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All I Want for Christmas (Romance Novella Collection) by Maggie Cummings, Georgia Beers, Fiona Riley
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
All I Want for Christmas was a really cute holiday book to dive into. Yes, I know it's May and everything but I'm me - deal with it. In this, you will get three short stories by Georgia Beers, Maggie Cummings and Fiona Riley. Honestly, each story was just really cute for me and I flew through all the lovey dovey stuff happening in this.
Out of the three, I think it's safe to say that I don't necessarily have a favorite. Each story had a few things that really tugged at my heart strings. The first one is all about a fake girlfriend who becomes a real one eventually. Plus the Yorkie was freaking adorable. Then there's the cop falling in love and quitting her job to follow her dream. Last, but not least, a freak storm brings two a bit closer to one another and I was there for it all.
Each couple made me smile. The romance was a unique to them in their own way. It's safe to say that these were very easy to devour and fall in love with. Also, I'm not sure how I would handle meeting someone who hates the holidays. Just saying. As for someone who was born near Christmas - I love all things Christmas. Movies, songs, cookies - you name it, I love it.
In the end, I need more holiday books stat!
All I Want for Christmas was a really cute holiday book to dive into. Yes, I know it's May and everything but I'm me - deal with it. In this, you will get three short stories by Georgia Beers, Maggie Cummings and Fiona Riley. Honestly, each story was just really cute for me and I flew through all the lovey dovey stuff happening in this.
Out of the three, I think it's safe to say that I don't necessarily have a favorite. Each story had a few things that really tugged at my heart strings. The first one is all about a fake girlfriend who becomes a real one eventually. Plus the Yorkie was freaking adorable. Then there's the cop falling in love and quitting her job to follow her dream. Last, but not least, a freak storm brings two a bit closer to one another and I was there for it all.
Each couple made me smile. The romance was a unique to them in their own way. It's safe to say that these were very easy to devour and fall in love with. Also, I'm not sure how I would handle meeting someone who hates the holidays. Just saying. As for someone who was born near Christmas - I love all things Christmas. Movies, songs, cookies - you name it, I love it.
In the end, I need more holiday books stat!
bookish_smorgasbord's review against another edition
Christmas produces a lot of books and movies, with some blurring together as benign background noise. Even a week after reading this collection, I can still close my eyes and imagine each separate f/f romance by Georgia Beers, Maggie Cummings, and Fiona Riley, their Northeast settings, romantic pairings, and writing styles distinct: A small family gathering, a bustling city market, and a lively bar. Great seasonal reading, whether you're super busy, or are snuggling hygge-style by the fire.
I also appreciate how short stories collections like this can introduce me to an author I haven't read yet. Cummings' creates natural sounding dialogue and charming character rapport that unfolds at just the right pace for the story's length.
I also appreciate how short stories collections like this can introduce me to an author I haven't read yet. Cummings' creates natural sounding dialogue and charming character rapport that unfolds at just the right pace for the story's length.
hsinjulit's review against another edition
3.0
This holiday novella collection has three very different stories.
Content warning: loss of loved one
The first one is “Triple Dog Dare” by Georgia Beers (5 stars). This fake-dating story between Wolfe Realty owner Sasha Wolfe, who is Brooke’s boss in 16 Steps to Forever (my review here) and her neighbor Kennedy Davis, who is a drama teacher, is the best romance novella I have ever read! There is also a wonderful dog that is just the sweetest. Sasha and Kennedy’s romance development is incredibly cute. I laughed so many times and also smiled through the whole story. It has zero angst and completely adorable, making me go all mushy inside and lose all words except for “awwwwww.”
Content warning: racial profiling?, outing of a trans person
The second one is “Hustle & Bustle” by Maggie Cummings (3 stars). This is a meet-cute romance between NYPD officer Toby Beckett and shop owner Hannah Monroe. The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning, with most of the scenes happening in the heads of the characters. Overall, it is a cute story but a little dragging. There is mentioning of police brutality but it is more like acknowledging the system without any real actions. I do appreciate the inclusion of an off-page trans character (but the outing is not okay) and multiple POCs though.
