This was overall a very sweet story! I absolutely fell in love with Ben (and not just for his Scottish accent although that is a major plus!) I'm normally not a huge fan of insta-love but I quite enjoyed it in this instance because Ben and Charlie were just clearly so infatuated with each other.. I also thought their banter was quite fun and sweet to read. I will say definitely check the content warnings before reading-but luckily the author was proactive in providing a content warning at the start of the book.

i previously read 'an unexpected kind of love' and absolutely adored it.

'when london snow falls' is another great MLM romance from hayden stone.

if you live a gushy romance with quite alot of MLM smut, positive and open communication, and a chosen family > toxic biological family backstory, this one is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this novel. I am rating this book based the stars due to lack of time to leave a full review. #NetGalley

This book is full of cute, sweet moments and its fair share of witty banter. Unfortunately it just fell a little flat for me. Insta-love isn't my favorite, and Charlie freaking out about Ben eventually leaving got really old really quickly.

Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for sending me an E-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I was really excited to start this book for Pride Month but unfortunately I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. The beginning started off great, I loved the cafe and indie band setting however I wasn't a fan of the insta love trope. I felt that Ben and Charlie's relationship moved very fast and think this could have been developed more for me to be fully invested in them. I also think that having Ben's POV at times could have helped with this.

It was interesting to see the family dynamic between Charlie and his parents, my heart felt for him!! I loved his relationship with his daughter and Emily they were all so cute and was nice to see Ben support him. The miscommunication in the story was so frustrating, I just wanted to shake Charlie to speak to Ben about it instead of shutting him out. But did appreciate what the author was trying to do and show that a relationship is hard work with both parties needing to put in the effort.

The spice in this book was amazing!! All I will say is there may be some yarn and bonding involved 😏

Overall there were some sweet elements however the story needed more depth to both the plot and characters.

TW: Homophopia, anxiety, addiction, drug use, emotional abuse

Well…When London Snow Falls is definitely a book…that I read.

This story had a lot of potential - I’m normally a sucker for coffee shop AU, normal-person-meets-a-famous-person type story, and this had all of the elements that I normally look for. Unfortunately, I don’t think that it successfully accomplishes its goals.

First off, I’d like to say that it’s clear that this book wasn’t designed for me and there will be many readers who connect with these characters and this story more than I did. While I had some issues with the overall structure of the book, I had a decent time reading it. I couldn’t seem to put it down (even finishing it on my lunch break at work because I was so invested). It’s a very quick read that I found mostly enjoyable.

The writing felt a little subpar to me, as if it were a draft instead of a fully finished novel. If more time had been taken during editing - and removing some of the EXTREMELY annoying repetition from Charlie - this would have been much more enjoyable. Charlie’s whole schtick got old fast. His inner monologue about not being enough would have been more impactful if he had actually learned and grew, but he was the same person the entire story. I just found myself wanting more - more story, more depth, more emotion, etc. Most of the side characters were pretty interesting, but I feel like I didn’t know anything about them - even Ben, the love interest. Ben was such a fun, unique character, and he felt one-dimensional a lot of the time. If more time was spent fleshing out his character, giving him more of a backstory, etc., I think I would have enjoyed it more.

I found the love scenes to be…a lot. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with them and found the writing to be a little cringey at times. There’s one scene in particular that took me completely out of the moment (and honestly, made me say “ew”) and it made it difficult to take some of the sex scenes seriously. I found Ben and Charlie’s dynamic to be fun and witty, and proper intimacy would have added that extra bit of legitimacy that I needed. There were also some elements of jealousy and miscommunication on Charlie’s part that irked me and made me, frankly, annoyed with his character.

While there is some anxiety and panic disorder representation in this story, the way that Charlie’s panic attacks were described felt surface level and uninformed. It felt more like when someone nonchalantly says “oh, you’re going to give me a panic attack,” when describing something that’s startling vs. from someone who’s actually experienced one. I felt similarly to Ben’s dyslexia. I’m not sure how representational this is of someone’s true experiences. It, again, felt surface level and a bit stereotypical by just saying that he *can’t* read versus exploring it further.

