josieandherkinny's reviews
440 reviews

A friend of mine describes this as “The Hallmark Christmas Special” and I can totally see why. I loved this book! It was quick, cozy, and perfect for winter. Often, when I love a series so much, I want more of the characters. I wonder “so what is their life like when the plot has culminated?” And this book was exactly the what of “so now what?” I love a little simple book and this just hit the spot.

“To my left was Morgaine, who seemed almost as relaxed as I was as she lifted her hot buttered rum to me in salute, not even bothering to start her recipe yet as she watched the chaos unfurl before us instead.”

This was my first time reading this Novella :) When I found Smoke Show/Deja Brew in January of this year and then devoured the rest of the series as the books were released, I saved this one for Christmastime. I love reading books in the season of their setting. It was worth the wait, of course, not surprised at all.

Classic Cove chaos:
Blaze and Dev being active through commentary at the bake-off
Orion with his rule following and stress lines/frown lines/whatever
Dev calling out Orion for his crankiness
Kit and his quiet steadfast self
Mo watching the chaos and matchmaking unfold while being her unique self
V&C being flamboyantly dramatic in all the best ways
Winston - IYKYK

And of Nox and Rory <3 I loved their quick yet not neglected love story.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a quick and “free” listen on Audible! Was it a total hallmark vibe? Yes. But did I also laugh out loud and cry? Yes. Definitely just recommend for my cutsey bookish holiday girlies. Below are some random thoughts I had while reading.

Cheesy, cute, formulary, Hallmark, loved.

The societal expectation of a night shift nurse to be awake, present, and functioning during the day, despite their likely inability to do so, is SPOT ON. *Triggered*

When “Nick’s mouth dropped open” in chapter 20, mine did too. The vodka I was drinking may have helped at the time but MOMMMMM!!!!!!!!

2.75
Good, IMO: it snowed and it was cold.
Cons, IMO: instant coffee. A lot of potential. Unrealistic. flat characters, don’t now how old they are, what they look like. Is the FMC falling for an old realtor or someone her age? Writing flow was choppy at times. Felt like a detailed outline.

B. and Aimee do it AGAIN.

This DC Bundle filled the heart and everyone needs to drop and go get it - check it on KU and available for purchase. It contains all five novels PLUS bonus scenes for each book PLUS a sneak peak at their new Timber Creek series. That is a lot of bonus.

I highly recommend this bundle to anyone who has already read all of the Cove books AND to those who have not because these bonus scenes revived my lil heart.

*****

Vague favorite parts:
Deja Brew - THE BOWS ARE YOU KIDDING ME. And the Draco quote - IYKYK.
Wing and a Miss - all of it. No comment necessary.
Karma - again. No comment necessary. IYKYK and asjffdsajkfjsdieoiefhsfdjks. That's all.

Ch 1 of Timber Creek - Idk why I am surprised that I am obsessed but I am to both and I literally cannot wait. All the HP things all the Cove things all the feels - sefijfjdlksfjkfj

Wooohooo! I loved this book!
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It did start off a little too hot and heavy for me and my personal taste BUT I won't let that detract from my rating and my review. :) I love when romance novels also address heavier "real-life" issues but are also paired with things that can only happen in romance land. Frankie is a true gentleman and I love seeing him thrive. Ophelia is an absolute gem and I relate to her so deeply in her organization and type-A-ness.
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Also, the hook of this book was amazing and hilarious. I think that Karissa is a truly talented writer and I am looking forward to reading her other book at some point, hopefully soon :) Woohoo - indie!

I snagged this novella from the Indie Author Wonderland and I am so glad!

Cute, heartfelt, feel-good Christmas novella. This story place in Manchester, England and follows a chef and baker who are estranged childhood friends. The plot serves to inspire a virtuous holiday spirit centered on family and charity. The romance was definitely a B plot which I don’t mean as a bad thing - it was honestly refreshing. But, just so ya know ;)

Another winner by Ali for me. Alll of her books resonate with a part of my heart and I am just obsessed. What she brings to the bookish world is so unique and I am endlessly grateful. She presents heavy systemic issues through fun, quirky, cozy romance novels. This allows so many of us to discover these problems which we may not have otherwise learned.

Okay - CHESS METAPHORICAL ROMANCE, what a sub genre but UGH. Check and Mate is considered a Young Adult novel that follows Mallory, an 18 year old, who works as a mechanic to support her family as the primary breadwinner. The story begins when she does her friend a favor by reluctantly competing in a chess tournament - charity tournament, I think. It seems like it is a former pastime which has some trauma associated with it and has lead to her not playing for a few years. When Mallory excels in the tournament, the plot takes off from there.

I loved this book so much! It fit’s Ali’s typical writing style:
Quirky and relatable FMC
Minimally verbal and stoic MMC
Science-ish setting that oppresses women
^^ FMC tackles this systemic issue, ofc.
Cozy cuddles
Sarcasm, giggles, heart-warming love, smiles, tears, all the things.

I struggled with this being considered YA. For me, this is more of a door ajar NA, but I won’t let that affect how much I loveddd this book. Excuse me while chess may become a new obsession.

*Just of note, Ali did say that she took some creative liberties with the chess related plot, so just be gentle if you are a chess-nerd.

2.75
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Characters felt very flat. Displaced trauma without showing healing and grief. No comedic relief. Insta love in the middle. Hate hate hate boom I love you what. Didn’t feel connected to the characters. Well, the 8 year old but that’s it.
Oh well

"May the Cove live on forever."

^^^ Should this entire review just be about this dedication? Does this mean this is the end the end? Or does this mean we will have surprise novellas and one-shots forever? I'M NOT OKAY. Aimee, B, the powers that be, please never stop. I might need some fan-fic if this is the end the end. I need the Cove forever. Can I be buried there?

ANYWAYS. This surprise holiday novella (which is my new favorite genre) was perfect. I love Casey, I love Natalie. I love the snow, and the little cabin, and the masquerade. I love the fox-chaos and the night sky ceiling with hanging candles. My heart is full. Thank you.

PS - What was the thing that Mo did with the wrist? Makes me think there is more story to be told ;)