The last one is “A Christmas Miracle” by Fiona Riley (2 stars). I couldn’t get into this one mainly because of my personal ambivalence toward the insta-lust between bar owner Mira Donahue and administrative assistant Courtney Rivers despite the story being mostly well-written. Their flirty scenes were bold and great, and both characters are pretty likable. However, there is also a very random one-sided reveal scene in the final chapter that unfortunately doesn’t read smoothly enough for me.
I received an e-ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Content warning: loss of loved one
The first one is “Triple Dog Dare” by Georgia Beers (5 stars). This fake-dating story between Wolfe Realty owner Sasha Wolfe, who is Brooke’s boss in 16 Steps to Forever (my review here) and her neighbor Kennedy Davis, who is a drama teacher, is the best romance novella I have ever read! There is also a wonderful dog that is just the sweetest. Sasha and Kennedy’s romance development is incredibly cute. I laughed so many times and also smiled through the whole story. It has zero angst and completely adorable, making me go all mushy inside and lose all words except for “awwwwww.”
Content warning: racial profiling?, outing of a trans person
The second one is “Hustle & Bustle” by Maggie Cummings (3 stars). This is a meet-cute romance between NYPD officer Toby Beckett and shop owner Hannah Monroe. The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning, with most of the scenes happening in the heads of the characters. Overall, it is a cute story but a little dragging. There is mentioning of police brutality but it is more like acknowledging the system without any real actions. I do appreciate the inclusion of an off-page trans character (but the outing is not okay) and multiple POCs though.
The last one is “A Christmas Miracle” by Fiona Riley (2 stars). I couldn’t get into this one mainly because of my personal ambivalence toward the insta-lust between bar owner Mira Donahue and administrative assistant Courtney Rivers despite the story being mostly well-written. Their flirty scenes were bold and great, and both characters are pretty likable. However, there is also a very random one-sided reveal scene in the final chapter that unfortunately doesn’t read smoothly enough for me.
I received an e-ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
stine_reads's review against another edition
4.0
*free copy received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Georgia Beers is my go-to feel good author, and the reason I picked up this book in the first place. And I was certainly not disappointed in either of these three stories. I was showered with the feeliest feel good of christmas spirit, and just wanted to curl up in front of the christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa under my favorite blanket.
To be recommended!
Georgia Beers is my go-to feel good author, and the reason I picked up this book in the first place. And I was certainly not disappointed in either of these three stories. I was showered with the feeliest feel good of christmas spirit, and just wanted to curl up in front of the christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa under my favorite blanket.
To be recommended!
jennabeebs79's review against another edition
5.0
All three of these novellas were written by incredible authors and their talent shined through in each story. Each novella was extremely different but all had one major thing in common..... Christmas spirit. This is a perfect read on a cold December day sitting in front of the fire! Enjoy!!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
thepaperbackbruncher's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this up looking for a sweet and short holiday romance, and this was exactly that. This one book contains three short novellas, however Georga Beers' was my favorite.
Recommend if you're looking for something festive & fun- especially outside of the heteronormative relationship bubble!
*Gifted by Netgalley & Bold Strokes Books - thank you! All opinions are my own.
Recommend if you're looking for something festive & fun- especially outside of the heteronormative relationship bubble!
*Gifted by Netgalley & Bold Strokes Books - thank you! All opinions are my own.
00leah00's review against another edition
4.0
‘All I Want for Christmas’ was the perfect Christmas themed anthology to bring me into the holiday spirit. It has three novellas written by some of BSB’s most popular authors right now.
‘Triple Dog Dare’ by Georgia Beers, 4.5 Stars
This is a slow burn and fake dating romance with Sasha, who is dared by her older sister to bring her girlfriend home for the holidays. There’s one small problem, she doesn’t have a girlfriend. She hires her neighbor, Kennedy, to be her girlfriend for the weekend with her family.
This brought out all the sap and feelings I want with my holiday stories. Sasha and Kennedy are practically strangers when this starts but their connection and chemistry is noticeable from the beginning.
It’s told in first person POV and kind of goes between present and past tense, which is explained in the epilogue. I really liked how this was set up and that there aren’t “I love you’s” issued after three days together. The epilogue really worked here and left me feeling happy for these two.
‘Hustle and Bustle’ by Maggie Cummings, 3 Stars
This one was a cute and steamy friends to lovers romance set in New York City. Hannah is the owner of a small business that has a pop-up shop in Central Park’s holiday market. Toby is a police officer who volunteers to work the market for the holiday season.
This had an adorable meet-cute and only got cuter from there. Toby and Hannah are both very sweet but are a bit cautious of starting a romance knowing Hannah will be heading home, in Hudson, after the holidays are over. They start hanging out as friends, with some assistance from Hannah’s nosy best friend and co-owner, Priya.
The reason it’s rated a 3 is because I think Cummings got a little heavy with police talk and I didn’t think a holiday novella was really the space for it. I also thought the “I love you’s” came a little too early for me to really believe it. Though the epilogue was a nice touch and left me feeling better.
‘A Christmas Miracle’ by Fiona Riley, 4 Stars
Mira is the owner of a popular bar and Courtney is in charge of planning her company’s Christmas party at said bar. I wouldn’t consider this a work place romance as they don’t actually work for the same company, though their jobs is how they meet.
I thought this was one was very sexy and sweet. It starts off a little slow but really takes off once Mira and Courtney meet. I really enjoyed how fun and flirty this one was. It really doesn’t go into feelings or emotional depth to believe in a happy ever after so it may feel more like a happy for now to some. But I was left smiling and really believed this was only the beginning to their happily ever after.
I would recommend this for anyone wanting a few fun holiday novellas.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in an exchange for an honest review.
‘Triple Dog Dare’ by Georgia Beers, 4.5 Stars
This is a slow burn and fake dating romance with Sasha, who is dared by her older sister to bring her girlfriend home for the holidays. There’s one small problem, she doesn’t have a girlfriend. She hires her neighbor, Kennedy, to be her girlfriend for the weekend with her family.
This brought out all the sap and feelings I want with my holiday stories. Sasha and Kennedy are practically strangers when this starts but their connection and chemistry is noticeable from the beginning.
It’s told in first person POV and kind of goes between present and past tense, which is explained in the epilogue. I really liked how this was set up and that there aren’t “I love you’s” issued after three days together. The epilogue really worked here and left me feeling happy for these two.
‘Hustle and Bustle’ by Maggie Cummings, 3 Stars
This one was a cute and steamy friends to lovers romance set in New York City. Hannah is the owner of a small business that has a pop-up shop in Central Park’s holiday market. Toby is a police officer who volunteers to work the market for the holiday season.
This had an adorable meet-cute and only got cuter from there. Toby and Hannah are both very sweet but are a bit cautious of starting a romance knowing Hannah will be heading home, in Hudson, after the holidays are over. They start hanging out as friends, with some assistance from Hannah’s nosy best friend and co-owner, Priya.
The reason it’s rated a 3 is because I think Cummings got a little heavy with police talk and I didn’t think a holiday novella was really the space for it. I also thought the “I love you’s” came a little too early for me to really believe it. Though the epilogue was a nice touch and left me feeling better.
‘A Christmas Miracle’ by Fiona Riley, 4 Stars
Mira is the owner of a popular bar and Courtney is in charge of planning her company’s Christmas party at said bar. I wouldn’t consider this a work place romance as they don’t actually work for the same company, though their jobs is how they meet.
I thought this was one was very sexy and sweet. It starts off a little slow but really takes off once Mira and Courtney meet. I really enjoyed how fun and flirty this one was. It really doesn’t go into feelings or emotional depth to believe in a happy ever after so it may feel more like a happy for now to some. But I was left smiling and really believed this was only the beginning to their happily ever after.
