Reread November 2021: Had to pick this up again. Love it just the same. Lucy and Cooper foreverrrrrr.

A MUST READ.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

But really. A one sitting, absolutely loved every moment, kinda read. Sarah Adams best book [yet]. I LOVED IT SO MUCH.

Honestly, I feel like that should be the review. Just trust me. But, I’ll give you more.

I haven’t read many brother’s best friend trope books and this one nailed it. From the moment Cooper and Lucy meet, their chemistry flew off the charts. The sexy and fun banter was *chef’s kiss*. The antics they got into literally had me laughing out loud multiple times. I never laugh at books. This one brought out all the chuckles. I really fell for both of these characters and what they brought to the relationship. Everything was so tender and precious and I just want to read this book again for the first time. That’s my level of appreciation for this story.

The supportive family and friends was a wonderful change of pace. I like how those surrounding Lucy loved and cared for her throughout some difficult situations. Even when Cooper entered the picture, he never made her feel less and y’all, *swwwwooooooonnn*.

If you’re looking for a beautifully wonderful low steam (no outright love scenes, open or closed), give you all the fuzzy feelings kinda read. THIS IS IT. It brought me out of a slump I didn’t even know I was in and let me enjoy a fantastic romance for a few hundred pages. Oh this was the best.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses / make-outs; implied scene at the very end

AN ENJOYABLE RETELLING.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I must have missed the memo that this was A Christmas Carol modern retelling. Am I upset about this fact? Not a bit, I loved the way this was written.

It’s a much more somber and heart-felt Christmas/Holiday romance. There’s a lot to unpack with Ben and watching him find his way again. He had an incredible character arc that I appreciated and felt for. I ended up in his corner, wanting him to learn from his mistakes and becoming a better man.

I didn’t love that there was a cheating aspect woven into the plot. It’s a bit of a gray area type cheating, but still there emotionally and physically. Though usually I really hate a book that has this, I found myself not hating it as much this time around. It had its reasons for being there and captured the essence of what Ben was choosing to do.

Seeing Ben and Daphne rekindle things and work through them was a beautiful touch. I don’t read (or even come across) many romance involving a married couple and I always feel them on a different level as someone who is married.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Holiday Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses; a mention of a few closed door scenes (no detail)
- Trigger/Content Warnings: emotional/physical cheating, sudden loss of a parent, depictions of depression and grief

DEFINITELY CUTE.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

Oh man. Well this was just precious.

I finally had a chance to read this book and I’m so glad I got to! It is the perfect little pick me up type of read when you need something light and fluffy.

The whole dating concept was a bit crazy, totally unwarranted, and the best part of this book. I love how the author was able to create unique dates each time and had unexpected things happen that would make me eyes widen. It took the whole idea of me worrying this would be stagnant away because each date brought another layer to the novel itself.

Sophie’s family ran me ragged sometimes, yet after talking to someone who had a family exactly like this, it made appreciate the scope of it all and the differences all of our families have. They were loud, in everybody’s privacy and quiet moments and they made me laugh and shake my fists in the air. I love that this book wasn’t only about dating, but also about reconnecting with family and enjoying the moments together too.

I really appreciated that the real romance came from someone Sophie genuinely knew and not a full stranger. It was heartfelt and those quiet moments between them made me shout at the book to KISS ALREADY.

This definitely has all of the Christmas vibes. I think I would have loved it even more if I had the chance to read it during the actual holiday season. I definitely recommend adding this to your Christmas TBR.

Overall audience notes:
- Young adult contemporary romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: some kisses
- Trigger warning: pre-mature birth

CHRISTMASY & SWEET.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

A hidden gem I found on Kindle Unlimited! I really like this y’all. Super quick read. Sweet romance that for someone picky about insta-love enjoyed the way it was portrayed (it was more insta-attraction and it worked well!).

Allie has a ridiculous best friend who made me laugh out loud multiple times. This book has an air of ridiculousness to it that fit into the story. I found myself wrapped up and charmed by the whole plot.

The romance was precious. Jason was this rugged mountain man that was incredibly kind and truly listened to what Allie had to say. I love all the little things he did for her to help her have a nice holiday away from her family.

It was a group of lovable characters working through family ideals. What they want to do, should be doing, and what’s best for all. These scenarios woven in to this Christmas read set a mood that had me not wanting to put this down.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Holiday Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: Kisses, make-outs; a few mild detailed open love scenes
- Violence: car wreck (nobody injured)
- Content warnings: drug use

IT WAS CHRISTMASY AT LEAST.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

This is a novella, so my review will be shorter than usual. I am on a quest for some great Christmas reads, this could have been better.

