A genuine kiss—sweet and soft and sure all at the same time, pressing their lips together like there was nothing else in the whole world but the two of them. Nothing casual about it.
Keira Andrews
The Christmas Deal
Format:
Audiobook
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Will fake boyfriends become the real deal this holiday?
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—except ex-Marine Logan is jobless and getting evicted. Worse, he’s a new single dad with a stepson who hates him. A kid needs stability—not to mention presents under the tree—and Logan’s desperate.
Then he meets lonely Seth and makes a deal.
Can Logan temporarily pretend to be live-in boyfriends to increase Seth’s chances at a promotion? If it provides a roof over their heads for the holidays, hell yeah. Logan considers himself straight—he doesn’t count occasional hookups with guys—but he can fake it. Besides, with his shy little smile, Seth is surprisingly sexy.
Make that damn sexy.
Shocked that Seth has only been with one man, Logan can’t resist sweetening their deal to teach him the joys of casual sex. No strings attached. No feelings. No kissing.
No falling for each other.
Easy, right?
Point of view:
3rd person. Alternating character POV, not always by chapter but clearly defined.
Rellim’s Thoughts:
I can always count on Keira Andrews for an enjoyable story and The Christmas Deal is no exception. Single Dad, Fake Relationships, & Opposites Attract are some of my favorite tropes, and I’ve definitely been in the mood for some holiday-themed books, so this was a good fit. It’s also a complete stand alone.
Logan, 37, is grumpy, recovering from an injury, out of a job, and about to be homeless. To top it off he’s the only parent to his deceased wife’s son, Conner. Being a step-parent doesn’t come naturally. Seth, 38, is workmates & friends with Logan’s sister Jenna. When a work situation forces Seth into inventing a family – Jenna loans him Logan & Conner. The caper begins!
While it is successful in contrasting Seth’s “buttoned-up” persona and is consistent with Logan’s character, the plethora of cuss words did feel like a bit much at times given that this is a holiday-themed book. Overall the story is at turns sweet, sad, and funny; Logan coming to terms with his true feelings for Seth, Seth worried about falling in love with a straight man, and Conner struggling to find his place in what has been an unstable world. These come together nicely and ultimately this is an enjoyable Christmas listen.
The initial ending is an HFN as Logan & Seth recognize that even though they’re going from pretend to real – it is a burgeoning relationship. Andrews provides a lovely 5-years-later epilogue that solidifies the HEA.
Narration:
John Solo does a good job here. All the characters have distinct and consistent voices. Solo, as always, does a terrific job evoking emotions and he really brings this story to life.
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:
John Solo has been a professional performer for 20 years, although this whole acting thing is a relatively new development. Prior to all of this he made his living as a salesman, engineer, security guard, mechanic, construction worker, purveyor of polyester dress suits… The list goes on ad nauseum, but he prefers to think of himself as an Itinerant Adventurer and loveable scoundrel! When not acting like someone else in front of a microphone, John prefers to indulge in the simpler things in life; games of chance, sword-fighting and traveling the world… all from the comforts of his own overstuffed couch.
You can connect with John Solo here:
My Favorite Quotes
Caper, caper, caper! – The Christmas Deal by @keiraandrews #Audiobook narrated by John Solo @falconsoundco #MM #SingleDad #FakeFiance #OppositesAttract #BiAwakening #Holiday
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A genuine kiss—sweet and soft and sure all at the same time, pressing their lips together like there was nothing else in the whole world but the two of them. Nothing casual about it. – The Christmas Deal by @keiraandrews #Audiobook narrated by John Solo @falconsoundco #MM #SingleDad #FakeFiance #OppositesAttract #BiAwakening #Holiday
Tweet
Seth forced himself to move slowly instead of launching at Logan like an attacking predator. – The Christmas Deal by @keiraandrews #Audiobook narrated by John Solo @falconsoundco #MM #SingleDad #FakeFiance #OppositesAttract #BiAwakening #Holiday
Tweet
Rellim Reads 