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Con Riley's Christmas Collection #4
A Loser by Christmas
London isn’t for losers. It’s for lovers, even if they don’t see it coming, so settle in for another emotion-packed holiday romance from Con Riley’s Christmas collection.
I didn’t ask Santa to stuff my stocking with an NHL star known for being big, bad, and brutal.
Spending December with a pro hockey player is the very last thing I have time for. I’m on a tight deadline to escape a job I never wanted, selling speedboats for my father. My only problem is that I need cash to help me sail away from London.
Calum Trelawney has the money I need.
He also has good reason to hate me.
I’m Valentin Juno, the YouTube creator who made his best friend go viral, and not in a good way. Now hockey’s MVP wants out of his contract and is prepared to pay to make that happen. All I need to do is make him look like a big enough loser that his club drops him.
Following Calum with my camera all through December should be easy. At least, it would be if I had some answers. Like, why is he in England right in the middle of hockey season? And why is he so desperate to escape a contract worth millions?
That leaves one final question: Is it too late to add hate sex with a hockey player to my Christmas wish list?
Prepare for fireworks, for snark with a French accent, and for your stocking to be stuffed with an unexpectedly sweet enemies-to-lovers story set in a central London marina.
A Loser By Christmas is the fourth book in an interlinked series. While there are no cliff-hangers and each book contains a complete romance that can be enjoyed alone, to read the series in order, start with the first book, His Last Christmas in London.
I didn’t ask Santa to stuff my stocking with an NHL star known for being big, bad, and brutal.
Spending December with a pro hockey player is the very last thing I have time for. I’m on a tight deadline to escape a job I never wanted, selling speedboats for my father. My only problem is that I need cash to help me sail away from London.
Calum Trelawney has the money I need.
He also has good reason to hate me.
I’m Valentin Juno, the YouTube creator who made his best friend go viral, and not in a good way. Now hockey’s MVP wants out of his contract and is prepared to pay to make that happen. All I need to do is make him look like a big enough loser that his club drops him.
Following Calum with my camera all through December should be easy. At least, it would be if I had some answers. Like, why is he in England right in the middle of hockey season? And why is he so desperate to escape a contract worth millions?
That leaves one final question: Is it too late to add hate sex with a hockey player to my Christmas wish list?
Prepare for fireworks, for snark with a French accent, and for your stocking to be stuffed with an unexpectedly sweet enemies-to-lovers story set in a central London marina.
A Loser By Christmas is the fourth book in an interlinked series. While there are no cliff-hangers and each book contains a complete romance that can be enjoyed alone, to read the series in order, start with the first book, His Last Christmas in London.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 19, 2025
Don't tell Seb (because he'll only chew my ear off about Patrick) but I have to say Calum Trelawney is my favourite of the three utterly wonderful Cornish brothers.
This is his romance with the YouTuber we last saw being yelled at piloting his boat off Kara-Enys Valentin Juno.
Valentin's perhaps got a bit of a bad rep he doesn't quiet deserve and in A Loser by Christmas we get to see the real man behind the accidental viral video that made the lovely Jack look like an idiot.
And seeing things is what's at the heart of this story. There's an underlying storyline that only comes to light towards the very end but, once the reader discovers it, previous things are illuminated with quite a different meaning.
As Valentin tries to help Calum with his plan to get out of his existing NHL contract with a reveal all video making them want to drop him, he also begins to see his dad in a new light, as well as how it's plainly obvious that Calum has a heart of gold inside the big bad man of ice hockey exterior that he presents to the world on the rink.
With an abandoned duck egg providing the unexpected awww factor this story wends its way through some really funny scenes, some incredibly poignant ones, and a lot of little Easter eggs for those who have read Con's wider Cornish universe.
There's also some about time comeuppance for London's sleaziest photographer Lito Dixon, who isn't ever getting a redemption arc if I've got anything to do with it, even if Harry Lancaster does his best to encourage him to change his ways!
When Valentin finally works out the reason why Calum needed out of his contract, it's both a punch to the gut and also a heart-uplifting moment as the younger Frenchman proves he's every bit as courageous as his late mother was when it comes to truth-exposing video journalism.
This is a wonderful story with which to finish the London-set series, each one has been a delightful limited time factor romance with both a genuine message underneath the festive feels and a compelling couple at the heart of things.
Each one of the Trelawney brothers has followed up Ian and Guy's opener with their own unique brand of Cornish grit and boundless love, but Calum is still my favourite (sorry Patrick and Reece!)
This is his romance with the YouTuber we last saw being yelled at piloting his boat off Kara-Enys Valentin Juno.
Valentin's perhaps got a bit of a bad rep he doesn't quiet deserve and in A Loser by Christmas we get to see the real man behind the accidental viral video that made the lovely Jack look like an idiot.
And seeing things is what's at the heart of this story. There's an underlying storyline that only comes to light towards the very end but, once the reader discovers it, previous things are illuminated with quite a different meaning.
As Valentin tries to help Calum with his plan to get out of his existing NHL contract with a reveal all video making them want to drop him, he also begins to see his dad in a new light, as well as how it's plainly obvious that Calum has a heart of gold inside the big bad man of ice hockey exterior that he presents to the world on the rink.
With an abandoned duck egg providing the unexpected awww factor this story wends its way through some really funny scenes, some incredibly poignant ones, and a lot of little Easter eggs for those who have read Con's wider Cornish universe.
There's also some about time comeuppance for London's sleaziest photographer Lito Dixon, who isn't ever getting a redemption arc if I've got anything to do with it, even if Harry Lancaster does his best to encourage him to change his ways!
When Valentin finally works out the reason why Calum needed out of his contract, it's both a punch to the gut and also a heart-uplifting moment as the younger Frenchman proves he's every bit as courageous as his late mother was when it comes to truth-exposing video journalism.
This is a wonderful story with which to finish the London-set series, each one has been a delightful limited time factor romance with both a genuine message underneath the festive feels and a compelling couple at the heart of things.
Each one of the Trelawney brothers has followed up Ian and Guy's opener with their own unique brand of Cornish grit and boundless love, but Calum is still my favourite (sorry Patrick and Reece!)
November 10, 2025
I"ll start by saying I've read all the books in this particular storyverse and I honestly didn't remember Valentin at all!
Valentin actually turned out to be my favourite character in this particular series though. He went on a real journey for the truth in both Calum and his Dad's lives and the end result was so good!
I'll admit I was starting to question where things were going because Calum was so vague, but once everything fell into place I was pretty gobsmacked! I really liked Valentin and Callum together.
The duckling egg was also so adorable!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
Valentin actually turned out to be my favourite character in this particular series though. He went on a real journey for the truth in both Calum and his Dad's lives and the end result was so good!
I'll admit I was starting to question where things were going because Calum was so vague, but once everything fell into place I was pretty gobsmacked! I really liked Valentin and Callum together.
The duckling egg was also so adorable!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
November 15, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this story, having devoured it in one sitting. I did finish it quite late , despite needing to be at work early the next day, I just had to find out if the ending was as happy as I'd hoped. Let's just say I wasn't disappointed. I knew I wouldn't be, this is Con, after all 🙃
Having said that this is far from a straight forward boy meets boy, falling in love, and they live happily ever after love story; but then name me one of Con's books where that has actually happened 😊 I really felt like I connected with the main characters. I so wanted them to find happiness. Their drama made for such an entertaining read!
The story revolves around Valentin Juno, a YouTube creator who needs cash, and Calum Trelawney, an MVP hockey player who wants out of his contract. Valentin decides to follow Calum with his camera through December, aiming to make him look like a "loser" so his club drops him. The whole story is about why Calum is so desperate to leave his lucrative contract.
The connection between Calum and Valentin is instant, beginning with a duck egg, of all things. What a delightful way to begin their love story, they were totally "egged on" ( couldn't resist 😉) by their discovery. It's a beautiful love story, written in Con's immutable gentle and knowing style. The reveal is an emotional one, Calum is literally saved by Valentin's filming.
I adored both Calum and poor misunderstood Valentin. I also loved almost all of the secondary characters. Of course , not one of these were strangers to me. This is the fourth book in the Con's Christmas Collection series. While each book features a complete romance and can be read as a standalone, the series features recurring characters and is set in a beautiful shared world.
