After an overload of Christmas themed books during the holidays, I put this book off way too long. When I finally did pick it up, I wished I had read it sooner because it has great characters and a plot I enjoyed.
There are two stories here that merge and become entwined. First, we have Greg and Patty who meet in a coffee shop by accident… literally. The accident occurring when Patty bumps into Greg and spills her coffee on him. They get to talking and Greg asks her if she would go on a fake date because he needs to appease his meddling daughter Mandy.
Second, we have Justin and Mandy (the meddling daughter). Justin is the new person at the office and Mandy feels a strong attraction to him. It turns out that Justin is none other than Patty’s nephew. What are the chances! But there is more going here and as the relationships get more involved and these four people’s lives become more entwined there is more than just hurt feelings at steak. There are some miscommunications and other twists that happen that make this story interesting (sorry no spoilers). And as you can imagine, with the way these four get tangled up together, some humorous moments.
As I stated at the beginning, I think the characters are well done. I liked how the author presented them as sincere but fallible. We all are guilty of jumping to conclusions and the author used this to great advantage in the story, especially with Mandy. I kind of felt sorry for her. I couldn’t help but laugh at her. Not a mean laugh, but one that says I get it, I have been in your shoes before.
The plot was good. Believable, which always is a plus for me with fiction. Then there is just the right amount of suspense to keep you interested in the outcome. As the reader, and therefore, being in the know, yet having to wait see how everything worked out when all the cards where on the table was half the fun of this book.
This is actually book one of a new series and I am looking forward to reading more from this author. I can easily recommend this to Romance readers and Contemporary Fiction readers. There is more than just a Christmas story here and this book would make the perfect beach read.
I received a free copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )