Winter Wonders

Friends of Friends #1

by Leighton Greene

an alternate cover edition can be found here

Faking their way through Christmas...

This year, Cooper Kincaid finds his perfect Christmas gift on the side of the road: Jonathan Ashe. So perfect, in fact, that he can't resist unwrapping the gorgeous present and playing with him a little early, after taking Jon back to his cabin to recover from a minor car accident.

Jon seems to bring out something deep inside Cooper...something he's tried to keep hidden from previous boyfriends. But their merrymaking is complicated when Cooper lies to his meddling mother, and tells her he's dating Jon.

Jon has no interest in a new relationship after getting his heart broken. Definitely no interest in the heir to the Kincaid estate, where Jon is working for the holidays. And especially no interest in a guy who's so new to finding his bossy side in bed.

Still, maybe a fake relationship could be fun, just for the holidays?

But Cooper has made up his mind: it's his Christmas mission to heal Jon's heart. He's determined to work out exactly what Jon wants, and give it to him.

Meanwhile, Cooper's disapproving mother not only invites his ex to their Christmas Eve event, she digs into Jon's past to prove to Cooper that they're totally unsuited.

Can Cooper and Jon admit that they might be each other's winter wonderful, or will their differences and outside interference prove too much?

Winter Wonders is a standalone holiday romance novel with humor, just a dash of angst, and west-coast cool versus east-coast class. HFN/HEA guaranteed, and no cliffhangers.

Featuring: Snowed In, There's Only One Bed, Hurt/Comfort, Fake Dating, Mistletoe Kisses and (naturally!) some naughty fun.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, M M Romance, Holiday, Christmas, BDSM, LGBT

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2019

About the author

Leighton Greene has been writing stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Her first book was a choose-your-own-adventure style book about deciding what to eat for breakfast. It didn't shake the New York Times bestseller list, but she still has a copy of it.

After spending some time writing in academia, fanfiction and corporate reporting, Leighton decided she should probably do what she actually wanted to do, which was to write commercial fiction. So she did. She writes gay romance and, when the mood strikes, erotica as L.J. Greene.

Leighton lives with her partner and her cockatiel on the east coast of Australia.

(Source: Amazon.com)

Reviews

[Ed Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was kind of Meh. It was ok, just seemed to be trying too hard. It was just sort of overdone. Cooper’s mother was a super bitch who had a miraculous change which wasn’t believable. Jon started out being bitchy when someone was saving his life, again unbelievable. The bdsm was so watered down it was boring. The story was ok, but it felt tired because it wasn’t all that original. So, three stars. I’m out sorry I read it, but it won’t be something I remember.

[Sheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm, this was very meh for me.
I felt the DNF urge early on but since I have serious issues giving up on a story, I pushed through.
It definitely got better for me but I still had too many niggles to count.
Lots of potentials but it just didn't seem to be effective.
It didn't help that I failed to click with the writing. Since this was my first time with Greene, I'll probably try again before giving up.

MNY

[Rin (indefinite hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

What this book tried to be: a sweet holiday stranded-in-the-snow-with-a-sexy-stranger Hallmark movie with a kinky twist.

What it was: a book where D/s dynamics were talked about but not delivered on (some stern words and a spanking at 99% does not make it a D/s book). There is one BJ near the beginning, then about 70% of the book with nothing… a mediocre sex scene… then there “we’re officially together and in love” sex scene was… another blow job? Then the final supposedly D/s sex scene was off page. I just…. I HATE it when authors hint at kink and don’t deliver. But this didn’t even really deliver on sex at all. It was… meh.

Ok so onto the characters and plot. So like… Jon was cute. Cooper was… ugh. I dunno. A wet rag. 70% of the book was about him and his dysfunctional relationship with his mom. And his dysfunctional relationship with his ex. Then his mom’s eventual redemption was… out of the blue and kind of undeserved. Everything was just wrapped up in a neat little package and it was cheap. The Big Conflict between Jon and Cooper was just… silly. I’m sorry, it was silly. There was just so much disjointed writing in this so that by the end I didn’t care.

