Author: Lyla Payne
Series: None
Pages: 150
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Date Published: November 20th, 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury Spark
Format Read: eARC provided by publisher (via NetGalley) for honest review
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Summary:
Twas
the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature
was stirring…but lust refused to settle in for a long winter's nap.
She might be all nestled, snug in her bed, by why, oh why, do visions of the wrong guy dance in her head?
Jessica, (not Jessie), figures that nothing could be better than a trip to the Emerald Isle for Christmas break. So she takes a flying leap and follows her boyfriend home for the holidays, not only sure that he will finally agree they're destined for each other, but also that Ireland will provide the perfect backdrop to the beginning of their happily-ever-after.
But it turns out his family--and his gorgeous ex-girlfriend--don't feel the same way, and even the family goat seems to be conspiring against her well-laid plans. The only person making the trip worthwhile is the very last one she should be thinking about, but Grady, the local farmhand, has a way of showing up when Jessica needs him most...and least.
USA Today bestselling author Lyla Payne wraps up the perfect holiday novella, ties it with a ribbon of romance, and tops it with a light dusting of snow. Perfect to curl up with under the tree. Just add hot cocoa!
She might be all nestled, snug in her bed, by why, oh why, do visions of the wrong guy dance in her head?
Jessica, (not Jessie), figures that nothing could be better than a trip to the Emerald Isle for Christmas break. So she takes a flying leap and follows her boyfriend home for the holidays, not only sure that he will finally agree they're destined for each other, but also that Ireland will provide the perfect backdrop to the beginning of their happily-ever-after.
But it turns out his family--and his gorgeous ex-girlfriend--don't feel the same way, and even the family goat seems to be conspiring against her well-laid plans. The only person making the trip worthwhile is the very last one she should be thinking about, but Grady, the local farmhand, has a way of showing up when Jessica needs him most...and least.
USA Today bestselling author Lyla Payne wraps up the perfect holiday novella, ties it with a ribbon of romance, and tops it with a light dusting of snow. Perfect to curl up with under the tree. Just add hot cocoa!
-Goodreads
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My Thoughts:
An Open Letter To Mistletoe and Mr. Right,
You're cute. Cute like one of those crappy made for TV movies that we all love so much. Trust me, even though it might not sound like it, this is a really high compliment coming from me. 'Cause God knows that I love me some crappy yet adorable Christmas movies. Throw in the fact that you take place in Ireland and I'm hooked. Thanks for being a cute, quick, fun, Christmas read!
-The White Unicorn
This novella is amazingly cute! Payne knows just how to work a shorter story and it made this book a really fun read. I do have to admit that I wish it would have been a bit longer, because I felt like some of the plot points were a bit rushed, but that being said, I think that Payne did really well based on the length of the book.
At only 150 pages, this is the perfect book to read in a sitting or two snuggled next to the fire. It will be able to fill that Christmas movie feel you want, but still allow you to read a book at the same time. The plot isn't that deep, but in the few moments that are, it really shines. When you add in the fact that some really ridiculous things happen and that Payne has a knack for comedic timing, you know you're in for a good time. Sure, the plot is extremely predictable, but that's not really all that surprising. Plus, it's set in Ireland, so you get a little book travel in as well!
The cast of characters is a good one. The back stories could have been fleshed out a bit more, because I feel like it would have added to the story, but I also fear that the story would have lost some of it cuteness along the way if that would have been the case. Payne gives as much detail to the background characters as her main ones and I think this really helped the novel in so many ways. It took you into her world quickly and I really liked that.
For a NA romance, this book is really clean and I liked that. It's one of those books that anyone could read and smile over. Which brings us around to the romance. I found Jessie's 10 year plan to be a little annoying, and she seemed really clueless in her relationship, but she had guts, so I liked her. Brennan is so removed from what's going on that I never really liked him. And Grady was pretty great and understanding and handsome. Some would say that this is a triangle, but it never felt like one to me. The story is more about Jessie than her relationships and I thought that was a good call. Not to say that the romance wasn't swoony and adorable, because it was.
If you're looking for a short, sweet, Christmas time read, pick this little jewel up!
Rating:
4 Unicorns = Close to perfect!
2 comments:
Wonderful review Christianna. You have a much better way with words than I do, but I felt exactly the same way as you about this book. I read it in one sitting and I thought it was just perfect. And it would make such a great Hallmark holiday movie!
I am such a sucker for crappy but adorable Christmas movies. It is like my tolerance for corny movies just disappears around the holidays. I will have to add this one for my holiday read!
Ashley @The Quiet Concert
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