze your eyes (but you can’t, because you need them to read), and you want to crawl inside the book just to make THEM see what’s right before their eyes, but you also don’t want to do that, because it would mean that your book is over?
Well, this was the vibe I got. It’s the story of 20yo Blake, sunny golden retriever jock who starts questioning his straightness after an incident with his teammates, and his former childhood (and family) best friend Henry, who’s proudly out (and newly - albeit secretly- single).
After failing to ask Henry to help him figure out his sexuality, Blake makes a profile on a gay dating app under the name of Santa, and starts chatting with a guy called Frosty (you have ONE guess who that is…).
It’s so unbearably cute, and funny, and feels realistic but also NOT, because just HOW are the chances for that???
For me, it was just the perfect book at the perfect time. I don’t even want to go into details, you’d have to read it yourself if you’re into all the stuff I mentioned.
Just as I’m writing the review, I’m smiling and sighing happily - and on my way to download their second book ❤️❤️❤️
Blake Salazar’s bread always landed butter side up. Blake Salazar’s poker hands were all royal flushes. Blake Salazar had never slipped on a banana peel, literal or metaphorical, in his entire life. Banana peels slouched out of the way when they saw him coming. The world bent over backward to make his life easier—no matter how many other people it screwed over in the process.
(…)
Maybe the fate of humankind depended on me remaining single and lovelorn for the rest of my life. Like I was some kind of chosen one, except instead of saving the world with a magic wand and the power of love, I’d save it with inappropriate sexual fantasies and the power of masturbation.
(…)
I was the most awkward person to ever have awkwarded. I should win an award. Put me in a display case and let people travel for miles to see me and feel better about themselves in comparison.
(…)
“I like you because you see the best in people,” he said. “You actually want to help them. I don’t think you realize how rare that is. And I’m not saying I wouldn’t like you if you weren’t, you know, really fucking hot. But it’s certainly not a downside that you are. And honestly, I have no idea what you see in me, because I’m really just a skinny nerd who’s mean to you most of the time. But you seem to have fallen and hit your head and woken up in a fantasy land where you do like me, and I’m gonna enjoy it for as long as it lasts.”
Here I was, preparing for a Hallmark Christmas novella, seeing the title and the cover. And while I wouldn’t have minded reading one of those, this was… SO MUCH BETTER 🥰
You know the books where you just want to kick your feet and squeeze your eyes (but you can’t, because you need them to read), and you want to crawl inside the book just to make THEM see what’s right before their eyes, but you also don’t want to do that, because it would mean that your book is over?
Well, this was the vibe I got. It’s the story of 20yo Blake, sunny golden retriever jock who starts questioning his straightness after an incident with his teammates, and his former childhood (and family) best friend Henry, who’s proudly out (and newly - albeit secretly- single).
After failing to ask Henry to help him figure out his sexuality, Blake makes a profile on a gay dating app under the name of Santa, and starts chatting with a guy called Frosty (you have ONE guess who that is…).
It’s so unbearably cute, and funny, and feels realistic but also NOT, because just HOW are the chances for that???
For me, it was just the perfect book at the perfect time. I don’t even want to go into details, you’d have to read it yourself if you’re into all the stuff I mentioned.
Just as I’m writing the review, I’m smiling and sighing happily - and on my way to download their second book ❤️❤️❤️
Blake Salazar’s bread always landed butter side up. Blake Salazar’s poker hands were all royal flushes. Blake Salazar had never slipped on a banana peel, literal or metaphorical, in his entire life. Banana peels slouched out of the way when they saw him coming. The world bent over backward to make his life easier—no matter how many other people it screwed over in the process.
(…)
Maybe the fate of humankind depended on me remaining single and lovelorn for the rest of my life. Like I was some kind of chosen one, except instead of saving the world with a magic wand and the power of love, I’d save it with inappropriate sexual fantasies and the power of masturbation.
(…)
I was the most awkward person to ever have awkwarded. I should win an award. Put me in a display case and let people travel for miles to see me and feel better about themselves in comparison.
