Listen free for 30 days
-
What Happens at Christmas
- Narrated by: Mark Steadman
- Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins
- Categories: LGBTQ+, Romance
People who bought this also bought...
-
Secret Santa
- By: Jay Northcote
- Narrated by: Hamish Long
- Length: 3 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Theo hardly has time to date. Between work and caring for his four-year-old son, there aren’t many hours left over. He’s lonely though, so he joins a hook-up app and starts chatting to a guy called Luke. Luke seems friendly, and they arrange to meet. Theo doesn’t mention that he has a child. He’s worried about putting Luke off before they get to know each other. Luke is currently working as Santa at the local shopping mall. Christmas will be over soon, and Luke will move on to a new, less embarrassing job. He’s surprised when Theo and a little boy visit Santa one afternoon.
-
-
Great narration of an enjoyable holiday story
- By OldLadyStauffer on 02-01-21
-
A Boyfriend for Christmas
- By: Jay Northcote
- Narrated by: Hamish Long
- Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Closeted, innocent, and lonely, Archie Arandale longs for someone special in his life. A Christmas party organized by his wealth management company is the last place he expects to meet the man of his dreams. With his leather jacket, tattoos, and piercings, Cal Turner turns heads the moment he walks through the door. He definitely isn’t looking for a boyfriend, but Archie’s hesitant charm captures his attention, and sneaking off during the party to have a little fun can only make a dull evening more interesting.
-
-
Another lovely Christmas story from Jay Northcote
- By choccygrl on 03-01-21
-
A Family for Christmas
- By: Jay Northcote
- Narrated by: Mark Steadman
- Length: 4 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Shy, inexperienced Rudy has a crush on Zac from the moment his new colleague walks through the door. On an office night out before Christmas, Rudy finds the courage to make a move, and they form a tentative bond. When he discovers Zac will be alone at Christmas, he invites Zac to come home with him. Zac prefers to keep people at arm's length. Yet when Rudy offers him a family Christmas it's impossible to resist. With no parents of his own, Zac is pleasantly surprised to be welcomed by Rudy's. The only drawback is that everyone assumes they're a couple. Unwilling to disappoint Rudy's mum and make Christmas awkward, they decide not to deny it.
-
-
The narrator distracted from the story
- By HMM on 01-01-19
-
Bully & Exit
- The Midwest Series, Book 1
- By: Brigham Vaughn
- Narrated by: James Edward Jones
- Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nathan Rhodes has put hockey first for most of his life, but as graduation looms, he has a different goal in mind. He needs to come out and reclaim his first love. If only Caleb will believe him....Theater geek Caleb Stockwell gave up on love when his boyfriend chose the closet over being with an openly bisexual guy. Now, he hides his heartbreak behind a string of casual hookups. He loves the drama on stage, but he’s done with the drama of Nathan Rhodes. For good.
-
-
Enjoyable story and narration
- By Larissa on 03-01-21
-
Dig Deep: A Contemporary Romance Bundle
- By: J.P. Oliver
- Narrated by: Austin Jay
- Length: 36 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This complete Dig Deep bundle includes five books in the series, including My Enemy Needs Me, a sweet and steamy enemies-to-friends romance.
-
-
So good!!
- By XG on 01-01-21
-
The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings
- A Black and Blue Novel, Book 1
- By: Lily Morton
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Levi Black is at a crossroads. After suffering a loss and breaking up a long-term relationship, he’s looking for a change. When he receives the news he’s inherited a house in York, he seizes the opportunity to begin a new chapter in his life. However, when he gets there, he finds a house that has never kept its occupants for very long. Either through death or disinclination, no one stays there, and after a few days of living in the place, Levi can understand why.
-
-
Highly recommended
- By Loulou on 14-01-21
-
Secret Santa
- By: Jay Northcote
- Narrated by: Hamish Long
- Length: 3 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Theo hardly has time to date. Between work and caring for his four-year-old son, there aren’t many hours left over. He’s lonely though, so he joins a hook-up app and starts chatting to a guy called Luke. Luke seems friendly, and they arrange to meet. Theo doesn’t mention that he has a child. He’s worried about putting Luke off before they get to know each other. Luke is currently working as Santa at the local shopping mall. Christmas will be over soon, and Luke will move on to a new, less embarrassing job. He’s surprised when Theo and a little boy visit Santa one afternoon.
