It began with a surprise kiss four years ago—and Jordan and Benjamin have been inseparable ever since. But as they progress from high school sweethearts into adults on the verge of graduation, their fairy tale romance doesn’t feel quite so magical anymore. Busy schedules, new responsibilities, and the pressure of what comes next pulls them in different directions—and they both start to wonder if their relationship is at risk.
But those worries are suddenly put on hold when Benjamin receives the news that his father has suffered a heart attack. He rushes home expecting the worst—but what he finds instead sparks a powerful moment of clarity.
Benjamin has always known what he wants—Jordan—but this moment makes one thing certain: he doesn’t want to wait any longer. He wants forever. And he’s ready to ask for it.
As everything falls into place, it finally feels like their fairy tale romance is within reach again—and this time, they might just get their happily ever after.
Jordan and Benjamin's love story has always been like a fairy tale.
What they don't realize is that old fairy tales often have a bad ending.
Freshly home from their first year of university, Jordan and Benjamin are looking forward to reconnecting with family and friends and growing even closer as a couple. But Jordan's parents are fighting like they've never fought before, their friends are moving forward in their relationships in ways that make Jordan doubt his own, and all the subtle differences between straight and gay relationships start to become loud warning signs that his fairy tale love with Benjamin is headed toward disaster.
There's one thing that can get him through all of this—opening up to Benjamin and telling him his deepest fears—but Jordan is too afraid to do so. If he exposes the cracks in their relationship, will Benjamin conclude it's unsalvageable?
Can Christmas magic reunite two sets of young lovers before the night is over?
It’s been six months since Benjamin finally came out and publicly declared his love for his long-time best friend Jordan. And in those six months, so much has changed. They’ve both moved out, living in the university dorms, and they’re both overloaded with homework.
Although heading home on separate flights for the holiday, they still plan to spend this Christmas—their first as a couple—together, making up for the months of limited boyfriend time. But, when the snowstorm of the century hits New York City, Benjamin is stranded at the airport, with Jordan trapped at school. Unable to get in contact with each other, this very special first Christmas seems destined to be the worst one ever.
While Jordan is devastated, believing Benjamin to have already left the state, Benjamin is determined to get back to the dorms and into the arms of his boyfriend. The perilous trek through New York City is beset with obstacles all along the way, and he worries he’ll never make it back to Jordan. Yet, a little Christmas magic, and help from a few strangers, teach Benjamin not only is the impossible within reach, but that his relationship with Jordan is the best Christmas present of all.
This very special holiday follow-up to the bestselling Gay Love and Other Fairy Tales is a heartwarming journey that uncovers the true meaning of Christmas.
Jordan Ortiz decides he can no longer hide who he truly is. He’s gay. He comes out to his family, then he comes out to everyone, and it goes well. Like, way better than he thought possible. But that’s about where it ends. There aren’t enough out gay kids at school for him to build a queer social life or even consider the possibility of dating. For now, he’s happy to be the gay bestie for his BFF, Hannah.
Benjamin Cooper is the captain of the football team and has known Jordan for almost his whole life. And he has a secret. When they won an award at the science fair in grade nine, Jordan hugged him—and that’s when Ben realized he had feelings for Jordan. As he watches Jordan come out and flower into who he is, he can’t help but feel ashamed—ashamed at what a coward he is compared to Jordan.
When a broken leg and fair-weather friends leave Ben feeling lonely on Christmas break, he spends New Year’s Eve with Jordan, just hanging out in his basement like they used to years ago. But as the countdown to midnight happens and the ball is about to drop, Ben has something else in mind. At the stroke of midnight, he kisses Jordan.
What starts with a surprise kiss leads to a year of shared secrets, hidden love, relationship troubles, and broken hearts. Through it all, one fact holds true—Jordan loves Benjamin and Benjamin loves Jordan. But is that enough to carry them through when Ben wants to stay firmly in the closet, to the very point that this might destroy what hope they have of true love?
