Overall we had an amazing December as a family.
We took in the Christmas Lights, played games, and shared family dinners. We also spent a lot of cozy time together reading, reflecting on the year, or just snuggling – some of my favorite winter activities.
My husband having time off around the holidays also allowed me to spend some extra time on my end of the year content. As you know, I love reflecting on my reading life and I was so excited to actually accomplish all of the end of the year posts I hoped to do for once!
In case you missed any of them, I wrapped up 2023 and greeted 2024 with:
- A page collecting all my 5-star and up reads from 2023
- A nonfiction roundup featuring all the nonfiction titles I read in 2023 and the biggest takeaway from each book
- Reflections on the 2023 reading year
- Goals and plans for my reading life in 2024
- The Best Books of 2023
Today we’re wrapping up the December reading month. I read 11 books in December and have 4 new reviews to share.
Heads up they are all Christmas romances. I finished the rest of my holiday 2023 TBR and squeezed in a couple extra festive audiobooks.
December Reading Wrap Up:
By the Season and Reason
Holiday Reads
- Christmas in Quincy by Devney Perry
- The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese
- Tis the Season For Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth
Book Club Picks
- Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh (also a holiday read)
- Mindset by Carol S. Dweck
12 Authors from My Reading Life Bucket List
- The Starfish Sisters by Barbara O’Neal
Next in Series
- Shadow’s Claim by Kresley Cole
- Shadow’s Seduction by Kresley Cole
- Beat of Temptation by Nalini Singh
Just Because
- The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
- Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey
Recaps and Reviews
You can find my reviews for Holiday Romance (5 stars), The Starfish Sisters (3.5 stars), Christmas in Quincy (3 stars), Shadow’s Claim (4.5 stars), and The Christmas Guest (4.5 stars) plus ratings for further books in some of these series in my Mid December Reading Recap.
Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey
Rating: 4 stars
Steam Level: 3
Tessa Bailey can be hit or miss for me. I gave Love Her or Lose Her 3.5 stars and did not enjoy her paranormal romance Reborn Yesterday (2 stars) that so many loved.
I saw a lot of people enjoying this book more than her past Christmas romances though. After reading the premise, I wanted to give it a try.
My library hold came through in time to enjoy the audiobook before Christmas.
Book Blurb:
“Melody Gallard may be the daughter of music royalty, but her world is far from glamorous. She spends her days restoring old books and avoiding the limelight (one awkward tabloid photo was enough, thanks). But when a producer offers her a lot of money to reunite her mother’s band on live tv, Mel begins to wonder if it’s time to rattle the cage, shake up her quiet life… and see him again. The only other person who could wrangle the rock and roll divas.
Beat Dawkins, the lead singer’s son, is Melody’s opposite—the camera loves him, he could charm the pants off anyone, and his mom is not a potential cult leader. Still, they might have been best friends if not for the legendary feud that broke up the band. When they met as teenagers, Mel felt an instant spark, but it’s nothing compared to the wild, intense attraction that builds as they embark on a madcap mission to convince their mothers to perform one last show.
While dealing with rock star shenanigans, a 24-hour film crew, brawling Santas, and mobs of adoring fans, Mel starts to step out of her comfort zone. With Beat by her side, cheering her on, she’s never felt so understood. But Christmas Eve is fast approaching, and a decades-old scandal is poised to wreck everything—the Steel Birds reunion, their relationships with their mothers, and their newfound love. “
My Thoughts
If you can get past the cheesiness of the main characters’ musical names, I thought this book was a really fun time.
I loved the set up with the band’s controversial history, Beat and Melody’s connection, their opposite upbringings but both growing up in the tabloid spotlight, and the reality show setting.
I adored the dynamic between Beat and Melody the whole way through.
Especially when Beat called out the media for the way they were treating a then teenaged Melody – I cheered! I appreciated how this book pushed back on the way men are portrayed by the media versus how women are treated.