While the first half of When London Snow Falls fell flat for me, the latter half was significantly better and more successful. I really enjoyed reading the scenes between Charlie and his daughter, Carys; As did I enjoy the partially-Welsh setting, just on a personal level. Due to the speed in which I finished and the overall can’t-look-away factor, I’d recommend this for a quick, winter-break styled romp.

When London Snow Falls didn’t completely work for me narratively, but I still had a decent time reading it and would consider picking up more of Stone’s books in the future.

Thank you so much to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

As life is full for a person who attends university, has a barista job, a member of his own band, and other responsibilities, the idea of even dating another person is not top priority for this particular person. However, the arrival of the older, hotter, and blond musician gave a twist to the student's life. One that he is not sure if it's a welcome arrival and/or distraction from his ordinarily busy life. What happens when a supposedly one-night stand ends up being much more between two unique individuals?

This is the second book in this Hayden Stone series. Set in the same world but with different circumstances in this M/M romance. This particular couple has their own issues to take care, but both grow in their own pace in this book. Especially when the university student has major mental health issues such as anxiety and the indie musician is dyslexic. There is also cameo appearances from characters in the first book and other secondary characters that are a mixture of symbolism for the main couple. I enjoyed the sexy scenes in this book, which showed the chemistry of the main couple. It would be nice if the book has a balanced view between the university student and the indie musician throughout the story as I would have liked a different side to certain scenes in the story. Overall, a nice addition to the When Snow Falls series.

**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own.**

When London Snow Falls was a charming MM romance and my first book by this author. I will admit I had mixed feelings about the novel. The story gave us fun, witty banter, hott steamy scenes and intense family dynamics. I liked both characters, Charlie and Ben were super cute together and their story was one of insta-attraction that had me rooting for them throughout. I really felt for Charlie with all he had to deal with from his family in addition to his internal struggles and I thought Ben was perfect for him.
However I felt like there story dragged in certain places and certain parts felt repetitive. For the most part, I did enjoy the story and will recommend it to MM romance lovers.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Filled with heart and heat, this book was such a perfect getaway read! Although dealing with heavier topics like family acceptance and fighting through past mistakes, the ultimate focus on found family and surrounding yourself with people who accept you for you made this read so happy and hopeful. The anxiety rep was handled so well, and watching Charlie and Ben navigate it made me absolutely melt. This is such a soft, lovely book and I can’t wait to add it to my shelves!

𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐇.

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I really appreciate 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 for providing me with an E - ARC for 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 via 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲, but unfortunately, it didn't work out for me ://

the 𝐃𝐍𝐅 is both a me thing and a book thing. for the past couple of months, I've had a hard time immediately getting into ARCs. I'm not sure why, but usually, things start getting smoother after I push through the first five percent. for 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 though, I just couldn't do it. I pushed through the first twenty five percent in short bursts here and there ever since I first downloaded the book a couple of weeks ago, but the pacing and 'banter,' especially towards the first fifteen percent was a big no for me😅

despite that, this is one of those 𝐃𝐍𝐅𝐬 I want to come back to, because I'm in love with the concept of this book, and I desperately want to love the book just the same especially since its a mxm romance with addiction, anxiety and dyslexia representation. hopefully, I'll be able to enjoy the book more the next time I pick it up🤞🏻

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"It’s not about finding the perfect person, but the one that gets you and loves you, flaws and histories and all."

When London Snow Falls by Hayden Stone

📚REVIEW📚

18+
Charlie is a barista, a student, a dad and a musician. He is having a hard time juggling adulting, the last thing he needs is to fall inlove with an indie rocker named Ben. With a dating ban looming over his head, and his enormous list of responsibilities is he really willingly letting his inhibitions go or is he still holding onto past mistakes. Ben however is the colour to Charlie's monochrome, organised life but will Ben able to break down Charlie's walls.

This book is spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ at best, loved seeing Charlie balance his life between his responsibilities and falling in love. Swoon-worthy, hilarious and such a fabulous read.

Rating
5/5⭐

Thank you @haydenstoneauthor, @entangled_publishing and @netgalley for the ARC.