I would recommend this for anyone wanting a few fun holiday novellas.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in an exchange for an honest review.
lyzz's review against another edition
4.0
This is a heartwarming collection of romance stories that will get you into the holiday mood and make you smile. In our current situation of avoiding gatherings, it is also a welcome escape to read about a time before COVID during the holiday season.
Description: All I Want for Christmas is a collection of three short novellas looking at new love that happens during the Christmas season.
Triple Dog Dare by Georgia Beers features Sasha who hires a neighbor, Kennedy, to be her fake girlfriend for the holidays to appease her family’s pestering. She had no idea she might fall for Kennedy.
Hustle & Bustle by Maggie Cummings is about Hannah, a small-business owner in New York City for the holiday season selling her skin care line at a pop-up holiday market. Police officer, Toby Beckett is assigned to the holiday market and keeps bumping into Hannah.
A Christmas Miracle by Fiona Riley is set at the bar Mirage, a hot bar in Boston. The bar owner, Mira is working hard to manage all the Mirage’s holiday parties despite hating the Christmas season. She especially hates her birthday being on Christmas Day. Courtney is planning her company party at the Mirage and is full of Christmas spirit. She wants the party to go without a hitch to impress her bosses and land a promotion she applied for. Will Courtney’s make Mira a true Christmas believer?
What I liked:
•These novellas were just what I needed to get in the mood for the holiday season. It makes me want to put up the Christmas tree, hang some garland, and kiss a cute girl under the mistletoe.
•I loved that these stories focused on women who had successful careers mainly as small business owners.
•I loved the different settings of these stories – New York City, Boston, and a small suburban town. I felt like all three authors made these places come alive. I loved the roller-skating rink in Triple Dog Dare, the Rockefeller Tree in Hustle & Bustle and the Mirage in A Christmas Miracle.
•For being novellas, I was surprised by the supporting characters and their development. While not perfect, I got a real good sense of these character such as Melody and Priya.
•The length of these stories was perfect for the amount of plot they had.
What I didn’t like:
•It would have been nice to have a little bit more conflict or uncertainty on whether the characters would get together. In all three stories, it starts out as a matter of time before they are together.
•This criticism is more aimed at the publisher/editor. These three novellas were incredibly heart-warming but they lacked any diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, health and in sexuality. These three stories feature white middle-class cisgender lesbians who fall in love with other white cisgender middle-class lesbians. I really wish that one of these stories could have been written by a BIPOC, featured BIPOC characters, or featured more diverse sexualities such as bisexuality, aromantic or asexuality, or featured more diverse genders such as trans or non-binary. The queer community is diverse, and I feel that it is our responsibility to represent that diversity as well.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something to get them in the holiday mood. These are like Hallmark movies in novel form.
ARC provided to me by Bold Strokes Books, via Net Galley, in exchange for an honest review.
Description: All I Want for Christmas is a collection of three short novellas looking at new love that happens during the Christmas season.
Triple Dog Dare by Georgia Beers features Sasha who hires a neighbor, Kennedy, to be her fake girlfriend for the holidays to appease her family’s pestering. She had no idea she might fall for Kennedy.
Hustle & Bustle by Maggie Cummings is about Hannah, a small-business owner in New York City for the holiday season selling her skin care line at a pop-up holiday market. Police officer, Toby Beckett is assigned to the holiday market and keeps bumping into Hannah.
A Christmas Miracle by Fiona Riley is set at the bar Mirage, a hot bar in Boston. The bar owner, Mira is working hard to manage all the Mirage’s holiday parties despite hating the Christmas season. She especially hates her birthday being on Christmas Day. Courtney is planning her company party at the Mirage and is full of Christmas spirit. She wants the party to go without a hitch to impress her bosses and land a promotion she applied for. Will Courtney’s make Mira a true Christmas believer?
What I liked:
•These novellas were just what I needed to get in the mood for the holiday season. It makes me want to put up the Christmas tree, hang some garland, and kiss a cute girl under the mistletoe.
•I loved that these stories focused on women who had successful careers mainly as small business owners.