-
-
Great narration of an enjoyable holiday story
- By OldLadyStauffer on 02-01-21
-
A Boyfriend for Christmas
- By: Jay Northcote
- Narrated by: Hamish Long
- Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Closeted, innocent, and lonely, Archie Arandale longs for someone special in his life. A Christmas party organized by his wealth management company is the last place he expects to meet the man of his dreams. With his leather jacket, tattoos, and piercings, Cal Turner turns heads the moment he walks through the door. He definitely isn’t looking for a boyfriend, but Archie’s hesitant charm captures his attention, and sneaking off during the party to have a little fun can only make a dull evening more interesting.
-
-
Another lovely Christmas story from Jay Northcote
- By choccygrl on 03-01-21
-
A Family for Christmas
- By: Jay Northcote
- Narrated by: Mark Steadman
- Length: 4 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Shy, inexperienced Rudy has a crush on Zac from the moment his new colleague walks through the door. On an office night out before Christmas, Rudy finds the courage to make a move, and they form a tentative bond. When he discovers Zac will be alone at Christmas, he invites Zac to come home with him. Zac prefers to keep people at arm's length. Yet when Rudy offers him a family Christmas it's impossible to resist. With no parents of his own, Zac is pleasantly surprised to be welcomed by Rudy's. The only drawback is that everyone assumes they're a couple. Unwilling to disappoint Rudy's mum and make Christmas awkward, they decide not to deny it.
-
-
The narrator distracted from the story
- By HMM on 01-01-19
-
Bully & Exit
- The Midwest Series, Book 1
- By: Brigham Vaughn
- Narrated by: James Edward Jones
- Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nathan Rhodes has put hockey first for most of his life, but as graduation looms, he has a different goal in mind. He needs to come out and reclaim his first love. If only Caleb will believe him....Theater geek Caleb Stockwell gave up on love when his boyfriend chose the closet over being with an openly bisexual guy. Now, he hides his heartbreak behind a string of casual hookups. He loves the drama on stage, but he’s done with the drama of Nathan Rhodes. For good.
-
-
Enjoyable story and narration
- By Larissa on 03-01-21
-
Dig Deep: A Contemporary Romance Bundle
- By: J.P. Oliver
- Narrated by: Austin Jay
- Length: 36 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This complete Dig Deep bundle includes five books in the series, including My Enemy Needs Me, a sweet and steamy enemies-to-friends romance.
-
-
So good!!
- By XG on 01-01-21
-
The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings
- A Black and Blue Novel, Book 1
- By: Lily Morton
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Levi Black is at a crossroads. After suffering a loss and breaking up a long-term relationship, he’s looking for a change. When he receives the news he’s inherited a house in York, he seizes the opportunity to begin a new chapter in his life. However, when he gets there, he finds a house that has never kept its occupants for very long. Either through death or disinclination, no one stays there, and after a few days of living in the place, Levi can understand why.
-
-
Highly recommended
- By Loulou on 14-01-21
-
Ghost Hunted
- By: BL Maxwell
- Narrated by: Allen Jeffries
- Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jason Thomas had always been obsessed with the ghost stories he'd watched on television from the time he was a kid. He'd always dreamed of visiting those haunted places and playing amateur ghost hunters with his best friend, Wade. As they grew older, Jason's fascination with ghosts grew, as well, and he'd drag Wade along to different haunted houses or hotels, always hoping to see an actual ghost.
-
-
Spooky and charming friends-to-lovers
- By Ulrika on 25-11-20
-
Surprise Groom
- Marital Bliss, Book 1
- By: D.J. Jamison
- Narrated by: Kenneth Obi
- Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Caleb Taylor is shocked to learn his family could lose Bliss Island Resort - their home and livelihood - unless he makes use of a clause to marry the child of investor Louis Chastain. Sofia Chastain is more like a sister than a love interest. And Caleb isn’t ready to sign over his future. But Sofia has a brother, and Caleb has a plan.
-
-
a fake relationship trope gem
- By Modwena Farrell on 12-12-19
-
Roommates
- By: Ann-Katrin Byrde
- Narrated by: John Solo
- Length: 4 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lucas has big plans. He wants to graduate, go to law-school, and become an advocate for omega rights. To accomplish all that, though, there's a secret he needs to keep - no one can ever discover that he’s omega. So far, everything’s gone to plan, until he finds himself rooming with the hottest alpha on campus.
