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A review by eyesoftime
Good Elf Gone Wrong by Alina Jacobs
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Gracie wants revenge on her golden child, younger sister Kelly. What a shocking surprise to see Kelly doing raunchy Santa roleplay and getting off under the family under the family Christmas tree on Chrismas Eve with none other than Gracie's fiance James. The star on top of the tree - it was the night before Gracie and James were supposed to get married. Brushed aside and told to just be happy for Kelly as always by her family, Gracie comes to next Christmas with a last minute plan of retribution with the help of rugged bad boy Hudson as her fake boyfriend.
This is definitely a one and done read for me. There were things I did like about the story that kept me reading. My favorite characters were not the main characters, I really enjoyed Dakota, Gracie's right-hand woman and cousin of comraderie and strength. Granny Murray is just mischief, but with some serious sass and love for Gracie's happiness. Jake, one of Hudson's brothers, the snark, swagger, and humor that Hudson could've benefited from. Grayson for a few brief moments. It flowed well enough along to keep me reading and had a couple moments that had me laugh out loud, much to the annoyance of my dog snoozing against my thigh.
Given my star rating, there were clearly things that I didn't like. The plot was fine, but I've never understood why anyone would want to get married ON Christmas - that's a huge ask of family, friends, relatives, and businesses. Gracie is too naive, and her OBSESSION with not causing waves with her family is beyond irritating. Golden child treatment, especially how strong it is with Kelly, hits too close to some of my loved ones and makes we want to throttle the whole lot. Hudson's just not believable for me. I can't say more without passing mid book. Pugnog - enough said. The plot was Hallmark predictable for me. I just can't with the idea that because it's for family, it's okay to treat other members of family as literal dumping grounds and doormats. That's by no means family. It's bullying.
Overall, this was what I call a fast food novel. Most fast food is just that food, but not necessarily memorable. It was an okay read, but not one I can see myself thinking about much now that I've finished reading it.
This is definitely a one and done read for me. There were things I did like about the story that kept me reading. My favorite characters were not the main characters, I really enjoyed Dakota, Gracie's right-hand woman and cousin of comraderie and strength. Granny Murray is just mischief, but with some serious sass and love for Gracie's happiness. Jake, one of Hudson's brothers, the snark, swagger, and humor that Hudson could've benefited from. Grayson for a few brief moments. It flowed well enough along to keep me reading and had a couple moments that had me laugh out loud, much to the annoyance of my dog snoozing against my thigh.
Given my star rating, there were clearly things that I didn't like. The plot was fine, but I've never understood why anyone would want to get married ON Christmas - that's a huge ask of family, friends, relatives, and businesses. Gracie is too naive, and her OBSESSION with not causing waves with her family is beyond irritating. Golden child treatment, especially how strong it is with Kelly, hits too close to some of my loved ones and makes we want to throttle the whole lot. Hudson's just not believable for me. I can't say more without passing mid book. Pugnog - enough said. The plot was Hallmark predictable for me. I just can't with the idea that because it's for family, it's okay to treat other members of family as literal dumping grounds and doormats. That's by no means family. It's bullying.
Overall, this was what I call a fast food novel. Most fast food is just that food, but not necessarily memorable. It was an okay read, but not one I can see myself thinking about much now that I've finished reading it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexual content