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Monday, October 19, 2020

New Release: Return Billionaire to Sender by Annika Martin + Review!

 



Return Billionaire to Sender by Annika Martin is now live!

I may be a shy, lowly letter carrier, but when my beloved apartment building is threatened by a mysterious and reclusive billionaire, I'm willing to push the envelope. I'm going to march right up to Malcolm Blackberg's fortress of fierceness and deliver a cease-and-desist notice he can't refuse.

Only, no sooner do I get inside his gilded doors than things go sideways--fast. I'm mistaken for Malcolm's court-ordered emotional IQ coach, as if I'm acting out a wacky postal carrier cosplay.

They drag me in, a sacrificial lamb for the big bad. Make that big, smolderingly sexy bad.

So I make up a lesson involving a story about our building as he glares and fumes. Can he tell that I have no idea what I'm doing?

Before I know it I'm flying around the country, up close and personality testing the most devilishly exasperating man I've ever met.

He's scary for sure...but the way he sometimes looks at me turns my knees to jelly and has me writing love letters to his gorgeous eyes, his mouthwatering smile, his impressive...package.

Our coaching sessions are getting hot-hot-hot, but I can't let my guard down. If he ever finds out I'm a first-class fake, I'll lose everything I've ever loved in this world...


Download today on Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Nook!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/33xcQMS

Nook: https://bit.ly/343pFjA

Apple: https://apple.co/2Zx3IXB

Kobo: https://bit.ly/32w6bDv

 

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/35AiCA5


Review:

3.75-4 stars

****

 Aww, this was really cute! This is Noelle and Malcolm's story. Noelle is a mailwoman and she lives in an apartment building with fabulous friends and neighbors that she adores. When her building is bought by a big corporation and scheduled to be torn down, they are all devastated. They hatch a plan to create a video of them all describing how much they love the building and why they don't want to move. Noelle volunteers to take the video to the CEO and big boss of the company, Malcolm. She marches herself down to his high rise office building and is promptly turned away without even being allowed to see him. But, in a comedy of errors, she ends up with a temporary job at the company. They think she is the person who was court appointed to give Malcolm sensitivity training and make him a more empathetic person, due to a law suit he had filed against him by a former employee. Noelle spends time with him every day making him watch her building's video, under the guise of doing her "job", hoping that he will feel sorry about tearing it down and change his mind. When Malcolm meets Noelle he is fascinated by her and as they spend time together they fall for each other. Will Noelle save the building and what will happen when Malcolm finds out she lied about who she really is?

I found this book to be so sweet and funny. I really loved Noelle and Malcolm together. Noelle was adorably quirky and Malcolm was swoony and obsessed with her. They had great chemistry. This was a slow burn story with sweet, sexy and funny moments. I did want a further ahead epilogue with a little more firm HEA, but I still really enjoyed this book.

Overall, this was a good book and great addition to this fun series. I really liked Malcolm and Noelle's journey to love. I look forward to more from Ms. Martin in the future!

 

Meet Annika


Annika Martin is a NYT bestselling author who loves reading fun, steamy books, doing yoga, taking pictures of my cats, rocking out to 90's music, taking long baths, consuming See's chocolate suckers, mooning over heroes' hands, and helping animals. She can be found hanging out in Minneapolis coffee shops with her awesome writer husband and tending her crazy bee-friendly garden. She has also written as RITA award-winning author Carolyn Crane.

Connect with Annika


Facebook: http://bit.ly/AnnikaMartinFB

Reader Group: http://bit.ly/AMFabulousGang

Website: http://www.annikamartinbooks.com

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/AnnikaMartinBB

Instagram: http://bit.ly/AnnikaMartinIG

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Xhv8Rr


Stay up to date with Annika by joining her mailing list: http://www.annikamartinbooks.com/newletter/

New Release: Love Song by Kylie Scott + Review!

 

There’s always the one that got away. Or kicked you out...

Love Song, an all-new 1001 Dark Nights novella from the irresistible Stage Dive series by New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott is available now!



