Down My Chimney

California Christmas #2

by Spencer Spears

Santa, I’ve been naughty...

Henry: I never expected to fall for my best friend. Scratch that—I never expected my best friend to fall for me. Blake’s everything I’m not: popular, athletic, gorgeous…and closeted.

And I’m fine with that. Really. Sure, it means we have to keep what we have a secret. But there is something kind of hot about all this sneaking around…

Until a mix-up with me, Blake’s roommates, and a ten-inch rainbow d...evice—yeah, let’s go with device—turns everything upside down.

I’ve fallen in love with my best friend. But how do I make Blake see that he doesn’t have to hide who he is from the world?

Last Christmas he gave me his heart. Will this be the Christmas I can tell everyone he’s mine? My chimney’s ready and waiting, and a special delivery from Blake is all the gift I need…

Down My Chimney is Book 2 in the California Christmas series and the sequel to last year’s smash hit, XOXO, Santa. Down My Chimney does not stand alone. You’ll enjoy it much more if you read XOXO, Santa first!

Down My Chimney is a 60,000-word new adult gay romance novel about growing up, falling in love, and owning your truth with a little Christmas magic. It features friends-to-lovers and out-for-you themes, along with a dash of jock/nerd sweetness and some crimes against gummy bears.

Genres: M M Romance, Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, LGBT

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2021

About the author

Spencer Spears writes LGBTQ+ stories that are snarky, sweet, and will break your heart in all the best ways. Spencer believes we all deserve to write our own happy endings. When not at the computer, Spencer can be found gardening, knitting, or curled up with a good book. Visit www.spencerspears.com for free books, updates, and more.

Reviews

[Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while to get through. It’s not bad, but not good, either.

It’s a duology, and I LOVED book 1. Yes, the characters are young (in their early 20s), and it’s a bit YA, but it’s also funny, hot, and I LOVED the anonymous texting part.

Book 1 ended with a HFN, seeing as Blake wasn’t ready to come out publicly, and I wanted to be part of his journey to fully standing in for himself.

I’m sad to say that it was… boring. Predicable, and with a sweet, slightly cheesy ending (that I loved, so it wasn’t that).

It’s just… the inner monologues 🙄 on both sides but sooooooo drawwwnnnnn outtttt. I skim/read and focused on the parts I liked. A shame that after loving book 1 so much, this was such a letdown 😟

As I said. Not necessarily bad. Just… idk. Mostly meh.

I’ll still round up my 2.5 stars to 3 because I liked Henry. But I expected more from this book 😕

[Megan [At The Cottage] · Rating 4 out of 5]

MM Romance
Friends To Lovers
Part 2 of a duology (read Xoxo Santa first)
4 stars ⭐️


”You are who I want. Not as a second choice, not as a good enough for now, and not because I’m secretly wishing I could be with someone else. You. It’s all you.”

Well, here I am again about to look like a total clown. 🤡🤡🤡 I had swore this author off after reading My First Time Fling last year only to read Xoxo Santa during my reading challenge and found myself absolutely adoring these characters despite it being a total cringefest. And now I’m here to announce that I loved this follow up book, cried my eyes out until they were red and swollen and have somehow embraced the cringe factor. 🤡🤡

The fact I could love this so much with cringy lines like this right here really says something about my mental state.

”HENRY: That’s my own cum, just to be clear, courtesy of my mother’s second-best kitchen funnel”

But I did, love this! So why did I? The last book ended with a HFN but Blake was still closeted and while these two live within a couple hours drive of each other, Blake had roommates and a really small bedroom, so it was hard to explain why Henry was suddenly there. This caused some real angst between the two and I am such a slut for a good angst fest. This wasn’t all sunshine and roses and they had to really work for their HEA and I loved their journey even with the cringy funnel and rainbow dildo scenes. Like I said. 🤡🤡🤡🤡

This was such a good lesson for me because there are some authors I have read books from and just been put off in some way and vowed to never touch their books again. This author was one of them and I’m so glad the only ‘X’ book I could find was his because it opened me up to discovering books I would have always overlooked. So while today I feel like I will never read another book by Tara Lain after the horror that was ‘Outing The Quarterback’ who’s to say she won’t release something fabulous down the line and I’ll be eating my words just like I am now. 🤷🏻‍♀️ (At this point right now I find this incredibly hard to believe this will ever happen but I never thought I’d love a book by this author either 🤡)

[Andreas · Rating 3 out of 5]

The previous book was about two dorks too stupid to realize they're in love with each other, and it was cute. In this book, they're together and still not really together, because Blake is too afraid to come out. A valid theme, but this makes the book more of a drama than a romance. And while focusing only on the two main characters alone works well with romances, it doesn't with drama. They only talk to each other and barely talk to other persons. And when they're not talking, they're mulling. Over and over again. I mostly skimmed over it. And the mulling reaches absurd levels, when Henry comes to the conclusion that he's the one who must be wrong and has to apologize, when in reality it's just the other way round. Ugh…

Apart from that, the book is still cute and enjoyable.

[Fernanda Parente · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the beginning of this relationship and diving into the short story of the end of the year, here comes the epilogue of this relationship between Henry and Blake
We find them at the university struggling with everything that goes with it, especially Blake, with soccer practice, classes, and the stress of not telling anyone that he like men.
Apparently, things are easier for Henry, however things are not always what it seems.
I really liked this book, although Blake's insecurity made me want to smack him.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Drakoulis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my guilty pleasure series!

I binge-read this book as fast as the first one, and although it had its weaknesses (to me the cause for the confilict and issues between them was Blake and not an almost 50-50 split as it was presented) I couldn't wait to turn the next page !

Spencer Spears, please write a 3rd one !

[Sudnya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehhh

I loved the first book and really wanted to like this one but the MCs lack of proper communication really bothered me this time and there wasn't enough humor and good times to balance that out for me. The characters were also mostly doing their own thing for a lot of the book. It sort of felt drawn out and rushed at the same time. I was really annoyed at Blake for a lot of the book but I also liked felt for him and his struggles with coming out and deciding his career path. I liked how their college life is portrayed. A lot of this book was about Henry and Blake facing their issues and getting to know themselves better. I also really like how this book has a more satisfying ending than the first book.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow! I loved book 1 and I ADORE book 2!! I’m an angsty girl so this one gave me those feels I crave!!! This one kind of snuck up on me. I was expecting something similar to book 1 and don’t get me wrong, it was similar BUT we got some heartbreak in this one!! We got some time apart. We got that longing that hurts so bad but feels so good when our MCs find their way back to each other! I eat that shit up like Candy!!!

This book takes place over the course of the year following Henry and Blake’s first Christmas together - when they realized how much they really liked each other. The following year sees these two grow up so much! They had some hard truths to realize and hurdles to overcome.

I loved how each man grew and the character development was done so so well!! It felt organic and true to life at the young age of 20. Both of them needed to own up to some of their less than kind behavior to the other but also how they viewed themselves and who they really wanted to be.

I couldn’t love Henry and Blake together any more than I do!! They really did bring out the best in each other ultimately. Their time apart actually had meaning and progressed the story!! The spice was divine in this one!! It was both passionate and overwhelming- and even sad at points. It was beautiful!!!

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved this return to Henry and Blake. Both men needed to grow a little and realize that they could stand on their own but were better together. Henry needed to realize that as much as he said he could handle being a secret he deserved better and Blake, ah Blake, he needed to realize that he deserved to be happy and stop trying to live his life for others. I love these two.

[A Damach · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Down my Chimney is the second book in the California Christmas duet. It's a direct continuation of Blake and Henry's story that started in XOXO, Santa. There is also a short story which should be read after XOXO, Santa and before this: A Very Naughty New Year.

I liked this book. After finishing XOXO, Santa I hoped we get more and I'm glad we did. It's not the fluffy book I thought it was, it has some angst.

[Nick Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. The perfect Christmas treat. 🎅🏻💖☃️

There was definitely more jeopardy in this story than the first, but I still loved seeing more of Blake and Henry’s story and the challenges they needed to overcome.

