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larayn's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
inmyhumbleopinion's review
4.0
If you think Die Hard is a Christmas movie this book is for you. Although a little dated the basic story is a fast, fun, relatable read. Looking for the “Hot Toy” on Christmas eve has Trudy finding more than she bargained for.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
minseigle's review
3.0
This was a short story about a lady, a guy she dated, and the doll she wanted so desperately to get her nephew for Christmas. It started off ok but then went crazy (and not in a good way). The plot became too ridiculous and the rom-com just wasn’t there. I’m rounding up to 3 stars for this one.
mdlaclair's review
3.0
Meh, this was an ok read it was a novella so it was short and didn’t have a ton of character development. However, the characters were enjoyable. Overall 3 stars cause I love Jennifer Cruise writing more then I do this book.
thunderbolt_kid's review
4.0
So I have pretty much loved Jennifer Crusie's books since the first one I read (Fast Women, which was also my first adult romance novel - I was probably too young to understand the problems of a divorced mom but loved it anyhow). This is no exception. She gives us a literal McGuffin and some exploration of who Christmas is for and why. But, pretty much, ignore most of that for fast pacing and a great wordsmith at work.
plottrysts's review
4.0
This novella is a frothy confection made up mostly of sparkling conversation. If you're looking for 45 minutes of non-stop farce that include:
1. A federal agent
2. A Chinese spy ring
3. Jokes about academia
4. A second-chance romance
5. A deadbeat dad
6. A drunk sister
7. A childhood nemesis
...and MORE, then this is the Christmas novella for you.
On the other hand, there are 3 kisses and nothing else (the titular "hot toy" is actually a kids' action figure), so factor that in too!
21 Word Summaries:
Meg: This tightly-constructed novella is a nonstop romp from start to finish. While you might not love the couple, the dialogue shines.
Laine: The only way to save a child's Christmas morning is to assert yourself against FBI agents and Chinese spies. Drunk Gingerbread.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
1. A federal agent
2. A Chinese spy ring
3. Jokes about academia
4. A second-chance romance
5. A deadbeat dad
6. A drunk sister
7. A childhood nemesis
...and MORE, then this is the Christmas novella for you.
On the other hand, there are 3 kisses and nothing else (the titular "hot toy" is actually a kids' action figure), so factor that in too!
21 Word Summaries:
Meg: This tightly-constructed novella is a nonstop romp from start to finish. While you might not love the couple, the dialogue shines.
Laine: The only way to save a child's Christmas morning is to assert yourself against FBI agents and Chinese spies. Drunk Gingerbread.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
lazydream's review
2.0
Look, I was desperate for Jennifer Crusie kind of books. You know the easy, quirky, funny kind of book. And when I saw I didn’t read one of her book while searching for her new books, I found this. I found it and started reading it and OH MY GOD. I shouldn’t have read it. It was damn, such a tiny book but managed to put shit load of bullshit characters. I didn’t like the leading female and her “craziness”. I usually love Ms. Crusie’s woman. But man, this female is unbearable and her sister is worse than her. Who calls 1000 fucking times when you are shopping and tell them you have company? And she talks about all their fucking issues in front of strangers. This book is a disgrace to her.
I wish I find some more writers like her, I miss her books. For definitely not this kind.
I wish I find some more writers like her, I miss her books. For definitely not this kind.