Reviews

Kerstmis in New York by Jenny Holiday

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abinthebooks's review against another edition

3.0

*3.5

This was honestly so cute. It was very Hallmark-esk (and the book knows it too, it leans very into the Hallmark theme), with smut—awkward smut, but smut nonetheless—and a really sweet romance. I loved these characters, especially Marie, and I had such a fun time reading this. I just wish these characters had some better communication at the end. There isn’t really a third act break-up, but I definitely would have rated this higher had there been more communication between the MC’s. I also feel like this book loses its direction in the second half, and the pacing really falls off. Still really fun and cute though, definitely recommend.

amlibera's review against another edition

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3.0

Is it a Hallmark Christmas movie novel if you call out it's resemblance to a Hallmark Christmas movie in the novel? This is a charming holiday romance (definitely open door) that doesn't so much play with as just plain does the Hallmark thing (fake Euro country - check, festivals - check, skating - check) but it's well done and a pleasure to read. The kind of thing you want when you want that kind of thing.

allingoodtime's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

As an avid Romance reader, I have to do a lot of suspension of disbelief. I have to accept things are how they are because of “romance reasons” and keep reading. That’s fine. I accept and even love that aspect of the genre. So fair warning here, there is quite a bit of that in this story. This story is absolutely a kicked-up version of a Hallmark holiday movie. That’s not a bad thing, mind you. But that description sets the stage for you. More kissing, swearing, and intimacy than, but you get the point.

The characters in this story are phenomenal. From Leo to his little sister to the princess herself, Marie. Leo’s best friend and Marie’s childhood chums are also people I would love to spend time with. But Marie’s father…whew! That man has a lot of groveling to do with his daughter as far as I’m concerned.

Leo and Marie are in a sort of bubble when they first meet. She feels comfortable and safe with him, which is something that isn’t the norm for her. He finds himself opening up to her and worrying about her, which isn’t something he does with anyone other than his little family of sister Gabby and best friend Dani. The way their relationship grows over Marie’s few days in New York feels organic and full of magic.

Oddly enough, the story lost some of its magic when the setting switched to Eldovia. I found the pacing to falter and thought Leo was spending far too little time with both Marie and Gabby. I still greatly enjoyed the story and will read the next in the series.

Content Warnings

pixiepages's review against another edition

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5.0

This was pretty much Princess bride but during the holidays. So freakin cute! Can I be a princess and live in a palace, but only if Leo is included in the package.

Spicy:3

freckleduck's review against another edition

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2.0

Meh, it was okay, I read these out of order and preferred the second book over this one. Haven’t read the third. I just didn’t vibe with the characters. It felt a tad too far fetched and the poking fun at itself didn’t land in the way I think it was intended. I did find this book influencing all my food choices though.