And such a heart warming world it is. I love the kind of community where everyone knows everyone and all look out for each other. The found family trope, which is one of my favourites, is so strong in Con's books. It is also beautifully written, of course. Set in London at the most magical time of year. A story of friendship, family, love, heart break, and Christmas traditions. What more do you need from a Christmas romance? I'm swooning all over the place.
Thank you so much for the ARC 😘
Having said that this is far from a straight forward boy meets boy, falling in love, and they live happily ever after love story; but then name me one of Con's books where that has actually happened 😊 I really felt like I connected with the main characters. I so wanted them to find happiness. Their drama made for such an entertaining read!
The story revolves around Valentin Juno, a YouTube creator who needs cash, and Calum Trelawney, an MVP hockey player who wants out of his contract. Valentin decides to follow Calum with his camera through December, aiming to make him look like a "loser" so his club drops him. The whole story is about why Calum is so desperate to leave his lucrative contract.
The connection between Calum and Valentin is instant, beginning with a duck egg, of all things. What a delightful way to begin their love story, they were totally "egged on" ( couldn't resist 😉) by their discovery. It's a beautiful love story, written in Con's immutable gentle and knowing style. The reveal is an emotional one, Calum is literally saved by Valentin's filming.
I adored both Calum and poor misunderstood Valentin. I also loved almost all of the secondary characters. Of course , not one of these were strangers to me. This is the fourth book in the Con's Christmas Collection series. While each book features a complete romance and can be read as a standalone, the series features recurring characters and is set in a beautiful shared world.
And such a heart warming world it is. I love the kind of community where everyone knows everyone and all look out for each other. The found family trope, which is one of my favourites, is so strong in Con's books. It is also beautifully written, of course. Set in London at the most magical time of year. A story of friendship, family, love, heart break, and Christmas traditions. What more do you need from a Christmas romance? I'm swooning all over the place.
Thank you so much for the ARC 😘
November 17, 2025
4.5 stars
Another lovely chapter of Con Riley's holiday romance.
This time we have Calum, the third of the Trelawneys brothers, hockey player in the States, and Valentin, content creator (who inadvertently uploaded a video of Jack, causing him pain and humiliation) falling in love.
Valentin is working with his father to earn repair for his boat, when Calum comes to him offering a deal: he needs to force the GM of his team to release him and he asks Valentin to do a video to make him look like a loser, like some player who doesn't deserve to be on the team.
Throughout the whole story, Calum and Valentin quickly change the opinion they had of each other: Calum is not the big bad man the hockey world makes him appear, while Valentin is a genuine man who cares about others and doesn't fit with the coldhearted man image who ruins other people's reputation.
During the few days they spend together, Calum and Valentin can't stay away from each other, the camera often forgotten because they were too busy stealing furtive kisses and warm embraces.
The physical scenes are beautiful, they were emotional and also a bit desperate, since they know they have a limited time together since Calum has to go back to the States after Christmas.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Like last book, I felt like I jumped into events already happened and sometimes I struggled to keep my focus. Also, I was waiting for a clarification between Valentin and Jack (and Reece too) about the video, but it never came.
I liked Valentin's dad a lot and I hope that, if the author is planning another book in this series, she will consider him as the MC: that man deserves to be loved hard.
The epilogue is one of the sweetest I ever read, I adored how things went in the end.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Another lovely chapter of Con Riley's holiday romance.
This time we have Calum, the third of the Trelawneys brothers, hockey player in the States, and Valentin, content creator (who inadvertently uploaded a video of Jack, causing him pain and humiliation) falling in love.
Valentin is working with his father to earn repair for his boat, when Calum comes to him offering a deal: he needs to force the GM of his team to release him and he asks Valentin to do a video to make him look like a loser, like some player who doesn't deserve to be on the team.
Throughout the whole story, Calum and Valentin quickly change the opinion they had of each other: Calum is not the big bad man the hockey world makes him appear, while Valentin is a genuine man who cares about others and doesn't fit with the coldhearted man image who ruins other people's reputation.
During the few days they spend together, Calum and Valentin can't stay away from each other, the camera often forgotten because they were too busy stealing furtive kisses and warm embraces.
The physical scenes are beautiful, they were emotional and also a bit desperate, since they know they have a limited time together since Calum has to go back to the States after Christmas.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
Like last book, I felt like I jumped into events already happened and sometimes I struggled to keep my focus. Also, I was waiting for a clarification between Valentin and Jack (and Reece too) about the video, but it never came.
I liked Valentin's dad a lot and I hope that, if the author is planning another book in this series, she will consider him as the MC: that man deserves to be loved hard.
The epilogue is one of the sweetest I ever read, I adored how things went in the end.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
November 14, 2025
Oh ya this story definitely put a smile on my face and got me in my feels… ah I loved it so much.
I adore Callum, big mushy heart in a hot as sin body of a professional hockey player with humour and empathy to match. Valentin was different from what I expected in the best way, single minded but his character growth in this story specially where is dad is concerned is touching. I love how passionate he is about everything and he is definitely passionate about Callum
Gosh so many mysteries in this one, I couldn’t begin to guess what was coming and these two have chemistry in spades. The found family again is a big win for me
If you want a sweet soft swoony holiday romance with depth and spice, highlyyyy recommend reading this.
Valentin needs his boat fixed but his dad is insistent about pulling him into the family business and Valentine will do anything to escape that - try and win a contest or collude with the fellow egg protector who is also a Trelawney and they may not have the best impression of each other - well Valentin has all the Jack baggage and Callum looks agressive and violent to him. But… they both discover there is a lot more under the surface than what they are seeing also Callum is hiding a whole bunch of things and something super big too and Valentin won’t rest until he finds it
That ending was the ultimate swoon, so so so perfect for them and I loved the epilogue, I love some good comeuppance
I loved the additional matchmaking too and the sweet moments with Violet and Robin and Penny and Harry (is there a story there?) and also I adored Valentin’s dad, I just want to hug that shouting man.
I adore Callum, big mushy heart in a hot as sin body of a professional hockey player with humour and empathy to match. Valentin was different from what I expected in the best way, single minded but his character growth in this story specially where is dad is concerned is touching. I love how passionate he is about everything and he is definitely passionate about Callum
Gosh so many mysteries in this one, I couldn’t begin to guess what was coming and these two have chemistry in spades. The found family again is a big win for me
If you want a sweet soft swoony holiday romance with depth and spice, highlyyyy recommend reading this.
Valentin needs his boat fixed but his dad is insistent about pulling him into the family business and Valentine will do anything to escape that - try and win a contest or collude with the fellow egg protector who is also a Trelawney and they may not have the best impression of each other - well Valentin has all the Jack baggage and Callum looks agressive and violent to him. But… they both discover there is a lot more under the surface than what they are seeing also Callum is hiding a whole bunch of things and something super big too and Valentin won’t rest until he finds it
That ending was the ultimate swoon, so so so perfect for them and I loved the epilogue, I love some good comeuppance
I loved the additional matchmaking too and the sweet moments with Violet and Robin and Penny and Harry (is there a story there?) and also I adored Valentin’s dad, I just want to hug that shouting man.
April 2, 2026
The story told from Valentin’s POV, its heart, is a thoughtful redemption story for Valentin Juno—one that gently untangles the mistakes he made in the previous book while giving him a chance to rebuild his reputation and his relationship with his father.
Enter Callum Trelawney, the third brother and a prominent hockey player in the U.S., who approaches Valentin with an unusual and somewhat secretive request: help him get out of his current contract. What follows becomes the core of the story—a clever and emotionally layered setup where Valentin, the YouTuber, shadows Callum around London with the intention of making the NHL star look like a “loser.” Of course, things are never that simple.
The chemistry between Valentin and Callum is evident from the start, even as Callum resists it. What begins as a reluctant collaboration gradually evolves into something deeper, revealing vulnerability, mutual respect, and a surprising emotional richness. Beneath the playful premise lies a story about perception, identity, and the courage to be seen for who you truly are.
I especially loved the cameos from previous books—they added a sense of continuity and warmth that longtime readers will appreciate. And the epilogue was exactly what this story needed: heartfelt, satisfying, and a perfect closing note.
Overall, this was an engaging and emotionally resonant read with strong character growth and a compelling dynamic between the leads.
Enter Callum Trelawney, the third brother and a prominent hockey player in the U.S., who approaches Valentin with an unusual and somewhat secretive request: help him get out of his current contract. What follows becomes the core of the story—a clever and emotionally layered setup where Valentin, the YouTuber, shadows Callum around London with the intention of making the NHL star look like a “loser.” Of course, things are never that simple.
