donnareadathon2021's review against another edition
4.0
The story
Rory is returning from a visit to his mother and stepfather Brad when he is stuck at the Chicago airport with a group. He connects with winemaker Tabi, and they just seem to understand each other. Back home, Rory and his wife Zoe are trying to start a family, and its stressing him as he worries about his parenting abilities. Californian Tabi and her husband have been on an unsuccessful fertility journey. They have tried it all, including the most heartbreaking situation when the two brothers they were fostering were taken back by their mother.
My thoughts
I loved reading Evie and Kelly’s Cupid Calamity and Cookout Carnage, the two novellas that precede this one. I always had the feeling that Rory and Tabi were the “grown ups” in this unlikely group, and it resonates even more after reading this story about their respective parenting journeys. My absolute favourite character in these two stories is Tabi’s husband Bax. I was so taken with his perspective, what a gem this guy is. Their story is heartbreaking and then absolutely filled with chaos and abundance so quickly. I have been storing the books in the Five Families Vineyard series on my kindle but really need to get reading! Happy reading for sure from these two awesome authors ❤️
Read an eARC copy courtesy of the authors
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Rory is returning from a visit to his mother and stepfather Brad when he is stuck at the Chicago airport with a group. He connects with winemaker Tabi, and they just seem to understand each other. Back home, Rory and his wife Zoe are trying to start a family, and its stressing him as he worries about his parenting abilities. Californian Tabi and her husband have been on an unsuccessful fertility journey. They have tried it all, including the most heartbreaking situation when the two brothers they were fostering were taken back by their mother.
My thoughts
I loved reading Evie and Kelly’s Cupid Calamity and Cookout Carnage, the two novellas that precede this one. I always had the feeling that Rory and Tabi were the “grown ups” in this unlikely group, and it resonates even more after reading this story about their respective parenting journeys. My absolute favourite character in these two stories is Tabi’s husband Bax. I was so taken with his perspective, what a gem this guy is. Their story is heartbreaking and then absolutely filled with chaos and abundance so quickly. I have been storing the books in the Five Families Vineyard series on my kindle but really need to get reading! Happy reading for sure from these two awesome authors ❤️
Read an eARC copy courtesy of the authors
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
sandizzlereads's review against another edition
5.0
Well done ladies, well done! Everyone needs to get ready to laugh, because there are moments you are going to definitely laugh out loud while reading these two novellas. But you also need to be ready for a bit more, maybe because of the season, maybe it’s the subject matter, but this one hit a little differently than the previous two in this series. These aren’t as slapstick, in your face funny, these two have heart and are going to for sure bring some emotion out of the grinchiest of people.
I love spending time with my fictional friends in these worlds, it was so much fun to read all six of the novellas in this series. I definitely think you should read them all, I know I’m glad I did!
#kellykay #eviealexander #holidaydisasters #kindleunlimited #fivefamilies #somuchswoon #allthefeels #christmasstories
I love spending time with my fictional friends in these worlds, it was so much fun to read all six of the novellas in this series. I definitely think you should read them all, I know I’m glad I did!
#kellykay #eviealexander #holidaydisasters #kindleunlimited #fivefamilies #somuchswoon #allthefeels #christmasstories
mssarahbn's review against another edition
5.0
I received this as an arc from the authors and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This was two great rom coms. I especially enjoyed reconnecting with Zoe and Rory, their story was hilarious and I simply love Evie Alexander’s way of telling a story. Tabi and Bax’s story was also entertaining but it didn’t capture my attention as much as the other.
This was two great rom coms. I especially enjoyed reconnecting with Zoe and Rory, their story was hilarious and I simply love Evie Alexander’s way of telling a story. Tabi and Bax’s story was also entertaining but it didn’t capture my attention as much as the other.
sassy_kass's review
4.0
I always enjoy these books! They’re like a comfy warm blanket. Whenever I get to jump back into these stories and hear more about these characters, it’s like coming home. I enjoyed both stories but Tabi’s story really touched my heart. I love that both stories ended with a happily ever after and the Christmas theme was just perfect. I can’t say enough good things about this series and I will be anxious to read future installments. Thank you to Evie Alexander and Kelly Kay for allowing me to be an ARC reader once again.
memull17's review against another edition
4.0
I totally read Christmas Chaos for Rory and Zoe. This was my first read of this mini series and I’m definitely going to go back and read it all so I get all the deets on everyone. I loved seeing Rory and Zoe growing their family and Rory turning into a big Scottish softie.
lisaluvsliterature's review
4.0
So I had assumed this would be the stories of new characters, but it was actually a visit back with Rory and Zoe from Evie Alexander’s books, and Tabi and Bax, from a series by Kelly Kay that I haven’t actually read yet.
The first story about Rory and Zoe was fun and I enjoyed it knowing the characters. It was nice to see how their relationship was going after the other books in the series and getting to see how they would become parents. Some things happened with Zoe’s pregnancy that were interesting and I definitely loved when Rory thought his you-know-what had caused problems when they were making love. Which also made the moment when Zoe brought it up with the doctor hilarious.
The second story as I said was a couple I didn’t really know as they are from a series I haven’t read by Kelly Kay. However it was a similar story, becoming parents, and I definitely enjoyed it too! And the second story truly was chaos! I can’t say a lot of what happened without giving any spoilers, but oh man, it was crazy! But good crazy! I mean maybe not the whole house falling apart like it mentions in the synopsis. Although that was funny. I do think I’d like to read this series by the author some time. There was a little inkling though that maybe it is a little bit of bondage in the romances? Or maybe it’s just a running joke with the characters? I don’t know. But I did enjoy all the characters we met in this story and would like to see how they got their HEAs too.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
The first story about Rory and Zoe was fun and I enjoyed it knowing the characters. It was nice to see how their relationship was going after the other books in the series and getting to see how they would become parents. Some things happened with Zoe’s pregnancy that were interesting and I definitely loved when Rory thought his you-know-what had caused problems when they were making love. Which also made the moment when Zoe brought it up with the doctor hilarious.
The second story as I said was a couple I didn’t really know as they are from a series I haven’t read by Kelly Kay. However it was a similar story, becoming parents, and I definitely enjoyed it too! And the second story truly was chaos! I can’t say a lot of what happened without giving any spoilers, but oh man, it was crazy! But good crazy! I mean maybe not the whole house falling apart like it mentions in the synopsis. Although that was funny. I do think I’d like to read this series by the author some time. There was a little inkling though that maybe it is a little bit of bondage in the romances? Or maybe it’s just a running joke with the characters? I don’t know. But I did enjoy all the characters we met in this story and would like to see how they got their HEAs too.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
ewarnerburton's review
4.0
How could 6 novellas about strangers in an airport have such a grip on me?
This one was probably my favorite. Less silly, crazy disasters and more just heart warming HEA. Sure some craziness happens, perfect amount of spice, phallic shaped Christmas lights, and the money pit moments, but these happy endings tugged all the heart strings just in time for Christmas.
My only complaint is all the people in Tabi’s life… I need an index. Or just to go back and read all her stories and hope they sink in better
This one was probably my favorite. Less silly, crazy disasters and more just heart warming HEA. Sure some craziness happens, perfect amount of spice, phallic shaped Christmas lights, and the money pit moments, but these happy endings tugged all the heart strings just in time for Christmas.
My only complaint is all the people in Tabi’s life… I need an index. Or just to go back and read all her stories and hope they sink in better
00laura23's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
This is a two novella bundle that is connected by one of the man characters in each story having been stranded at O’Hare airport at the same time. I enjoyed both stories and both sets of main characters. These stories are vastly different and yet they share a common theme – family. Both couples are already married and deal with wanting to having children and the difficulties that can come with that. The text exchanges are hilarious and add to each of the stories. The side characters – those dwelling within the towns and lives of the main characters are interesting and add to the fabric of the story.
These stories come with a trigger warner as they each deal with infertility and the trials of trying to get pregnant.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a two novella bundle that is connected by one of the man characters in each story having been stranded at O’Hare airport at the same time. I enjoyed both stories and both sets of main characters. These stories are vastly different and yet they share a common theme – family. Both couples are already married and deal with wanting to having children and the difficulties that can come with that. The text exchanges are hilarious and add to each of the stories. The side characters – those dwelling within the towns and lives of the main characters are interesting and add to the fabric of the story.
These stories come with a trigger warner as they each deal with infertility and the trials of trying to get pregnant.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
elliehicks's review against another edition
4.0
This was a hilarious and spicy way to start off my Christmas reading list! Rory & Zoe’s story melted my heart and Bax & Tabi had me laughing out loud and tearing up all at the same time! I haven’t read any of the other books in the series so it was a little confusing with all the different characters but I will definitely be picking up the other books and reading more about these crazy, fun characters!
lepnut's review against another edition
5.0
This is two stories in one. I am reviewing "No Way in a Manger" by Evie Alexander. This is based on characters from her Kinloch series and I recommend reading the series to get the backstory on the characters.
This story revisits Rory and Zoe. They are married and Zoe has baby fever. She wants to start a family and Rory, although hesitant, wants Zoe to be happy. When Zoe does become pregnant, Rory goes into full protective mode. I enjoyed reading about the father's viewpoint on pregnancy as this is an uncommon trope.
I loved the Kinloch series and adored the additional story of this cute couple!! I would love to revisit some of the other couples too….
This story revisits Rory and Zoe. They are married and Zoe has baby fever. She wants to start a family and Rory, although hesitant, wants Zoe to be happy. When Zoe does become pregnant, Rory goes into full protective mode. I enjoyed reading about the father's viewpoint on pregnancy as this is an uncommon trope.
I loved the Kinloch series and adored the additional story of this cute couple!! I would love to revisit some of the other couples too….