Merry Cherry Christmas

Who needs to follow through with their goals when they can read some more Christmas romances? Here's Keira Andrews's "Merry Cherry Christmas."

["A nice boy gets naughty...

Redheaded freshman Jeremy "Cherry" Rourke is certainly living up to his childhood nickname, although still being inexperienced is the least of his concerns. After coming out, his parents barely talk to him. He hasn't made any friends at university. Worst of all, he's about to spend Christmas completely alone in an empty dorm.

Jeremy clearly needs a fairy godfather, so football captain Max Pimenta takes him under his wing to help him find his dating groove. But Jeremy's wound way too tight. He's too vulnerable. Max can't trust some random guy with him. He needs to take care of Jeremy himself and introduce him to no-pressure exploration. It's not about romance or feelings—he's just doing the kid a favor.

Max is definitely not falling for this lonely, beautiful boy. No way.

And it's not like he can leave Jeremy all alone for the holidays. He'll bring him home to his family's maple syrup farm—strictly as friends since his parents have rules. No more fooling around. No more eager, breathless fun. No more making Jeremy shiver and blush with suggestive whispers in his ear. No more sweeter-than-sugar kisses. All nice. No more naughty.

But Jeremy's sleeping right across the hall, and Max wants him for himself. The twelve days of Christmas will last an eternity if they don't break the rules.

Shhh. No one has to know..."]

Holy. Shit. Besides the obvious and amazingly executed tropes, this book was brilliant. The consent alone was fabulous. I mean, honestly. Max always made sure Jeremey was safe and comfortable and willing. Multiple times. All of the times. It was so great. Like, here I am, just having finished a really, really, really good book, probably found another author to binge read, and here I am, gushing about the consent. Because, yeah, sexy books are fabulous because they're hot and steamy, but that doesn't mean it can't be safe and consensual as well. Like holy shit.

These two were really something though. They both fell so incredibly fast (spoiler alert, during their meet cute--which is so incredibly cute--Jeremy actually falls, so there's that), but it was so real and connected and mutual. They both felt comfortable and safe and themselves. It was fabulous. They were fabulous. 

The ending came up kind of abruptly, but the epilogue was so damned cute, I'll let it slide. ;)

Off to read the slightly linked novella (same universe, different book/couple) "Santa Daddy."

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