I think this actually would have been more enchanting if it was longer. Things happened way too fast and background information was thrown out haphazardly and inconsistently. I know there was sadness and drama put in to add an emotional component, but I wasn’t feeling much towards anyone.

The banter between them did get better over the novella. At first, it honestly seemed flat out mean and made me cringe. The push to create the enemies to lovers trope flew off the handle and I was happy when it turned down and they were able to communicate civilly with each other.

Definitely great Christmas vibes and I loved the plot of them having to plan the Christmas party together. I did like the writing, just felt like everything needed a bit more.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance novella
- Language: none
- Romance: some kisses
- Violence: car wreck

3.5 stars

NEEDED MORE SPARK.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I’m having mixed thoughts over this. Probably because it’s a novella. And those either hit well for me and still feel developed or otherwise feel like they’re lacking.

This leaned more towards lacking. The initial premise was explained well and I could understand the turmoil and reasoning behind why Penny and Chase hadn’t spoken in years. All the time they spent in the cabin together, I wanted more discussions about that, not just one brief night of actual communication. The banter was was cute and the story was simple.

It was a quick read and had some adorable moments. I think it felt a little rushed, but the ending definitely made me laugh.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Holiday Romance Novella
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: falling through ice into frozen lake

JUST STOP.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

Oh goodness. I can’t with insta-love y’all. I will admit, I have read good renditions of it, this was not one of those.

There’s 400 pages to cover three entirely separate story lines. It was clearly not enough to actually put any angst or moments into anyone’s romance. I couldn’t get past how quickly everything was happening and wanted it to just slow down. There was no background on relationships and the love interests. All 0 to 100 faster than I could convince myself to read this book.

I wanted to like everyone, and I did for the most part. And the premise was a nifty idea. Switching places with friends to enjoy a “new to them” Christmas celebration seemed enchanting.

I’m going to keep this short because I don’t have any desire to rip into this more. It wasn’t a love story I was on board with.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses; mentions of nights together (but no details)

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

PERFECT FOR THE SEASON.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

A quick, light-hearted novella sure to make you smile. I got a few good laughs out of this and love the fast paced nature of this childhood friends to lovers holiday novella.

Oliver and Elle were constantly being pushed together until something finally cracked. I love the dates they went on and the speed of everything. Even in a short format, I felt like I got a lot of the story. I would have loved even more a full fledged novel (but maybe with Elle’s brothers???). It has that predictable air that I love in a holiday romance.

Elle’s family was a bit over-bearing for me personally, but I know that others may really enjoy that quirk. I do like having large families in stories though, all of the sibling dynamics remind me of my own. Another sweet read from Dowell! I can’t wait to read whatever she writes next.

Overall audience notes:
- Holiday Contemporary Romance Novella
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses

PERFECT.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

Yup. There’s no other words to describe when you get to read a holiday novella about one of your favorite contemporary romance couples. I LOVED THIS. It only takes a bit of your time to devour and enjoy every moment.

It was fantastic getting to see Calla and Jonah again. Add in some old friends and it was the best little mix of a Christmas in Alaska.

I love where the story went and what happened throughout [keeping spoilers at bay]. It was just precious, and I could keep gushing forever. Go read The Simple Wild if you haven’t yet.

Overall audience notes:
- New adult novella
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses; a few fade to black scenes
- Violence: car wreck (nobody injured)

A SWEET HOLIDAY READ.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

Really enjoyed this one y’all. A quick read. Perfect atmosphere for the holiday’s and I was invested in the romance.

I wasn’t sure how I felt about the magical realism aspect of it, but it worked so well here! I love the way it was incorporated and that it didn’t over take the story. It fit the nature of the magical sense that the holiday’s always bring about. Mae even made me laugh a few times because of the reoccurrences until she figured things out.

Mae was a fun character to follow. I liked her determined nature and her willingness to help everyone around her. She was incredibly focused on keeping their family traditions alive, and I love how the book allowed her some growth into acknowledging sometimes things need to change.

Her relationship with Andrew was cute! A childhood friends type romance that caught on fire quick. This is one the lower steam side for CL books (which is what I like so I was all for). I’m not sure I was that into the conflict, but the resolution was incredibly sweet. I think if you’re a general fan of Christina Lauren books you’ll enjoy this one too.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: some throughout
- Romance: kisses / heated make-outs; a few medium detailed love scenes