An absolutely wonderful Christmas story by a new-to-me author that I won't be forgetting anytime soon.
From the blurb:
Stuck together in a sleeper cabin that’s as big as James’ bedroom in their shared apartment, he figures he’s made a mistake as soon as The Evergreen Adventurer pulls out of Paris.
For years, it’s been the trip of dreams: take the journey across Europe in an old steam train and experience the holiday season across borders. His problematic ex never saw the point of it, would rather spend the season rubbing elbows and smooching with high society. Now that he’s on his own, James Hayes is finally able to choose for himself.
Gabriel Pierce never expected to be here. For months, he’s been pining for James, wishing for him to open his eyes and see what they could be together. When James is close to backing out of the trip, Gabriel offers to join him. It gives him the perfect excuse to escape London during the holidays, and makes sure that James actually sees the trip through. The only thing he hadn’t accounted for was the single bed in their cabin.
Each city comes with its own set of experiences. Ancient cathedrals, local delicacies and markets as far as the eyes can see. The biggest of all? James’ ex-fiancé occupying the cabin next to theirs.
Angel's review:
•Only One Bed • Roommates to friends to lovers • Slow Burn • Dual POV •
Gabriel and James's story might just be one of the most enjoyable holiday books I have ever read! And I have read several good holiday books, but this one? This one I'm going to be thinking about for quite some time.
Traveling, exploring, and trying new things is the heart and soul of this book. We get to go on the journey that these two men are experiencing and get to read about the different sights and treats of various countries. I have always wanted to travel, and I've been enamored by the idea of a train trip exactly like the one James and Gabriel is on, and after reading this book it just makes me want to do it even more.
I love the fact that I got to experience different sights, and learn about different cities and countries whilst reading this book. This is so much more than just a romance story, it's more than that. It's learning how to trust again, stepping out of your comfort zones, accepting people for who they are and meeting them halfway, it's about showing up for the ones you care about, and yes, it's about love. The soul deep kind of love, not just lust, but an actual deep, personal, connection.
Gabriel and James's love story is subtle and full of nuances. Their love for each other grows slowly during their time together on the train, it grows from learning more about each other and offering support and kindness. It's Gabriel doing what he can to put James at ease and making sure they stay on schedule and not to make unexpected plans. It's James skipping his plans on a frigid winter day because Gabriel doesn't like the cold, or missing out on a city because he stays to care for a sick Gabriel. Those little things all add up to create something so beautiful and inspiring. I wholeheartedly enjoyed seeing these two men grow and open up to each other overtime, the moment when these two admitted how they felt for each other was so sweet and quite frankly, magical.
I also want to say I really appreciate the author writing James's character how they did. I haven't come across a character in all the books I've read who are like James. I can really relate to him in a multitude of ways; getting anxious, stressed, and itchy when plans fall through, having the compulsive need to make plans for any and everything, getting anxiety when in a crowd... This was the first time I've read a character and have seen myself in this manner , it's refreshing coming across a character such as James's and still seeing him get his HEA with his brain having him looking at things differently.
Gabriel was also fantastic in his own way. He offered support and encouragement for James and a steady comforting presence to help James when he needed it. I also liked all the details describing his artwork! The gift he literally made for James was so incredibly special and 'awe' worthy.
They started their trip as roommates but ended their trip as friends and lovers.
This is an absolutely beautiful story, one that I will be reading every Christmas. I want my own Christmas trip exploring various cities now! Also, my favorite part was all the descriptions of the various foods they had throughout their journey. It was fun reading about different dishes/delicacies.
A Ticket to Christmas is currently available as an e-book and paperback and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
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