A Cat Cafe Christmas

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was so much more than just a sweet, cuddly read. I was attracted to the book because it had cats. I listened on audible but probably should have followed a written copy because each chapter has an intro to a different cat and I would have appreciated a cute drawing of said cat.

We are introduced to Kara who owns a cat cafe with her best friend Charity. They are wanting to eventually expand so it includes a vet hospital. Kara has been keeping a low profile after her ex had a run in with the law and her name got dragged through the mud with it. That means no social media to stay away from any publicity. In comes Ben who is part of a marketing firm highlighting the cat cafe as one of the things to do in town. He’s run away from his hometown because his girlfriend left him for his brother. He’s starting a new life and renovating his new home when he stumbles upon a kitten. He’s not a cat person, so takes it to the cat cafe to give it up. Kara convinces… no, she forces him to care for the kitten before they can look at it being fostered. They both keep having situations where they run into each other and this allows them to get to know each other over time. They both have walls up, but are they willing to let their guard down?

Ben and Kara are two grumpy individuals but their past trauma has made them cautious in this way. It’s hard for them to trust other people based on the hurt of the past. Do they have likeable personalities? Not at the start. Both of them had to grow into better people and they both brought out the best in each other. I think that’s what I liked about this story and how relatable it can be to own our character and personality.

I liked how Ben grew into loving cats - well his particular kitten who warmed up to him from the start. I can understand why Kara could be hard to read, but she’s that way for a reason. I liked all the cats and their personalities. The ending was great because it centres around taking a chance and seeing where it leads you. Christmas can bring people together and allow people to set aside differences. I also enjoyed how simple acts of kindness can also help inspire others.

This is a sweet, opposites attract, grumpy x grumpy romance.

Christmas After All

*ARC review*

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Book Sirens, the publisher and the author Cece Louise for having this available as an ARC for an honest review.

This was an absolutely sweet, charming and adorable read. I was engaged the whole time and thought the initial premise was funny.

When the grand high school gesture from Tucker to Melissa goes wrong, who knew he’d write a song that would catapult his music career… at the expense of Melissa! 10 years is a long time to have a song written about you - with the well known public rejection of a prom date request! As Tucker has been living in the limelight, Melissa has been doing everything she could to raise her siblings after the unfortunate passing of her parents. Their lives are worlds apart, but when Tucker returns to town, what feelings are going to surface as they cross paths again?

A short read with a steady pace and I read it in one sitting. I enjoyed reading the dual perspective and really loved the characters. Melissa is a strong individual putting others before herself. Tucker is a kind hearted soul who would do anything to help another person. I liked the music country star element and how a small town can humble that stardom.

The interactions with Tucker and Melissa were funny. As they got to know each other, it was very cute with Tucker’s love resurfacing and Melissa actually starting to care. I definitely got teary in a certain section and it reminded me how kind acts go a long way. The Christmas spirit of giving can really make a difference in someone’s life and when Melissa realises Tucker’s kindness, it made my heart warm. It’s definitely a theme of this book - the spirit of giving.

For anyone loving small town charm, enemies to lovers romance with a dash of Christmas spirit, than this book is for you.

The Christmas Pact

The Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward.

Thought this was a fun, holiday, fake dating romance. If this was actually a bit longer and we got to know the characters (plus side characters) with more depth, I think I would have liked it more. It’s an easy, quick read/listen.

I liked the concept of Riley Kennedy and Kennedy Riley working at the same company, but always getting each other’s emails. When Kennedy receives an email meant for Riley as she asked for life advice to a columnist about her mum never thinking she’s good enough, he thinks that he can help her out by going to her family’s home and pretending to be her boyfriend. On the flip side, he wants her to attend his brother’s wedding.

It’s amazing how quick Kennedy comes up with the lies and charms Riley’s family instantly. The sparks do start flying between the two and they spend much of the time not knowing if the other is interested. We get to know Kennedy has kept a minor detail about who is brother is marrying and the reason why he didn’t want to turn up without a partner.

Loved all the interactions between MCs and side characters. The story was fun and some parts were unexpected. Kennedy came across as an A-hole but there were reasons why he was who he was. Even though it was a short read, it was nice to see Riley grow and come to some good realisations for herself.

Along Came Holly

This was a fun read with the merry season upon us. If you’re a fan of enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, small town romances, then this is for you.

The final sibling of the series, Holly, has the most grumpiest neighbour to her holiday shop and attempts to spread joy by first pranking him. The only thing Declan can do is retaliate. I found this to be quite hilarious in the story and fun too.

Holly wants to win the festival of lights in the town, but when her contractor pulls out last minute, she has no option, but employ Declan who runs the local hardware store. Their dislike for one another, slowly turns into lust as they get to know one another, but both not really wanting it to turn into anything. Declan can’t wait to get out of the town as he wants to pursue his dream with arts and it’s not going to happen in Mistletoe. So, can he really pursue Holly when his dreams are beyond this town?

I loved Holly’s personality throughout the story. She was cheerful, bright and fun - the type of friend that always sees the positive and wants the best in people. Declan was grumpy as they come. He dislike for the town was apparent but it really stems from the relationship he has with his parents that leaves that distaste.

I enjoyed that each book has the theme of family tied in. The closeness that Holly’s family brings throughout each book, but also relatable problems each of their partner’s had. It was a reminder that surrounding yourself with good people brings about great energy. People can change when positive vibes are shown to them which I really think was the case for Declan.

Codi, I love your work! Onto the next book you’ve written!

Nick and Noel's Christmas Playlist

If you're a lover of small-town romances, fake dating and friends to lovers tropes then this is for you!

We are introduced to Nick who has returned from serving in the army and coming home early to surprise his family. Noel his best friend, has lost her parents at a young age and Nick's family took her in. Nick is looking forward to seeing his girlfriend Amber but is met with an unexpected break up. Noel, all his friends and family start letting him know they didn't like Amber all that much. Amber is onto the next guy when Nick decides to go to local pub to catch up with friends. Noel, in an attempt to make Amber jealous, starts flirting and kissing Nick. And this is where the feelings start coming up for both of them. Can they really be more? Noel has been closed off ever since her parents died and hasn't let anyone in. Will she get hurt if she pursues a relationship? Is it even something that she wants?

I enjoyed the dual perspective in this story and both MCs. There are quite a few side characters and I liked each of their personalities. Amber was always going to be a problem and the rivalry between her and Noel was fun to read. I was looking forward to what snarky comments they were going to make to one another. Nick was just an all-round nice guy and I loved how he would help anyone if needed. The trauma of Noel's past was a good focal point of the story. As she faced her fears, she really started thinking about what she wanted in life and how closed off she had been. It was stopping her from truly pursuing something deep and meaningful. Accepting that her parents would have wanted her to be happy was such a major step, which I think Nick really understood and supported her in.

Looking forward to the other books in this series

For anyone that has suffered a loss of a parent and may have an annoying and/or manipulative ex, these are the trigger warnings I can think of.