I read Riley and Ian’s story a little while ago, and although time has made some of the details fuzzy, I really enjoyed visiting them a few years after the fact. This short story does give away a few parts of the series that I haven’t yet read, but not enough that I’d call spoilers. And, honestly, it was just really nice to read about the Dare clan and their happily ever afters. Particularly since it is set at Christmas.
With two young children of my own, and reading this at Christmas, I can completely sympathise with Riley’s level of exhaustion. Particularly around the holidays when you are trying to juggle extra familial obligations and making that time of year magical and beautiful. Honestly, the moment when Ian just decides that they should have an extra set of hired helping hands around the house… man, I wish we had that kind of money.
This was a cute, fun, short look back into the lives of all of those in the Dare to Love series. I also love that it was a reminder of what Christmas can look like for those with a big, chaotic family. Mine might not be quite that big, but that chaotic, joyful feeling is still captured perfectly within the pages of this story.
Reading this, it’s really obvious that Wyatt should’ve told Andie his feelings years ago when he first had them. Because, bleugh, so much angst and silliness. Plus, you know, the fact that he made decisions that weren’t actually great for his mental health because of the whole not telling her thing. However, then I wouldn’t have had the pleasure of reading this absolutely amazing story. One that was really, really cute and sweet. And that I enjoyed ridiculously. There’s a reason I’ve been loving Susannah Nix books.
Andie and Wyatt are that perfect friends to lovers, best friend’s brother trope. I love that they grew up together and had feelings for each other pretty much forever. Plus, there’s the whole keeping things secret drama that works perfectly. I mean, it leads to some bone headed moments from Wyatt, but that’s exactly what I love about reading romances – there are some doubtful moments that make you smile and appreciate the battles we all have to face over our own stupidity. Plus, the bone headed moments often remind me that I don’t actually make the dumbest decisions in the whole, wide world. Even if sometimes I don’t make the smartest decisions…
Even though there is a lot of external conflict (hiding the relationship, Andie’s brother, etc.) most of the conflict that threatens the relationship throughout this novel is actually Wyatt’s own issues. His self-confidence, which has been beaten down by his horrible father top the list. That, and the fact that others’ accidentally reinforce this idea. It made it a little bit sad to read in moments when he obviously doesn’t feel that he deserves to be loved and cared for. That, and the fact that his own self-confidence is what’s constantly holding him back in life in general. I love that Andie is quickly able to recognise this and help him find his own way in life and work towards some goals that he actually wants to accomplish.
My Cone and Only is the beginning of the King Family series, and I can’t wait to find out more about the King brothers. Particularly as the King patriarch is an absolute douche. And I look forward to finding out more about how his self-centred nature has negatively impacted his children. And how they all find their own happily ever afters to completely ignore his influence…
Ani is one of my favourite secondary characters throughout the whole Wicked Lovely series. I mean, she’s a fire cracker, and a really fun character. Plus, as the stories unfold, you realise that she has a whole lot more power than previously understood. Then there’s Devin, he’s a bit more of a mystery, but also a character that I very much liked. I always felt kind of bad for him as to his treatment by his sisters. Which meant that reading their story and how they are both able to reshape a lot of the world of the fae was really enjoyable. They might both flirt with the grey lines of morality, but that’s honestly how I generally love my characters. And it was certainly how I loved both Ani and Devin – guided by morality that might not quite hold up in a human court.
As with every story in the Wicked Lovely world, this novel bought to light more and more layers of the different courts and politics that run rampant. I love that for every book I read, Marr is able to layer in more details and intrigues. The Higher Court was one that I really wanted to know a whole lot more about, and just how Scorcha’s decisions in Fragile Eternity are going to impact the rest of the world. The changes that can be felt at the very beginning of this story with Aislinn in Wicked Lovely seem to be gaining traction as well. Both of which to combine to make Radiant Shadows feel like a book that is perched on the precipice of change. Change that I am seriously keen to learn more about!