I just can’t believe that the same author that wrote my precious Finch and Luca wrote whatever this is. 🥴

[annob [on hiatus]]

I already knew from Greene's other books I would enjoy her writing style, but sadly this story wasn't a good fit for me.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan (Jon) Ashe, a movie make-up artist, leaves sunny California after a bad break-up with an older man, a "Daddy", that he thought would love and care for him for the remainder of his life. A new start in a new city, in a new state, would work for him. What he hadn't counted on was that in the winter it snows...a lot... in the Eastern United States, and that he had never seen snow much less driven in it. Needless to say, he ends up in a snowbank, his car damaged, and he himself resembling a giant snow cone and nearly frozen to death when he is spotted by Dr. Cooper Kincaid...of the "Connecticut Kincaid's"...rich and powerful people, and Copper's parents.

Cooper had just broken up with his boyfriend, Ryan who he was going to marry. No big loss there, but Ryan didn't seem to understand the meaning of the word "NO", and just wouldn't go away. Ryan desperately wants to be a part of the "Connecticut Kincaid's", and with Cooper's mother's help and encouragement begins his campaign to get Cooper back, and Jon out of the picture.
Readers will immediately hate Ryan just on general principals. Actually, we will continue to hate him throughout the rest of the story, as his main goal is to get Cooper back...and in the beginning he has the blessings and the help of Cooper's meddling mother.

I liked both the characters of Cooper and Jon. Jon never let Ryan or Cooper's mother get to him...he so beautifully stood his ground without ever being loud, insulting or obnoxious about it. The story does slightly touch on the aspects of BDSM but it's not a continuous part of the story. I loved this story...especially the way that it ended. Winter Wonders is not a very long book but it's such a warm, sweet story...a fun Christmas tale.

Before anyone asks... Yes...I know that it's July, but Christmas is good thing anytime of the year:)

[Shawna (endemictoearth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very self-aware fake dating set up with a side of . . . exploratory kink? It’s got snowed in/only one bed/we need to share body heat sitch in the first couple of chapters. I really enjoyed the writing and how the themes were handled.

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really excited for this book after my friend recommended this author to me and I found out this book was fake dating. I absolutely love that trope and was excited to read another one (especially with a Christmas theme). I was also looking forward to some extra spice. The story didn’t quite deliver on that as it wasn’t as spicy as I was hoping for but overall I still really enjoyed the story.

I really loved Jon’s character. I loved that he seemed so sure of himself and knew how to handle himself well and went with the flow when the fake dating was thrown at him. He was also incredibly supportive of Cooper and tried so hard to help Cooper discover himself.

I really enjoyed seeing Cooper’s growth throughout this book and for him to take control of his own life again! You find love in the most unexpected ways and with people you don’t always consider and that’s exactly what happened with these two!

I enjoyed this book and recommend. I will definitely read more by this author in the future.

[ML · Rating 2 out of 5]

when opposites attract

Cooper saves Jon from the snowy elements.

Their chemistry is hot from the start and you are thinking this book is going to be SO sexy and hot. It was for a short time and then it fizzled sadly. Promises of kinky times that never really delivered was why I had to give it 3 stars.

The Mom, the ex-fiancé all added to the story was an annoyance. Cooper was even a bit whiny. Jon was sweet but obstinate in his stubbornness to not fall in love. It got annoying too.

It was a sexy story and it ended ok but the off page kink made me grouchy after it was teased. Meh. The End.

[Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§) · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Jonathan Ashe (Make-up Artist to the Stars) and his car end up in a snowy ditch on his way to a temporary job in the wilds of Connecticut, he all but gives up on his crappy life. He’s accepted this job so he could get out of Hollywood, LA, and away from his cheating ex boyfriend Daddy.

When he’s woken from a hypothermia induced sleep by a gorgeous looking man, he thinks he’s already dead and gone to heaven.

Cooper Kincaid lives his life exactly as his wealthy parents want him to, even going as far as marrying a man they’ve chosen for him. His parents own a Hospital, he became a doctor, but his father has him doing admin and research. Cooper wants to treat those in need of medical help.

When he rescues a young man from an icy death on his family’s Estate, he begins to see what another life away from his family would mean to him.

Could he explore all those secret yearnings he hides with someone else, especially when his ex fiancé made such derogatory remarks about Cooper’s sexual needs.

Would he be willing to give up all the benefits bestowed on him by his “Kincaid’s of Connecticut’ family?

Jonathan Ashe appeared briefly in one of Leighton Greene’s Rough Love series and here he is given his own story. He’s not looking for any relationships, ever, ever again. Definitely not.

