The Last Gift

by Chrissy Munder

What do you do when the right man walks into your life at the wrong time?

College student Nathan Reed is so close to graduation he can taste it. So can his parents who have two more kids in the academic pipeline. Nathan looks forward to leaving his night shift at the convenience store for a job he can be proud of and a relationship with someone other than his two guinea pigs.

But Nathan’s careful five-year plan didn’t include lawyer and hunk in need, Adrian Hampton, who walks into his life at 5:25 each weekday morning. Adrian’s plea for help with an office gift leads to a friendship built on shared humor, a charity fun run, and Adrian’s ongoing battle with his PA. It’s the best part of Nathan’s day, until he realizes he wants more.

Does Adrian feel the same? Time is running out and Nathan is about to change to another shift. What will happen if he takes a leap of faith and adjusts his plans to include Adrian?

Genres: Holiday, Christmas, M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Short Stories, Gay

58 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2017

About the author

Chrissy Munder writes light and sometimes erotic contemporary LGBTQ+ romance filled with everyday people and extraordinary passion to transport readers into their personal world of love, laughter, and desire

She is an avid reader, a wanderer of Michigan’s wilderness, and, while not in any particular order, a lover of lists, legally blind, and a certified crazy cat lady. There are those who might tell you she started writing as a way to justify her office supply addiction, but shhhhh! don’t listen to them.

After too many jobs in too many states she’s eagerly awaiting her chance to become a full-time Lake Michigan beachcomber. Until then, she’s excited to share her love of romance, laughter, and happy-ever-afters.

Reviews

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Hearts

Nick is seriously crushing on one of the early morning customers where he works, and he can hardly concentrate on anything else. Despite what initially looks like them being completely incompatible, it’s quickly made clear that he and Aaron are able to connect on many other levels.

However, the clock is a ticking, and though it’s the worst time in Nick’s life to even contemplate a relationship, he can’t help but hope. What he doesn’t realize is that his and Aaron’s magical meeting time might not have been solely left to chance.

This is low angst, with a kiss at the end - a feel good story showing how the holidays can be just the needed impetus to find and grab onto love.

Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review

For more reviews on this week’s Advent releases, please check out the blog!!

[Meags · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

College student Nick works his ass off; he holds down two jobs while trying to keep abreast of his demanding coursework. Nick has little to no social life, but he figures it will all be worth it once he graduates and can find a decent job in his field of expertise. He also hopes to one day find a partner to share it all with, but that seems to be a dream for another day.

When Nick reluctantly agrees to change shifts at the convenience store he works at, he serendipitously meets new customer Aaron, who comes in every morning at 5:25am on his way to work. Nick and Aaron share a spark of attraction, but Nick worries that slightly older, professional lawyer Aaron might just be a little out of his league considering his crazy hectic student lifestyle. Yet, every morning, like clockwork, Aaron comes into the store and always makes time to chat with Nick, which undoubtedly becomes the highlight of his day. Now all Nick needs to do is work up the courage to ask Aaron out before he reverts back to his regular work schedule and loses the opportunity forever.

This story was an easy, breezy little Christmas read, and I enjoyed watching Nick and Aaron dance around each other so sweetly. Munder's writing style was quite unique too, delivering an edgy narrative that almost read as a stream-of-consciousness at times. It was different and I dug it.

[Jewel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Last Gift was a fun little story about making a connection in the unlikeliest of places.

Nick Reed works hard at two jobs and goes to school full time. He barely has time for a date, much less a relationship. In fact, a relationship isn't even on his radar, right now because he barely even sleeps. But that was before Aaron Hampton, a hot young lawyer, comes in and charms his way into Nick's thoughts -- and fantasies.

I enjoyed this short story because sometimes the person for you does just show up out of the blue. I liked that Aaron came in every day and interacted with Nick and I liked the 5k race and I loved the ending. The Last Gift was a charming little Christmas short.

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ARC of The Last Gift was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up

ADORABLE!! Yup, I had pretty good time reading this one; the humor (in form of Nick's internal thoughts) worked so well, I think I spent most of the time with smile on my face.

Sure, the interactions between Nick and Aaron happen almost 100% at the retail store where Nick works (except for that one time where the two of them involves in 5K race), and maybe I'd LOVE it better if I see them doing proper dating et cetera... but the story gives me JOY and that's all that matters.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

This is a sweet and fun romance. I liked Nick’s snark, and appreciated his unabashed crush on Aaron. Their banter was cute, and the end marks a new beginning for Nick and his equally smitten new boyfriend. Aaron is refreshing, a hyper-competitive athlete and an absent-minded boss, even as he’s a top-rate lawyer. They make a nice odd-couple, with Nick holding his own despite his youth and lack of experience.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay! Christmas time at the blog!

4 hearts

Oh I liked that. I liked that alot. All the fluffy sweetest a short Christmas story needs!
Nick has developed a crush on one of his customers at the convenience store he works at. His crush, Aaron, is probably the sweetest guy ever! I adored this pairing, Nick was funny and came across as a rather normal college student while Aaron was totally adorable!

