Scan barcode
A review by queerafictionado
Sleigh Bells Ring by Alyson Root, Tara Sullivan
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
đłď¸âđRep: Lesbian MC/LI, Queer SCs, SC w/brain injury
Alyson Root is one of those authors where I know that no matter what the story is about and what the overall atmosphere of the story is - Iâm going to enjoy it! Sleigh Bells Ring was a truly delightful and fun story that has me pumped and ready for Christmas! This story has so many good things all packed into a fast and festive read. Itâs got a sexy calendar photoshoot, ice skating, a Christmas market, family togetherness, sibling shenanigans, an adorable dog (and pet beaver too), plus sapphic pining, very athletic s3x, and a beautiful friends to lovers romance all set in a quaint small town in the UK.
I adored the whole Robinson clan, but especially loved the dynamics between Nic and her siblings, Beth and Liam, as well as her friendship with Tammy. I also loved the inclusion of a prominent side character (Liam) with an anoxic brain injury (and yes, I looked up the term for it). After an accident that deprived his brain of oxygen, he has permanent brain damage. âOperation Sleigh Bellsâ started the year following Liamâs accident. And the Robinsonsâ siblings have spent nearly a decade trying to figure out the mystery of the sleigh bells. This tradition is part of Nicâs yearly holiday plans to spend the entire month of December back home with her family.
But itâs also the Robinson family Christmas traditions that have led to countless break ups for Nic. Now at number 17, Nic is not sure she will ever find someone whoâs okay with her family traditions. But she also never planned for Niamh (pronounced Neev), or Nim as her best friend Liam calls her. Nic hasnât seen her in a decade. And between her Irish accent, captivating looks, and flirtatious personality, Nic knows sleigh bells will be the least of her worries.
The attraction Nic feels for Nim is apparently not one-sided either. But Niamh is only looking to have fun after a bad relationship, no strings. And since Nic is done with crappy relationships and only in town for a monthâŚwhy not have a little fun while sheâs there, right? đAnd it turns out the magic in the air might be bigger than just sleigh bells.
Sleigh Bells Ring has all the cheesy Hallmark Christmas vibes I love, plus a cast full of characters that endeared themselves to me from page one. Add into that Alyson Rootâs humor and a sweet and spicy sapphic romance and youâve got a perfect holiday season read to warm you up and ring your bell! đđ
I received an advanced copy from the author and this is my honest review.
đTropes/Themes: Femme/Femme, Return to Hometown, Sibling Relationships, Christmas Fun, Friends to Lovers, Small Town (UK), Sexy Firefighter, Low Angst, Humor
Alyson Root is one of those authors where I know that no matter what the story is about and what the overall atmosphere of the story is - Iâm going to enjoy it! Sleigh Bells Ring was a truly delightful and fun story that has me pumped and ready for Christmas! This story has so many good things all packed into a fast and festive read. Itâs got a sexy calendar photoshoot, ice skating, a Christmas market, family togetherness, sibling shenanigans, an adorable dog (and pet beaver too), plus sapphic pining, very athletic s3x, and a beautiful friends to lovers romance all set in a quaint small town in the UK.
I adored the whole Robinson clan, but especially loved the dynamics between Nic and her siblings, Beth and Liam, as well as her friendship with Tammy. I also loved the inclusion of a prominent side character (Liam) with an anoxic brain injury (and yes, I looked up the term for it). After an accident that deprived his brain of oxygen, he has permanent brain damage. âOperation Sleigh Bellsâ started the year following Liamâs accident. And the Robinsonsâ siblings have spent nearly a decade trying to figure out the mystery of the sleigh bells. This tradition is part of Nicâs yearly holiday plans to spend the entire month of December back home with her family.
But itâs also the Robinson family Christmas traditions that have led to countless break ups for Nic. Now at number 17, Nic is not sure she will ever find someone whoâs okay with her family traditions. But she also never planned for Niamh (pronounced Neev), or Nim as her best friend Liam calls her. Nic hasnât seen her in a decade. And between her Irish accent, captivating looks, and flirtatious personality, Nic knows sleigh bells will be the least of her worries.
The attraction Nic feels for Nim is apparently not one-sided either. But Niamh is only looking to have fun after a bad relationship, no strings. And since Nic is done with crappy relationships and only in town for a monthâŚwhy not have a little fun while sheâs there, right? đAnd it turns out the magic in the air might be bigger than just sleigh bells.
Sleigh Bells Ring has all the cheesy Hallmark Christmas vibes I love, plus a cast full of characters that endeared themselves to me from page one. Add into that Alyson Rootâs humor and a sweet and spicy sapphic romance and youâve got a perfect holiday season read to warm you up and ring your bell! đđ
I received an advanced copy from the author and this is my honest review.
đTropes/Themes: Femme/Femme, Return to Hometown, Sibling Relationships, Christmas Fun, Friends to Lovers, Small Town (UK), Sexy Firefighter, Low Angst, Humor
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
â ď¸TW/CW: mention of abusive relationship, mention of traumatic accident and resulting brain damage