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Single and Ready to Jingle
The girl who loves Christmas falls for the Grinch—it’s a Christmas miracle.
What started as a dumpster fire of a blind date turns into a deal.
In truth, it probably didn’t help that I showed up dressed like an elf but that’s a story for another time. Our start was rocky at best which is why it’s so frustrating that I can’t stop thinking about his sexy British accent. Or the way his chest and arms fill out his suit. Or his perfect hair with that single streak of grey at the front.
Santa likes lists and so do I, so here’s all the reasons why Andrew and I aren’t right for each other:
He’s my brother’s best friend
He’s the biggest grump I’ve ever met.
He hates Christmas.
That last one is big for a girl like me who thinks that the entire month of December should be a national holiday. So, when he calls for my help in planning his firm’s holiday party, I can’t pass up the opportunity to grow my small business. Bonus, we make a deal, and he agrees to attend three holiday events with me so I can make him fall in love with Christmas. As if I’d pass up an opportunity to make a Grinch’s heart grow three times its size.
It isn’t long until I discover Andrew has a very real reason to hate Christmas and I start to see him in a different light. That’s when the Christmas miracle begins.
What started as a dumpster fire of a blind date turns into a deal.
In truth, it probably didn’t help that I showed up dressed like an elf but that’s a story for another time. Our start was rocky at best which is why it’s so frustrating that I can’t stop thinking about his sexy British accent. Or the way his chest and arms fill out his suit. Or his perfect hair with that single streak of grey at the front.
Santa likes lists and so do I, so here’s all the reasons why Andrew and I aren’t right for each other:
He’s my brother’s best friend
He’s the biggest grump I’ve ever met.
He hates Christmas.
That last one is big for a girl like me who thinks that the entire month of December should be a national holiday. So, when he calls for my help in planning his firm’s holiday party, I can’t pass up the opportunity to grow my small business. Bonus, we make a deal, and he agrees to attend three holiday events with me so I can make him fall in love with Christmas. As if I’d pass up an opportunity to make a Grinch’s heart grow three times its size.
It isn’t long until I discover Andrew has a very real reason to hate Christmas and I start to see him in a different light. That’s when the Christmas miracle begins.
260 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2022
About the author
Piper Rayne
159 books5,915 followersPiper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling author duo. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have "Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle" (okay...you caught us, that's our tagline). A little about us... We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We're both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We're both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,370 reviews
December 17, 2023
4.5⭐
Genre ~ Holiday romance
Setting ~ NYC
Publication date ~ November 15, 2022
Page Count ~ 252 (35 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 6 hours 10 minutes
Narrators ~ John Lane, CJ Bloom
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ blind date, lawyer, event planner, grump/sunshine, opposites attract, British hero, brother's best friend, best friend's sister, secret relationship, slow burn, steamage, Christmas up the wazoo
Kenzie & Andrew
Their meet cute was anything but when Andrew seems pretty disgusted with Kenzie's attire on their blind date. They part ways on a bad note, but soon Andrew needs Kenzie's help planning his office Christmas party. She agrees with one condition ~ he has to do 3 Christmas activities with her, so she can try to sway him from his Grinch ways.
Although I spent over 30 years living in New York state I have never been to NYC during Christmastime, but I feel like it was depicted perfectly.
Once all the grump gets out of Andrew he turns out to be super duper sweet. Kenzie is just over the top always sweet, and a pushover at times. I love how he helped her stand up for herself. I can't say I was impressed with why Andrew hates the holiday, but that was quite a grand gesture he did that I wasn't expecting.
Overall, a delightful story that'll be sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to Piper Rayne and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ Holiday romance
Setting ~ NYC
Publication date ~ November 15, 2022
Page Count ~ 252 (35 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 6 hours 10 minutes
Narrators ~ John Lane, CJ Bloom
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ blind date, lawyer, event planner, grump/sunshine, opposites attract, British hero, brother's best friend, best friend's sister, secret relationship, slow burn, steamage, Christmas up the wazoo
Kenzie & Andrew
Their meet cute was anything but when Andrew seems pretty disgusted with Kenzie's attire on their blind date. They part ways on a bad note, but soon Andrew needs Kenzie's help planning his office Christmas party. She agrees with one condition ~ he has to do 3 Christmas activities with her, so she can try to sway him from his Grinch ways.
Although I spent over 30 years living in New York state I have never been to NYC during Christmastime, but I feel like it was depicted perfectly.
Once all the grump gets out of Andrew he turns out to be super duper sweet. Kenzie is just over the top always sweet, and a pushover at times. I love how he helped her stand up for herself. I can't say I was impressed with why Andrew hates the holiday, but that was quite a grand gesture he did that I wasn't expecting.
Overall, a delightful story that'll be sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to Piper Rayne and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Read
December 22, 2024pre-read:
can’t believe i just found out that kenzie and andrew has their own story?! diving right into it instantly because i loved their relationship in merry kissmas 💘
can’t believe i just found out that kenzie and andrew has their own story?! diving right into it instantly because i loved their relationship in merry kissmas 💘
December 15, 2022
If you’re looking for a brother’s best friend holiday romance, then Single and Ready to Jingle is just the book for you! This is a cute, funny, and SPICY read with all the Christmas trimmings! I was hooked the second I read that our heroine showed up to her blind date as an elf and had a hard time putting it down from there. The relationship is easy between the two even though Andrew comes off as a total Scrooge in the beginning and watching them fall in love was adorable. While I think Andrew needed to do a little more groveling for hurting Kenzi in such a cruel way towards the end, I did enjoy seeing her forgive him and how he helped her learn to say no to others (and stick up for herself). Character growth is really important to me as a reader and Piper Rayne was able to pull it off in this book despite its shorter length.
Make sure to grab this one if you’re in the mood for something sweet, fun, festive, and HOT!
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙:
• Holiday Romances
• Grumpy/Sunshine Trope
• Brother’s Best Friend Trope
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Make sure to grab this one if you’re in the mood for something sweet, fun, festive, and HOT!
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙:
• Holiday Romances
• Grumpy/Sunshine Trope
• Brother’s Best Friend Trope
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 10, 2022
Eh, this was just a generic holiday romance. They get set up on a blind date and she realizes he's her brother's best friend from college. He ends up needing her help planning a Christmas party for his boss. Some things were a bit over the top and there wasn't anything too special about the characters or the plot. It was a fun way to pass the time, but nothing that really stood out.
