Reviewed by Cheryl K

TITLE: Once Upon a Yuletide Romance

SERIES: Once Upon a Holiday Story

AUTHOR: R.J. Peterson

PUBLISHER: Self-published

LENGTH: 150 pages

RELEASE DATE: December 6, 2024

BLURB:

Calculus is kicking Will Hargrove’s butt. When fellow student Tom Dawson suggests they study together, both hope it will improve their grades in the college class. Spending time together leads to more than just a passing grade, and a tentative romance blooms, however Tom’s negative feelings about relationships—thanks to his mom’s attitude about her failed marriage—keeps most of his feelings at bay.

One thing leads to another and soon the men are willing to admit their true feelings, but can Tom get past his mother’s influence and open himself up to a full relationship? The annual YuleFest is the perfect occasion to spend time together, connect and enjoy everything the holiday festival has to offer.

This holiday story is set in the small town of Hawthorne Bluff and features strangers to lovers, commitment fears, and a happily ever after.

Once Upon a Yuletide Romance is a part of the multi-author series Once Upon a Holiday Story. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library on wheels owned by two old ladies in love.

REVIEW:

Disclaimer:  Although this story does take place in the Hawthorne Bluff universe, it is not a requirement. There are visits from characters in the previous stories but you don’t need to be up to speed on the other characters to thoroughly enjoy this holiday story.

As I’ve come to expect from RJ, his world building continues to enhance the Hawthorne Bluff universe.  We get a more intimate glimpse into the lives of Will and Tom throughout this story, which I love.  As he defines his characters, I got to experience a range of emotions from anger to sadness, to overwhelming joy.

I wanted to reach into the pages of this story and smack Tom’s mother Alice upside the head.  Hopefully, Will has a positive influence on Tom, and he will see the light.

“And horn in on your cuddle time? Thanks, but no thanks. I wanna spend some time with my mom,” he explained. “Between work and school, I don’t get to see her as often as I used to.”

“Speaking of your mom, have you talked to her yet about moving out?” Tom had been considering reducing the number of classes he was taking next semester and working more so that he could get an apartment. He loved his mom, but he was twenty-four now and needed to think about going off on his own.

“No. I’m afraid to,” Tom admitted. “She’s gonna try and talk me out of it, I just know it.”

You’re right, she will.” Char said, honestly. “But you have to be firm, Tom. This is what you need.”

RJ’s character development is so in depth, you get a up close and personal look at not only the main characters, but the side characters as well.  And with each new story, RJ’s writing style becomes better and better.  This is just a warm cozy sweet Christmas story, with a little spice thrown in for good measure.

Do Will and Tom work out?  Will Tom ever convince his mom to let him  move out. Will the boys pass calculus?  Well I am not going to spill the tea on any of this.  You will need to get your hands on this story.

As with all of RJ’s books, I highly recommend this one as well.  So much so you need to run out a grab a copy of this book before the holiday is over. Keep ‘em coming RJ.. I need more of these.

RATING:

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon