Like most redheads, his blushes could be seen from space.
Keira Andrews
Merry Cherry Christmas
Format:
ebook
11/15/2021 – Update for audiobook.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
A nice boy gets naughty…
Redheaded freshman Jeremy “Cherry” Rourke is certainly living up to his childhood nickname, although still being inexperienced is the least of his concerns. After coming out, his parents barely talk to him. He hasn’t made any friends at university. Worst of all, he’s about to spend Christmas completely alone in an empty dorm.
Jeremy clearly needs a fairy godfather, so football captain Max Pimenta takes him under his wing to help him find his dating groove. But Jeremy’s wound way too tight. He’s too vulnerable. Max can’t trust some random guy with him. He needs to take care of Jeremy himself and introduce him to no-pressure exploration. It’s not about romance or feelings—he’s just doing the kid a favor.
Max is definitely not falling for this lonely, beautiful boy. No way.
And it’s not like he can leave Jeremy all alone for the holidays. He’ll bring him home to his family’s maple syrup farm—strictly as friends since his parents have rules. No more fooling around. No more eager, breathless fun. No more making Jeremy shiver and blush with suggestive whispers in his ear. No more sweeter-than-sugar kisses. All nice. No more naughty.
But Jeremy’s sleeping right across the hall, and Max wants him for himself. The twelve days of Christmas will last an eternity if they don’t break the rules.
Shhh. No one has to know…
Point of view:
3rd person. Alternating character POV by chapter.
Rellim’s Thoughts:
This is the perfect holiday read/listen, adorkably sweet and sexy fun! Fairly low angst and absolutely hilarious. Keira Andrews is good at weaving a bit of humor through many of her stories – but I was seriously laughing out loud through much of this book. This was many of my favorite tropes – yet unique in a lot of ways. While Max is comfortably out & definitely sexually experienced, he’s also sensitive to Jeremy’s concerns and perspective.
I loved Max’s family, especially his relationship with his sister Meg. Fans of Andrew’s Santa Daddy will be treated to a cameo by Nick & Hunter who live in the neighboring farm. It’s not necessary to have read it to enjoy this, but if you like to read chronologically, you’ll want to start there.
This really is low angst with most of the drama coming from Max grappling with his after-graduation plans and Jeremy navigating a less than supportive family. While set in a very short amount of time (less than 3 weeks, I think) – Max & Jeremy do spend a lot of time getting to know each other outside the bedroom, which really solidifies their HEA. Andrews also gives us a lovely epilogue.
Note: I’ve listed this under my “Football” trope tag. While Max plays football there’s no game play in the story and most of it is actually set at Max’s family’s farm. I wouldn’t consider this a “sports romance”.
Narration:
Kirt Graves was wonderful. He does a great job with the shy & bumbling Jeremy as well as the confident Max. It was just as fun and sexy as the last time. This will definitely be an annual listen. 💗
About the author:
After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira discovered her voice in gay romance, which has become a passion. She writes contemporary, historical, fantasy, and paranormal fiction and — although she loves delicious angst along the way — Keira firmly believes in happy endings. For as Oscar Wilde once said:
“The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.”
You can connect with Keira Andrews here:
About the narrator:
Kirt Graves spent 15 years teaching young people how to interpret drama, poetry, and literature. He has voiced over 100 audiobooks spanning contemporary romance, sci-fi, urban fantasy, young adult, and non-fiction. His passion is for telling queer stories, the types of stories he wishes he had while growing up. A tenor by training, Kirt easily moves between characters of any age, genre, and gender. In addition to his work as an audiobook narrator, Kirt is a graphic artist, a podcast host, and an award-winning speech coach.
You can connect with Kirt Graves here:
My Favorite Quotes
Like most redheads, his blushes could be seen from space. – Merry Cherry Christmas @keiraandrews #Audiobook narrated by @KirtGraves #MM #JockNerd #Virgin #Holiday #NewAdult #Romance #RomanticComedy
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Jeremy had never wanted to climb another person like a tree so much in his life. – Merry Cherry Christmas @keiraandrews #Audiobook narrated by @KirtGraves #MM #JockNerd #Virgin #Holiday #NewAdult #Romance #RomanticComedy
Tweet
Maple syrup is very intense there. The business, I mean. The syrups vary. – Merry Cherry Christmas @keiraandrews #Audiobook narrated by @KirtGraves #MM #JockNerd #Virgin #Holiday #NewAdult #Romance #RomanticComedy
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Rellim Reads 