e-Audio, 10:25:16
Narrated by: Kristen DiMercurio
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Published by: Books on Tape (Berkley)
Read from: September 30-October 2, 2024
Stand-alone
Source: PRH Audio App (I received an early ALC from publisher via their app. This did nothing to influence my review)
Content Warning: Abandonment, Alcohol, Vomit
For Readers Interested In: Romance, Holidaze, 2SLGBTQ+, Sparkly Covers, Adult, Second Chance, Dual POVTwo exes find themselves stuck at the same house for Christmas in this holiday romance by Ashley Herring Blake, USA Today bestselling author of Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date.
It’s been five years since Charlotte Donovan was ditched at the altar by her ex-fiancée, and she’s doing more than okay. Sure, her single mother never checks in, but she has her strings ensemble, the Rosalind Quartet, and her life in New York is a dream come true. As the holidays draw near, her ensemble mate Sloane persuades Charlotte and the rest of the quartet to spend Christmas with her family in Colorado—it is much cozier and quieter than Manhattan, and it would guarantee more practice time for the quartet’s upcoming tour. But when Charlotte arrives, she discovers that Sloane’s sister Adele also brought a friend home—and that friend is none other than her ex, Brighton. All Brighton Fairbrook wanted was to have the holliest, jolliest Christmas—and try to forget that her band kicked her out. But instead, she’s stuck pretending like she and her ex are strangers—which proves to be difficult when Sloane and Adele’s mom signs them all up for a series of Christmas dating events. Charlotte and Brighton are soon entrenched in horseback riding and cookie decorating, but Charlotte still won’t talk to her. Brighton can hardly blame her after what she did. After a few days, however, things start to slip through. Memories. Music. The way they used to play together—Brighton on guitar, Charlotte on her violin—and it all feels painfully familiar. But it’s all in the past and nothing can melt the ice in their hearts…right?
*MY THOUGHTS*
Usually I don’t like second chance romance books because they are toxic to each other until they realize that its usually over something that doesn’t matter. And sure enough, this one is just like that. They are definitely toxic toward one another, but they come to their senses eventually.
Ok so the toxic part was just them trying to make sure no one found out they were exes. The way they were so mad at each other but also so into each other still should be studied. Because like bruh she left you at the altar? Idk how you still think she’s hot? And there was just not enough groveling to me. I don’t want to say too much for spoilers, but I just feel like the crime of not knowing where to move didn’t fit the punishment she gave her. Because who even does something like that? That part was crazy. But the little jabs they sent back and forth were so awkward lol Like the chili one? Whether true or not, that’s a weird ass thing to care about lol And if she was eating it, why do YOU care. Idk I just feel like the characters in this book besides the MCs were just there to be there. Because the fact that there was just an “Uhhh” is weird to me. I would have asked right then lol
The romance was just ok. I’m probably biased tho because I hated the girl that left her at the altar for about the whole book. I get it, she was sorry, but I could never trust her again after that. And I didn’t trust that she would hurt her again after that. But once they started getting back together, I did start to see what drew them together. And Idk is this one more spicy than the last ones? Idk it seemed like it was. So, just be prepared for that.
This is probably specific to me, but I do wish there was more Christmas stuff. Like I know there was hot chocolate and then the trivia and the margarita, but Idk, I wanted to see a tree or singing some carols or them going out in the snow and doing something? Idk, but like her name is Bright. I wanted some specific holiday things. That horse thing? Couldn’t it have been a reindeer? Lol Ugh
This one was full of toxicity, but I still enjoyed it. Do I wish some things were different? Yes. But in true Blake fashion, I couldn’t stop reading it. She sucked me into this story like immediately and I couldn’t stop reading it. I had to know how this ended. And I have to say I didn’t care for it. It just didn’t believe that there was a wedding so near in their future? Or maybe this is just me and my Scorpio self with the grudge holding, but for the most part, I would NOT be so keen to do it again so soon. She would have to be the one to ask and there will be no wedding. idc idc idc.
This wasn’t my favorite, but I still enjoyed it. Why? I know this isn’t my favorite trope and I didn’t hold it over its head. I just I enjoyed it for what it was: Toxic and weird. And even with that, I can’t wait to see what she does next!
Overall, I give this