But, “Never Say Never Again” eh?

I liked this and I enjoyed both the MC protagonists, hated Ryan the ex finance, and the interference of Alicia Kincaid.

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun Christmas tale, even though it was the overdone and expected fake boyfriend trope. I did think Cooper and Jon were adorable together, even though Cooper's family and friends drove me crazy. It was very much what you would expect from a Christmas story, but the characters were fresh and fun and was written very well.

[peach]

DNF @ 21% I put this down several days ago and haven't felt any urge to pick it up since

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Sweet and a tinsy but kinky. I liked the characters and the plot was interesting with just enough conflict to keep it from being boring.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good Christmas story. This one involves 2 very different men who find themselves pretending to be boyfriends all while trying to determine what it is they want in life. Cooper feels trapped in his life as the “perfect” gay son of the Kincaid family, forced into a role he doesn’t really want. Jon is a Hollywood makeup artist who escapes across the country to house sit only to find himself in the middle of a bit of a mess. These characters are well written and I really found myself wanting to punch Cooper’s mother and his ex right in the face. The fact that both main characters actually find it in themselves to forgive her for her overbearing, snobbish behaviour says a lot about them. I enjoyed this book. Yes there are some definite tropes here (fake boyfriends, opposite worlds, etc) but they make for a good escape in a well written book and I enjoyed this little slice of Christmas very much!

[Avery LuBell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, swoon-worthy book! I'm so proud that it exists! Many "romance" novels get kink representation wrong, and actually parrot bad, abusive relationship advice to the audience. But THIS book was wise and responsible with its representation. Jon and Cooper are caring, attentive, careful, respectful... I could go on XD. I really really REALLY liked the representation in this book.

I liked the subplot (secondary theme?) too about not stereotyping gay people or queer culture. I loved everything Jon had to say about confronting offensive behavior with firm boundaries and kind instruction, and being true to himself by being kind even when others are not. It wasn't his responsibility to educate someone ignorant, or to endure derision, but he made the choice to be better than the things that hurt him, and to put forward the kind of warmth he wants to see in the world. Jon may have that cliche "Sleigh all day *Z-snap*" vibe, but he's a wonderfully nuanced character, and I'm so happy his message is out there, dear readers.

Now credit where credit is due XD. But this book was not without its eyeroll moments. The Cinderella concept was cute, but the whole setup had me playing Romance Novel Bingo: Car dies on a snowy road; Hottie brings Stranded back to a lovely log cabin; Mismatched lovers bond over skating and cocoa, yada yada yada. And maybe it's a little bit preachy of me, but I found the CONSTANT Scooby Doo references infantilizing, which I don't think was the kink the author was going for. Innocent, merry, full of wonder, maybe. But not a literal child, despite the fact that Jon's previous relationship was with a "Daddy" XD. I think the book could have done without those Scooby Doo boxers. Gave me flashbacks to The Mister (thank you for ruining Sponge Bob, E.L. James). Just SOME moments that made me aware, "Oh, this is a book, I've seen this before..." which took me out of the moment.

Full disclosure if you couldn't tell from the tags: This IS an explicit book, there are very detailed sex scenes. If you're not into that, this might not be the meet-cute for you. BUT I hesitate to throw this aside as "just" an erotic novel. I think it's very thoughtful, romantic, emotional, has a strong message... Jon and Cooper aren't flat archetypes, they feel like real people. There's nothing vapid about this book, it's a smart, heartfelt look at two people who have been hurt learning to heal and bringing out the best in each other. So, if you ARE into THAT, please don't let the eroticism deter you from a great romance.

Merry Christmas, Jon and Cooper!!! Thanks for making my holiday merry and bright!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon is an absolute riot with his witty remarks, well, he is after he gets over sliding off the road into a snowbank in a snowstorm and almost freezing to death. Luckily a gorgeous man rescued him, and so the dance begins. One man broke and scrambling to survive, the other from a very wealthy and stuck up family. I've read several stories with this kind of stuck up, vicious Mother, this one takes the cake! An absolute bitch, but Jon is up for the challenge. We also have the jealous ex who keeps causing trouble but, again, brave Jon rises above it all, well, almost, he has his breaking point. A fantastic tale of two totally mismatched men pawing their way through a lie and hoping to survive the ridiculous gala wicked Mother has arranged.