(…)
“I like you because you see the best in people,” he said. “You actually want to help them. I don’t think you realize how rare that is. And I’m not saying I wouldn’t like you if you weren’t, you know, really fucking hot. But it’s certainly not a downside that you are. And honestly, I have no idea what you see in me, because I’m really just a skinny nerd who’s mean to you most of the time. But you seem to have fallen and hit your head and woken up in a fantasy land where you do like me, and I’m gonna enjoy it for as long as it lasts.”
November 13, 2023
4.5⭐️ This was silly and fun and so so stinking sweet!! I loved it sooooo much!! This is the kind of gooey goodness I want in my holiday reads but it also has tons of heart, snarky sarcasm and two inadvertently oblivious college guys pining for each other.
I just adored both Blake and Henry. They were childhood besties who drifted apart for various reasons in middle school. Their parents and sisters remained great friends so they found themselves around each other several times a year. So the set up for the annual holiday cabin trip made perfect sense.
The gay app scenario isn’t new but I felt like the texting was so much fun, while also being very vulnerable and honest. I felt like I really got to know both MCs so well and really felt their connection and chemistry. Once everything fell into place, it was so cute but also super sexy!! The heat between these two was incredible including texting, solo action fantasies and actual conversation.
Highly recommend!! Also, download the bonus chapter/novella!!!
I just adored both Blake and Henry. They were childhood besties who drifted apart for various reasons in middle school. Their parents and sisters remained great friends so they found themselves around each other several times a year. So the set up for the annual holiday cabin trip made perfect sense.
The gay app scenario isn’t new but I felt like the texting was so much fun, while also being very vulnerable and honest. I felt like I really got to know both MCs so well and really felt their connection and chemistry. Once everything fell into place, it was so cute but also super sexy!! The heat between these two was incredible including texting, solo action fantasies and actual conversation.
Highly recommend!! Also, download the bonus chapter/novella!!!
December 18, 2021
Four stars out of five! Recommend for holiday fun.
Bring your patience because these boys take a while to get their acts together but there’s lots of yummy text messaging on the way.
ETA: It’s a sweet “enemies to lovers” book. The angsty bad boys stayed home for this.
Childhood best friends to enemies? to friends to lovers
College age
Jock/theater major
Dating app messaging
First times
Bring your patience because these boys take a while to get their acts together but there’s lots of yummy text messaging on the way.
ETA: It’s a sweet “enemies to lovers” book. The angsty bad boys stayed home for this.
Childhood best friends to enemies? to friends to lovers
College age
Jock/theater major
Dating app messaging
First times
December 27, 2020
Unpopular opinion alert!!
So.....I have to say that when I started this book I was really into it. The flow and humor really worked for me. As I read, I did have some cringe worthy moments, but it wasn't until I had finished the book and really thought about it that I became more frustrated and decided I really didn't like it much after all.
Blake is a college athlete in the middle of a sexual discovery breakdown. He has spent a lot of time researching and trying to figure out and/or explain away why he is starting to notice and be attracted to males. Based on his personality, he is someone who has always towed the line, has never wanted to be anything different. So I completely understand the shit-storm of emotions and panic that Blake is feeling.
Henry is Blake's old childhood best friend and has been out and proud since high school. But Blake and Henry haven't been friends for awhile, but in Blake's desperation he thinks that propositioning him for some experimentation is the way to go. But things don't really work out that way and he ends up signing up for an hookup app. Henry, trying to get over his cheating ex, does the same. They end up messaging each other unknowingly and forming a connection.
The conversations were....a lot. Like, them chatting on the app and not knowing it was the each other they were talking to went on for way. too. long. Like, 90% of the book. And even though there are scenes with them in person as just Blake and Henry, I felt like nothing really got resolved or talked about fully. Henry was upset about high school, Blake thought Henry had pulled away, there was some discussion, but not real outcome. Honestly, Henry was kind of a dick. Then the inevitable blow up IRL happens and sure, Blake was an asshole, but it was all just so messy.
Then the revelation that Santa and Frosty are actually Blake and Henry and I feel like, there just wasn't enough time. They found our and hooked up so quickly and it was a happily for now situation and I have so many questions. I just feel like there was a lot of ridiculousness and too much app chatting. I wish they would have figured it out sooner and worked out their issues together and then learned how to move forward.
