Jane Darius

Set in the magical surroundings of a tropical hotel, this story is about two lovers coming to realize that however horrible their previous Christmas experiences may have been, the suffering was worth it to come to the point where they are now. Focusing on “Christmases past” with hindsight proves to be exactly what they need to appreciate the present even more. Neither of them had an easy time of it growing up, but it taught them how to build a better future.

Nick is a bartender and former high school football player, the proverbial jock. He is not overly enamored of all the details that make Ben’s job as a hotel reviewer possible, but he is happy to spend time with his partner of two years. The descriptions of the hotel they’re staying at really do make it sound like paradise! And as Nick remembers his cruel, homophobic father, the surroundings make them somehow easier to deal with.

Ben sounds like a very detail-oriented guy who finds it hard to open up. I can see how he needs to be focused to do his job well, but when he finds himself with some free time, Nick in his arms, and a bottle of wine at their disposal, it becomes easier for him to share his memories. His parents sound horrible, and the constant fighting must have been hard for Ben to take. Luckily, he now has Nick as his family and it is clear that they love each other a lot.

If you like Christmas stories about men who have learned to build their own future, and if you’re looking for a cute read in and exotic setting, then you might enjoy this short story.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.… (mehr)