Bare Under the Mistletoe

£3.59

Escape to a holiday romance where the greatest gift is the freedom to be yourself.

Heartbroken architect Liam books a two-week nudist cruise to escape a lonely Christmas. On the sun-drenched MS Odyssey, he forms a life-changing friendship with vibrant Chloe and falls for Mateo, a soulful Spanish artist who sees the real man beneath his carefully constructed walls. Under the stars, they share a Christmas and New Year’s of profound intimacy and liberation, forging a connection that feels destined to last.

When the voyage ends, a surprising offer gives Liam and Mateo a chance to turn their holiday romance into a lifetime: to design and build a revolutionary, clothing-optional eco-resort on a private island. Throwing caution to the wind, they embark on a daring adventure, trading their old lives for the challenge of creating a sanctuary called “Aura.”

“Bare Under the Mistletoe” is a sweeping, sensual, and deeply emotional story about love, courage, and building a legacy. Follow Liam and Mateo as they navigate the storms of creation, defend their utopian vision, and discover that the strongest foundation is the love they build together. It’s a tale of shedding insecurities, embracing authenticity, and discovering that the most beautiful life is the one you build with your own hands and heart.

Ideal for fans of heartfelt LGBTQ+ romance, stories of second chances, and narratives about building a better world.

Discover the love story that dared to shed everything—and built a paradise from the courage to be truly seen.

Reserved architect Liam Forrester is facing a holiday season of quiet heartbreak. On an impulse to escape, he books a two-week “Bare Essentials” nudist cruise over Christmas and New Year’s. It’s a world away from his structured London life—a sun-drenched sanctuary with one rule: authenticity.

From the moment he steps aboard the MS Odyssey, Liam’s world is turned inside out. Stripped of his professional armor and social expectations, he forms a fast friendship with Chloe, a witty travel writer, and feels an undeniable, magnetic pull toward Mateo, a charismatic Spanish artist who leads the ship’s workshops. Mateo sees the quiet light in Liam that everyone else has missed, including Liam himself.

What begins as a liberating holiday escape blossoms into a profound connection under the Caribbean stars. Liam explores new facets of his bisexuality with a tenderness and passion he never thought possible. He and Mateo share midnight dances, intimate conversations in saunas, and private invitations that spark a romance as deep as the ocean surrounding them. Together with Chloe, they form an unbreakable pact of friendship and support, celebrating a Christmas and New Year’s filled with more joy and intimacy than Liam ever imagined.

But the magic doesn’t end when the cruise docks. A powerful offer from a mysterious benefactor presents Liam and Mateo with an audacious, life-changing proposal: to become the lead architect and artist-in-residence for a visionary new naturist resort on a private Caribbean island. Throwing caution to the warm trade winds, they choose each other and this impossible dream, leaving their old lives behind to build a new world from the ground up.

“Bare Under the Mistletoe” is a sweeping, heartfelt saga that follows their journey from passionate connection to enduring partnership. Witness Liam and Mateo as they navigate the thrilling and daunting task of creating “Aura,” a sanctuary dedicated to freedom, community, and environmental harmony. They face logistical nightmares, philosophical clashes, and the relentless pressure of the outside world trying to commodify their dream. Through it all, their love—for each other and for their radical vision—becomes the unshakable foundation for something extraordinary.

This is more than a holiday romance. It is a story about the courage to be vulnerable, the transformative power of chosen family, and building a legacy of love that extends far beyond two people. It’s about finding your true self and having the bravery to live that truth out loud, surrounded by those who celebrate you.

Perfect for readers who loved the emotional depth of Red, White & Royal Blue, the transformative journey of The House in the Cerulean Sea, and the sensual, found-family warmth of TJ Klune’s tales.

Escape into a world where love is the ultimate adventure, walls are meant to be torn down, and the most beautiful connections begin when you dare to be bare.

3 reviews for Bare Under the Mistletoe

  1. admin

    Name: Cassandra Rivers
    Email: cassandra.reads@gmail.com
    Title: “More Than a Romance—It’s a Blueprint for a Better Life”
    Rating: ★★★★★

    I picked up “Bare Under the Mistletoe” expecting a steamy, escapist holiday romance. What I got was so much more profound. Yes, the connection between Liam and Mateo is electric, sensual, and beautifully written. Their journey from nervous strangers on a ship to life partners is the core of a masterfully told love story. But this book transcends the genre. It’s about the architecture of the soul. Liam’s journey from a man defined by blueprints and loss to a creator of a living, breathing community moved me to tears on multiple occasions. Mateo is not just a love interest; he’s a force of nature who teaches through art and presence.

    The real magic is how the story expands. It doesn’t end with a “happily ever after” kiss. It asks, “What comes after the ‘ever after’?” The second half, detailing the creation of the Aura resort, is a stunning meditation on integrity, sustainability, and what it means to build a legacy of love that impacts everyone it touches. Chloe is the best friend every reader wishes they had. This book made me examine my own walls and yearn for a more authentic connection with the world. It’s hopeful, wise, and incredibly satisfying. A modern classic.

  2. admin

    Name: Ben Carter
    Email: bcarter.arch@gmail.com
    Title: “A Triumph of Heart and Vision”
    Rating: ★★★★★

    As a gay man and an urban planner, this novel spoke to me on levels I didn’t anticipate. The author’s understanding of the creative process—both in art and architecture—is remarkable. The relationship between Liam and Mateo is a perfect metaphor for the marriage of form and function, logic and emotion, that defines great design. Their conflicts feel real and earned, and their resolutions are deeply gratifying.

    The setting is a character in itself. The descriptions of the cruise and later the island are so vivid I could feel the sun and smell the salt air. The depiction of a nudist/naturist environment is handled with exceptional grace, focusing on the psychology of liberation and community rather than mere titillation. It normalized an experience I knew little about in a beautiful way. The supporting cast, especially Chloe, adds humor and heart. The last third of the book, dealing with legacy and permanence, left me with a profound sense of peace. This isn’t just a romance novel; it’s a manifesto for living a intentional, brave, and connected life. Simply magnificent.

  3. admin

    Name: Maya Singh
    Email: maya.s.booknook@outlook.com
    Title: “The Holiday Read That Stayed With Me All Year”
    Rating: ★★★★★

    I devoured this book over the Christmas period, and its warmth has stayed with me for months. “Bare Under the Mistletoe” is the ultimate feel-good read, but with incredible substance. The bisexual representation is handled with such nuance and normalcy—Liam’s journey feels authentic and relatable. The Christmas and New Year’s celebrations on the ship are some of the most joyous, inclusive holiday scenes I’ve ever read.

    The evolution from a cruise-ship romance to a decades-spanning epic of creation and love is breathtaking in its scope. I fell in love with Liam, Mateo, Chloe, and their entire island family. The themes of environmental stewardship, ethical business, and creating safe, welcoming spaces are woven seamlessly into the narrative without ever feeling preachy. It’s a story that believes in the goodness of people and the power of love to literally change the landscape. It made me laugh, cry happy tears, and most of all, it made me hope. This is a special book, and I will be recommending it to everyone looking for a story that nourishes the soul.

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