December 17, 2023
“Half-chub” is used multiple times which should tell you all you need to know
November 19, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up
I liked this cute Christmas romance with sunshiney Kenzie (h) and grumpy Andrew (H). It starts with a blind date where neither makes a good first impression on the other. But then Andrew’s office party planning brings them back together and a deal for Kenzie to try and show Andrew the spirit of Christmas is made. Also thrown in the mix of this is that Kenzie is the younger sister of Andrew’s best friend. Written in first person, dual POV. No Ow/om drama and neither were virgins (it’s implied it’s been a long time for each).
I really liked Kenzie and Andrew as characters with Kenzie wanting to be successful as an event planner but needing more support and Andrew focusing on being made partner but needing to lighten up. Their somewhat tense relationship slowly eases into friendship and then romance, although the attraction is instant. While the activities they do together and time spent planning the party lend themselves to relationship building, something about their chemistry didn’t work as well for me. I was told they felt it and I thought I should, but I didn’t quite. This may have been because of my reading mood though. Still the activities themselves were fun and I did like them together as they warmed up. Like the romance, the steam slowly develops (intentionally), but definitely gets there.
Being vulnerable also came a bit slower but felt natural given both their pasts. Both have insecurities and sensitivities because of their pasts and unfortunately the eventual conflict does play into both of theirs. The resolution was sweet and grand, but felt contrived to me. There’s a nice epilogue a year later that shows their HEA and continued to keep this story light and sweet.
I liked this cute Christmas romance with sunshiney Kenzie (h) and grumpy Andrew (H). It starts with a blind date where neither makes a good first impression on the other. But then Andrew’s office party planning brings them back together and a deal for Kenzie to try and show Andrew the spirit of Christmas is made. Also thrown in the mix of this is that Kenzie is the younger sister of Andrew’s best friend. Written in first person, dual POV. No Ow/om drama and neither were virgins (it’s implied it’s been a long time for each).
I really liked Kenzie and Andrew as characters with Kenzie wanting to be successful as an event planner but needing more support and Andrew focusing on being made partner but needing to lighten up. Their somewhat tense relationship slowly eases into friendship and then romance, although the attraction is instant. While the activities they do together and time spent planning the party lend themselves to relationship building, something about their chemistry didn’t work as well for me. I was told they felt it and I thought I should, but I didn’t quite. This may have been because of my reading mood though. Still the activities themselves were fun and I did like them together as they warmed up. Like the romance, the steam slowly develops (intentionally), but definitely gets there.
Being vulnerable also came a bit slower but felt natural given both their pasts. Both have insecurities and sensitivities because of their pasts and unfortunately the eventual conflict does play into both of theirs. The resolution was sweet and grand, but felt contrived to me. There’s a nice epilogue a year later that shows their HEA and continued to keep this story light and sweet.
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November 8, 2022PREORDER 𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗟𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗝𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗟𝗘 today ---> https://books2read.com/sartj
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙙𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡…
Single and Ready to Jingle is releasing on November 15th!
The girl who loves Christmas falls for the Grinch—it’s a Christmas miracle.
What started as a dumpster fire of a blind date turns into a deal.
In truth, it probably didn’t help that I showed up dressed like an elf but that’s a story for another time. Our start was rocky at best which is why it’s so frustrating that I can’t stop thinking about his sexy British accent. Or the way his chest and arms fill out his suit. Or his perfect hair with that single streak of grey at the front.
Santa likes lists and so do I, so here’s all the reasons why Andrew and I aren’t right for each other:
He’s my brother’s best friend
He’s the biggest grump I’ve ever met.
He hates Christmas.
That last one is big for a girl like me who thinks that the entire month of December should be a national holiday. So, when he calls for my help in planning his firm’s holiday party, I can’t pass up the opportunity to grow my small business. Bonus, we make a deal, and he agrees to attend three holiday events with me so I can make him fall in love with Christmas. As if I’d pass up an opportunity to make a Grinch’s heart grow three times its size.
It isn’t long until I discover Andrew has a very real reason to hate Christmas and I start to see him in a different light. That’s when the Christmas miracle begins.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙙𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡…
Single and Ready to Jingle is releasing on November 15th!
The girl who loves Christmas falls for the Grinch—it’s a Christmas miracle.
What started as a dumpster fire of a blind date turns into a deal.
In truth, it probably didn’t help that I showed up dressed like an elf but that’s a story for another time. Our start was rocky at best which is why it’s so frustrating that I can’t stop thinking about his sexy British accent. Or the way his chest and arms fill out his suit. Or his perfect hair with that single streak of grey at the front.
Santa likes lists and so do I, so here’s all the reasons why Andrew and I aren’t right for each other:
He’s my brother’s best friend
He’s the biggest grump I’ve ever met.
He hates Christmas.
That last one is big for a girl like me who thinks that the entire month of December should be a national holiday. So, when he calls for my help in planning his firm’s holiday party, I can’t pass up the opportunity to grow my small business. Bonus, we make a deal, and he agrees to attend three holiday events with me so I can make him fall in love with Christmas. As if I’d pass up an opportunity to make a Grinch’s heart grow three times its size.
It isn’t long until I discover Andrew has a very real reason to hate Christmas and I start to see him in a different light. That’s when the Christmas miracle begins.
November 15, 2022
While I absolutely love Christmas, I haven't actually read a tonne of Christmas books, but every year, I try to read at least a few, and as soon as I heard about Piper and Rayne's SINGLE AND READY TO JINGLE, I knew it would be perfect to pick up this year, and boy was I right! :)
I absolutely adored SINGLE AND READY TO JINGLE—the tropes were fabulous, I loved the characters and the chemistry between Kenzie and Andrew was phenomenal! I also adored all of the lovely holiday rom-com vibes! It was so fun! I loved all of the Christmas-y adventures, and Kenzie's love of Christmas was so palpable! It definitely helped me get even more excited for the season!
I loved how the story progressed, and thoroughly enjoyed seeing Kenzie and Andrew fall in love...I also adored that Andrew was British! Who doesn't love an accent? ;)
Overall, I thought that SINGLE AND READY TO JINGLE was a fun, adorable and steamy holiday rom-com that had me completely hooked! I did bump my rating closer to a 4.5 just because I felt like the ending was a bit rushed, but other than that, I loved it and thought it was a wonderful story! This also happened to be Piper and Rayne's first standalone...so not only is it perfect for the holidays, but it's the perfect way for new readers to meet two of my faves! I highly recommend SINGLE AND READY TO JINGLE to rom-com lovers, especially those who love holiday romances!
