Grumble Monkey and the Department Store Elf

Super cute Christmas short story. Nick is bitter and pessimistic, but there's a bit of kindness in him. Kit has been having a horrible time and ends up stranded. Even when all is bleak he still exudes happiness. Not too long together and Kit starts to change Nick's perspective. The ending left me with a smile and feeling hopeful.
Adult read

If 'Grumble Monkey and the Department Store Elf' is a typical example of the writing style of B.G. Thomas, then I will definitely be reading more of this author's work. He has incorporated two of my favorite types of characters, the grumpy curmudgeon, and the young, flamboyantly gay man. He has mixed them together on Christmas Eve, stuck driving together in horrible snow and sleet conditions, and shaken them up a bit to see what comes of the mixing. Ahhhh, such fun!
Nick is a thirty-two year old businessman. A rather uptight businessman, if you ask me. Nick is the kind of man who doesn't go to gay pride events. Why should he? Straight people don't have pride days. Ridiculous concept. He despises outlandishly gay men for perpetuating the stereotypes and people with silly nicknames. So when he meets Kit (short for Kitten, because his sister couldn't pronounce Keaton), and he's wearing a giant elf hat and rhinestones on his jeans, it's a wonder Nick actually agrees to give him a ride since Kit's car broke down. It's sort of incredible what can happen when two different people are stuck in an adventure together. Kit starts to break down some of Nick's reserves and Nick looks at Kit a whole lot differently.
Interestingly enough, Nick and Kit have a very common ground. Art. Nick is an art dealer with a well known gallery in New York, and Kit is in his final classes at the Art Institute of Chicago. Fate? Kismet? It was funny to watch Nick realize that all these things he \"professed\" to hate, were really things his wealthy and standoffish parents had hated. Since they kicked Nick out at twenty-two for being gay, it didn't matter what they thought or felt so why had he hobbled himself all these years? Kit reminded him of hope, of optimism, of joy, and of love.
This is a great Christmas story. I enjoyed watching the dynamic between these two men and the changes they each brought to the other. A newfound peace within himself for Nick and a touch of maturity and confidence for Kit. Thank you, B.G., for great characters and a lovely story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews

Review posted on Books on Silver Wings blog.
Grumpy Nick wants to be in San Francisco on Christmas Day but he's stuck in a snow storm from hell. He meets cheerful Kit who wants to go home for Christmas and Nick gives him a ride despite the fact that he can't stand Kit's cheery attitude.
The MCs are two extremes on opposite poles of personality. When the POV switches and both MCs get a turn to speak, their different life outlooks are really apparent. Kit is definitely more vibrant, full of life and possibilities, while Nick is the pessimist.
I don't like Nick's character. He's too grumpy for me. The reason why he's rushing to go to San Francisco for Christmas Day is a surprise at the end because I didn't get the depressing vibe from Nick at all. I'm glad that Nick finds Kit and rediscovers doing what he love and surrounding himself with love and Kit's art works.
Overall, this is a really fun, entertaining read that's uplifting and perfect for the holiday season.
*review copy received in exchange for an honest review*

I bought this book for 3 reasons. 1st - \"Grumble Monkey?\" I mean, come on, admit you're at least a little bit curious. 2nd - It's B.G. Thomas, you just KNOW you're going to be entertained. And 3rd - It's a Christmas story, it's that time of year, I NEEDED to read it!
A lot is packed into this quick, realistic read; packed yes, but NOT crammed. The author easily allows the imagination to conjure each scene as it unfolds and naturally progresses to the next. The aspects of denial, self-awareness, character assassination, love, acceptance, and much more are all utilized and ingeniously presented. The characterizations are descriptive without interrupting the steady course of the story, allowing them to become endearing to the reader. The characters are really quite charming; yes, even Grumble Monkey.
Before starting out on your adventure of reading this quaint little tale, be sure you have a supply of tissues because you'll surely need them; in a positive way, of course.