Not only did Radiant Shadows highlight some of the consequences of the actions in the past stories, but it also foreshadows the potential for future conflicts. It’s a great way to build up to the finale of this series. And it meant, that, although this story finishes out nicely without any cliffhangers, it did finish with that lingering sense of the unfinished. Plus, there is now a huge separation between the real world and Fae – again, something that I can’t wait to see how it translates throughout the rest of this series. Radiant Shadows is all about changing the playing board and making way for Bananch to finally be removed from everyone’s displeasure. At least, that’s how it felt to me.
There were a few hints to some of the actions that occurred throughout this story in Cotton Candy Skies. Because, as usual, I did read things slightly out of order. Yet, even with some of those hints, this was a very intense and enjoyable journey. One that still surprised me. And, honestly, the reveals that I read about in Cotton Candy Skies, they just meant that some of the more horrible moments had their edges a little dulled. Probably something that I needed, because there were points in this which made me want to cry, just a little.
There is so much darkness in this, but what do you expect from a book that is called Radiant Shadows? Yet, Ani’s strength and determination provide points of light and joy throughout. I love that this story deals so heavily with the Dark Court and the more negative emotions that people experience – grief, horror, and confusion. Even through this all, Ani is able to be amazing and shine a light, even in the darkest moments. Probably why I just like her so much as a character. And this story so much – she gets her place in the world and happily ever after.
I’m not going to lie, the idea of a New Year’s Eve proposal is kind of cliché. And thus, reading about them also often feels a little cliché. However, I did really like this one. I mean, it involved a dog, a quickie in the closet and a fair amount of chaos. Why wouldn’t I enjoy such a tale? Plus, it’s a wonderful reminder of just how easy it can be between two people who are perfect for one another.
Decidedly with Paws sets up the storyline for Kelsey in Decidedly Off-Limits, and I’m already completely intrigued as to how her love story is going to go. I loved reading this short story as an introduction to a new author and new series. This was incredibly cute and easy to read, which made it perfect for my frame of mind lately. And, bumped it up my wanting to read portion of my TBR.
Erin and Darren are incredibly cute together. And I love that, although the ex showing up and the communication difficulties, there is ultimately no question of their eventual happiness. Rather, the challenges just up the stakes and change Darren’s timeline a little. Seriously, this was an incredibly cute and fun short story, and now I can’t wait to read more in the world of Lindenblatt.
As with a few of the stories in the Wrap Me Up Collection, I’m not entirely sure how this fits in as a Christmas story. I mean, it was a good story. And it was in the right time of year, but there really wasn’t any kind of Christmas theme. Rather, it was a bit of a visit into the Cruel world. One that I do look forward to visiting again, even if it feels like a lot of the people in this universe are kind of arseholes.
Although I plan to read Cruel Money and more of the Cruel series, I am a little on the fence about how I felt about this short story. I absolutely loved the writing, but I didn’t love the characters. I also felt like this story was a little bit unfinished. I mean, there are hints that both of the characters are going to get their happy endings. But can’t quite reach it yet. Again, it makes me want to try out the series and see how it unfolds.
This was a great marriage of convenience story with a bit of a twist. There isn’t an immediate moment of clarity and joy between the two characters. In fact, you finish this short story with both of them still kind of hating on one another. With just one or two walls crumbling. I’m fascinated to read more of their tale in Cruel Marriage.
This short story felt like a bit of a prologue to a longer second chance love story. Although, I don’t think that that’s what it actually was. But, even if I have to live with that disappointment, I love that this is part of a series that I get to dive into. Particularly since the Anti-Cinderella Chronicles features some of the fun side characters from this short story.
For all that this was a fun romance, it might just be the puppy yoga that was my favourite and most memorable part of this story. Mostly because it’s something I’ve always wanted to try. And then I would probably adopt all of the dogs… I’m not really sure how Daisy didn’t decide to take home every single dog she possibly could!
There is something so dang Hallmark about Christmas stories, and a lot of them don’t quite poke fun at this. I love that Kandle spent the whole time poking fun at the similarities. It made the story not only a little more approachable, but gave me a good giggle throughout. Now I can’t wait to dive more into the writings of Tawrda Kandle.
Her Pretend Christmas Date was a really fun little Christmas novella. I mean, I do love a bit of that whole fake relationship trope. But the fact that Julie asks the absolutely horrible blind date to be her fake boyfriend made it all that much better. Plus, it’s just fun to read about a couple that on paper don’t work at all. But, in reality, are actually a really phenomenal match.
