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rachelslacey's review
5.0
Well, this was delightful! A fun, fast-paced workplace Christmas romance - I devoured it in one sitting!
zenjen's review
3.0
Ellie is perfectly happy with her underskilled, underpaid job. That is until the CEO Rosalind needs a new assistant and has Ellie pulled up to her floor to fill it. Ellie, aka Christmas Girl, is the perfect person to plan the companies annual Christmas shindig but at what cost?
This is a cute LGBTQIA+ romance story that hooked me in. It was the perfect book to read before the holidays. I loved the characters, especially Will, Ellie’s best friend.
Unfortunately I found several of the plot points to be too rushed, particularly the romance. There was very little build up to the attraction that takes place. And once it happens, without spoilers, a kissing scene turns into plans to move in together instantly.
Despite this, I still really enjoyed the story. I think the cover is so pretty and tied in well with the story. I’d love to read more with these characters.
This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in
exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
This is a cute LGBTQIA+ romance story that hooked me in. It was the perfect book to read before the holidays. I loved the characters, especially Will, Ellie’s best friend.
Unfortunately I found several of the plot points to be too rushed, particularly the romance. There was very little build up to the attraction that takes place. And once it happens, without spoilers, a kissing scene turns into plans to move in together instantly.
Despite this, I still really enjoyed the story. I think the cover is so pretty and tied in well with the story. I’d love to read more with these characters.
This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in
exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
achoward's review
3.0
Humbug is both an opposites attract and an age gap romance, and I use the term "romance" loosely Ellie Pearce, statistician extraordinaire toiling away as a drone writing reports that have nothing to do with her degree at a very large, eponymous recruiting firm cofounded and run by Rosalind Caldwell, who is seen as an ice queen and who is somewhat feared by the employees who work for her. Rosalind knows Ellie only by her nickname "Christmas Girl", so dubbed because Ellie is one of those people who keeps christmas year round, her desk a riot of decorations and her music that of the season. But just so we know it isn't tacky, we're told Ellie listens to choral music and that she is involved in a christmas chorus each year.
One day, Rosalind comes marching down to the second floor to tell Ellie to pack up her stuff and haul herself up to one of the higher floors. This terrifies Ellie, as she's deathly afraid of heights. But Ellie does as she's told, and her new job is to be Rosalind's assistant and take over the planning for the company christmas party, a Very Big Deal each year. Ellie digs in, only to find the previous assistant has sabotaged everything: canceling all vendors, caterers, and the space they had reserved.
Those looking for instalove will be disappointed. Those looking for some kind of meaningful romance to develop through the book will likewise be disappointed. If it weren't for Rosalind's 12-year old daughter, the two of them would rarely speak, and only about business - and mainly about the christmas party. It's only in the last third of the book that anything really crops up, and as with a couple of Radley's books I've read, the ending feels a littler artificial and a lot rushed. As with those books, I'd have been willing to read a longer book with those threads teased out a little.
I'll give the book points for no instacure for Ellie's fear of heights, and points for Rosalind and Ellie's bestie to give her the experience of the party on the roof without actually taking her to the roof.
Three out of five stars.
Publication date: December 14, 2021
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.
One day, Rosalind comes marching down to the second floor to tell Ellie to pack up her stuff and haul herself up to one of the higher floors. This terrifies Ellie, as she's deathly afraid of heights. But Ellie does as she's told, and her new job is to be Rosalind's assistant and take over the planning for the company christmas party, a Very Big Deal each year. Ellie digs in, only to find the previous assistant has sabotaged everything: canceling all vendors, caterers, and the space they had reserved.
Those looking for instalove will be disappointed. Those looking for some kind of meaningful romance to develop through the book will likewise be disappointed. If it weren't for Rosalind's 12-year old daughter, the two of them would rarely speak, and only about business - and mainly about the christmas party. It's only in the last third of the book that anything really crops up, and as with a couple of Radley's books I've read, the ending feels a littler artificial and a lot rushed. As with those books, I'd have been willing to read a longer book with those threads teased out a little.
