Review: Came Upon A Midnight Clear by Katie Porter

Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Katie Porter
Samhain Publishing
Novel: 278pgs
3.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
Born to old Virginia money, film producer Kyle Wakefield’s conservative upbringing kept him in the closet. Only once did he venture outside: for a tempestuous teenage affair with Nathan Carnes. When Nathan’s self-destructive streak landed him in prison, Kyle slammed the door on youthful hopes. Despite Hollywood successes, he still hides his true self.

He thought he’d moved on, until his production company hires Nathan and his Second Chances stunt crew to work on the London set of a big-budget action flick. Watching Nathan risk life and limb with fellow ex-cons looking for a fresh start makes it tough for Kyle to keep his desires hidden.

Thirteen years have passed since Nathan’s teenage self-doubt led him to sabotage any chance of a future with Kyle. He’s come a long way since then, but despite their explosive sexual chemistry, Kyle treats their attraction like a deep dark secret.

Their matched Hollywood ambitions and a pain-in-the-ass director make cooperation essential. As the London holiday season casts its spell, the two men find themselves on the verge of falling in love again—even as old secrets and pain keep them shackled. The only hope of unlocking their hearts is a Christmas miracle.

Review:
I admit that my expectations were a bit high when I started reading this book (I have no idea why) but it just sounded like something I would really enjoy. I think I was frustrated by 85% of this novel and by the last 15%; I was glad that it was finally over. Nothing to do with bad writing but it felt like one continuous scene of fucking and beating around the bush and here is why...

Kyle Wakefield is a film producer and rich boy since birth. He's in London to work on the set of a big budget action flick during the Christmas holiday. It will save money, because the city is already decorated so they wouldn't have to go through the trouble of building a festive set (money and time is saved). The action flick calls for stunt crew and in comes Second Chances. A crew made up entirely of convicts wanting to begin life anew. Kyle has old history with the leader of Second Chances, Nate Carnes. They share a past of passion and old hurts; did 10 years of separation heal old wounds?

Let me tell you, NO it did not. These men clearly were very angry with each other and ruined the Christmas feel of the book. Don't get me wrong they were hot as hell and burned up the pages from their explosive reunion. However, every encounter felt like an angry one, even with moments of sweetness it dashed all to hell with their bitter feelings and bitter words. I am not 100% on board with them as a couple because they lost the opportunity to lure me in with their merry go round behaviour.

I was very interested in knowing about the Nate & Kyle from ten years ago. Their past and young love sounded so exciting and sweet and I wanted to get lost in that, but alas, I never got the chance. I was rushed into a HEA with a nice bow placed perfectly on top after 85% of angry sometimes-sweet sex, dirty talk, and wild stunts. I was really feeling the "meh".

Should You Read It? Ummmmm... If you like ultra alpha males and dirty, dirty sexy time. The writing is good and I will pick up another Katie Porter book but I was just expecting more. The HEA was too neat, and I feel like Kyle and Nate had more to say to each other.

3.5 Pants Off