I guess at the end of the day, I just didn't like it.
So.....I have to say that when I started this book I was really into it. The flow and humor really worked for me. As I read, I did have some cringe worthy moments, but it wasn't until I had finished the book and really thought about it that I became more frustrated and decided I really didn't like it much after all.
Blake is a college athlete in the middle of a sexual discovery breakdown. He has spent a lot of time researching and trying to figure out and/or explain away why he is starting to notice and be attracted to males. Based on his personality, he is someone who has always towed the line, has never wanted to be anything different. So I completely understand the shit-storm of emotions and panic that Blake is feeling.
Henry is Blake's old childhood best friend and has been out and proud since high school. But Blake and Henry haven't been friends for awhile, but in Blake's desperation he thinks that propositioning him for some experimentation is the way to go. But things don't really work out that way and he ends up signing up for an hookup app. Henry, trying to get over his cheating ex, does the same. They end up messaging each other unknowingly and forming a connection.
The conversations were....a lot. Like, them chatting on the app and not knowing it was the each other they were talking to went on for way. too. long. Like, 90% of the book. And even though there are scenes with them in person as just Blake and Henry, I felt like nothing really got resolved or talked about fully. Henry was upset about high school, Blake thought Henry had pulled away, there was some discussion, but not real outcome. Honestly, Henry was kind of a dick. Then the inevitable blow up IRL happens and sure, Blake was an asshole, but it was all just so messy.
Then the revelation that Santa and Frosty are actually Blake and Henry and I feel like, there just wasn't enough time. They found our and hooked up so quickly and it was a happily for now situation and I have so many questions. I just feel like there was a lot of ridiculousness and too much app chatting. I wish they would have figured it out sooner and worked out their issues together and then learned how to move forward.
I guess at the end of the day, I just didn't like it.
December 25, 2020
Really loved this little gem, cute and fluffy and perfect for Christmas 🎄 ❤️
March 14, 2021
I love Christmas. So I have a little tradition. Every year, the day before my birthday I read a Christmas book. As a way of getting into the spirit of celebration. This year it was this one. And it was a great read. Hilarious and sweet. Perfect holiday read.
February 15, 2022
A funny, awkard, steamy and dorky romance I devoured in a single night!
And I just found out there's a sequel !
And I just found out there's a sequel !
January 7, 2022
Sweet and steamy, and very funny. A litte bit over the top sometimes, but why not.
January 7, 2021
Warm and fuzzy
It's funny and cute and just so good!
The characters are so sweet and have great chemistry. Even though almost half the book was them texting, it was entertaining and I didn't fell disconnected from the story.
It's funny and cute and just so good!
The characters are so sweet and have great chemistry. Even though almost half the book was them texting, it was entertaining and I didn't fell disconnected from the story.
December 22, 2021
I stayed up way too late trying to finish this, waiting for the big reveal, of these two misunderstood/ misunderstanding childhood friends, turned high school enemies, turned college-experimenting, lust-hounds/ lovers.
Cute and snarky back-and-forths via a dating app light up the dialogue.
I'm planning on following Blake and Henry into the sequel Down My Chimney.
Happy Holidays!
Cute and snarky back-and-forths via a dating app light up the dialogue.
I'm planning on following Blake and Henry into the sequel Down My Chimney.
Happy Holidays!
January 3, 2021
A cabin in Mammoth, CA weekend for the holidays is the usual for these guys, who've known each other since childhood. Blake, 20, in college, has brown hair and is tall and has toned abs, plus he's realizing he may be gay (bi), begins to get some information from gay Henry.
Henry is 20, is thin and has freckles, with dark golden hair and blue-gray eyes, doesn't know why Blake is asking questions about being gay.
Each man secretly wants the other and keeps that a secret from each other. We watch them begin on an online dating site as Frosty and Santa, flirting, talking, which is funny, witty, sexy and revealing.
Neither Henry (Frosty) nor Blake (Santa) know who the other person is, and they really get deep in their thoughts and conversations, while Blake is getting lots of gay information.
Each texts that they are going out of town, but agree to meet and hook up when they get back.
