Tag: Christmas (Page 1 of 10)

BOOK REVIEW: Claus and Effect by Piper Rayne

December 4, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Claus and Effect by Piper Rayne
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Two strangers who couldn’t be more opposite find themselves on an unexpected cross-country road trip days before Christmas where whatever can go wrong, does.

He’s an Army Ranger.
She’s a baker.

He’s organized and ridged.
She’s messy and carefree.

He doesn’t do relationships.
She’s following her heart.

His family chat blows up his phone.
She just buried her last living relative.

The holiday season doesn’t seem so jolly as they venture from one mode of transportation to the next. But, they have to become friends and rely on each other if they’re going to survive all the obstacles thrown their way.

As the miles grow shorter, vulnerabilities are shared, and by the time they reach their destination, neither one of them is sure what they really want for Christmas anymore.

Review:

Claus and Effect was a grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, Christmas story that easily became one of my top favorites! With a road trip, characters that had a strong dislike going on, and found family, I absolutely loved this story! I listened to the audio, which was duet narration and my favorite!, so it’s one I’ll definitely be re-reading down the road!

Within those first few chapters you’ll find yourself smiling and laughing. Tessa was so easy to love and from that first moment we met Tre I couldn’t help but be intrigued! Their meet cute and the foreseeable running into each other had me so giddy! Yes there was instant chemistry, but there was also some rudeness and messing with one another too. I was screaming with laughter over multiple moments on the plane, and from there a road trip unraveled that made this book impossible to put down!

I wasn’t so sure what to think of Tess first off. I mean, she was listening to a psychic after her world had fallen apart. But listening to that psychic landed her in Tre’s crosshairs and I was all for it! Her thoughts were so fun to listen to, her detours were epic, and time and again she had me rolling with laughter. She could be such a bowl full of joy and I loved her playful nature!

Oh Tre. He easily became a favorite book boyfriend! He was in the military and headed home for the holidays. He was so serious and put together, but at the same time he could play dirty and was absolutely hilarious! I loved that he was kind, caring, and thoughtful. And I especially loved how he was able to read Tessa!

Their road trip was over the top and so much fun! With gingerbread, eggnog, snow, dressing up, and so much more, I love the path this story took. But then there was a plot twist I never saw coming and I was literally screaming NOOOOOO!!! I’m sure all my neighbors could hear me, eeps. When you throw that in with Tre’s past, oh my heart, this story took an emotional turn that hurt. And I couldn’t help but get tears in my eyes multiple times.

Claus and Effect wrapped up with the most wonderful look into the future. And the happily ever after made me cry all the tears of joy! I can’t recommend this book enough! I’ve read three holiday books by Piper Rayne, and I’ve loved each of them so much. If you want to read them in order of how you meet the characters, then start with Single and Ready to Jingle, then this one, then finish up with Merry Kissmas. If you’re looking for a Christmas romance that will have you laughing and smiling, this is it!

BOOK REVIEW: Dasher by Poppy Minnix

December 1, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Dasher by Poppy Minnix
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A fated but forbidden love holiday shifter/monster mashup

KRAMPUS:

A mysterious new business is poaching workers from my pleasure club, and I have an idea of who’s behind it. My rivalry with Santa is legendary from our competing businesses to the way we handle the holidays, making my half-brother's new does top the naughty list for questioning. Especially one fluttery, pink-haired beauty that’s too enticing to my inner demon.

No one is that innocent. I can't wait to get Dasha Dasher into a private room and uncover everything about her.

DASHA:

Gaining the gift of flying isn’t the only perk as Santa’s new Dasher. The rest of the year, I get to work next to the other reindeer shifters at his mystical gentleman’s club instead of living in a chilly North Pole barn.

At least my aunt is training me, though that hasn’t been all glitter and cocoa. She owned every spotlight when she was a flyer. She’s trying hard to mold me into what she was—smooth, sensual, and able to fake lust without making weird faces.

