Tag: Holiday (Page 1 of 3)

BOOK REVIEWS: Later On We’ll Conspire by Kortney Keisel & The Christmas Letters by Jenny Proctor

February 17, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

Later On We'll Conspire by Kortney Keisel
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Everyone loves a Christmas surprise––just not when it's a spy in disguise.

Lacee:

I'll be home for Christmas...alone was the plan, but everything changes when I bump into a handsome stranger who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. So there's a new plan, a plan that involves a casual holiday fling. Merry Christmas to me.

But spending the holidays with Park Bradshaw in my charming hometown turns into Mission Impossible when I find out his knife skills go way beyond carving the Christmas ham.

Now I'm on the run, living out my own Christmas version of Die Hard, where making it home in time for Christmas is the least of my worries. I just want to make it home alive ––and hopefully not lose my heart to the one man I'm not sure I can trust.

Because as the countdown to Christmas ticks on like a bomb, I'm left wondering which side he's on.

◆ Later On We'll Conspire is a laugh-out-loud, closed-door romance full of sizzle, chemistry, and witty banter that might require you to suspend a little disbelief.

◆ Enjoy the other books in the Christmas Escape series that can be read in any order:

Christmas Baggage by Deborah M. Hathaway
Host for the Holidays by Martha Keyes
Faking Christmas by Cindy Steel
A Newport Christmess by Jess Heileman
A Not-So Holiday Paradise by Gracie Ruth Mitchell
Later On We'll Conspire by Kortney Keisel
Cotswolds Holiday by Kasey Stockton

Review:

Later on We’ll Conspire was a duet narration that I absolutely adored! Their meet cute was memorable, and I could already feel the tension between Lacee and Park! Lacee cracked me up with her thoughts, she was hilarious and made me laugh out loud so many times. And I loved how protective, charming, and sexy Park was! While they were running for their lives, I couldn’t help but laugh even during life or death moments, this book was so much fun! It was set during Christmas time and filled with all the Christmas cheer! The epilogue gave us a peek into the future, and I was smiling at their happily ever after. It was so perfect! I recommend this if you’re looking for a different type of Christmas romance that will have you giggling and smiling at over the top antics and fun!

The Christmas Letters by Jenny Proctor
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Can an old letter spark a new flame?

When Tess Ravenel gets herself stuck inside a bathroom stall in one of Charleston’s most historic buildings, she isn’t exactly thinking about her dating life. But then the paramedic who comes to her rescue has a voice that sounds like butter and enough charm to make her forget she’s seconds from having a panic attack.

If only he were interested.

Andrew McKay has a mysterious Christmas pen pal, a woman who replied to a newly found letter he sent to Santa back when he was a kid. After weeks of correspondence, it’s clear she’s funny, smart, interesting...and an awful lot like Tess Ravanel—the woman he’s already blown off twice for good reason.

Tess and Andrew couldn’t be more different, but when their worlds collide, fate (and a little Christmas magic) set them on a crash course for love.

The Christmas Letters is a closed door sweet holiday romance with lots of chemistry but no spice. This book was first published in 2019 but has been heavily revised and updated.

Review:

Christmas Letters was an epistolary, second chance at life story that was so heartwarming! It started off with a bang with how Tess and Andrew met, I would have definitely been hyperventilating! But there was also a letter writing element, where they didn’t know who the other was. And I loved watching how they started to fall for the other. So when it all came together I was screaming and couldn’t stop smiling. They were both so adorable and deserved all the happiness. I loved both of these characters, and Andrew’s grandma was hilarious. This was a heartwarming holiday romance, and I’ll definitely be reading more books by Jenny Proctor in the future!

BOOK REVIEW: Christmas With a Crank by Courtney Walsh

February 14, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

Christmas With a Crank by Courtney Walsh
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A second chance with your first crush.

Doesn’t happen often.

For Liam Fisher, that first crush was his next door neighbor, Olive Witherby.

Childhood was lazy summers, treehouse stargazing, and endless games of hide and seek at Pine Creek, the Christmas tree farm that’s been in Liam’s family for generations.

When Liam moves away, he and Olive say goodbye the only way they know how—with a fumbling first kiss neither of them will ever forget.

