Review: Failure to Match by Kyra Parsi

About the Book

He’s the arrogant, grumpy billionaire bane of my existence... and now I’m his full-time, live-in dating coach.

I’ve never failed to match a client—until him.

Jackson Sinclair has dragged me through eight months of matchmaking hell, and I have the carnage of broken hearts to prove it.

But I refuse to get fired from my dream job because of some infuriatingly gorgeous billionaire and his absurd criteria for a wife.

The plan is simple.

All I have to do is infiltrate his penthouse, pretend to be his blind date, and figure out what the actual f*ck his actual f*cking problem is.

It’ll be fine. He doesn’t know what I look like.

Except I nearly drown in Satan-clair’s massive pool, he figures out who I am, and now I’m forcibly glued to his side for the next 30 days.

It’s a nightmare, until it’s not.

I hate him, until I discover everything he’s been hiding.

We fight, until the tension boils over into sizzling temptation.

Jackson Sinclair may not believe in soulmates, and he may not believe in love, but little does he know, he’s finally met his match…

Review

Failure to Match is a new perfect romantic comedy.  I have zero to no complaints. Every page was needed, and the book kept getting better and better. It’s witty, steamy, and entertaining. The push and pull between the characters is so addicting. I couldn’t put it down. It was just so deliciously good.

It was Jamie’s job to find a romantic partner for Jackson; however, Jackson ended up being one of the worst clients on the planet. To save her job, she goes undercover to figure out why they can’t seem to find a partner for him. That ends up being a hilarious disaster, and not long after, she’s forced to work strictly with Jackson and live in his home.

Of course, they are misperceiving each other. Jamie isn’t just a matchmaker. And Jackson isn’t just this brooding CEO who is an awful client. There’s so much more with each of them—especially Jackson. The book is solely told in Jamie’s POV. However, Parsi did a perfect job of giving hints about Jackson’s feelings and thoughts through his dialogue and his body language. Sidenote, I adored that Jackson was so determined to win Jamie’s cat over. I found that to be so fun and adorable. Not to mention that Jackson was completely down bad for Jamie and would do anything for her.  

From the beginning, Jamie and Jackson’s chemistry is apparent, and they have such top-notch banter. And they only continued to get better as the story progressed.

Final Thoughts

I devoured Failure to Launch. It’s such a great rom-com, and everyone should drop everything and read it immediately. The author perfectly captures a dislike-to-lovers romance and there is so much nuisance with these characters and their romance. Jackson and Jamie are addicting and have such an amazing dynamic. 

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

Review: Once Upon a Christmas Tree by Lulu Moore

About the Book

Alexander, Lord Burlington, hates the holidays.

But duty calls. This year he’s willing to set his feelings aside for the sake of his eldest brother who’s just been left at the altar - sending shockwaves through British high society - as they escape London for the snow capped mountains of Aspen.

However, it soon becomes obvious that Colorado in December wasn’t the best place to go for someone who usually out-grinches The Grinch.

Haven Wylder has spent the last four years paying off debts her parents left when they died. Between working on her ranch, or in her Christmas store and taking on every other job she can, there’s been no time for fun. But if there’s one thing guaranteed to put a smile on her face it’s the holidays and the annual gingerbread decorating competition.

What she wasn’t expecting was the tall, handsome stranger with the accent to die for who, *gasp*, hates Christmas.

It doesn’t take long for Haven to start changing Alex’s mind. It has nothing to do with her berry red lips and glossy caramel curls tumbling down her back, or her big doe eyes as green as the Christmas trees she selling. Or the way she fills out her jeans.

None at all.

Alexander will never not despise Christmas, but a fling with Haven Wylder might be just the thing to make it a little more bearable. That is… if he can leave her and their unforgettable connection behind.

Review

Once Upon a Christmas Tree was a good Christmas novella. I’ll go as far as saying it’s a good introduction to Moore’s new series. I’m excited to continue, especially with how this one ended. I will admit I was a little worried about how Haven and Alex’s story was going to end. I was fearful that the author was going to make it too instant love. However, that didn’t happen. Instead, Alex and Haven’s story ends on a cliffhanger, and I will be patiently waiting to see what happens next. I did research a bit and found their tropes for the next installment, and I’m excited to see how everything is going to play out. I don’t often prefer second-chance romances; however, I think Moore has me sold.

Alex and Haven were cute—in that holiday Hallmark way. She’s a hard-working, ordinary woman who enjoys Christmas and works almost every job in the town. However, her main job is a Christmas tree farm that was passed down to her when her father passed. Tragically Alex doesn’t enjoy the holiday seasons and is only in town for a few days. Oh, and to mention he’s a Lord of England.

