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apagetoturn's reviews
1335 reviews
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
5.0
Ally Carter has outdone herself with The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year! This book was the ideal combination of a cozy mystery, a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, and a festive holiday read. I couldn’t put it down!
The premise alone had me hooked: a snowed-in Christmas party, a locked-room disappearance, and two rival authors forced to team up. Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt were absolute perfection as leads. Their banter crackled with wit, their rivalry kept me grinning, and the slow-burn chemistry? Chef’s kiss. From the moment Ethan called her “Marcie,” I knew I was in for a treat.
The setting—a secluded English manor in the midst of a snowstorm—was straight out of a dream, complete with that Agatha Christie-esque charm. And while the mystery itself kept me guessing until the very end, it was the rom-com twist that elevated this book to a whole new level. Think Knives Out meets The Holiday, but with a dash of literary snark and swoon-worthy moments. If you’ve ever wished for the movie Clue set at Christmas, this book is your holiday miracle!
Ally Carter also sprinkled in just the right amount of holiday magic. The stakes were high, the humor was sharp, and the romance was perfectly timed. I loved watching Maggie and Ethan reluctantly learn to trust each other, navigating clues and their growing feelings amidst the chaos.
If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, romantic comedies, or just need a book that will make you smile, The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year is an absolute must-read. I’ll be revisiting this one every holiday season—it’s that good! Highly recommend! 🎄🔎❤️
The premise alone had me hooked: a snowed-in Christmas party, a locked-room disappearance, and two rival authors forced to team up. Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt were absolute perfection as leads. Their banter crackled with wit, their rivalry kept me grinning, and the slow-burn chemistry? Chef’s kiss. From the moment Ethan called her “Marcie,” I knew I was in for a treat.
The setting—a secluded English manor in the midst of a snowstorm—was straight out of a dream, complete with that Agatha Christie-esque charm. And while the mystery itself kept me guessing until the very end, it was the rom-com twist that elevated this book to a whole new level. Think Knives Out meets The Holiday, but with a dash of literary snark and swoon-worthy moments. If you’ve ever wished for the movie Clue set at Christmas, this book is your holiday miracle!
Ally Carter also sprinkled in just the right amount of holiday magic. The stakes were high, the humor was sharp, and the romance was perfectly timed. I loved watching Maggie and Ethan reluctantly learn to trust each other, navigating clues and their growing feelings amidst the chaos.
If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, romantic comedies, or just need a book that will make you smile, The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year is an absolute must-read. I’ll be revisiting this one every holiday season—it’s that good! Highly recommend! 🎄🔎❤️
The Christmas Wager by Holly Cassidy
4.0
Holly Cassidy delivers a delightful enemies-to-lovers holiday rom-com that’s as cozy as a cup of hot cocoa on a snowy night. A Christmas Wager immerses readers in the charming small-town vibes of Maple Falls, Colorado, complete with its quirky holiday traditions and close-knit community. The characters truly shine—Bella Ross is ambitious yet relatable, and Jesse Harrison’s small-town warmth and stubbornness make for an irresistible pairing. Their chemistry crackles, and the progression from rivals to something more is satisfying and heartwarming.
That said, the premise of a big-city developer competing in holiday games to win the rights to a Christmas shop did veer into cheesy territory at times. While I appreciated the festive spirit of the wager, it occasionally felt contrived. Additionally, Caroline's character grated on my nerves more than once, making some scenes less enjoyable.
Despite these minor flaws, Cassidy has created a story brimming with holiday cheer, romance, and laugh-out-loud moments. Fans of The Hating Game and The Twelve Dates of Christmas will find much to love here. If you’re looking for a light, festive read that captures the magic of small-town Christmases, this book is a perfect addition to your holiday reading list!
A Rose Ridge Christmas by Ashley Munoz
5.0
Ashley Munoz delivers a holiday novella that is equal parts heartwarming and adrenaline-pumping, perfectly capturing the spirit of Christmas while staying true to the gritty, emotional world of the Stone Riders MC. Rose Ridge Christmas is a rare gem—a story that balances the tension of looming danger with the heartfelt bonds of family and community, all set against the backdrop of a rare Christmas blizzard in Rose Ridge.