On the trip to the mountain, Blake and Henry talk a lot and straighten out the misunderstandings from childhood, still unaware of the real identity of their texting pal. So, we see the two get closer again as friends and begin to react to their long-time attraction. Lots of angst and misunderstandings, and yet they have fun with the trip activities.
Every thing comes crashing, and as Blake drops off Henry, it's Henry's parting comment that enlightens Blake. He goes to the meeting of Frosty and Santa !
Their sizzling sexiness is heavy and amazing, with all first time m/m excitement for Blake, who is totally stoked to be with Henry.
Terrific Christmassy fun and finding a real romance for our confused guys.
ENJOY !
=======
Henry is 20, is thin and has freckles, with dark golden hair and blue-gray eyes, doesn't know why Blake is asking questions about being gay.
Each man secretly wants the other and keeps that a secret from each other. We watch them begin on an online dating site as Frosty and Santa, flirting, talking, which is funny, witty, sexy and revealing.
Neither Henry (Frosty) nor Blake (Santa) know who the other person is, and they really get deep in their thoughts and conversations, while Blake is getting lots of gay information.
Each texts that they are going out of town, but agree to meet and hook up when they get back.
On the trip to the mountain, Blake and Henry talk a lot and straighten out the misunderstandings from childhood, still unaware of the real identity of their texting pal. So, we see the two get closer again as friends and begin to react to their long-time attraction. Lots of angst and misunderstandings, and yet they have fun with the trip activities.
Every thing comes crashing, and as Blake drops off Henry, it's Henry's parting comment that enlightens Blake. He goes to the meeting of Frosty and Santa !
Their sizzling sexiness is heavy and amazing, with all first time m/m excitement for Blake, who is totally stoked to be with Henry.
Terrific Christmassy fun and finding a real romance for our confused guys.
ENJOY !
=======
December 19, 2020
So much fun
I had a blast reading this book! The text exchanges between the MCs ranged between hilarious and dirty, and their real-life encounters were great too. I could barely put it down and will be moving right on to Sea Kissed, since the author put a snippet of that in the back and hooked me. Well played, Spencer. Well played.
I had a blast reading this book! The text exchanges between the MCs ranged between hilarious and dirty, and their real-life encounters were great too. I could barely put it down and will be moving right on to Sea Kissed, since the author put a snippet of that in the back and hooked me. Well played, Spencer. Well played.
December 20, 2020
**4.5**
I loved this, a story of one young man trying to figure himself out while another is trying to move on from a recent bad breakup, best friends at childhood but now family acquaintances. The best part is that they also meet under aliases online and develop a relationship whilst also spending time together IRL completely oblivious to that fact and that they also maybe, kinda, sorta are in to each other.
There is so much going on for both men across this story. Blake is filled with fear of the unknown as he tries to figure out if he's gay, what reactions he will get from family and friends. Getting himself on an app brings "Frosty" into his life who is full of wit charm and knowledge on all things gay. The upcoming family trip means spending time with Henry, who used to be his best friend bu they drifted apart for a number of reasons. When the two come together, it's like a sideshow with teasing, old hurts, new emotions and parents who are far to understanding.
I love the banter between both Blake and Henry as well as 'Frosty' and 'Santa', both standing their ground and not afraid to give it back. I did feel for them both at different parts of the story as each man is going through something and is also developing this attachment to someone online, who they've never met. It's entertaining as the reader as they are completely oblivious but we can also pick up on the clues that can be picked up throughout.
Definitely a recommended read from Spencer. A little bit of angst and a slow burner but so worth the effort of them taking their time to work through the relationship. Although, I would have loved to have the scene where Blake does tell his family and friends, just to see if he was right about everyone's possible reactions.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
I loved this, a story of one young man trying to figure himself out while another is trying to move on from a recent bad breakup, best friends at childhood but now family acquaintances. The best part is that they also meet under aliases online and develop a relationship whilst also spending time together IRL completely oblivious to that fact and that they also maybe, kinda, sorta are in to each other.
