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alexlcriddle's review
3.0
Another cute holiday romance read, this time with friends to lovers. I absolutely love books that are food-centric and the baking and food descriptions were some of my favorite parts of this book! I liked the characters and the story was fun but predictable. Things wrapped up almost instantly and I was taken by surprise when the book ended at about 70%. I always love dual perspectives, so that was definitely a positive, but Ryan’s personality and demeanor changed very rapidly and I wish there had been more development to show him transitioning back to small town life. Marley and Ryan’s relationship also progressed very quickly and I would have liked to see more of their friendship and why they liked each other before taking the plunge to “I love you.” If you need a very quick and sweet romance read this holiday season, this one fits the bill.
gabbysbookshelf's review
3.0
“Holding her in my arms felt so right, like we were two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together.”
Marley and Ryan have been best friends for a long time, but then they fell out of touch when Ryan moved to New York City.
Not knowing that they both have feelings for each other, they just remained friends until his sudden move. Three years later, he’s back at his hometown for the holiday season.
Struggling to keep her bakery in business, Marley considers herself as the “family disappointment” compared to her sisters who’s a lawyer and in med school. When she sees Ryan for the first time in 3 years, all the feelings begin to come back but she thinks that things between them will only be a friendship.
Marley and Ryan have been best friends for a long time, but then they fell out of touch when Ryan moved to New York City.
Not knowing that they both have feelings for each other, they just remained friends until his sudden move. Three years later, he’s back at his hometown for the holiday season.
Struggling to keep her bakery in business, Marley considers herself as the “family disappointment” compared to her sisters who’s a lawyer and in med school. When she sees Ryan for the first time in 3 years, all the feelings begin to come back but she thinks that things between them will only be a friendship.
thepixieperkins's review
3.0
My full review can be read here: bit.ly/3fSPCaI
“I’m so happy you’re home,” I said.
Ryan didn’t answer. He simply wrapped his arms around me. And together, we swayed to the music, letting the melody fall over us. I buried my face in his chest, inhaling the familiar scent of clean laundry and pine.
“Me too,” he murmured into my hair.
Fun fact: I didn't finish any Christmas books in December. I had quite a few on my TBR, but the month was so busy that I wasn't able to read as much as I wanted to. However, I did start this Christmas novella last month and I was determined to have it read and review by January 25th! (Since I love Christmas so much, I think I'd love to review a Christmas book every other month on the 25th throughout the year.)
Anywayyyyyy, Ryan and Marley were adorable together! I really enjoyed seeing the friends-to-more trope mixed with the second chance trope, and the book delivered some definite cozy holiday feels. 🎄💖
As far as content goes: Any suggestive material/innuendos were pretty minor, so no worries there. Oh! Marley struggled with feeling like she's not good enough compared to her sisters (this wasn't triggering for me, but could be for other readers). I truly can't think of anything that would really need to be listed as a warning. 🤔
Time for my list of thoughts!
1: I forgot to start my list of notes lol...OOPS!
2: It’s totally cliche but I honestly LOVE when people are mistaken for a couple in books
3: How unromantically romantic of him lol (roses, IYKYK)
4: Are they confessing feelings?!
5: OH MY GOSH, GO AWAY! THEY NEED TO TALK
6: She’s right! What happens after Christmas???
7: The dramaaaaa
8: They’re so sweet together
9: Interrupted AGAIN?? Whyyyyy?
10: Oh my gosh, how did I not realize the ending was happening already?
As usual, it's easier for me to spoil things when I'm reviewing a novella; so, I'll just finish my recap by saying this was a cute, breezy Christmas romance! I think Hallmark movie-lovers will especially enjoy it!!🎄📖
“I’m so happy you’re home,” I said.
Ryan didn’t answer. He simply wrapped his arms around me. And together, we swayed to the music, letting the melody fall over us. I buried my face in his chest, inhaling the familiar scent of clean laundry and pine.
“Me too,” he murmured into my hair.
Fun fact: I didn't finish any Christmas books in December. I had quite a few on my TBR, but the month was so busy that I wasn't able to read as much as I wanted to. However, I did start this Christmas novella last month and I was determined to have it read and review by January 25th! (Since I love Christmas so much, I think I'd love to review a Christmas book every other month on the 25th throughout the year.)
Anywayyyyyy, Ryan and Marley were adorable together! I really enjoyed seeing the friends-to-more trope mixed with the second chance trope, and the book delivered some definite cozy holiday feels. 🎄💖
As far as content goes: Any suggestive material/innuendos were pretty minor, so no worries there. Oh! Marley struggled with feeling like she's not good enough compared to her sisters (this wasn't triggering for me, but could be for other readers). I truly can't think of anything that would really need to be listed as a warning. 🤔
Time for my list of thoughts!
1: I forgot to start my list of notes lol...OOPS!
2: It’s totally cliche but I honestly LOVE when people are mistaken for a couple in books
3: How unromantically romantic of him lol (roses, IYKYK)
4: Are they confessing feelings?!
5: OH MY GOSH, GO AWAY! THEY NEED TO TALK
6: She’s right! What happens after Christmas???
7: The dramaaaaa
8: They’re so sweet together
9: Interrupted AGAIN?? Whyyyyy?
10: Oh my gosh, how did I not realize the ending was happening already?
As usual, it's easier for me to spoil things when I'm reviewing a novella; so, I'll just finish my recap by saying this was a cute, breezy Christmas romance! I think Hallmark movie-lovers will especially enjoy it!!🎄📖
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