Beat and Melody’s relationship felt very mature – a complete contrast to all of the immature things going on around them. Their chemistry sizzled. Beat was both sweet and sexy. Melody really stole the show though. She was just awesome and funny and authentic – I especially loved her wit on camera.
I was also there for their crazy rock star moms, the band drama, and the anticipation of a reunion.
It wasn’t heavy on the holiday content but there’s a happy holiday resolution for them all – just what we want in a Christmas romance.
This is my favorite Tessa Bailey book so far.
Questions to Consider for Your Own Reading Life: Who’s an author you kept trying who eventually delivered? Or what are the most ridiculous character names you’ve come across? Is that something that bothers you or do you have a high tolerance for “creative” names?
The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese
Rating: 4 stars
Steam Level: 2
The Mistletoe Motive was on my holiday TBR. I heard about this one from Jessica at PeaceLoveBooksXO in a Christmas recommendation video. The idea of a bookstore setting intrigued me.
Chloe Liese has been on my radar to try reading for a long time so this seemed like the perfect opportunity. I loved that this is an own voices portrayal of autism by an autistic author.
Book Blurb:
“He loathes the holidays. She loves them. She’s full of festive cheer. He’s brimming with Bah, Humbugs. Besides unreasonably seasonable names, the only thing Jonathan Frost and Gabriella Di Natale have in common is a healthy dose of mutual contempt. Well, that and the same place of employment at the city’s most beloved independent bookstore, Bailey’s Bookshop. But when the store’s owners confess its dire financial state, Jonathan and Gabby discover another unfortunate commonality: the imminent threat of unemployment.
With the Baileys’ requests to minimize expenses, win new customers, and make record sales dancing in their heads, Jonathan and Gabby conclude—barring a financial Christmas miracle—one of them will soon be cut from the payroll. Neither are willing to step down from their position, so they strike a bargain: whoever has more sales in December gets to stay on in the new year; the loser will resign. With a lifetime’s worth of festive tricks up her sleeve, Gabby should easily outsell her nemesis, except the unreadable Mr. Frost’s every move seems purely designed to throw her off her game.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, Gabby’s deceptive ex won’t quit pursuing her, and her anonymous online friend suggests they take a break. Worst of all, as the pressure mounts to save the bookshop and her job, Gabby meets a new, tender side of Jonathan. Is this the same man she’s called her cold-hearted enemy?
Maybe he’s got a motive she just can’t figure out—or maybe Jonathan Frost isn’t as chilly as she once thought. Maybe Jonathan and Gabby already know—and love—each other in ways they never thought possible.”
My Thoughts
This book gave me Hating Game vibes!
I loved most of it. I enjoyed the set up, the bookstore setting, the online pen pals, Gabriella as a reader, and all the book references. The holiday decorations in the bookstore sounded amazing!
Part of the time though I felt dropped into the middle of a series. All the ice hockey references and name dropping felt random like I should know who all these people are.
Gabriella and Jonathan’s chemistry was off the charts but when they finally got together – it’s definitely a slow burn – I was a little underwhelmed.
If you’re someone who loves a playlist, there’s an accompanying Christmas playlist on Spotify and each chapter is the title of a Christmas song.
This book took me quite awhile to read but I think that was due to the format I read in rather than the story itself. I had to read on Libby – it wouldn’t let me send it to my kindle possibly because it’s a Kobo original. For me this means reading on my phone – not my favorite. I share more on this below.
I’m definitely excited to check out more from Chloe Liese!
I didn’t get onboard with the ice hockey romance trend last year – my obsession was in 2020 with Helena Hunting’s Pucked and All In series – so maybe it will come back around again in 2024 for me with one of Chloe Liese’s series.
Reading Life Insight
I don’t enjoy reading on my phone with Libby. As a result this book took me forever to get through even though I ultimately really liked it.
I kept getting distracted.
