Tag Archives: Christmas

Flirting with the Scrooge by Gia Stevens

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Flirting with the Scrooge
Author: Gia Stevens
Series: Harbor Highlands #6
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Grumpy-sunshine romances are always a well-loved trope in my bookshelves. And I love that this is a Scrooge-Christmas lover romance. I’m absolutely obsessed with the idea of someone who is Christmas obsessed ending up with someone who is completely against it. It might be the final book in this series (currently), but it was a great introduction to the Harbor Highlands for me. One that has made me dive into the rest of the series with gusto.

On top of the wonderful tropes in this story that I seriously appreciated, is the fact that the male lead is a hidden rockstar. It’s an intriguing plot device, although at first, it does make him act like a bit of a douche canoe. I mean, he is an absolute tosser to Tatum when they first meet. But, luckily, reading this from his point of view, lets you understand just why he is such a fool.

Tatum’s relationship with her sister is absolutely brilliant. I love that her and Olivia are obviously best friends, and they constantly have each others’ back. Plus, both the sisters have a whole lot of attitude and spunk. It’s always nice to read a book that has well-written female relationships. Ones that aren’t competitive and negative, but rather, the ones that are supportive and loving.

I always like to spend my December reading Christmas stories – it is helpful to get into the spirit. But, this was definitely the most Christmassy story that I’ve read in a while. It was fun and light. Filled with characters I couldn’t help but feel connected with. And now I want to know more about the other characters that make up the Harbor Highlands series, and their romances.

<- Flirting with the Bad BoyMore Gia Stevens ->

Image source: Goodreads

A Very Dare Christmas by Carly Phillips

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: A Very Dare Christmas
Author: Carly Phillips
Series: Dare to Love #6.5
In: Wrap Me Up (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

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.

<- SnowboundOne Cruel Wedding ->

Image source: Amazon

Decidedly with Paws by Stina Lindenblatt

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Decidedly with Paws
Author: Stina Lindenblatt
Series: By the Bay #0.5
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

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.

<- Make Me BegThe Howliday Contract ->

Image source: Goodreads

Make Me Beg by Tawdra Kandle

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Make Me Beg
Author: Tawdra Kandle
Series: The Anti-Cinderella Chronicles #3.6
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

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.

<- Too Nice to be NaughtyDecidedly with Paws ->

Image source: Goodreads

Her Pretend Christmas Date by Jackie Lau

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Her Pretend Christmas Date
Author: Jackie Lau
Series: Cider Bar Sisters #2.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2020

Thoughts

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.

<- His Grumpy Childhood FriendThe Professor Next Door ->

Image source: Goodreads

Under the Stars by Kris Jayne

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Under the Stars
Author: Kris Jayne
Series: Lone Star Crossed Saga #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2023

Thoughts

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.

<- More Kris JayneCross My Heart ->

Image source: Goodreads

Ruff Day for the Rockstar by Christina Hovland

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Ruff Day for the Rockstar
Author: Christina Hovland
Series: Mile High Rocked #3.5
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

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.

<- Snaps with SantaToo Nice to be Naughty ->

Image source: Goodreads

Snowbound by Catherine Cowles

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Snowbound
Author: Catherine Cowles
Series: Tattered & Torn #0.5
In: Wrap Me Up (Miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This was a much shorter story than I was anticipating from the opening. There was a lot of drama and information – so I thought that it would be a much longer story. But it worked really well being so short. There was a lot of drama and action, so you can’t help but turn the pages as quick as possible as you rush to the end. Plus, since there’s a whole heap of backstory that is shown in a very short amount of time, you pretty much jump straight into the drama and romance. Which is sometimes nice.

Although this is set at Christmas, it’s not really much of a Christmas story. Honestly, if I hadn’t read it in a Christmas collection (Wrap Me Up), I wouldn’t have even realised that it was based at that time of year. Mostly the whole Christmas thing lends itself to the atmosphere and the snow, not really anything else. Whilst I would have loved a whole heap more Christmas celebrations, it still worked wonderfully.

It scares me how often I read stories about women who, to start the drama are on the run from a stalker. It’s honestly not a surprising trope as it happens more often than I want to think about. I also found that the stalker in this was particularly unpleasant and upsetting. I don’t know what it was about Cowles’ writing of the bad guy that was so creepy, but I was definitely grateful for the ending and intrigued to see if Cowles can get the goosebumps raised with her other works…

<- Christmas Shopping for a BillionaireA Very Dare Christmas ->

Image source: Amazon

All I Want by J.H. Croix

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: All I Want
Author: J.H. Croix
Series: Haven’s Bay #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

There is always something fun and cute about Christmas romances which feature a couple stranded together. They’re pretty much always cute, and seriously fun. The fact that they’re two people with a history, and not just an insta-love story makes it all that much cuter. I loved reading this, and it reminds me why I decided to add as many J.H. Croix books to my shelves as possible when I first got to read their work.

I did find the fact that Audrey admits that she was just “settling” for her fiancé a little bit harsh. I mean, it works out well and gives her the chance to move onto who she really wants. But, I still found the fact that she would settle for someone to be a bit more of a character flaw than I wanted. Although, it was also nice that she didn’t have to spend much of this story marinating in her hurt about her ex’s actions. I mean, seriously, how gross!

For all of Audrey’s flaws, Dallas is a great match for him. Even if he is a bit of a fool. I mean, I always hate it (in reality and on the pages) when people stubbornly stick to their preconceived notions. In the case of Dallas, its his idea that people will be disappointed if he’s with Audrey and that she’s entirely off limits. I mean, come on, I need to stop finding characters I love who just make decisions for the women in their life without talking to them. Or thinking things through.

There was a whole lot of history between the characters wrapped up in this story. I love how Croix is able to give their history, whilst still keeping you in the now and the moment. It made this less of an insta-love story, but a second chance romance. One set at Christmas, enclosed in a small space together. Fantastic and enjoyable. Definitely one I will read again.

<- More J.H. CroixAll I Need ->

Image source: Amazon

Tess’ Tasty Treats by Kameron Claire

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Tess’ Tasty Treats
Author: Kameron Claire
Series: Veteran K9 Team #8.5
In: Chasing Holiday Tail (miscellaneous)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This was a really sweet little short story, and a nice bit of a prequel to another book. I mean, I’m not entirely sure which of the Veteran K9 Teams books this is a prequel to. Which, just means that I will have to read the whole series. I like that this is the beginning of Tess and Logan’s relationship, but there is so much more that is going to happen. After all, this is just the Meet Cute and the first moments of attraction…

This might be a short story that is based around Christmas time, but, like most of the other short stories in the Chasing Holiday Tail collection, it was more about the charity event. Which, I suppose, most people want to give back at that time of year. I would have liked a little more Christmas to the story, but it was still seriously enjoyable.

Although I enjoyed this story, I did find it a little instalove with how quickly Logan focuses in on Tess. And then, just decides that she’s the one. I mean, it’s a nice little story, but I would’ve liked the two characters getting to know each other a little more before deciding that they were meant to be. All in all though, this was a fun introduction to Claire’s writing and definitely encourages me to want to read more of her work!

<- Lady and the ScampSanta Claws is Coming ->

Image source: Goodreads