They had a nice steady development from infatuation to friendship then something more hopeful and of course this ended in the best way, with a kiss.

So cute!

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you have a crush on someone and you cannot say anything about it, except stalking him?
That's what happened between Aaron and Nick. Besides, Nick didn't know that Aaron came for him every day, finding a reason to talk to him, but afraid to asked him out. While Nick thought that Aaron is too good to be true, and came to his work at the convenient store just for a quick breakfast before work. Nick has crush on Aaron as well.
So, guys obviously need a better communication skill, talk instead of wasting time for a whole month pretending and assuming.

I liked this one a lot. This is a heartwarming and adorable story to savor for holiday. Well written, and unputdownable. You'll love Nick and Aaron!
Recommended.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Gift (2017 Advent Calendar Daily - Stocking Stuffers) by Chrissy Munder
3.5 stars
M/M Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

Nick is a college student who is just trying to survive getting through school and work. He wants to be able to take the classes he wants, but when his professor changes the lab times, he asks his workmate to switch shifts. He doesn't realize that by doing this, it will change the course of his life.

Aaron is a successful lawyer and we don't really get much more on him. He seems a little scattered at times, but he is also a friendly sweet character.

This is a short story with funny interactions between the main characters. It's sweet and innocent. I liked how the story developed and thought it was well written.

I'm not sure why there is so much about Nick's co-workers' relationship. That seemed to detract from the real story.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This story was darling. The Last Gift is precisely what I hope for when I pick up a Christmas short- good characters, easy rhythm, sweet romance, holiday sparkle, and enough relationship development that I get those warm fuzzies. The story featured an adorable meet cute- with college student Nick working the counter in a convenience store Aaron frequents. The bulk of the interactions take place in that convenience store, yet the author does a great job capturing those early attraction emotional butterflies and highlighting the spark between the men, making it easy for the reader to see these two would be cute together. Was there a crazy amount of character development, no, but I thoroughly enjoyed Aaron and Nick. Both heroes were personable and I was definitely rooting for them to get together all the way through. I also loved the humor sprinkled throughout this story- I think I smiled most of, if not the entire, time. The Last Gift is definitely a story to grab if you’re in need of a cute pick-me-up romance with just the right amount of holiday shine to it and definitely one I'll revisit next year.

Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and funny, this Christmas story features a serious crush, lots of angst, two main characters with a brain, and slowly growing feelings that end up leaving both guys in need of a good conversation. I enjoyed the slow bonding and shyness on both sides as Christmas slowly approaches and Nick knows his early shift at the convenience store will come to an end once he goes back to his normal time. It’s the only time he gets to see Aaron, and he can’t seem to find enough courage to ask him out. What a conundrum!


Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Chrissy Munder’s stories, especially her holiday offerings. The Last Gift was as adorable as I expected and she really packed a lot of connection into a short story. The concentration stayed on the two MC’s and I liked them both so much, so the focused page time was much appreciated.Aaron may have been the more established of the two in his professional life, but Nick was able to hold his own despite his age and lack of experience. The story is told from Nick’s perspective and while he may have not have seen all the signs (or thought they were too good to be true) the author did a great job of showing Aaron’s interest to the reader so they story stays angst free which is perfect for the holidays. The ending is just delicious and I swooned in Aaron’s direction pretty hard along with Nick.



**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**

[Sadonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review and much more can be found at The Novel Approach

Nick is working hard to finish his degree. He’s working at a convenience story and is able to swap shifts with his friend and roommate when things change with his lab and class schedule. This change in hours introduces him to Aaron, a lawyer who comes in every day at 5:25 to get his coffee.

One day, Aaron is frantic because he needs a gift for his assistant, whom he can’t seem to win over. Nick does an amazing job of picking out the right things for her, and Aaron is so grateful. They develop a friendship, and Nick comes to his aid on other occasions to help Aaron find just the right gifts when he needs them.

When they both end up at a charity run and Nick meets a colleague of Aaron’s, he thinks that this might be the end of it—because Nick’s being a bit goofy about the run, and it’s a prelude to a family holiday evening of traditions. Aaron seems to take meeting Nick’s mom in stride, and although he’s never said anything overtly, it becomes rather obvious that he is at least a little interested in Nick.

But when Nick’s schedule is about to change, and he’ll no longer be there when Aaron comes to get his morning coffee, things seem to cool off. Nick isn’t sure what’s going on with Aaron, and he’s got other issues that come up with his roommate and the future. He’s not sure he’ll ever even see Aaron again, which is the worst consequence of his changing schedule.

I was completely charmed by this slow-burn and delightfully sweet story. I’ve read several of this author’s stories in the past, and I’ve always enjoyed them. This one, I think is my favorite to date. Nick and Aaron are both lovable characters. Their subtle dance around each other is fun to watch. I liked the rather slow burn of the relationship, and the fact that Aaron was so unsure of himself. This story is sure to leave you with a warm heart and a smile.

