Rating: 4.5🌈

Amy Aislin is another terrific author whose ability to write people in thoughtful adult relationships has been a huge factor in why I love her stories so.  Christmas Beau features many of the wonderful Amy Aislin elements of look for in her books and make them a must read.

The characters are multifaceted, facing realistic challenges, dealing with them by communicating to each other, while still respecting their own emotional state or the history behind some of them.  This is grownup adult behavior being treated as such. And I love that in a story. No over the top drama but serious conversations about the challenges ahead or the obstacles currently being faced.

Aislin’s characters and narrative smacks of realism while still being hilariously funny at times. Yes, I was giggling so hard at how socially awkward single dad Scott Jersey becomes when faced with his son’s hockey coach, Hank Beaufort.

Hank is one of the four Beaufort brothers, but the only one who didn’t make it to the NHL, something his brothers tease him brutally for.  Now as he’s building up the hockey program for young players in Christmas Falls , he’s struggling with his plans for going forward. Hank, with the hockey history and surroundings, is a notable Aislin character.

Scott Jersey, single father, of a hockey playing 12 year old son, has his old problems.  He’s just been fired from his law firm, living on his savings, and seeking a new direction for himself. Plus crushing on his son’s coach. 

Scott is both vulnerable, hilarious in his ineptitude when it comes to dealing with Hank, a realistic dad, and a good man. He’s the character a reader immediately relates to, along with his son. 

There’s several other family components that add in complexity to the story, each being layered into the narrative in believable ways. And having the characters dealing with each one in ways that are equally satisfying.

I just loved this book. There’s no rush into an instant love. No immediate moving in together. Instead we get a couple that’s thoughtful, moving, and respectful of each other’s feelings and lives. Building a relationship that’s solid.

What a fantastic gift.

Highly recommend this book and author if you’re not already familiar with her. 

Cover art by Morningstar Ashley Designs 

And check out all the books in the Christmas Falls series, both 1 and 2.

Christmas Falls, Season 2:

The Snuggle is Real by DJ Jamison Flake It til You Make It by Beth Bolden ❤️

12 Dates of Christmas by Brigham Vaughn 

Here Comes Santa Paws by Lee Blair 

Under the Mistle-Foe by Rye Cox

❤️Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin 

❤️No Business Like Snow Business by J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry 

Frost Impressions by Kelly Fox

Promise Yule Be Mine by Rhys Everly Mingle All The Way by Hayden Hall

Christmas Falls, Season 1:

Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison Snowbody Loves You by Jacki James Get Frosted by Amy Aislin 

Silent Knight by Beth Bolden 

Under the Mistle-Tome by Sammi Cee 

Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox 

No Elf-ing Way by Hayden Hall 

Ready, Set, Glow! by Rye Cox 

Scrooge You! By Brigham Vaughn

Buy link

        Christmas Beau

    

Blurb 

Hank Beaufort’s life is a mess.

Oh, he looks like he has it all together, but the reality is that he’s freshly retired from an unimpressive minor hockey career, and the ink is barely dry on his equally unimpressive second divorce. Now he’s the hockey director at the community center in a small town that treats Christmas like Santa Claus is real, and he’s not sure his new career is any more impressive than the last. As the new guy in town, he’d be lonely as hell if it weren’t for his dogs.

The one spot of brightness?

Scott Jersey, the adorably awkward single dad who brings his son to practice every week.

Hank’s not interested in a new relationship so soon after the disaster of the last one, but when doggy play dates lead to real dates, will he be able to set aside his reservations to be someone’s Christmas beau after all?

Christmas Falls: Season 2 revisits a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie. It’s a multi-author M/M romance series.

• Publication date: November 29, 2024
• Language: English
• Print length: 193 pages