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books_and_more_books_byt's review
5.0
First Kiss at Christmas was the 5th book in The Off-Season series by Lee Tobin McClain. I have not read any of the other books in the series, but I do not think it affected the story by reading it as a standalone. It was a small-town festive romance that was a delight to read. A perfect book to read on a chilly weekend with some hot chocolate. The pacing was perfect, and the characters were charming. I loved meeting all the friendly people living in Pleasant Shores and how the story included their viewpoint in some instances. It added depth to the story, and we got to see a potential romance develop between the side characters. Kayla was so sweet but lacked the confidence to stand up for herself. It was great to finally see her stand up for herself and not give in easily to Tony. Tony was a great guy and his concern for his adorable nephew was sincere. It was easy to empathize with him and the challenges he was facing as he learned about children. I really enjoyed this book and would like to read the previous books in the series.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
kentuckybooklover's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
betherin02's review
4.0
Loved all the dogs, kids, and especially kisses! Lee knows how to write an engaging smooch scene, no doubt about that!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own. As a co-owner of JustRead Publicity Tours, I received compensation from the publisher and/or author to coordinate a promotional tour for this title.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own. As a co-owner of JustRead Publicity Tours, I received compensation from the publisher and/or author to coordinate a promotional tour for this title.
travelerswife4life's review
4.0
Is it ever actually too early to read a Christmas story? I think not!
This was not my first time reading a book by Lee Tobin McClain (Although the first time reading a book in this series! Which amazon was quite helpful in rectifying that since I own the previous books in the series now).
I love how Lee Tobin McClain looks at ordinary characters and weaves a story around their broken messes. Truly makes for an interesting storyline. In this case, we get a glimpse of a preschool teacher Kayla who is shy and insecure, and we get Tony the grieving uncle. Just imagine all the interesting things that could come out of that (because I am not telling you anymore!)
Overall, this story was fun, made me smile, and touched my heart with its beautifully done characters.
4 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
This was not my first time reading a book by Lee Tobin McClain (Although the first time reading a book in this series! Which amazon was quite helpful in rectifying that since I own the previous books in the series now).
I love how Lee Tobin McClain looks at ordinary characters and weaves a story around their broken messes. Truly makes for an interesting storyline. In this case, we get a glimpse of a preschool teacher Kayla who is shy and insecure, and we get Tony the grieving uncle. Just imagine all the interesting things that could come out of that (because I am not telling you anymore!)
Overall, this story was fun, made me smile, and touched my heart with its beautifully done characters.
4 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
leslie1187's review
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I absolutely enjoyed this holiday romance. The characters showed growth and the insta-love was believable. It was the type of holiday romances that puts a smile on your face while feeling like a warm blanket wrapped around you.
heyanci's review
4.0
A huge thanks to Just Read Tours and the author for my e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First Kiss at Christmas tells the story of never been kissed preschool teacher Kayla and Tony who is doing his best to do right by his nephew Jax. It's hard not to root for two good people that deserve love.
First Kiss at Christmas tells the story of never been kissed preschool teacher Kayla and Tony who is doing his best to do right by his nephew Jax. It's hard not to root for two good people that deserve love.
robinlovesreading's review
5.0
Kayla Harris looks out the window and sees a scruffy man approaching a upset young child at the town's playground. As she starts to rush to the child's aid, the child does calm down in the arms of the man. That does not explain why the child was there by himself at first and then the man showed up. Why is he looking so rough? Kayla is a preschool teacher and children are her first priority.
She soon learns that Tony DeNunzio is the boy's uncle. The child's name is Jax and Kayla is more than curious as to why the two are together.
One night out with her friend Amber has Kayla confessing that she has reached the age of twenty-five without ever being kissed. This discussion leads Kayla to making a resolution to kiss a man before the end of the year. Will she be able to do it? Find someone that she would be that comfortable with?
This story is very, very touching. For starters, Amber is plus-sized, but has tremendous self-confidence. Then there is Jax. All he has is Tony. (Well, he has another aunt and uncle, but Tony has taken guardianship of him.) Jax just about broke my heart. His clinginess, sensitivity and sadness came right through the pages of this book. Also, there is Tony, trying to learn how to become a father all of a sudden, especially when considering how Jax tragically lost his mother Stella.
As Kayla rents out a cottage to Tony and Jax, she gets to know them, especially once Jax gets enrolled as a student. Meanwhile, there is a side story, and it is rather significant. There are unclear details about Stella's death, and it soon becomes apparent that perhaps Tony and Jax may not be safe. Will they every get past losing Stella and remain safe and become a family of two? What about a family of three with Kayla? Is the baggage that both Kayla and Tony carry too much for a loving and lasting relationship to develop?
I was thoroughly enamored with this touching story. I admit to crying for Tony and Jax. I felt like their pain was my pain. I also felt for Kayla as I am also a plus-sized woman. Then there is the story itself and how wonderfully it developed, even with the air of intrigue in this story. Lastly, the dogs in the story - did they steal the show for me? Maybe. Just maybe.
I love Lee Tobin McClain's writing. She manages to connect her readers to her characters, thus making me feel like she is sitting in my living room relating said stories to me.
Many thanks to HQN Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
She soon learns that Tony DeNunzio is the boy's uncle. The child's name is Jax and Kayla is more than curious as to why the two are together.
One night out with her friend Amber has Kayla confessing that she has reached the age of twenty-five without ever being kissed. This discussion leads Kayla to making a resolution to kiss a man before the end of the year. Will she be able to do it? Find someone that she would be that comfortable with?
This story is very, very touching. For starters, Amber is plus-sized, but has tremendous self-confidence. Then there is Jax. All he has is Tony. (Well, he has another aunt and uncle, but Tony has taken guardianship of him.) Jax just about broke my heart. His clinginess, sensitivity and sadness came right through the pages of this book. Also, there is Tony, trying to learn how to become a father all of a sudden, especially when considering how Jax tragically lost his mother Stella.
As Kayla rents out a cottage to Tony and Jax, she gets to know them, especially once Jax gets enrolled as a student. Meanwhile, there is a side story, and it is rather significant. There are unclear details about Stella's death, and it soon becomes apparent that perhaps Tony and Jax may not be safe. Will they every get past losing Stella and remain safe and become a family of two? What about a family of three with Kayla? Is the baggage that both Kayla and Tony carry too much for a loving and lasting relationship to develop?
I was thoroughly enamored with this touching story. I admit to crying for Tony and Jax. I felt like their pain was my pain. I also felt for Kayla as I am also a plus-sized woman. Then there is the story itself and how wonderfully it developed, even with the air of intrigue in this story. Lastly, the dogs in the story - did they steal the show for me? Maybe. Just maybe.
I love Lee Tobin McClain's writing. She manages to connect her readers to her characters, thus making me feel like she is sitting in my living room relating said stories to me.
Many thanks to HQN Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
katiefronk's review
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol, Drug abuse, Bullying, and Body shaming
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