I'll give the book points for no instacure for Ellie's fear of heights, and points for Rosalind and Ellie's bestie to give her the experience of the party on the roof without actually taking her to the roof.
Three out of five stars.
Publication date: December 14, 2021
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.
althea's review
3.0
I am a huge sucker for Christmassy sapphic reads, and Amanda Radley did not disappoint with her latest release. This is my second book by Radley and I have to say, I really enjoy her writing style! This is an age-gap office romance with an ice queen main character (very fitting for the season, no?), Rosalind, who tasks our second main character, Ellie, with re-planning the company's famous Christmas party after it is sabotaged last minute.
The romance in this book was definitely sweet and I think that the way Radley tackled the office romance while taking into account the ethics of the situation was really well done. The two main characters definitely had amazing chemistry and I loved all of the side characters too, including Rosalind's daughter and Ellie's best friend in the office. Everything about the character relationships in this book was so heartwarming and just perfect for the chilly weather we're having right now.
Ellie is tasked with taking on the Christmas party because she is known as 'Christmas Girl' - she has tinsel up on her desk year-round and loves listening to carols in the height of summer. Despite this, I did find it to be one of the less Christmassy books that I've read, so if you're looking for a festive read but you're a bit of a humbug yourself, then I think this one would be perfect for you.
I did have one wee issue with the book, and that's why it is my least favourite of the two Radley books I've read so far, and that's the pacing. I really feel like this book could have been a novella. There was so much waiting for the ending and the Christmas party that I did find the second half of the book, especially, to drag. That being said, I'm thoroughly looking forward to Radley's next release and I'll definitely be checking out some of her backlist!
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for an eARC in return for an honest review!
Want more sapphic books? You can find me here: Book Blog | Twitter | Instagram
The romance in this book was definitely sweet and I think that the way Radley tackled the office romance while taking into account the ethics of the situation was really well done. The two main characters definitely had amazing chemistry and I loved all of the side characters too, including Rosalind's daughter and Ellie's best friend in the office. Everything about the character relationships in this book was so heartwarming and just perfect for the chilly weather we're having right now.
Ellie is tasked with taking on the Christmas party because she is known as 'Christmas Girl' - she has tinsel up on her desk year-round and loves listening to carols in the height of summer. Despite this, I did find it to be one of the less Christmassy books that I've read, so if you're looking for a festive read but you're a bit of a humbug yourself, then I think this one would be perfect for you.
I did have one wee issue with the book, and that's why it is my least favourite of the two Radley books I've read so far, and that's the pacing. I really feel like this book could have been a novella. There was so much waiting for the ending and the Christmas party that I did find the second half of the book, especially, to drag. That being said, I'm thoroughly looking forward to Radley's next release and I'll definitely be checking out some of her backlist!
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for an eARC in return for an honest review!
Want more sapphic books? You can find me here: Book Blog | Twitter | Instagram
jamietherebelliousreader's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars. A very sweet holiday read with an age gap, office romance, and Ice Queen. All things that I love. I really enjoyed all of the characters here. Ellie aka Christmas Girl and her Scrooge of a boss Rosalind were both such likable and endearing characters. I liked their chemistry and how they both slowly started to open up to one another and bond. I also really liked Ellie’s relationship with Rosalind’s daughter Ava. It was so precious and Ava was a great character. The romance between Rosalind and Ellie was light and adorable. They work really well together. Overall, this was a wonderful read that left me smiling by the end of it.
00leah00's review
4.0
“Humbug” by Amanda Radley is an age-gap, workplace romance that takes place around Christmas.
Ellie Pearce loves Christmas and is known at her office as “Christmas Girl” for her year-round decorations. A few weeks before the annual office Christmas party she is given a new job as personal assistant to the CEO, Rosalind Caldwell.
