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bookishmillennial's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Hmm, there’s not much to say from me — it was enjoyable *enough* and a light, fun holiday romcom but I just wasn’t particularly drawn to or fully invested in either of these characters. It’s a quick read with some fun smut but Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone have plentyyyyy of other books you can choose before choosing this one🫢
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual content
Minor: Blood, Homophobia, and Confinement
sdupont's review
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
3.75
This novella is a quick read. While I assumed it would be Christmassy since it takes place in the Christmas Notch universe it was not. It was fun diving back into that world and seeing some of the characters again. I liked Luca and Angel but their story is full of miscommunication and getting in your own way by not opening up. I find those tropes frustrating especially when what is going on in the characters heads cannot be fleshed out due to the page count of a novella. It’s a quick and spicy read but did fall short of my expectations after loving Merry Little Meet Cute last year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Blood
allingoodtime's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
3.5
I fell in love with Luca when reading A Merry Little Meet Cute so was happy to know he would get his HEA. Of course, I also wanted him to get that HEA with Angel. The first thing that stood out to me in this book was Luca’s age. I don’t know if it was the way I read the first book or if the authors nudged the character in another direction, but I really thought Luca was in his late 30s when he is in fact in his mid-20s. So that took me a minute to get used to.
This story was a lot of fun and had some touching moments, but it all felt surface. Luckily, the personalities of Angel and Luca still shone through in this book, I was missing the deeper connection I had previously felt. Outside of the romantic relationship, this story is also a story of believing in yourself and not letting doubts pile up until you hold yourself back from happiness. Luca projected the image of being amazing, but he didn’t believe his own hype even when those around him did.
Although I would have liked to have more spark in this book I’m chalking the lack thereof up to the length of the book, or the single POV instead of dual. Regardless, I’m still enjoying this cast of characters. The premise of this series is so unique and brings together so many things that I love. I hope we get to see every beloved character find their HEA, however many books it takes to do that.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
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