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shedevilreads's review against another edition
5.0
Once upon a Wish-Mas by Laura Barnard is a romantic comedy that I listened to on audio narrated by Charlie Emmeline Albers.
This is the first book of Laura’s that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. I loved the chemistry between Ruby and Barclay. This book should really be made into a Hallmark movie. The book is Christmas themed but it so heartwarming you should read it anytime of the year.
Charlie did an amazing job on the narration. She really knows how to bring a story to life and I look forward to listening to more of her work in the future.
I would highly recommend this book if you love romantic comedies, enemies-to-lovers, age gap romances, or romance in general. This book really does cover all the bases for romance lovers.
This is the first book of Laura’s that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. I loved the chemistry between Ruby and Barclay. This book should really be made into a Hallmark movie. The book is Christmas themed but it so heartwarming you should read it anytime of the year.
Charlie did an amazing job on the narration. She really knows how to bring a story to life and I look forward to listening to more of her work in the future.
I would highly recommend this book if you love romantic comedies, enemies-to-lovers, age gap romances, or romance in general. This book really does cover all the bases for romance lovers.
vivireads99's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
If “Pick Me” was a book this would be it. The constant slut shaming drove me crazy. Not to mention the disrespect towards sex workers. Can we please stop calling ourselves “whores” for wanting and enjoying sex? Not to mention the MMC was just an asshole the whole book. If it weren’t for my book club it would have been an DNF.
kerrisbooks13's review
2.0
2.75 stars! You get what you pay for here? Which considering it’s free on KU is saying something. It was Christmassy that I can say about it, but even for a romance novel the man was pretty much just an asshole and it went to love wayyyyy too fast (and I can usually ignore insta-love in the name of a good story).
Merged review:
2.75 stars! You get what you pay for here? Which considering it’s free on KU is saying something. It was Christmassy that I can say about it, but even for a romance novel the man was pretty much just an asshole and it went to love wayyyyy too fast (and I can usually ignore insta-love in the name of a good story).
Merged review:
2.75 stars! You get what you pay for here? Which considering it’s free on KU is saying something. It was Christmassy that I can say about it, but even for a romance novel the man was pretty much just an asshole and it went to love wayyyyy too fast (and I can usually ignore insta-love in the name of a good story).
momalwaysreads's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this holiday romance. At first, I admit I was a little thrown off with the British single quotations... it's the first book I've read that has used this format so I actually had to Google to see if it was an error. But I was quickly immersed in the story and forgot all about it.
While a little cliché, this nanny-boss romance was a fun read with good character development. I enjoyed the relationship Ruby had with the girls and that she always put their needs first. I won't say much more as it would be considered spoilery, but the Ruby-Barclay dynamic was very fun to watch develop and I loved their tension.
As for steam level, Once Upon a Wish-mas was a holiday romance more intense than your typical Hallmark movie. There are some steamy scenes and adult language, so I probably wouldn't recommend it to grandma. I would, however, definitely recommend this one to anyone looking for a good holiday smut-mance.
Steam Rating:
While a little cliché, this nanny-boss romance was a fun read with good character development. I enjoyed the relationship Ruby had with the girls and that she always put their needs first. I won't say much more as it would be considered spoilery, but the Ruby-Barclay dynamic was very fun to watch develop and I loved their tension.
As for steam level, Once Upon a Wish-mas was a holiday romance more intense than your typical Hallmark movie. There are some steamy scenes and adult language, so I probably wouldn't recommend it to grandma. I would, however, definitely recommend this one to anyone looking for a good holiday smut-mance.
Steam Rating:
reads_emily's review
5.0
Where to start? I adored this book. Laura is a romcom genius. This was such a lovely story with so many enchanting characters. I was absolutely obsessed with their stories.
Ruby was just the most amazing woman who was amazing with children and Barclay couldn’t be more opposite but it just worked. Every minute. I never wanted it to end.
Easily one of my favourite books of the year. Laura is also easily one of my favourite authors. Everyone has to read this.
Ruby was just the most amazing woman who was amazing with children and Barclay couldn’t be more opposite but it just worked. Every minute. I never wanted it to end.
Easily one of my favourite books of the year. Laura is also easily one of my favourite authors. Everyone has to read this.
kazza248's review
5.0
I really love festive stories and this one tops them all, it has all you want it's funny, a perfect heart-warming story.