If I can’t get my act together, Santa will revoke my flying powers, fire me from the club, and then I won’t get to see the intriguing horned legend that makes my skin heat when he watches me.

***
Originally published under pen name Georgie Monroe (book and Kindle Vella)

Review:

Dasher was a holiday romance that had all the spice! With reindeer shifters, Krampus, pleasure club’s and more, this book was unlike anything I have ever read. It is the most unique Christmas book ever! Within the pages were characters that were easy to like, a story-line that was fun, and moments filled with all the heat.

What a twist of fate to link a gentle doe to someone like me.

Dasha Dancer was one of Santa’s reindeer. She was a shifter, who in the offseason worked at Santa’s gentlemen’s club. Dasha was new to both of the scenes, so I loved watching her try and push herself. She wanted to be the best she could be, as a flier and a dancer. Surrounding her were the other reindeer she worked with, plus elfs, and demons too. It was such a fascinating world! So the moment Krampus, Santa’s brother, entered the club sparks flew between them!

“So, it’s pleasure you seek from me, Dasha Dasher?”
She leans forward until we’re eye-to-eye. “That’s one reason.”

From the moment Dasha gave Krampus a lap dance, I couldn’t stop grinning. He had a pleasure club that worked differently than Santa’s, but he couldn’t stay away from her. I loved how he was kind, and that he always seemed to have her back. Even if he came across as a monster to others. Although that tongue of his, it was truly like another character in this book :).

“Dasha.” Krampus’s voice makes me feel like I’m in the kitchen pulling warm cookies from the oven. I want to melt against him. How could one moment together make me need him so much?

The chapters were short, and it made this book so easy to binge in almost a day! And I loved how the side characters stood out so easily. I’m hoping that we’ll get some of their stories or novellas down the road! Also, while the rivalry between Santa and Krampus kept me wondering what was going to happen next, I enjoyed watching how family and friendship played into this story too.

“When I fuck you, Dasha, I will claim you. I will take you in every way you wish, but only when you’re ready to call me yours.”

Dasher was a seductive Christmas story that was filled with all the steam. I really enjoyed reading this book, but you need to be comfortable with erotic moments being watched by others. If you’re looking for something to shake up your holiday reads, this is definitely the book!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Merry Kissmas by Piper Rayne

November 21, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Merry Kissmas by Piper Rayne
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Six years ago, he was her one-night stand, and now they’re sharing a villa for the holidays.

I thought I was over him. That his good looks and British accent couldn’t affect me anymore. But the minute our eyes lock across the elevator, all those feelings come roaring back to life.

Then I find out we’re competing for the same job.

Next comes the realization that we have to spend a week together on a ski vacation because of some six-degree-of-separation nonsense.

The real kicker is when I find out the two of us have to share a villa. A very small, very cozy villa.

Needless to say, this Christmas getaway is starting off rockier than the mountains we’ll be skiing down.

I’ve stayed away for years, what’s one week? But I forgot how much easier it is to ignore him with an ocean separating us—especially when he’s determined to win me back.

Review:

Merry Kissmas was a second chance, holiday romance was filled with all the Christmas cheer! With forced proximity, a beautiful found family, and a fun competition set at a gorgeous resort, I fell madly in love with this book! I laughed, cried, and closed the book feeling so happy!

How many times do you get a second chance to right a wrong?

Brynn met Pierce six years ago overseas. It was a steamy one-night stand and years later she found herself competing for a job against him. Their meet cute now had me laughing and clapping my hands, they were so awkward and at the same time I loved the tension between them. And when they figured out that they were going to spend the holidays together, I was screaming and couldn’t stop laughing! What unfolded was a fun, steamy, heartfelt, beautiful story!

He leans forward before I can stop him, his lips to my cheek. “Merry Christmas, Brynn. I hope Santa brings you whatever you asked for.”
Then he’s gone.
Lost in the throng of people.
But I can still feel the ghost of his lips on my cheek.

