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shewritesspicybooks's review
2.0
Oof, this was rough. I was really hoping for a cute Christmas romance, but what I got was a slog. The characters were flat, the conflicts were contrived or simple misunderstandings and most of the romance took place off screen. Every chapter was a rollercoaster in a bad way—a simple misunderstanding would mean the end of the couple but then by the end of the chapter they’d realize their mistake. And there was very little (to no) chemistry. To call this enemies to lovers is an insult to the trope.
I don’t think I’ll try any Maggie Knox again soon…
I don’t think I’ll try any Maggie Knox again soon…
smalltownbookmom's review
4.0
3.5 rounded up.
This was a feel-good, dual POV, fake dating, enemies to lovers holiday romance between two aspiring country music singers who are competing on a reality television singing competition.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between the leads, Max's father is a famous country music singer and dealing with living in his shadow, while Sadie is a newcomer trying to crack into the business without any of the connections that Max enjoys.
While these two have electric chemistry on stage, in real life past misunderstandings and miscommunication keeps them from getting along well. I didn't love how often their relationship kept going back and forth from almost finding happiness and enjoying one another's company to being at odds with each other over and over.
Overall though this closed door romance was full of heart and would make a perfect Hallmark movie!
Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @PRHAudio for a complimentary audio copy in exchange for my honest review. While I didn't love this one quite as much as Canadian writing duo Maggie Knox's first book, it was still an enjoyable holiday story and I loved the cover!
This was a feel-good, dual POV, fake dating, enemies to lovers holiday romance between two aspiring country music singers who are competing on a reality television singing competition.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between the leads, Max's father is a famous country music singer and dealing with living in his shadow, while Sadie is a newcomer trying to crack into the business without any of the connections that Max enjoys.
While these two have electric chemistry on stage, in real life past misunderstandings and miscommunication keeps them from getting along well. I didn't love how often their relationship kept going back and forth from almost finding happiness and enjoying one another's company to being at odds with each other over and over.
Overall though this closed door romance was full of heart and would make a perfect Hallmark movie!
Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @PRHAudio for a complimentary audio copy in exchange for my honest review. While I didn't love this one quite as much as Canadian writing duo Maggie Knox's first book, it was still an enjoyable holiday story and I loved the cover!
illstoptheworldandreadwithyou's review
4.0
All I Want for Christmas is a bit second chance romance, a bit rivals/enemies-to-lovers, and a bit fake dating all tied up in a Nashville country Christmas bow. Aspiring singer-songwriter Sadie sees this season of the reality show Starmaker as her last chance at making it on the country music scene. Likewise, Max, son of Music City royalty, sees this season as his last chance to make it in country music on his own terms. There’s some animosity between the two aspiring stars, but when they are paired for the duet round, it turns out they make musical magic together. They just might be each other’s ticket to the top.
This book was tailor-made to become a Christmas film on Great American Family. I can see it slotted easily into the channel’s Great American Christmas lineup.
You get a tour of some famous Nashville landmarks, a trip to the Canadian Rockies, some time in the studio, and plenty of snuggles with a pup named Patsy Canine. (I just adore that name.)
In addition to the sparks and strife between the main characters, you have emotional family moments and moments of true friendship as well.
The main sticking point that keeps it from being a five star read for me is the withholding information / miscommunication trope in the book. I am typically not a fan of drama that can easily be resolved by characters communicating—although I do understand why authors employ this trope to create conflict and tension in a novel.
All in all, All I Want for Christmas is a fun holiday read that will bring a smile to your face and a song to your heart.
I received an advance copy of the book from Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.
This book was tailor-made to become a Christmas film on Great American Family. I can see it slotted easily into the channel’s Great American Christmas lineup.
You get a tour of some famous Nashville landmarks, a trip to the Canadian Rockies, some time in the studio, and plenty of snuggles with a pup named Patsy Canine. (I just adore that name.)
In addition to the sparks and strife between the main characters, you have emotional family moments and moments of true friendship as well.
The main sticking point that keeps it from being a five star read for me is the withholding information / miscommunication trope in the book. I am typically not a fan of drama that can easily be resolved by characters communicating—although I do understand why authors employ this trope to create conflict and tension in a novel.
All in all, All I Want for Christmas is a fun holiday read that will bring a smile to your face and a song to your heart.
I received an advance copy of the book from Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.
sophiejayneb's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
booksandbedtime's review
3.0
This has all the makings of a great Christmas story - fake dating, celebrity romance, holiday songs, cute dog in knitted sweaters….
The premise of the book is so good. I loved the singing competition. I loved how the corruption of key players in the music industry was portrayed. I loved the timeline. I wanted to love Sadie and Max more…. Their immaturity and miscommunication really brought the story down for me though.
I was expecting more Christmas, but since I’m reading this one in September that was fine.
The premise of the book is so good. I loved the singing competition. I loved how the corruption of key players in the music industry was portrayed. I loved the timeline. I wanted to love Sadie and Max more…. Their immaturity and miscommunication really brought the story down for me though.
I was expecting more Christmas, but since I’m reading this one in September that was fine.
emmalux1991's review
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
gracefeidt's review
3.0
It was a real fluff piece, and easy to get through. There are some minor inconsistencies that were missed in the editing process, but it overall was very cute.
whitprit's review
3.0
So this book like I said wasn’t the best book of all time. I mean it was very cliche but that’s what you want in a holiday romance book right? I felt like Sadie and Max were immature at times and I mean I’ve only been married for 3 years now but I have been dating the same man for 10 going on 11 years…I can tell you one thing he is NOT gonna walk away from me or me away from him. It’s more like a high school romance. Anyway it was cute, it ended well, and it was Christmas like. All and all probably not gonna put this on my top books read.