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47 reviews for:
That Time I Kissed My Brother's Best Friend: A Sweet Christmas-in-July Rom Com
Julie Christianson
3.48 AVERAGE
47 reviews for:
That Time I Kissed My Brother's Best Friend: A Sweet Christmas-in-July Rom Com
Julie Christianson
3.48 AVERAGE
A rewrite of her novella is now the first in a new series, That Time I Kissed my Brother’s Best Friend is a fun holiday themed rom-com. I was so excited to read another book in the world of the Apple Valley Romances. This expanded story follows Kasey who has returned home in July to celebrate Christmas with her family for her grandmother’s sake, only to find more
What a fun story! It is overall a lighthearted story with fun characters. Kasey loves her family, but they are a lot. From her mom who can feel smothering in her exuberant love, her brother who has reminded in their hometown and their longtime family friends, the Slaters. Her brother’s best friend Beau is also home from his work as a celebrated photographer. After years of torment from the two as children up to high school graduation. She is determined to appease her family, avoid Beau, and return to her journalist career that is finally taking off. Being constantly thrown together by her family is draining on her, as she finds that there may be more to the story than she realized. I enjoyed seeing Kasey’s interactions with her family. They were so funny! It was especially enjoyable knowing the characters from the previous books. Kasey was very passionate, about her work, her feelings for her family, and her feelings for Beau. She was a fun main character though I sometimes felt like she was holding onto the past pranks a bit too much. Beau was sweet. It was nice to also have his POV too, I feel like it really rounded out the story.
The plot moved along pretty quickly, but I think it fit for the genre and the story. There was already a lot of history between the two and they already knew each other in a lot of ways. I enjoyed the family interactions and their role in Kasey and Beau’s relationship. Overall, this was a cute book that made me look forward to the continuation of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
What a fun story! It is overall a lighthearted story with fun characters. Kasey loves her family, but they are a lot. From her mom who can feel smothering in her exuberant love, her brother who has reminded in their hometown and their longtime family friends, the Slaters. Her brother’s best friend Beau is also home from his work as a celebrated photographer. After years of torment from the two as children up to high school graduation. She is determined to appease her family, avoid Beau, and return to her journalist career that is finally taking off. Being constantly thrown together by her family is draining on her, as she finds that there may be more to the story than she realized. I enjoyed seeing Kasey’s interactions with her family. They were so funny! It was especially enjoyable knowing the characters from the previous books. Kasey was very passionate, about her work, her feelings for her family, and her feelings for Beau. She was a fun main character though I sometimes felt like she was holding onto the past pranks a bit too much. Beau was sweet. It was nice to also have his POV too, I feel like it really rounded out the story.
The plot moved along pretty quickly, but I think it fit for the genre and the story. There was already a lot of history between the two and they already knew each other in a lot of ways. I enjoyed the family interactions and their role in Kasey and Beau’s relationship. Overall, this was a cute book that made me look forward to the continuation of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
4 1/2 stars!
I love Julie Christianson’s books. Not only are they funny and sweet, but there’s a lot of heart in these stories. It was so fun to read this prequel to her Apple Valley Love series and launch for a new series. There’s so much to love about this book: enemies to lovers, brother’s best friend, fake dating, Christmas in July, and a happily ever after ending that will leave you swooning! You’ll fall in love with Kasey and Beau and then you’ll want to read the entire Apple Valley series before the next book comes out.
Kasey is a funny, cute writer who has a bit of an obsession with Nicholas Cage and sharpies. She’s traveled home in the heat of July to help her grieving relatives celebrate Christmas. That’s right, Christmas. After her grandma and aunt both lost their husbands, Kasey’s mom employs the whole family to cheer them up with everything from ugly Christmas sweaters and caroling to gingerbread house making. But, it’s also the 4th of July and so mixed in are fireworks and a boat parade. All seems to be going to plan except for one thing, Beau Slater is back in town, her brother’s best friend and her attractive archenemy. As the two seem to be thrown together, the sparks fly, but will there ever be anything more between them than an embarrassing almost kiss?
Beau Slater has secretly had a crush on Kasey for years. Unfortunately, she always seemed to be the butt of his and her brother’s pranks. Though he would love to explore his feelings for her, she’s off limits as his best friend’s little sister, and she also seems to hate him. When their moms seemingly keep throwing them together, he decides to go along with Kasey’s plot to get revenge on both her brother and their meddling families. But will their fake relationship turn into what he’s always dreamed?
This is a sweet, clean, funny story romcom lovers will definitely enjoy. It’s got those laugh out loud moments, quirky family members, a swoony romance, and a grand gesture that will leave you wanting more. So excited for the next book in the series. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
I love Julie Christianson’s books. Not only are they funny and sweet, but there’s a lot of heart in these stories. It was so fun to read this prequel to her Apple Valley Love series and launch for a new series. There’s so much to love about this book: enemies to lovers, brother’s best friend, fake dating, Christmas in July, and a happily ever after ending that will leave you swooning! You’ll fall in love with Kasey and Beau and then you’ll want to read the entire Apple Valley series before the next book comes out.
Kasey is a funny, cute writer who has a bit of an obsession with Nicholas Cage and sharpies. She’s traveled home in the heat of July to help her grieving relatives celebrate Christmas. That’s right, Christmas. After her grandma and aunt both lost their husbands, Kasey’s mom employs the whole family to cheer them up with everything from ugly Christmas sweaters and caroling to gingerbread house making. But, it’s also the 4th of July and so mixed in are fireworks and a boat parade. All seems to be going to plan except for one thing, Beau Slater is back in town, her brother’s best friend and her attractive archenemy. As the two seem to be thrown together, the sparks fly, but will there ever be anything more between them than an embarrassing almost kiss?
Beau Slater has secretly had a crush on Kasey for years. Unfortunately, she always seemed to be the butt of his and her brother’s pranks. Though he would love to explore his feelings for her, she’s off limits as his best friend’s little sister, and she also seems to hate him. When their moms seemingly keep throwing them together, he decides to go along with Kasey’s plot to get revenge on both her brother and their meddling families. But will their fake relationship turn into what he’s always dreamed?
This is a sweet, clean, funny story romcom lovers will definitely enjoy. It’s got those laugh out loud moments, quirky family members, a swoony romance, and a grand gesture that will leave you wanting more. So excited for the next book in the series. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
"Beau looks so happy in the picture. Too bad someone drew devil horns and buck teeth on his face. In Sharpie."
Kasey Graham has spent her entire childhood tortured by her brother and his best friend—Beauregard Slater. The boy who she was constantly battling. The boy who stole the newspaper editor job from her. The boy she desperately wanted to kiss on the day they graduated high school. And it turns out, Beau wanted to kiss her too, but felt conflicted about having feelings for his best friend's little sister. So he let his best friend ruin the moment and any chance of Kasey liking Beau back. Now both of them are back as adults in Abieville, and the fireworks are brighter than ever before. But grudges can last a long time. Luckily, hate and love and often opposite sides on the same coin.
This Christmas-in-July romcom was fun! I loved Kasey and all of her quirks. Her Nicholas Cage obsession cracked me up. And the swoony moments between her and Beau were absolutely perfect. She and Beau had some gorgeous moments full of sparks and tension that were just *chef's kiss*.
Beau was my favorite character. He grew from a confused, immature boy into an older, wiser, and more confident gentleman. Seeing him grow and figure out what he wanted and see that he was willing to fight for Kasey and make up for what he'd done to her in the past was refreshing and made him feel extremely relatable. He felt like a real person to me, and that is always a sign of a good book to me.
Kasey's family was hysterical. So many antics and awkward interactions made for some truly laugh-out-loud worthy moments. The larger cast of characters was also the one downside to this book for me. I loved Kasey's and Beau's families, don't get me wrong, but they sometimes came across as caricatures rather than real people, especially Kasey's mom. I wanted to feel a little more depth from the supporting characters, especially when I was feeling so much depth from Beau and Kasey.
That being said, I really enjoyed this romcom, just as I enjoy absolutely everything that Julie Christianson writes. I loved, loved, loved getting the Apple Valley cameos and getting to know the McCoys a little better. I am so excited for the next book! Brady and Natalie's book is going to be a hoot and a half. You're not going to want to miss it.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy! A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kasey Graham has spent her entire childhood tortured by her brother and his best friend—Beauregard Slater. The boy who she was constantly battling. The boy who stole the newspaper editor job from her. The boy she desperately wanted to kiss on the day they graduated high school. And it turns out, Beau wanted to kiss her too, but felt conflicted about having feelings for his best friend's little sister. So he let his best friend ruin the moment and any chance of Kasey liking Beau back. Now both of them are back as adults in Abieville, and the fireworks are brighter than ever before. But grudges can last a long time. Luckily, hate and love and often opposite sides on the same coin.
This Christmas-in-July romcom was fun! I loved Kasey and all of her quirks. Her Nicholas Cage obsession cracked me up. And the swoony moments between her and Beau were absolutely perfect. She and Beau had some gorgeous moments full of sparks and tension that were just *chef's kiss*.
Beau was my favorite character. He grew from a confused, immature boy into an older, wiser, and more confident gentleman. Seeing him grow and figure out what he wanted and see that he was willing to fight for Kasey and make up for what he'd done to her in the past was refreshing and made him feel extremely relatable. He felt like a real person to me, and that is always a sign of a good book to me.
Kasey's family was hysterical. So many antics and awkward interactions made for some truly laugh-out-loud worthy moments. The larger cast of characters was also the one downside to this book for me. I loved Kasey's and Beau's families, don't get me wrong, but they sometimes came across as caricatures rather than real people, especially Kasey's mom. I wanted to feel a little more depth from the supporting characters, especially when I was feeling so much depth from Beau and Kasey.