I already adored Brynn in Claus and Effect, and was so excited that she was getting her own story. She told it like it was, and I loved her sassy ways! And Pierce was so much more than meets the eye. Yes, he was sweet and caring, but learning about his past cracked my heart and I just wanted to reach into this book and give him a hug. These two had all the chemistry and sizzled on the pages anytime they were near each other!

“We’re stuck on this holiday together, so let’s just keep our distance from each other.”
“And if I don’t want to?” He arches an eyebrow.
A sound of excitement comes across the aisle, and I look over to see Kenzie staring directly at us. Great, we have an audience.

One of my favorite things was how vocal they were with one another. They shared their feelings and talked about their issues from the past. About how they were hurt, or how a situation made them feel. I love, love, love that they handled their issues in a way that resonated with me. There was no miscommunication or beating around the bush, I loved it! Add to the fact that Pierce seemed set to try and win Brynn back…ohhh I was so excited!

She tipped her head back and closed her eyes, letting the droplets rain down on her face.
At that moment, I knew she was one of those people who might come in and out of my life but would never truly leave me. That I’d remember that moment until my dying breath.

This story took us back in time, a few moments here and there, and we got to see Brynn and Pierce six years ago. From that first moment they met, to their first kiss, to their steamy night together, I loved every minute of it. It added to their depth. And in the present, yes there was an emotional aspect to it all. But at the same time, the Christmas competitions added so much playfulness to this story! From their Christmas tree, to on the slopes, to Christmas cookies, gingerbread houses, and mistletoe, I adored how festive this book was! And when their moments together turned steamy, this book truly had it all!

“We both know you aren’t satisfied with your vibrator. The sex between us was something I’ve never experienced before or since. I bet it’s been the same for you. So, I’ll give you a little bit of space, but I have an entire week to prove to you that we belong together. Get ready.”
My chest tightens, and I let out a sarcastic laugh to play off how much his words affect me. “Ready for what?”
“For you to fall in love with me.”

The side characters leapt from the pages! From Kenzie’s obsession with them at the beginning, that had me cackling with laughter. To Andrew and Tre melting me by taking care of the new littles in their lives. To the parents that made me feel like I was home. To even the sparring that took place between the siblings…I loved it all! So, while this can definitely be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend Piper Rayne’s previous holiday books enough! You’ll see favorites in this story, and I loved being back with all of them and seeing their updates on life. If you want to binge them all, then start with Single and Ready to Jingle, then Claus and Effect, then this book. Keeping my fingers crossed for Carter to get his story now.

“I remember how much you liked it last time.” I laugh.
“You do not.”
“Are you testing my memory?” he asks, his cocky smirk turning into a wicked grin.

Merry Kissmas was festive and fun, while also being heartwarming and emotional. It was impossible to not cry tears or laugh out loud. This book easily got added to my favorites list and I can’t wait to see what Piper Rayne writes next!

Talk about Christmas magic, there was something in the air that night.

PS I’m right there with Brynn, snowboarding is where it’s at ♥!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Lovelight Farms (Lovelight #1) by BK Borison

March 1, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Lovelight Farms (Lovelight #1)
by BK Borison
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Two best friends fake date to reach their holiday happily ever after in this first romantic comedy in the Lovelight series.

A pasture of dead trees. A hostile takeover of the Santa barn by a family of raccoons. And shipments that have mysteriously gone missing. Lovelight Farms is not the magical winter wonderland of Stella Bloom’s dreams.

In an effort to save the Christmas tree farm she’s loved since she was a kid, Stella enters a contest with Instagram-famous influencer Evelyn St. James. With the added publicity and the $100,000 cash prize, Stella might just be able to save the farm from its financial woes. There’s just one problem. To make the farm seem like a romantic destination for the holidays, she lied on her application and said she owns Lovelight Farms with her boyfriend. Only…there is no boyfriend.