From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kylie Scott comes a new story in her Stage Dive series…

There’s always the one that got away. Or kicked you out...

The new darling of rock n’ roll, Adam Dillon, is ready to show his ex-girlfriend, Jill Schwartz, what a mistake she made kicking him to the curb. So maybe he wasn’t the best of boyfriends. Writing great songs and climbing to the top of the charts isn’t easy. Only problem is, he's fast finding out that success isn't everything.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**



Download your copy today exclusively on Amazon!


Amazon: https://amzn.to/36lJJx4
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/lovesongks
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2A18UZM

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3cR7saZ


Review:

3.75 stars

***

This was a good read! Love Song is a fun addition to the Stage Dive series. It is Adam and Jill's story. Adam is an up and coming rock star in the band that opens for Stage Dive. Jill is his ex-girlfriend. She broke up with Adam because he seemed to only focus on his music, instead of getting a job or letting her know how he felt about her. Soon after their breakup, Adam made it big in the music business and wrote an album of angry songs about her. When Jill receives a huge check in the mail from him and no explanation, she shows up to demand answers from him. The couple hashes out their problems and figures out why they didn't work out the first time. Along the way, they find they really still love each other and are meant to be together.

This was a quick, enjoyable read. I really liked Jill and Adam. I was glad they were able to get back together and find happiness even better than before with more communication. They were romantic and sweet. I did wonder how long the couple had been broken up. I also wanted a bit more remembering of the good times between them before they broke up to see why they would want to get back together. If this was a bit longer of a novella, those questions might could have been answered. Still, I did enjoy this book. I also enjoyed catching back up with the Stage Dive band member couples.

Overall, this was an entertaining book. I still really enjoy this series and look forward to more from Ms. Scott in the future!


About Kylie Scott

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013, 2014 & 2018, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

Connect with Kylie


Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XujcZh
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2GngiQq
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2OiXx3I
Twitter: http://bit.ly/391pjJM
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2EUrx11
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2Imusk3
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2S7cc32
Book+Main Bites: http://bit.ly/2ETz5RQ
Stay up to date with Kylie by joining her mailing list:
http://bit.ly/2TOOivT
Website: https://kyliescott.com/

For More information about 1001 Dark Nights Visit:


Facebook: https://bit.ly/37fl0uT
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Y7uBQp
Website: https://bit.ly/2AIIr3A
Stay up to date on all 1001 Dark Nights releases, join their newsletter today! https://bit.ly/2zgxaHu

Sunday, October 18, 2020

New Release: Who's the Boss by Erin McCarthy + Review!

 


When your enemy becomes your boss, tensions are bound to boil over…

Who’s the Boss, an all-new, sexy enemies-to-lovers workplace romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Erin McCarthy is available now!



Arrogant, charming and sexy as hell, Master chef Sean Kincaid is legendary both in the kitchen and in the bedroom. So of course it only took five minutes for him to get me overheated. My temper that is.

Because Sean Kincaid is my new boss. Who has strolled into my kitchen demanding I follow his rules. I don’t like taking orders from anyone but certainly not from a grumpy man who knows how to push all of my buttons.

And when a Best Chef competition pits the two of us against each other, it’s either going to be a sizzler--or a recipe for disaster.



Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited.


Amazon: https://amzn.to/35vQYEf
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/whostheboss

Add WHO’S THE BOSS to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2ReFpJl


Review:

3.75 stars

***

 This was a pretty good book. Who's the Boss is Isla and Sean's story. Sean is a chef and is the brother to Michael, the hero in Forty Day FiancĂ© . Isla is best friend's with Michael's wife, Felicia. Sean and Isla meet in the elevator on the way up to Michael and Felicia's baby shower. The elevator gets stuck and the couple bickers about it, but sparks fly and they end up kissing. A few months later, Isla is expecting a promotion to head chef at the restaurant she works at. Instead, Sean gets the job. The two are in for a bit of a roller coaster- disliking each other, but coming to see they misjudged the other person, and finding that they have great chemistry and have feelings for each other, which leads to love.