Star Rating: ★★★★.5
I absolutely adored SINGLE AND READY TO JINGLE—the tropes were fabulous, I loved the characters and the chemistry between Kenzie and Andrew was phenomenal! I also adored all of the lovely holiday rom-com vibes! It was so fun! I loved all of the Christmas-y adventures, and Kenzie's love of Christmas was so palpable! It definitely helped me get even more excited for the season!
I loved how the story progressed, and thoroughly enjoyed seeing Kenzie and Andrew fall in love...I also adored that Andrew was British! Who doesn't love an accent? ;)
Overall, I thought that SINGLE AND READY TO JINGLE was a fun, adorable and steamy holiday rom-com that had me completely hooked! I did bump my rating closer to a 4.5 just because I felt like the ending was a bit rushed, but other than that, I loved it and thought it was a wonderful story! This also happened to be Piper and Rayne's first standalone...so not only is it perfect for the holidays, but it's the perfect way for new readers to meet two of my faves! I highly recommend SINGLE AND READY TO JINGLE to rom-com lovers, especially those who love holiday romances!
Star Rating: ★★★★.5
December 14, 2022
Overall this was cute, but it wasn’t my favourite
Andrew is a grumpy lawyer who hates Christmas and his blind date, Kenzie, shows up dressed like elf (and she LOVES Christmas). They end up making a deal after the date: She will help him plan a Christmas party at his work and he will go to three holiday related events with her.
We have grumpy/sunshine AND brothers best friend, and yet I still didn’t like this…
The book had some cute scenes, but I felt like they were so repetitive - I would read the same thing, just in different contexts. And Andrew wasn’t your typical grump… He was actually really mean (and dramatic ugh). Usually I love a grumpy book guy, but this guy just wasn’t it.
3.5/5⭐️
Andrew is a grumpy lawyer who hates Christmas and his blind date, Kenzie, shows up dressed like elf (and she LOVES Christmas). They end up making a deal after the date: She will help him plan a Christmas party at his work and he will go to three holiday related events with her.
We have grumpy/sunshine AND brothers best friend, and yet I still didn’t like this…
The book had some cute scenes, but I felt like they were so repetitive - I would read the same thing, just in different contexts. And Andrew wasn’t your typical grump… He was actually really mean (and dramatic ugh). Usually I love a grumpy book guy, but this guy just wasn’t it.
3.5/5⭐️
December 21, 2022
***4.5/5 Stars***
Single and Ready to Jingle was a heartwarming Christmas tale that will leave a smile on your face. With an opposites attract, a teeny tiny smudge of an enemies to lovers and brothers best friend all rolled together, this book was so much fun! The characters were easy to love, the story flowed seamlessly and the epilogue at the end had the most wonderful HEA! If you're looking for an adult Christmas book to pick up this season, definitely make for sure this one is on your list!
Kenzie was meeting a new date at a restaurant. Not having time to change before going to the restaurant, she showed up wearing an elf costume since she owned her own event planning business. The bells on her shoes were so fantastic lol. Andrew, who was a lawyer, was having none of it. He didn't like Christmas or a grown woman looking like a cartoon character. Andrew was cold, made her feel awful and I dubbed him as a conceited know it all! So I was embarrassed right along with Kenzie. She was so easy to love and her inner thoughts just make you click with her. But at the same point, she cluelessly kept making their date worse. I just wanted to hug her. Learning that Andrew was Kenzie's brother's best friend felt like a broken star on her wilting Christmas tree. They parted ways hoping to not run into one another again, yet that wasn't exactly how it worked out!
Andrew aka The Grinch, was a cynical, rude, anti-Christmas man when we first met him. So when we alternated chapters and got to be in his head, I was shocked with his thoughts. Mind blown *my lips are zipped why*! When Andrew asked to meet Kenzie and said he recommended her for his law firm's Christmas party, I was so excited for her opportunity! Even if Andrew was using it as a way to get in good with one of his bosses, who he was hoping would help promote him. But I will say, Andrew does need to be given some slack. His past hurt ugh, he was jaded because of it. I got why he acted the way he did. But with Kenzie's Christmas cheer, and her deal for Andrew to attend three holiday events with her, I just knew she would start knocking down his walls!
This story was so adorable! I loved all of Andrew and Kenzie's interactions and those three holiday events?! My heart soared! While they were opposites from one another, it was impossible not to smile when they spent time together. I loved getting to see their different sides, since there was so much more then meets the eye. Sprinkle that with cute little moments that made me laugh out loud, this book was such an easy win! It was fun watching them grow and help each other, and the whole time I just wanted to shove them together. It was a little bit of a slow burn, and as the story progressed there were some wonderful steamy scenes! But they both had learning to do, and Kenzie and Adam pulled our hearts along for that sleigh ride!
Single and Ready to Jingle was a fabulous Christmas romance that brimmed with warmth, holiday cheer and so much joy! With ice skating, holiday cocktails, emotional families and snow falling, this book was so enjoyable! I loved that Kenzie and Andrew were both flawed and relatable, I loved how much the side characters added and the HEA at the end perfectly closed their story. I'm so glad I gave this book a try and now I can't wait to go read Piper Rayne's backlist!
PS Kenzie's shirts were amazing!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Single and Ready to Jingle was a heartwarming Christmas tale that will leave a smile on your face. With an opposites attract, a teeny tiny smudge of an enemies to lovers and brothers best friend all rolled together, this book was so much fun! The characters were easy to love, the story flowed seamlessly and the epilogue at the end had the most wonderful HEA! If you're looking for an adult Christmas book to pick up this season, definitely make for sure this one is on your list!
I love Christmas.
Like, love love Christmas.
Most Americans wait until after Thanksgiving to put up their Christmas decorations, but not me. Mine go up the day after Halloween.
Kenzie was meeting a new date at a restaurant. Not having time to change before going to the restaurant, she showed up wearing an elf costume since she owned her own event planning business. The bells on her shoes were so fantastic lol. Andrew, who was a lawyer, was having none of it. He didn't like Christmas or a grown woman looking like a cartoon character. Andrew was cold, made her feel awful and I dubbed him as a conceited know it all! So I was embarrassed right along with Kenzie. She was so easy to love and her inner thoughts just make you click with her. But at the same point, she cluelessly kept making their date worse. I just wanted to hug her. Learning that Andrew was Kenzie's brother's best friend felt like a broken star on her wilting Christmas tree. They parted ways hoping to not run into one another again, yet that wasn't exactly how it worked out!