The chemistry between Valentin and Callum is evident from the start, even as Callum resists it. What begins as a reluctant collaboration gradually evolves into something deeper, revealing vulnerability, mutual respect, and a surprising emotional richness. Beneath the playful premise lies a story about perception, identity, and the courage to be seen for who you truly are.
I especially loved the cameos from previous books—they added a sense of continuity and warmth that longtime readers will appreciate. And the epilogue was exactly what this story needed: heartfelt, satisfying, and a perfect closing note.
Overall, this was an engaging and emotionally resonant read with strong character growth and a compelling dynamic between the leads.
November 5, 2025
This story had a lovely ending. It was a slow-building romance, with a mystery aspect to it. Calum seeks out Valentin to help him get out of a hockey contract, but the reasons are kept secret until the very last second.
I think it was nice to see Valentin learn the truth from other people’s perspectives. For example, he had this idea about his dad, but that all changed when other people gave him reasons for why his dad chose to leave him. It was a grown-up way of looking at what on the surface felt like abandonment to Valentin.
There was a lot of build-up and some questions left unanswered, especially in regard to Jack. Maybe that came in a previous book, but the blurb said it was standalone, so even if that’s the case, I feel like there should have been reminders. 🤷🏻♀️Also, the turnaround from Calum’s hate to love was very quick.
However, I enjoyed it. I read it all in one sitting, and I thought that they became a very cute couple. I was glad of the ending for Calum and Violet, and I’m glad that creepy Lito got his comeuppance. It wasn’t particularly Christmassy, but it was a sweet story nonetheless.
………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
I think it was nice to see Valentin learn the truth from other people’s perspectives. For example, he had this idea about his dad, but that all changed when other people gave him reasons for why his dad chose to leave him. It was a grown-up way of looking at what on the surface felt like abandonment to Valentin.
There was a lot of build-up and some questions left unanswered, especially in regard to Jack. Maybe that came in a previous book, but the blurb said it was standalone, so even if that’s the case, I feel like there should have been reminders. 🤷🏻♀️Also, the turnaround from Calum’s hate to love was very quick.
However, I enjoyed it. I read it all in one sitting, and I thought that they became a very cute couple. I was glad of the ending for Calum and Violet, and I’m glad that creepy Lito got his comeuppance. It wasn’t particularly Christmassy, but it was a sweet story nonetheless.
………………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
November 19, 2025
Love love love
A Loser By Christmas by Con Riley is book 4 in the Con Riley’s Christmas Collection. I absolutely adore Con’s writing. It is so poetic and lovely, filled with such imagery and romanticism. This one has to be close to the top for me. Valentin Juno has gotten a bad rep after the events of a previous book. He runs into Calum Trelawney, hockey player and brother of Reece from the previous book. He dislikes Valentin because of how he exploited his brother. Calum wants Valentin to do the same thing for him, to exploit him, and turn him into a loser to get out of his hockey contract. I love how these two were immediately drawn to each other but fought the pull. How hate soon turned to spite then love. The side characters were nice but the story shined when Valentin and Calum were together. Soooo lovely. I have to agree with another reviewer who said Calum was their favorite Trelawney brother and I would wholeheartedly agree. He was amazing. I also have a soft spot for Valentin who learned so much about his own family. A great story that I will think about often.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.
A Loser By Christmas by Con Riley is book 4 in the Con Riley’s Christmas Collection. I absolutely adore Con’s writing. It is so poetic and lovely, filled with such imagery and romanticism. This one has to be close to the top for me. Valentin Juno has gotten a bad rep after the events of a previous book. He runs into Calum Trelawney, hockey player and brother of Reece from the previous book. He dislikes Valentin because of how he exploited his brother. Calum wants Valentin to do the same thing for him, to exploit him, and turn him into a loser to get out of his hockey contract. I love how these two were immediately drawn to each other but fought the pull. How hate soon turned to spite then love. The side characters were nice but the story shined when Valentin and Calum were together. Soooo lovely. I have to agree with another reviewer who said Calum was their favorite Trelawney brother and I would wholeheartedly agree. He was amazing. I also have a soft spot for Valentin who learned so much about his own family. A great story that I will think about often.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.
November 20, 2025
Rating: 4
Steam: 2
PoV: single, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, Holiday, MM
Tropes / tags: hurt / comfort, secrets, slow burn
It's always a treat to spend some Christmas time in London with a Trelawney, and this was such a beautiful story full of heart and warmth!
I might have a thing for giants with soft hearts, and Callum was exactly that kind of character. Brutal on the ice, but so soft and caring when it came to the right things and causes - and Valentin of course. Their first meet was in true Con Riley spirit, with Callum helping Valentin to hide an abandoned duckling egg that he'd been caring for.
I wasn't sure about Valentin at first, he hadn't come across as the best character in previous stories, but he managed to surprise me. There was a lot more to him than I first thought, and I really enjoyed his growth and journey in this story. I had a hard time initially seeing him and Callum together, especially after the situation with Jack, but when it came down to it they were completely right for each other.
The connection and chemistry between them was instantaneous, and while they were quick to get physical with each other, the feelings were more of a slow burn. I loved the build-up in the story overall, both the plot and the relationship growing between Callum and Valentin. The revelation at the end genuinely surprised me, and I loved to see all the clues left throughout the story pieced together.
A Loser by Christmas was a lovely addition to the author's Christmas collection, and I loved being back in London with all the sparkling lights and baubles! I really enjoy these stories where the holiday sweetness has an emotional touch to it, and Con Riley is amazing at writing them. I highly recommend adding this to your holiday reads this year!
-
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 2
PoV: single, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, Holiday, MM
Tropes / tags: hurt / comfort, secrets, slow burn
It's always a treat to spend some Christmas time in London with a Trelawney, and this was such a beautiful story full of heart and warmth!
I might have a thing for giants with soft hearts, and Callum was exactly that kind of character. Brutal on the ice, but so soft and caring when it came to the right things and causes - and Valentin of course. Their first meet was in true Con Riley spirit, with Callum helping Valentin to hide an abandoned duckling egg that he'd been caring for.
I wasn't sure about Valentin at first, he hadn't come across as the best character in previous stories, but he managed to surprise me. There was a lot more to him than I first thought, and I really enjoyed his growth and journey in this story. I had a hard time initially seeing him and Callum together, especially after the situation with Jack, but when it came down to it they were completely right for each other.
The connection and chemistry between them was instantaneous, and while they were quick to get physical with each other, the feelings were more of a slow burn. I loved the build-up in the story overall, both the plot and the relationship growing between Callum and Valentin. The revelation at the end genuinely surprised me, and I loved to see all the clues left throughout the story pieced together.
A Loser by Christmas was a lovely addition to the author's Christmas collection, and I loved being back in London with all the sparkling lights and baubles! I really enjoy these stories where the holiday sweetness has an emotional touch to it, and Con Riley is amazing at writing them. I highly recommend adding this to your holiday reads this year!
-
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
November 17, 2025
Rating: 3.5 stars
For whatever reason this book didn't grab me as much as the other books in the series. Maybe because I ADORED book 3 (His Until Christmas), and in that book Valentin is set up as something of a villain (though we do get glimpses that he's more human than we think). Most of what kept me reading this book was waiting for some sort of explanation for Valentin posting the video of Jack that went viral, some sort of redemption that he isn't just an asshole who did an asshole thing, but no - there's not really even any real remorse from him about posting the video, beyond regret at the fallout of his actions on himself. While Valentin does have redeeming qualities and I did end up liking him (grudgingly...) by the end of this book, that hanging thread/left open loop made it really hard to care about him and his problems. Calum, obviously, is a treasure.
This is the fourth book in Con Riley's Christmas Collection, and while it can be read as a standalone the characters from previous books do pop up frequently (mostly books 2 and 3, which are about Calum's brothers). They're also really good, so while you can skip book 1 (His Last Christmas in London), I do recommend reading books 2 (We Only Kiss at Christmas, Calum's younger brother Patrick's story) and 3 (His Until Christmas, Calum's older brother Reese's book) first.