For instance did you know there’s currently 13 varieties of M&Ms available? I can also tell you that caramel cold brew – which has tempted me in grocery store lines before – is actually the least liked and there’s a chocolate covered almond variety that is highly rated but very hard to find. Yup, I went down that rabbit hole ?
One good thing that came from reading this book on my phone was my first time putting it in dark mode. That made it a little easier on my eyes in the glow of the Christmas tree lights – thank you husband!
Questions to Consider for Your Own Reading Life: If you’re an ebook reader, do you enjoy reading on a phone/tablet or do you prefer a dedicated e reader? Have you read in dark mode? Which setting do you prefer and why? Do you think your device or (if you’re not an ebook reader) format preference affects your reading experience?
Beat of Temptation by Nalini Singh
Rating: 3.5 stars
Steam Level: 2
I started Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series last summer. I adore Tamsyn as an important side character in the start of the series.
So when I saw a Christmas novella recommendation video and realized her story was a prequel to the series as well as holiday themed, I had to add it to my list of extra holiday reads.
My library had the audiobook available. It’s part of a short story anthology, Wild Invitation.
Book Blurb:
“Innocent Tamsyn has always had a place in her heart for Nathan, a blooded DarkRiver sentinel. But is she ready for the fierce demands of the mating bond?”
My Thoughts
I believe there are four novellas in the Wild Invitation anthology but I only listened to this first story, Beat of Temptation, because I’m not too far into the Psy-Changeling series.
It was a quick listen. Pretty angsty. It was fun to be back in that world.
The last book I read in this series, Mine to Possess (4.5 stars), was really dark (terrible things happening to children) and made me wonder if this series was for me. I took a break from it. But this novella made me want to continue.
I enjoyed seeing how Tamsyn and Nathan got together after meeting them as an already established couple and family in the series.
There were little pops of Christmas but it wasn’t overly holiday themed. It was interesting to see how Christmas is approached in this futuristic world where the Psy race has eradicated all emotion.
I also liked the glimpses of younger Lucas, Dorian, and Vaughn – all characters who have their own books in the early series.
Reading Life Insight
When it comes to TBRs, I’m not as organized as I could be. I do find goodreads shelves helpful for keeping different TBR lists but obviously you have to be consistent with using them.
For instance I do have a tbr-holiday shelf on there but I need to update it. I know I have a ton of traditionally published books listed there that I’m probably not interested in anymore – mostly if they’re young adult or women’s fiction mismarketed as romance. You can run into that a lot.
Reorganizing those shelves is a future project. So my system right now is a ton of random lists on my phone.
In case you’re curious here are some of the titles I had on my “Extra Holiday Books” list:
- Drama King by Penny Reid
- Snowed In by Catherine Walsh
- The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson – which I did get to earlier in December (4.5 stars)
- Wreck My Plans by Jillian Meadows
- Merry Inkmas by Talia Hibbert
If you have a TBR system that you find easy to both add to and maintain, please share in the comments!
Questions to Consider for Your Own Reading Life: Do you keep a list of holiday reads? Is it ongoing? What types of holiday stories do you want on yours?
Tis the Season For Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth
Rating: 4 stars
Steam Level: 4
This was my final read from my holiday TBR. I’ve seen so much love for this book since it blew up the Christmas prior.
Morgan Elizabeth was a new to me author. This book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
Book Blurb:
“Abbie Keller thought that Richard Bartholemew Benson the Third would be her forever. In their four years of dating, she never doubted that she wouldn’t end up with his grandmother’s engagement ring on her finger. Sure, she had to change a few things about herself to fit that mold, like dying her hair, dressing more conservatively, and finding golf enjoyable (honestly the most difficult of the changes), but she was sure that at the end of it all, it would be worth it.
That is, until he leaves her crying outside her apartment wearing a Halloween costume, having broken it off with her because she’s just not serious enough. She was just fun, he tells her – and now that Richard has becoming a partner at his law firm in his sights, he needs to focus on work.
