Set around a Santa Grotto in a large department store, I'd have like some more interaction between the MCs to validate their attraction and justify Richard's belief that Blaine was a player. But the story was well written and the characters sympathetic enough that I cared what happened to them.
A few extra scenes would have pushed this into 4 star territory.
( )

Set around a Santa Grotto in a large department store, I'd have like some more interaction between the MCs to validate their attraction and justify Richard's belief that Blaine was a player. But the story was well written and the characters sympathetic enough that I cared what happened to them.
A few extra scenes would have pushed this into 4 star territory.
( )

Like a few others in this year’s Advent Calendar stories – appropriately themed “Bah Humbug” - Richard has good reason to dislike Christmas. But it has been two years since he found out his ex cheated on him and the breakup that followed, so it is also time for him to start getting over the painful memories. At least his coworker thinks so, and once she sees potential in Blaine, the actor employed on a temporary basis to play Santa, she lends a helping hand more than once.

Richard has not dared consider another relationship after the bitter disappointment his ex put him through, and even though he finds Blaine attractive from the moment he sets eyes on him, Richard will not take the first step. In fact, even once Blaine makes a move, Richard shies back from any sort of contact.

Blaine is an actor looking for his breakthrough role and has taken the gig to play Santa in a department store to help him pay his bills over the winter. He is immediately interested in Richard, but he usually has flings, not serious relationships. It takes a while for him to figure out what he wants, but once he does, there is no holding him back.

If you like Christmas stories where a wounded character finds his chance at happiness, if a player who reconsiders his attitude and expectations is your thing, and if you’re looking for an entertaining read with quite some naughtiness in Santa’s grotto, then you might like this short story.


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