•I loved the different settings of these stories – New York City, Boston, and a small suburban town. I felt like all three authors made these places come alive. I loved the roller-skating rink in Triple Dog Dare, the Rockefeller Tree in Hustle & Bustle and the Mirage in A Christmas Miracle.
•For being novellas, I was surprised by the supporting characters and their development. While not perfect, I got a real good sense of these character such as Melody and Priya.
•The length of these stories was perfect for the amount of plot they had.
What I didn’t like:
•It would have been nice to have a little bit more conflict or uncertainty on whether the characters would get together. In all three stories, it starts out as a matter of time before they are together.
•This criticism is more aimed at the publisher/editor. These three novellas were incredibly heart-warming but they lacked any diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, health and in sexuality. These three stories feature white middle-class cisgender lesbians who fall in love with other white cisgender middle-class lesbians. I really wish that one of these stories could have been written by a BIPOC, featured BIPOC characters, or featured more diverse sexualities such as bisexuality, aromantic or asexuality, or featured more diverse genders such as trans or non-binary. The queer community is diverse, and I feel that it is our responsibility to represent that diversity as well.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something to get them in the holiday mood. These are like Hallmark movies in novel form.
ARC provided to me by Bold Strokes Books, via Net Galley, in exchange for an honest review.
judeinthestars's review against another edition
5.0
4.5⭐️ – These are novellas so get ready for things to go fast. No worries though, Georgia Beers, Maggie Cummings and Fiona Riley are talented writers and the romance feels real but never rushed.
I enjoyed all three stories and I love how they fit together. They’re very different, both in tone and level of heat (Fiona Riley has not been dubbed Queen of Steam by accident) and balance each other really well.
Georgia Beers gets the ball rolling with Triple Dog Dare, and it’s a beauty, probably one of my favourite Christmas novellas ever. And, seriously, who doesn’t like a Christmas fake romance novella?
Sasha (Brooke’s boss in [b:16 Steps to Forever|53178870|16 Steps to Forever|Georgia Beers|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1586886012l/53178870._SY75_.jpg|80080500]) has been lying for months to her mother about having a girlfriend but when her older sister dares her to bring her non-existent girlfriend to their mother’s for Christmas, Sasha can’t resist proving her wrong. Even if she’s right. Lucky for her, her very attractive neighbour, Kennedy, is an actress and needs money. Who better than a gorgeous woman who is totally Sasha’s type to play her girlfriend for a couple of days? Really, what could go wrong?
From the first time they talk, the connection between Sasha and the younger woman is there. As usual with Beers, it’s not overstated, it just is. It’s organic. Kennedy is smart and funny and yes, she needs the money but that’s not her main motivation to agree to Sasha’s bound-to-fail plan. She genuinely wants to help. The story is told in first person from Sasha’s point of view, which allows the reader to fall in love with Kennedy in real time, as we only see her through Sasha’s eyes. I absolutely love Kennedy and Sasha together, and I also really enjoyed the whole family dynamics. 5⭐️
Maggie Cummings’ Hustle & Bustle tells a very different story. Hannah and her best friend and business partner Priya are in New York for the winter holiday market, where they’re showcasing their organic beauty products. As they finish setting up their booth, Hannah stumbles into Toby, one of the cops working the market. Hannah never thought she could fall for a cop but life is full of surprises and so is Toby, who doesn’t fit any of Hannah’s preconceived ideas of New York police officers.