Ellie has never planned a party before and especially not as one as infamous as their corporate party, which is known to be the party of the year. Also hindering her is the fact that the former assistant canceled all the plans she had made up to that point to get back at Rosalind. Ellie has a debilitating fear of heights which she’s also trying to overcome with her move up to the 22nd floor.
One of the things I really liked about this is that Radley went a bit off script with Rosalind. Most of the women in power in her stories are ice queens and Rosalind isn’t here. She’s dedicated to her job and her daughter but she’s shown to be a funny, caring person for the most part. I liked how Rosalind and Ellie respected and got to know one another as people as well as boss/employee.
While I did enjoy this as a nice Christmas read, I wouldn’t go into this looking for love and romance. There is a sweet, slow-burn romance but it doesn’t really come up until the last 25% or so (if that.) The majority of the books revolves around the planning of the Christmas party and everything that entails. I did like the message of this about the spirit of Christmas and it did feel festive overall.
My main issue with this was that there seemed to be a lot of telling rather than showing when it came to interactions between Ellie and Rosalind. They don’t spend a lot of time together but things get summarized to show they’re getting closer. I would have preferred to see the scenes rather than spend as much time as we did on everything else. A good portion of the book is Ellie working on the party and her dealing with her fear of heights.
I also didn’t love how vague Radley is about the characters. We know there’s an age-gap but are never told the ages of either character. There’s also no description given of either Ellie or Rosalind which hindered my enjoyment a little too. I’m one of those people who can see scenes play out in my head as I read and so they were both shadow people to me since I had nothing to go off of.
All in all, I think this is a sweet, heart-felt story. I think if you’re in the mood for a Christmas tale where the focus isn’t the romance, you’ll definitely enjoy this.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ellie Pearce loves Christmas and is known at her office as “Christmas Girl” for her year-round decorations. A few weeks before the annual office Christmas party she is given a new job as personal assistant to the CEO, Rosalind Caldwell.
Ellie has never planned a party before and especially not as one as infamous as their corporate party, which is known to be the party of the year. Also hindering her is the fact that the former assistant canceled all the plans she had made up to that point to get back at Rosalind. Ellie has a debilitating fear of heights which she’s also trying to overcome with her move up to the 22nd floor.
One of the things I really liked about this is that Radley went a bit off script with Rosalind. Most of the women in power in her stories are ice queens and Rosalind isn’t here. She’s dedicated to her job and her daughter but she’s shown to be a funny, caring person for the most part. I liked how Rosalind and Ellie respected and got to know one another as people as well as boss/employee.
While I did enjoy this as a nice Christmas read, I wouldn’t go into this looking for love and romance. There is a sweet, slow-burn romance but it doesn’t really come up until the last 25% or so (if that.) The majority of the books revolves around the planning of the Christmas party and everything that entails. I did like the message of this about the spirit of Christmas and it did feel festive overall.
My main issue with this was that there seemed to be a lot of telling rather than showing when it came to interactions between Ellie and Rosalind. They don’t spend a lot of time together but things get summarized to show they’re getting closer. I would have preferred to see the scenes rather than spend as much time as we did on everything else. A good portion of the book is Ellie working on the party and her dealing with her fear of heights.
I also didn’t love how vague Radley is about the characters. We know there’s an age-gap but are never told the ages of either character. There’s also no description given of either Ellie or Rosalind which hindered my enjoyment a little too. I’m one of those people who can see scenes play out in my head as I read and so they were both shadow people to me since I had nothing to go off of.
All in all, I think this is a sweet, heart-felt story. I think if you’re in the mood for a Christmas tale where the focus isn’t the romance, you’ll definitely enjoy this.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
unwrappingwords's review
5.0
I loved this book, and it’s probably my favourite of my 2021 festive reads. And not just because the main character shares my name! In all fairness, the publisher Bold Stroke Books are putting out some excellent work, and as much as a small part of me dies when they reject me on NG, it’s overtaken by the sheer excitement when they accept me!
