jesforeverlostinbooks's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, brother's best friend…this story was just perfect! It was very unique, especially for a Christmas Romcom. A tropical Christmas cruise… the Christmas vibes weren't as strong which was perfect since I read it in January! But this will be on my Christmas rereads it as just delightful!
Molly has always had an unrequited crush on Beckett, her brother's best friend. But Molly is older now, and when her family Christmas cruise stops in the Virgin Islands, conveniently where Beckett is working on an astronomy research facility, the mutual attraction simply cannot be ignored. Molly is the type of character who is not perfect. I loved that! One of my favorite things about her was that she had made peace with her body, realizing that she was how she was. Curves, epilepsy and all. The contrast between her vibrant, shining glow and Beckett's glowering, grumpy introvertedness was so fun. Getting her master's degree in ichthyology, her random, chatty fish facts made me giggle. I really enjoyed how her experience of living with epilepsy was naturally woven in the story, too. It was super informative! AND it brought out an assertive protectiveness in Beckett that made me absolutely swoon. Beckett is a grumpy introverted guy. But he's definitely the person you want to get caught on a deserted island with. I loved the way he wanted to take care of Molly. He was there for her even in her darkest moments. I was so appreciative of the dual POV in this story! Seeing Beckett attempt to hide his attraction was delightful. The kisses were swoony with great chemistry!
Molly has always had an unrequited crush on Beckett, her brother's best friend. But Molly is older now, and when her family Christmas cruise stops in the Virgin Islands, conveniently where Beckett is working on an astronomy research facility, the mutual attraction simply cannot be ignored. Molly is the type of character who is not perfect. I loved that! One of my favorite things about her was that she had made peace with her body, realizing that she was how she was. Curves, epilepsy and all. The contrast between her vibrant, shining glow and Beckett's glowering, grumpy introvertedness was so fun. Getting her master's degree in ichthyology, her random, chatty fish facts made me giggle. I really enjoyed how her experience of living with epilepsy was naturally woven in the story, too. It was super informative! AND it brought out an assertive protectiveness in Beckett that made me absolutely swoon. Beckett is a grumpy introverted guy. But he's definitely the person you want to get caught on a deserted island with. I loved the way he wanted to take care of Molly. He was there for her even in her darkest moments. I was so appreciative of the dual POV in this story! Seeing Beckett attempt to hide his attraction was delightful. The kisses were swoony with great chemistry!
bookrecsbyjess's review
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
talesuponmyshelf_'s review
4.0
3.5 stars. I loved the setting and Molly’s character. The representation of epilepsy was very well done. If you love brother’s best friend and forced proximity then you will love it. Overall it was a great story but it took me awhile to like the MMC.
awpipi's review
3.0
I hate writing bad reviews and this author had a good storyline, I just did not love how it was organized. The shifts in character development of the guy was over dramatic and unrealistic. I did like the perspective of the girls point of view in this book though. She followed the outline of an emotional journey that seems logical and touching. I felt I related to how she felt just from reading her experiences. That’s why this book got a three star instead of a two star. Whenever strong emotion can be embodied to the reader that is a partial success.
The basic summary of how I felt about this book…
First 50% was slow even though it should have felt more intense, all of the sudden the characters felt more embarrassed around each other (their cheeks turning pink often), and than all of the sudden the guy turned into a vampire (not literally) and was over possessive saying, “good girl”. Gross! I like a possessive boy when they’re caring, but somehow this reminded me in the weird parts of twilight. That is probably just me though. Don’t get me wrong I like Twilight, but there are some weird parts in it. And the guy in this book embodied the over possessive dramatic characteristics while still being human and partially “normal.”
The basic summary of how I felt about this book…
First 50% was slow even though it should have felt more intense, all of the sudden the characters felt more embarrassed around each other (their cheeks turning pink often), and than all of the sudden the guy turned into a vampire (not literally) and was over possessive saying, “good girl”. Gross! I like a possessive boy when they’re caring, but somehow this reminded me in the weird parts of twilight. That is probably just me though. Don’t get me wrong I like Twilight, but there are some weird parts in it. And the guy in this book embodied the over possessive dramatic characteristics while still being human and partially “normal.”
morganj's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
migles1's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
thecleanreadbookclub's review
4.0
Does your Christmas tree have white lights or colored lights?
In A Not so Holiday Paradise by @authorgracieruth it’s not your traditional ‘buffalo print matching pj’s and a blazing fire in the fireplace’ kind of Christmas and it worked for me!
You know why? It’s because I COULD be reading this while wearing buffalo plaid pajamas and next to a blazing fire!
This is book 5 in the Christmas Escape series and features the following elements:
•Tropical setting
•brother’s best friend
•unrequited crush
•forced proximity
•protective skills/instincts
•grumpy/sunshine
•epilepsy representation
•a monkey with a grudge
In A Not so Holiday Paradise by @authorgracieruth it’s not your traditional ‘buffalo print matching pj’s and a blazing fire in the fireplace’ kind of Christmas and it worked for me!
You know why? It’s because I COULD be reading this while wearing buffalo plaid pajamas and next to a blazing fire!
This is book 5 in the Christmas Escape series and features the following elements:
•Tropical setting
•brother’s best friend
•unrequited crush
•forced proximity
•protective skills/instincts
•grumpy/sunshine
•epilepsy representation
•a monkey with a grudge