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accidentalra's review against another edition
4.0
In A Holly Jolly Ever After, we watch recently divorced Winnie, determined to overcome the internalized shame of the “purity culture” 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...everything—gratifying, empowering, affirming. I loved every minute of it.
As for Kallum, all I can say is, "Yes," and “More, please.” Watching him grow into himself, from a man who vaguely wanted to find his ‘one’ into the man who was willing to work for her, was a treat. And I adore how he's described—with 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...everything—gratifying, empowering, affirming. I loved every minute of it.
As for Kallum, all I can say is, "Yes," and “More, please.” Watching him grow into himself, from a man who vaguely wanted to find his ‘one’ into the man who was willing to work for her, was a treat. And I adore how he's described—with 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 against another edition
4.0
Ohhh, Christmas Notch. This one was even better than the last, and spicier.
ameliabiblio's review against another edition
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 don’t 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 don’t 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 didn’t appreciate how Kallum was treated in general. I felt like it was unearned.
Otherwise, though, this was adorable and steamy as always. I can’t 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 don’t 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 can’t wait for A Jingle Bell Mingle!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
coffeeandapileofbooks's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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
mybestfriendsarefictional's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Lost a star for how flaky Winnie was 🤣
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Pregnancy
Minor: Vomit
megbodz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
emshields's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
drwurm's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked the first half of this book but the surprise pregnancy caught me off guard. I really dislike that trope in rom coms and I probably should have looked into it before reading, so that’s on me.
I think it would have been a more satisfying character arc for Winnie to get an abortion when she found out she was pregnant. Then there could have been something else that drew Kallum and her back together and the epilogue could have included them getting pregnant on their own accord.
The spice was great! Winnie coming to terms with her sexuality and working through her purity culture trama is 10/10, I just wish the 2nd half took a different turn.
I think it would have been a more satisfying character arc for Winnie to get an abortion when she found out she was pregnant. Then there could have been something else that drew Kallum and her back together and the epilogue could have included them getting pregnant on their own accord.
The spice was great! Winnie coming to terms with her sexuality and working through her purity culture trama is 10/10, I just wish the 2nd half took a different turn.