Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE: Christmas Wish List

SERIES: Hartbridge Christmas #2

AUTHOR: N.R. Walker

PUBLISHER: BlueHeart Press

LENGTH: 254 pages

RELEASE DATE: November 25, 2021

BLURB:

In need of work and a change of scenery, Aussie ex-pat Jayden Turner agrees to a short-term chef position at a Bed and Breakfast over the Christmas holidays. After all, how hard could it be in a small town in the mountains of Montana? What he finds is a grand old house in a beautiful town, and his new boss is gorgeous, gay, and single.

After his divorce, Carter “Cass” Campion bought his great-aunt’s rundown country manor in his home town, and he’s determined to get it ready for the busy holiday period. Recently out as gay, he’s been focused solely on his business and hasn’t had time for a man. Not that many gay men come through Hartbridge . . .

As his new clients arrive, and being away from his two kids, celebrating Christmas is the last thing on Cass’s mind. But his new chef has other ideas. And if there’s one thing on his Christmas Wish List this year, Jayden can make it come true.

REVIEW:

Three years after Hamish arrived in Hartsbridge, Montana, in Tic-Tac-Mistletoe, another Aussie shows up in this heartwarming holiday tale. This time, it’s Jayden Turner, a chef who’s been in the States for twelve years. He tends not to stay in one area very long and when he finds himself between jobs, he jumps at the opportunity to fill a temporary position as the chef of a bed and breakfast over the Christmas holidays. By the time he arrives in the idyllic small town, he’s reassessing his life. He’s longing for a home, a more permanent life, and he doesn’t want to be alone any longer.

It’s been several years since Cass Campion began a new phase of his life after telling his ex-wife and parents he was gay. He had played the role everyone had expected of him and could no longer pay the high price of living a life full of lies: pretending to be happily married to his high school girlfriend with two kids and a house. Now he’s the owner of the Arabella Manor B&B, housed in his great aunt’s old country home which he purchased and thoroughly refurbished. He’s tired of hookups and is ready for a relationship and romance.

Cass and Jayden hit it off from the start. Cass loves having Jayden in his space, another man to help with daily, domestic tasks. They seem to click together, working as a pair to ready the B&B for guests. In the days before the grand opening, they clean, plan the menu, shop, prepare the kitchen, and decorate for Christmas with the help of Cass’ young children. Jayden is a kind, down to earth man who enjoys taking care of Cass through feeding him. They’re cute and casual with each other. Jayden recognizes that Cass had no one to talk to or support him when he came out. He still has no one to talk to, so Jayden urges Ren and Hamish to take him under their gay wings.

The men agree on a no strings “dating” and sexual arrangement just while Jayden’s in town, but they slowly catch feelings. They hold hands, they blush, they feel butterflies. It’s sweet and innocent. Their first time together is emotional. While Jayden falls in love with Cass, he also falls in love with Hartsbridge. He’s enamored by the cutesy town and all its old-fashioned Christmas spirit. He likes the people who all know each other, and is joyful in the snow. He now has to consider if his heart wants to move on to another job or if he should stay in town.

The falling in love happens quickly over a period of ten days or so, but it feels realistic for the stages of life the men are in. They are both open to the possibilities of a permanent person in their lives. Ms. Walker makes the most of her small-town setting by involving the townsfolk in her story. It was fun catching up with Ren and Hamish, as well as meeting new faces who easily accept Cass’ sexuality and Jayden in his life. Jayden easily endears everyone to him, including Cass’ children, his supportive ex-wife, and his parents.

Christmas Wish List is a great book to get you in the Christmas spirit. With all its holiday festivities and romance, it’s worthy of a Hallmark movie of its own. For anyone who enjoys indulging in holiday romances, this is a great one to try.

RATING: 

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