The first words that come to mind when I think of Maggie Cummings’ novella are gentle and cute. Hannah and Toby are both shy, each in her own way. They ease into what both think is friendship, both wary of hoping for more as they live in different cities, but it steadily does anyway and of course, they’ll work it out, in their own mellow way. 4⭐️
Fiona Riley brings up the rear with A Christmas Miracle. Why am I not surprised hers is the novella featuring a Grinch? Mira – yes, you’ve met her in [b:Bet Against Me|51236417|Bet Against Me|Fiona Riley|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1581630634l/51236417._SY75_.jpg|75974284] – hates Christmas, all the more so as it’s also her birthday (she’s not happy having to share it “with a fat man in a red suit”). This year especially, everything seems to conspire against her: her best friend and events coordinator is going on maternity leave and for the first time since she was born, her mother won’t be there either. Enters Courtney, a lover of all things Christmas. Courtney is hoping to be promoted to the events department of her company and organizing this year’s holiday party should help prove she’s worthy of the promotion. She has booked Mira’s bar, Mirage, Boston’s hottest bar, but despite sizzling chemistry as soon as they lay eyes on each other, Courtney and Mira disagree on the party plans. Not for long, however, as Mira can’t resist Courtney’s enthusiasm and joyful enjoyment of fake snow and garlands and the way she morphs from innocent to flirty in a blink. Add a snowstorm and let Christmas magic do its thing… A Christmas Miracle is light and sexy and the perfect way to conclude this anthology. 4.5⭐️
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed all three stories and I love how they fit together. They’re very different, both in tone and level of heat (Fiona Riley has not been dubbed Queen of Steam by accident) and balance each other really well.
Georgia Beers gets the ball rolling with Triple Dog Dare, and it’s a beauty, probably one of my favourite Christmas novellas ever. And, seriously, who doesn’t like a Christmas fake romance novella?
Sasha (Brooke’s boss in [b:16 Steps to Forever|53178870|16 Steps to Forever|Georgia Beers|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1586886012l/53178870._SY75_.jpg|80080500]) has been lying for months to her mother about having a girlfriend but when her older sister dares her to bring her non-existent girlfriend to their mother’s for Christmas, Sasha can’t resist proving her wrong. Even if she’s right. Lucky for her, her very attractive neighbour, Kennedy, is an actress and needs money. Who better than a gorgeous woman who is totally Sasha’s type to play her girlfriend for a couple of days? Really, what could go wrong?
From the first time they talk, the connection between Sasha and the younger woman is there. As usual with Beers, it’s not overstated, it just is. It’s organic. Kennedy is smart and funny and yes, she needs the money but that’s not her main motivation to agree to Sasha’s bound-to-fail plan. She genuinely wants to help. The story is told in first person from Sasha’s point of view, which allows the reader to fall in love with Kennedy in real time, as we only see her through Sasha’s eyes. I absolutely love Kennedy and Sasha together, and I also really enjoyed the whole family dynamics. 5⭐️
Maggie Cummings’ Hustle & Bustle tells a very different story. Hannah and her best friend and business partner Priya are in New York for the winter holiday market, where they’re showcasing their organic beauty products. As they finish setting up their booth, Hannah stumbles into Toby, one of the cops working the market. Hannah never thought she could fall for a cop but life is full of surprises and so is Toby, who doesn’t fit any of Hannah’s preconceived ideas of New York police officers.
The first words that come to mind when I think of Maggie Cummings’ novella are gentle and cute. Hannah and Toby are both shy, each in her own way. They ease into what both think is friendship, both wary of hoping for more as they live in different cities, but it steadily does anyway and of course, they’ll work it out, in their own mellow way. 4⭐️
Fiona Riley brings up the rear with A Christmas Miracle. Why am I not surprised hers is the novella featuring a Grinch? Mira – yes, you’ve met her in [b:Bet Against Me|51236417|Bet Against Me|Fiona Riley|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1581630634l/51236417._SY75_.jpg|75974284] – hates Christmas, all the more so as it’s also her birthday (she’s not happy having to share it “with a fat man in a red suit”). This year especially, everything seems to conspire against her: her best friend and events coordinator is going on maternity leave and for the first time since she was born, her mother won’t be there either. Enters Courtney, a lover of all things Christmas. Courtney is hoping to be promoted to the events department of her company and organizing this year’s holiday party should help prove she’s worthy of the promotion. She has booked Mira’s bar, Mirage, Boston’s hottest bar, but despite sizzling chemistry as soon as they lay eyes on each other, Courtney and Mira disagree on the party plans. Not for long, however, as Mira can’t resist Courtney’s enthusiasm and joyful enjoyment of fake snow and garlands and the way she morphs from innocent to flirty in a blink. Add a snowstorm and let Christmas magic do its thing… A Christmas Miracle is light and sexy and the perfect way to conclude this anthology. 4.5⭐️
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
tomesofourlives's review against another edition
3.0
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall rating: three stars.