-
-
Amazing
- By Cats1707 on 11-03-19
-
How to Catch a Bookworm
- A Chester Falls Short Story
- By: Ana Ashley
- Narrated by: Nick Hudson
- Length: 1 hr and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ben has two passions in life, books and Bookmarked, the bookstore he owns in the town of Chester Falls. But when he spots the guy across the bar, all broody, gorgeous and hard muscle, he can't resist reaching out. Tristan's life could be worse, but moving into a new town and finding your boyfriend cheating on you with a random guy, all on the same day, is pretty up there on the scale of 'how much worse can it get?
-
-
Really great!
- By Lex Buchanan on 16-11-20
-
How to Catch a Bodyguard
- Chester Falls, Book 3
- By: Ana Ashley
- Narrated by: Nick Hudson
- Length: 5 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Connor hasn’t just had a bad day or bad week. More like a bad year. Things have been going downhill since he dumped his girlfriend and to top it all off, his house has been ransacked. Ever since James returned to Chester Falls a year ago, his past has come to haunt him. Especially in the image of his childhood best friend who ran out on him after a moment of weakness.
-
-
Great romance series
- By choccygrl on 05-09-20
-
Cold Feet
- By: Jay Northcote
- Narrated by: Matthew Lloyd Davies
- Length: 3 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Getting snowed in at a remote cottage in Wales with someone he'd fancied for ages isn't exactly how Sam expected to spend Christmas. His feelings for Ryan are pointless. Ryan's straight - or so he thought.
-
-
Sweet holiday story
- By Mama H on 07-01-21
-
Gay on a Train
- By: K.C. Wells
- Narrated by: Seb Yarrick
- Length: 7 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I’m straight. So, when a gay guy on the train asked me out on a date, why the hell did I say yes? And why am I excited about seeing him again? Okay, let’s start again.... I thought I was straight for all of my 26 years. I dated women. I slept with women. And yeah, occasionally I’d wondered what it would be like to experiment with a guy. We’ve all done it, right? A couple of times, at least? Only, I never did more than wonder.
-
-
Engaging & Beautiful Fantastic 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- By Mandy on 22-09-20
-
Happy Place
- Rainbow Place, Book 5
- By: Jay Northcote
- Narrated by: Hamish Long
- Length: 6 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
George’s strict upbringing has left him ashamed of his sexuality. In his forties now, he's yet to come out or even kiss a man - until he meets Quentin. Quentin has had enough of bad relationships with men who won't commit. Still raw from the last one, he’s not ready to try again. But George is sweet, and helping the older man get some experience might be a fun diversion.
-
-
A Heartwarming story
- By Wendy Loveridge on 07-07-20
-
Helping Hand
- Housemates, Book 1
- By: Jay Northcote
- Narrated by: Mark Steadman
- Length: 3 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jez Fielding and James MacKenzie are in their second year at uni. After partying too hard last year, they make a pact to rein themselves in. When Jez suggests watching some porn together, he isn't expecting Mac to agree to it. One thing leads to another, and soon their arrangement becomes hands-on rather than hands-off. But falling for your straight friend can only end badly...unless there's a chance he might feel the same.
-
-
Loved the story and narration
- By LGB on 19-05-16
-
Where Love Grows
- By: Jay Northcote
- Narrated by: Hamish Long
- Length: 6 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When two broken men look to each other for help, an unexpected romance blooms. Stephen’s home, deep in the heart of the Welsh valleys, suits his reclusive nature. However, as he recovers from illness, he’s struggling to manage alone. As nature reclaims the land he’s poured his heart into cultivating, he becomes increasingly unhappy. His only outlet is his blog, where he documents the decline of the garden that had been his pride and joy. Luke is more used to a concrete jungle.
-
-
Raw and Beautiful
- By Lex Buchanan on 16-11-20
-
The Christmas Deal
- By: Keira Andrews
- Narrated by: John Solo
- Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Will fake boyfriends become the real deal this holiday? It’s the most wonderful time of the year - except ex-Marine Logan is jobless and getting evicted. Worse, he’s a new single dad with a stepson who hates him. A kid needs stability - not to mention presents under the tree - and Logan’s desperate. Then he meets lonely Seth and makes a deal. Can Logan temporarily pretend to be live-in boyfriends to increase Seth’s chances at a promotion?
-
-
Found Family for the Holidays
- By Erryn Barratt on 17-11-20
-
Gay Romance Holiday Collection
- By: Keira Andrews
- Narrated by: Kirt Graves
- Length: 13 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Four steamy and sweet M/M holiday romances in one sizzling bundle! This gay romance collection from Keira Andrews includes four of her best-selling holiday novellas.