Even though twelve-year olds’ promises of keeping in touch feel eternal, time and distance eventually make Olive and Liam practically strangers.

Twenty years later, Liam’s parents announce they’re retiring and selling the tree farm.

Twenty years later, Pine Creek is the last place grown-up Liam wants to be. Inherit this legacy? Not on your life.

And twenty years later, grown-up Olive is stuck.

Her work life is a lot like her love life—floundering. After a humiliating business failure, loads of debt, and one too many laughable first dates, she’s in no hurry to put herself out there again, in business or in romance.

When Olive is hired by Liam’s parents to rekindle the lost magic of the farm one final time before it’s sold, she sets out to make this the last, best Pine Creek Christmas, for the town and for a very cranky, not-so-talkative, surprisingly attractive Liam.

Part of her mission? Convince the crank to fall in love with Christmas.

The other part? Not fall head over heels in the process.

Christmas With a Crank is a low spice grumpy/sunshine, childhood crush, opposites attract romance with plenty of sizzle but none of the steam.

Review:

Christmas With a Crank was a grumpy sunshine, holiday romance that will capture your heart! When Liam’s parents announced that they were selling the family tree farm, they hired Olive to help them have one last fabulous Christmas. Liam and Olive used to be neighbors and best friends. So the tension between them was fabulous, and the storyline was beyond adorable. This festive book was impossible to put down!

Liam is endearingly handsome when he doesn’t talk.
That thought makes me laugh to myself. Great guy, good- looking, but a total jerk when he opens his mouth.
The kind, soft, tender side of Liam has to be in there somewhere, right?

Olive was one of my favorites! She was hilarious, energetic, so happy, and I loved spending time with her! She made me laugh out loud so many times! Whereas Liam was the ultimate grump. But I’m so glad that we got to hear both of their points of view! Liam could come across as rude to others, but he just got lost in his thoughts. Listening to where his brain would take us, oh my heart, he had so much going on. I loved him! He did listen, and I loved that he showed that he cared too!

I meet her eyes— “It’s always been you, Liv.”

Watching their friendship slowly snap back into place with Olive’s kind heart and persistence was beautiful to watch. With homemade ice cream sandwiches, Christmas trees galore, forts, and lots of family charm, this Christmas romance was heartwarming and memorable! I listened to the audiobook and was completely lost in this story! It ended happily and left me hoping that Liam’s sister, Lacey, gets her own book. I have all my fingers crossed!

BOOK REVIEW: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

January 23, 2026 / Jen / 1 Comment

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The bridge is out. The phones are down. And the most famous mystery writer in the world just disappeared out of a locked room two days before Christmas.

Meet Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt:

She’s the new Queen of the Cozy Mystery.

He’s Mr. Big-time Thriller Guy.

She hates his guts.

He thinks her name is Marcie (no matter how many times she’s told him otherwise.)

But when they both accept a cryptic invitation to attend a Christmas house party at a snowbound English estate of a reclusive fan, neither is expecting their host to be the most powerful author in the world: Eleanor Ashley, the Duchess of Death herself.

That night, the weather turns, and the next morning Eleanor is gone.

She vanished in a classic locked-room mystery, and Maggie has to wonder: Is Eleanor in danger? Or is it all some kind of test? Is Ethan the competition? Or is he the only person in that mansion she can trust?

As the snow gets deeper and the stakes get higher, every clue in this cozy holiday mystery will bring Maggie and Ethan closer to the truth—and each other. Because, this Christmas, these two rivals are going to have to become allies (and maybe more) if they have any hope of saving Eleanor.

Assuming they don’t kill each other first.

Review:

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year was a mystery that kept me intrigued, and had a tiny bit of Christmas sprinkled throughout. The characters were so easy to like, and the narrators did a fabulous job of bringing this story to life. There were a lot of hints that made almost everyone look guilty, so I had fun putting the clues together. It gave me old school Agatha Christie vibes! And while I guessed the mystery correctly, I still enjoyed listening to this one because I had no clue if I was right or wrong till all was revealed.