For whatever reason this book didn't grab me as much as the other books in the series. Maybe because I ADORED book 3 (His Until Christmas), and in that book Valentin is set up as something of a villain (though we do get glimpses that he's more human than we think). Most of what kept me reading this book was waiting for some sort of explanation for Valentin posting the video of Jack that went viral, some sort of redemption that he isn't just an asshole who did an asshole thing, but no - there's not really even any real remorse from him about posting the video, beyond regret at the fallout of his actions on himself. While Valentin does have redeeming qualities and I did end up liking him (grudgingly...) by the end of this book, that hanging thread/left open loop made it really hard to care about him and his problems. Calum, obviously, is a treasure.
This is the fourth book in Con Riley's Christmas Collection, and while it can be read as a standalone the characters from previous books do pop up frequently (mostly books 2 and 3, which are about Calum's brothers). They're also really good, so while you can skip book 1 (His Last Christmas in London), I do recommend reading books 2 (We Only Kiss at Christmas, Calum's younger brother Patrick's story) and 3 (His Until Christmas, Calum's older brother Reese's book) first.
November 27, 2025
I love Con Riley's Cornwall universe.
The Christmas stories are connected to the universe but are generally based in London. Maybe that's why I have not quite been able to award the fifth star. Until now.
This was the perfect Christmas story with one MC doing so much good he'll probably be promoted to sainthood in a next life - normally I'd probably find it a bit too much, but it's fine in a Christmas book - family members finding their way back to each other, and a sweet romance between Calum and Valentin developing while Valentin follows Calum around with his camera.
Solid four stars. But then there was the duck. The duck did it. The duck made it impossible for me not to give the fifth ;)
The Christmas stories are connected to the universe but are generally based in London. Maybe that's why I have not quite been able to award the fifth star. Until now.
This was the perfect Christmas story with one MC doing so much good he'll probably be promoted to sainthood in a next life - normally I'd probably find it a bit too much, but it's fine in a Christmas book - family members finding their way back to each other, and a sweet romance between Calum and Valentin developing while Valentin follows Calum around with his camera.
Solid four stars. But then there was the duck. The duck did it. The duck made it impossible for me not to give the fifth ;)
November 19, 2025
Four stars for the two MCs’ characters. They were both so fun to read about! I wish the setup and other ongoing SCs had been developed and clarified further; this book should stand alone—even though it’s part of an ongoing world, certain elements were very important to these two in particular, and weren’t explained/shown from THEIR perspective, leaving an important hole in the narrative that left me constantly frustrated. But.
Meeting them and getting to know them was wonderful! And wrapped in Con Riley’s fabulous prose and Christmas/holiday atmosphere in London, and I love being here for the holidays.
Youtuber/influencer Valentin Juno is struggling with pressure from his slightly estranged father to join the family exclusive speed boat business. Pro hockey player Calum Trelawny has a secret reason for needing his reputation decimated. He approached Valentin because Valentin was responsible for posting a video that humiliated one of Calum’s friends (who is now one of his brother’s Person), and he’s hoping Valentin can do the same for him, to get him out of his current hockey team contract.
The reason will eventually pluck your heartstrings, but due to his NDA, he holds it close to his chest, and that’s part of the beauty of the plot…Valentin eventually realizing that Calum has no voice on the matter, and needs someone to figure it out and bring it to light for him. It was so moving.
The premise of Valentin trying to make Calum look bad doesn’t really work though, because Calum is one of the best human beings on the planet and refuses to compromise his values to pretend to do anything illegal or cruel, even if he’s faking it, and that makes Valentin’s quest impossible, but, I still admired Calum’s moral compass and was glad he didn’t compromise himself. He’s a true-blue hero. He asks Valentin for something then makes it impossible for Valentin to deliver, but...oh well!
They meet at a boat show where Valentin is trying to get his father to fix his decrepit boat, an inheritance from Valentin’s beloved late grandmother that he wants to sail away and escape on, to get back to the important work he was doing to document truths that might otherwise stay hidden. He spent much time filming Calum’s brother, Reece, rescuing boat people who are desperate to seek safety and making dangerous crossings in hopes of a new life, and his heroism in helping on that front is clear and undeniable.
Which makes it so confusing that everyone hates him for whatever happened with him exposing/humiliating previous MC Jack by releasing a video of some moment we don’t ever learn the details of in this book. And we really needed to know what happened from Valentin’s perspective. I’m sure it’s clear in the previous book, but not from V’s POV, and that was a major miss in this story. Calum resents him for it. Calum’s best friends and family hate him for it. But we never get Valentin’s side of the story. Why??? It was so needed, and re-establishing the details would have taken like five seconds of story time. I was so frustrated and felt left in the dark.
But the wonderful growing reluctant connection and undeniable chemistry between these two carries the story, and I loved seeing them unable to resist each other, clashing and then coming together with steam heat, and also spending days together, between Calum’s secret ongoing duties, truly getting to know each other and coming to appreciate the solid, good human beings they each were. Valentin turns Calum’s perception of him on its head, and Calum decimates Valentin’s prickly defense mechanisms, getting under his skin and making him yearn for things he thinks can never be.
Valentin’s goal/what drives him personally is finally getting back to finishing the documentary he dreams will win him the film contest that was created for someone very special to him, and the truths and revelations around Valentin’s family history and his current relationship for his father have depth and heart. There is a special father-son thread to work through, and the way secrets and understanding come to light, with Calum’s insight and help, added a moving layer to the story.
Oh…and there’s a future baby duck! They initially bond over an egg that Valentin found abandoned by the mother and is desperately hoping is still viable, and Calum finding ways to support its development and safety was too sweet for words.
Epic fail though that we don’t get to experience the baby duck hatching. WTF, Con? Really??? Why would you leave that potentially precious moment out? Too sweet? Seriously, that was another miss.
But overall, the joy and love these two find in each other was rewarding and well worth reading. Calum’s secret is exposed, Valentin makes the documentary he was always meant to make, and while things don’t work out quite as hoped/planned for his future, they work out even better and make a difference in lives and the world.
HEA, enemies to lovers, Christmas/holiday romance. NO OM action/others; OM drama from the continuing sleazy photographer who has stunk up each book in the series. Don’t worry…he finally gets what he deserves. Totally safe for me. Recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Meeting them and getting to know them was wonderful! And wrapped in Con Riley’s fabulous prose and Christmas/holiday atmosphere in London, and I love being here for the holidays.
Youtuber/influencer Valentin Juno is struggling with pressure from his slightly estranged father to join the family exclusive speed boat business. Pro hockey player Calum Trelawny has a secret reason for needing his reputation decimated. He approached Valentin because Valentin was responsible for posting a video that humiliated one of Calum’s friends (who is now one of his brother’s Person), and he’s hoping Valentin can do the same for him, to get him out of his current hockey team contract.
The reason will eventually pluck your heartstrings, but due to his NDA, he holds it close to his chest, and that’s part of the beauty of the plot…Valentin eventually realizing that Calum has no voice on the matter, and needs someone to figure it out and bring it to light for him. It was so moving.
The premise of Valentin trying to make Calum look bad doesn’t really work though, because Calum is one of the best human beings on the planet and refuses to compromise his values to pretend to do anything illegal or cruel, even if he’s faking it, and that makes Valentin’s quest impossible, but, I still admired Calum’s moral compass and was glad he didn’t compromise himself. He’s a true-blue hero. He asks Valentin for something then makes it impossible for Valentin to deliver, but...oh well!
They meet at a boat show where Valentin is trying to get his father to fix his decrepit boat, an inheritance from Valentin’s beloved late grandmother that he wants to sail away and escape on, to get back to the important work he was doing to document truths that might otherwise stay hidden. He spent much time filming Calum’s brother, Reece, rescuing boat people who are desperate to seek safety and making dangerous crossings in hopes of a new life, and his heroism in helping on that front is clear and undeniable.
Which makes it so confusing that everyone hates him for whatever happened with him exposing/humiliating previous MC Jack by releasing a video of some moment we don’t ever learn the details of in this book. And we really needed to know what happened from Valentin’s perspective. I’m sure it’s clear in the previous book, but not from V’s POV, and that was a major miss in this story. Calum resents him for it. Calum’s best friends and family hate him for it. But we never get Valentin’s side of the story. Why??? It was so needed, and re-establishing the details would have taken like five seconds of story time. I was so frustrated and felt left in the dark.
But the wonderful growing reluctant connection and undeniable chemistry between these two carries the story, and I loved seeing them unable to resist each other, clashing and then coming together with steam heat, and also spending days together, between Calum’s secret ongoing duties, truly getting to know each other and coming to appreciate the solid, good human beings they each were. Valentin turns Calum’s perception of him on its head, and Calum decimates Valentin’s prickly defense mechanisms, getting under his skin and making him yearn for things he thinks can never be.
