Tag: Christmas (Page 3 of 12)

BOOK REVIEW: All in for Christmas by Ginny Baird

October 8, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

All in for Christmas by Ginny Baird
iBooks

Synopsis:
One woman, two lives—but did she choose the right one?

Practical-minded Paige Pierce has her life in order. She’s got a job she loves, teaching English, and is launching a new “Paws and Read” literacy program for struggling students at her school. Despite her dismal dating record, Paige rarely thinks about her old college boyfriend, Dean Burton. Then dreamy Dean surprises her at her school’s faculty holiday party, upending her world. When she learns Dean’s been hired as their replacement physics teacher, Paige can’t help getting stars in her eyes and wondering what her life might have been like if they’d never said goodbye.

With a rare comet passing overhead and the aid of a mysterious holiday market vendor, the universe grants Paige a chance to find out… The next morning, she wakes up in an alternate reality, greeted by Dean’s sunny optimism, their two kids, and a dog. Suddenly in way over her head with myriad household chores, a precocious little girl and a toddler boy who’s—yikes—potty training, Paige is desperate to scramble her way back home. Until her heart starts melting under the mistletoe, due to Dean’s swoony kisses and the cute shenanigans of their sweet kids and loyal pup, and she finds herself questioning where her home is truly meant to be. Yet the enchantment that’s brought her here won’t last forever.

With the clock ticking on Christmas magic, can the past be undone?

Review:

All in for Christmas was a second chance romance filled with all the magic. With a snowy winter wonderland, a magical advent calendar, and a journey into an alternate universe, this book was so easy to enjoy! If you adore Christmas stories where the ending will pleasantly surprise you, and if you’ve ever wondered what if, this book is for you!

“Magical gifts from the holiday market?” There’s an impish gleam in his eyes and I chuckle.
“Come on, you don’t really mean it. Magic?”
“Why not magic?” he replies. “Stranger things have happened.”

It had been six years since Paige and Dean were together in college. And they ran into each other at her work’s holiday party. From that one moment, and a thoughtful gift, her whole life completely changed. The next morning, she woke up snuggling with Dean, while their two children and dog Scout came bounding into their bedroom. Eleanor and Henry were some of my favorite things about this story! They had me screeching with laughter and they added so much heart and joy! I got quickly attached to them and fell in love with the family that Paige and Dean had created. Yet, it wasn’t real……right?

I can’t tell anybody this. That I’ve invented an entire family! With a living-breathing-barking dog! And laundry. Nobody wishes for piles of unfolded clothes.

Truly I didn’t know how to connect with Paige at first. I mean, she had a robotic dog lol. But from the moment she woke up in another life, I clicked with her right away. I got her struggles, confusion, and at the same time there were things in this life that brought her immense amounts of joy! I was so happy for her. And I adored her relationship with her mom! Watching Paige go from desperately wanting to go back to her original life, to falling in love with this one was so beautiful! And Dean was a book husband you will fall madly in love with too!

He’s awfully handsome standing there in his sweatpants and undershirt, commanding the stove like a pro. The fact that he hasn’t shaved gives him a sexy unkempt edge. I think of his role-playing comments and go hot all over. Santa and Mrs. Claus? Seriously? I wish I knew what that entailed.

Building a snowman, snowball fights, Christmas cookies, ice skating, and holiday magic made this Hallmark vibe story merry and bright! Plus, the ending to All in for Christmas completely surprised me in the best of ways! I didn’t see it coming, and I closed the book so happy! With a fade to black romance, family moments that will melt your heart, and all the Christmas feels, I enjoyed reading this story so much!

A wave of melancholy washes over me, but I push it aside. Foolish to regret what I’ve never had.

I think I’m falling for Dean. I think I’m falling for all of them.

