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smithrachaelynn's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
So cute! This was waaay more emotional than I was expecting, but I really loved seeing Stella start over and make her dreams come true. Aiden was the most adorable hero! I loved how sweet and happy he was. This was just so much fun to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Confinement, Toxic friendship, and Panic attacks/disorders
day_dreaming_vampire's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This one just didn't do it for me. I didn't feel the connection between the characters and the instalove was cringey and unrealistic. I didn't get a really big Christmassy feel either. I'll try some other Tessa Bailey books but this one was a miss for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
timelord10's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I wish I liked this more than I did, but honestly, I was disappointed by several aspects:
1. This is marketed as a Christmas party, but besides the brief mention of decorations and Christmas parties and of the main characters' past Christmases, it wasn't all that Christmassy.
2. Aiden and Stella were constantly marveling over the fact that they can be so open with each other, yet most of their conflict was from a lack of communication. It was kind of frustrating.
3. Some of the dirty talk made me cringe.
4. There was a lot of repetitive descriptions (example: Aiden is big or he smells like peppermint).
Personally, I did like Stella and Aiden. They just annoyed me sometimes. I related to some of Stella's feelings of imposter syndrome. And I related to Aiden always wanting to please his family so that they'll maybe accept him. Not the best first book of the year, but oh well.
1. This is marketed as a Christmas party, but besides the brief mention of decorations and Christmas parties and of the main characters' past Christmases, it wasn't all that Christmassy.
2. Aiden and Stella were constantly marveling over the fact that they can be so open with each other, yet most of their conflict was from a lack of communication. It was kind of frustrating.
3. Some of the dirty talk made me cringe.
4. There was a lot of repetitive descriptions (example: Aiden is big or he smells like peppermint).
Personally, I did like Stella and Aiden. They just annoyed me sometimes. I related to some of Stella's feelings of imposter syndrome. And I related to Aiden always wanting to please his family so that they'll maybe accept him. Not the best first book of the year, but oh well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol and Gun violence
sjbeebefin's review
funny
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? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Gun violence
hallemcclain's review against another edition
hopeful
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic friendship, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Gun violence
alana_gf's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Toxic friendship
mikayyyla's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
3.75
This was such a fun Christmas romance! Nice and spicy and festive! I had a hard time relating to the main female character, but it really didn’t take away from the book too much for me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
gemin1reader's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.0
I enjoyed the first half of this book more than the second. It’s super smutty but I just don’t vibe with the way Tessa Bailey writes sexy scenes. Cute grumpy/sunshine vibes though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
saraavowlerr's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I love aiden and I felt like other aspects were tied in well with the romance
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship