Reviews

A Holly Jilly Christmas by Emma St. Clair

shankl's review against another edition

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4.0


This single point of view, closed door romance is my favorite trope - enemies to lovers. Case has pined for his co-worker since her first day on the job when she literally ran into him on the elevator. Their meet-cute has him stripping off his shirt off after he spills hot coffee all over him but not before utters a rude comment to her. Oops somethings should be left unsaid!

Case is indecisive, taking literally years, before he takes actions so needless to say he’s still secretly adoring her from afar. An overnight work trip has these becoming fast friends after Jillian admits his persona is uptight in the office.

Their forced proximity ignites feelings they both never knew they harbored as each showers the other with “tiny” grand gestures - served breakfast in bed, giving up their coat to keep someone else warm to name a few, and sharing little tidbits about each other like Case’s IBS. Yes, ladies this man is not afraid to share this so he doesn’t look a fool when ordering off a menu. Go ahead and say “AWE POOR GUY”

simplymeagreads's review against another edition

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5.0

I was surprised with this lovely novella this morning! love this single POV novella. I love being in Sheet Cake again and seeing some Sheeters. In true Emma St. Clair style this is full of fun, laughs, and swoon all wrapped in a little Christmas package.
If you love Emma St Clair's writing. RomComs set in small towns, nosy sisters, or a heroine not wanting cliches but becoming them anyway then you're going to love this novella.

Thanks to the author for the eARC and all opinions are my own.

eudorawa's review against another edition

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5.0

Fun visit back to Sheet Cake! Sweet and fun quick read!

readwithsuzie's review against another edition

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3.0

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level:

shelvedthoughts's review against another edition

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5.0

Reader’s Notes:

– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone

– this is told from Jilly’s point of view

– there is an age gap of 6 years between them

Review:

I enjoyed this humorous novella addition to the Love Stories in Sheet Cake series! Jilly was very funny and had almost constant foot in her mouth moments that she wished she could take back. I wasn’t sure what to think of Case in the beginning (before he opened up), but I grew to love him for Jilly as I learned more about him and how they met. I loved how Tank and Mo were around the two of them throughout the story so we got to see more of them! I also loved seeing a bit more of Wolf Waters! His interaction with Jilly and Case was great and his ‘bar’ led to more connections between the two of them that I’m sure they’d never forget!

Summary:

Jilly has had a crush on Case since the day she first met him, not that she hasn’t tried to convince herself otherwise. So when she goes to scout Sheet Cake, Texas for their movie company and Case has her pick him up to go along, Jilly is quite happy to have Case tag along. Even if she is suspicious about his intentions for joining her. Could Case be trying to take her ideas for this location before she can use them for a promotion? Is he like that?

When Case actually begins talking to Jilly, she discovers that the roots of her crush have grown much deeper in her heart than she thought. He is the perfect man for her, if only those pesky secrets and intentions would get out of the way. But when they come to light, will Jilly still harbor her crush on her possible enemy or will the truth destroy any hope she had at finally having her own romance?

chelseadenn34's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 Stars

This was a cute little Christmas novella. I loved going back to Sheet Cake, even though I wish we could have seen more interaction with more of the Graham family. I also enjoyed how Jilly referenced romance tropes throughout the book, including how she found herself about to embark on the miscommunication trope and instead voiced her concerns. I wish we could have gotten more explanation of Case’s feelings for Jilly. But maybe that’s the price to pay for a novella. This one is a super quick read though and it’s sweet and fun.

This is a closed door novella with no language and minimal innuendo.

jlove731's review

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

thatbakerthatreads's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

 Synopsis:
Jilly is heading to Sheet Cake, Texas to look for a filming location for her company, but unfortunately she's not alone. Case, the grumpy executive, goes with her and she doesn't understand why. But along the journey,Case starts to show his personality.

Includes:
✨Workplace Romance
✨Age Gap
✨Grumpy x Sunshine (Sort Of)
✨Small Town
✨Single POV
✨Forced Proximity

🌶️Heat Level:
Just (Swoony) Kisses
Attraction/Tension:🔥🔥

My Opinion:
This novella is very cute. The characters are very distinct and don't have a deep backstory (since it's a novella) but the author has managed to make his stories meaninful and more interesting. I love all love clichés, but mostly I loved Case (not me falling in love with another male character written by a woman again). Their chemistry was so natural and sweet and I loved their interactions. I don't celebrate Christmas, but I like a cute story and I had a good time 

jensreads1983's review against another edition

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4.0

A Holly Jilly Christmas is a delightful, quick story that was oh so adorable. With wonderful chemistry, hilarious situations and characters that were so much more then meets the eyes, I was so charmed with this novella. And I loved being back in the world of Sheet Cake again!

Whilst visiting the small town of Sheet Cake to scout a location for their movie studio, Jilly and her unrequited crush and grumpy co-worker, Case end up being stuck in the quirky small town. Sparks fly and revelations come to light between the two in this fun little tale.

I love how Emma St. Clair always weaves humour, family, and romance into a story. Even in a short story like this one, she manages to add those elements. She has undoubtedly become one of my most favorite contemporary romance authors. This really was a fun way to spend an hour out of the day, curled up on the couch with a blanket, and enjoy an adorable, funny, heartwarming short story!

bookishlybeauty's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

4.0