Overall thoughts: I really liked the first and last stories, they felt very Hallmark-y and made me feel all cozy. That being said, the second story made me extremely uncomfortable and brought the overall rating down for me.
Triple Dog Dare by Georgia Beers
Rating: four stars
Content warning: alcohol, mentions of a relationship that involved financial abuse
I loved this story so much! The whole story revolves around someone having to bring a fake girlfriend home because of a dare from her sister and I loved it. I may not have any sisters, but I have a cousin who is close enough to one so I could definitely relate to the premise. I have never been one that says I love fake dating, but in this story it was so good. I also loved the dog, I always love a dog.
Hustle & Bustle by Maggie Cummings
Rating: one star
Content warning: mentions/discussions of police brutality, police presence (nearly constant, one of the main characters is a cop), arrests, alcohol, sexual content
There is a chance you may be able to tell why I hated this story from the content warnings. This novella features a main character who is a cop and when the other main character says she doesn't like cops in general, she starts to go on about how all cops aren't like that and just want to change the system and it just, wasn't it for me. There is a scene where the cop main character is so concerned about a young POC who got arrested because of how it could affect his life forever and she just. Never brings it up on checks on him again despite being "so interested in changing the system and helping as much as she can." I just. Really didn't like this one, I felt uncomfortable the whole time. If you want to read this collection I would honestly skip this one.
A Christmas Miracle by Fiona Riley
Rating: four stars
Content warning: explicit sexual content, alcohol
There were certain scenes in this story that felt like they belong right in a Hallmark movie and I really enjoyed it. There are lots of fun tropes like being snowed in and flirting on the first meet without realizing they are supposed to be having a business meeting. Despite this being a novella, it didn't feel like this story moved too fast and it honestly felt like a natural relationship progression. Oh, there was also a lot of talk of Christmas decorations and I very much enjoyed.
Overall rating: three stars.
Overall thoughts: I really liked the first and last stories, they felt very Hallmark-y and made me feel all cozy. That being said, the second story made me extremely uncomfortable and brought the overall rating down for me.
Triple Dog Dare by Georgia Beers
Rating: four stars
Content warning: alcohol, mentions of a relationship that involved financial abuse
I loved this story so much! The whole story revolves around someone having to bring a fake girlfriend home because of a dare from her sister and I loved it. I may not have any sisters, but I have a cousin who is close enough to one so I could definitely relate to the premise. I have never been one that says I love fake dating, but in this story it was so good. I also loved the dog, I always love a dog.
Hustle & Bustle by Maggie Cummings
Rating: one star
Content warning: mentions/discussions of police brutality, police presence (nearly constant, one of the main characters is a cop), arrests, alcohol, sexual content
There is a chance you may be able to tell why I hated this story from the content warnings. This novella features a main character who is a cop and when the other main character says she doesn't like cops in general, she starts to go on about how all cops aren't like that and just want to change the system and it just, wasn't it for me. There is a scene where the cop main character is so concerned about a young POC who got arrested because of how it could affect his life forever and she just. Never brings it up on checks on him again despite being "so interested in changing the system and helping as much as she can." I just. Really didn't like this one, I felt uncomfortable the whole time. If you want to read this collection I would honestly skip this one.
A Christmas Miracle by Fiona Riley
Rating: four stars
Content warning: explicit sexual content, alcohol
There were certain scenes in this story that felt like they belong right in a Hallmark movie and I really enjoyed it. There are lots of fun tropes like being snowed in and flirting on the first meet without realizing they are supposed to be having a business meeting. Despite this being a novella, it didn't feel like this story moved too fast and it honestly felt like a natural relationship progression. Oh, there was also a lot of talk of Christmas decorations and I very much enjoyed.