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One Nightstand
A story from Boughs of Evergreen: A Holiday Anthology
Doug's not good with one-night stands, yet in the early hours of Christmas Eve, he returns home with Kirk - a good-looking guy he met at the club. Nestled together in the kitchen of his New England cottage, sipping hot chocolate and watching the snow fall, Doug wishes there could be more to this casual encounter. It's a feeling that stays with him as he heads off to a frantic day of work at the mall, swamped with last-minute holiday shoppers...the last place he expects to find something magical.
Doug's not good with one-night stands, yet in the early hours of Christmas Eve, he returns home with Kirk - a good-looking guy he met at the club. Nestled together in the kitchen of his New England cottage, sipping hot chocolate and watching the snow fall, Doug wishes there could be more to this casual encounter. It's a feeling that stays with him as he heads off to a frantic day of work at the mall, swamped with last-minute holiday shoppers...the last place he expects to find something magical.
18 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2014
5 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Rick Bettencourt
23 books90 followersRick Bettencourt writes LGBTQ+ fantasy with forbidden love, found family, and a dash of humor. His signature series, The Rise of the Normals, follows Diesel, a wolf-shifter who’d rather be “normal,” even if love—and the pack—complicate everything. Expect heart, humor, and claws.
With over 100,000 books sold, Rick is a former president of the Florida Writers Association and an active author coach and speaker. Readers can expect emotional, hopeful journeys with queer romance, loyalty under pressure, and a wink of mischief.
He lives in Florida with his husband and a very opinionated dog, but his New England roots still tug at him (and justify drinking iced coffee year-round). Diesel—the wolf-shifter who thinks he’s the star of everything—occasionally insists on editorial control. Follow Rick’s email list at RickBettencourt.com for new releases, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes peeks.
With over 100,000 books sold, Rick is a former president of the Florida Writers Association and an active author coach and speaker. Readers can expect emotional, hopeful journeys with queer romance, loyalty under pressure, and a wink of mischief.
He lives in Florida with his husband and a very opinionated dog, but his New England roots still tug at him (and justify drinking iced coffee year-round). Diesel—the wolf-shifter who thinks he’s the star of everything—occasionally insists on editorial control. Follow Rick’s email list at RickBettencourt.com for new releases, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes peeks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 1, 2014
3.5, rounded up
A promising 4-5 star start hit a one year time jump and all those feelings inside me were left hanging. The author did a fantastic job showing Doug's loneliness and vulnerability, and the first moments of a possible relationship, so it was jarring to skip forward to the future. I think the story would have been better served with a bit more of the beginning, and skipping the future, but it's definitely worth a read.
A promising 4-5 star start hit a one year time jump and all those feelings inside me were left hanging. The author did a fantastic job showing Doug's loneliness and vulnerability, and the first moments of a possible relationship, so it was jarring to skip forward to the future. I think the story would have been better served with a bit more of the beginning, and skipping the future, but it's definitely worth a read.
December 22, 2015
4 stars
This was a sweet little story that felt like a snippet of real life. It starts at the awkward end of a one night stand when Doug is trying to figure out if and how to turn his one night stand with Kirk into something more.
This was a sweet little story that felt like a snippet of real life. It starts at the awkward end of a one night stand when Doug is trying to figure out if and how to turn his one night stand with Kirk into something more.
November 27, 2014
[from the editor]
This, to me, is one of those perfect Christmas stories, by which I mean it conjures up a certain image of a cosy Christmas Eve...
...an old cottage, a Christmas tree, two lovely guys having a cup of cocoa together, that magical, wonderful feeling of falling for someone and knowing there's a fair chance the feeling is mutual, the stillness of a dark winter's night, snow falling... Ahhhhh. Like a big warm hug.
I love the main character and totally empathise with being so tired the smallest thing can make you cry.
A great short read for one of those lovely evenings in during the festive season. Thanks, Rick. <3 :)
This, to me, is one of those perfect Christmas stories, by which I mean it conjures up a certain image of a cosy Christmas Eve...
...an old cottage, a Christmas tree, two lovely guys having a cup of cocoa together, that magical, wonderful feeling of falling for someone and knowing there's a fair chance the feeling is mutual, the stillness of a dark winter's night, snow falling... Ahhhhh. Like a big warm hug.
I love the main character and totally empathise with being so tired the smallest thing can make you cry.
A great short read for one of those lovely evenings in during the festive season. Thanks, Rick. <3 :)
February 5, 2017
A one night encounter by two lonely guys, Doug and Kirk, shared time after bed time, opening souls over hot chocolate, snow, Christmas, past, and you feel for both of these guys but especially shop assistant Christmas stressed out Doug.
