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bitchie's review
3.0
This was a really cute, schmaltzy holiday read. It doesn't really bring anything new to this very familiar trope, but it was enjoyable for what it was.
nessynoname's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
(Shrug,) it was cute, granted with an unbelievably compressed romantic milestone timeline. A lil' goofy at times, but sweet. I enjoyed it, all told.
papercranestitches's review
4.0
Smiling is the worst.
Scratch that.
The cute librarian whose dimples show when he smiles at Simon is the worst.
Who does that?!
A few days before Christmas, Simon Powell, Silver Pine’s sexy, mysterious recluse is forced to come into town for supplies. He figures he’ll just pop into the grocery store and grab some food, pop into the library toogle the new librarian grab a few books, and he’ll be home before the storm blows in and the roads are closed.
Thing don’t exactly go according to plan, however, and a few hours later Simon finds himself back in his cabin, this time with an adorable blind puppy and the town’s completelyirresistible irresponsible librarian. He’s still not quite sure how it happened.
But boy, am I glad it did!
It took me all of five seconds to become totally swept up in this cute holiday story from new-to-me author Gwen Hayes. Admittedly, Don’t Stop Believing isn’t the most original Christmas story I’ve ever read (I felt like I could have plotted this one in my sleep), but it ticked all of the boxes that made me feel happy and squishy inside so ask me if I cared. Well, because you asked, I did not. Christmas story conventions are classic for a reason, friends.
The writing was quick-witted and perfectly paced for a short story, the characters were fleshed out enough to give me a sense of who they each were and engage my emotions without bogging me down with extraneous details, and the setting’s quaint Stars Hollow feel came across loud and clear. Also, Simon is quite possibly the most precious curmudgeon in the world! The man may have had a bristly exterior but scratch the surface and his marshmallow centre will get all over you.
The only thing that I didn’t love about this story were the fade-to-black love scenes. They’re such a frustrating rookie mistake. The first time it happened it pulled me completely out of the story and had me rushing over to the author’s Goodreads page to confirm my sneaking suspicion – Hayes was an established M/F romance author, and Don’t Stop Believing was her first foray into male/male romance. A fade to black – especially for a couple’s first time together – is like dipping your toe in the M/M waters but not fully committing to the cannonball.
*disappointed sigh*
Bottom line: What the story lacks in originality, it more than made up for in the writing, humour, sweetness of its characters, and an abundance of Christmas elements that made me long for a roaring fire and a hot man to curl up with. Also, bonus points for the dopey grin it left on my face. I can’t wait for more Silver Pines stories!
Please note that an ARC of this book was provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Scratch that.
The cute librarian whose dimples show when he smiles at Simon is the worst.
Who does that?!
A few days before Christmas, Simon Powell, Silver Pine’s sexy, mysterious recluse is forced to come into town for supplies. He figures he’ll just pop into the grocery store and grab some food, pop into the library to
Thing don’t exactly go according to plan, however, and a few hours later Simon finds himself back in his cabin, this time with an adorable blind puppy and the town’s completely
But boy, am I glad it did!
It took me all of five seconds to become totally swept up in this cute holiday story from new-to-me author Gwen Hayes. Admittedly, Don’t Stop Believing isn’t the most original Christmas story I’ve ever read (I felt like I could have plotted this one in my sleep), but it ticked all of the boxes that made me feel happy and squishy inside so ask me if I cared. Well, because you asked, I did not. Christmas story conventions are classic for a reason, friends.
The writing was quick-witted and perfectly paced for a short story, the characters were fleshed out enough to give me a sense of who they each were and engage my emotions without bogging me down with extraneous details, and the setting’s quaint Stars Hollow feel came across loud and clear. Also, Simon is quite possibly the most precious curmudgeon in the world! The man may have had a bristly exterior but scratch the surface and his marshmallow centre will get all over you.
The only thing that I didn’t love about this story were the fade-to-black love scenes. They’re such a frustrating rookie mistake. The first time it happened it pulled me completely out of the story and had me rushing over to the author’s Goodreads page to confirm my sneaking suspicion – Hayes was an established M/F romance author, and Don’t Stop Believing was her first foray into male/male romance. A fade to black – especially for a couple’s first time together – is like dipping your toe in the M/M waters but not fully committing to the cannonball.
*disappointed sigh*
Bottom line: What the story lacks in originality, it more than made up for in the writing, humour, sweetness of its characters, and an abundance of Christmas elements that made me long for a roaring fire and a hot man to curl up with. Also, bonus points for the dopey grin it left on my face. I can’t wait for more Silver Pines stories!
Please note that an ARC of this book was provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
shanameydala's review
3.0
One of my tropes that I seem to fall for is a librarian, so this couple was fun to fall for.
jessschira's review
I’m glad I added this slender book to my collection of writing book. It’s written in a light, fun style and provided information that I found useful.
In her Romancing the Beat, author Gwen Hayes does an excellent job of explaining the most important aspects of romance stories (the book can used to provide aid, no matter the length of the story you’re writing) and how to make sure you stay true to the genre. I was particularly delighted to learn that not only did she describe how to create beats for each phase romance story, but also provided an example of the beats Hayes used for one of her romance novels, a tool I found particularly helpful.
In her Romancing the Beat, author Gwen Hayes does an excellent job of explaining the most important aspects of romance stories (the book can used to provide aid, no matter the length of the story you’re writing) and how to make sure you stay true to the genre. I was particularly delighted to learn that not only did she describe how to create beats for each phase romance story, but also provided an example of the beats Hayes used for one of her romance novels, a tool I found particularly helpful.
walterhpdx's review
4.0
Cute
After reading Hayes's book on writing romance, I was glad to see this as almost a companion work. It's short and cute, and helped me better understand the writing process for romance books.
After reading Hayes's book on writing romance, I was glad to see this as almost a companion work. It's short and cute, and helped me better understand the writing process for romance books.
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