Valentin’s goal/what drives him personally is finally getting back to finishing the documentary he dreams will win him the film contest that was created for someone very special to him, and the truths and revelations around Valentin’s family history and his current relationship for his father have depth and heart. There is a special father-son thread to work through, and the way secrets and understanding come to light, with Calum’s insight and help, added a moving layer to the story.
Oh…and there’s a future baby duck! They initially bond over an egg that Valentin found abandoned by the mother and is desperately hoping is still viable, and Calum finding ways to support its development and safety was too sweet for words.
Epic fail though that we don’t get to experience the baby duck hatching. WTF, Con? Really??? Why would you leave that potentially precious moment out? Too sweet? Seriously, that was another miss.
But overall, the joy and love these two find in each other was rewarding and well worth reading. Calum’s secret is exposed, Valentin makes the documentary he was always meant to make, and while things don’t work out quite as hoped/planned for his future, they work out even better and make a difference in lives and the world.
HEA, enemies to lovers, Christmas/holiday romance. NO OM action/others; OM drama from the continuing sleazy photographer who has stunk up each book in the series. Don’t worry…he finally gets what he deserves. Totally safe for me. Recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
November 23, 2025
Where do I even begin with this story that hit me so deeply in my feels, made me smile and cry a little, and was such a wonderful story about love, with a touch of Christmas magic. I absolutely adored this sweet (and steamy) romance about two men who couldn't be more opposites and they start out with a grudge between them too. When Cal approaches Val with an unorthodox proposal, asking Val to somehow make him look bad enough for his Hockey Team to drop him from his contract, it’s a challenge Val can’t say no to, even though Val really isn’t a bad guy. The viral video that made Cal’s best friend look bad was an honest mistake, but Val desperately wants to return to what he loves and needs his boat fixed to do that. As these two spend more several weeks together, Val and Cal start to see that the other man is so much more than they realized. And the spark of attraction between them flares into passion and grows into so much more, but with a deadline for each looming closer, finding a way to make their Christmas wishes come true becomes even more challenging. This sweet and steamy, opposites attract, holiday romance is a story that will warm your heart this holiday season.
I adored both Valentine and Callum. Val is somewhat lost, but trying to find his way back to the work he loves, making truthful and impactful documentaries. At his heart, he’s a really good guy. As Val trails Cal, we see that Cal is so much more than the tough hockey enforcer. He’s a man who looks for ways to help others and give back. It is so easy to see how these two would fall for one another. I think the most magical part of this story is how Callum helps Valentin realize so many things about his past. This is where Con got me in my feels. I adored how things all came together in the end and the revelation I had right along with Val was everything. I can’t say enough how much I absolutely adored this read. It’s by far, my favorite of the series and even though I know Con will get me to feel deeply, I was wholly unprepared for the emotional depths of this story. It’s sweet and tender, rather than heavy and sad, and tinged with a hopeful tone throughout, set amidst the holiday decorated backdrop of London. This was an absolutely wonderful read.
I adored both Valentine and Callum. Val is somewhat lost, but trying to find his way back to the work he loves, making truthful and impactful documentaries. At his heart, he’s a really good guy. As Val trails Cal, we see that Cal is so much more than the tough hockey enforcer. He’s a man who looks for ways to help others and give back. It is so easy to see how these two would fall for one another. I think the most magical part of this story is how Callum helps Valentin realize so many things about his past. This is where Con got me in my feels. I adored how things all came together in the end and the revelation I had right along with Val was everything. I can’t say enough how much I absolutely adored this read. It’s by far, my favorite of the series and even though I know Con will get me to feel deeply, I was wholly unprepared for the emotional depths of this story. It’s sweet and tender, rather than heavy and sad, and tinged with a hopeful tone throughout, set amidst the holiday decorated backdrop of London. This was an absolutely wonderful read.
November 19, 2025
When I started this book, I wasn’t sure if I was going to warm up to Valentin. He just wasn’t what I thought he would be after having set up a sweet guy, Jack, to look ridiculous. He is currently not working his real job so much, as his boat, “La Sylvie,” needs some big repairs that he doesn’t have the money for. His father owns Juno boats and can fix them, but requires some sweat equity in return. So right now, “This is why I regret taking a temp job with my father- telling mon pere that I don’t share his love for sales never seems to sink in.” When he is at a boat sale – because dad says he will fix the boat if Valentin can bring in a sale before midnight – he runs into the nastiest, smarmiest man you’ve ever seen, Lito Dixon. He is an event photographer, and he is just so disgusting and gross. It’s funny because Valentin seems like an angel once you meet Lito.
Luckily, Valentin isn’t what he appeared to be. He’s working on a hero film to win an aware (and money), and it’s a good one. Once he decides to save the duck egg that a mama duck deposited on his boat and then abandoned, I knew Valentin had a heart. Even better when Callum Trelawny, a best friend of the aforementioned embarrassed Jack, shows up because he needs help. He is a pro hockey player worth millions and needs out of his contract. And when Callum, hockey god extraordinaire, squats down in his undies to talk to the egg, I fell for him as well. Since Valentin made Jack look like a loser, Callum wants Valentin to do the same for him. “I need to look like a loser. He jabs that finger at me. You’re the dick who does that to other people. End of story.” Callum sweetens the pot – if Valentin agrees to help him be a loser and post it so that he can get out of the contract he will buy a boat before midnight, so guaranteeing Valentin’s boat will be fixed. “I can’t lose this chance. He’s as gritty as I’ve felt each day closer to my contest cutoff. It’s the last one I’ll get.” Right when Callum says that you know something is going on, but he doesn’t share.
But Valentin takes him up on it, and begins to record Callum being a loser (apparently, to get out of the contract you have to do something that will embarrass the team or make them look bad). So that’s what they do. Sort of. Since both of them turn out to be wonderful, Callum wants Valentin to focus on his contest, and Valentin wants to get Callum out of his contract, even if he doesn’t know why. They become friends, and then maybe more, but things keep getting in the way.
This book has some serious themes. Not hugely angsty but definitely serious. Valentin’s dad isn’t what he seems, and the moment they have an honest talk is sad and not. Definitely better than I thought he would be. There are different plot lines that all dovetail together. Definitely don’t want to give anything away because it’s more powerful to discover it. There are great side characters in Harry, Penny, Reece, and Dad. This isn’t a super cheery sugar coated story but it’s good.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
Luckily, Valentin isn’t what he appeared to be. He’s working on a hero film to win an aware (and money), and it’s a good one. Once he decides to save the duck egg that a mama duck deposited on his boat and then abandoned, I knew Valentin had a heart. Even better when Callum Trelawny, a best friend of the aforementioned embarrassed Jack, shows up because he needs help. He is a pro hockey player worth millions and needs out of his contract. And when Callum, hockey god extraordinaire, squats down in his undies to talk to the egg, I fell for him as well. Since Valentin made Jack look like a loser, Callum wants Valentin to do the same for him. “I need to look like a loser. He jabs that finger at me. You’re the dick who does that to other people. End of story.” Callum sweetens the pot – if Valentin agrees to help him be a loser and post it so that he can get out of the contract he will buy a boat before midnight, so guaranteeing Valentin’s boat will be fixed. “I can’t lose this chance. He’s as gritty as I’ve felt each day closer to my contest cutoff. It’s the last one I’ll get.” Right when Callum says that you know something is going on, but he doesn’t share.
But Valentin takes him up on it, and begins to record Callum being a loser (apparently, to get out of the contract you have to do something that will embarrass the team or make them look bad). So that’s what they do. Sort of. Since both of them turn out to be wonderful, Callum wants Valentin to focus on his contest, and Valentin wants to get Callum out of his contract, even if he doesn’t know why. They become friends, and then maybe more, but things keep getting in the way.
This book has some serious themes. Not hugely angsty but definitely serious. Valentin’s dad isn’t what he seems, and the moment they have an honest talk is sad and not. Definitely better than I thought he would be. There are different plot lines that all dovetail together. Definitely don’t want to give anything away because it’s more powerful to discover it. There are great side characters in Harry, Penny, Reece, and Dad. This isn’t a super cheery sugar coated story but it’s good.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
December 4, 2025
I loved the first two books in Con Riley’s series of Christmas books set in London, and I really liked the third one. This one didn’t grab me in the same way, and I’m not sure why.