Haven isn’t aware of Alex’s true identity when she meets him, just that she has this attraction to him. Almost at the beginning of the book, Alex is willing to do anything to get close and impress Haven, including signing up for the gingerbread competition at the bakery where she works. That was adorable. All in all, they are a sweet and lovable couple.

Final Thoughts

Once Upon a Christmas Tree is a good start to Moore’s upcoming series. There are some faults. The main one is that Alex and his brother didn’t feel like Lord’s to me. Instead, they felt like regular men. However, it’s still a good holiday novella. Alex and Haven have a great romance, and I’m excited to see where Moore takes them.  

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Audible | Paperback

Review: Flirting with Alaska by Belle Calhoune

Author Belle Calhoune brings us back to Moose Falls, Alaska in the second book of her charming series, Falling for Alaska. In this book, we get to dive into the life of the middle brother Caleb, a reformed bad boy who unexpectedly falls for a local single mom in this small town romance.

When a reality show destroys his reputation and puts his Hollywood dreams on hold, Caleb finds himself needing to take some time to get things together and what better place for that to be than Moose Falls, Alaska. Between the beautiful scenery and his family business there, this being the perfect place to get out the spotlight, clear his head, it will allow him the chance to take a break and help with the business.

Being the charmer he is, his charm seems too irresistible to all the ladies there except one, a single mom who was all familiar with the type of guy he is. After watching the reality show debacle that involved him, and all the gossip surrounding him, he was the last person she’d have interest in. She’s had enough of his type and was not going to be swayed by his charm.

As they are brought together by a project at his family’s business and find themselves working closely together, she sees another side that softens her criticism of him. As time goes on, they both find themselves open to the possibilities and when your guard comes down, between the beautiful setting and their heartfelt connection, this Hollywood star might just have found his leading lady.

I love this series. There’s so much to love about the characters but in reference to this book, Caleb’s journey from being a punchline to someone adored and respected, his relationship with Sophia and how that evolved and changed him dating a single mother was such a wonderful read. Sophia is someone that will be relatable to those single moms out there who struggle with balancing being a mom and finding love, she is someone to be admired. These two characters with their own struggles who when they let their guards down became vulnerable, allowed them to grow which made them characters that you were not going to accept less than to be together. It was definitely a slow burn but one worth it.

Of course we see familiar faces returning as integral parts to their storylines. I just love the familial community and warmth they bring to the book. The beautiful setting and the small town vibes bring an authenticity that places you in the heart of Alaska. Flirting With Alaska, with its heartwarming story of second chances, redemption and unexpected love will be perfect for those who love romance.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback | Bookshop.org

Review: Under the Mistletoe Collection: Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood and Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey

About the Book - Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood

For two former childhood friends, a blustery winter storm stirs some frosty—and scorching—memories in a delightfully sexy short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood.

All newly minted pediatrician Jamie Malek wants is to borrow a roasting pan for Christmas dinner. Unfortunately, that requires her to interact with Marc—her best friend’s troublemaking brother, who’s now a tech billionaire. He’s the one who got away. She’s the one who broke his heart. Outside, a howling blizzard. Inside, a crackling fire. Suddenly, being snowbound with the man she never expected to see again might not be such a bad way to spend a winter’s night.

Ali Hazelwood’s Cruel Winter with You is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances to warm the cold winter nights. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.

About the Book - Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey

A single mother working in a thrift store. A gentle giant farmer who can’t find jeans that fit. When opposites attract, they find themselves making alterations in more ways than one in this smoking-hot short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey.

Evie Crowe is starting over in a strange town with her newborn, and men are the furthest thing from her mind. If only the quiet, hulking farmer, Luke Ward, would stop coming into the thrift shop and piquing her reluctant interest. Evie wants to stay single all the way—she can’t trust anything more than friends-with-holiday-benefits. But Luke is in it for the long haul. He’s fixed on making this a Christmas Evie will remember forever. If she gives him a chance.

Tessa Bailey’s Merry Ever After is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances to warm the cold winter nights. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.

With the holiday season upon us, I decided to get in the mood by reading the first two books in the Under the Mistletoe Collection.  Of the two, I much preferred Cruel Winter with You by a long shot. I found it to be entertaining. I liked Marc. He was incredibly kind and so down bad for Jamie—even though she didn’t realize it at times. However, he had said some rude things to her while they were growing up, and I would have loved to know his feelings at that moment. I don’t recall him apologizing to Jamie either. There are quite a few time jumps within the novella; however, I think they are perfectly placed and much needed.

Merry Ever After didn’t feel like a holiday novella. The plot could have taken place in any other season, and almost nothing would change. It was too fast-paced and so much unnecessary smut. I liked the tropes in this one, but I didn't like the writing and execution. Evie’s son felt almost nonexistent and there was no emotional depth.