There is so much going on for both men across this story. Blake is filled with fear of the unknown as he tries to figure out if he's gay, what reactions he will get from family and friends. Getting himself on an app brings "Frosty" into his life who is full of wit charm and knowledge on all things gay. The upcoming family trip means spending time with Henry, who used to be his best friend bu they drifted apart for a number of reasons. When the two come together, it's like a sideshow with teasing, old hurts, new emotions and parents who are far to understanding.
I love the banter between both Blake and Henry as well as 'Frosty' and 'Santa', both standing their ground and not afraid to give it back. I did feel for them both at different parts of the story as each man is going through something and is also developing this attachment to someone online, who they've never met. It's entertaining as the reader as they are completely oblivious but we can also pick up on the clues that can be picked up throughout.
Definitely a recommended read from Spencer. A little bit of angst and a slow burner but so worth the effort of them taking their time to work through the relationship. Although, I would have loved to have the scene where Blake does tell his family and friends, just to see if he was right about everyone's possible reactions.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
December 17, 2020
XOXO, Santa is a great enemies to lovers romance by Spencer Spears.
Blake and Henry have a messy past; former best friends whose families are still friends. With some family time together in a cabin, they're forced to spend the holidays together. I always enjoy a good wintertime forced proximity! Add in two men who don't get along, and let the real fun begin.
Henry's always been out, but Blake struggles with his developing sexuality and exploring his gay feelings. Looking for some sexual guidance, as he's finally admitting he's gay, he turns to a dating app. As he forms an online friendship with a stranger, he certainly gets more than he expected.
First, the humor is so damn funny. Seriously, some of the texts are absolutely hysterical. If you enjoy banter, sass, and innuendoes in text form, you'll love this one. If you enjoy dirty baking references, and some messy situations, you will laugh your ass off.
Second, the online friends aspect is well done. There's certainly no surprise, but I enjoy the way it's all executed.
I always enjoy Spencer's writing, and this book is no different. The beginning is a little long winded, but it definitely sets up the situation. Blake's exploration into porn could have been summed up quicker, but don't let that stop you - just keep reading. Trust me. It's honestly just an authentically feeling situation. And from there, the humor starts.
XOXO, Santa is a romance filled with endless banter and sass. Spencer Spears spares no expense in this delightful, sweet tale. This one has a little of everything, with a great mix of enemies to lovers, forced proximity, ex best friends, and online friends. It's definitely a cute story.
Blake and Henry have a messy past; former best friends whose families are still friends. With some family time together in a cabin, they're forced to spend the holidays together. I always enjoy a good wintertime forced proximity! Add in two men who don't get along, and let the real fun begin.
Henry's always been out, but Blake struggles with his developing sexuality and exploring his gay feelings. Looking for some sexual guidance, as he's finally admitting he's gay, he turns to a dating app. As he forms an online friendship with a stranger, he certainly gets more than he expected.
First, the humor is so damn funny. Seriously, some of the texts are absolutely hysterical. If you enjoy banter, sass, and innuendoes in text form, you'll love this one. If you enjoy dirty baking references, and some messy situations, you will laugh your ass off.
Second, the online friends aspect is well done. There's certainly no surprise, but I enjoy the way it's all executed.
I always enjoy Spencer's writing, and this book is no different. The beginning is a little long winded, but it definitely sets up the situation. Blake's exploration into porn could have been summed up quicker, but don't let that stop you - just keep reading. Trust me. It's honestly just an authentically feeling situation. And from there, the humor starts.
XOXO, Santa is a romance filled with endless banter and sass. Spencer Spears spares no expense in this delightful, sweet tale. This one has a little of everything, with a great mix of enemies to lovers, forced proximity, ex best friends, and online friends. It's definitely a cute story.
January 17, 2024
2.5 stars
This was STUPID. I love the anonymous trope more than life itself, so I really wanted to love this one, but the writing just wasn't quite up to snuff and the characters were super juvenile and frustrating (and honestly even kind of hurtful towards one another at times). Meh. It wasn't all bad - it had cute moments (and definitely some hot ones) - but it wasn't as good as I was hoping it would be.