Something about this woman’s smile is infectious. It almost pulls a smile of my own out, but I stifle the urge and school my features.
Andrew aka The Grinch, was a cynical, rude, anti-Christmas man when we first met him. So when we alternated chapters and got to be in his head, I was shocked with his thoughts. Mind blown *my lips are zipped why*! When Andrew asked to meet Kenzie and said he recommended her for his law firm's Christmas party, I was so excited for her opportunity! Even if Andrew was using it as a way to get in good with one of his bosses, who he was hoping would help promote him. But I will say, Andrew does need to be given some slack. His past hurt ugh, he was jaded because of it. I got why he acted the way he did. But with Kenzie's Christmas cheer, and her deal for Andrew to attend three holiday events with her, I just knew she would start knocking down his walls!
I quickly add myself as a contact and text myself so his number will be in my phone. When I hand it back to him, he glances at the screen.
“Mrs. Claus?” he says in a wry voice.
I laugh. “Well, that’s why you want to hire me, isn’t it? I love Christmas and you’re hoping for a miracle?”
He chuckles and shakes his head.
This story was so adorable! I loved all of Andrew and Kenzie's interactions and those three holiday events?! My heart soared! While they were opposites from one another, it was impossible not to smile when they spent time together. I loved getting to see their different sides, since there was so much more then meets the eye. Sprinkle that with cute little moments that made me laugh out loud, this book was such an easy win! It was fun watching them grow and help each other, and the whole time I just wanted to shove them together. It was a little bit of a slow burn, and as the story progressed there were some wonderful steamy scenes! But they both had learning to do, and Kenzie and Adam pulled our hearts along for that sleigh ride!
I bring my hand to my chest in mock surprise. “Did you just make a joke? I didn’t think you were capable.”
He rolls his eyes, and without another word, I turn and walk over to the counter to order his Americano and my caramel macchiato.
Single and Ready to Jingle was a fabulous Christmas romance that brimmed with warmth, holiday cheer and so much joy! With ice skating, holiday cocktails, emotional families and snow falling, this book was so enjoyable! I loved that Kenzie and Andrew were both flawed and relatable, I loved how much the side characters added and the HEA at the end perfectly closed their story. I'm so glad I gave this book a try and now I can't wait to go read Piper Rayne's backlist!
My heart has been kick-started, it just has nothing to do with Christmas.
PS Kenzie's shirts were amazing!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
December 21, 2023
I’m new to reading books by author Piper Rayne, but I’m so hooked! This was the best kickoff to the holiday reading for me, and Single and Ready To Jingle was so good. The brother’s best friend trope has become a fave for me recently, and it was both spicy and sweet, with all the holiday feels.
I love a grumpy x sunshine story, and Andrew is the biggest Scrooge to Kenzie’s sunshine personality and Christmas-loving heart. Overall it was such a heartwarming story with themes of self-discovery and character growth.
WHAT TO EXPECT
•holiday romance
•grumpy x sunshine
•brother’s best friend
I love a grumpy x sunshine story, and Andrew is the biggest Scrooge to Kenzie’s sunshine personality and Christmas-loving heart. Overall it was such a heartwarming story with themes of self-discovery and character growth.
WHAT TO EXPECT
•holiday romance
•grumpy x sunshine
•brother’s best friend
December 22, 2022
I didn’t know what to expect from this one but I ended up really enjoying it!
The writing was great from the very beginning. It was easy to read and had good pacing and flow. The reader is dropped right into the story without feeling lost.
I really like the brother’s best friend trope and this book did it so well. I love how supportive and encouraging Andrew is towards Kenzie with her career and her goals. They were so cute together and I think they complemented one another so well. The romance had just the right amount of spice, it’s sprinkled throughout but it didn’t take over the whole book. The stakes were low which is something I enjoy in a holiday romance
The only thing I didn’t love was how some scenes were repetitive with basically the same exact scenarios repeating over and over. It was really noticeable because it was a short book. The ending was also a bit cringey for my liking, things felt a little rushed.
This was a really fun and cute read with perfect Christmas vibes!
The writing was great from the very beginning. It was easy to read and had good pacing and flow. The reader is dropped right into the story without feeling lost.
I really like the brother’s best friend trope and this book did it so well. I love how supportive and encouraging Andrew is towards Kenzie with her career and her goals. They were so cute together and I think they complemented one another so well. The romance had just the right amount of spice, it’s sprinkled throughout but it didn’t take over the whole book. The stakes were low which is something I enjoy in a holiday romance
The only thing I didn’t love was how some scenes were repetitive with basically the same exact scenarios repeating over and over. It was really noticeable because it was a short book. The ending was also a bit cringey for my liking, things felt a little rushed.
This was a really fun and cute read with perfect Christmas vibes!
November 13, 2022
I love a good steamy romance. These two were not right for each other at first. Andrew dislikes Christmas and is a scrooge about the holiday while Kenzie is all about Christmas. She even shows up on their first date as an elf! She talks Andrew into doing three Christmas things with her in order to sway his feelings about Christmas. From there things get steamy. I loved watching their love bloom and Mr. Grump change his ways. Such a fun read. Definitely a great holiday read.
December 21, 2022
This was for sure Christmas cute until it took a left turn into Crazyville.
I hated the Christmas party scene and just wish if there needed to be angst it could have been delivered differently. It WAS unprofessional and wrong, wrong, wrong.
And then that end, yeah. Crazyville.
I hated the Christmas party scene and just wish if there needed to be angst it could have been delivered differently. It WAS unprofessional and wrong, wrong, wrong.
And then that end, yeah. Crazyville.
December 1, 2022
What a delightfully sweet and swoony way to start the holiday season! Charming, heartwarming, funny, and fantastically festive, Single and Ready to Jingle is the perfect feel-good holiday read. We've got a little bit of naught and nice, Piper Rayne's ever-enchanting characters, and loads of sparkling chemistry, all wrapped together with loads of holiday fun. Fa la la la la- this festive romance has all that Christmas magic.
December 22, 2024
This was not as fun and entertaining as Merry Kissmas. The Christmas vibes were there, but I had trouble connecting with the characters and I couldn’t get behind the romance. There was something about the MMC Andrew that just rubbed me the wrong way. He seemed arrogant and I don’t think he really developed throughout the story. The reason for the third act breakup was also very messy and uncomfortable.