Told from multiple perspectives, this novella gives readers a deeply immersive experience, offering glimpses into the lives of beloved characters while hinting at the promising future of the next generation. Munoz seamlessly blends edge-of-your-seat suspense with tender moments of love, laughter, and the magic of Christmas. The Stone Riders’ fierce determination to protect their own, coupled with the older kids’ heartwarming efforts to salvage the holiday, creates a narrative that made me laugh, swoon, and even shed a few tears.
The ten-year time jump was a brilliant touch, offering a bittersweet look at how far these characters have come while setting the stage for the second-generation series. Munoz's masterful storytelling shines, making this novella not just a holiday treat but an essential addition to the Stone Riders universe.
If you’re a fan of the series, this novella will tug at your heartstrings and leave you eager for what’s next. It's a perfect blend of action, romance, and holiday cheer—a true testament to Munoz's ability to craft stories that resonate long after the last page.
Mr. and Mrs. Christmas by Michelle Stimpson
5.0
Mr. and Mrs. Christmas is an absolute delight, perfectly wrapped in small-town charm, holiday cheer, and a heartwarming romance. Michelle Stimpson crafts a story that feels like the ultimate Christmas movie come to life, with Lesley Carver and Jamal Gainey as the perfect protagonists to bring Hickory Falls back to life—and to fall head over heels in love along the way.
Lesley’s return to her hometown and her determination to make a life there is so relatable, and Jamal’s selfless devotion to his family farm makes him a hero worth swooning over. Their fake engagement to save their town is packed with humor, awkward moments, and sweet, genuine chemistry that had me smiling from ear to ear. The viral “Mr. and Mrs. Christmas” storyline adds a fun, modern twist, while the evolving romance between Lesley and Jamal keeps your heart firmly in the holiday spirit.
The narrators elevate this audiobook to another level entirely. Their performances are flawless, breathing life into each character and perfectly capturing the emotions, humor, and warmth of the story. From the banter to the heartfelt moments, they made every scene feel real and immersive.
This story is more than just a romance; it’s a celebration of community, family, and finding where you truly belong. Mr. and Mrs. Christmas is the perfect festive listen, leaving you with the cozy, magical feeling that only the best holiday romances can deliver. Highly recommended for fans of sweet, small-town Christmas love stories!
All I Want for Christmas is the Hot Fireman Next Door by Rebecca Caudill, Becca Caudill, Rebecca Norinne Caudill
4.0
Rebecca Norinne Caudill delivers another heartfelt and swoon-worthy romance with All I Want for Christmas Is the Hot Fireman Next Door. This small-town holiday love story is brimming with charm, emotional depth, and the perfect mix of holiday magic and romantic tension.
Single mom Callie Caldwell is a beautifully complex heroine—strong, independent, and deeply relatable as she juggles the challenges of motherhood, work, and a past she can’t quite outrun. Her chemistry with James Carmichael, the dependable and swoon-worthy firefighter next door, is electric. James is the kind of hero you can’t help but adore—steadfast, protective, and quietly persistent as he breaks down the walls around Callie’s heart.
The romance between Callie and James is a slow burn in the best way. Each stolen glance and tender moment feels earned, and their evolving relationship is both heartwarming and deeply emotional. Callie’s hesitation to trust again is palpable, and James’s patient yet unwavering devotion makes their love story all the more satisfying.
Caudill weaves in just the right amount of conflict with the arrival of Sterling Whitmore, whose presence shakes Callie to her core and adds an unexpected twist to the story. The layers of Callie’s past and her emotional journey make this more than just a holiday romance—it’s a story of healing, resilience, and the courage to take a chance on love.
Set against the enchanting backdrop of Snowfall Valley, the festive atmosphere adds an extra sprinkle of holiday magic to every scene. From cozy family gatherings to snow-covered streets, the small-town charm will make you want to pack your bags and spend Christmas there yourself.
If you’re a fan of small-town romances with second chances, a single mom finding love, and a firefighter hero who will make your heart melt, All I Want for Christmas Is the Hot Fireman Next Door is the perfect holiday read.