Scan barcode
aspiro27's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
julsmarshall's review
3.0
Delightful, though a bit predictable. Perfect read for a day of rest while encouraging that Christmas spirit!
erinnaissance's review
4.0
This was my second book by this author. My first book was the story of Dylan’s workaholic brother, Aiden Caine. I infer that the rapid journey to “I love you” that Thayne’s characters take is her modus operandus. While I prefer a slower burn with more time passing as the couple gets to know each other, I will still say the stories themselves have been great writing. I perceive Thayne uses fresh phrases and avoids overworked similes and metaphors. I really liked that Gen developed integrity and made amends for her past transgressions.
In both books, I feel like I need just a little bit more “HEA feels” for the very last pages. Like suddenly I’m at the end and I’m a little bit whiplashed to discover we have reached the final sentence.. There may be a bit of an epilogue in future books but I still love epilogues and want them for my book peeps.
My one complaint is that in her internal monologues, present day Gen continues to demonstrate fat bias. Some of her reflections on Charlotte hit me really wrong. And she describes a young teen who works at the bead shop as “pretty *but* plump.” I just don’t think that’s necessary. It may really be what this character is still like, but it doesn’t endear her to me at all. She’s not voicing her opinions aloud but I think it would be better for me as a reader to not know that she has fat bias.
In both books, I feel like I need just a little bit more “HEA feels” for the very last pages. Like suddenly I’m at the end and I’m a little bit whiplashed to discover we have reached the final sentence.. There may be a bit of an epilogue in future books but I still love epilogues and want them for my book peeps.
My one complaint is that in her internal monologues, present day Gen continues to demonstrate fat bias. Some of her reflections on Charlotte hit me really wrong. And she describes a young teen who works at the bead shop as “pretty *but* plump.” I just don’t think that’s necessary. It may really be what this character is still like, but it doesn’t endear her to me at all. She’s not voicing her opinions aloud but I think it would be better for me as a reader to not know that she has fat bias.
allingoodtime's review
4.0
I admit, I am a sucker for any story about a sexy military man. I'm sure that's why I'm a fan of Robbyn Carr's Virgin River series. So I absolutely LOVED this story. I knew the veteran aspect of the story would appeal to me, but can you blame me for being leary of Genevieve?
It's often hard to make the spoiled, rich, selfish girl into a caring, generous, loving woman. Even if this was a stand-alone book and the reader didn't know Gen and her personality from the last 5 books. Being that we DO know her and the things she's done to some of Hope's Crossing's beloved residents, I have to say RaeAnne Thayne is a genius to get me to give to hoots about this character. Really, it was like watching Genevieve mature before my eyes.
While this story had a lot of heartache and gut wrenching scenes, there was also a lot of fun involved. Dylan's personality (that he tried so hard to keep hidden) made me smile more than I would have thought possible with the subject matter.
In some ways, this is my favorite of the series.
It's often hard to make the spoiled, rich, selfish girl into a caring, generous, loving woman. Even if this was a stand-alone book and the reader didn't know Gen and her personality from the last 5 books. Being that we DO know her and the things she's done to some of Hope's Crossing's beloved residents, I have to say RaeAnne Thayne is a genius to get me to give to hoots about this character. Really, it was like watching Genevieve mature before my eyes.
While this story had a lot of heartache and gut wrenching scenes, there was also a lot of fun involved. Dylan's personality (that he tried so hard to keep hidden) made me smile more than I would have thought possible with the subject matter.
In some ways, this is my favorite of the series.
taradwyatt's review
5.0
I was fully prepared to give this book four stars. Beautiful writing, wonderful characters, great dialogue--it was really doing it for me. And then...SPOILER:
I realized I was about 90% done the book and things were wrapping up and there was still no sex. I was really, really looking forward to the sex between the one-armed Army vet and the mayor's daughter. But there wasn't a single sex scene in this book. In fact, we get about 60% of the way through before they even kiss. So, from a smexy standpoint, I was really disappointed.
But the rest of the book is so great, I'm still giving it three stars and might check out some of the other Hope's Crossing books.
I realized I was about 90% done the book and things were wrapping up and there was still no sex. I was really, really looking forward to the sex between the one-armed Army vet and the mayor's daughter. But there wasn't a single sex scene in this book. In fact, we get about 60% of the way through before they even kiss. So, from a smexy standpoint, I was really disappointed.
But the rest of the book is so great, I'm still giving it three stars and might check out some of the other Hope's Crossing books.
dollycas's review
5.0
Holiday gifts don’t always come in expected packages…especially in the town of Hope’s Crossing.
Genevieve Beaumont is back home after being dealt an ultimatum by her father.
Dylan Caine, a sexy, wounded war vet, is learning to cope after being injured in Afghanistan by a bomb explosion in which some of his friends lost their lives.