[Natosha Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story was an okay read. I think the reason I was not to give this a higher rating is because I felt as if this story was missing something vital to it. I really cannot pinpoint exactly what it is. Maybe it is depth. I don't know. It was a decent read but it was definitely missing something even for a short story. Short stories in my opinion are able to pull more from me as a reader because hey normally pack a punch and there is no beating around the bush about it.

Nick is working hard to graduate college early and he is also working at a convenience store that can work around his school hours so he has the extra money for things he needs instead of having to go to his parents. Now that his lab hours have been changed Nick convinced his co worker Blaine to switch shifts with him so he can still make his class that he needs.

Because of switching shifts, Nick is able to meet a very interesting man that he would like to get to know better, Aaron. Aaron is an attorney that comes in each and every morning at the same time. Nick has been casually flirting with him but Aaron is always polite.

When Aaron comes in one morning in a frenzy needing help with a gift for his assistant, Nick comes to the rescue and helps him out. This seems to become their thing and Aaron turns to Nick for help with gifts when he needs it.

But Nick is not going to stay on this shift forever and so far Aaron has not asked Nick out. So will these two end up going out or is it all just a casual flirting situation that will not lead to anything else?

Like I said this was a decent read. I honestly could not tell you specifically what I feel this book was lacking but I will say that I think that there was too much talk over the gifts and not wnough about these two men trying to figure out what was between them.

Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 Stars for The Last Gift

This book was full of fluff and sweetness. Nick switches shifts last-minute with a coworker and he thought his afternoon was going to be bland and boring, per usual. Nick is always thinking about his future and planning for the life he wants to have. When an absolutely gorgeous man walks in at 5:25, Nick is floored, but he does his job and tries to get him out of his head.

Aaron is an overworked lawyer who was up the creek without a paddle when it came to finding Christmas gifts. He didn't have the slightest clue of what to get. He enlists Nicks help in finding gifts and the two get along great. Aaron wanted to ask him out but he didn't know how or if he should and Nick was secretly pining over Aaron the entire time.

There were a lot of "I like him but" moments in this book and there was so much hesitation that it became a hindrance to the story rather than being cute, which I'm sure is what the author intended. This was a cute book but it was a little bit of a feat getting through it without screaming for one of them to just say something already!

All in all, it was a good book. I liked the author's writing style and the characters were very likeable, the conflict was just a little too drawn out for my liking.

[Lois - Who Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nick has a plan, a careful constructed plan on how to get the classes he needs to complete his degree early. He has been focused for years and just works, goes to classes and does homework. When he is in the home stretch and needs to switch up some of his work shifts, he meets Aaron. Aaron hits everyone of Nick's criteria for the perfect man, too bad he really doesn't have time to woo his perfect man. On top of that, Aaron shows up for her coffee every morning at the same time and is a constant temptation to Nick.

This little story is a light, angst free holiday romance. The writing is fun and Nick's quirky humor comes through loud and clear.

[Mari Cardenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!!!

This was a sweet and short holiday story. While I loved the characters, there was a moment near the end in which I really wanted to slap some sense into Aaron, and maybe Nick, too, for taking him back. I needed more of a grand gesture, but I guess it worked well for them. The ending was a bit rushed and I wouldn't have minded another chapter, maybe, just to round things up. Still, it was an entertaining story. Recommendable!

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was charmed by this lovely Christmas story about student Nathan, who works an early morning shift at a convenience store (amongst other jobs) and lawyer Adrian, one of his regular early morning customers.

The setting was true to lie and very funny. I loved the observations on the customers and their purchases. The supporting characters were real and endearing and the tentative central romance, with neither man sure of the other's interest, was a delight.

This is my first story by Chrissy Munder, and I can't wait to read more of their stories!

[Morgan Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is hard for me to evaluate. On one hand, I loved the internal monologue and found Nick to be a really fun character. On the other hand, I wasn’t really sure why the story ended like it did as I felt our MCs didn’t get a lot of quality time together to really establish anything.

If you accept this as an HFN and maybe just the start of a relationship and a partially completed story – it’s a good start. However, it didn’t have that solid feel of completion to me.

3 of 5 stars

[Suze · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice Christmas-y meet cute story.
Nick, student working many hours to make ends meet waits for Mr 5.25(am!), the highlight of his day. I did enjoynthe twist to this at the end.
Aaron gradually opens up and we get to see his attempts to interact with Nick.
The christmas run proves a break through.

[Nerea · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*
Sweet xmas story!

Nick need to change his work shift during some time because some college schedule, so then he meet this lovely guy that come to the shop every day at the same time.

So they start gaining familiarity and becoming friends :)
It is a simple story, but cute!

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love how these guys get together and how special they become to each other with any sex or even dating.

[Lada · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short and cute.

PS: I'm very thankful that there's no kid involved.

[Ro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meet-cute!

[Ramsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75 stars

[BTina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Serena Yates]

review to follow

[Suzanne]

Cute short story

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute and fluffy short read!

[Lissa]

review to come