I got quite a few books read in December. A lot were Christmas novellas, but I had a great time with them. Hope you enjoy!
Paine for the Holidays by T.B. Wiese
Every day the monsters come through The Divide. For exactly six hours they have free rein before they’re pulled back to their realm. For six hours every day, it’s hell on earth. So make sure the correct symbols are carved deep into your threshold and every windowsill. Make sure you recharge them with a few drops of your blood at least once a month to keep the monsters out. And whatever you do, don’t go outside past curfew. Mira: I know better than to go out so close to curfew, and now I’m going to pay the price. I’m going to die, all because of a stupid glass unicorn. Paine: There’s a human outside of their protective barrier. Her fear is delicious. I’ve warned the other monsters – this one is mine to hunt, Mine to devour. MINE!
I really enjoyed this! I loved Paine even though he killed a lot of people in this book.
Dear Santa by Kristen Granata
There are certain things I never thought I’d do. Hiring an escort to pose as my boyfriend sits at the top of that list. But the idea of sitting alone at Mom’s table for the fifth year in a row after my fiancé cheated on me has me feeling desperate. It started as a drunken joke when I let my best friend convince me to fill out an application for a male escort. Now, I’m on my way to see my family with the man I paid for. He’s nothing like the polished professional I expected—complete with tattoos, a sinful muscular physique, and a blunt attitude. I almost call the whole thing off. Yet there’s something he’s hiding under his gruff exterior, and while I’m supposed to be getting to know my fake boyfriend, I’d rather learn about who this mysterious man truly is. What started as a simple business transaction isn’t so simple anymore. We can barely keep our hands off each other—even when no one’s watching. The lines we drew in our contract are blurring, and it doesn’t feel like we’re pretending. I can’t keep up with our lie for much longer. But how can I trust my heart with someone who fakes love for a living?
I loved this. Jake was amazing and so much of this book resonated with me.
Only You For The Holidays by Laura M. Baird
She made excuses to stay away. He’ll give her a reason to remain. Piper Deacon had a spotless flying record while serving in the Army until a careless mishap from her flight partner had her questioning her own skills and responsibility. Foolish pride kept her away from home for too long; the one place she should’ve known she could always return to no matter what. When circumstances force her back to Idaho, she’ll have to face life-altering decisions which include whether or not to succumb to the match-making devices of her mother and co-conspirator friend. With the appealing lawman, Logan Shaw, in her path, will she realize the easy choice right in front of her is all she’ll ever need? Logan Shaw didn’t always walk the straight line, but service in the Marines gave him a better direction. After twenty-one years away, he’s settling back home, working with the Sheriff’s Department, and wondering if he has a future that’ll include a woman to love. Thanks to the machinations of his mom and her friend, he’s already halfway there with a woman he has yet to meet. And when he does, can he convince Piper you really can come home again?
This was okay. Things just felt rushed to me and I didn’t quite feel the romance.
One Little Chance by Rebecca Jo Jackson
It’s hard to avoid your ex, or any lingering feelings, when you live in a small town like Sweet River. Sophia Rogers moves back to town the day before Christmas, after eight years away. And, of course, runs into her childhood sweetheart, Jordan Silk, minutes after her suitcase hits the pavement.
And again, on New Years Eve. And again, when they both find themselves at their favorite old spots. And again, and again. Over the year that follows, Sophia starts to realize, it’s not that life keeps throwing them back together– it’s that she never wants it to pull them apart again. Getting a second chance with your first love is rare as snow in December in their small town in Texas, but that doesn’t stop Sophia’s heart from hoping, it doesn’t seem to stop Jordan from reaching back for her either.
I really enjoyed this. I teared up so many times.
Knot Again Satan by Calliope Stewart
Winter break has finally come for art student Eden Evans. While all of her friends are going home for the holidays, Eden’s taking a trip straight to Hell to visit the man who rocked her world on Halloween night. She’s excited and intrigued to learn more about Luc and to experience more of the blistering heat of what he can do to her. But what she finds is a man who seems a bit softer and more unsure of himself. Luc is nervous to share his world with someone for the first time in over three millennia. After all, not every woman likes flaming fire pits and the moans of sinners. He’s willing to do everything in his power to give Eden the best Christmas possible… even if he can’t actually say the word Christmas.
I really enjoyed this. I liked how much more plot was in this book and loved it more than the first one.
Get In My Swamp by G.M. Fairy
When Liona stumbles upon Beck, the ogre’s, trap and becomes his prisoner, she’s determined to get away. But it doesn’t take long for things to start heating up between the two. Beck is trying to protect her, and Liona can’t help her body’s reaction to the buff green monster. The lines between captive and captor become blurry, and the passion becomes a raging fire neither of them can put out.