November 29, 2022
3.5 stars! The hero needed to grovel More towards the end
December 21, 2022
2.5 stars
This was actually pretty nice, weren't it for a totally botched ending. Don't get me wrong, it's again the VERY SAME christmas romance formula of "he's grumpy and hates the holidays, she's sunshine and loves the holidays" 😭😭💀🤡
Like...would it hurt anyone if you just wrote it the other way around sometimes. Or just not have it as some kind of enormous, profound difference in a budding relationship. You know, a bit like...one likes holiday season moderately, the other dislikes it moderately and they just have a hot, budding romance with all the holiday-themed stuff in the background. It sounds mild when you put it like that, but it also sounds hella refreshing to me 🙃
Anyway...Andrew's and Kenzie's story, predictable as it was, was also pretty warm and charming. I did appreciate an attempt at giving these characters some backstory and past and characterization deeper than one simple personality trait. Also loved the combo of tropes: grumpy + sunshine (also in a predictable configuration) + best friend's sister + reluctant allies/co-operation. Plus, Andrew was a lawyer and it's a rare occasion when I don't find fictional lawyers hot.
What didn't work then?
🤡 third-act conflict and he grovels, but then he also does a big gesture of proposing and it's literally after 3 weeks of them dating, and I'm out, BYE
🤡 in the epilogue it's mentioned in Kenzie's inner-monologue that they want to wait with kids, because they want some time to just themselves, and I'm doing a mental happy dance for this once in a blue moon HEA that doesn't end with pregnancy/kids, but nah! my joy is untimely! right there in the end Kenzie blesses Andrew with the news of unexpected pregnancy and everyone is overjoyed but this very bitter reader who is so over the idea of procreation being the only available source of joy in a happy relationship
This was actually pretty nice, weren't it for a totally botched ending. Don't get me wrong, it's again the VERY SAME christmas romance formula of "he's grumpy and hates the holidays, she's sunshine and loves the holidays" 😭😭💀🤡
Like...would it hurt anyone if you just wrote it the other way around sometimes. Or just not have it as some kind of enormous, profound difference in a budding relationship. You know, a bit like...one likes holiday season moderately, the other dislikes it moderately and they just have a hot, budding romance with all the holiday-themed stuff in the background. It sounds mild when you put it like that, but it also sounds hella refreshing to me 🙃
Anyway...Andrew's and Kenzie's story, predictable as it was, was also pretty warm and charming. I did appreciate an attempt at giving these characters some backstory and past and characterization deeper than one simple personality trait. Also loved the combo of tropes: grumpy + sunshine (also in a predictable configuration) + best friend's sister + reluctant allies/co-operation. Plus, Andrew was a lawyer and it's a rare occasion when I don't find fictional lawyers hot.
What didn't work then?
🤡 third-act conflict and he grovels, but then he also does a big gesture of proposing and it's literally after 3 weeks of them dating, and I'm out, BYE
🤡 in the epilogue it's mentioned in Kenzie's inner-monologue that they want to wait with kids, because they want some time to just themselves, and I'm doing a mental happy dance for this once in a blue moon HEA that doesn't end with pregnancy/kids, but nah! my joy is untimely! right there in the end Kenzie blesses Andrew with the news of unexpected pregnancy and everyone is overjoyed but this very bitter reader who is so over the idea of procreation being the only available source of joy in a happy relationship
December 13, 2022
I always love a good cheesy Christmas book and this didn’t disappoint.
I adored the grumpy/sunshine + brothers best friend trope, it worked so well in this story. It was surprisingly very spicy and such a fun rom-com.
The ending was a bit rushed for me but nonetheless I had a great time reading this and it put the biggest smile on my face.
I adored the grumpy/sunshine + brothers best friend trope, it worked so well in this story. It was surprisingly very spicy and such a fun rom-com.
The ending was a bit rushed for me but nonetheless I had a great time reading this and it put the biggest smile on my face.
November 16, 2022
4,5 stars.
This one had the right Christmas cheer! Loved it! Brothers best friend, a bit enemies to lovers, secretly dating, steamy moments and a lot of Christmas vibes. It was a cute romance, no angst and completely safe. How my Christmas romances should all be. Hero was almost a book boyfriend. But to be honest, he messed up a few times and I despised how he treated his assistant. He lost some credits there!
Safety spoilers:
Safe. No OW/OM drama, cheating or sex with OP. No details about heroine’s past. Hero had a steady girlfriend in college, he proposed but she declined. It’s implied he was celibate for 10+ years. When he moved to the US, he was all about work and no women.
This one had the right Christmas cheer! Loved it! Brothers best friend, a bit enemies to lovers, secretly dating, steamy moments and a lot of Christmas vibes. It was a cute romance, no angst and completely safe. How my Christmas romances should all be. Hero was almost a book boyfriend. But to be honest, he messed up a few times and I despised how he treated his assistant. He lost some credits there!
Safety spoilers:
Safe. No OW/OM drama, cheating or sex with OP. No details about heroine’s past. Hero had a steady girlfriend in college, he proposed but she declined. It’s implied he was celibate for 10+ years. When he moved to the US, he was all about work and no women.
December 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this grumpy X sunshine Christmas romance 🥰 🎄
I followed along with the audio which i highly recommend listening to because a grumpy british man is *chefs kiss*
The spice doesn’t happen for a while but when it does 🥵
I would read more by this author
I followed along with the audio which i highly recommend listening to because a grumpy british man is *chefs kiss*
The spice doesn’t happen for a while but when it does 🥵
I would read more by this author
November 15, 2022
This was a cute holiday read to get you in the spirit of the season.
Kenzie is an event planner that loves everything about Christmas so it's no surprise that when required she will jump into action and dress the part, which is why when she was running late for a blind date she showed up dressed as an Elf. I loved that she didn't want to keep her date waiting and instead decided to go in what she was wearing since she didn't have a change of clothes with her but Andrew didn't exactly feel the same. Lets just call him a British Scrooge.
Andrew and Kenzie were opposites when it came to Christmas but they definitely didn't lack in the chemistry area. I really enjoyed watching the slow burn of these two come to the point where they couldn't keep their hands to themselves any longer. It was also fun to see a couple from a past book/series of Piper Rayne's show up, I won't say who it was but since the story takes place in New York you can narrow it down to those that live in that location and not Alaska.
If you are looking for a Steamy Contemporary Romance to get you in the mood for the holidays I think this one will do it, especially if you enjoy the Brothers Best Friend Trope.