-
-
Sweet holiday stories.
- By Laora on 04-01-21
Summary
When two friends pose as boyfriends, could what happens at Christmas turn into something more?
Justin is recently and unhappily single. Christmas is coming, and he doesn't want to face his ex alone at their office party. So Sean - Justin's best mate and long-time secret crush - volunteers to go with him and pretend to be his new flame.
Sean has always lusted after Justin from afar, but there's never been a good opportunity to ask him for more than friendship. Posing as Justin's boyfriend isn't a chore, and if Justin wants to rebound onto him, Sean's more than willing. At the party pretense and reality blur, and a kiss on the dance floor leads to a night of passion.
In the aftermath, they both assume it was a one-time thing until fate intervenes. Stuck together in London over the holidays, they give in to temptation again. But what happens at Christmas stays at Christmas...right?
More from the same
What listeners say about What Happens at Christmas
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- sarah mitcham
- 28-12-20
Finally Home
Sean and Justin have been friends since they were seven but Sean has been out of the country travelling for awhile, he's going to be staying with Justin till he gets a new job and it can't have come at a better time for Justin. He's newly dumped and its nearly Christmas.. A great friends to lovers...finally romance with some heat and fun. loved listening to their story and have previously read it also. Mark Steadman narrated wonderfully with every word Crystal clear.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- ButtonsMom2003
- 14-12-20
I loved this!
This is the first audiobook I've listened to by Mark Steadman and I really enjoyed his performance. The different voices he used for the characters made it easy to distinguish who's talking. I also found his voice very easy to listen to and pleasing as well. Friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes and Jay Northcote has written a really good one. There's also a bit of fake boyfriends trope going on, too. The time never seemed to be right for Justin and Sean to get together romantically but this year Christmas provides the perfect opportunity for them to change that. A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Suzanne Christie
- 07-12-20
Great festive book
A super cute friends to lovers Christmas story, lots of sweet moments and steamy fun in this novella.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dee Slate
- 02-12-20
A sweet friends-fake BF-lovers holiday story :)
I really like Jay Northcote's stories - they're like warm hugs with fun characters, sweet emotions, a dash of angst, (the one's I prefer anyway), and steam. This is no exception - Sean and Justin are old friends who have kept up with each other even though Sean has been out of the country a fair bit. Justin, recently separated from his cheating ex, asks Sean to be his plus one to the office holiday party. As they fake being BFs, they realise that maybe it isn't all pretend after all. Mark Steadman provides a solid performance and definitely adds to the enjoyment of the story. A nice way to enjoy the story :)
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- DanNet
- 02-12-20
Sweet Christmas story
I really enjoyed listening to this Christmas story about two childhood friends who have been secretly in love with each other for years. When they play fake boyfriends for a party they end in bed together which just highlights there feelings for each other. And when they end up spending Christmas together they can't hide their feelings anymore. I thought the narrator did a really good job as well.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ronald Betts
- 29-11-20
The perfect Christmas
Perfect Christmas when everthing comes together a love and friendship that had smouldered over the years another gem from Jay Northcote. 😘
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- AliE
- 25-11-20
I loved it
I read the ebook when it first came out, so listening to the audiobook now is like listening to a new story. I loved it. The writing portrays normality and is unashamedly British. Justin and Sean are both so down to earth and it makes a pleasant change to find a book with no angst. Mark Steadman is just right for this audiobook. He narrates in a matter of fact manner, yet manages to bring Sean and Justin perfectly to life. 5 stars all round.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 25-11-20
Great Friends to Lovers
I loved this friends to lovers story set during Christmas. Justin and Sean have been best friends forever but they always remained tight lipped about how they really felt. I kept wanting to poke and prod them to get moving! I thought the story was a great pace and enjoyed the narration. I wish it was a little longer! :)
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Romaine Seebohm
- 22-11-20
Christmas Cheer
Low angst, friends to lovers story full of optimistic beginnings leading to a gentle HEA .
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- P. S. Johnson
- 21-11-20
A Happy Christmas Read
I've given this a five star review because it is a lovely read in this genre. It's a friends to lovers story with two delightful MCs who have hidden their love for far too long. Sean returns to a winter London from back packing and Jay Northcote captures the chill of the London he returns to so well. His two MCs are loveable and make you want to put them on your friends list. Only a British author can get the feel for the patterns of speech necessary to make British characters authentic. The familiariality of it wraps around you. The narrator, Mark Steadman, does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. This story won't disappoint and I highly recommend it to brighten up your Christmas.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- LGB
- 28-11-16
A delightful and very British story
A wonderful friends to lovers and fake boyfriends Christmas story with oodles of feel good moments. It’s sweet, fluffy, and mostly angst-free. Another cracking and very British tale from Jay, with lots of sexy times for Justin and Sean.