[Smut Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A meandering tale of desire and want mingled with low self awareness. This story took a long time to get to the expected plot points but there are some sweet and steamy moments making it a worthwhile read.

[Jilles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally sweet read for Christmas

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (10/22/2022)! 🎁

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

On behalf of all quite nice people called Alicia, can we please back off on naming posh bitches Alicia, just for a couple of years?

[Manon Lavoie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not really like the book. Too stereotypical for me. Every character was caricatural. The bitch mother, the absent father, the superficial ex, ... And the fake boyfriend then not fake, then fake again, and so on !!!! Not good !!!

[Becky A · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Winter Wonders" received TWO AND A HALF stars.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."

[Jacqueline · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this and forgot it instandly. It was not so great. The beginning I liked. The saving from a snowstorm, caring for the other etc. The fake boyfriend think was ok. When the ex came into the story it became boring. The mother was oke, and the make-over by Jon a nice edition to the story.
I did not like the DOM/SUB very much, not much going on with that. So it was a Chrismas story, but not original or funny. 2 stars max.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winters Wonders is a sweet winter romance by Leighton Greene. It's a pure sweet read.

The forced proximity aspect is a leading factor for Cooper and Jon, as Cooper helps Jon after his car breaks down. What follows is a one room, one bed night.

After that, it's the fake relationship aspect that takes over, as Cooper needs Jon's help in dealing with his controlling mother. If you enjoy fake relationships, you will love this one. The way it comes about is fun and humorous, and the way it carries out is wonderful. I love when feelings get involved, which is just a fantastic part of this tale.

And then there's Cooper's mom. She's the classic bitch at the start, but the author definitely has more in store for her, making her a multi-layered character of her own rite. And damn, I absolutely adore the way Jon deals with her. Score one huge point for Jon! I seriously love that scene.

The BDSM aspect isn't a huge factor here. There's a little bit of sweet d/s at play, but it really isn't much. If you enjoy a little bit of kink, you will enjoy this here. They are definitely hot together. I didn't love Jon's desire to talk about kink though, as I thought it kind of didn't fit with the rest of the story.

Their story also includes a rich versus poor factor and a jealous ex.

Overall, Winter Wonders is a nice holiday read. Leighton Greene kept me intrigued with a sweet and tender tone and kept me compelled with the sweetest of their developing feelings. The idea of Winter Wonders itself is beautiful; totally a Hallmark movie type thing. It warms my heart to imagine it.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake boyfriend M/M rom-com in a winter wonderland
I love “Hallmark” movies at Christmas time. Not the schmaltzy ones but the ones that make you feel and think. This book felt like a “Hallmark” movie IF they did M/M with light BDSM stories.😊
Jonathan Ashe aka Jon has been driving for days to get from LA to a temporary gig in Connecticut to help a friend as well as himself. He needed to get away from LA after he found his “daddy” in bed with a younger version of him! Talk about knife to the back!! Unfortunately, after days and days of little sleep or food, he runs off the road, in the snow and his car has stopped working which means NO HEAT. He falls asleep but is awakened by a knock on his window. His savior aka Chuckles, Prince Charming and eventually Cooper, picks him up and carries him to his car and to his log cabin. From this point it gets progressively funnier and steamier. Jon’s dialogue is sooo off the charts and humorous. No filter so it’s hilarious! Cooper is a straight-laced (but gay) doctor. Let’s see…how do you think this will go? There are people out to mess up this relationship albeit fake. If you like M/M romance with humor, hanky-panky and an HEA, read this book.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and give it a 4.5 hearty stars for a few editing issues. (Just a very few…)

[Kay Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This has been in my planned reads for Christmas since I read Rough Love series and realised this book includes a character from that series. This does work really well as a stand alone though!

Jon has just gone through a terrible breakup and has sworn off all men. He's travelled from LA to the East Coast to take over a job from a friend over the holidays, but his car breaks down just before he gets there. Enter Cooper, a hot rich doctor who rescues him from his car and gives him a place to stay that night. Cooper has also just gone through a breakup and needed to get away for a while because his mother keeps trying to get him to get back together with his cheating ex.

Jon and Cooper sleep together, thinking they'll go their separate ways in the morning. Expect morning comes and Cooper's mother is at the door, planning to have their big Christmas party here instead of back home in New York, and Cooper blurts out that Jon is actually his new boyfriend. Also, the place Jon was supposed to be working over the holidays? It was on the grounds here. Woops.