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewSaRtJ
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Kenzie is an event planner that loves everything about Christmas so it's no surprise that when required she will jump into action and dress the part, which is why when she was running late for a blind date she showed up dressed as an Elf. I loved that she didn't want to keep her date waiting and instead decided to go in what she was wearing since she didn't have a change of clothes with her but Andrew didn't exactly feel the same. Lets just call him a British Scrooge.
Andrew and Kenzie were opposites when it came to Christmas but they definitely didn't lack in the chemistry area. I really enjoyed watching the slow burn of these two come to the point where they couldn't keep their hands to themselves any longer. It was also fun to see a couple from a past book/series of Piper Rayne's show up, I won't say who it was but since the story takes place in New York you can narrow it down to those that live in that location and not Alaska.
If you are looking for a Steamy Contemporary Romance to get you in the mood for the holidays I think this one will do it, especially if you enjoy the Brothers Best Friend Trope.
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewSaRtJ
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
November 11, 2022
Single and Ready to Jingle was my first holiday book this season and was so much fun. Piper Rayne writes the perfect brother’s best friend grumpy/sunshine and man oh man does our heroine, Kenzie, shine.
I loved her from her very first jingle when Kenzie walked into the restaurant to meet her blind date who happens to be a sexy Brit. She was comfortable in her own skin and such a positive light. Love how she stood up for herself and wouldn’t let Andrew, aka the broody grump, taint her Christmas spirit.
The author writes such loveable, relatable characters that evolve on every page. They both have insecurities that, unbeknownst to them, affected their behavior, and as readers, you will route for these two opposites attract the entire time.
Kenzie did not have the greatest upbringing, yet she still forged her own path and had confidence to start her own business as an event planner. Andrew was a successful attorney vying for partner, and was such a stuffed shirt at first. I loved his growth and how he just gravitated towards her, let down his guard, and allowed himself to enjoy life for the first time in a long time. I swooned every time he was a gentleman–simple things like walking closer to the street to keep her safe, buying loads of hot chocolate because it was something she enjoyed, and getting her a birthday gift was so very personal and thoughtful that it made me tear up.
Their relationship grew physical and the steam could sure melt the snow! He was generous in the bedroom and a giver for sure! They brought out the best in each other and it really made my heart happy. Loved how her relationship with her brother improved, all of the secondary characters including his boss’ wife who was a bit eccentric and crazy, and all of the fun dates she planned to get his icy heart to enjoy the holiday season.
Kenzie and Andrew made their own HEA, even though he had to grovel a bit to get there, and the ending really warmed my heart. Single and Ready to Jingle is the perfect stand-alone rom-com for the holidays! All the feels!
I loved her from her very first jingle when Kenzie walked into the restaurant to meet her blind date who happens to be a sexy Brit. She was comfortable in her own skin and such a positive light. Love how she stood up for herself and wouldn’t let Andrew, aka the broody grump, taint her Christmas spirit.
The author writes such loveable, relatable characters that evolve on every page. They both have insecurities that, unbeknownst to them, affected their behavior, and as readers, you will route for these two opposites attract the entire time.
Kenzie did not have the greatest upbringing, yet she still forged her own path and had confidence to start her own business as an event planner. Andrew was a successful attorney vying for partner, and was such a stuffed shirt at first. I loved his growth and how he just gravitated towards her, let down his guard, and allowed himself to enjoy life for the first time in a long time. I swooned every time he was a gentleman–simple things like walking closer to the street to keep her safe, buying loads of hot chocolate because it was something she enjoyed, and getting her a birthday gift was so very personal and thoughtful that it made me tear up.
Their relationship grew physical and the steam could sure melt the snow! He was generous in the bedroom and a giver for sure! They brought out the best in each other and it really made my heart happy. Loved how her relationship with her brother improved, all of the secondary characters including his boss’ wife who was a bit eccentric and crazy, and all of the fun dates she planned to get his icy heart to enjoy the holiday season.
Kenzie and Andrew made their own HEA, even though he had to grovel a bit to get there, and the ending really warmed my heart. Single and Ready to Jingle is the perfect stand-alone rom-com for the holidays! All the feels!
November 17, 2022
Single and Ready to Jingle by Piper Rayne
Rating: 4.5 stars
Steam: 2 chili
Pub Date: 11/15
When Kenzie, a Christmas fanatic, shows up to her blind date with Andrew, a total Scrooge, dressed like a Christmas elf, Andrew is not impressed. He acts like a jerk all through dinner and they part ways with no intention of ever seeing each other again. But they do reconnect soon after when Andrew needs someone to plan a last minute holiday party for his law firm. He’s trying to make partner and begs Kenzie to plan the party so that he can impress his boss. She agrees, but only if Andrew will let her plan three Christmas activities for them to do together so she can show Andrew how much fun Christmas can be.
This was a lot of fun and had ALL the Christmas vibes I was hoping for. Andrew is Kenzie’s brother’s best friend, so that adds a forbidden element to this grumpy/sunshine story, along with the one bed, opposites-attract, slow-burn tropes that I love. It’s also first-person dual POV which is a favorite for me, too.
Andrew’s past is holding him back from dating and the reason he hates Christmas. Kenzie is a people pleaser to a fault and her ray of sunshine exterior is hiding some dark insecurities brought on by her parent’s expectations. She helps Andrew shed some of his Grinchiness, and he helps her stand up for herself. Together they make a great team, and it was a lot of fun watching their relationship develop. It helps that it was deliciously steamy, too.
This was four and a half stars instead of five because the ending was too Hallmarky-perfect for me. I think the story was moving along at the perfect pace, and then it just ended, and I was hoping for just a little bit more.
Overall, l really enjoyed this and wholeheartedly recommend this to my Hallmark-loving, spicy book fans who need all the Christmas vibes this time of year. This is my first book by the Piper Rayne duo, and it won’t be my last! Thank you to Valentine PR and Piper Rayne for the gifted copy! Single and Ready to Jingle is out on 11/15.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Steam: 2 chili
Pub Date: 11/15
When Kenzie, a Christmas fanatic, shows up to her blind date with Andrew, a total Scrooge, dressed like a Christmas elf, Andrew is not impressed. He acts like a jerk all through dinner and they part ways with no intention of ever seeing each other again. But they do reconnect soon after when Andrew needs someone to plan a last minute holiday party for his law firm. He’s trying to make partner and begs Kenzie to plan the party so that he can impress his boss. She agrees, but only if Andrew will let her plan three Christmas activities for them to do together so she can show Andrew how much fun Christmas can be.