Mark’s narration suits the age of the main characters and their London setting, plus he gave them a different voice so it was easy to distinguish the two guys. His long pauses were noticeable but not enough to detract from the whole story.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Troy
- 24-12-20
Friends to lovers
Northcote writes this trope well. I enjoyed this story quite a bit. Superb narration.🥳😎😘😊🥰 Recommended
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Julie
- 19-12-20
Merry Christmas!
Who doesn’t want to take their child hood crush to the Christmas office party as your pretend boyfriend? Awesome feel good, let’s put a smile on your face listen. ❤️
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Lindsae
- 18-12-20
The perfect Holiday Romance...movie
OK so I say “movie” because of the brevity of the story. But that’s not a bad thing, it did feel like a holiday movie. Just the right amount of time to actually fall in love with good characters and have a perfect ending. ...and even if it had been a normal M/M romance, it would have gone on too long and I don’t think I would’ve survived the painful angst of unrequited love (I’ve been there, it sucks). This one fits the bill...if you’re bill is lookin for holiday romance to scratch you unrequited ass for the holiday season. Cheers Mates!🎄
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Neta_BER
- 07-12-20
Sweet holiday HEA
This was a sweet and steamy holiday read. It was not the best book I read, but very satisfying in it's HEA and lightheartedness. I really like Friends-To-Lovers, and the friendship between Justin and Sean was apparent in everything they said and did together. I had the same issues with the narration as I had with this narrator before, he has strange pacing and pauses when narrating actions (non speaking lines). I have to speed up the narration quite a bit to get over it, and it doesn't always work. It's a shame as I think the narrator has a good voice, and a nice ability with putting emotions into words and accents.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Karen
- 05-12-20
Sweet friends to lovers holiday romance.
Low on angst, sexy and fun story. There’s a brief fake relationship moment, which helps Sean and Justin to realize they have the potential to be more than friends. I loved how sincere their interactions felt, their wonder and excitement as sparks started to fly between them. Things moved swiftly, especially when the weather messed up their plans for the holiday, and they found themselves celebrating Christmas (alone) together, but it never felt rushed. Justin and Sean’s friendship was very convincing, a great basis for the deeper feelings that follow. They are both very likable, well-rounded characters, even for such a short story, and I felt myself rooting for them from the very start. Narration: Mark Steadman’s performance of What Happens at Christmas was perfect. I loved his interpretation of Justin’s and Sean’s voices. The narration had just the right amount of emotion and acting, and his voice has a lovely, pleasant timbre. A wonderful listen.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Reading*Renee
- 30-11-20
A Feel-good Friends-to-Lovers Christmas Romance
"What Happens at Christmas" is a charming friends-to-lovers romance, with childhood friends Justin and Sean taking their relationship to a new level while Sean is visiting over the holidays. What begins as Sean posing as Justin"s boyfriend for an office Christmas party attended by Justin's cheating ex soon extends beyond the party as their true feelings for each other come to light. It's a very sweet, low/no angst story with a lot of holiday spirit and plenty of steam and, at less than four hours, a relatively quick listen. Narrator Mark Steadman delivers an engaging performance, with varied British accents that makes for a very pleasant listen.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Stephanie VO
- 30-11-20
Sweet listen!
Sean qnd Justin's story is just such a sweet Christmas story. I just love seeing how these two go from best friends to fake boyfriends to more. Know that these two have loved each other forever just made them so perfect for each other. Mark Steadman does a great job with this narration. Such a great Christmas for the holiday.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Samantha Cato
- 27-11-20
Sweet holiday romance
Enjoyed this sweet mm romance by Jay Northcote! It was a super fun holiday listen with lovely main characters and an interesting plot. It was a quick listen and I really enjoyed the narrator.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Janet L Hunt
- 25-11-20
perfect feel good christmas story!
This was fantastic!! It was the perfect feel good Christmas story that I didn't know I needed. Sean and Justin were in love with each other but afraid to tell each other rather than ruin their long time friendship. Sooo good!! This was the first time I'd ever heard anything by Mark Steadman. He really did a fantastic job!