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

BOOK REVIEWS: Cole & Mistletoe by Sadie Rose & Elfemies to Lovers by Jennifer Chipman

December 30, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Cole & Mistletoe by Sadie Rose
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Fired from her corporate motivational speaking job just weeks before Christmas, Sloane Morozov makes the decision to spend Christmas at the same lakeside cabin resort from her childhood. But soon her winter wonderland is invaded by Cole Mansfield, a grouchy workaholic, the last thing you should hope to find in your stocking, but who might turn out to be the only gift she needs.

This is a standalone novel.

Review:

Cole & Mistletoe was a grumpy sunshine Christmas novella that had all the charm. Set in Lake Tahoe, they were surrounded by a Christmas wonderland. I loved how the characters were so easy to like. Even if Cole got off on the wrong foot and his grumpiness couldn’t help but come out time and again. I adored watching Sloane try and win him over! His nice, caring, thoughtful side was so beautiful! And while I predicted where this story was going, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. With baked goods, steamy moments, a memorable Christmas tree and so much more, this romance was so much fun! I’ll definitely be reading a full length novel by Sadie Rose next!

Maybe, just maybe he isn’t the worst cabin neighbor or grump.

Elfemies to Lovers by Jennifer Chipman
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The daughter of a runaway Christmas Elf. The son of Santa Claus. A whole lot of Christmas Magic. What could go wrong?

Ivy Winters

As the head elf at Santa’s Christmasland, I never expected to be butting heads with the new executive—or going on a date with him. But when he asked me to go home with him for Christmas, I surprised myself by saying yes.

Oh, and he’s from the North Pole.

And apparently, I’m an elf.

Teddy Claus

Training to take over the family business was no small undertaking, but for the last few years, I’d been working my way up through the ranks, mastering each branch of our enterprise.

But everything was different when I arrived at our Christmas themed amusement park and met her.

Maybe that was why I invited her home with me for Christmas.

It felt like I’d been searching my whole life for something, and I’d finally found it.

Maybe, what I’d needed all along was Ivy by my side.

Review:

Elfemies to Lovers had so much potential! With the magic of Christmas, and the background of characters feeling unique for a holiday romance, I thought I would fall head over heels in love with this story. Yes it had some insta love, but I don’t mind that with my holiday reads. The issue was that my feelings towards this book veered off course when we hit about 23%. I started to lose sight of why Teddy liked Ivy, the story-line had a few holes, and I found myself skimming the latter half of this book. I desperately wanted to love this steamy Christmas story more, but the execution wasn’t for me.

It felt a little like fate that Teddy had walked into my life, swept me off my feet, and brought me home for Christmas.

BOOK REVIEW: 12 Days of Mistletoe by Jen Atkinson

December 29, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

12 Days of Mistletoe by Jen Atkinson
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
How to end up in Christmas kissing lessons with your downstairs enemy…

Break apartment rules? Guilty.
Send holiday cards to the downstairs neighbor's grandma? Done.
Accidentally become said neighbor's fake girlfriend for a family Christmas photo? Wait, what?

I, Bonnie Miller, am no troublemaker. I’m just an anxious girl trying to keep my emotional support pup in a no-pets apartment building. But my downstairs neighbor is determined to be my personal Grinch and get us both evicted.

Just when I think things can’t get any worse, Elliot Eaton offers me a deal I can’t refuse. Suddenly I’m playing girlfriend and giving mistletoe kisses to my sworn enemy, all to keep my home.

Who knew that breaking one little rule would lead to a fan-mistletoe-tastic holiday?

12 Days of Mistletoe is a closed door, laugh out loud, warm your wintery heart romcom. If you need a book with all the feels, some mistletoe kisses, and lots of holiday spirit, look no further!

Review:

12 Days of Mistletoe was an enemies to lovers, fake dating, closed door Christmas romance that was so much fun! With deeper emotional moments to tug at your heart, and a cast of characters that will have you laughing out loud, this adorable story was so memorable!

She’s just a lying dog hoarder with pepper spray up her sleeve.
Beautiful faces are deceiving. Like a siren’s song.

