REVIEW: Say It Out Loud by Nico Flynn (Slow Burn Holidays #2)

- December 08, 2022

SAY IT OUT LOUD

Slow Burn Holidays - Book Two

by Nico Flynn

Release Date: December 8, 2022

Review

Say It Out Loud is book two in the Slow Burn Holiday series, this one at Christmas, and was even better than the first.

As best friends, Ezra has a lot to lose by admitting to Jack that he loves him. And though all the signs may say go for it (along with friends and family), it’s a whole other thing to trust fully enough to take the shot.

Nico does a great job developing the characters and describing the fear felt, and the bravery required to go for it.

The characters felt mature and had depth, despite this being a short story. It was also a little wistful and sweet.

I’m looking forward to Book 3.

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Synopsis

It’s only a matter of time until Christmas works its magic on them...

Jack and I lived together for our entire twenties, friends so close that everyone just assumed: if we weren’t already together, we would be soon. Honestly, I believed it too.

Then Jack got married. I was his best man. Jack moved in with his new wife. And I was alone.

Four years later, with Jack’s terrible marriage over, we're roommates again—and it's all too easy to slide right back into the rhythm and comfort of living together. But something is different this time. Warmer. Closer. And just like before, everyone can see it.

When we agree to host my parents for the holidays, the slow countdown to Christmas wraps us in all the cozy, intimate warmth of holiday preparations. There are so many almost moments I think I might go mad… along with all our friends and family, who have been watching this dance for far too long. But when a friend talks me into buying Jack a romantic Christmas gift, the old fear comes rushing back. Revealing my feelings seems so dangerous, even after all these years. Especially now that I know what it’s like to lose Jack.

Have I waited too long? Is the risk too great? Or could this Christmas be the day we finally admit what’s been between us all along?

Say It Out Loud is a 19,000-word low-angst M/M romantic novella featuring roommates-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers, meddling friends and family, warm Christmas feelings, and a super steamy and romantic first time. All books in the Slow Burn Holidays series can be read as standalones and in any order.

About Nico Flynn

Nico Flynn is all about stories that are heartwarming and steamy in equal measure, always with a healthy dose of humor. Bring on the snappy banter, mutual pining, and well-earned happy endings!

Nico lives a wild life out in the country with too many dogs, a family, video games, and a whole lot of books. If new releases suddenly stop, you can assume Nico was swallowed up by an out-of-control tomato plant or eaten by a bear.

After years of writing across age groups and genres in the traditional publishing arena, Nico is thrilled (and terrified) to finally be taking this first step on the indie side. It’s a wide and wonderful world out here!

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