I adored Maggie Chase from the beginning with her sass and take no bs attitude! And I couldn’t help but be intrigued by Ethan Wyatt. He seemed to have a lot more going on then he showed us or Maggie. So as we got to know both of them better, and see moments from their past, I was a goner. I wanted to just push them together. They were perfect for each other. And Ethan even made me shed a few tears, I loved him!

Yet, I had to take away a star, because I personally struggle with loose ends. I’m someone who likes to have things wrapped up in a bow, and this ending was not that. I had so many unanswered questions. Yes we were given a HEA, but I desperately needed answers, sigh. So while I’m not sure if I’ll read this author again, this was fun and a nice change up from the Christmas romances I typically read in December!

BOOK REVIEW: The Sleight Before Christmas (Holiday Hijinx Series #2) by Kate Stewart

January 22, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Sleight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
My kids are a**holes.

Yeah, I said it. I said the thing no father is supposed to say about their children, and I’ll say it again because I miss my wife.

Serena’s checked out and now resides in ‘yes dear’ robot mode, complete with a new eye twitch. Reason being, the impish elves we spawned are currently sucking the life out of her—daily. Thanks to Gracie and Peyton, my patience is hanging by the last orange bulb on a very thin green wire. Thank God we’re headed to Triple Falls. A week of Ruby’s eggnog and a little change of scenery could be just what the woman I love needs to find her way back to herself—and to me. But the closer we get to packing up, the shorter my fuse becomes . . . and the more I’m starting to get ideas of taking drastic measures.

And by drastic, I mean our little goblins won’t be the only ones making Rudolph’s naughty list. I’ve had enough. I’m not giving in this time. No amount of alligator tears or fake apologies are going to cut it.

Ironically, the more I man up and take charge, the more Serena and I are starting to reminisce about the good old days, which is quickly adding up to some heated nights.

Come hell or high water, this Christmas, our kids are going to learn to appreciate the parents they’ve got because I’m getting my girl back . . . even if the two little hellions we created have to pay to bring her back to me—little f*ckers.

The Sleight Before Christmas is book #2 in The Holiday Hijinx series. While it can be read as a stand-alone, it is highly recommended that you read The Plight Before Christmas first.

Review:

The Plight Before Christmas is one of my top favorite holiday romances. So when I saw that Serena and Thatch were getting their own story, I was beyond intrigued. What unfolded was the most entertaining mess ever. Serena was losing it, their kids were a shit show, and Thatch was at his wits end taking away Christmas presents from kids that they spoiled and never disciplined. My only bit of advice is take this book with a grain of salt, because yes it’s fiction but oh wow, I never could have guessed what was going to happen!

“We’ve failed, haven’t we? We’re failing,” she sighs, a thin tear trailing down her cheek.

One of my favorite things about this book was how much Thatch loved his wife! Watching how determined he was to rekindle their romance was sigh worthy. And as we got to see moments from their past, it showed how their whole story was messy and emotional. His dirty mouth and steamy moments made it impossible not to love him!

“We’ve changed probably half a dozen times in our marriage, and I’ve fallen in love with every single version of you, Serena . . .

With unforgettable family members in the mix, I loved having them all back together under one roof. Because this story was laugh out loud hilarious time and again! Girls night was probably one of my top favorite moments, I was laughing so hard I was wheezing and crying at the same time! But there were also deeper, emotional parts too. I definitely cried a few times, especially with the kids involved. And with Christmas sprinkled throughout this story, it made it so entertaining! The Sleight Before Christmas ended with a beautiful happily ever after, even though the road to get there was very rough. And I was left with only one question – what book were they referencing about the grapefruit juice?????? I am so curious, see the quote below lol!

“Hockey books,” I deliver point blank, palming his shoulder. “Look for hockey books on her Kindle. And whatever you do,” I look between them, “do not let them f*ck you with a grapefruit. No matter what they say.”

BOOK REVIEWS: A Christmas Spark (Pride & Pranks #0.5) by Cindy Steel & The Christmas Dress by Courtney Cole

December 18, 2025 / Jen / 2 Comments

A Christmas Spark (Pride & Pranks #0.5)
by Cindy Steel
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Snowed in at a cabin with the most infuriating man in the world. I may take my chances with the wolves...

