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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
This book was my book clubs December pick!
I am SO happy I decided to read this as an audio book because both narrators were so great and I feel as if it added a lot of personality into the story!
Overall I enjoyed this fluffy, cheery, Christmas romance! The pacing was quick but not rushed, especially with the book taking place over a short period of time (about a week).
The chemistry and banter between Tessa and Tre is so fun, especially early in the book (in the airports, on the plane, fighting over the last car). Both characters on their own were very likable, and having them really bring their personalities out unapologetically made the tension between them simmer.
The eggnog festival had me in SHAMBLES. I found myself laughing so hard at some of those scenes between Tre entering the contest, Mrs. Kringle, the nutcracker b&b room, and the cops towing the rental car!
I didn’t love the third act break up, it felt almost unnecessary. While I understand wanting to dig into Tre’s past a little, I wish it had more to do with his family (Carter) and not his friends from high school. It just felt a little bit random and uncalled for.
The TWIST! Holy heavens I was not expecting a twist like that in a romance book! Finding out Carter, as in the man Tessa was originally traveling across the country to see because a psychic told her to go west, is actually Tre’s BROTHER?!?!? I audibly gasped at the reveal and can truly say I did NOT see that one coming.
I also was anticipating more
I am SO happy I decided to read this as an audio book because both narrators were so great and I feel as if it added a lot of personality into the story!
Overall I enjoyed this fluffy, cheery, Christmas romance! The pacing was quick but not rushed, especially with the book taking place over a short period of time (about a week).
The chemistry and banter between Tessa and Tre is so fun, especially early in the book (in the airports, on the plane, fighting over the last car). Both characters on their own were very likable, and having them really bring their personalities out unapologetically made the tension between them simmer.
The eggnog festival had me in SHAMBLES. I found myself laughing so hard at some of those scenes between Tre entering the contest, Mrs. Kringle, the nutcracker b&b room, and the cops towing the rental car!
I didn’t love the third act break up, it felt almost unnecessary. While I understand wanting to dig into Tre’s past a little, I wish it had more to do with his family (Carter) and not his friends from high school. It just felt a little bit random and uncalled for.
The TWIST! Holy heavens I was not expecting a twist like that in a romance book! Finding out Carter, as in the man Tessa was originally traveling across the country to see because a psychic told her to go west, is actually Tre’s BROTHER?!?!? I audibly gasped at the reveal and can truly say I did NOT see that one coming.
I also was anticipating more
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Claus and Effect
Author- Piper Wayne
Series- Standalone (But Connected to Single and Ready to Jingle)
Rating- 5 Stars out of 5
Genres- Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy, Holiday (Christmas)
Tropes- Enemies (ish) to Lovers, Forced Proximity, One Bed, One Car, Forced Road Trip, Grumpy-Sunshine,
Main Characters- Tessa and Tre, (Ex) Military Romance
Spice Level- 3/5
HEA
I always really enjoy reading Piper Rayne's books, and I was very excited to read another by them, and another holiday story at that. Though I will say I didn't put two and two together that this book is related to their other Christmas book until I was like half way through the book. But finding out the connection made me enjoy the story all the more.
I don't know if you can call this an enemies to lovers romance, but for sure Tre and Tessa didn't get off to a good start. Bad first impressions, being forced to be together when they would rather not, and a series of unfortunate events didn't help matters. But on a forced road trip from New York to Portland when their plane unexpectedly lands they have to drive across country. I will say when I started reading the book I assumed Portland Maine, not Oregon so I could not comprehend why it would take so long to drive there.
Author- Piper Wayne
Series- Standalone (But Connected to Single and Ready to Jingle)
Rating- 5 Stars out of 5
Genres- Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy, Holiday (Christmas)
Tropes- Enemies (ish) to Lovers, Forced Proximity, One Bed, One Car, Forced Road Trip, Grumpy-Sunshine,
Main Characters- Tessa and Tre, (Ex) Military Romance
Spice Level- 3/5
HEA
I always really enjoy reading Piper Rayne's books, and I was very excited to read another by them, and another holiday story at that. Though I will say I didn't put two and two together that this book is related to their other Christmas book until I was like half way through the book. But finding out the connection made me enjoy the story all the more.
I don't know if you can call this an enemies to lovers romance, but for sure Tre and Tessa didn't get off to a good start. Bad first impressions, being forced to be together when they would rather not, and a series of unfortunate events didn't help matters. But on a forced road trip from New York to Portland when their plane unexpectedly lands they have to drive across country. I will say when I started reading the book I assumed Portland Maine, not Oregon so I could not comprehend why it would take so long to drive there.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's a cute little meet-cute that gives me almost a movie vibe I can't quite put my finger on, but there are plenty of laughs with Tessa.
Now that I think about it, it gave me Planes, Trains, and Automobiles vibes, but between a man and woman. Tess and Trey (Albin) have a run-in at the airport; it's no big deal until he's in her seat in first class on the plane. The plane she impulsively decided to get on to find her "true love" after only a few dates?
Whatever, we'll leave that plot hole alone...
But it's a fun ride, slow burn, minimal spice read, much like Piper Rayne's other books. But I enjoyed it a lot.
Now that I think about it, it gave me Planes, Trains, and Automobiles vibes, but between a man and woman. Tess and Trey (Albin) have a run-in at the airport; it's no big deal until he's in her seat in first class on the plane. The plane she impulsively decided to get on to find her "true love" after only a few dates?
Whatever, we'll leave that plot hole alone...
But it's a fun ride, slow burn, minimal spice read, much like Piper Rayne's other books. But I enjoyed it a lot.
Might be my new favorite holiday themed book. Nothing revolutionary, but such a fun read - felt like watching a hallmark romcom from 2009
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Yes I am aware it is May. I was in a reading slump and nothing gets me out of one like a cute holiday romance! This was cute, funny, and fasted pace. It felt like a hallmark movie and was exactly what I wanted!
ARC review
A cute roadtrip romance with a chance encounter. And, that ending was a TWIST if I've ever seen one. You never expect a twist in a contemporary romance.
I loved this book so much. I loved the sort of grumpy/sunshine aspect to it along with the unexpected meeting on the plane.
I've read a lot of Christmas romances lately and this one sticks out in a great way. HIGHLY recommend.
A cute roadtrip romance with a chance encounter. And, that ending was a TWIST if I've ever seen one. You never expect a twist in a contemporary romance.
I loved this book so much. I loved the sort of grumpy/sunshine aspect to it along with the unexpected meeting on the plane.
I've read a lot of Christmas romances lately and this one sticks out in a great way. HIGHLY recommend.
Wow, this was SO good. Honestly at first I wasn’t sure I would like it, because I feel like holiday romance like this is always insta love. Which it was, but in a way that worked for me.
Pros: I loved how they were like polar opposites. They were honestly so perfect together and the little road-trip was so cute and honestly makes me want to do that lol. I loved Tre’s family and the twist was so unexpected but I loved it. It honestly made things better. I felt like the story was really well put together and the banter, slow burn, and obvious chemistry made it a great holiday read!
Cons: honestly I don’t have anything really, I think it’s the perfect holiday read!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pros: I loved how they were like polar opposites. They were honestly so perfect together and the little road-trip was so cute and honestly makes me want to do that lol. I loved Tre’s family and the twist was so unexpected but I loved it. It honestly made things better. I felt like the story was really well put together and the banter, slow burn, and obvious chemistry made it a great holiday read!
Cons: honestly I don’t have anything really, I think it’s the perfect holiday read!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.