I was always rooting for them because they’re so damn perfect for each other, so I was pleased with how it ended. And there was just enough spice to keep it interesting (wow they are hot together!).

For me, this was a perfect feel good Christmas romance.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

💕Realistic problems for long-time friends turned lovers👬

4-4.5🌟 stars
This book continues the hot and steamy relationship between college students Blake and Henry, who originally became a secret item in Spear's XOXO, Santa. It's got emotional depth and the high-powered MM heat is explicit yet does not get too extended; I am not a fan of steamy scenes that just never seem to end! I liked the realism of the story as their geographic distance during term, Blake's study and sport schedule issues, Blake's living situation and Henry's unexpected chance to study abroad all complicate their first year as a couple. Even Blake's well-intentioned but pushy parents were frustratingly real. I also liked that the story takes months to unfold and resolve.

But the overarching effect of Blake's unwillingness to come out of the closet, while realistic, was also the part of the story that bothered me the most. Bothered as in I really felt bad for Henry. I so wanted them to work out and it just did not look good when Blake kept denying who he really was and allowing his roommates to make disparaging comments.

Blake is a bit selfish; Henry is the supreme rationalizer who can't seem to fault Blake even when it hurts him. When Henry starts placing blame on himself I felt he had really gone too far!

Plenty of angst but a delicious Christmas conclusion with a joint family getaway to the cabin where it all started in the earlier book. I liked this book better than the first largely thanks to more in-person interaction between the leads. I would highly recommend reading XOXO, Santa first.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this follow on from X0X0, Santa where we first met Henry and Blake. I always wonder what happens to couples after we come to the end of the story and Spencer has given readers a great insight into the trials that couples face after they get their HEA moment.
Nothing is easy or simple for the two men who are in different cities for college, hours apart, with Blake also not being out to anyone other than Henry. It all comes with its own challenges but combined, it works against them. Theirs is really a love that is worked for and it both lifts and breaks your heart to share in their joy and heartbreak. I felt right there with the both of them as we read the year following their first Christmas together. It's a real rollercoaster of emotion as well with highs and lows experienced as they share so many firsts together. Family and friends often make it hard for them to be happy, individually and together but once they have the time to sit, think and reflect, their second Christmas just be better than their first.
A highly recommended read that fans of the first book will love and I do recommend reading first as it will help you know and understand the characters and their situation.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I didn't have the same like/dislike feelings with this one, I think I liked it slightly better than XOXO, Santa but but I still had some issues. Still too focused on sex even though it less so this time, their communication sucked and that drove me nuts and the story is mostly just them together and separately. I would have liked more interaction with the secondary characters that were part of Henry and Blake's lives.

Even with the few issues I had, I enjoyed this story.

QUICK THOUGHTS

** Holiday/Christmas
** Established couple
** Jock/Nerd
** College
** Childhood friends to lovers
** Felt like more drama than romance (not in a bad way)
** Made me laugh
** Made me smile
** Made me cry
** This was heartwarming and heartbreaking
** Wish these guys communicated more
** Still a bit too much sex
** Great family and friends but wish they were part of the story more
** Really likeable MCs... Blake & Henry
** Satisfying enough ending but if there's more to come that would be nice

[Kaylee Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute perfection

I cannot express enough how fantastic this book is. It really gives you so much depth into who Henry and Blake really are, their wants and needs and fears.... It takes a sweet, sexy and hilarious story about childhood best friends reconnecting and becoming more, and turns it into a heartfelt story of coming out and self-discovery.

While there are plenty of laughs to be had, this second installment will also have you reaching for your tissues and cursing out the author for making you feel ALL the things. The only time I was able to put this book down was when I needed to sop up all the tears that were blurring the words. BUT! A happy ending worthy of a holiday romance made everything right in my world.

While I HIGHLY recommend buying and devouring this book (and its precursor), be warned that there are certain foods that you will never be able to look at the same way ever again. At least, not without blushing and snorting indelicately at them... Enjoy!

[Emmie Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in this duology wasn’t as cheesy sweet as its predecessor, and was better for it. I liked that Blake and Henry’s story was a bit more steeped in reality and was less of a fairytale happy story. Blake faced the realities of coming out to his family and friends, his struggling grades, and uncertainty about his future career. Henry, already out and certain about his schooling and career, struggled to take opportunities as they came to him and his insecurity about being Blake’s secret.

This allowed both Henry and Blake to really develop as characters, both inside and outside of their relationship. It offered a depth that I felt was a bit missing in the first book. I really liked Blake’s interactions with his roommates and his reflections on how their words make him feel. The commentary on homophobia and toxic masculinity was really well done, especially in Blake’s world of athletics.

The duology wrapped up quite nicely and I was left feeling pleased by the ending. I think both Henry and Blake still have some growing to do (both individually and as a couple), but they developed a solid foundation. Their story was sweet and honest. A lovely duology!

[Suzun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good writing

But I don’t agree with a lot of it.

Blake is kind of a spoiled jerk. Yes people should be able to come out on their own terms but people should also defend their boyfriends when others a jerks. Even if he didn’t admit Henry was his boyfriend he shouldn’t have thrown him under the bus.

Henry shouldn’t have been so hard on himself thinking he wasn’t understanding enough. It’s not the first time Blake had a panic attack and took it out on him.

Both of them were too extreme.

The real issue is that neither of these things should exist. The world, and definitely the US is run by cis gender people and it’s unfair. I am one so…. It’s just mind boggling what any ‘other’ has to deal with and it’s just wrong. If we’re not part of the solution we’re part of the problem. Saying it doesn’t concern me or staying out of it won’t change anything. We all need to break the hold old white cis guys have on our country, and the world actually.

[Es Elem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't work for me

Let me start by saying there was nothing wrong with the writing. However I had two issues.
One, it looked like from the cover that it was a Christmas book, and being a sequel to last years one I assumed it would also be Christmas based. It wasn't. The last few pages were at Christmas. Even if the setting had been Christmas, for me it was way too angsty to be a Christmas book.
Two, Blake was just unliveable. His behaviour in book one (in one scene in particular) was almost unforgivable, but I figured he was young and had learned his lesson. Unfortunately in book 2, he is a spoiler brat that treats Henry poorly again and again and again, then tops it off by treating him unforgivably. Fortunately for him Henry's self esteem is so low he doesn't realise how badly he is being treated. It's a shame because I really like Spencer's writing and will definitely snap up the next book.

[Mrs.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake and Henry’s first year together…
Between highs and lows, we follow Blake and Henry through their first year as a couple. A secret one, as Blake is not out yet, and also a long-distance one, as they live and go to college three hours away from each other.
The book is as hot and steamy as the first one, as when these two guys are together they are positively sizzling; but it’s also not the light-hearted banter-y story the first book was. No, in this book they have to come to terms with reality and adulthood: coming out, making decisions about school, and their future and what’s best for them even if it’s not the easy decision to make.
I won’t lie, I shed a few tears for these two beautiful men in love, I rooted for them all the way and cheered for them in the end. And I wouldn’t mind another glimpse in their future, either!

[Allyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down My Chimney was my special Christmas wish, and Spencer Spears didn’t disappoint. I loved Henry and Blake in XOXO, Santa so much and was bummed that it ended so suddenly. I was in no way ready to say goodbye to the two of them. Down My Chimney satisfies my need for more. There’s still a lot of humor and an insane amount of steam, but the characters are fully developed here. There’s more depth to the story, and both grow a ton as the story progresses. Blake loves Henry but is afraid of the judgement he’ll face if he comes out, and Henry is torn between being Blake’s secret and wanting more for himself. There were times when I wanted to yell at Blake on Henry’s behalf, but Blake eventually gets over his fears and they get the happy ending they deserve.

