REVIEW: A Boyfriend For Christmas by Jay Northcote

The Official Description: Archie’s posh parents want him to meet a nice girl—how can he tell them he’s fallen for a bad boy instead?

Closeted, innocent and lonely, Archie Arandale longs for someone special in his life. A Christmas party organised by his wealth management company is the last place he expects to meet the man of his dreams.

With his leather jacket, tattoos, and piercings, Cal Turner turns heads the moment he walks through the door. He definitely isn’t looking for a boyfriend, but Archie’s hesitant charm captures his attention, and sneaking off during the party to have a little fun can only make a dull evening more interesting.

After their reckless and thrilling encounter, Archie is keen for more experience and Cal is happy to oblige. The need for secrecy means this can only be a casual fling, yet as they spend time together in the run up to Christmas, their feelings become more intense than either of them had bargained for. How can Archie find the courage to tell his family about Cal, when Cal’s the exact opposite of the ‘nice girl’ they’ve been hoping for?

Contains: A closeted virgin, a tattooed biker, class differences, a dramatic coming out, a very inappropriate Christmas gift, and a happy ending (of course).

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Cover Design: Garrett Leigh @ Black Jazz Design

Just the facts: M/M, different worlds, epic coming out

A Boyfriend For Christmas was delightful. – Kinzie Things

My thoughts bit: As the holiday season creeps closer there are only a few books that I’ll be reviewing with a Christmassy theme and this is one of them. Jay Northcote has written another wonderful novel that’s got me in the holiday spirit!

A Boyfriend For Christmas hit all the right buttons for me! Posh, inexperienced and closeted Archie meets tattooed, confident, biker Cal at a high-end event they’re both invited to. The two men are instantly attracted… opposites clearly works for both of them… and a steamy encounter leads to the possibility of more encounters.

What I loved about this book was the way I immediately liked both the main characters. Archie might come from money but he’s down to earth, a bit unsure of himself and keeping the secret about being gay is weighing him down. Cal came into his money differently and has done what he feels is right with it. He continues to work as a tattoo artist and his friendship with bestie, Danny, is loving and amusing.

The first time I read a book by Jay Northcote, I remember loving the characters. (If you’re curious read my review of Where Love Grows here.) This book has the same effect on me. Jay has a way of writing characters that allow me to get to know them in a way that makes me invested in what’s happening to them. I care about the characters in Jay’s stories and it’s such a pleasure to get drawn into a book that way.

Standouts for me in this book are the lovely, comical, annoying and enviable friendship between Cal and Danny, I could read an entire novel about those two just getting into and out of trouble! Archie is delightful with his almost innocent joy when he experiences some things for the first time. The sex scenes are tastefully written and really sensual! Also – of note! This story contains a coming out that doesn’t evoke quite the drama that is often depicted (even though it’s pretty epic!). I know that coming out is hard and it’s often most anxiety-inducing in our own minds! But sometimes, it’s nice to read a story in which there are supportive family members and coming out is just a thing that happened.

I really enjoy Jay’s writing. Let me give you an example of why. If you read my reviews then you know that I love humour in books and Jay is great at writing humor because it comes across as really genuine… reminds me of exactly the things I might hear my friends say. Here’s an out-of-context quote for you that made me stop and laugh while I was reading…

Archie tugged the bag free and leant over to put it on the floor. He paused, looking down. “Cal, why are there dicks all over your floor?”

Being able to make a reader laugh should be considered a gift… and if that quote doesn’t make you curious about this book…nothing will! Take a chance on it if you are a M/M romance reader who loves just enough angst for a dusting of spice… and lovely characterizations.

The warnings bit: Please be aware, I’m by no means an expert on what may or may not have the potential to disturb people. I simply list things that I think a reader might want to be aware of. In this book: (SPOILERS) Coming out, homophobic speech (non-directed at a dinner)

Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. He self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press.

Website: https://jaynorthcote.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jay_Northcote

Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/jaynorthcotewriter

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/jaynorthcotefiction

Facebook author group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jaysplayground

Newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/JN-readers

Jay’s books: http://author.to/JayNorthcote

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