So she does what every girl does when she’s broken up with: she calls her friends, gets drunk, dyes her hair, and formulates her plan for revenge. It just so happens that the universe supports her efforts and gives her the perfect match to prove to her ex that he made a huge mistake: his boss.
Abbie starts dating the founding partner of Richard’s law firm, Damien Martinez, with one thing in mind: convincing him to invite her to the huge annual Christmas party as his date.
But when the relationship starts to become something more than casual dating and Abbie sees that the tough New York lawyer has a soft side, will she be able to follow through with her plan of deceit?”
My Thoughts
This book was really hard for me to settle on a rating. The parts I loved I really loved so it gets a 4 but I definitely had some issues with the story.
Let’s do negatives first and end with the positives.
The spice in the beginning didn’t fit the story or further the romance. It felt thrown in way too soon for titillation. Also the elements introduced were never discussed or consented to beforehand which felt random and irresponsible. This seems to happen more and more often with the high spice trend currently in romance.
There was also a lot of negative self talk when we’re in Abbie’s POV. Abbie hating on herself got a little old. I also didn’t love how the conflict dragged out to the point of just being dumb.
Now for the positives. I think the reason the early spice bothered me is because I was loving the Legally Blonde set up of this book so much prior to that! It just wasn’t necessary to “hook” me.
I also adored the friendships in this book. Abbie was so fun most of the time!
Once Abbie and Damien started dating, I adored the way he treated her and supported her. I also loved the way their relationship resolved. If you’re one of the readers tired of most romances ending with an HEA that involves kids, you might want to check this one out.
I have to say after that first spicy scene, there’s a bit of a break before we get steam again. With more romance and relationship development, most of the rest worked for me.
I am curious to read more from Morgan Elizabeth. This book had a lot of side characters apparently from past series. The Seasons of Revenge series also continues with people we met in this book.
Reading Life Insight
I touched on the high spice trend going on in romance right now in my October Reading Wrap Up when I reviewed A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor by Kathryn Moon. In my reading life insight there I shared a video Maggie from Maggie’s Books and Stuff created with tips about finding books with the spice level that you want – whether that’s closed door or erotica.
This is an ongoing topic in the romance community.
I recently watched a few interesting commentaries that started here but went on to cover BookTok and how powerful its influence is. In general I knew this about BookTok but since it isn’t a social media space I’ve ever explored, I didn’t realize HOW MUCH impact it can have on an author’s sales.
If book trends or publishing trends are topics that interest you, here are some videos I found engaging:
- BookTok romance books are bad for women: let’s unpack from According to Alina
- Exploring the messy world of TikTok hockey romance books from Jack Edwards
- The Book Leo’s book trends we need to leave behind in 2023 and responding to your bookish HOT TAKES
- The cult of booktok from Swell Entertainment – an older video but still relevant
My Thoughts
My take on spice has always been I like it best when it matches the romance and relationship development. I often begin skimming when it feels throw in or doesn’t fit the characters. What keeps me reading romance is the love story not the steam.
I recently shared more on this topic in my updated star rating system and steam scale, but this balance will be subjective for every reader. For me I’ve found a lack of balance in all kinds of romance, not just the high spice ones.
If you don’t enjoy the way an author writes steam, you don’t have to read them again. Or if the rest of the story worked for you, continue on and know you’re going to be skimming a bit when you next pick up a book from them.
The amazing thing about romance is how many other books, authors, and series there are out there for you to discover. You can find what works best for you. Keep reading those authors, praise their work in reviews, look for read-alikes, or pick up other authors that they recommend.
The trends in romance will always fluctuate based on reader demand, but YOU ALTER that with what YOU CHOOSE to read.
Questions to Consider for Your Own Reading Life: What’s the last book you read where you struggled to land on a rating? How did you resolve it? Where do you get reading recommendations and follow book news? Are you happy with these sources? Are they serving your reading life well?
I hope your 2024 is off to a fun and cozy start! What was your favorite read from your December Wrap Up?