This was a lot of fun and had ALL the Christmas vibes I was hoping for. Andrew is Kenzie’s brother’s best friend, so that adds a forbidden element to this grumpy/sunshine story, along with the one bed, opposites-attract, slow-burn tropes that I love. It’s also first-person dual POV which is a favorite for me, too.
Andrew’s past is holding him back from dating and the reason he hates Christmas. Kenzie is a people pleaser to a fault and her ray of sunshine exterior is hiding some dark insecurities brought on by her parent’s expectations. She helps Andrew shed some of his Grinchiness, and he helps her stand up for herself. Together they make a great team, and it was a lot of fun watching their relationship develop. It helps that it was deliciously steamy, too.
This was four and a half stars instead of five because the ending was too Hallmarky-perfect for me. I think the story was moving along at the perfect pace, and then it just ended, and I was hoping for just a little bit more.
Overall, l really enjoyed this and wholeheartedly recommend this to my Hallmark-loving, spicy book fans who need all the Christmas vibes this time of year. This is my first book by the Piper Rayne duo, and it won’t be my last! Thank you to Valentine PR and Piper Rayne for the gifted copy! Single and Ready to Jingle is out on 11/15.
December 20, 2023
After listening to Claus and Effect I knew I had to go back and listen to Single and Ready to Jingle. The small taste I got of Kenzie and Andrew wasn't nearly enough!! And while this book didn't have quite the same punch as Claus and Effect it was still the perfect little Christmas novel to get you in the spirit for the upcoming holiday.
Kenzie and Andrew's blind date meet cute was positively adorable! Seriously, for a grump like him to have to go out on a date with someone dressed to the nines as an Elf was just perfection!
And I think that was why this book really got me so much is because the grumpy/sunshine trope but make it Christmas themed was done so smoothly. A lot of times it is forced and the things that people hate about Christmas are not even logical.
Before I wrap this up, I need to address how well Piper Rayne handled both of their insecurities while also helping them grow together not only as a couple but individually. People's trauma always seems to come out more during the holiday season and the way this was handled just amped up the story that much more.
John Lane, who is a new to me narrator and CJ Bloom did a great job at making this story come to life. If I have said it once I will say it again, narrators can make or break a book. These two made this book more enjoyable!
To sum it all up, I loved Claus and Effect much more than I did this book, but it was good going back to where it started for Kenzie and seeing how she got her happily ever after with Andrew.
Kenzie and Andrew's blind date meet cute was positively adorable! Seriously, for a grump like him to have to go out on a date with someone dressed to the nines as an Elf was just perfection!
And I think that was why this book really got me so much is because the grumpy/sunshine trope but make it Christmas themed was done so smoothly. A lot of times it is forced and the things that people hate about Christmas are not even logical.
Before I wrap this up, I need to address how well Piper Rayne handled both of their insecurities while also helping them grow together not only as a couple but individually. People's trauma always seems to come out more during the holiday season and the way this was handled just amped up the story that much more.
John Lane, who is a new to me narrator and CJ Bloom did a great job at making this story come to life. If I have said it once I will say it again, narrators can make or break a book. These two made this book more enjoyable!
To sum it all up, I loved Claus and Effect much more than I did this book, but it was good going back to where it started for Kenzie and seeing how she got her happily ever after with Andrew.
December 20, 2022
Well I just loved that to pieces!!!! It’s your classic Christmas Lover meets The Grinch, and vows to take said Grinch on several Christmas activities until The Grinch’s heart grows three sizes. But I didn’t care that it’s predictable, I loved it! Kenzie meets her blind date dressed as a full blown elf. In her defense, she was working an event and if she went home to change, she would be late! She hates being late. So when Andrew sees her dressed like a Christmas idiot, at a five star restaurant, his corporate lawyer insides squirm in distaste.
When they quickly realize that he’s her older brother’s best friend from law school who she never met, they use that as an excuse to write off any chance at a relationship. Which is just fine, because when Andrew is a jackass to her and hurts her feelings, she leaves his ass at the restaurant, alone. After, Andrew is still thinking about her while at work, and sees an opportunity to both apologize to her, and get her a job while so saving his ass. She agrees to plan the annual Christmas party with his boss’s beloved fiancé, but only if Andrew goes with her on three different non-dates so that he has a chance at loving Christmas.
These two fight their attraction, but it’s no use, and they morph from friends to the sweetest, most earnest and adorable couple eveeerrrr. Andrew battles some serious insecurities due to an old relationship, and Kenzie deals with crippling insecurity because of her neglectful parents. She hates confrontation and lets everyone walk all over her, and he doesn’t trust his ability to read a person he’s in a relationship with, but they work on each other and themselves, and it all ended up just fine. Absolutely loved Kenzie and Andrew, both separately and together, this was a treat!!
When they quickly realize that he’s her older brother’s best friend from law school who she never met, they use that as an excuse to write off any chance at a relationship. Which is just fine, because when Andrew is a jackass to her and hurts her feelings, she leaves his ass at the restaurant, alone. After, Andrew is still thinking about her while at work, and sees an opportunity to both apologize to her, and get her a job while so saving his ass. She agrees to plan the annual Christmas party with his boss’s beloved fiancé, but only if Andrew goes with her on three different non-dates so that he has a chance at loving Christmas.
These two fight their attraction, but it’s no use, and they morph from friends to the sweetest, most earnest and adorable couple eveeerrrr. Andrew battles some serious insecurities due to an old relationship, and Kenzie deals with crippling insecurity because of her neglectful parents. She hates confrontation and lets everyone walk all over her, and he doesn’t trust his ability to read a person he’s in a relationship with, but they work on each other and themselves, and it all ended up just fine. Absolutely loved Kenzie and Andrew, both separately and together, this was a treat!!
December 13, 2022
4.5 stars
This one was wonderful!! The end was a little rushed with everything but that’s really the only bad thing I have to say!
I felt holly & jolly while reading (listening) and definitely think this is a great read for Christmas!
Spice: 🌶🌶
Tropes:
Holiday romance
Brothers best friend
Forced proximity
One bed
Grumpy sunshine
This one was wonderful!! The end was a little rushed with everything but that’s really the only bad thing I have to say!
I felt holly & jolly while reading (listening) and definitely think this is a great read for Christmas!