Maybe it’s that the basic premise of the novel—the idea that Valentin will make a video revealing Calum to be a terrible loser of a human being to get him dropped from his hockey contract—just fell flat for me. As written, Calum is the furthest thing from a loser; he’s pretty nearly a saint. There really would be no possible way to make this man look bad, so why would anyone who knows him even suggest it? Then Calum tells Valentin not to worry about it, and the focus shifts to filming Calum for Valentin’s entry to the video contest. But Valentin gets so sidetracked from the contest by Calum, that aspect of the plot also lacked urgency to me.
Calum’s big secret, the reason he wants out of his contract, did give the story some narrative tension. His situation gets resolved so quickly after the big reveal, though, that it ultimately wound up feeling a bit anticlimactic. Give me a little more time to enjoy the angst of it all! 😂
On the plus side, I did enjoy the relationships in the book. The romance between Valentin and Calum turned was much sweeter than I expected, because Calum is a cinnamon roll, and Valentin isn’t nearly the bad boy he was made out to be in the previous book. I also appreciated the subplot about Valentin and his father mending their ties.
It looks like one of the side characters will be getting his own story in the future. Now that has me curious!
Maybe it’s that the basic premise of the novel—the idea that Valentin will make a video revealing Calum to be a terrible loser of a human being to get him dropped from his hockey contract—just fell flat for me. As written, Calum is the furthest thing from a loser; he’s pretty nearly a saint. There really would be no possible way to make this man look bad, so why would anyone who knows him even suggest it? Then Calum tells Valentin not to worry about it, and the focus shifts to filming Calum for Valentin’s entry to the video contest. But Valentin gets so sidetracked from the contest by Calum, that aspect of the plot also lacked urgency to me.
Calum’s big secret, the reason he wants out of his contract, did give the story some narrative tension. His situation gets resolved so quickly after the big reveal, though, that it ultimately wound up feeling a bit anticlimactic. Give me a little more time to enjoy the angst of it all! 😂
On the plus side, I did enjoy the relationships in the book. The romance between Valentin and Calum turned was much sweeter than I expected, because Calum is a cinnamon roll, and Valentin isn’t nearly the bad boy he was made out to be in the previous book. I also appreciated the subplot about Valentin and his father mending their ties.
It looks like one of the side characters will be getting his own story in the future. Now that has me curious!
November 15, 2025
- Christmas
- Ducks
It always really starts to feel like the festive season for me when I get my hands on Con's Christmas story. This one didn't disappoint and I've been looking forward to Valentin's story since I first met him. Add in the fact he's paired with a Trelawney and I was even more excited to read it. I was not disappointed. As ever with Con's Christmas stories, London is the 3rd star in the story - and this time it's a love letter to the Thames. I don't really remember Val all that well, and I don't remember what he did to Jack (Even though I've read the story, I'd have to look back).
I loved these two together though, Val's struggles with his Dad and expectations vs what he really wants to do. I really liked these two together, they just fit so well and I love that Callum straight away took the time to care for the egg. Honestly these two were just so sweet together. There's not much in the way of obstacles here other than whatever is keeping Callum preoccupied, but that's no way a criticism. This is sweet, warm yet with the sense of a looming deadline - and not just for Val's documentary.
I really loved the ending with all the family, even Val and and his Dad getting some time together too, it just felt right and I loved this. As Mariah would say - 'It's Tiiiiime'
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
- Ducks
It always really starts to feel like the festive season for me when I get my hands on Con's Christmas story. This one didn't disappoint and I've been looking forward to Valentin's story since I first met him. Add in the fact he's paired with a Trelawney and I was even more excited to read it. I was not disappointed. As ever with Con's Christmas stories, London is the 3rd star in the story - and this time it's a love letter to the Thames. I don't really remember Val all that well, and I don't remember what he did to Jack (Even though I've read the story, I'd have to look back).
I loved these two together though, Val's struggles with his Dad and expectations vs what he really wants to do. I really liked these two together, they just fit so well and I love that Callum straight away took the time to care for the egg. Honestly these two were just so sweet together. There's not much in the way of obstacles here other than whatever is keeping Callum preoccupied, but that's no way a criticism. This is sweet, warm yet with the sense of a looming deadline - and not just for Val's documentary.
I really loved the ending with all the family, even Val and and his Dad getting some time together too, it just felt right and I loved this. As Mariah would say - 'It's Tiiiiime'
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
November 15, 2025
Every Con Riley story leaves me feeling like I’m a better person by the end. That I’ve learned something, healed something, witnessed a better humanity. I want her to rebuild our world, train our teachers, educate our parents, and generally just guide us to being more compassionate people.
That may seem over the top, but you would be wrong. Every word is gorgeous and meaningful.
A Loser by Christmas is, in part, a redemption story - A redemption for Valentin, but also for his relationship with his father. And it’s a second chance for Calum - for his career and to build his dream life.
Valentin is a little adrift in life, fighting for something bigger than himself, but not always making the best choices to get it. He’s a little unlikable in the beginning. But of course, he’s not what he seems. Once Calum peels his layers back and helps him reframe what he thinks he knows, you will love him, care for him, root for him.
Calum is a saint. We would build statues to him, except he would argue that the money could be better spent on others. A wealthy hockey star, he doesn’t just throw money at things; he helps build things that will live beyond, that will nurture people, and he gives his time too.
It feels like their relationship is on the clock, counting down, but in fact, they are just beginning.
That may seem over the top, but you would be wrong. Every word is gorgeous and meaningful.
A Loser by Christmas is, in part, a redemption story - A redemption for Valentin, but also for his relationship with his father. And it’s a second chance for Calum - for his career and to build his dream life.
Valentin is a little adrift in life, fighting for something bigger than himself, but not always making the best choices to get it. He’s a little unlikable in the beginning. But of course, he’s not what he seems. Once Calum peels his layers back and helps him reframe what he thinks he knows, you will love him, care for him, root for him.
Calum is a saint. We would build statues to him, except he would argue that the money could be better spent on others. A wealthy hockey star, he doesn’t just throw money at things; he helps build things that will live beyond, that will nurture people, and he gives his time too.
It feels like their relationship is on the clock, counting down, but in fact, they are just beginning.
November 25, 2025
Only way to look like a Loser is to Fall in Love
Con Riley has done it again! A Loser by Christmas is another fantastic, emotion-packed holiday love story. This book is the perfect blend of Christmas charm, witty banter, and deep emotional connection, set against the festive backdrop of a London marina.
The initial enemies-to-lovers setup quickly melts away because, let's be honest, as long as there's Lito Dixon around, no one else feels like the real villain! The dynamic between Valentin Juno, the French-accented YouTuber, and Calum Trelawney, the superstar hockey MVP, is magnetic. Watching them navigate hilariously disastrous public stunts while working together to make a loser out of Calum is pure fun, and their explosive chemistry shines through the snarky banter immediately.
Calum and Valentin are truly great characters to get close to. This romance expertly balances the light, fun holiday atmosphere with genuinely serious undercurrents, exploring themes of family expectation and finding your true passion. Their complicated backstories were revealed in such a gentle, careful arc that I was deeply invested and definitely felt like I was 'surfing years' with them by the end. It’s warm, sexy, and utterly captivating! Ugh, so good! A perfect five-star holiday romance.
Con Riley has done it again! A Loser by Christmas is another fantastic, emotion-packed holiday love story. This book is the perfect blend of Christmas charm, witty banter, and deep emotional connection, set against the festive backdrop of a London marina.
The initial enemies-to-lovers setup quickly melts away because, let's be honest, as long as there's Lito Dixon around, no one else feels like the real villain! The dynamic between Valentin Juno, the French-accented YouTuber, and Calum Trelawney, the superstar hockey MVP, is magnetic. Watching them navigate hilariously disastrous public stunts while working together to make a loser out of Calum is pure fun, and their explosive chemistry shines through the snarky banter immediately.
Calum and Valentin are truly great characters to get close to. This romance expertly balances the light, fun holiday atmosphere with genuinely serious undercurrents, exploring themes of family expectation and finding your true passion. Their complicated backstories were revealed in such a gentle, careful arc that I was deeply invested and definitely felt like I was 'surfing years' with them by the end. It’s warm, sexy, and utterly captivating! Ugh, so good! A perfect five-star holiday romance.
December 7, 2025
Con Riley never disappoints.