This was a buddy read with a group of girls and I liked it so much more than I thought I would. I would even continue this series.
Love So Cold by Ivy Wild
Victor Stone is the last man I should want. He’s ruthless, rich, and dead set on reshaping our town with his latest development—a plan I’m determined to stop. But when my daughter joins the hockey team he’s suddenly coaching, avoiding him becomes impossible. Our clash of wills, once black and white, begins to blur in the quiet moments we never meant to share. To him, I’m just another protester in his way. To me, he’s an infuriating temptation wrapped in charm and control. But some lines, once crossed, blur until all that’s left is a choice. Surrender to the ice… or risk losing everything.
I really enjoyed this! I loved these characters and their romance. Olivia was the cutest.
The Sleight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart
My kids are a**holes. Yeah, I said it. I said the thing no father is supposed to say about their children, and I’ll say it again because I miss my wife. Serena’s checked out and now resides in ‘yes dear’ robot mode, complete with a new eye twitch. Reason being, the impish elves we spawned are currently sucking the life out of her—daily. Thanks to Gracie and Peyton, my patience is hanging by the last orange bulb on a very thin green wire. Thank God we’re headed to Triple Falls. A week of Ruby’s eggnog and a little change of scenery could be just what the woman I love needs to find her way back to herself—and to me. But the closer we get to packing up, the shorter my fuse becomes . . . and the more I’m starting to get ideas of taking drastic measures. And by drastic, I mean our little goblins won’t be the only ones making Rudolph’s naughty list. I’ve had enough. I’m not giving in this time. No amount of alligator tears or fake apologies are going to cut it. Ironically, the more I man up and take charge, the more Serena and I are starting to reminisce about the good old days, which is quickly adding up to some heated nights. Come hell or high water, this Christmas, our kids are going to learn to appreciate the parents they’ve got because I’m getting my girl back . . . even if the two little hellions we created have to pay to bring her back to me
I LOVED this! I enjoyed getting Thatch and Serena’s story. Love all these characters. I laughed and cried so much.
My True Love Gave To Me anthology edited by Stephanie Perkins
If you love holiday stories, holiday movies, made-for-TV-holiday specials, holiday episodes of your favorite sitcoms and, especially, if you love holiday anthologies, you’re going to fall in love with My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by twelve bestselling young adult writers, edited by international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins. Whether you enjoy celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah, Winter Solstice or New Year’s there’s something here for everyone. So curl up by the fireplace and get cozy. You have twelve reasons this season to stay indoors and fall in love.
I enjoyed this. I did like some stories more than others. Very fun and festive.
Holiday Games by Cat Wynn
After the worst year ever, August Pointe can’t wait to spend Friendsmas with her besties at her uncle’s mountain house. She could really use the comfort of a few familiar faces. But when a blizzard hits, August ends up stuck at the house with a mutual acquaintance she’s never met instead. But Jack Harris is a hot, TikTok famous chef. And something about his easy going nature and excellent drink making skills are thawing out August’s icy exterior. Plus, he’s brought a kitten with him! August is reluctant to get involved, but some Christmas presents are too tempting to keep wrapped up. And her friends think she deserves a little holiday cheer. Still, August isn’t sure if it’s worth playing bedroom games with a stranger or if she’ll just end up doubly heart broken by New Years.
I enjoyed this. So fun and I can’t wait to read the rest in the series.
Hotel Games by Cat Wynn
Hair stylist Olivia Couper can’t wait to celebrate Friendsmas with her besties in a secluded mountain house. So, when Olivia asks Henry, her best friend’s grumpy surgeon brother, to carpool, she swears it’s a matter of convenience and not a bid for Henry’s attention. Sure, they’ve been hooking up for years, but they always followed one unspoken Never talk about the hook ups. Unfortunately, a blizzard hits while Olivia and Henry are on the road, stranding them in the last hotel room available. And suddenly, Henry wants to break all the rules. Olivia’s left with a confront her real feelings for Henry or flee to the mountain house with all her walls intact. It’s a game she isn’t sure she’s ready to play and a hotel stay she isn’t soon to forget.
This was such a fun, quick read. Very spicy and I loved the characters.
Songs of Christmas and the Stories Behind Them by Tommy and Renee Pierce
When the season rolls around and the carolers sing out, how often do we actually know the story behind the song? Songs of Christmas provides fascinating and sometimes surprising enlightenment for every reader who cherishes our most beloved holiday hymns and carols. From Silent Night to Jingle Bells, Joy to the World to Sleigh Ride, the Christmas songs detailed here will delight readers everywhere with their amazing origins and varied creators.