When my best friend found out I’d be alone over Christmas, she hooked me up with a week stay in her family’s cabin in Idaho. I was on a publishing deadline for my latest book and was really looking forward to a cozy week by the fire, cuddled up in flannel pajamas with my laptop and hot chocolate.

Alone.

So imagine my surprise when I arrived at the cabin during a blizzard, and found it already occupied. By an all too familiar face and a fine pack of chiseled abs. Even though it had been ten years since I’d last seen Chase, he had no problem picking up exactly where we left off. I had a big problem with it.It didn’t matter what he threw at me—the old nickname, the teasing, his charming grin, or even those chiseled abs (did I already mention those?), I refused to let him get to me after…the incident. Nope, not me. I was made of stone.

Unfortunately, I’m beginning to understand that when you strike Chase against stone…you get sparks.

★A Christmas Spark is a closed-door romantic comedy full of heart, sizzle, witty banter, and one tiny swear word, but swoony kisses are as steamy as it gets!

This is a supplemental novella in the Pride and Pranks Series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but you will see character crossovers!

Review:

Christmas Spark was a snowed in, brother’s best friend, forced proximity holiday romance that was fun to listen to. I adored Penny and her thoughts, she cracked me up. And Chase, oh I wanted to hate him. His actions from the past bothered me, so I was happy to watch him slowly redeem himself. With ice fishing, kissing, and lots of teasing, I enjoyed listening to this one, and I’m excited to read more in this series!

“You’re it for me. Even after all this time, I still want what I wanted in high school. I’m not messing around here. I want us to be together. And I’m pretty damn sure I love you.”

The Christmas Dress by Courtney Cole
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
An enchanted Christmas dress brings two generations of women together for the magic of the season in this delightful holiday story from New York Times bestselling author Courtney Cole.

One Dress. Two Women. The Magic of the Holiday Season.

When hopeful fashionista Meg Julliard must return to her hometown of Chicago to manage her late father’s apartment building, she thinks her dreams of making it in the fashion business are over. Add in her father’s eclectic roster of tenants who all need Meg’s attention (ASAP!), a host of building related disasters, and a handsome handyman she keeps embarrassing herself in front of, and this has all the makings for the worst Christmas she’s ever had.

Ellie Wade, one of the building’s longtime residents, is also not feeling the Christmas Joy this year. She is preparing to move into a nursing home (reluctantly), and is in the process of sorting through her belongings to downsize. Every corner of her apartment holds memories, some good, some bad. But there’s one dress she hesitates to pack up as it represents both the best and worst night of her life.

Ellie and Meg strike up an unlikely friendship and the story of Ellie’s dress comes out. Ellie gifts the gorgeous dress to Meg, hoping that it will bring her more luck, on the condition that she wear it to the building’s Christmas party.

The dress magically fits, and while it eventually leads to the best night of Meg’s life, it also acts as inspiration for Meg to follow a life-long dream of her own, a dream that will help save the crumbling Parkview West, and restore it to its former glory, and keep it as a safe home for all of the current tenants.

The dress and the magic of the holiday season helps both Meg and Ellie find their own happy endings.

Review:

The Christmas Dress was a holiday romance that was sweet, charming, and took us on an emotional and leisurely journey. Meg felt so alone. After losing her father, she had no family left. Leaving her job, and moving to another state, she was overwhelmed with the work that needed to be done to the building she inherited. But watching her journey, as she slowly started to find not only friendship but love too was a beautiful thing.

“You’re not alone, Meg,” Logan says quietly, and his blue eyes drill into mine with a fiery intensity. “You’ve got everyone at Parkview in your corner. And you’ve got me.”
He’s so serious, so sincere, that I almost allow myself to believe it.

With what felt like magic in the air, she was given a second chance at life and happiness. And so were those around her too. I adored watching Meg grow, and it was incredible seeing how far she had come from that first page. Yet I wasn’t a huge fan of a twist later in the story, but I was grateful for how it played out, and I loved the epilogue at the end! This one left me smiling, happy, and I even shed a few tears.

“Grief is a powerful emotion, Meg. It’s okay to feel it however you feel it. It’s not linear. It can come and go. That’s fine, too.”

PS While Logan was my favorite, I didn’t understand how he basically worked for free???