Ellie works as a marketing analyst for a recruitment company, where she is known as ‘Christmas Girl’. Unlike most people, Ellie celebrates Christmas all year round, because why the hell not? She’s bright and cheerful, though desperately wants out of her current job and into a career she actually enjoys. When the CEO’s assistant quits, Ellie is promoted into the role, sticking it out because she knows if she can pull off the Christmas party at the last minute, she can ask the CEO’s help in getting into a job she actually wants. Except Ellie has never worked as a PA, or planned a party, and is scared of heights, making working on the top floor that much difficult. On top of all that, she develops a crush on Rosalind Caldwell, her CEO and boss.
Even from the blurb, it’s easy to see why I loved it. I’m still finding my feet in Romance, but I definitely loved this age-gap, workplace romance – and, see, I’m learning about all the tropes! I would also class this as a slow burn – most of the story is centred around longing more than the relationship, but we do really get to see these two grow as friends as well as growing as themselves.
Rosalind isn’t really a fan of Christmas, but she puts her faith completely in Ellie to pull off the Christmas party. I loved the way Radley shifted from one POV to the next, and there was a good balance between seeing Rosalind’s perspective and Ellie’s. We also get a good idea of their backgrounds, and how they’ve ended up in the places they’re in.
I think Ellie’s anxiety and fear of heights were handled well – she has learnt to navigate the world in a way that suits her, but things get tricky when the only place she can book for the party is on a rooftop. I also absolutely adored Rosalind’s daughter, who is totally rooting for her mum just to be happy!
I liked the build-up, I liked Rosalind’s reservations – her main concern wasn’t for her own career or reputation, but for how any action she might take would impact Ellie.
Overall this was a really sweet, adorable romance, and one I very much loved reading! I’ll be definitely keeping an eye out for more from both Amanda Radley and Bold Strokes Books.
I received this book from publisher Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley. Reviews remain my own.
Ellie works as a marketing analyst for a recruitment company, where she is known as ‘Christmas Girl’. Unlike most people, Ellie celebrates Christmas all year round, because why the hell not? She’s bright and cheerful, though desperately wants out of her current job and into a career she actually enjoys. When the CEO’s assistant quits, Ellie is promoted into the role, sticking it out because she knows if she can pull off the Christmas party at the last minute, she can ask the CEO’s help in getting into a job she actually wants. Except Ellie has never worked as a PA, or planned a party, and is scared of heights, making working on the top floor that much difficult. On top of all that, she develops a crush on Rosalind Caldwell, her CEO and boss.
Even from the blurb, it’s easy to see why I loved it. I’m still finding my feet in Romance, but I definitely loved this age-gap, workplace romance – and, see, I’m learning about all the tropes! I would also class this as a slow burn – most of the story is centred around longing more than the relationship, but we do really get to see these two grow as friends as well as growing as themselves.
Rosalind isn’t really a fan of Christmas, but she puts her faith completely in Ellie to pull off the Christmas party. I loved the way Radley shifted from one POV to the next, and there was a good balance between seeing Rosalind’s perspective and Ellie’s. We also get a good idea of their backgrounds, and how they’ve ended up in the places they’re in.
I think Ellie’s anxiety and fear of heights were handled well – she has learnt to navigate the world in a way that suits her, but things get tricky when the only place she can book for the party is on a rooftop. I also absolutely adored Rosalind’s daughter, who is totally rooting for her mum just to be happy!
I liked the build-up, I liked Rosalind’s reservations – her main concern wasn’t for her own career or reputation, but for how any action she might take would impact Ellie.
Overall this was a really sweet, adorable romance, and one I very much loved reading! I’ll be definitely keeping an eye out for more from both Amanda Radley and Bold Strokes Books.
I received this book from publisher Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley. Reviews remain my own.
bookgabz's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
pandon's review
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
heyspaghetti's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0