This book has a trope that isn't my favorite. This story is enemies to lovers and I don't love when a couple doesn't like each other at first meeting. But they hate doesn't last too long and the way it is written didn't hinder my enjoyment. I liked Isla and Sean together. Isla was a tough cookie and had trouble opening up, but she did eventually soften up for Sean. He had a manwhore past that was a turn off to me, but he wasn't interested in anyone else after he met Isla. He soon saw he was ready to settle down with her. Isla and Sean had good chemistry and emotion between them. I definitely felt their love. They were really cute together in the end. I thought the chef and cooking aspect was fun to read about, as well.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read! I liked Isla and Sean's story and was happy to see them together. They were definitely each other's person and deserved their HEA. I really enjoy this series and look forward to more from it and Ms. McCarthy!


About Erin

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Erin McCarthy sold her first book in 2002 and has since written over seventy-five novels and novellas in the romance and mystery genres. Erin has a special weakness for high-heeled boots, martinis, and Frank Sinatra. She lives with her renovation-addicted husband (he built her a bar, so it’s all good!) and their blended family of kids and rescue dogs.

Connect with Erin


Facebook: http://bit.ly/39K0yDk
Instagram: http://bit.ly/37EuvCQ
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2ZWtdQT
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QtYjMD
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2uqW6Jx
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2FrgL2d
Stay up to date with Erin by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/2tYmOsP
Website: https://erinmccarthy.net

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Blog Tour: Overdue by Miranda Elaine + Excerpt & Review!

 


Overdue, a swoonworthy best friend to lovers, standalone romance from Miranda Elaine is available now!



Growing up, Griffin Thorne was the most annoying, adorable, and infuriating boy I’d ever met. I told myself I wanted nothing to do with him, but no matter how much I tried to hate him, that crazy boy somehow became my best friend.

As teenagers, we were inseparable. Despite the high school rumors, we never crossed any lines. Friends forever. That was our motto.

Griffin grew up to become a smoking hot firefighter and I got my dream job as the town librarian. Life was perfect. However, when tragedy strikes and we’re forced to move in together, our friendship is put to the biggest test yet.

Do I risk everything for the chance at an epic love? If I follow my heart, I could lose my best friend. But if it works, we could finally get our very own Happily Ever After.



Download your copy today or read Free in Kindle Unlimited!


Amazon: https://amzn.to/30ZE66z
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/OverdueME

Add Overdue to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3iovYDc


Review:

3.25 stars

***

 Overdue has a cute premise. This is a small-town, best friends to lovers story about Griffin and Leni. The two have been best friends and next door neighbors since they were kids. Now as adults, he is a firefighter and she is a librarian, and they are as close as ever. The two share an attraction, but were not willing to risk their friendship. When Leni faces a family crisis, Griffin steps up to comfort her and they find they can no longer ignore their feelings for each other.

Ms. Elaine is a new-to-me author. I liked the story but had a hard time connecting to the writing style, personally. The story was cute, but the writing felt a little YA and the characters lacked chemistry. I didn't really understand why Griffin and Leni were so oblivious about their feelings for each other. Still, this was an easy read and was entertaining. The two made a cute couple and I was glad they finally admitted their love for each other.

Overall, this was a pretty cute read. I will try this author again in the future!


