Once Upon a Christmas Con (Once Upon a Holiday Story) by Skylar M. Cates


Conning his way into a date with his best friend's brother is the only way Cesar can see getting over his unrequited love for Kieran. But Kieran isn't sure how he feels about Cesar dating his brother, why can't he be the one Cesar dates?


From the blurb:

When Cesar fell...

I was a boy in love with my best friend. I’m a man now, but I’m still afraid to tell him and risk our friendship. As a UFC fighter, I know how to feel invincible but don’t know how to protect my heart from rejection.
When Kieran awakened...
Helping my best friend get a date should be easy. My older brother is a good guy, and it’s the holiday season, full of giving and joy. So, why am I finding it impossible? It’s a romantic Christmas con, only I’m the one falling for Cesar.
Maybe it’s those romance books I’ve been given or the unexpected jealousy, but I can’t let Cesar date my brother. Not when I’m just discovering my sexuality and how to deal with my embarrassing health condition. I don’t know what it all means, but one thing I do know? Cesar is mine.

Tropes: childhood friends, holiday romance, friends to lovers, pining, role reversal, bi-awakening, hurt/comfort, and slow burn.

Once Upon a Christmas Con is a part of the multi-author series Once Upon a Holiday Story. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library on wheels owned by two old ladies in love.


SNik's review:

Part of a multi-author series (Once Upon a Holiday Story), but can be read as a standalone. Childhood friends to lovers. Slow burn. Dual POV. 

Cesar is secretly in love with his best friend so the plan this Christmas is to try to date someone else and finally let go. When Kieran agrees to help set up Cesar with his older brother, at first everything seems okay, but as the possibility of Cesar dating someone else gets closer Kieran begins to have doubts and possibly more than friendly feelings for Cesar. 

Tons of heat breaking empathy for Cesar who has kept his feelings locked down, and I admire his goal to try and move on. When Kieran finally begins to see possibilities between him and Cesar it was fun to read, and luckily Cesar wants nothing more than Kieran’s love. A very slow burn between two guys that have been friends forever and can easily see it become more.


Heather's Review:

This was an adorable besties to lovers story that gives us slow burn and queer romance books... I love the premise and the way it unfolds.  It was a sweet take on the oblivious best friend trope and had great pacing and good build up.  I truly appreciate Cesar and his long time crush and sympathized with his longing... I also love what finally got Kieran to wake up...

This was a lovely addition to the Once Upon a Holiday Story and a very creative use of the Book Nook...


Once Upon a Christmas Con is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription

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