Shelley who works at the store I see as a bit of a good friend maybe a Christmas fairy, but she has something to do with them becoming more than a one night stand! Maybe hope for a future together.
Told in the first person, this short story shows how loneliness and being alone can affect one more at Christmas. I like the end, fluff and all :)
Read as part of the anthology Boughs of Evergreen: A Holiday Anthology Combined Edition proceeds go to supporting young LGBT people with mental health needs via The Trevor Project.
Just hits four stars for me.
Shelley who works at the store I see as a bit of a good friend maybe a Christmas fairy, but she has something to do with them becoming more than a one night stand! Maybe hope for a future together.
Told in the first person, this short story shows how loneliness and being alone can affect one more at Christmas. I like the end, fluff and all :)
Read as part of the anthology Boughs of Evergreen: A Holiday Anthology Combined Edition proceeds go to supporting young LGBT people with mental health needs via The Trevor Project.
Just hits four stars for me.
November 22, 2014
This was a very sweet story about a one night stand turning out to be more. I thought that the author did a wonderful job of capturing the feelings of loneliness and the edge of a breaking point from our MC Doug.
I especially enjoyed the way our two MCs interacted. Their reluctance for Kirk to leave was cute and easy. I do wish that there was a little more of Doug and Kirk at the end, but I loved the epilogue, and overall this was a sweet and tender holiday story.
4.5 stars!
Thank you to the author for their time and effort for such a worthy cause.
I especially enjoyed the way our two MCs interacted. Their reluctance for Kirk to leave was cute and easy. I do wish that there was a little more of Doug and Kirk at the end, but I loved the epilogue, and overall this was a sweet and tender holiday story.
4.5 stars!
Thank you to the author for their time and effort for such a worthy cause.
November 25, 2014
Argh. I hate you, Rick Bettencourt.
How short is this story? Short-short. And what did it do to me?
Destroyed me, it did, Rick Bettencourt.
I laughed out loud. I got goosebumps. I cried.
Do I have to say any more?
Poignant, sweet, close-to-home - just bloody delightful.
Thank you.
How short is this story? Short-short. And what did it do to me?
Destroyed me, it did, Rick Bettencourt.
I laughed out loud. I got goosebumps. I cried.
Do I have to say any more?
Poignant, sweet, close-to-home - just bloody delightful.
Thank you.
December 5, 2014
Great Christmas story! The time jump was a bit jarring but after a few paragraphs I was back into the story and loving it again. I'd definitely recommend giving this little gem a read.
Want to read
December 28, 201812/27/18 Currently FREE via Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
July 9, 2017
Short but cute Christmas fluff.
The beginning was a bit unrealistic, but the development was adorable.
The beginning was a bit unrealistic, but the development was adorable.
December 15, 2014
One Nightstand is part of the Boughs of Evergreen: A Holiday Anthology.
Doug is lonely. He's picked up a hot guy, Kirk, from the club and brought him home on Christmas Eve. He wants Kirk to stay, but isn't sure if it's just because he's lonely or there's a connection. Before Kirk leaves, they chat about family and a little bit about their past.
This story was sweet and warm and made me happy. I don't usually like stories told in first person because most authors can't convey the emotions and descriptions without falling into 'telling' mode. But Rick didn't. Even though this book wasn't long, I immediately felt Doug's loneliness, how frustrated and overwhelmed he was at his job, and how he missed his Grandfather.
My only complaint, was that this story was too short! I would really, really, like to have a continuation. I'd love to find out more about Doug and Kirk and their individual pasts. Like why had it "been awhile" for Kirk? There's a story there somewhere *hint, hint.*
I can't forget the cover. It's so cute! I love, the little reindeer, just adorable.
A warm, fuzzy, and comforting, fast read with a HEA. I give this 5 Stars
Doug is lonely. He's picked up a hot guy, Kirk, from the club and brought him home on Christmas Eve. He wants Kirk to stay, but isn't sure if it's just because he's lonely or there's a connection. Before Kirk leaves, they chat about family and a little bit about their past.
This story was sweet and warm and made me happy. I don't usually like stories told in first person because most authors can't convey the emotions and descriptions without falling into 'telling' mode. But Rick didn't. Even though this book wasn't long, I immediately felt Doug's loneliness, how frustrated and overwhelmed he was at his job, and how he missed his Grandfather.
My only complaint, was that this story was too short! I would really, really, like to have a continuation. I'd love to find out more about Doug and Kirk and their individual pasts. Like why had it "been awhile" for Kirk? There's a story there somewhere *hint, hint.*
I can't forget the cover. It's so cute! I love, the little reindeer, just adorable.
A warm, fuzzy, and comforting, fast read with a HEA. I give this 5 Stars
October 27, 2024
This little story was way sweeter and cozier than I expected it to be. A pleasant surprise. 🙂
December 21, 2015
A short but very sweet Christmas story. I worked retail at Christmas one year, and I truly felt for Doug.