Elliot Eaton was an elementary PE teacher who wanted to buy his Gran’s apartment complex, and had to prove himself to her in the meantime. In the midst he found a rule breaker, and that woman was Bonnie Miller. She was a passionate woman who worked multiple jobs so she could help out a cause near and dear to her heart. With her emotional support dog, Noel, I loved the two of them right away. Yet Elloit and Bonnie got off on the worst foot ever!

Elliot’s eyes draw to mine and I can’t help it—my gaze drops to his mouth. The mouth his grandmother says I must kiss to keep my dog. To keep my home.
It’s ridiculous.
It’s outlandish.
It’s a price I’m willing to pay.

A Christmas card picture, that went all kinds of wrong and had me laughing so hard I was crying, led Elliot and Bonnie to make a deal. She pretended to be his girlfriend, and in exchange she got to continue to live there with Noel. With a mischief making Gran, and side characters that popped from the pages, like Bill, I adored this book! It was filled with all the Christmas fun!

“Oh wow. Okay.” I choke on the words, a nervous tremor making its way down my back. “We’re doing this now? Like now now?”
“Yes. If it helps, I’ve placed mistletoe in every single one of my doorways for you.”

And while this book was laugh out loud funny, there was also a strong emotional side to this story too. Noel was the sweetest dog ever, and we got to watch her help Bonnie with her anxiety and panic attacks. I loved that we also got to see how Noel’s relationship with Elliot progressed, it warmed my heart. And while Bonnie and Elliot were continuing their fake dating around his family, it led to them having deep and meaningful conversations. So with fake kisses thrown in the mix, it became hard for them to tell anymore, what was real. And what was fake.

One should not be attracted to one’s fake boyfriend. It makes the word “fake” become confusing.

With Christmas tree adventures, sentimental ornaments, sweet kisses, drawing pictures that had me cackling out loud, and so many adorable moments, this book was so much fun. Plus, it ended with a fabulous and happy epilogue. This was my first book by Jen Atkinson, and I’m looking forward to reading another one of her books in the future!

“I might… need more practice.” My chest pounds with my thundering heart. Because this is more than putting myself out there. This is begging the man to kiss me.

BOOK REVIEW: That Christmas Kind of Feeling by Hannah Bird

December 28, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

That Christmas Kind of Feeling by Hannah Bird
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Amelia Lawrence is not a Scrooge.

She is, however, tired of spending Christmas with a family who doesn't seem to care that she's even present. When the hot coworker she's been fawning over says he needs a last minute house sitter to watch his cute pup Finley, Amelia jumps at the chance for an excuse to stay in town. Making a little money to pad her solo vacation fund is just a bonus.

What neither she nor Levi Abner could've predicted was a blizzard of epic proportions leaving them snowed in together for Christmas.

For anyone else, it would spell disaster. But not Levi. As an overgrown former college football player with a major holiday obsession, he's determined to remind Amelia that she's worth a little Christmas magic.

The problem? He's only got until the snow clears to do it.

Review:

That Christmas Kind of Feeling was a forced proximity, steamy and sweet Christmas novella! Amelia Lawrence was to pet sit her coworker’s dog during the holidays, so she wouldn’t have to go home. Yet Levi Abner found himself stuck at home with Amelia, when a blizzard struck. With snow swirling, the cutest dog ever, all the Christmas feels, and love in the air, I adored this book!

I wished for him, for this feeling, in the quietest parts of my heart for as long as I can remember. Someone to listen and really care about what I say. To show me I’m wanted and adored.

Levi was the most thoughtful and kindest man, who had a deep love for Christmas. I also loved his commanding presence, and how he could take control of a situation *side smirks*. Amelia was so easy to like. I got her internal struggles, and was rooting for her happily ever after. So with quiet yet memorable moments, like their talk by the fire. To baking cookies, sledding, and snow angels, this little novella had all the holiday charm! If you’re looking for a quick, emotional, and spicy holiday read, I can’t recommend this one enough! I can’t wait to read a full length novel by Hannah Bird next!

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!