Excerpt

It doesn’t take long to get to Jack’s place. Griffin and he have been working together for years. Jack has always been the biggest flirt and serial dater up until he met Shelby. But in the span of the eighteen months, he met her, got married in Vegas, and had a kid.
It was a quick courtship.
Shelby works as an interior designer on the island. She fixes up huge houses for the rich people who will only use them for a couple of months a year. The cookout this weekend was her idea since starting Monday she’s finally back at work since having their baby, Ava, two months ago. She doesn’t really have any coworkers other than her assistant, Sarah, so Jack invited all the other firefighters and their families over too.
We park on the street along with a half dozen other trucks and a few minivans from the family men. He’s out of the truck and over on my side before I can even get my things together.
“Hand it over,” he demands, his palm up waiting for me to comply.
I play dumb, wide eyes and innocence on my face. “What are you talking about?” I climb down the too big truck, trying desperately not to fall over . . . again.
“The book that’s hiding in your bag, Leni.” He points to the tote bag hanging to my side. “Come on now, give it to me. Easiest way for you not to give in to the desire to hide and read is to remove the temptation.”
“I left my book at home. Remember, you saw me set it down.” I play dumb.
“I’ve known you since we were nine. If you think I don’t know that you have a backup book in that bag, then you’re dead wrong.”
“Ugh!” I sigh dramatically as I pull out my well-loved copy of Emma and place it in his hand. He gently tosses it onto my seat, and I smack his shoulder as he does. He knows better than to throw around my books.
“Great, now the Kindle.” His voice is stern, and I know he means it.
“Seriously? Griffin, this is not cool. I’m a grown woman. I can go a few hours without reading.”
“Sure, you can. But I know you’ll get overwhelmed by the chaos that is definitely happening in there and you’ll retreat to a quiet corner.” He leans in close enough to me that I can smell his subtle cologne and shoves his hand deep into the tote, pulling my Kindle out in one fast swipe.
“Don’t you firefighters take obeying the law seriously?” I snark at him. “Seems to me you’re stealing my possessions and my lifeline.”
“Sue me. Hell, march downtown and file a report with any cop there. Good luck getting them to pursue it. I think they have much bigger fish to fry than me holding onto your electronics while we are at a social gathering. Don’t you think?”
“Grrr,” I growl at him before stomping off toward the gate with him on my heels. Before I can even acknowledge what is happening, he’s caught up to me and has me caged between him and the gate. I work hard to steady my breath, refusing to let him see how his closeness affects me. I feel his hand slide into the back pocket of my overalls. As quick as it’s there, it’s gone, along with my cell phone. The backup to my backup plan.
“I told you, Leni, I know you. You can have this with your Kindle app back on the way home!” he yells out to me as I let the gate behind me slam in front of him.
With a huff, I turn, open the gate, and storm angrily through it. Caught in a fit of laughter, he stands there watching me leave him behind. With the loud sound of the metal gate slamming behind me mixed with the booming laughter coming from Griffin, the party seems to come to a complete standstill.
Great . . . everyone is looking my way and my first instinct is to turn and run. But to prove to him I can do this, I stand tall, throw my long red hair over my shoulder, and march myself over to Shelby.

About Miranda


Miranda is a loving wife and barely surviving mother of three occasionally good kids. Her hobbies include lying to herself about the calories in donuts and banana pudding, as well as running out of excuses when procrastinating. She's been an avid reader since she was a young girl. Whether she's by the pool, curled up in bed, or hiding in the closet, as long as she has a book in her hands she’s happy.

Connect with Miranda


Facebook: https://bit.ly/3f0ixa6
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3g0KOyl
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2OTH1an
GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2r6CGEi
Amazon: https://amzn.to/337VRT5
Stay up to date with Miranda by joining her mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/dtnc1P
Website: https://www.authormirandaelaine.com

Monday, October 12, 2020

New Release: Single Dad Seeks Juliet by Max Monroe + Review!

 


Single Dad Seeks Juliet, an all-new laugh out loud rom com from New York Times bestselling author Max Monroe is available now!



Dear Internet: Am I a horrible person for wanting to sabotage my work assignment—completely wreck a dating contest—because I hate the idea of love?

I know it sounds bad, but just hear me out, okay?

I (33F) work at a local paper, and two months ago, my editor assigned me a huge project—run the upcoming, highly anticipated Bachelor Anonymous contest.

In essence, I’m supposed to help a reader-nominated bachelor find his special someone, and while I should be excited to handle something of this magnitude solo, I can’t help but get queasy over how gross it feels.

Like, how cheesy could this thing get?