When Ruby agreed to be the nanny to Barclay Rothchester's two Girls she knew what she was letting herself in for, but with her quirky ways, and rule-breaking, he can't help but like her!
The two girls are adorable and Ruby loves them, even Joins the PTA (who don't want her as she is just a nanny) so that Jessica can be on a float, but things with the PTA don't go as planned!
It is a sweet love story that has you crying one minute and laughing the next. This is my first Christmas book of the year and will take something really special to beat it!
I would 100% recommend this book, 5 stars aren't enough!
When Ruby agreed to be the nanny to Barclay Rothchester's two Girls she knew what she was letting herself in for, but with her quirky ways, and rule-breaking, he can't help but like her!
The two girls are adorable and Ruby loves them, even Joins the PTA (who don't want her as she is just a nanny) so that Jessica can be on a float, but things with the PTA don't go as planned!
It is a sweet love story that has you crying one minute and laughing the next. This is my first Christmas book of the year and will take something really special to beat it!
I would 100% recommend this book, 5 stars aren't enough!
gems_31's review
5.0
If there is any proof on how much I enjoyed this book, it is the fact that I read this in one day. (Well, I started before going to sleep and then finished the next morning).
The best way to describe this book is that it has the heart of The Sound of Music (Plucky Governess is hired to look after the daughter of a widower who makes both Scrooge and Captain Von Trapp look like big bundles of fun). True the circumstances surrounding the death of his wife are very sad and you can see why he has this hard-shell to protect him. However, Ruby come barrelling into his and his daughters life to both shake things up and show Barclay what he is missing by concentrating on his job rather than missing on the milestones of his daughters life.
Ruby may have the intentions of Maria Van Trapp when it comes to her young charge, but she is as far away from the straight laced Governess from The Sound of Music. The lengths that she will go for Charlotte and Jessica is both impressive and hilarious at times. It s clear that she loves her job and that the children that she cares for are more than just a job. (I especially loved the part where she took on the PTA in order to insure that Charlotte got on a parade float. That is dedication for you, especially with a queen bee of the PTA who could have been a future version of Regina from Mean Girls).
It wouldn’t be a Christmas feel good novel, without a romance and boy does this book have one of my favourite tropes in the genre. Barclay comes across as an arrogant and distant man, almost reminiscent of his name sake in Jane Eyre. He instantly butts heads with Ruby, due to the fact that she seems to through most of his rules out of the window. On top of that, he dislikes Christmas and seems to want hide his wife from his daughters. Yet, as the book progresses you see this growing attraction between them and though both of them try to fight it, you hope that they overcome the many obstacles in their way to finally see that they are meant for each other.
The rather innocent and wholesome cover hides some really steamy scenes in this book, to the point that they could melt the heaviest snow fall. In some instances, they could feel out of place, but Barnard manages to weave them into the story so naturally. It gets to the point that you are on tender hooks waiting for them to realise what you as the reader already see.
By the time I finished this book, I had the biggest grin on my face and the warm fuzzy feelings that only a festive read can bring.
The best way to describe this book is that it has the heart of The Sound of Music (Plucky Governess is hired to look after the daughter of a widower who makes both Scrooge and Captain Von Trapp look like big bundles of fun). True the circumstances surrounding the death of his wife are very sad and you can see why he has this hard-shell to protect him. However, Ruby come barrelling into his and his daughters life to both shake things up and show Barclay what he is missing by concentrating on his job rather than missing on the milestones of his daughters life.
Ruby may have the intentions of Maria Van Trapp when it comes to her young charge, but she is as far away from the straight laced Governess from The Sound of Music. The lengths that she will go for Charlotte and Jessica is both impressive and hilarious at times. It s clear that she loves her job and that the children that she cares for are more than just a job. (I especially loved the part where she took on the PTA in order to insure that Charlotte got on a parade float. That is dedication for you, especially with a queen bee of the PTA who could have been a future version of Regina from Mean Girls).
It wouldn’t be a Christmas feel good novel, without a romance and boy does this book have one of my favourite tropes in the genre. Barclay comes across as an arrogant and distant man, almost reminiscent of his name sake in Jane Eyre. He instantly butts heads with Ruby, due to the fact that she seems to through most of his rules out of the window. On top of that, he dislikes Christmas and seems to want hide his wife from his daughters. Yet, as the book progresses you see this growing attraction between them and though both of them try to fight it, you hope that they overcome the many obstacles in their way to finally see that they are meant for each other.