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Blake and Henry. These two have known each other since they were 6 years old. Henry is an out and proud gay man, but Blake he still hasn't built the courage up to tell anyone. The thing is he doesn't like all guys he likes Henry. Since they are in 2 different colleges spending time together is limited. When Henry gets the chance to go overseas for a semester they both have to decide are they strong enough to withstand the separation?

Amazing story. This story shows us it doesn't matter the sex insecurities in a relationship happen to everyone. Watching these two grow in this story will have you hooked from the first word to the very end. I would highly recommend it.

[E.Muddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve so been looking forward to continuing Henry and Blake’s hot and heavy romance. We got to see their friendship develop and eventually turn into a physical connection. But beyond that one holiday period, I needed to see how they made their relationship work. And so I went in hoping for all feels in this instalment! I’m pleased that there was a focus on the realistic problems that come with a being in a closeted, long-distance relationship, as well as unexpected opportunities for the future. It certainly hit the emotional depth I was looking for, with some angst left over! I highly recommend this for fans of the first book - and everyone else.

[Philip Cowsill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last Christmas, Spencer Spears offered XOXO as a Christmas story where childhood friends Henry and Blake reconnected in a sexual way. This year’s Christmas story catches up to where Henry’s and Blake’s relationship has progressed.

The main stumbling block is Blake is still in the closet causing problems for the guys to hook up with room mates around. The two have their ups and downs but love conquers and their relationship is on solid ground.

It was good to catch up with Henry and Blake and see them get their HEA.

[Mac Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great sequel to XOXO Santa, I really enjoyed getting to see the what comes next once a couple finally gets together. It’s certainly not all rosy for Henry and Blake but I loved seeing their relationship develop. There are some fantastic scenes that will make you cringe and laugh out loud at the same time, these boys are a hoot. I also liked the more emotional side to this story and feel Spencer Spears really got the balance right between the fun aspect of their relationship man’s the more sensitive side.

[Jvles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this book as I enjoyed the first one immensely. It was a nice read but lacked the witty banter and good times of the first one. I guess that's just how relationships work but I was a little diappointed. We follow Blake and Henry after the sweet beginning of their relationship as they try their best to keep the love alive in everyday life. All in all I was happy to dive back into that world and resolve the quite open ending of the first book. You can't really go wrong with Spencer's books.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will My Christmas Wish Come True?

I loved how Blake and Henry looked past their differences to find common grounds on which to build a relationship. The best part may have been the involvement of both of their families. Something I think we experience too little of now days...since everyone is busy with work or social distancing.

The social dynamics of college life and long distance relationships was also realistic, unfortunately. So I guess that just made the resolution of all their problems that much sweeter.

[Neil Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer never disappoints

I've probably read everything Spencer's written in the Kindle library and I've loved them all. In his "About the author" post it says, "... Spears wants to make you cry--and then make you smile so hard that you forget why you've got tears rolling down your cheeks." that is such a perfect description of this and every Spear's novel. If you're looking for heartwarming, loving tales of people you can relate to, you can't go wrong with a Spencer Spears book.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific story that I did not want to put down. Blake and Henry are endearing characters that had me swooning, laughing, and my heart melting in sadness and joy. I hesitate to say too much for fear of giving something away. While I do think this book can be read as a standalone, this is the second book in the series and might be enjoyed more after reading the previous book. This is definitely worth reading.

[Lisa Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in Henry & Blake series. It's a continuation of XOXO, Santa, and it's better to read them in order. I absolutely loved this book and seeing how their relationship played out to get to their HEA. My heart went out to Blake and all the struggles he had, and I may have shed a tear or two. Dont worry, there's lots of funny moments as well. The ending was of the book was absolutely perfect!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.

[Modwena Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a follow up to XOXO, Santa and picks the story up pretty much where we left Blake and Henry, navigating a new relationship, long distance and in secret. Needless to say, it's not exactly plain sailing for this adorable couple. I love how bold and confident Henry is, but he really struggles with the fact that Blake is still trying to navigate coming out. Blake is really sweet but really worries about how his roommates and family are going to react. As you would expect from Spencer Spears, these are really sweet books with just a hint of angst. A fantastic, Christmas read