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brandece1's review
3.0
I've had this book on my Christmas TBR for about two years now so I figured it was time to get to it and I am so glad that I did. Write Before Christmas is such a cute, and quick read. I was pretty invested in this story from the beginning, this book very much gave me Hallmark vibes. I really enjoyed that both are in their 40s. IMO it's nice to see people who are recently divorced and are older but never married get an HEA. I really liked both MC's, I liked the side characters and the setting. This book has some sweet moments, and even though I didn't swoon and this is closed door I really enjoyed my time with this book. This is the third book I have read by this author and I have enjoyed all of them, I will definitely read from her in the future.
jendee05's review
4.0
Loved it! Such a cute and fluffy Christmas read! Intimacy before the characters does occur, but it is off page.
thefriscobay's review
4.0
About the book:
Matt, also known as THE M.C. Bradford, is the author of a book series turned TV show that put him on the map. Struggling to complete the last book in the series with a finish that will make both him and the studio happy, he heads to a small town in the midwest to get some privacy and quiet. He doesn't expect to meet Dani Cooper, recently divorced and looking for the next step in her life, now that her daughter's fully grown. Matt can't afford distractions, and Dani isn't looking for anything permanent. Could their holiday adventure last beyond Christmas?
TL;DR:
- 4 stars
- Content warnings: nothing major (no steam at all - if that is a sticking point for you.)
- Really cute!! Very quick, adorable read perfect for the holidays. Read like a sugary holiday movie! Worth reading if you're into romances between 40-something leads without too much drama.
Loved:
- I loved Dani! She was adorable. She had such a lovely relationship with her family, her daughter and sister-in-law especially, and she was very honest about herself and her interests. When she found her passion she put in the work to see her dreams come to life and I appreciate that.
- Matt is also a nice, believable love interest. He took a little longer to come around to his HEA (both personal, and in love) but it was realistic.
- There's just something really nice about a love story with older leads, and it wasn't overdone or cliche at all. 1. The conflicts are often more realistic to everyday life because the characters tend to be more mature than in the average 20-something romance. 2. Everyone deserves love and everyone deserves to see themselves as the center of a romance novel.
Less into:
- I honestly cannot think of much. This was cute and quick (though still very much a novel), so there frankly wasn't much time for any flaws
Matt, also known as THE M.C. Bradford, is the author of a book series turned TV show that put him on the map. Struggling to complete the last book in the series with a finish that will make both him and the studio happy, he heads to a small town in the midwest to get some privacy and quiet. He doesn't expect to meet Dani Cooper, recently divorced and looking for the next step in her life, now that her daughter's fully grown. Matt can't afford distractions, and Dani isn't looking for anything permanent. Could their holiday adventure last beyond Christmas?
TL;DR:
- 4 stars
- Content warnings: nothing major (no steam at all - if that is a sticking point for you.)
- Really cute!! Very quick, adorable read perfect for the holidays. Read like a sugary holiday movie! Worth reading if you're into romances between 40-something leads without too much drama.
Loved:
- I loved Dani! She was adorable. She had such a lovely relationship with her family, her daughter and sister-in-law especially, and she was very honest about herself and her interests. When she found her passion she put in the work to see her dreams come to life and I appreciate that.
- Matt is also a nice, believable love interest. He took a little longer to come around to his HEA (both personal, and in love) but it was realistic.
- There's just something really nice about a love story with older leads, and it wasn't overdone or cliche at all. 1. The conflicts are often more realistic to everyday life because the characters tend to be more mature than in the average 20-something romance. 2. Everyone deserves love and everyone deserves to see themselves as the center of a romance novel.
Less into:
- I honestly cannot think of much. This was cute and quick (though still very much a novel), so there frankly wasn't much time for any flaws
kdtoverbooked's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A cute book featuring mid-life characters and some of the challenges they face in a romance. I liked the banter and thought it read easily enough. The spice level is a 3 out of 5 which felt too high to match the rest of the writing but I’m sure several people will appreciate those bits thrown in there. If you’re looking for an easy Christmas read, I think this one could make your list.
askxtine's review
fast-paced
3.75
A short book, fast read. I enjoyed the characters and plot was fine. Just an easy holiday read. Now I want to eat cookies.
bookishexpat's review
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
shi2147's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
shawna_jo's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
It was fine? It was pretty short so not a ton of time for character development. Probably a 2/5 on heat level. I did like that the conflict wasn’t super drawn out. A quick read, but I don’t think I’ll recommend it when people ask for Christmas fiction. I just wasn’t wowed.
caitcosentino's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Sometimes they annoyed me, but it was a cute book overall.
Oona was my favorite character.
Oona was my favorite character.