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bexi's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
3.0
Oh Will Reid, you cinnamon roll simp. 💚
Reading Abbie's POV was sometimes unpleasant because of her anxiety and the walls she built around herself. Mostly because it was like being in my own head, which I've had quite enough of thank you. How dare you come for me like that, Talia Hibbert. ðŸ˜
I think this would've worked better as a full length novel. Also the blurb led me to believe the main characters would be snowed-in and alone, neither of which happened which was a little disappointing. I could've used more Christmas, too. But Talia Hibbert is always a fun read, so I can't give this anything below 3 stars.
Reading Abbie's POV was sometimes unpleasant because of her anxiety and the walls she built around herself. Mostly because it was like being in my own head, which I've had quite enough of thank you. How dare you come for me like that, Talia Hibbert. ðŸ˜
I think this would've worked better as a full length novel. Also the blurb led me to believe the main characters would be snowed-in and alone, neither of which happened which was a little disappointing. I could've used more Christmas, too. But Talia Hibbert is always a fun read, so I can't give this anything below 3 stars.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Cursing, and Mental illness
Minor: Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Domestic abuse
venetiana's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Physical abuse, Body horror, Toxic relationship, Grief, Infidelity, Misogyny, Alcohol, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Sexual content, Vomit, Cursing, Death, and Pregnancy
allisonwonderlandreads's review
emotional
informative
tense
slow-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
3.0
Talia Hibbert's humor always feels so right. I laughed out loud listening to this audiobook at the wry observations running through Abigail's mind and the galloping, earnest absurdity and self-deprecation in Will's thoughts. It's a Christmas story, but I wouldn't call it jolly. Gear up for a second chance romance that's fraught and intense as two childhood friends grapple with their feelings for each other, (partially) out in the open for the first time. It just happens to take place during a snowy Christmas stay at Abbie's grandmother's home.
There was a lot to admire about this romance novella. It trades in deep currents of emotion and both messy histories and thorny mental health battles. As usual, the author handles these with finesse, drawing difficult conversations from the characters, and showing the power of clear communication and unconditional support to heal. Also therapy. It feels down-to-earth and achievable rather than fairytale distant.
For anyone who follows my romance reviews, however, you know that second chance romance is one of my least favorite tropes in terms of personal preference. I won't rehash all that here. Also, despite the short form of the piece, the sticking point between the characters felt dragged out to me. I think it was appropriate to the situation but I enjoy seeing more active emotional progress throughout the story.
This is a moving holiday romance with thoughtful, real-life concerns. Fans of the author will find Talia Hibbert's wit as sharp as ever.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Bullying and Infidelity
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