Review: Booked for the Holidays

Booked for the Holidays by Liz Maverick
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Abi works in publishing and her favorite author (of a cozy mystery series) is missing her deadline for the last book in her popular series. So, she jumps at the chance to go and coach her to make the deadline. Abi shows up at her house. No appointment. Dov, the grandson is the one to answer the door.
The author is over 90 and Abi never stops to think she died (Dov looks sad and a bit stressed), she was a bit (dare I say it?) stupid. So, to say things aren't quite what they seem is very accurate.
Anyway, Dov is planning on finishing the book. Abi offers her help. They both have different ways to approach and it takes time for them to learn how to work together.
This was okay. Not great, it didn't suck. The romance was eh.

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Review: To Do List

To Do List by Lauren Dane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Belle is a lawyer who has worked 80 hour weeks for the previous year to get ahead in her law firm. She wants the corner office with a view. One of the partners gives her a hard time when she goes on vacation for 5 days (for Christmas). She's slacking! She has a large supportive family who love and worry about her. She has also had a crush on her brother's best friend, Rafe for years. Rafe has also liked Belle and plans to do something about it.
I did like that this was not one of those "I can't, he is my brother's best friend!" or "I can't, she's my best friend's sister!" This was short, sweet, and spicy. The romance worked because of their prior friendship. Each chapter alternates between points of view.

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Review: The [Fake] Dating Game

The [Fake] Dating Game by Timothy Janovsky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Holden's long term boyfriend recently broke-up with him. He decides, since the trip he planned for both of them are nonrefundable, to go ahead and go to LA. It starts off horribly; his luggage is lost, the hotel smells, and someone he thought would remain a friend is most definitely not. His ultimate goal was to be on the show, Madcap Market. MM was his mother's (and his) favorite show and something they would watch together. She died when he was 18 (6 years ago). Being single, he won't be able to audition, but he could be an audience member.
However he makes a connection when his hotel's concierge brings him pizza and they play Monopoly to take his mind off things. What follows are 2 strangers who have a connection and share things that they haven't been about to share with other people. After Leo loses his job, they decide to fake a relationship to audition for Madcap Market. Both really could use the grand prize of 100,000.
Both characters compliment each other. Through his relationship with Leo, he finally realizes he needs to deal with his grief over his mother's death; he never really dealt with it. Lust happens quickly and you could say they fall in love with each other quickly too. The game show component is about the last 1/3 of the book. Holden also learns this: "Happiness is something we make for ourselves."

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Review: My Mistletoe Beau

My Mistletoe Beau by Anna Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 rounded up
Eva and Jack meet when Eva breaks into Jack's residence looking for her father's treasured watch. Her father had wagered it on a game of cards and lost (to his regret). Unbeknownst to her, Jack blames her parents for his father's unhappiness. Long story short, his father was in love with and engaged to Eva's mother. But her mother was in love with someone else (her father) so they ran away and eloped. Jack's father became a recluse.
At their meeting, sparks fly and a bargain is made. One watch in exchange for being his fake fiance. But of course Feelings develop!
I did like this, but I thought Jack and his dad got over the years of hurt really fast (after one conversation). That was quick. Likable characters and I could believe the romance.

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Review: Christmas at Dewberry Hollow

Christmas at Dewberry Hollow by Amelia Grey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Isabelle (the granddaughter of a viscount) helps her mother run an inn. The inn belonged to her father and has a long storied history. Funds are tight and a duke's visit is welcomed. Isabelle helps where she can and teaches village girls to read. While she is out trying to hunt a deer, she meets Gate.
Isabelle accidentally shoots one of Gate's guardsmen. Luckily, he will be fine.
This was well paced and had enjoyable characters. I could see them together and I liked that Gate was the one to move.

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Review: Wreck the Halls

Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Melody and Beat are the children of rock stars (their mothers).  Their mothers were in a band together and split before either were born.  They meet for the first time as teens (16).  Melody was an awkward teen and was bullied & made fun of on social media.  Beat was loved on social media and could do no wrong.  They reunite 14 years later in an attempt to reunite their mothers (and in Beat's case make some $$ to pay off a blackmailer).

I thought the reason for Beat's blackmail was sad since it wasn't something he could control nor was it something he personally did (and was just wrong to begin with).  

When all said and done, this was a bit slow.  I didn't like or dislike either main character; I ultimately didn't care where their story went.  What was confusing was the impact both had on each other at 16 and no one even texted the other in 14 years?

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Review: The Christmas Wager

The Christmas Wager by Holly Cassidy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bella works at a real estate company and is very driven. She wants her own office. In order to get a promotion, she has to get the owner of a building in a small CO town to sell. This building is historic and has been in the family for years in addition to it being a family business. They sell Christmas ornaments. Bella was born and raised in a small town so she knows about being up in everyone else's business. Oh and it is one week before Christmas. Bella happens to hate Christmas (her father walked out when she was 10 right before Christmas).
Jesse, an electrician, is the owner's grandson. He didn't want to go into the family business, so his grandfather took over again when his parents were killed in a car accident. He also loves Christmas.
This was a fun enemies to friends to lovers story. Bella and Jesse find comfort in each other that they haven't in others. Both come to different realizations with what they want in their careers as well. I thought the Christmas challenge organized by the town's seniors was unique.

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