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Antisocial Recluse's Reviews > Not Just for Christmas

Not Just for Christmas by Annabelle Jacobs
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really liked it
bookshelves: arc-read, m-m

This is only the second book by Annabelle Jacobs that I’ve read but she’s an author I’d look to when I want a comfort read. Ben and Jason were delightful, as Jason comes to see that young Ben has become quite the man. Having them bond over abandoned cats and the time Ben spends helping at the local animal shelter makes this a heart-melting read. Both men’s families are included in the story, so we get to know the characters well, with lots of background and history. Liam, Ben’s friend and Jason’s brother, adds contrast in a good way, being a little more brash and outspoken than Ben. There was an 11 year age gap between Jason and Ben, but that was barely noticeable, as everyone acts and speaks like real live grownups.

Third person POV’s for both characters suited my preferences and kept the narrative moving along. A story lacking any sort of major conflict, homophobia or family issues was a pleasant experience, and welcome in a holiday tale. Yet it’s not sappy or sugary in the least, just warm, fuzzy and touching. It’s set around the Christmas season but it suited this Grinch-y reader and didn’t try to drown me in holiday spirit. I enjoyed the very English setting and flavour (see what I did there!) in the narrative, with its rather low-key, gentle delivery. Living in the southern US, I also liked getting my chills and snow from visuals inspired by words, not actual weather! I would very much recommend this story, especially for the critter loving crowd.

*An ARC was provided by the author or publisher and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Hearts On Fire Reviews blog*
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Reading Progress

November 2, 2017 – Shelved
November 26, 2017 – Started Reading
November 26, 2017 – Finished Reading

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