This book is a lot of fun. It has some great angsty moments, and a lot of really sweet and spicy moments too. Jon is a experienced sub, and Cooper is a baby gentle Dom in the making, though the kink is pretty light and not a huge part of the plot.

[Queen Plamo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the author's note since I really am a reader with GREAT hair and EXQUISITE taste!!!

* I really liked that one and binge read it!
Sweet submissive Jon is on his way to his new work when his car jumps out of the road and he have to spend some time alone, freezing and feeling sorry for himself. Well, he is really lucky guy,tho. Because Dr.Cooper just happened to pass by and now he is offering him help, place to stay for the night and warmness.
But there is a snow blizzard, electricity goes off and feelings go on and Jon is about to find out that the sweet doctor has secret dom side about him.
There is also rich family drama - Cooper's mom pushes him into fake-dating cute and kind Jon just so he can get her a little salty.
Sounds fun and a little adventure would do no harm, as long as there are boundaries to keep and rules to follow, right? ;)

* The kink is very well presented and let that be no stopping for you to read that sweet,sweet novel!

[Siobhan Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan is fleeing his old life in Los Angeles and finds himself in a very wasp like Connecticut filling in house sitting for a friend. Cooper finds a rather snippy at first Jon after his car crashes in the snow and takes him back to his cabin to warm up and get better but his secret identity is soon revealed and a terrible idea is formed to get his mother off his back about getting together again with his slimeball ex. Not as much angst as I though there would be and Cooper's mother whilst being a cold indifferent woman gently thawed at the end and accepted the situation. When one of our guys breaks the rules it looks like their happy ending is over but can the magic of Christmas help bring the sparkle back. Good plot, great characters and a boatload of UST. Light kink at the very end and it is discussed a little throughout, free from family obligations and restraints Cooper and Jonathan can help build their own fairytale.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter Wonders by author Leighton Greene is a sweet holiday romance. I like that it is told in dual POV as well.

Jon from LA is a Makeup artist. Has come to east to house sit. And then everything went sideways. His car breaks down. His phone dies and he almost freezes to death in his car. His ex-boyfriend was caught cheating on him with a guy who was way younger than Jon but looked like him. Lucky for him he is saved by the sexy Dr. Cooper.

Cooper is wealthy but tired of being used. He was just dumped by a guy his mother had hooked him up with. He wants some alone time to get his head on straight. What he gets is the sassy, sweet, and tad naive Jon.

I think Jon is perfect for Cooper, Jon brings life and color back into his boring life. Cooper brings stability and loves back to Jon’s life.

This is a great holiday story that made me smile I am really glad I got the chance to read it.



Five Shooting Stars

[Shannon]

Good but frustratingly needs editing

3.5☆
Jon is a delightful character who is true to himself and is full of snark and sass. Cooper is the typical poor little rich boy who bows to his parents demands and wishes - until he finally does what he wants. They do make an interesting couple as they grow together during the short but intense time they know one another. They do fall in love and get a sweet HEA.
For me there were two things that stopped the rating. One, this story seemed very familiar but with slight differences. Two, this book needs a lot of editing for missing, extra, or wrong words - like now instead of know, and for a clear lack of research. Quite a few things annoyed me and took me out of the story, like stating a gas fireplace well go out when the electricity does, asking for a phone charging cable during said power outage, and using terms like hob instead of stove or plaster instead of bandage when the characters and story takes place in the US.

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faking it can have consequences as Cooper and Jon find out. Jon has just left his last relationship after finding his 'Daddy' with a younger version of himself. Cooper has broken off his engagement to Ryan after Ryan left for another man. Jon has agreed to fill in for a friend on an estate in Connecticut when he slides off the road in a snow storm. Cooper finds him and brings him back to his cabin, the cabin where he hopped to escape from work and his meddling mother. Turns out that Jon is supposed to be filling in on Cooper's family estate. When Cooper's mother shows up to announce that she's moved the hospital fundraising Gala to the estate. Knowing that his mother wants Cooper to still marry Ryan he introduces Jon as his new boyfriend. The two agree to continuing the deception and fake their relationship, problem is what happens if it's real. A nice romantic comedy, strangers to lovers as Jon helps Cooper discover his dominant nature and take control of his life.