I did feel kind of bad for Julie in this story, I mean, having your family constantly question your decisions and choices must be exhausting. I may not love the idea of lying to ones family to get them off your back. But, in Julie’s case, I completely understand. Particularly when the desperate request actually ends up in a pretty wonderful happily ever after.
To contrast Julie’s love of life and chaos, Tom was a wee bit of a stick in the mud. Again, total opposites attract story line. But I did love how, even though he is fairly inflexible, he absolutely adores how Julie constantly drags him out of his comfort zone. And the different ways in which she does that. Personally, I also kind of love when someone drags me out of my comfort zone, but I’m also someone who is a little bit off kilter at times.
This novella was completely predictable, but seriously enjoyable. I mean, it had all of the fun Christmas vibes and the sweet romance. But, add to that it also had just enough spice and action to keep in interesting. I also loved reading about how different people from different parts of the world celebrate Christmas. Something I’m always fascinated by.
Mia and Ty are a really wonderful couple and one of those that I really enjoyed from the very beginning. I love that there is such combustible heat between them, but Mia is still able to stand on her own two feet. I mean, I get being all consumed by passion and emotion, but I love that even in the midst of this, Mia is able to figure out what she wants and needs in her own life. Plus, she’s also going toe to toe with a guy that everyone else is scared of – I love my women being strong willed and more than a little kick arse.
At the very beginning of this story, I thought that there was a bit of a Meet Cute between Mia and her future mate. And that it was all just a misunderstanding that he was knocking down the door. This opinion really quickly changed to one of horror – and I’m glad that the first male that Mia meets isn’t actually her mate, but her nemesis. I mean, Griss is one nasty SOB. And then Ty and his brother appear, and you get the whole sense of found family and everything feels a little more content.
At the beginning of this story, and having glanced at the blurb, I was expecting this to be a fairly calm and easy read. I was so very wrong. There was a whole lot more violence and aggression throughout this than what I was expecting. And, this story does come with a trigger warning at the beginning. I just wasn’t anticipating this level of trigger warning based content if I’m being completely honest. Not that it was a bad thing, it definitely upped the stakes and pulled me further and further into the world of the Grayslake Bears.
The concept of this – the Maid of Honor and Best man at a Christmas wedding was way too cute. Particularly when it was a bit of an enemies to lovers story alongside that. It was such a joy to read about the conflict between the two characters from both points of view. It just highlighted how all of the conflict came from perceptions and prejudice. Rather than either of them having an actual reason for their antagonism toward one another.
Most of the romances that I’ve read lately might have an antagonist, but generally its more of a situational antagonist, or a point of internal conflict. I love that in the case of this Christmas romance, the biggest hurdle is actually the mother. She is truly horrible, and I can’t wait to see how all of the hints at her depravation unfold throughout the rest of this series. This novella definitely introduced the mother as a villain, but then there was no revenge or comeuppance – because I think she’ll be a series long villain!
As with many of the Christmas romances that I’ve read lately – I loved the setting of this story. I mean, being stuck in the honeymoon suite at a winter wonderland? As someone who has never had a white Christmas, it is definitely something that seems dreamy and like a departure from reality. Exactly the setting you want when two people get to slowly fall in love. Add in that they’re getting ready for a wedding… delicious.
I like that this is a short story that features a rockstar and an actress in a happy marriage – the drama within this is more external than internal, something that is refreshing every now and then. I did get the idea that this is almost a little bit of an epilogue, so that kind of helped with the joy and contentment of the characters. And I love that they figure that adopting a dog is a really lovely next step. It’s incredibly cute and sweet.
I love that there is that moment of serendipity in this story – Knox always wanted a dog named Waffles, so Irina finds one. It’s an incredibly cute and sweet moment of fate. And I absolutely loved that they find a way to complete their little family at an adoption drive – without quite planning to.
Irina and Knox are both really fun characters. I look forward to reading more about their love story and discovering how they got to this happy place. It might not have been a very Christmassy short story, but it was definitely a sweet one.
Earth and Skye 