This story is told in Valentin's POV (whom you might remember from his appearance in last year's book). Valentin is in London while his boat needs repairs, reluctantly working for his father's speedboat dealership while also working on an entry for the Juno awards, dodging the slimy photographer Lito, and trying to protect a literal duck egg until it hatches.
Valentin and his father don't have much of a relationship. There's history there, and much of it doesn't seem too good.
Calum Trelawney, the 3rd brother, is a big hockey player in the States. He approaches Valentin to help him with trying to get out of his current contract, for reasons he cannot share.
There's immediate attraction, for sure, and a physical connection, that quickly turns into an emotional connection as well.
I won't give away the plot, obviously. Suffice it to say that Con Riley as always has a plan, and the revelations towards the end with all the involved emotions made me shed a tear or five.
Also, slimy photog FINALLY gets what he had long coming to him. Loved that.
Set at Christmas time, as all of the stories in this series, this is the perfect book to devour on a rainy afternoon, with a beverage of choice, immersing yourself in this delightful and emotional romance.
My 2025 Secret Santa gifted me this book, and I'm ever so grateful.
This story is told in Valentin's POV (whom you might remember from his appearance in last year's book). Valentin is in London while his boat needs repairs, reluctantly working for his father's speedboat dealership while also working on an entry for the Juno awards, dodging the slimy photographer Lito, and trying to protect a literal duck egg until it hatches.
Valentin and his father don't have much of a relationship. There's history there, and much of it doesn't seem too good.
Calum Trelawney, the 3rd brother, is a big hockey player in the States. He approaches Valentin to help him with trying to get out of his current contract, for reasons he cannot share.
There's immediate attraction, for sure, and a physical connection, that quickly turns into an emotional connection as well.
I won't give away the plot, obviously. Suffice it to say that Con Riley as always has a plan, and the revelations towards the end with all the involved emotions made me shed a tear or five.
Also, slimy photog FINALLY gets what he had long coming to him. Loved that.
Set at Christmas time, as all of the stories in this series, this is the perfect book to devour on a rainy afternoon, with a beverage of choice, immersing yourself in this delightful and emotional romance.
My 2025 Secret Santa gifted me this book, and I'm ever so grateful.
November 12, 2025
“I need to look like a loser.” He jabs that finger at me. “You’re the dick who does that to other people. End of story.”
Oops!
Valentin is a YouTube creator and did the above to a friend. Now Calum Trelawney wants Valentin to make him look like a loser so he can get out of his ice hockey contract.
Valentin needs the money Calum offers, so he can finally escape his father and his father’s company and sail away to freedom with his own boat.
This story was awesome there are lots of details that are precious, for example a lonely little duck egg that Valentine wants to save. Or Valentin’s curiosity about the reason why Calum wants out of his contract, something Calum doesn’t want to talk about. Or why Calum isn’t the big brutal man he plays on ice. Or why Calum insists on eating at a small restaurant where the food isn’t good.
Or Valentin’s family history. Or… yeah, there are many more things!
This author excels at crafting beautiful narratives with depth, lovable characters, and engaging story development. I’m always looking forward to the end of the year when she releases a new one of her ‘Con Riley’s Christmas Collection’. I adooooore these stories!
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I received an arc
Oops!
Valentin is a YouTube creator and did the above to a friend. Now Calum Trelawney wants Valentin to make him look like a loser so he can get out of his ice hockey contract.
Valentin needs the money Calum offers, so he can finally escape his father and his father’s company and sail away to freedom with his own boat.
This story was awesome there are lots of details that are precious, for example a lonely little duck egg that Valentine wants to save. Or Valentin’s curiosity about the reason why Calum wants out of his contract, something Calum doesn’t want to talk about. Or why Calum isn’t the big brutal man he plays on ice. Or why Calum insists on eating at a small restaurant where the food isn’t good.
Or Valentin’s family history. Or… yeah, there are many more things!
This author excels at crafting beautiful narratives with depth, lovable characters, and engaging story development. I’m always looking forward to the end of the year when she releases a new one of her ‘Con Riley’s Christmas Collection’. I adooooore these stories!
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I received an arc
November 14, 2025
I love Con Riley’s writing, but this story was a bit of a miss for me. I loved the callbacks to the previous stories in this series and to other Con Riley stories but the love story between Calum and Valentin felt stilted and rushed.
Valentin Juno has been kind of an unsavory character in a few of these stories, but this was his chance to be in the spotlight and show who he really is - an aspiring documentary maker. He is sweet and caring and a little broken and he was really endearing once you got to know him. Calum Trelawney is a professional hockey player in the NHL, home in the UK to recover from an injury and figure a way out of his contract for an unknown reason.
My main problem with this book was that they didn’t talk to each other, just danced around subjects over and over again for so much of the book. Eventually things came out and made things make sense, pulling all the pieces together. But it almost felt like too much, too late. Valentin and Calum were sweet together, but I didn’t feel their connection - it took too long for things to come out and made me feel like I was missing something along the way.
The vibes were sweet, but not my favorite in the series. Enjoyed it in the end though!
Valentin Juno has been kind of an unsavory character in a few of these stories, but this was his chance to be in the spotlight and show who he really is - an aspiring documentary maker. He is sweet and caring and a little broken and he was really endearing once you got to know him. Calum Trelawney is a professional hockey player in the NHL, home in the UK to recover from an injury and figure a way out of his contract for an unknown reason.
My main problem with this book was that they didn’t talk to each other, just danced around subjects over and over again for so much of the book. Eventually things came out and made things make sense, pulling all the pieces together. But it almost felt like too much, too late. Valentin and Calum were sweet together, but I didn’t feel their connection - it took too long for things to come out and made me feel like I was missing something along the way.
The vibes were sweet, but not my favorite in the series. Enjoyed it in the end though!
November 17, 2025
Instant attraction but overall slow burn
I've only read the first book in the series so far and I loved Ian and Guy's romance. Valentin seemed to be a bit of villain in the series but having not already met him, I had no preconceptions so took him at face value.
Valentin and his duck egg were so precious, and when Calum got involved, my Grinch heart grew three sizes. The attraction between them was obvious, regardless of whatever had gone wrong before between Valentin and Calum's best friend, Jack. Neither could, nor wanted to, stay away from the other and their time together in London established how much they liked and admired each other.
There was a lot hidden throughout the story, not revealed until the ending, and I really liked that. Calum's NDA was there for a reason and the clues were so subtle, I didn't put it together just like most readers probably didn't.
I loved seeing other characters I recognised, and I particularly liked Valentin's Dad, once I got to understand him. The family dynamics were an important part of the story, as they are in all of Con's books. Family and found family really matter to her and her characters, and that's what gives her stories so much heart. It doesn't hurt that London and Cornwall are such atmospheric settings in their own right.
I've only read the first book in the series so far and I loved Ian and Guy's romance. Valentin seemed to be a bit of villain in the series but having not already met him, I had no preconceptions so took him at face value.
Valentin and his duck egg were so precious, and when Calum got involved, my Grinch heart grew three sizes. The attraction between them was obvious, regardless of whatever had gone wrong before between Valentin and Calum's best friend, Jack. Neither could, nor wanted to, stay away from the other and their time together in London established how much they liked and admired each other.
There was a lot hidden throughout the story, not revealed until the ending, and I really liked that. Calum's NDA was there for a reason and the clues were so subtle, I didn't put it together just like most readers probably didn't.
I loved seeing other characters I recognised, and I particularly liked Valentin's Dad, once I got to understand him. The family dynamics were an important part of the story, as they are in all of Con's books. Family and found family really matter to her and her characters, and that's what gives her stories so much heart. It doesn't hurt that London and Cornwall are such atmospheric settings in their own right.
November 18, 2025
We finally get the last Trelawney brother, Calum's, story and Valentin gets his redemption. We learn Valentin's back story and get to learn what really makes him tick. Valentin is stuck in London during the Christmas season having to help his father sell boats in order to get the money to repair his boat. Calum Trelawney has a proposition for Valentin. He wants Valentin to film him and post the film to make him look like such a loser that his NHL hockey team will drop his contract except he can't say why he wants to be dropped or his team can sue him. Calum will pay Valentin enough to fix his boat. Valentin follows Calum around with his camera but instead of finding anything to make him look like a loser, he just realizes that underneath i=his gruff exterior that Calum is a really giving and wonderful person. Working together so closely, the two men get to really know each other and end up falling in love. This book deals with how sports teams can control the medical decisions that their players are allowed to make but is also is about appreciating the family you have both that of blood and found family. I love these Christmas stories and am hoping that there will be one next year.
