4.15 AVERAGE


Okay, THIS is how a short story is done!

First, I don’t know how I missed this Jessica Joyce story. I’m obsessed with her writing and thought I’d read it all. But here this was, waiting for me.  

Second, I had no idea it was a short story until it ended and I was sad that there wasn’t more. I genuinely went into this thinking it was a full-length novel. 

That said, this was perfectly done. It focuses on Claire, who is about to leave Portland tomorrow for a new job in California, and Connor, who she meets at a holiday party happening at the bar she bartends at. They basically agree to a one night stand, and yes, this book is steamy… but Joyce writes such heart and soul into all of her characters. She makes you fall in love with the people she writes, and Connor and Claire are no different. 

They end up trapped together for a few extra days because an ice storm grounds flights and suspends travel, and it’s a wonderful “locked door” story. In fact, all three short stories I’ve read recently have that same theme. Wild. 

Anyhow, this was fantastic, and I absolutely wish it was longer. It is open door, so avoid it if that’s not your thing, but it’s also a sweet romance with two very likable main characters.  

Another huge win for Jessica Joyce! 

adriannehughes's review

4.0
hopeful fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
kindleish_reads's profile picture

kindleish_reads's review

5.0

Um, excuse me- how am I having so many feelings after reading a novelette? I had butterflies and was kicking my feet with how cute this was! You could feel the chemistry between Claire and Connor and their banter is great!

I could relate to Claire and playing it safe. It was inspiring to see her take a risk to change her life and do something she really enjoys, even though it means stepping out of her comfort zone. Her brother asked her “What would it cost you to do nothing?” I wrote this down on a sticky note and will be referencing this moving forward.

Connor was such a great and loveable MMC. He didn’t expect Claire to change her plans for him and he encouraged her to continue to follow her dreams. I also loved the connection to Theo Spencer.

Highly recommend adding this to your holiday TBR if you haven't read it yet!
alyssasyvongsay's profile picture

alyssasyvongsay's review

4.0

QUICK, CUTE, AND HOT! Perfect for NYE
ldlourcey87's profile picture

ldlourcey87's review

5.0

This is 78pgs of perfection.

Jessica Joyce knocked it out of the park with this one. I’m not usually one for instant love, but the story between Claireful & Stella felt super realistic. A one-night stand turned snowed in together was such a fun take, AND the chemistry and banter was out of this world! Like cut it with a knife cause it’s PALPABLE!

This is a great little story for the New Year as it discusses fresh beginnings and taking risks, with a thread of hope and excitement of what’s to come!

I just couldn’t love it more and feel like it’s definitely worth the read! Also, if you’re a Jessica Joyce fan, she even adds a little nod to some characters in You, With A View (one of my top books of 2024)!
emotional lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This was my first Jessica Joyce book. And I really enjoyed it. Claire and Connor were cute. Even though it was a short story with insta attraction and insta-love trope, I really did enjoy and liked this book. I wish it was longer. 😁
lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

kgulliver2's review

5.0

Cute little holiday/NYE novella!
emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Loveable characters: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes

A perfect little novelette ❤️