The Christmas Pact

The Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward.

Thought this was a fun, holiday, fake dating romance. If this was actually a bit longer and we got to know the characters (plus side characters) with more depth, I think I would have liked it more. It’s an easy, quick read/listen.

I liked the concept of Riley Kennedy and Kennedy Riley working at the same company, but always getting each other’s emails. When Kennedy receives an email meant for Riley as she asked for life advice to a columnist about her mum never thinking she’s good enough, he thinks that he can help her out by going to her family’s home and pretending to be her boyfriend. On the flip side, he wants her to attend his brother’s wedding.

It’s amazing how quick Kennedy comes up with the lies and charms Riley’s family instantly. The sparks do start flying between the two and they spend much of the time not knowing if the other is interested. We get to know Kennedy has kept a minor detail about who is brother is marrying and the reason why he didn’t want to turn up without a partner.

Loved all the interactions between MCs and side characters. The story was fun and some parts were unexpected. Kennedy came across as an A-hole but there were reasons why he was who he was. Even though it was a short read, it was nice to see Riley grow and come to some good realisations for herself.

Along Came Holly

This was a fun read with the merry season upon us. If you’re a fan of enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, small town romances, then this is for you.

The final sibling of the series, Holly, has the most grumpiest neighbour to her holiday shop and attempts to spread joy by first pranking him. The only thing Declan can do is retaliate. I found this to be quite hilarious in the story and fun too.

Holly wants to win the festival of lights in the town, but when her contractor pulls out last minute, she has no option, but employ Declan who runs the local hardware store. Their dislike for one another, slowly turns into lust as they get to know one another, but both not really wanting it to turn into anything. Declan can’t wait to get out of the town as he wants to pursue his dream with arts and it’s not going to happen in Mistletoe. So, can he really pursue Holly when his dreams are beyond this town?

I loved Holly’s personality throughout the story. She was cheerful, bright and fun - the type of friend that always sees the positive and wants the best in people. Declan was grumpy as they come. He dislike for the town was apparent but it really stems from the relationship he has with his parents that leaves that distaste.

I enjoyed that each book has the theme of family tied in. The closeness that Holly’s family brings throughout each book, but also relatable problems each of their partner’s had. It was a reminder that surrounding yourself with good people brings about great energy. People can change when positive vibes are shown to them which I really think was the case for Declan.

Codi, I love your work! Onto the next book you’ve written!

There’s Something About Merry

I’m currently reading all mistletoe romance novels and have found them enjoyable so far. I loved this book so much more than Nick and Noel’s story.

For anyone that loves small town romances with a single dad attempting online dating, told in dual perspective, then this might be one for you!

The story follows Merry (the sister of Nick from the first book), who has returned to Mistletoe to focus on one day taking over the family’s Christmas Tree business. She feels like her dad doesn’t trust her and that’s why he hired Clark as the foreman to handle operations. Merry’s family has taken Clark and his son in and welcomed them like family.

Both Clark and Merry admit to each other that they both liked each other in high school, but never acted on it. They both wonder if they missed their chance. Each of them decide to put themselves out there by trying internet dating, though don’t actually see if their growing friendship could turn into more.

Clark was such a sweetheart and the way he was with his son was just heartwarming! I liked how this story focused on family and the acceptance that family isn’t always blood related. I really empathised with his situation as a single father and when he said he’d never been in love as he never had the opportunity.

Merry was a very likeable character too! Her random voodoo plushie for her friend, that ends up being her own personal business idea was entertaining. Her interactions with Clark’s son was sweet. I enjoyed her perspective and how she was a smart, independent person.

So many funny and adorable moments! Great rom com for the merry season! There is a small amount of 🌶️🌶️

Bloodmarked

I had the pleasure of reading this as part of a read along. Thank you Tandem Collective, the publisher and Tracy Deonn for having this copy available for me.

This book has me reeling…

So, the story continues from the massive bombshell of Legendborn. It’s action from the get go with this book. The Order doesn’t want to reveal that Bree is Arthur’s descendant. She has to tackle prejudice and dismantling a traditional magical order mostly full of white people. On top of this she can’t control her powers and needs to not only learn fast, but still has to come to terms with who she is… or what she is.

There’s a few poor choices on her part. Bree does not seem to understand how her decisions actually impact those around her. She seems to think all they care about is the blood lines but it’s so much more than that. I guess she really shows her age in those moments. With Nick gone, she’s determined more than ever to find him, even if that means placing others at risk.

A lot of the book is her on the run from the Order who had previously locked her up, but she’s in hiding so they can’t suppress her powers. With her loyal friends, Sel, William and Alice, she’s in most part protected, and puts herself in danger a lot.

What I really enjoyed, was her time understanding the root craft at Volition and the sense of community they provided. It was clear throughout the book that Bree had so much support even though the Order was oppressing her. Valec was an fun character and how they linked in the story was interesting.

I am and always will be Team Sel. With his sacrifice, i am intrigued to find out how he comes along in book three. Has he gone past a point of no return?

The last part had me like WTF! What has Bree done? Guess we all have to wait to find out!

Nick and Noel's Christmas Playlist

If you're a lover of small-town romances, fake dating and friends to lovers tropes then this is for you!

We are introduced to Nick who has returned from serving in the army and coming home early to surprise his family. Noel his best friend, has lost her parents at a young age and Nick's family took her in. Nick is looking forward to seeing his girlfriend Amber but is met with an unexpected break up. Noel, all his friends and family start letting him know they didn't like Amber all that much. Amber is onto the next guy when Nick decides to go to local pub to catch up with friends. Noel, in an attempt to make Amber jealous, starts flirting and kissing Nick. And this is where the feelings start coming up for both of them. Can they really be more? Noel has been closed off ever since her parents died and hasn't let anyone in. Will she get hurt if she pursues a relationship? Is it even something that she wants?

I enjoyed the dual perspective in this story and both MCs. There are quite a few side characters and I liked each of their personalities. Amber was always going to be a problem and the rivalry between her and Noel was fun to read. I was looking forward to what snarky comments they were going to make to one another. Nick was just an all-round nice guy and I loved how he would help anyone if needed. The trauma of Noel's past was a good focal point of the story. As she faced her fears, she really started thinking about what she wanted in life and how closed off she had been. It was stopping her from truly pursuing something deep and meaningful. Accepting that her parents would have wanted her to be happy was such a major step, which I think Nick really understood and supported her in.

Looking forward to the other books in this series

For anyone that has suffered a loss of a parent and may have an annoying and/or manipulative ex, these are the trigger warnings I can think of.