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torrie_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Thoughts
Returning to Christmas Notch was fun!
This had a a tad bit more plot than the first but just as fun. This had a trope that I see people talk about hating a lot and I had only read once before and I admit it isn't my favorite.
But it was still fun and the way it was handled was done decently.
It was funny and spicy and just a great read after a lot of heavier reads.
Returning to Christmas Notch was fun!
This had a a tad bit more plot than the first but just as fun. This had a trope that I see people talk about hating a lot and I had only read once before and I admit it isn't my favorite.
But it was still fun and the way it was handled was done decently.
It was funny and spicy and just a great read after a lot of heavier reads.
asnyderk's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
mrs_hs_favourite_books's review against another edition
4.0
This was just the book I needed at the moment. A Christmas romance with lots of smut. The second half had one of my least favourite romance tropes but it actually worked and was used well for character and relationship development. Plus the book was đ„ and Winnie and Kallum were as cute as anything.
kent09's review
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
accidentalra's review
4.0
In A Holly Jolly Ever After, we watch recently divorced Winnie, determined to overcome the internalized shame of the âpurity cultureâ she was raised in, find both herself and her unexpected match in former boy-band star Kallum, whose leaked sex tape made waves in act three of the first Christmas Notch novel, A Merry Little Meet Cute.
Personally, I enjoyed this novel so much more than its predecessor, in part because it somehow manages to achieve a nearly impossible (but utterly satisfying) balance between instantly spicy and slow-burn-ingly sweet. Every smutty scene was not only delicious, but also moved the plot forward in necessary and believable ways. What can I say? This book uses the "sex lesson" trope to perfection! Watching Winnie learn how to experience pleasure, how to ask for what she needs, and how to set boundaries was just...everythingâgratifying, empowering, affirming. I loved every minute of it.
As for Kallum, all I can say is, "Yes," and âMore, please.â Watching him grow into himself, from a man who vaguely wanted to find his âoneâ into the man who was willing to work for her, was a treat. And I adore how he's describedâwith his dad bod, sexual confidence, and dancer's fluidity. It was beyond satisfying to watch as he discovers that being considered the 'funny and fat one' isn't a life sentence, and that the only thing keeping him in that role is insecurity. By the time he and Winne earn their HEA, I sincerely felt like they had earned it.
After a personal sense of disappointment with my first visit to Christmas Notch, this novel totally made up for it. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
[I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.]
Personally, I enjoyed this novel so much more than its predecessor, in part because it somehow manages to achieve a nearly impossible (but utterly satisfying) balance between instantly spicy and slow-burn-ingly sweet. Every smutty scene was not only delicious, but also moved the plot forward in necessary and believable ways. What can I say? This book uses the "sex lesson" trope to perfection! Watching Winnie learn how to experience pleasure, how to ask for what she needs, and how to set boundaries was just...everythingâgratifying, empowering, affirming. I loved every minute of it.
As for Kallum, all I can say is, "Yes," and âMore, please.â Watching him grow into himself, from a man who vaguely wanted to find his âoneâ into the man who was willing to work for her, was a treat. And I adore how he's describedâwith his dad bod, sexual confidence, and dancer's fluidity. It was beyond satisfying to watch as he discovers that being considered the 'funny and fat one' isn't a life sentence, and that the only thing keeping him in that role is insecurity. By the time he and Winne earn their HEA, I sincerely felt like they had earned it.
After a personal sense of disappointment with my first visit to Christmas Notch, this novel totally made up for it. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
[I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.]
lindsaynbishop's review
4.0
Ohhh, Christmas Notch. This one was even better than the last, and spicier.
ameliabiblio's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sierra Simone and Julie Murphy, I love you.
This was so cute! I really loved Winnie. She was adorable, but also so deeply relatable. Watching her find herself throughout this book was so heartwarming and was the standout part of this story. I also loved Kallum. He was such a genuinely good guy and he was so good for Winnie. Also, I think I might be a pregnancy trope fan?⊠I donât know. Maybe they just did it really well in this, but I think I need to read more pregnancy trope books before I come to a true decision.
My main gripe with this book is how little faith all of the people closest to Kallum seem to have in him??? Like what the hell. No wonder the man thinks so little of himself.I absolutely cannot believe his sister blamed him for her friend fucking him and fucking up her relationship in the process! That is not his fault AT ALL. That is ENTIRELY on her friend. I donât know it just felt like nobody in his life had faith in him and it was so entirely unfair. At least Winnie apologizes for not having faith in him, but none of the other people do! Even Nolan was being kind of a dick. I just didnât appreciate how Kallum was treated in general. I felt like it was unearned.
Otherwise, though, this was adorable and steamy as always. I canât wait for A Jingle Bell Mingle!
This was so cute! I really loved Winnie. She was adorable, but also so deeply relatable. Watching her find herself throughout this book was so heartwarming and was the standout part of this story. I also loved Kallum. He was such a genuinely good guy and he was so good for Winnie. Also, I think I might be a pregnancy trope fan?⊠I donât know. Maybe they just did it really well in this, but I think I need to read more pregnancy trope books before I come to a true decision.
My main gripe with this book is how little faith all of the people closest to Kallum seem to have in him??? Like what the hell. No wonder the man thinks so little of himself.
Otherwise, though, this was adorable and steamy as always. I canât wait for A Jingle Bell Mingle!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
coffeeandapileofbooks's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
xxkimmyxx's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5