On the one hand, this is a fine coming-out story, and I liked all the characters quite a lot. I'm not at all sorry I read this story. On the other...there's a layer of unnecessary action phrases and sentences that, if cut, would have made this more enjoyable for me, personally, and that's why I dropped a star. ( )

I adore Jay Northcote's writing. The characters and situations are real without being overly angsty. And his recent collaboration with Hamish Long has brought an extra layer to his stories bringing the characters to joyous life.
In this one we find Archie, a posh, moneyed, closeted virgin with a penchant (theoretically) for bad boys. Into his orderedlife walks Cal, bike riding, leathers wearing, working class tattoo artist. The chemistry is instantaneous, Archie turns out to be a kinky bottom, and Cal's bad boy image hides a nice guy underneath, and what starts as a hook up quickly morphs into more.

Lovely.

And that last line... ( )

I adore Jay Northcote's writing. The characters and situations are real without being overly angsty. And his recent collaboration with Hamish Long has brought an extra layer to his stories bringing the characters to joyous life.
In this one we find Archie, a posh, moneyed, closeted virgin with a penchant (theoretically) for bad boys. Into his orderedlife walks Cal, bike riding, leathers wearing, working class tattoo artist. The chemistry is instantaneous, Archie turns out to be a kinky bottom, and Cal's bad boy image hides a nice guy underneath, and what starts as a hook up quickly morphs into more.

Lovely.

And that last line... ( )

Thoroughly enjoyed this one! I liked both MCs and it was a pleasure to slowly get to know them. ( )

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!
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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.
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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.
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The first time I read a book by Jay Northcote, I remember loving the characters. 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.
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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.
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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...
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"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?'"
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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. ( )