Enter best friend Luka Peters. He just stopped by for some hot chocolate and somehow got a farm and a serious girlfriend in the process. But fake dating his best friend might be the best Christmas present he’s ever received.

Review:

Lovelight Farms was a beautiful friends to lovers romance that was so easy to devour. The found family was everything, the storyline was adorable, and the characters warmed my heart. This book became an instant favorite and I’m excited to binge the rest of BK Borison’s stories!

I thought about a lot of things when it comes to Luka. Things you shouldn’t think about your best friend.

Stella and Luka were the bestest of friends. Ten years ago, Luka’s mom moved to the tiny little town where Stella lived. And it created the most adorable meet cute! From that moment on, they had been inseparable. But there was always that line that neither of them would cross. They were just friends. Even though Stella had been in love with Luka forever. So when Stella was forced to fake date someone, in order to save her failing farm, I couldn’t wait for the lines between her and Luka to get blurry!

But with Luka, it’s easy. The way we touch each other, the way we breathe and move together. It’s so easy.

I absolutely adored Stella! She had such a kind soul, and yet she was so nervous to ask Luka to be her fake boyfriend. Which of course he would do without a second thought! So when the two of them announced to their tiny town that they were dating, I couldn’t stop laughing. Small town shenanigans were at their best in this story! And as Luka and Stella pretended to date, oh my heart I was so nervous for Stella. She was getting everything she wanted, except it wasn’t real. Right?

He steps back, but his hand holds against my hip, fingers slipping away with reluctance. I look up at him in the dim light of my kitchen, and for a single breath, I see a wild, ferocious hunger. But he blinks and it’s gone. He’s my Luka again, the change so quick I think I’ve imagined it. Brown eyes soft, smile crooked, hair a wild mess.

Luka was such a fabulous book boyfriend! He was thoughtful, kind, and cared so much for Stella! Yet unlike Stella, I had no problem finding all the little clues that he liked her. So the moments when he agreed to go to ‘Thanksgiving’ with her dad, and everything else in between showing him step up….sigh. It just made me love Luka that much more!

It’s hard to think about the consequences when his palm is warm on the small of my back, dragging up my spine. He tangles his hand lightly in my hair and tugs gently, just once, a flash of something decadent in amber eyes when I make a small noise in the back of my throat. He likes that noise, I can tell. He wants to hear it again.

The tension between Stella and Luka was intense and left me desperately needing for them to do more than just have a look or a touch. It seemed like Luka could take Stella right there in her kitchen, and then you blink and he’s back to her Luka again. Just friends. The will they or won’t they played out fabulously in this story! With missed kisses, tension simmering, and pretending to date, there were so many favorite moments. When they woke up together *fans face*, after Thanksgiving, and so many more that were deliciously steamy!

The line defining fiction and reality is obliterated.

This book also made me cry. There were some tears here and there, but when found family became prevalent, I was sobbing my eyes out! And then again when there was a heart to heart. Lovelight Farms creeps up on you, and the emotions are so hard to ignore! So if you’re looking for a friends to lovers romance, I can’t recommend this one enough. It was steamy, heartfelt, and made me smile so much! I can’t wait to read Beckett’s story next!

It’s hard to think of Beckett as anything other than stoic, but I recognize the shades of loneliness in him the same as me and Luka. It’s another reason I’m grateful for this farm and the weird little family we’ve pieced together. We’re all a little less alone.

BOOK REVIEWS: Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn & Almost Like Being in Love by Sariah Wilson

January 9, 2024 / Jen / 3 Comments

BOOK REVIEWS: Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn & Almost Like Being in Love by Sariah Wilson Resting Scrooge Face Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
After a bad breakup, Nola wants nothing to do with Christmas, especially in her quaint hometown of Bright Harbor, Maine. Infuriatingly charming and cheery, Nola’s surroundings only worsen her sour mood.

