Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/

This was the perfect story to put me in the Christmas spirit as it evoked memories of watching the tree in Rockefeller Center being lit and the fun of being in the City at Christmastime. Chris Matthews are an very good teacher who's down on his luck because of a scandal at the school he taught at. He has no where to turn but to his good friend Amelia for a room to live in and a job in her coffee shop. Chris doesn't mind hustling muffins but needs a little Christmas miracle to get back on track. His miracle walks into the coffee shop in the form of a hot N. Y. cop named Daniel Bailey who Chris had tutored seven years ago back in college. It seems though that Daniel is out for more than Chris's muffins. Ms Scott delivered a smooth, well written, feel good Christmas romance. The story is a little different because it is written by dates beginning on November 21st and ending on January 30th which gives the story a nice time line to follow. There are some interesting plot twists and just enough angst to make Chris and Daniel real. Ame is a real hoot and a fun mother type of character who reminds me of an author that I know. The story is fairly short at just under 100 pages but Ms Scott managed to pack in enough action and spice to keep me turning pages and finding her trademark HEA. If you're looking at the days ticking by and just don't feel the spirit, pick up this wonderful, heart warming romance and you'll be looking forward to the holiday again. ( )

Daniel and Chris had crushes on each other back in college, but finally years later they come together again. Deciding not to waste any time, Daniel pursues Chris quickly, and they fall in to a comfortable relationship. There isn't a lot of angst, though there is some, but it resolves rather quickly. While the relationship goes fast (the book takes place over about a 2 month period), their history allows for them to be happy. I enjoyed reading their story. ( )

3.5 Stars ( )

I loved thise story for 2 reasons other than it was a sweet love story -

1 It takes place in NYC, my hometown, and captures the magic of a NYC Christmas perfectly

2. Daniel is a beat cop - not a detective, or a high ranking officer, just your regular NYC beat cop. I have a special love for cops, since I have been living with, a now retired one, for the last 18 years.

( )

This is a great Christmas story, from the slow build of a romantic relationship that is long overdue, through some very angsty territory, all the way to lives being threatened, and a perfectly adorable ending. And even though Christmas isn’t really at the heart of the story, Chris and Daniel's love is the focus, it is a perfect example of the Christmas spirit. Of course, the setting of New York in December and January may have something to do with it. Two of my favorite scenes ere the lighting of the tree at Rockefeller center and the two guys going ice skating. The latter was hilarious!

Chris has been through hell, the man he loved having disowned and publicly humiliated him. Well, not directly, but he let the accusations Chris's previous employer made stand, which, in my opinion, is the same thing. And Chris being anything but a fighter, he slipped into depression and is still trying to deal with everything. His self-esteem is at an all-time low when Daniel, a man he used to tutor when they were in college, reappears in his life. Chris decides to take what he can get before Daniel discovers the truth and runs for the hills, and I really felt for Chris. He's a great guy and the fact he can't believe anyone would be interested in him, despite all the signals Daniel gives off, just shows the depths of his depression.

Daniel is an absolutely amazing guy. He may have been a bit of a player in college, which is an image not easily forgotten by Chris, but is deadly serious about going after Chris eleven years since they last saw each other. Daniel is also interesting because he is rich enough to never have to work a single day in his life, yet he decided to become a cop. Against his parents' wishes and advice, he knows he needs to feel useful, and keeping NYC streets safe is the best way he can think of. I only wish we'd found out more about him, he is definitely a fascinating enough character to deserve more "air time".

If you like love stories that are as romantic as they are hot, if you enjoy a book that is full of Christmas spirit and bursts at the seams with its message of hope, and if you're looking for a read that balances humor, deep emotions, and a great setting, you will probably like this novella.




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