Last Place in the Chalet by Sue Brown - Release Day Review

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Blurb

Noel Garrett leaves for his Christmas vacation with an engagement ring in his pocket. But he boards the plane alone and with a broken heart when his boyfriend dumps him in the airport.

His seatmate, Angel Marinelli, takes care of him with gentle determination… whether Noel wants it or not, and Noel doesn't expect to see Angel again. But when an overbooking leaves Angel without a room and Noel is asked to host him, one night turns into the whole vacation and they settle into the chalet and mix with an eclectic group of guests, including the Wise Guys and a pregnant woman. As they ski and spend every moment together, Noel finds himself falling for Angel, and though his feelings are returned, Noel worries it’s just a rebound romance. It’ll mean taking a leap of faith, but Noel has to make a decision before he hurts Angel, and Christmas is fast approaching.

Review

Last Place in the Chalet is about as Christmassy as a story can possibly get. For starters, the tale is stuffed full of Christmas references. From the character’s names—Noel, Angel, Maria, Three Wise Men—, to the ‘no room in the inn’ confusion, the festive seasons sparkles from these pages.

This story starts with all the sads. Poor Noel, being dumped just before he was going to bring his partner on a skiing trip during which he wanted to propose. It’s hardly surprising Noel is devastated and short with others for the rest of the day, except that from the moment he boards his plane there’s Angel, who, although a stranger, manages to calm and comfort Noel with small acts of understanding and kindness. From that moment forward, coincidence, the weather, and their fellow-house guests conspire to push Angel and Noel together and, with the aid of a little seasonal magic, the two men fall hard and fast.

Yes, there’s definitely a strong insta-love theme to this story but given that it’s a Christmas tale I had no problems suspending disbelieve and just losing myself in the delightful descriptions of Angel and Noel’s coming together. Besides, Noel is well aware how fast his feelings are developing and initially very reluctant to trust the attraction.

Maybe this is more a fairytale than a romance in so far as everything that happens appears to be ordained, and meant to be. But what could be more magical and Christmassy than two men who are obviously made for each other coming together and finding each other while surrounded by seasonal magic.

Last place in the Chalet is the ultimate feel-good read and perfect for the holiday season. I challenge anyone to read it without a huge smile stretched across their face from start to finish.