A chance meeting in a local bar brings Gen and Dylan together and could change both their lives if they can just realize it.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I broke my own rule about reading series book in order but I so needed to read a Christmas story and this one just called out to me. In fact once I started reading I couldn’t stop.
As a person with a disability Thane’s stories just hit me right in the heart. All of her characters have their flaws and like Taryn in Woodrose Mountain there are people in this story dealing with physical disabilities. This time it is wounded veterans including Dylan Caine who was wounded in Afghanistan and is struggling with so much.
This story was just what I needed to read. So many characters went through transformations. Not only Gen and Dylan but a wondrous gift was given to a supporting character that brought tears to me eyes. Love can conquer anything and in this story it does. This author is excellent at developing her characters. The emerge and grow at a perfect pace. The reader can feel their struggles and their internal battles to change what they can and accept what they can’t.
While this is a Christmas story, don’t think you need to wait until next year to read it. There is still plenty of blustery weather left for you to curl up with it this winter or it can help you cool off when the weather is warmer too. It is a feel good story for any time of year.
I understand this may be the last book in this series but because I broke my own rule it will not be my last trip to Hope’s Crossing. I will happily be visiting again soon when I read the stories I skipped.
Genevieve Beaumont is back home after being dealt an ultimatum by her father.
Dylan Caine, a sexy, wounded war vet, is learning to cope after being injured in Afghanistan by a bomb explosion in which some of his friends lost their lives.
A chance meeting in a local bar brings Gen and Dylan together and could change both their lives if they can just realize it.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I broke my own rule about reading series book in order but I so needed to read a Christmas story and this one just called out to me. In fact once I started reading I couldn’t stop.
As a person with a disability Thane’s stories just hit me right in the heart. All of her characters have their flaws and like Taryn in Woodrose Mountain there are people in this story dealing with physical disabilities. This time it is wounded veterans including Dylan Caine who was wounded in Afghanistan and is struggling with so much.
This story was just what I needed to read. So many characters went through transformations. Not only Gen and Dylan but a wondrous gift was given to a supporting character that brought tears to me eyes. Love can conquer anything and in this story it does. This author is excellent at developing her characters. The emerge and grow at a perfect pace. The reader can feel their struggles and their internal battles to change what they can and accept what they can’t.
While this is a Christmas story, don’t think you need to wait until next year to read it. There is still plenty of blustery weather left for you to curl up with it this winter or it can help you cool off when the weather is warmer too. It is a feel good story for any time of year.
I understand this may be the last book in this series but because I broke my own rule it will not be my last trip to Hope’s Crossing. I will happily be visiting again soon when I read the stories I skipped.
takethyme's review
3.0
Closer to 3.5 stars
Part of a series, this chick-lit contemporary romance can easily be read alone. It is about the familiar trope: bad boy vs. spoiled little rich girl. Dylan Caine and Genevieve Beaumont met in a dive bar when she has had one drink too many. She came across as a bumpkin without a filter and made a few stupid mistakes. Dylan then came to her rescue and they both landed in jail.
The result is they have to perform 100 hours of community service, before Christmas, to avoid having a permanent record. And, where of all places, but a wounded veterans recreation center. This was a sore spot for Dylan because he had returned home from fighting in the Middle East minus a hand and with the loss of one eye. Working side by side is not what either wants but boo-hoo.
Over a period of days, these two learn from the strengths and weaknesses of other veterans. Dylan is recovering at his own pace when he sees men and women whom are worse off them he is; it is humbling. Genevieve loosens up, shakes up and grows up. She becomes a better person and, at the same time, never loses her quirkiness. This is a heartwarming story that will make you appreciate what you have.
Part of a series, this chick-lit contemporary romance can easily be read alone. It is about the familiar trope: bad boy vs. spoiled little rich girl. Dylan Caine and Genevieve Beaumont met in a dive bar when she has had one drink too many. She came across as a bumpkin without a filter and made a few stupid mistakes. Dylan then came to her rescue and they both landed in jail.
The result is they have to perform 100 hours of community service, before Christmas, to avoid having a permanent record. And, where of all places, but a wounded veterans recreation center. This was a sore spot for Dylan because he had returned home from fighting in the Middle East minus a hand and with the loss of one eye. Working side by side is not what either wants but boo-hoo.
Over a period of days, these two learn from the strengths and weaknesses of other veterans. Dylan is recovering at his own pace when he sees men and women whom are worse off them he is; it is humbling. Genevieve loosens up, shakes up and grows up. She becomes a better person and, at the same time, never loses her quirkiness. This is a heartwarming story that will make you appreciate what you have.
pendygal80's review
3.0
A sweet Christmas romance between a bitter soldier and spoiled rich girl? Yes please. I thought this was so enjoyable. Nothing too hard-hitting but with likeable characters (not always necessary but enjoyable to have) and a bit more depth than some Christmas-y romances.
More...