rebeccasreadingrambles's Reviews (3.06k)

I LOVED this book! First of all Paul was a fabulous, interesting, flawed and surprisingly funny sleuth. I loved learning more about his past and seeing how he handles both the cooking school and the mystery. Then the setting - a slightly run down, old school cooking school with an interesting cast of students (and don’t forget about the people who work there). This story was completely immersive and I was absolutely hooked and shocked by every twist and especially the ending. 

I really hope this is a series with more to come!

Thanks to the publisher for a free ARC; my reviews and thoughts are my own.

If this were a YA / new adult book then it would be a good one. Lots of drama, super immature characters (understandable for 21 year olds), but writing that keeps you reading. However, for adult romance - no?  There is just no attraction between these character that supposedly fall in love? I don't see any angst, no chemistry at all.  Also they are way too immature (again totally normal for a 21 year old) in their decisions that I thought it was YA/NA the whole time.  A solidly interesting story, but nothing that blew me away.

I listened to the audiobook and did enjoy it!

Thanks to the publishers for an eARC and free audiobook; my thoughts and review are my own.

I LOVED this book.  The characters were absolutely fabulous; talented, funny, and flawed and so real.  They make mistakes, but own up to them and don't push the other into uncomfortable situations (for the most part). This is young adult and as such has so many relatable issues for people of all ages, the best part of YA is watching the characters go from unsure about themselves to grow their confidence in themselves.  Also the romance felt so realistic; not flat or too perfect, but an intriguing storyline.  And the fact that everything is centered around trying to save a Black owned, family owned indy bookstore at Christmas time?! YES PLEASE. It was perfect and had me itching to help, sometimes forgetting the location was fictional. I had SO much fun reading this book!

Note: I listened to the audiobook and it was fire!

 1 – one of the main characters is complaining because his husband doesn’t “leave his work at work” and yet he himself is a teacher so obviously you also bring work home so what’s with the double standard
2 – the premise starts with one husband agreeing to host and cook Christmas for his family at their new house without even consulting his husband that’s an immediate no for me like that’s not how relationship works and the husband says oh I’ll let it go because a spouse‘s job is not to create unnecessary drama 

 This book was wild. It was nothing like what I was expecting and somehow mixed mystery with sci-fi and of course romance where no romance would seem to fit. I love Agatha Christie's amazing understanding of humankind and how she develops such unique and intriguing characters. I was completely stumped, but fascinated the entire time and all the twists at the end had me shocked! I need to pick up more of her non-series books because she really has so many layers to explore.

Note: I listened to the audiobook and it was fantastic. 

This was so much fun! I adored the combination of mystery and romance and think Ally did this flawlessly. A Christmas isolated mansion mystery with an eclectic cast of characters turned suspects.... or are they? I love that we were constantly back-footed about what was even really going on; is there a crime or not?  An mystery writers turned investigators is such an FUN troupe when done this way!  A great read for December or really anytime of year (the Christmas vibes were not too apparent that it doesn't scream seasonal). It did take me a little bit to fully connect with and understand the characters (and I'm still not quite sure why Maggie hated Ethan so vehemently), but I loved the ending so much and these characters were fabulous!

Note: I enjoyed the audiobook and the dual narration!

I LOVED this book! Joie was a fabulous character with so much character and sass and a big heart. Theo was the perfect santa, full of sugar and spice. I LOVED the holiday dare tradition between Joie and her sisters and how it snowballed into this amazing romance novel. Super spicy and the perfect Christmas novella!

Yes! The hype is real and it is right. This book was fabulous.  It just filled my soul in every way. It was sweet, and funny, and emotional, and sometimes enraging, but not overly so.  I was hooked pretty quickly and I did not want to put it down; the story taking so many hilarious and interesting twists and turns.  The ending was PERFECT NO NOTES. The characters were so genuine, lively, beautifully crafted to jump off the page.  The MCs were messy and flawed and endearing and I could not get enough. One of my favorite romance books to date!

Note: I listened to the audiobook and ADORED it!

Thanks to the publisher for a free copy and free audiobook copy; my thoughts and review are my own.

An adorable Christmas book! A small town at Christmas time, covered in snow, full of Christmas cheer and an MC that.....hates Christmas?! AND JUST BOUGHT A CHRISTMAS TREE FARM.

Yes you know where it was going and you would be right and it was a delightful (and spicy) ride to get there. I looove the grumpy x sunshine aspect, the snow in a blizzard with one bed, sexy letters, and so many adorable fur babies. There wasn't too much drama, but definitely character growth for both characters which made for an adorable ending.

(Note this is part of a series, but this can absolutely be read as a standalone).

Thanks to the publishers for a free copy; my thoughts and review are my own.

This book was wild, but also so addictive and I didn't want to put it down.  The MC was absolutely awful and pathetic and somehow enthralling.  The way nothing gets him down and even when he has hit rock bottom he keeps going and you just can't look away.  He had an amazing way of spinning everything to convince himself of whatever he needed to do what he was going to do, and to show how awful humanity is at the same time.  I was compelled to see what happened to him and uncover the secrets and I LOVED the ending.  This was an addicting read.

Note: I listened to the audiobook and at first I wasn't sure, but it was so worth it and I recommend it!

Thank you to the publisher for a free ARC and audiobook copy.