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blndr's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.5
This was a sweet romance with surprising depth. I liked the exploration of trauma, anxiety, PTSD, I think these topics were well-handled.
The story dragged sometimes, and some of the conflict was unrealistic to the point that my eyes would roll out of their sockets. There were some lovely scenes that managed to melt my icy heart though, and Mark and Riley were great together when stripped of all the bullsh*t.
The main characters were well fleshed-out and I really liked Mark. Riley was quite frustrating at times. The rest of the cast was two-dimensional.
The cover and title are a bit misleading, this is not a very christmassy story in my opinion, rather it is a romance set during Christmas season.
The story dragged sometimes, and some of the conflict was unrealistic to the point that my eyes would roll out of their sockets. There were some lovely scenes that managed to melt my icy heart though, and Mark and Riley were great together when stripped of all the bullsh*t.
The main characters were well fleshed-out and I really liked Mark. Riley was quite frustrating at times. The rest of the cast was two-dimensional.
The cover and title are a bit misleading, this is not a very christmassy story in my opinion, rather it is a romance set during Christmas season.
wrapmeupinplastic's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
aileenmaria's review
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.0
hugbandit7's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn't sure if I was ready to read a Christmas book in September, but this one kept me in stitches and had me dreaming of colder weather.
Riley and Mark have their own baggage to deal with and in a small town that isn't always easy because everyone knows everyone else's business. But it is also that small town vibe that helps Mark and Riley through their difficulties and towards each other.
Riley and Mark start off as friends on a secret project for Mark's dad, but what evolves is so much more. I liked how Riley saw past Mark's burn scars and saw the man within. I think it is what helps bring him back out of hiding. Mark helps Riley stop running from life and examine what she holds to be true in her life.
There are so many funny parts from their stumbling around each other and I liked how they brought up those moments even later to tease each other.
But their path towards a relationship is not smooth from a smarmy guy trying to make Riley another notch on his bedpost to misunderstandings between Mark and Riley. But each situation just helped to forge their bond in the end.
Love wins.
Riley and Mark have their own baggage to deal with and in a small town that isn't always easy because everyone knows everyone else's business. But it is also that small town vibe that helps Mark and Riley through their difficulties and towards each other.
Riley and Mark start off as friends on a secret project for Mark's dad, but what evolves is so much more. I liked how Riley saw past Mark's burn scars and saw the man within. I think it is what helps bring him back out of hiding. Mark helps Riley stop running from life and examine what she holds to be true in her life.
There are so many funny parts from their stumbling around each other and I liked how they brought up those moments even later to tease each other.
But their path towards a relationship is not smooth from a smarmy guy trying to make Riley another notch on his bedpost to misunderstandings between Mark and Riley. But each situation just helped to forge their bond in the end.
Love wins.
jesforeverlostinbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
What a Heartwarming & sweet Christmas story set in a small town where everybody knows everybody… Which is a blessing & a curse. A sweet & tender love story with some depth full of Christmas cheer while helping others… over coming difficulties, healing & finding peace. I absolutely fell in love with Mark & his backstory. A local town firefighter hero who was burned while saving children from a forest fire. He has an idea for an ultimate Christmas gift for his father but needs some help from the art teacher, Riley. Mark is so sweet & so patient with Riley. And who doesn't love a hometown hero??? I loved Riley & Mark's hilarious meet cute! Both of them have healing to do from their pasts. Riley is struggling with commitment & finding a place to belong while Mark is working through PTSD & finding peace with who he is now. This is a sweet romance with the perfect blend of Christmas cheer & character development. If you enjoy Christmastime romances, this is a great choice for reading this holiday season!
mistressviolet's review against another edition
hopeful
relaxing
slow-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
3.0
This was a good contemporary romance with a light sprinkling of Christmas vibes. A bit slow to start, but I did end up engaging with the characters and plot.
sophaisy's review
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
thereadingprincess's review against another edition
4.0
I uselly do not like Christmas books but this one surprised me.
It's sweet and wholesome and I fell in love with it and couldn't get enough it was vivid and strong and meaningful i cried I laughed I loved this book has a place in my heart forever the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I did find a few plot holes that bothered me but if I need to recommend any holiday books to anyone this year it's this one
This book deals with depression and anxiety and PTSD in a very well written way.
It's sweet and wholesome and I fell in love with it and couldn't get enough it was vivid and strong and meaningful i cried I laughed I loved this book has a place in my heart forever the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I did find a few plot holes that bothered me but if I need to recommend any holiday books to anyone this year it's this one
This book deals with depression and anxiety and PTSD in a very well written way.
maggiefae's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Grief
Minor: Blood