‘A Family for Christmas’ by Jay Northcote #LGBT #Audio #Holiday #RGRGiveaway #Review #MM

Erryn reviews ‘A Family for Christmas by Jay Northcote. The ebook was published November 16, 2016.The audiobook version of this story was narrated by Mark Steadman, released by Jaybird Press on November 23, 2017 and is 4 hrs and 33 mins long. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

***Be sure to check out the giveaway at the bottom of this review for a chance to win an audio-code from the author.***

Why I read this book: I was in the mood for a story set in the quintessentially British countryside.

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Zac never had a family of his own, but Rudy has enough to share.

Shy, inexperienced Rudy has a crush on Zac from the moment his new colleague walks through the door. On an office night out before Christmas, Rudy finds the courage to make a move, and they form a tentative bond. When he discovers Zac will be alone at Christmas, he invites Zac to come home with him.

Zac prefers to keep people at arm’s length. Yet when Rudy offers him a family Christmas it’s impossible to resist. With no parents of his own, Zac is pleasantly surprised to be welcomed by Rudy’s. The only drawback is that everyone assumes they’re a couple. Unwilling to disappoint Rudy’s mum and make Christmas awkward, they decide not to deny it.

It’s not a chore for Zac to pose as Rudy’s boyfriend, but the pretence makes him want things that scare him—things like a real relationship with Rudy. Zac’s suffered enough rejection in his life already and is afraid to risk his heart. If he can get over his past rejection and let Rudy inside his armour, he might get more for Christmas than he ever imagined.

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Book Links: Audible | Amazon  | Add to Goodreads

 

 

My Review: 

Having overindulged at the office Christmas party, Rudy winds up leaning on his standoffish officemate Zac and instead of leaving well-enough alone, Rudy – realizing Zac will be alone for Christmas, invites the young man home with him.  And, to the shock of both men, the anti-social Social Media Manager accepts.  They work together at an LGBTQ support program called Rainbow Futures.  Their co-workers are people from across the spectrum and that is awesome without being contrived.

This is a wonderful Christmas story, a perfect, happy tale coming at a time when things aren’t always nice in the real world.  Authors can give us a few hours when we can check out and step into…say, a small village in rural England – an idyllic setting for a Christmas story – hearth and all.

Zac is fighting the feeling of being an outsider and interloper in this small village.  Then,  a little critter comes into his life to remind him what is really important.

Rudy and Zac are great characters as they are both coming at the relationship from different places.  Rudy is inexperienced while Zac is jaded.  But some honesty moves the relationship to a deeper level than either had envisioned.

Mark Steadman is a great narrator and I love the British accent, easy to understand, reminiscent of the great British actors.

Oh, and I love how Die Hard is now considered a Christmas classic movie…

My Rating:

10/10 Points of Gold (100% Recommended) – Compares to 5/5 Stars

 

Comment on this post for the chance to win one audio code for Audible.  Please specify if you would like a US or UK code if you win.

You must be 18 years or older to participate in this giveaway. Void where prohibited. Etc.

This giveaway ends on December 24, 2017 at 11:59 PM CST. GOOD LUCK!

Website | Facebook | Twitter: @jay_northcote | Goodreads

Jay Northcote lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.

Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.