Spice: 🌶🌶
Tropes:
Holiday romance
Brothers best friend
Forced proximity
One bed
Grumpy sunshine
December 11, 2023
weeelllllllll
like it was cute but I mean.... how are we moving so damn fast brother? slow your roll..
this was cute but the pacing was nutty. we were doing so well riiiight up until the end. the last like 3 chapters of the book just jumped so many stages? I let out a loud "HUH?!" right away.
anyways... moving on
like it was cute but I mean.... how are we moving so damn fast brother? slow your roll..
this was cute but the pacing was nutty. we were doing so well riiiight up until the end. the last like 3 chapters of the book just jumped so many stages? I let out a loud "HUH?!" right away.
anyways... moving on
December 10, 2022
I don't know how this is rated so highly because it is god awful. This review is full of spoilers so read at your own risk.
I don't judge Christmas romances as harshly as a regular one, because part of the fun of the season is the ridiculous, magical, overly emotional nature of it. I'm willing to go with a lot of things I wouldn't normally go for, but there still needs to be good characters and plot. Neither can be found here.
The basic premise is that Kenzie, the heroine, loves Christmas. She's an event planner and at the start of the book she's racing to meet a man for their first date. Unfortunately, she was at a Christmas event and is wearing an elf costume because she's running late. Now, this seems like a charming set up, but it also makes Kenzie seem like an idiot. If she knew she had an event before a date, why not bring her date outfit with her? Also, the timing is off. It's two weeks before Thanksgiving, so why is a Christmas event even happening? I was willing to ignore this, because it is funny to imagine her going into a posh restaurant and jingling from all the bells, but it falls flat.
Kenzie is pretty unapologetic about the situation because she didn't want to be late. Why she couldn't have messaged her date is a mystery the author dares not touch. Andrew, our grumpy, blandly British hero, is unimpressed by the costume and pretty much a dick about it. Then they realize he's her brother's best friend (so convenient they'd never met) and both decide they can't have a romantic future. Unfortunately before ending their date, Andrew admits he doesn't care for Christmas and Kenzie decides she wants to fix him. She never really considers that Andrew might be perfectly justified in his rationale or that some people struggle around the holidays. Still, it's a Christmas book, so I continued.
Through a series of contrived events. Andrew's law firm needs a holiday event planner so he suggests Kenzie (why he'd risk his possible partnership at the firm on the woman he didn't like who wore an elf costume to their date is beyond me) and also claims to be a big Christmas lover. He then has to get her to take the job and she will only accept it if he does 3 Christmas things with her. Her first event is taking him to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which is possibly the only Christmas event in NYC that might make the biggest holiday fan hate Christmas. The fact that Kenzie, a grown woman, goes every year is completely bananas.
There are plot lines about both of them having crappy parents and trauma in their pasts and the weird brother relationship is also a thing, but it's all boring and stupid and I couldn't have cared less. The couple eventually start to date for real but then Kenzie gets drunk at the event she planned for Andrew's firm (she didn't realize there was alcohol in her drink, really???) and does a lap dance on Andrew in front of his coworkers to tell him she loves him. Andrew doesn't take this well. Which, in all fairness, is the correct reaction to what she's done. Then they make up in a very stupid and contrived way and the ending made me want to pull my hair out.
If Kenzie and Andrew were likable or had chemistry, all of this might have worked. Unfortunately they are flat and insipid characters and there's a lot of juvenile and coarse language. I believe the hero mentions his half chub a few times. Dirty talk is fine, but this was laughably unsexy.
This book has no holiday cheer. I give it 5 bah humbugs.
I don't judge Christmas romances as harshly as a regular one, because part of the fun of the season is the ridiculous, magical, overly emotional nature of it. I'm willing to go with a lot of things I wouldn't normally go for, but there still needs to be good characters and plot. Neither can be found here.
The basic premise is that Kenzie, the heroine, loves Christmas. She's an event planner and at the start of the book she's racing to meet a man for their first date. Unfortunately, she was at a Christmas event and is wearing an elf costume because she's running late. Now, this seems like a charming set up, but it also makes Kenzie seem like an idiot. If she knew she had an event before a date, why not bring her date outfit with her? Also, the timing is off. It's two weeks before Thanksgiving, so why is a Christmas event even happening? I was willing to ignore this, because it is funny to imagine her going into a posh restaurant and jingling from all the bells, but it falls flat.
Kenzie is pretty unapologetic about the situation because she didn't want to be late. Why she couldn't have messaged her date is a mystery the author dares not touch. Andrew, our grumpy, blandly British hero, is unimpressed by the costume and pretty much a dick about it. Then they realize he's her brother's best friend (so convenient they'd never met) and both decide they can't have a romantic future. Unfortunately before ending their date, Andrew admits he doesn't care for Christmas and Kenzie decides she wants to fix him. She never really considers that Andrew might be perfectly justified in his rationale or that some people struggle around the holidays. Still, it's a Christmas book, so I continued.
Through a series of contrived events. Andrew's law firm needs a holiday event planner so he suggests Kenzie (why he'd risk his possible partnership at the firm on the woman he didn't like who wore an elf costume to their date is beyond me) and also claims to be a big Christmas lover. He then has to get her to take the job and she will only accept it if he does 3 Christmas things with her. Her first event is taking him to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which is possibly the only Christmas event in NYC that might make the biggest holiday fan hate Christmas. The fact that Kenzie, a grown woman, goes every year is completely bananas.
There are plot lines about both of them having crappy parents and trauma in their pasts and the weird brother relationship is also a thing, but it's all boring and stupid and I couldn't have cared less. The couple eventually start to date for real but then Kenzie gets drunk at the event she planned for Andrew's firm (she didn't realize there was alcohol in her drink, really???) and does a lap dance on Andrew in front of his coworkers to tell him she loves him. Andrew doesn't take this well. Which, in all fairness, is the correct reaction to what she's done. Then they make up in a very stupid and contrived way and the ending made me want to pull my hair out.
If Kenzie and Andrew were likable or had chemistry, all of this might have worked. Unfortunately they are flat and insipid characters and there's a lot of juvenile and coarse language. I believe the hero mentions his half chub a few times. Dirty talk is fine, but this was laughably unsexy.
This book has no holiday cheer. I give it 5 bah humbugs.
December 19, 2022
3.8⭐️
Cute smutty Christmas romance. However, I could go the rest of my life without hearing somebody refer to the male genitalia as a “half chub” again.
Cute smutty Christmas romance. However, I could go the rest of my life without hearing somebody refer to the male genitalia as a “half chub” again.
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