Who doesn’t love a bit of Christmas romance? Add in a tropical destination and I’m hooked! This novella by Jill Shalvis is my first read from this author and I doubt that it will be my last.
Hannah and James are old childhood friends and former lovers. They have also been apart for several years. Each of them are travelling to a Christmas vacation spent with family on Hannah’s step-father’s yacht. Workaholic Hannah has agreed to the trip only to pass on a message from her mother to her father-in-law that needs a personal touch. James is all about enjoying life to its fullest but works equally as hard. When the rest of the family are delayed, the yacht sails without them leaving just Hannah and James and Hannah’s step-father on the ship for four days. The physical attraction between Hannah and James is still definitely there, but is that enough?
I enjoyed the romantic tension between these two and loved the effort that was put into Hannah’s stepfather in creating romance. Yes the book is quite predictable, but I’ve come to expect this in romance novels. The characters are likeable and well-developed, and the storyline is sweet and entertaining.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book which was performed by Erin Mallon, another of my favourite narrators. Her voice is incredible in the way she can perform male and female voices equally well and with great expression. I listened to this book at my usual 1.25x which was perfect. I’d recommend the audiobook version of this book for the pure entertainment value that the performer brings to this book.
My rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5.
Anika
Sounds like such a lovely story! I'm definitely gonna look into the audiobook, it sounds like a sweet listen.
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
thathappyreader
Thanks Anika!
Natasha Evans
This sounds like a fab booK – I love a good Christmas romance! Thank you for sharing
Tash – A Girl with a View
thathappyreader
Thanks Tash!
Booksforall245
I really want to start getting more into Romance novels, I love the sound of this one. Great review
thathappyreader
Thank you!
Della Driscoll
This book sounds like it has all the feels – the best book to read at Christmas xx
http://www.dellalovesnutella.co.uk/
thathappyreader
Thanks Della!
Lisa M. Alioto
It sounds like a good book – once i start commuting to work again I'm going to try a few audio books – this might be the first
thathappyreader
Thanks Lisa!
Demi Le Huray
Sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing x
thathappyreader
Thanks Demi!
Lisa's Notebook
Romance and a tropical setting – sounds perfect, especially right now! 🙂
thathappyreader
It sure does! Thanks Lisa!
Kelly~Diane
This sounds like a lovely book. I don't think I've ever read a festive book that is set somewhere hot before.
thathappyreader
I don’t think I have either! Thanks Kelly ~Diane!
Lindsey
This sounds like a delightful read! Sometimes predictable is fine and just what you need when you just want something good, isn't it?
thathappyreader
You bet it is! Thanks Lindsey!
Sophie
This sounds like a lovely read! I agree that romance is usually a super predictable genre, but to honest, I'm not sure if I'd want any major shocks or plot twists in them most of the time ?
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
thathappyreader
I feel the same way Sophie!
Charity
Oh this sounds like such a great read. I will have to add it to my list!
thathappyreader
Thanks Charity!
Alison
This sounds like a fun read! I find romance storylines can be predictable too, but also don't find that a deterrent. It's a part of the fun, comfort of reading them. 🙂
thathappyreader
I absolutely agree with you! Thanks Alison!
The City Next Door
Ver interesting! Never thought about a seasonal novella 🙂 If it's as joyful as the movie, definitely will check it out
thathappyreader
Thanks for stopping by!
Alison
This sounds like a fun read! I find romance storylines can be predictable too, but also don't find that a deterrent. It's a part of the fun, comfort of reading them. 🙂
thathappyreader
Thanks Alison!