This was STUPID. I love the anonymous trope more than life itself, so I really wanted to love this one, but the writing just wasn't quite up to snuff and the characters were super juvenile and frustrating (and honestly even kind of hurtful towards one another at times). Meh. It wasn't all bad - it had cute moments (and definitely some hot ones) - but it wasn't as good as I was hoping it would be.
December 18, 2021
My second read and just as good as my first. This is such a nice story. I re-read it to get ready for Spencers newest book, "Down My Chimney".
January 11, 2021
DNF. Not for me
December 17, 2020
Spencer Spears says this is the book he wrote by accident. Well, if that’s the case, I’d love to see what he writes on purpose! I get it, though. You go into writing thinking one thing, and your muse says ‘plot twist!’
This book was hysterical, touching, sweet, and sometimes borderline insane. INSANE. I loved every moment of it, too. Henry and Blake were easy to like and so darn adorable. I know some reviewers complained about the first chapter, but I’m gonna have to disagree. I loved getting a glimpse of Blake’s inner musings while he was questioning his sexuality. It was genuine, and seemed true to his character. Plus...it was just really entertaining.
Spencer Spears has a tendency to put in some shocking moments into his stories, making those moments both humorous and hot. I can see people without a sense of humor disliking some of it, but for the rest of us....this is pure gold.
This story is well written, with great comedic timing, and a lot of charm. I enjoyed spending some time with these boys and the people in their lives. I highly recommend this book if you love a good laugh and great characters. You will not be disappointed.
***I received a copy of this book for my reading pleasure. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***
This book was hysterical, touching, sweet, and sometimes borderline insane. INSANE. I loved every moment of it, too. Henry and Blake were easy to like and so darn adorable. I know some reviewers complained about the first chapter, but I’m gonna have to disagree. I loved getting a glimpse of Blake’s inner musings while he was questioning his sexuality. It was genuine, and seemed true to his character. Plus...it was just really entertaining.
Spencer Spears has a tendency to put in some shocking moments into his stories, making those moments both humorous and hot. I can see people without a sense of humor disliking some of it, but for the rest of us....this is pure gold.
This story is well written, with great comedic timing, and a lot of charm. I enjoyed spending some time with these boys and the people in their lives. I highly recommend this book if you love a good laugh and great characters. You will not be disappointed.
***I received a copy of this book for my reading pleasure. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***
December 27, 2020
I loved You’ve got Mail movie and this story has the movie’s vibe. I love enemies to lovers stories, so this book has all the ingredients to be a book to my liking, joining all this is a Christmas story, my guilty pleasure
The MC's are great even though there were times I just wanted to get in the middle of them and yell at them to listen to each other instead of interrupting each other
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review
The MC's are great even though there were times I just wanted to get in the middle of them and yell at them to listen to each other instead of interrupting each other
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review
December 17, 2021
I thought Henry and Blake were adorable. I loved the talking and joking they did through the dating app. Henry kinda had a chip on his shoulder as a protective instinct because he came out as gay at a young age. Blake is in college and is just now figuring things out. The dating app, Gaybae, allowed them to be themselves in a truer sense and be free of having to put on the social mask that is expected in society. I didn't realize this was part of a series when i started reading it and now i'm excited to read the next book.
December 27, 2022
Very cute and fun Christmas romance especially if you like your Christmas romances to be a little porny and have nothing to do with Christmas.
December 17, 2020
I adored this sweet and steamy new adult Christmas romance - it was exactly the low angst read I needed right now. I immediately fell for Blake and how adorably awkward and anxious he is, and I was crying with laughter right from the first page. The way he approaches exploring his sexuality is just so endearing and hilarious and when he meets Frosty on the hookup app, what follows is so much witty banter and snarky message exchanges. The only thing I wish is that we had more time with Henry and Blake actually being together and some face to face romance. But that’s only because I loved them so much and knowing that we have more of them to come... well I can definitely live with that!
December 22, 2020
4.5 Stars
This was so much fun! Just what I needed to balance all the crazy that is covid Christmas. Highly recommended.
This was so much fun! Just what I needed to balance all the crazy that is covid Christmas. Highly recommended.
December 17, 2020
Cute read but could do with a little more editing and TBH I could predict what was going to happen at the end which made it not so exciting.