That being said, I really enjoyed this romcom, just as I enjoy absolutely everything that Julie Christianson writes. I loved, loved, loved getting the Apple Valley cameos and getting to know the McCoys a little better. I am so excited for the next book! Brady and Natalie's book is going to be a hoot and a half. You're not going to want to miss it.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy! A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
Reader’s Notes:
– this is a rewritten and extended version of Julie’s My Red, White, and Blue Christmas
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Kasey & Beau’s points of view
Review:
I never got the chance to read My Red, White, and Blue Christmas so I went into this story totally blind and I really enjoyed it! I loved that the family did Christmas in July and planned different holiday themed events to do together. It was especially interesting to me when they went around town Christmas caroling and how some of their stops reacted to it. I loved the interactions between Kasey and her cousins (the McCoys). They were so funny and Kasey was so sweet with Daisy. Some of my other favorite scenes/things in this story included: the oyster talk, riding in the back of a truck back home, the text threads with the cousins, and actual Christmas morning.
Summary:
Kasey hasn’t seen her brother’s best friend in five years, just like she planned. After that embarrassing moment at graduation, she never wanted to see Beau again. Needless to say, Kasey is not thrilled to hear that Beau is back in town and that his family will be at some of their family’s Christmas in July events. When she discovers that their mothers are throwing them together on these different outings, Kasey wants to get back at them and recruits Beau to help her out. Now she just needs to remember that it’s all pretend and they could never work…
Beau regrets what he did to Kasey. One mistake made the girl he was and still is interested in hate him, but maybe he can get a second chance now. When Kasey suggests that they pretend to be in a relationship in order to get back at their mothers, Beau wants her to know that his feelings are real. Will she listen and believe him or refuse based on the past?
– this is a rewritten and extended version of Julie’s My Red, White, and Blue Christmas
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Kasey & Beau’s points of view
Review:
I never got the chance to read My Red, White, and Blue Christmas so I went into this story totally blind and I really enjoyed it! I loved that the family did Christmas in July and planned different holiday themed events to do together. It was especially interesting to me when they went around town Christmas caroling and how some of their stops reacted to it. I loved the interactions between Kasey and her cousins (the McCoys). They were so funny and Kasey was so sweet with Daisy. Some of my other favorite scenes/things in this story included: the oyster talk, riding in the back of a truck back home, the text threads with the cousins, and actual Christmas morning.
Summary:
Kasey hasn’t seen her brother’s best friend in five years, just like she planned. After that embarrassing moment at graduation, she never wanted to see Beau again. Needless to say, Kasey is not thrilled to hear that Beau is back in town and that his family will be at some of their family’s Christmas in July events. When she discovers that their mothers are throwing them together on these different outings, Kasey wants to get back at them and recruits Beau to help her out. Now she just needs to remember that it’s all pretend and they could never work…
Beau regrets what he did to Kasey. One mistake made the girl he was and still is interested in hate him, but maybe he can get a second chance now. When Kasey suggests that they pretend to be in a relationship in order to get back at their mothers, Beau wants her to know that his feelings are real. Will she listen and believe him or refuse based on the past?
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
This story was cute. I liked that it tied in her previous series (Apple Valley) and her upcoming series and this story served as a prequel to both. The characters were fun and silly, as Julie Christianson’s characters often are, and I liked that the MCs had history and were both sort of orbiting around each other without making a move.
I will say though, that the pacing seemed a bit off, and I wish we got to see the MCs actual BE in a relationship after all they went through to finally get there.
I was given an ARC by the author. All opinions are my own.
I will say though, that the pacing seemed a bit off, and I wish we got to see the MCs actual BE in a relationship after all they went through to finally get there.
I was given an ARC by the author. All opinions are my own.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
You can do anything. Be anything. Have anything. Your heart just has to want it badly enough.” ~ Big Mama
Need a quick, sweet, adorable read? Then pick up this novella from @juliechristiansonauthor!
This story is a prequel to her upcoming release That Time I Kissed the Groomsman Grump and you definitely want to know all about Beau, Kasey, Brady and Natalie. There is a lot of history between these characters and it is so good. Plus you get to see the Apple Valley McCoys before Brooke enters the picture.
Read if you like
Brother’s best friend
Childhood Rivals
Fake dating
Super cute parents
Sweet grandmother
Swoony kisses
and heart melting gestures
Need a quick, sweet, adorable read? Then pick up this novella from @juliechristiansonauthor!
This story is a prequel to her upcoming release That Time I Kissed the Groomsman Grump and you definitely want to know all about Beau, Kasey, Brady and Natalie. There is a lot of history between these characters and it is so good. Plus you get to see the Apple Valley McCoys before Brooke enters the picture.
Read if you like
Brother’s best friend
Childhood Rivals
Fake dating
Super cute parents
Sweet grandmother
Swoony kisses
and heart melting gestures
Sweet Christmas RomCom
This was a great little Christmas RomCom. I really enjoyed the hilarious family members, stolen kisses, and the growth of our two main characters.
This was a great little Christmas RomCom. I really enjoyed the hilarious family members, stolen kisses, and the growth of our two main characters.