This was interesting but the writing made it hard to pay attention. A little dry and boring. I liked getting to read about how the songs did get started.
Wrong Twin by Roxanne Tully
August: Harper Maxwell knows what she wants…and that has always been my twin brother Troy. He doesn’t deserve her. Never has. Not for the minute and a half they dated in high school and certainly not now. When the only thing on his mind is his pro hockey career and all the women jumping him at every corner. Yet here she is, hoping to run into him at the season opener party. I wasn’t gonna show. Not exactly my scene. I’m more about hedge funds and suits than pucks and bunnies. So what do I do when my brother tanks opening game and asks me to take his place to avoid the crowd? And the girl I’d never been able to forget plants a kiss on my lips and tells me to meet her for a private party. Harper: After tonight, Troy Hartman is going to be the one left with regrets.
I loved this and could not put it down! These characters were amazing.
Jingle Bell Games by Cat Wynn
Lara Blunt is a grouch, but she’s a grouch who works at the merriest little Christmas shop in town, The Jingle Bell. Lara can’t wait for her Christmas Eve shift to end so she can sulk at home by herself with a bottle of rum. Her manager (and the owner’s son!) Leo Nicoli, on the other hand, is full of holiday cheer, and he’s had his eyes on Lara since the day she stomped into his store. Unfortunately for Leo, Lara’s been immune to his charms, and now he’s running out of time to win her over. But when Leo and Lara get locked into a broom closet together right before closing time, all holiday bets are off. Maybe Leo can finally get the Christmas gift he’s been hoping for—Lara’s affection. And maybe Lara can finally begin to feel a little Christmas spirit, courtesy of the most festive guy in town. Either way, it’s guaranteed to be a Christmas Eve neither will ever forget.
Such fun and actually pretty sweet! Such a great romance and this was probably my favorite of the series so far.
Since There’s No Place To Go by K.M. Gillis
Wyn Vixen’s hopes for a quiet holiday are dashed when she’s forced to go shopping on Christmas Eve and finds herself face to face with her high school nemesis. Levi Hart would prefer that Wyn not remind him of all the things in his life that have gone wrong, like the NHL career-ending injury and the way he never got over his attraction to her. When the lights go out and they’re stuck together in a snowstorm, Wyn and Levi can either keep fighting like teenagers, or make up under the mistletoe.
I liked this, just wish it was longer. Levi was great and I loved the setting.
Snowed In With A Dragon by Sara Ivy Hill
Snowed in for the weekend with her dragon stalker…Ivy’s cute dragon neighbor offers her a ride on his motorcycle when she needs a quick getaway after a bad breakup.Turns out, he’s maybe been respectfully stalking her for years!Will their holiday hookup in a quaint cabin turn into something more?
I really enjoyed this. Super cute and spicy. I wish it was longer so I could get to know the characters and the world even more.
Euro Dreams by Kate Stewart
An all-expense paid trip to Europe. What could be more enticing than that? Well, other than having the surgeon I fantasize about daily as my travel companion. But to me, that’s all Lucian Aston is—a highly sophisticated, posh Englishman who stars in my daydreams. Mostly because of the way he views me as a loud, boisterous, no-nonsense surgical nurse he’s stuck touring London and Paris with up to the day of his groundbreaking surgery. Until then, we’ve got a lot of downtime to kill. So, it’s only natural that I put my best foot forward to get to know him a little better. Problem is, Lucian has no intention of taking a single step in his fancy wingtips to meet me halfway. That is until we strike our deal…For the next six weeks, it’ll be a no-holds-barred, balls-to-the-wall reckoning between me and the prickly heart doctor as I get to know the man behind the scowl and scalpel. But that’s the thing about the good doctor’s surgical specialty and his skill in the heart department. The more we spend time together, the more I run the risk of losing mine. Even so, I’m prepared for anything. Or at least I think I am. You see, there are the best-laid plans for the dream getaway you drum up in your mind, and then there’s reality. But in all my careful planning, I don’t, at all, recall booking a first-class ticket to hell.
I enjoyed this, but not as much as other books that I’ve read by this author. It was a bit too long and Jane could be a bit much at times. It was still so funny and made me cry quite a few times.
Those are all the books I read this month! I was hoping to get a few more read, but that didn’t happen unfortunately. I can’t wait to start reading for 2025 and hope it’s a great reading year! Hope you have a Happy New Years! Until next time.