To make matters worse, Caleb, the boy who broke her heart years ago, is all grown up and still living in town. While doing her best to avoid him, Nola bumps into the local mailman, who gives her a mysterious letter. And when she finds that the writer is a fellow Scrooge, she can’t help but feel her spirit lifting.

Nola writes back to her new pen pal—who, unbeknownst to Nola, is none other than Caleb. When Caleb gets a response hand delivered by the mailman, he’s intrigued by the mystery sender. A friendly correspondence develops—and quickly turns flirtatious.

Although Nola and Caleb claim they can’t stand each other, they can’t deny the simmering attraction that brought them together in the first place.

Can these nameless pen pals write their own love story—or will they be too caught up with the ghosts of their Christmases past to find a future together?

Review:

Resting Scrooge Face was such a fun Christmas novella to listen to! With lots of small town cheer, secret letters, snow, and a Christmas vibe, I adored this second chance romance story! And it made me want to pick up another book by Meghan Quinn!

“What?” she responds. “That’s what you’re going to say to me? What?”
No, what I really want to say is how beautiful you are.
How I’ve missed staring into your eyes.
Or hearing your laugh.

The story alternated between Nola and Caleb and I loved listening to both of their thoughts! I would have loved for this book to be longer and for their regular lives to be interspaced within this story instead of some of the letters being back to back. I felt like there was so much more that could have been there. But for novellas, this one was still done beautifully. They were high school sweethearts, who went their separate ways and hurt one another in the process. Not seeing each other in years, Christmas time and some little helpers created the perfect opportunity for a second chance!

“Even during our time apart, even when our hearts were both shattered, it’s always been you. Always and forever.”

It was so easy to like Nola and Caleb and their banter was laugh out loud hilarious and so much fun! Add into the mix Grandma Louise, who was an absolute hoot! And I adored Arden too, he delivered the mail and decided to play matchmaker. With fun letters and heartwarming scenes, this story was fabulous. If you’re looking for a quick and festive book to get you in the mood for the holidays, or even something fun to listen to, I can’t recommend this one enough!

BOOK REVIEWS: Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn & Almost Like Being in Love by Sariah Wilson

Almost Like Being in Love by Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A modern-day Ohio woman and a seventeenth-century Scottish laird fall in love at first sight in a magical holiday romance by Sariah Wilson, the bestselling author of The Chemistry of Love.

Maren Kelly and her friend Penny may be lost in the Scottish Highlands, yes. They may be caught in the blizzard of the century, sure. But despite their dire straits, Maren is going to honor her ailing mother’s wish for them to experience all the magic, mystery, and whimsy Scotland has to offer, even if she freezes to death trying. When they’re rescued by the dashing Duncan Campbell, who seems like he walked straight out of the seventeenth century, Maren is more than a wee bit bewildered.

Their shelter is Duncan’s castle in Highglen, a captivating village that feels somehow familiar…as does the laird himself. Brimming with holiday cheer and friendly, boisterous family members, Highglen is a safe haven in the frigid winter storm. Maybe it’s the carolers and the warm hearth—or Duncan’s comforting brogue and stolen kisses—but Maren feels as though she’s come home. And in Duncan, she may have found her long-awaited soulmate.

But is this a miracle that could last a lifetime?

Review:

Almost Like Being in Love was a whimsical, heartwarming romance filled with magical realism. This story had characters that were so easy to like, and a storyline that was a lot of fun. The found family and friendships were done realistically. And the romance was very insta love. I adore Sariah Wilson’s full length novels, and I feel like this book would have worked better for me being longer, so the romance could have been explored more. But regardless, I adored the holiday setting in Scotland. And this was a very sweet Christmas story left me feeling happy. I’m hoping we’ll see more stories in this world!

Maybe it was Christmas, maybe it was Duncan, but Highglen was a place of pure magic. For the first time, I understood why my mother had told me to search for it.
I didn’t want to let it go.