Not to mention, I’m the last person who should be involved in this—my dating and relationship history is a cluster. Generally, the person in charge of these things shouldn’t fantasize about lighting the whole three-ring dating circus on fire.

Anyway, men from all over Southern California, vying for the coveted bachelor role, submitted their personal ads to my paper. The readers voted, and Single Dad Seeks Juliet won by a landslide.

Enter Mr. Bachelor Anonymous (40M), the single dad Romeo seeking his Juliet.

Blah, blah, blah, right? Wrong.

You guys—and I cannot stress this enough—this guy is the ultimate man in a six-foot-three, chiseled-muscle, freaking Adonis package with aquamarine eyes that would haunt the dreams of an insomniac.

He’s a former Navy SEAL, successful business owner, motocross-riding, charming, supportive, funny-as-heck single dad, and the more time I spend with him, the more I want to bring this contest thing crumbling to the ground for an entirely different reason.

Real talk: I think I’m falling for him.

Me, the woman who despises love, might be falling for the completely off-limits Bachelor who I’m ironically assigned to help find love, while five other women think they’re the only contestants competing for his heart.

So, Internet. Am I scum? Or is all fair in love and war?



Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!


Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FoqdXX
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/SingleDadSJ

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3mo7zjq


Review:

3.5 stars

***

 This was a cute, Hallmark movie type of book. Single Dad seeks Juliet is a standalone book and it Jake and Holley's story. Holley is a newspaper writer. Jake is a single dad with his own construction company. Jake's teenage daughter enters him in the newspaper's Bachelor contest and he wins, before he knows he's even entered. He isn't interested in dating as he has been focused on raising his daughter, but she is heading to college soon and wants to see him settled and happy. So he accepts the position and enters the contest to make his daughter happy. Also, it helps when he meets the beautiful reporter, Holley, who is running the contest. As he and Holley spend time together planning dates for him, the two start to develop feelings for each other. Will Jake find love with one of the bachelorettes or with Holley?


I found this story cute and entertaining. I did find the romance a little too slow moving and a lack of chemistry and heat. It would be perfect for a Hallmark movie where the couple gets together at the very end, but I prefer a bit more heat in my books (and movies). Jake and Holley were cute, but most of the book is spent with her trying to set him up with someone else. He didn't realize that it was Holley he really wanted soon enough for me and he wasn't a go-getter enough to go after her himself as soon as he realized it. I felt bad for Holley because she realized her feelings for him much sooner, had to watch him date others, and there wasn't any other men interested in her. Jake wasn't really interested in the women he dated either, so that did help. There were a few big topics they never discussed about Holley's childhood and the couple's future together that I felt should have been discussed. So I did feel the book could have been a bit better, but it was still an entertaining, very light, easy read. I liked both Holley and Jake as people and I enjoyed Jake's daughter in the story.

Overall, this was a pretty good read and I did enjoy it in general, even if it was not my favorite Max Monroe book. I do look forward to more from them in the future!


About Max Monroe


A duo of romance authors team up under the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling pseudonym Max Monroe to bring you sexy, laugh-out-loud reads.

Max Monroe is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of more than ten contemporary romance titles. Favorite writing partners and long time friends, Max and Monroe strive to live and write all the fun, sexy swoon so often missing from their Facebook newsfeed. Sarcastic by nature, their two writing souls feel like they’ve found their other half. This is their most favorite adventure thus far.


Connect with Max Monroe


BookBub: http://bit.ly/3bJFJJh
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ReoxkK
Facebook: http://bit.ly/31XxggS
Instagram: http://bit.ly/39wuCkW
Stay up to date with Max Monroe by joining their mailing list today: http://bit.ly/2HzGmau
Website: https://www.authormaxmonroe.com/

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

New Release: Overdue by Miranda Elaine + Review!

 


Overdue, a sweet and nostalgic small town standalone romance from Miranda Elaine is available now!


Growing up, Griffin Thorne was the most annoying, adorable, and infuriating boy I’d ever met. I told myself I wanted nothing to do with him, but no matter how much I tried to hate him, that crazy boy somehow became my best friend.