Final Thoughts

Cruel Winter with You feels like a holiday novella with two characters being forced to communicate while snowed in. Marc and Jamie had known each other for years, and for most of his life, Marc had crushed on Jamie. The book is unfortunately slightly hurt without the POV of Marc. All and all, it’s a short and sweet holiday novella.

With Merry Ever After, I decided to give Tessa Bailey another chance after avoiding her books for years. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this one. The dialogue felt silly, and the pacing was just too fast.

Buy on Amazon

Review: All by My Elf by Olivia Dade & Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria (Under the Mistletoe Collection)

About the Books

All by My Elf – Olivia Dade

Secret crushes, spicy Christmas treats, heinous holiday traffic, and a fateful snowstorm bring good friends together in a funny, sexy short story by bestselling author Olivia Dade.

Nina and William are underpaid adjunct professors at the same university, where winter break is no break at all: ’tis the season to make extra money. When their holiday side hustle has them stranded by a blinding blizzard in the middle of nowhere, there’s nothing to do but cuddle up for warmth and play a hot and bothered game of Never Have I Ever to pass the time. But in the game of love, secrets never stay secret for long…

Olivia Dade’s All by My Elf is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances to warm the cold winter nights. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.

Only Santas in the Building – Alexis Daria

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially for a comic book illustrator whose late-night naughty fantasies become real in a festive and spicy short story by bestselling author Alexis Daria.

All Evie Cruz wants for Christmas is a nap. And maybe some ornaments for her naked Christmas tree. And while she’s making a list, she wouldn’t mind unwrapping her sexy upstairs neighbor like a present. Luckily, the building’s Santa-themed party and a surprise sprig of mistletoe give her just the opening she needs to make all her wishes come true.

Alexis Daria’s Only Santas in the Building is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances to warm the cold winter nights. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting

Review

Out of the four novellas in the Under the Mistletoe Collection, All by My Elf certainly felt the weakest. I struggled to get through it and often found myself confused. When I finished reading it, I had to go back and reread the beginning because I was missing bits of information. The information had been provided in the beginning, but it confused my brain. In addition, I didn’t particularly see any chemistry between Nina and William.

Only Santas in the Building is the strongest novella in the collection. I thoroughly enjoyed it. One of my favorite things about it is that it felt like a holiday novella while reading. Evie has been struggling to decorate for the holiday season due to work deadlines and the emotions tied to losing her grandmother. However, a neighbor within the building has anonymously been leaving ornaments at her door. It’s predictable, but still a very cute read.

Final Thoughts

Only Santas in the Building emerges as the current victor from the Under the Mistletoe collection. It has the most depth, the best relationship, and feels the most like Christmas. On the other hand, All by My Elf falls flat, suffering from a confusing start and lackluster romance.

Buy on Amazon:

All by Elf: Amazon Kindle | Audible

Only Santas in the Building: Amazon Kindle | Audible

Review: A Legend in Baking by Jamie Wesley

Jamie Wesley’s A Legend in Baking serves up a wonderful mix of romance, laugh out loud moments, and the temptation of those cupcakes, all frosted with the right amount of social media drama and personal growth. This delicious addition to the Sugar Blitz series, centers on August Hodges, a cupcake baking football player who is a silent partner in the business, finds himself going viral after an incident that instantly grabs the hearts of ladies all over. Teamed up with Sloane Dell, a social media enthusiast, they deliver a charming, sweet romance that gives them the hea they were destined for. 

August Hodges tries his best to stay the silent partner. When a couple of guys came in and said some disparaging things, he found himself being the next viral hit grabbing the hearts of ladies everywhere. With the help of the little sister of one of his co-owners, Sloane Dell saw this as an opportunity not only to capitalize on the moment to promote them but also draw up some excitement for the upcoming second location and let the community get to know them better.

Despite their history together, Sloane decides to power forward to not only help them get to where they need to be but also help jumpstart her career in social media. To be able to work together, they agree to leave their past in the past. The only problem is when a steamy moment brings to the surface unresolved feelings towards each other, they are put in a situation that challenges the task at hand and tempting the fate of what's meant to be.

A Legend in Baking balances its lighthearted plot blending subjects of personal and chasing dreams. August and Sloane, their journey was worth the wait. The perfect tale of the wrong time but the right person finding their fate later is always a good read. If you are a fan of sweet romances and a little spice you will find this as sweet as those devouring cupcakes. Loveable characters, moments that will make you laugh, and who wouldn’t want to be in a cupcake shop will satisfy your sweet tooth with the sequel in this wonderful series. If you haven’t read the first book, Fake It Till You Bake It, make sure to catch it because you won’t want to miss this fun series.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Audible | Paperback | Bookshop.org