August 31, 2018
A short, sweet, Christmas story. This is the tale of Doug and Kirk who meet on the eve of Christmas Eve and end up back at Doug's house. A cabin that once belonged to his Grandparents.
The story covers the night the two men spend together along with the following Christmas Eve at Doug's workplace, Macy's.
This is such a short story it's hard to give it a review. Part of me wishes it had been longer, I wanted to go on their courtship with them, but a part of me acknowledges it's a lovely story, just as it is.
The story covers the night the two men spend together along with the following Christmas Eve at Doug's workplace, Macy's.
This is such a short story it's hard to give it a review. Part of me wishes it had been longer, I wanted to go on their courtship with them, but a part of me acknowledges it's a lovely story, just as it is.
March 16, 2018
Most M+M Romance Shorts end with a sweaty bedroom scene but this one begins with the ‘john’ rolling off his partner in bed. At first blush I was turned off but liking other things this author has written decided to give it a second try. Turns out to be a mating dance between two lonely people on Christmas Eve.
April 6, 2019
Read as part of Boughs of Evergreen: A Holiday Anthology Combined Edition .
November 27, 2017
An undemanding feel-good story. (It would be doing the author an injustice to say so but the 'Night Stand/Nightstand' thing had me amused and intrigued more than the story. I think.)
December 7, 2017
i was bored out of my mind.
April 11, 2018
very cute short read, would love more. would def recommend.
December 8, 2019
Awww. A very sweet romance.
September 11, 2020
I found this holiday short story to be fairly incomprehensible. It started off promising and then I was bewildered. It's pleasant, but I only finished it bc it was so short.
December 27, 2014
3.5 stars. This short story packs a bit of an emotional punch. Doug meets Kirk in a bar after work just before Christmas and takes him home. They are both young guys just getting their feet wet and making their way in the world. Although Doug is not a one night stand kind of guy, he doesn't want to seem too needy, but he'd really like Kirk to stay. He tempts him with hot chocolate and it seems like maybe they are making a connection. This is a sweet story about loneliness and finding someone and taking a risk while still trying to protect yourself from hurt and disappointment. Mostly it's about hope though I think and that things will work out and maybe get better.
December 14, 2015
This is a wonderful Christmas short story. Lonely after a late shift in Macy's department store, Doug went to the local gay bar and met Kirk. Two lonely men on the night before Christmas Eve, met and found a connection with one another.
Don't be put off with the length of this story, each word felt as though it had been deliberately placed, and there was so much emotion in the little things, such as the Christmas tree decorations which they discussed in the early hours.
The memories that were evoked for Doug, took me back to my own Christmas memories, and by the time I finished the story I had tears in my eyes.
Thanks
Don't be put off with the length of this story, each word felt as though it had been deliberately placed, and there was so much emotion in the little things, such as the Christmas tree decorations which they discussed in the early hours.
The memories that were evoked for Doug, took me back to my own Christmas memories, and by the time I finished the story I had tears in my eyes.
Thanks
December 21, 2015
Sweet read
Short story of two men who don't do hookups hooking up and find themselves wanting more. Well written tale of explaining themselves and their desires. A cute dance of trying to tell the other what they want. Enough shopping in the end to make you want to stay home and read.
Short story of two men who don't do hookups hooking up and find themselves wanting more. Well written tale of explaining themselves and their desires. A cute dance of trying to tell the other what they want. Enough shopping in the end to make you want to stay home and read.
February 19, 2020
4.5 stars. I really liked this Christmas short story. Doug's memories and loneliness are tangible but so is his longing for love. Through the banter between Doug and Kirk, we get to see that beginning spark of a relationship. Kirk is thoughtful and you can see how he doesn't want to leave. The ending is wonderful.
Adult read
Adult read
January 1, 2015
This book was officially my "150th" on GoodReads and probably my last of the year. It was really sweet!
January 26, 2015
A Holiday Treat
You cannot ever have too much sweetness during the holidays. Luckily, the gifts they receive will keep on giving! O
You cannot ever have too much sweetness during the holidays. Luckily, the gifts they receive will keep on giving! O
December 23, 2015
Not sure…starts with a one night stand. Skips a full year in time & couple is together. I’m not sure that the connection was strong enough in 18 pages for me to get invested.
August 7, 2016
This was ok.
This was just ok. I liked the happy ending, but it was somewhat predictable. Sweet story of a one night stand turning into something more.
This was just ok. I liked the happy ending, but it was somewhat predictable. Sweet story of a one night stand turning into something more.
December 27, 2014
A lovely example of the hopefulness that's almost irresistable during the holiday season.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews