snugglesandpages's reviews
250 reviews

I will admit that Green Dot is not a book I would normally gravitate to because I do not enjoy reading about Infidelity. But, I had started listening to it on audio before heading to book club with the author in attendance and while the writing is fantastic, I honestly wasn't sure how I felt about Hera at that point. A mid-twenties queer messy girl who is entering her first relationship with a man, and a married man at that. I just simply didn't like Hera and so I wasn't sure going into book club whether I'd finish the book.

Isn't it funny how some lively conversation and a difference of perspective can shake things up? It was so refreshing to be in a room discussing a book that evokes an array of emotions from its readers in response to unlikable characters, morality, and the stigma surrounding the women counterpart in affairs.

I think that any book that makes you feel uncomfortable in a way that challenges your perceptions is worth the read, so I finished the audio the next day and while i didn't LOVE it, I am glad that I saw it through.

Hera isn't a likable character by any means and Arthur is an absolute joke of a man
The ending is a bit ambiguous as to whether that final scene was Aruthr's doing, unable to let go and toying with Hera's emotions again... it felt that way to me and made me dislike him even more.

I also heard the screen rights have been picked up, so look out for more on that. 

 📖 Kallam, the third member of ex-boy band INK, is riding the wave of his viral sex tape and is now set to make his comeback in the next big movie from Hope After Dark, Santa Baby, The r-rated hallmarky movie that brings a whole new meaning to the North Pole. 

Winnie Baker married her childhood sweetheart at 18 & is Hollywood's heavenly daughter. When she discovers her husband has been cheating on her, Winnie divorces him and sets on a path to reclaim her tarnished reputation. With The Hope Channel cancelling her contracts, Winnie decides that taking the female lead in Santa Baby is how she will make a new name for herself. When Winnie realises she is bad at faking her O because she's never really had one in real life 😵, she asks Kallam to help her with "research" and the unlikely duo enter an agreement that their sexcapades end when filming finishes... But feelings get caught and, well other things too. 🫣


💭 I'll start by saying that the first half of this book was a Holly Jolly good time. Being back on the set of another Hope after Dark Xmas movie, with the over the top romp and appearances from our Merry Little Meet Cute faves, I was practically ho ho ho'ing...

Then in the second half, we are hit with a surprise trope that to me, felt like someone just dumped a bucket full of snow on my fire and there was no coming back from that. 

My tip... Read it, because the first half of gold! but stop at the end of chapter 15 and just envision they live HEA without all the blah that comes before it. Sorted! Done! Huzzah! 

 Merry Kismet was a sweet second chance holiday romance with a touch of magical realism and all of your favourite cozy tropes.

Brie received a kismet notebook from a kind stranger at the grocery store and decides to write down her Christmas wish. A second chance at a happily ever after with her high school sweetheart, Rockwell. When he suddenly shows up at her door Brie can't believe it! Is this fate?

I really enjoyed the chemistry between our two MCs Brie and Rockwell which made for a feel good hallmarky read.

Though part of a series, all books can be read as a standalone and this one is my fav of the 5.

Thank you Netgalley and the Audio Publisher for an ARC audio of Merry Kismet. I went on to listen to 3 of the others after this one, I enjoyed it so much. 

Beat and Melody grew up in the media limelight as the children of rockstar royalty. Their mothers used to be thick as thieves until they had a falling out 30 years ago resulting in the end of Steel Birds and their friendship. Having only met once in 30 years at the age of 16 and both with very different life experiences, the Beat and Melody seemed to have an undeniable connection. So when a lustrous offer comes their way to star in a live-streaming show intent on reuniting Steel Birds, they both have their reasons for saying yes. 

🎵

💭 If Tessa Bailey writes it, I will read it. She is my rom-com queen, super-sized cringe and all.  With that declared, it pains me to say I just didn't love this one as much as her others.

Forced proximity, with parent trap vibes, sprinkled with its always been you / soulmates. I think if you go into this one not expecting a hallmark holiday feel-good romance, you may enjoy it a bit more. Because while it's set around Christmas time with an end of year holiday celebration, there isn't a lot in the way of Christmas vibes.