The rather innocent and wholesome cover hides some really steamy scenes in this book, to the point that they could melt the heaviest snow fall. In some instances, they could feel out of place, but Barnard manages to weave them into the story so naturally. It gets to the point that you are on tender hooks waiting for them to realise what you as the reader already see.
By the time I finished this book, I had the biggest grin on my face and the warm fuzzy feelings that only a festive read can bring.
booksandlattes83's review
5.0
Once Upon a Wish-Mas by Laura Barnard
I was so exited to get an ARC of Once Upon a Wish-Mas from Laura. I was wondering how it would be to read a Christmas story during Halloween and found out that it doesn’t matter what season the story is in, as long as I enjoy the story and it makes me happy, I’m okay with it. Although it did get me quite excited for Christmas!
Ruby is a Nanny and started her new job taking care of two beautiful little girls named Jessica and Charlotte (Lottie). Their father (Barclay) comes off as an angry, arrogant and very busy businessman, but come to find out he’s just still heartbroken over the loss of his wife a couple years prior.
The loving relationship between Ruby and the kids is instant. Ruby is kind, caring and would do absolutely anything for those kids, including joining the PTA. Ruby is so funny and selfless and is always second guessing herself, especially when it comes to her attraction towards Barclay. (I mean it’s super predictable but it’s such a cute story!!)
Barclay is the same when it comes to second guessing himself, thinking he won’t love anyone like his wife again, because it hurt too much to lose her.
Sometimes I wanted to shake some sense into Barclay, but I loved everything about this story. I loved the love story, even if predictable. I loved the passion, and the steamy moments. I loved the story of how important family is. I loved that I laughed out loud so many times. I loved that it was set at Christmas time, and how the story made you feel the magic Christmas can bring. And I loved the way I felt after I finished the book. That will always make a big impact on my rating for any book.
This was a beautiful love story of family and being able to find love after heartbreak.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was so exited to get an ARC of Once Upon a Wish-Mas from Laura. I was wondering how it would be to read a Christmas story during Halloween and found out that it doesn’t matter what season the story is in, as long as I enjoy the story and it makes me happy, I’m okay with it. Although it did get me quite excited for Christmas!
Ruby is a Nanny and started her new job taking care of two beautiful little girls named Jessica and Charlotte (Lottie). Their father (Barclay) comes off as an angry, arrogant and very busy businessman, but come to find out he’s just still heartbroken over the loss of his wife a couple years prior.
The loving relationship between Ruby and the kids is instant. Ruby is kind, caring and would do absolutely anything for those kids, including joining the PTA. Ruby is so funny and selfless and is always second guessing herself, especially when it comes to her attraction towards Barclay. (I mean it’s super predictable but it’s such a cute story!!)
Barclay is the same when it comes to second guessing himself, thinking he won’t love anyone like his wife again, because it hurt too much to lose her.
Sometimes I wanted to shake some sense into Barclay, but I loved everything about this story. I loved the love story, even if predictable. I loved the passion, and the steamy moments. I loved the story of how important family is. I loved that I laughed out loud so many times. I loved that it was set at Christmas time, and how the story made you feel the magic Christmas can bring. And I loved the way I felt after I finished the book. That will always make a big impact on my rating for any book.
This was a beautiful love story of family and being able to find love after heartbreak.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
emilyhei's review
4.0
Ruby Campbell has accepted a job as Nanny to Barclay Rothchester who has two daughter. Ruby realizes he has quite the reputation of going through Nannies because of his overbearing and strict ways. Ruby doesn't realize that initially and they spar, Ruby has a different philosophy on what children need. With Christmas around the corner Ruby wants the girls get have the best Christmas ever but can both Ruby and Barclay get on the same page and maybe it becomes something more.
This was pretty funny, I thought this was like Bridget Jones meet Mary Poppins. Ruby is adorable and she radiates throughout the story with her personality and the thoughts drifting through her head. Barclay is rigid and it takes time for him to soften, you are not initially sure about him because he is so harsh but you begin to see a different side that is charming. Great story and I liked the narration on this, it made for a festive audiobook with laugh out loud moments.
This was pretty funny, I thought this was like Bridget Jones meet Mary Poppins. Ruby is adorable and she radiates throughout the story with her personality and the thoughts drifting through her head. Barclay is rigid and it takes time for him to soften, you are not initially sure about him because he is so harsh but you begin to see a different side that is charming. Great story and I liked the narration on this, it made for a festive audiobook with laugh out loud moments.