November 18, 2025
A Loser By Christmas is an absolute delight—sharp, funny, unexpectedly tender, and impossible to put down. Valentin’s mix of ambition, snark, and barely contained chaos pairs brilliantly with Calum’s brooding intensity, giving their enemies-to-lovers arc a crackling energy from the very first page. The premise is wonderfully hooky: a YouTuber following an NHL star around London to make him look like a “loser,” only to discover he’s far more complex and far more tempting, than expected.
The London marina setting feels atmospheric and festive without ever overwhelming the character-driven heart of the story. And goodness, the chemistry. What starts as irritation and grudging cooperation slowly melts into understanding, heat, and genuine affection in a way that feels completely earned. Con Riley brings brilliant humour, emotional depth, and a perfectly wrapped Christmas HEA that left me grinning long after I’d finished.
An addictive, warm, and wickedly charming holiday romance—I loved every minute.
I received a free ARC copy and this is my honest review.
The London marina setting feels atmospheric and festive without ever overwhelming the character-driven heart of the story. And goodness, the chemistry. What starts as irritation and grudging cooperation slowly melts into understanding, heat, and genuine affection in a way that feels completely earned. Con Riley brings brilliant humour, emotional depth, and a perfectly wrapped Christmas HEA that left me grinning long after I’d finished.
An addictive, warm, and wickedly charming holiday romance—I loved every minute.
I received a free ARC copy and this is my honest review.
November 5, 2025
Slow burn Christmas romance between a hockey player and an aspiring filmmaker.
Callum asks Valentine to film something that will make him look like a loser so that his team will release him from his contract. WHY he wants to be released from his contract remains a secret right up until the end of the book. Valentin has had some experience in making other people look bad on his youtube channel before, so he agrees - especially since Callum agrees to buy a speed boat from Valentin's dad (who will them do the repairs on Valentin's boat). Along the way Callum and Valentin fall in love
I enjoyed it, but I felt like maybe I should have done that prior reading that was suggested, because I was kind of confused about some of the side characters, and things that had happened in the past. Also, it felt like it took a long time to get to the secret. Overall, though, enjoyable and a quick read.
Callum asks Valentine to film something that will make him look like a loser so that his team will release him from his contract. WHY he wants to be released from his contract remains a secret right up until the end of the book. Valentin has had some experience in making other people look bad on his youtube channel before, so he agrees - especially since Callum agrees to buy a speed boat from Valentin's dad (who will them do the repairs on Valentin's boat). Along the way Callum and Valentin fall in love
I enjoyed it, but I felt like maybe I should have done that prior reading that was suggested, because I was kind of confused about some of the side characters, and things that had happened in the past. Also, it felt like it took a long time to get to the secret. Overall, though, enjoyable and a quick read.
November 6, 2025
I'm not even sure how to start this review...just go read all the books in this so wonderful collection! This five star "ugly", "wild" story is perfect to give us the 3rd Trelawney brother's journey. It is told for the most part from Valentin Juno's POV, yes, that Valentin! The nurturing of the egg is such a mirror of these two nurturing their limited time together. Calum has a secret, needs to break his hockey contract with Valentin's help. This secret, dang it, Con, we are kept guessing until the end. Ugh, I was screaming at the page. Thinking back, it is the perfect timing. Throughout their "breaking the contract" efforts, we get an homage to London at Christmas, it is truly the third MC. Of course, we get the best cameos of all the found and kin families in London and Cornwall. Oh, and an excellent epilogue, someone finally gets a much needed comeuppance! I'm so hoping Con has given us an easter egg or two of future stories, please say yes!
November 13, 2025
4 Stars
Arc Review - thank you GRR
I do like Con Riley, I enjoy her way of weaving a tale.
I haven't read the 2nd or 3rd books in this series and it did say that previous reading was not required, but I feel it would have been more beneficial for me if I had of taken the time to read the previous books. I did enjoy seeing characters from the first book (the one I have read).
I loved Calum. He just melted my heart. I did pick pretty quickly there was something wrong but not the actual problem.
I enjoyed the interactions between the two MC's. Calum really gave Vaentin the benefit of the doubt regardless of his family's view. I didn't have the vibe from the previous book so didn't come into this one with any feelings about him, So I did like Valentin right from the start.
I especially loved Valentin's relationship with his father and how Calum opened his eyes to another way of looking at the past and understanding his dad better.
Great lead in to the Christmas period and a great read.
Arc Review - thank you GRR
I do like Con Riley, I enjoy her way of weaving a tale.
I haven't read the 2nd or 3rd books in this series and it did say that previous reading was not required, but I feel it would have been more beneficial for me if I had of taken the time to read the previous books. I did enjoy seeing characters from the first book (the one I have read).
I loved Calum. He just melted my heart. I did pick pretty quickly there was something wrong but not the actual problem.
I enjoyed the interactions between the two MC's. Calum really gave Vaentin the benefit of the doubt regardless of his family's view. I didn't have the vibe from the previous book so didn't come into this one with any feelings about him, So I did like Valentin right from the start.
I especially loved Valentin's relationship with his father and how Calum opened his eyes to another way of looking at the past and understanding his dad better.
Great lead in to the Christmas period and a great read.
November 14, 2025
★彡 𝟓 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒 彡★
A Loser by Christmas is another wonderful story from Con Riley. I love how her books are interconnected and yet each can be read as a standalone. I’m not going to restate the excellent blurb. What I’ll say instead is that this story got me right in the feels and didn’t let go; I finished it in one day. Con’s descriptive writing always makes me want to visit the places she writes about.
We know that something is going on with Calum because he wants Valentin to help him get dropped by his hockey team. While in hindsight I saw there were clues along the way, I didn’t guess what was going on until all was revealed.
A Loser by Christmas is one of several beautiful Christmas stories I’ve been privileged to get an advanced copy of this year and the epilogue was the perfect gift at the end of a great book.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
A Loser by Christmas is another wonderful story from Con Riley. I love how her books are interconnected and yet each can be read as a standalone. I’m not going to restate the excellent blurb. What I’ll say instead is that this story got me right in the feels and didn’t let go; I finished it in one day. Con’s descriptive writing always makes me want to visit the places she writes about.
We know that something is going on with Calum because he wants Valentin to help him get dropped by his hockey team. While in hindsight I saw there were clues along the way, I didn’t guess what was going on until all was revealed.
A Loser by Christmas is one of several beautiful Christmas stories I’ve been privileged to get an advanced copy of this year and the epilogue was the perfect gift at the end of a great book.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
November 9, 2025
This book may have loser in the title but there is nothing of the loser about this story. Con Riley has such a lovely writing voice that makes me feel as if I am ‘right there’ along with her characters, they are one of my very favourite authors. This is the 4th of her Christmas Collection stories and we meet some very familiar faces and see how their lives are progressing. This is billed as an ‘enemies to lovers’ story but I just can’t bill Valentin as a baddie however much I try. To see him get his redemption was a real treat. You certainly do not need to have read the previous books in the series as all is explained but I would certainly recommend them AND all of the interconnected stories set in Cornwall and London. I am now eagerly awaiting any new release from Con Riley.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest and freely given opinion
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest and freely given opinion
November 10, 2025
I enjoyed reading this opposites attract story, because I love Con Riley's London at Christmas, and then I went back and read the previous book, His Until Christmas, and I enjoyed this one all the more, after I was reminded of the characters and their relationships.
Calum is an American hockey player (not my favorite type of character), but that just means the idea of coming home and visiting family is all the more poignant. I did get occasionally annoyed at the way these people needed to talk to each other, and the duck egg is something of a distraction... but an adorable idea.
You might enjoy this more if you haven't read the previous, as then you don't have any presumptions about Valentin, and you can better understand what motivates him. Either way, a Riley holiday book is always a treat. (I was given a free digital advance review copy.)
Calum is an American hockey player (not my favorite type of character), but that just means the idea of coming home and visiting family is all the more poignant. I did get occasionally annoyed at the way these people needed to talk to each other, and the duck egg is something of a distraction... but an adorable idea.
You might enjoy this more if you haven't read the previous, as then you don't have any presumptions about Valentin, and you can better understand what motivates him. Either way, a Riley holiday book is always a treat. (I was given a free digital advance review copy.)
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