Id call this a YA i did enjoy the convos between Frosty and Santa but it overall didn't feel super christmassy to me which others may like but I like my Xmas reads to be super Xmas overload !
Id call this a YA i did enjoy the convos between Frosty and Santa but it overall didn't feel super christmassy to me which others may like but I like my Xmas reads to be super Xmas overload !
December 23, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
XOXO, Santa is a cute new adult story that sort of falls somewhere between friends and enemies to lovers. While the set up of two people who know one another in real life unknowingly corresponding online isn’t breaking any new ground, Spears gives the story a fun, easy tone with great online interaction between Henry and Blake. There is some nice humor and lightness to their conversations as the men tease and banter with each other, but at the same time, both men share more serious issues and are able to explore their feelings within the anonymity of the internet in a way they can’t in real life. I think there is a nice balance of heat and sexy fun with some more serious exploration of coming out, feeling not good enough, fears of other people’s perceptions, and other issues with which these guys struggle.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
XOXO, Santa is a cute new adult story that sort of falls somewhere between friends and enemies to lovers. While the set up of two people who know one another in real life unknowingly corresponding online isn’t breaking any new ground, Spears gives the story a fun, easy tone with great online interaction between Henry and Blake. There is some nice humor and lightness to their conversations as the men tease and banter with each other, but at the same time, both men share more serious issues and are able to explore their feelings within the anonymity of the internet in a way they can’t in real life. I think there is a nice balance of heat and sexy fun with some more serious exploration of coming out, feeling not good enough, fears of other people’s perceptions, and other issues with which these guys struggle.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
December 17, 2020
I get a kick our of romances where the two main characters are interacting with each other but neither knows it. I like knowing more than they do and chuckling at imagining how they will find out and what their reactions will be. Blake and Henry are a perfect couple for this. They felt the right age to be exploring these issues rather cluelessly and charmingly and I enjoyed their texts immensely. The fact that the ending was not a rock solid, forever after seemed the most appropriate choice given the newness of same sex relationships for both these guys, but having said that, it was a perfectly satsifying romantic ending. I am a huge Spencer Spears fan and this continues the string of winners for me.
December 23, 2020
A fantastic slow burn holiday romance between 2 ex best friends. I found this book very hard to put down as I just wanted to see where it would go. The writing is excellent and I loved the humour that is throughout the book. The text exchanges between Blake and Henry are awesome and so dirty!!
The pay off at the end makes up for the blue balls these boys have to endure through the whole book, I really hope these guys get another book as I’m not ready to say goodbye to them yet.
The pay off at the end makes up for the blue balls these boys have to endure through the whole book, I really hope these guys get another book as I’m not ready to say goodbye to them yet.
January 2, 2025
DNF 50%
I was under the impression that this was a holiday read, but halfway thru, there was little-to-no mention of it aside from their online names.
A lot of the first half of this book was spent on the two MCs corresponding online thru an app. I usually love anonymous stories, but they’re usually shorter lived and the characters move on to the IRL relationship. After reading some other reviews, it sounds like a large portion of the rest of the book is done this way. It’s just a bit too much. I’d rather they have their talks in person.
Plus, I didn’t realize this is a duet and ends on a HFN? This book is already a bit long for what it is, so I see no reason for a second book.
For all of these reasons, I’m bailing out. I’d much rather read about a couple spending time together rather than apart. When these two were together, they seemed to be arguing or having unnecessary disagreements.
I was under the impression that this was a holiday read, but halfway thru, there was little-to-no mention of it aside from their online names.
A lot of the first half of this book was spent on the two MCs corresponding online thru an app. I usually love anonymous stories, but they’re usually shorter lived and the characters move on to the IRL relationship. After reading some other reviews, it sounds like a large portion of the rest of the book is done this way. It’s just a bit too much. I’d rather they have their talks in person.
Plus, I didn’t realize this is a duet and ends on a HFN? This book is already a bit long for what it is, so I see no reason for a second book.
For all of these reasons, I’m bailing out. I’d much rather read about a couple spending time together rather than apart. When these two were together, they seemed to be arguing or having unnecessary disagreements.
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