This book was very enjoyable. A smart blend of witty banter and simmering chemistry zings between Charlie and Ben. These two are super cute together and they gave me a mega case of the feels. The story kept me engaged with an enticing combination of romcom with a hefty dose of reality for an added punch. One thing is for sure, this romance gave very good swoon!

Minor Spoiler Warning
Mentions: Homophobia, death, mental illness, alcohol, and drug use

When London Snow Falls is an adult mlm contemporary queer romance. The story follows Charlie, a university student and a part time guitarist and barista. Charlie meets Ben, a lead singer of a rising band. But despite Ben’s loveable personality and their shared interests, Charlie’s pensiveness due to his current situation and messy past prevents him from pursuing a romantic relationship with Ben. In the book, we will witness Charlie’s journey on battling depression and anxiety and overcoming his dark past.

I normally would avoid books that are about a heist or music bands because most of the books of that focus ended up disappointing me. Despite that, I went into this book with such high expectations since I liked the preceding book-An Unexpected Kind of Love. I rated the book 3 stars. I enjoyed the book but there are also aspects that I did not like.

The ambience of the book really set the mood. I love how I just feel cozy reading snowy London. I definitely liked the steamy scenes. If you’re looking for a smutty read, then this is for you. I especially love the main characters. I care so much for Charlie and Ben. Charlie’s internal and external struggles and his relationship with his family. It shows how the author took time in studying and understanding Charlie as a character, it was well executed and deeply relatable as well as the socio-political struggles discussed. Ben was just adorable and so lovable and the banters between our main characters were hilarious and fun to read.

I did not like the writing style. I thought it was a bit flat and some character lines seemed forced in a way that made it cringey for me and that’s not a good sign especially if you’re only a few pages in. Side characters were of course mentioned, and inadequate conversations were thrown but I expected more. I would have liked it if the author gave more attention and made them more involved. I think it’s safe to say that the book falls into the insta-love (or lust) trope which is a trope that I don’t particularly like since I’m more of a slow-burn and enemies-to-lovers kind of reader but that’s on me. Lastly, way too many words and information repetition. Very distracting and unnecessary.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and the different themes shown and discussed, the mental health representation. It was both fun and angsty.

This is a story about opening yourself to possibility.  Charlie Renfrew's life is completely full -- he is simultaneously attending university, working a full-time job as a barista, and playing with his band.  So he has instituted a dating ban, in order to keep himself from being even tempted by distractions.  One day, though, a charming and very attractive man shows up in the line at the coffee shop where Charlie works and starts flirting with him.  Charlie soon realizes the man in Ben Campell, the lead singer of an up-and-coming band.  

Much as he tries, Charlie cannot ignore his connection to Ben.  So despite the self-imposed dating ban, Charlie finds himself falling for Ben -- and decides that he is willing to consider dating him as long as it is still winter, with the understanding that, once the snow stops falling, Ben will go back to concentrating on the other parts of his life.  But much like the weather, Charlie soon finds that his feelings are not so easily controlled -- and that Ben may just be the sunshine he needs in his complicated, often gloomy, life.

This is a very enjoyable book!  I was a huge fan of the author's last book, An Unexpected Kind of Love, so I was excited to read this one.  It is a whole different set of characters (though exists in the same universe of Aubrey Barnes), but still has the same hallmarks of what made the last book so good -- a charming and flawed main character, a compelling love interest that can see the good in the main character that he often can't see in himself, and a palpable sense of connection between the two.  The author did an excellent job of portraying both how Charlie was most often his own worst enemy and the reasons, from his past to his family, that he had trouble seeing what type of life he deserved.

Strongly recommended!

Charlie Renfrew is not looking for much out of his hectic and all-too-stressful life. Trying to balance his university studies, his full-time job at a coffee shop, and his band, he does not have time, or money, for anything else in his life and has committed to not even considering a relationship. Then, he meets Ben Campbell at his coffee shop. Much to Charlie's surprise, Ben seems interested in him -- and Charlie finds his resolve slipping. But as much as he likes Ben, Charlie cannot get past all the reasons in his head that it won't work out. Will Ben follow his head or listen to his heart, Ben, and his friends who are all pushing him to accept that he deserves happiness.

Charlie and Ben are both compelling main characters. The book does a great job of both depicting their relationship -- why they are drawn to each other and why Charlie is so reluctant to move forward. This charming, winter-set story that will have you reaching for your hot chocolate while you read it.

Highly recommended!

Don’t let the illustrated cover fool you, “When London Snow Falls” is a cute rom-com that doesn’t skip on the spice.

Like all of us when we’re young, Charlie is trying to find his way in this crazy world. A barista by day and an inspiring musician by night, he meets the sweet and swoon worthy Ben. The two have an instant kind of love connection.

I instantly liked Charlie and Ben from the moment I started reading their story. They both are cute and want so much from life. But they aren’t afraid to work for it which is a huge plus for me. Charlie and Ben are opposites but it works for them. They balance each other out and make each other better. Hayden Stone did a great job creating a heartfelt story that will be relatable to most who read it.

Ben and Charlie both have a lot of pain from the past holding them back. Following them as they get closer and develop things between while dealing with these issues made for interesting story. It took a bit to get into it at first but I am glad I stuck it out to the end.

This is an absolutely incredible read that everyone needs to add to their TBRs! This is the second book in the series (the first is An Unexpected Kind of Love) and this sequel is just as brilliant. I devoured this one in a day while laying outside getting some sunburn on my legs -ouch, it’s definitely not snowing in the UK! I loved reading about Ben’s knitting, and Charlie, bless his heart, is an absolute hot mess of a guy.

Go read this series now!

Thank you to Entangled for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of "When London Snow Falls" by Hayden Stone.

Charlie Renfrew is a student/barista/musician/dad with the last taking the most precedence in his life. He has so much going on in his life that there is no time for anything else let alone dating. That is until Ben comes into his cafe for a drink. Ben is not the type of guy that would normally, at least in Charlie's opinion, be into Charlie so he leaps at the chance for something when they meet each other for a third time. But this relationship may only last while snow is falling in London, and that doesn't last for long.

I love the way that Stone writes his characters, they always have depth and usually there is something very interesting about them that draws you in, like a musician who loves knitting or an actor who tells stories through photography. His characters are also never without a full life story and background that eventually comes to the surface. This story definitely covers heavy themes wrapped up in the usual romance.

My one big complaint is how often the characters talk about the background fading away when they kiss. The first time it was sweet, the second, third and fourth, not so much. It would have been nicer to have this part seen and not told (someone bumping into them or tapping them on the shoulder or something rather than Charlie thinking about how he has forgotten where he is and forgotten everything except Ben).

Overall this was an enjoyable read that I was able to gobble up quickly. I did want to come back to it as I read and was invested in the characters' happiness as we got to know both Ben and Charlie. I gave this book 4 stars.

Thank you Netgalley and Entangled for this arc.

When London Snow Falls is the second book in Hayden Stone’s When Snow Falls series but can be read as a stand alone. It’s an m/m romance with the sunshine/grump trope and a rockstar trope. Very good mental health rep in this with the main character Charlie.

Charlie is a young man in school in London. He struggles with anxiety and trying to provide for his daughter Carys and her mother who is his best friend that live in Wales. He also plays in a band and works on a coffee shop. One day a costumer walk in and he was pretty rude. Even so that costumer and Charlie are very intrigued by each other. Charlie realizes the customer was a member of an up and coming band Ben Campbell while his anxiety grows he can’t help but diving head first into a romance with him. Will Charlie’s past and mental health get in the way of his happiness.?

This romance was an enjoyable read. Loved the anxiety rep in this one. This is the one I am must used to and related to it so much. Charlie’s mental state was hard to read but so realistic. Not only his thoughts on his relationship with Ben but his thoughts on falling Carys, on his education and all the things in his life was a heart wrenching read. Ben and Charlie as a couple where cute and sex scene 🥵. Great chemistry and I really enjoyed when Ben tried to help Charlie out of certain situations. Loved how the ending played out even though I wasn’t a fan of the third act break up. I just thought that was a great way to wrap it up. Really related to Charlie and enjoy most of the other characters, of course barring a few exceptions. The anxiety rep in this, Ben and Charlie and little Carys where probably my favorite things in this.

A four star read for me.