so_many_books's reviews
839 reviews

An adorable, lighthearted Christmas story set in a small town obsessed with Christmas.

Christmas Beau is part of the multi-author series, Christmas Falls, and brings all the hallmark holiday romance vibes. I enjoyed Scott and Hank's sweet story immensely smiling all the way, except when I shed a few tears of bittersweet joy.

This romance is quick and cute with very little angst, a lot of humour, doggy play dates, and heartwarming holiday moments. If you need something lighthearted for the season, this is the book for you.

Scott and Hank have been crushing on each other from afar for a long time. Then life, but mostly the holiday activities of Christmas Falls, keep putting them in each other's paths. They just fit from the very first moment as friends, and though none of them are too sure about trying for a relationship any time soon, their feelings don't lie.

I loved both main characters. Scott is this adorable single-dad who doesn't take life too seriously and always has a smile for everyone. He also does not have a brain-to-mouth filter, which makes his crush on Hank hilarious when he keeps blurting out all his thoughts.
Hank's character is a bit more stoic at the beginning, but it's quickly revealed that he's a softy. He has three dogs named after queer hockey players. He makes homemade dog treats as a side hustle. And he has a soft spot for adorable sunshine-y guys.

They shared several sweet moments together, which usually included their dogs or Scott's son, Teddy, in some capacity. The dogs and Teddy obviously ratcheted up the cuteness factor, and I literally felt like I was inside a holiday rom-com.

This holiday romance was what I needed to wind down after work and get into the holiday spirit.
Highly recommend.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book to share my honest review.*

I love this series, mostly because of the setting but also because of the characters. I wanted to read Spencer's story from the very first moment the flirty bisexual vet first appeared in book 1.

The Geography of Happiness (amazing title, by the way) tells Spencer and Terry's story. It's so much fun because Spencer's been the most desirable bachelor of Mackenzie Country for years and has not planned to fall in love and settle ever. Yet, when Terry and his daughter Hannah arrive at Miller Station, the tables turn very quickly for him.
Terry is a single dad caring for a daughter who lives with a disability. It is time-consuming, and he had very little time for himself, focusing on raising Hannah to be strong and independent yet struggling to let her be her own person. He's also demi and has not really had the desire to find someone for himself.
Terry and Spencer build a friendship in a few days that rivals years of connection. Yes, it is rooted in attraction, but it's so much more. Even the inevitability of the distance between their homes once Terry and Hannah go home can't come between them.

Their story felt fast-paced yet slow at the same time. Most of the book is set in the week Terry is at Miller Station, but then there are quite big time jumps when they try to figure out how they can stay friends or more. It's a bit strange pacing wise as I felt the stroy dragged sometimes, and it took me a few days to finish.

Both Spencer and Terry are well-built characters, both with their own stories and struggles, which are explored in great detail apart from their relationship development.
I also adored Hannah, and I appreciated how well her JIA is included in the story. Her struggles are very much interconnected with Terry's doubts and fears. The fact that her disability and the logistical and health challenges coming from it are such a big part of the story is great and well thought out.

Obviously, the country and small-town vibes are as good as ever. Especially because we have double trouble when it comes to small town gossip and antics. Not only the beloved inhabitants of Mackenzie Country but also of Painted Bay are here to give their peace of mind when it comes to Terry and Spencer's lives. They bring the much needed humour and lightheartedness that brings a little light to the more difficult topics discussed in the book.

I hope we'll have more in the series because I would happily go back to Mackenzie Country for many more stories.