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wellreadmegs's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A cozy romance perfect for this time of year.
Nashville & Milwaukee are key features in this book which made my bookstagram heart happy. (Follow @wellreadmegs if you haven't already) This was my book club's pick for December and it was lovely. I'm apparently continuing on with my fake-dating trope reads with this one.
Sadie and Max were both stubborn as hell which got a little annoying towards the end of the book because they were both getting in their own way and self-sabotaging. Aside from that Max and Sadie had some incredible moments - especially in Banff. It was exactly what you want in a Holiday romance.
Gran was the best character and she was so wholesome - especially when they went out with Max and Sadie. This book reminded me of the TV show Nashville - but a little less dramatic. But a lot of the same vibes.
I really enjoyed this read and looking forward to more cozy holiday reads.
Nashville & Milwaukee are key features in this book which made my bookstagram heart happy. (Follow @wellreadmegs if you haven't already) This was my book club's pick for December and it was lovely. I'm apparently continuing on with my fake-dating trope reads with this one.
Sadie and Max were both stubborn as hell which got a little annoying towards the end of the book because they were both getting in their own way and self-sabotaging. Aside from that Max and Sadie had some incredible moments - especially in Banff. It was exactly what you want in a Holiday romance.
Gran was the best character and she was so wholesome - especially when they went out with Max and Sadie. This book reminded me of the TV show Nashville - but a little less dramatic. But a lot of the same vibes.
I really enjoyed this read and looking forward to more cozy holiday reads.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Sexual harassment
nicolegardner's review against another edition
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
jodierose14's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, Grief, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
maddireads13's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Cancer and Sexual assault
meredith_williams_'s review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Grief, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcoholism, Sexual content, and Pregnancy
nbreezy17's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
liltastypuff's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
This just did not work for me. The miscommunication and immaturity of both characters was infuriating. The romance and connection was lacking, overall this just missed the mark.
If you are looking for a holiday romance and want to give Knox a try, I suggest The Holiday Swap.
If you are looking for a holiday romance and want to give Knox a try, I suggest The Holiday Swap.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment
lovelybibliomanic's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Bullying
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
All I Want For Christmas—The second book by writing duo Maggie Knox is just as festive and hallmark worthy as the first, which sees country singers Sadie and Max—both contestants on reality singing show STARMAKER—fake an onscreen relationship in order to win hearts (and a coveted music contract) which will skyrocket both their careers.
I absolutely loved The Holiday Swap last year so was really excited to get accepted for an e-arc of Maggie Knox’s newest holiday romance, but unfortunately it didn’t quite meet my (admittedly, really high) expectations and though I did enjoy it, I was a little disappointed that I didn’t love it as much as their previous book.
It started off really strong with the love/hate, enemies to lovers-style rivalry between Sadie and Max which I absolutely loved. The character development we see— with Max and his upbringing as the son of a country music legend, and Sadie navigating fame whilst dealing with the grief of losing a loved one—was also really well done.
But the plot relies heavily on miscommunication which got really frustrating for me pretty quickly. There are a few really sweet moments between the pair but the arguments and misunderstandings just got in the way too often for me to really enjoy #saxie as a real couple for a good chunk of the book. It’s a shame because when they were together (and not arguing/self-sabotaging) their chemistry was off the charts good!
I absolutely loved Max’s dog Patsy (named after Patsy Cline) who was just fabulous in her adorable, hand knit (and very stylish) jumpers. And aside from the really slimy Cruz (who I massively disliked for reasons that become quickly apparent) I absolutely adored the cast of supporting characters that we meet.
I also really enjoyed how things wrapped up, with an ending that was genuinely heartfelt and incredibly satisfying.
Overall, a wonderfully festive Hallmark meets Nashville style contemporary romance. I did enjoy for the most part, but (as a mood reader) I don’t think I was in the right mood (or mindset) to fully enjoy this one right now. If you’re partial to a good miscommunication trope with then you’ll probably gonna LOVE this!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Sexual harassment
readwithkayy's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
the premise of this book really drew me in and I was so excited to read it! strangely though, only about 1/3 of the book even takes place in the country music competition. this was super easy to read and I liked reading about the country music scene in Nashville! however, following the never-ending cycle of miscommunication that Sadie and Max experience got incredibly tiring so quickly. I wish we could’ve spent more time getting to know the main characters both individually and together, as opposed to dealing with the near constant issues they faced.
*thank you to netgalley & penguin group putnam for the eARC, in exchange for a review.
*thank you to netgalley & penguin group putnam for the eARC, in exchange for a review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment