A review by enchantingreads_rosyreviews
Christmas Criminal by Ally Williams

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

"... glance at Nick, who nods subtly at me. Like he's proud of me. And I beam back at him. I want him to be proud of me. I want him to look at me like this, all the time. He knows the story, but he doesn't truly know what I've been through. But he still looks at me like this moment has lit up his day. It has me all sorts of gooey on the inside. Nick tugs me closer, leaving a kiss on my forehead that has me jumping out of my skin."

Taking a step outside her Love & City Lights series, Ally gives us an adorable small town Christmas story centering around two lovable characters with banter that's guaranteed to make you laugh. This is such a simple story, but it really checks all of the boxes romance fans want in a holiday read, so I highly recommend it!

"'Keep talking like that and I'll show you what it means to be naughty.'
Her eyes flash. 'Oh, I like this side of the math teacher. Sweet and spicy, all in one.'
I shake my head. 'Drink your wine and fluff your branch.' ...
'Now all I can think about is every naughty tree euphemism I've ever heard. I mean, 'fluff your branch’? Mr. Monroe, the children!'
I can't help but laugh along with her. 'To be fair, every single time I mention 'putting up the tree' at this point, I have to stop myself from saying 'erecting the tree.'' She laughs harder, one hand over her chest... This is what I want my Christmases to look like. Laughter, red wine, and someone like Noelle fluffing my branch. It feels so easy."

Ever wanted a spicier Hallmark Christmas story? Look no further! This was such a cute story filled with every cliché about the holiday season you can think of: there’s a holiday fair, a school play, a town-wide tree lighting, parade float decorating, and more! I really liked the relationship between “Saint” Nick & Noelle because their banter is absolutely hilarious. And the fact her community service “punishment” was because she egged her dad’s house? HILARIOUS! This book has all of the small town cozy vibes you could possibly want from a cozy, holiday read. And, if you were curious if the Clark Kent look-alike math teacher could “match the criminal’s freak?” The answer is yes, yes he can.

"'Torturing me is your favorite pastime, isn't it?'
I nod... 'But afterward we get to enjoy the parade,' I say, in a mocking excited tone.
She rolls her eyes. 'The harder you work at your Cindy-Lou Who act, the harder I work at Grinching.'"
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