As teenagers, we were inseparable. Despite the high school rumors, we never crossed any lines. Friends forever. That was our motto.

Griffin grew up to become a smoking hot firefighter and I got my dream job as the town librarian. Life was perfect. However, when tragedy strikes and we’re forced to move in together, our friendship is put to the biggest test yet.

Do I risk everything for the chance at an epic love? If I follow my heart, I could lose my best friend. But if it works, we could finally get our very own Happily Ever After.



Download your copy today or read Free in Kindle Unlimited!


Amazon: https://amzn.to/30ZE66z
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/OverdueME

Add Overdue to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3iovYDc


Review:

3.25 stars

***

 Overdue has a cute premise. This is a small-town, best friends to lovers story about Griffin and Leni. The two have been best friends and next door neighbors since they were kids. Now as adults, he is a firefighter and she is a librarian, and they are as close as ever. The two share an attraction, but were not willing to risk their friendship. When Leni faces a family crisis, Griffin steps up to comfort her and they find they can no longer ignore their feelings for each other.


Ms. Elaine is a new-to-me author. I liked the story but had a hard time connecting to the writing style, personally. The story was cute, but the writing felt a little YA and the characters lacked chemistry. I didn't really understand why Griffin and Leni were so oblivious about their feelings for each other. Still, this was an easy read and was entertaining. The two made a cute couple and I was glad they finally admitted their love for each other.

Overall, this was a pretty cute read. I will try this author again in the future!


   







About Miranda

Miranda is a loving wife and barely surviving mother of three occasionally good kids. Her hobbies include lying to herself about the calories in donuts and banana pudding, as well as running out of excuses when procrastinating. She's been an avid reader since she was a young girl. Whether she's by the pool, curled up in bed, or hiding in the closet, as long as she has a book in her hands she’s happy.

Connect with Miranda
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3f0ixa6
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3g0KOyl
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2OTH1an
GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2r6CGEi
Amazon: https://amzn.to/337VRT5
Stay up to date with Miranda by joining her mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/dtnc1P
Website: https://www.authormirandaelaine.com

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

New Release: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren + Review!

 



In a Holidaze by Cristina Lauren is now available!


One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetime of hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.

The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.


Buy Links: https://christinalaurenbooks.com/books/in-a-holidaze/?fbclid=IwAR2wKlOxnmlLMSLZ0q_5V_uq8Fwf2ZHes0YSx66VDMVkf1mdYbb3pAkWfws


Review: 

2.75-3 stars

***


 I didn't completely love this book, unfortunately. In a Holidaze is Maelyn's story. Maelyn is a young woman whose family has a close "best friend family" that they have always spent Christmas with at a cabin. Mae has always had a crush on one of the sons of that family, Andrew. But this Christmas at the cabin, everything has gotten mixed up. Bad news about the cabin, kissing the wrong brother, and accidents abound. When the Christmas week is over, Maelyn makes a wish for the universe to show her what will make her happy. The family is immediately in a car accident and when Mae wakes up the week is just starting again. Thus begins a Groundhog Day like scenario, where Mae goes through the week over and over until an accident happens to make her begin again.

This book did have a cute premise. But Mae came off like a very immature and innocent, young teenage girl with a silly schoolgirl crush, instead of a woman in her late 20s. Andrew, also did not feel like a 30 year old man. For much of the book, it did not feel like a romance. There was no chemistry or depth of character. The reasons why the "Groundhog Day scenario" happens are never fully explained, nor is why the days repeating finally stops. Also, the pacing is off. Rushing in parts and slow moving in parts. The book is relatively entertaining, but it felt more like a debut novel.

Overall, I can't say I enjoyed this book very much. I have read and enjoyed Christina Lauren books in the past, but haven't enjoyed many of their newer books. The Unhoneymooners was pretty good though, so I thought I would try In a Holidaze, in hopes that they got some of their groove back. But I was disappointed as I felt this was my least favorite book of theirs to date. It wasn't bad, but it was definitely only okay for me.