The Trouble with Christmas!!

This is the story of Suzanne and Grady. Suzanne is an artist from New York. She usually reproduces others work for museums and other clients. Now she wants to do some of her own original art and she needs a change of scenery to get her artistic juices flowing. It seems her muse is her grumpy neighbour, Grady. He doesn’t need anyone and prefers to stay alone doing his ranch work in silence.

Suzanne’s parents pressure her to return to New York for Christmas which she definitely was not going to do and she uses her boyfriend Grady as her excuse! But then, her parents arrange to go to her for Christmas! Now she has to convince Grady to play along convincing them they are in love, and that he loves Christmas (which he definitely does not!)

This was a fun, easy to read book. It was great to see the relationship between Suzanne and Grady grow while they each made accommodations for the other as their story progressed.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Entangled Publishing. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.

What a great story! I fell fast and hard for Suzanne and Grady. I found myself literally laughing out loud at times. Suzanne and Grady were wonderful together. This is a wonderful Christmas story. You will not want to put it down once you start The Trouble with Christmas.

What do you get when you mix a city artist who wants to have time away and to enjoy an over-the-top Christmas with a surly, hates December and prefers to be alone rancher? Frustration, clashing, little bitty lies that escalate, hilarity, decorations that go beyond tacky and most of all, heated glances that turn into more.
I loved this book! I read the previous book to prepare for this one as it's #2 in the Credence, Colorado series. I prefer to read a series in order. I really liked book 1 and was looking forward to reading more about the side characters introduced. I was a bit bummed to find out The Trouble with Christmas was about a new character, however, after reading this I am so glad we were introduced to even more characters from Credence. I fell in love with Joshua Grady. He had a tragedy happen in his teens and then spent years in the military. He likes to be alone and avoids everything Christmas as much as he can. The way Suzanne St. Michelle brought him out of his shell was so fun and I laughed out loud a number of times.
The people of Credence, Colorado are fun and intriguing and I can't wait for more of their stories.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the advance reader copy for an honest review.

I know it's only the end of September, but my Christmas loving heart is very happy after reading The Trouble with Christmas. This is my first book by Amy Andrews, but it definitely won't be my last. She created a small town I really want to visit and a place I need to celebrate Christmas.

Suzanne needs a change of scenery and moves into the cottage of a ranch in Colorado. Being an artist is great, but her muse has gone missing. Hoping to find some creative juices and spend Christmas the way she wants for once, she starts her journey.

Rancher Joshua Grady is anything but happy when a strange woman comes to rent the cottage at the ranch. He's happy with his life without too much attention and just wants to be left alone. Christmas is especially hard for him, so he's not in the mood for any extra drama.

Their lives come together quicker and unexpectedly. Suzanne is determined to save her parents' marriage, which means she needs Grady to hop on her story. Having a fake relationship and the most outrageous Christmas ever, a lot happens in just a short period of time.

Both of these characters were amazing. I loved reading about Suzanne and her struggling to find her muse and when she does, it's not what she was expecting at all. Then again, all she wants is to be her own artist and have her first real Christmas. She's quirky, but so much fun! Grady is in many ways a scrooge, but a lovable one (even though he tries to make this impossible). There is still a lot of hurt he needs to deal with, but it's fun seeing him lower his walls as he gets to know Suzanne during their fake relationship.

The Trouble with Christmas is a fast read that sucks you in from the start. I loved the chemistry between Suzanne and Grady even when they were both denying it being there. Pretending to be in a relationship causes plenty of moments that make you laugh out loud and The Trouble with Christmas put a big smile on my face. Even though this story happens in a short period of time, it's the perfect story to have around the holidays!

Add a great cast of characters and a setting that makes me want my own cabin! I can only imagine sitting in front of the fireplace with a good book watching the snow fall. All I can say, is that this book has definitely put me in a Christmas mood and I'll be counting down the days. I hope Amy Andrews writes more books like this one!

The Trouble with Christmas was an enchanting holiday romance by Amy Andrews. It was a fake turned real relationship trope with two leading characters that were complete opposites. Joshua Grady was a cowboy and lived the rancher lifestyle. Suzanne St. Michelle is an artist! She is from New York and used to living a different lifestyle. When the two are brought together in a fake relationship, they must fake it until they make.

I loved that it was an opposites attract read. There was so much to each character that made me fall in love with them. Grady is going through a lot in his life. He is still dealing with so much pain and loss and is fine all by himself. He is private and wants to keep it that way. Suzanne is an artist and loves to express herself. She is kind, sweet, and empathetic. When she begs Grady to be her fake boyfriend, he agrees...after going through all their made-up rules.

It's a fun and light read to get you in the mood for the holidays. Amy Andrews gives us a story shows the magic and healing that the holidays bring.

I give The Trouble with Christmas 4 stars. It was a beautiful love story that was set in a calming setting. It will leave you with the Christmas feels

Be prepared to laugh until you have tears running down your face. This story is ridiculously laugh out loud funny. Suzy is in Credence trying to get her muse back to start painting again. She is a city girl with the tendency to run her mouth when she is nervous. Josh is a surly rancher who doesn’t like chatter. These two clash from the start and it just gets more heated and hilarious as it goes on. Add her parents, his uncle and aunt and the rest of the Credence community and it becomes an uproar. You will definitely feel like breaking out all your Christmas stuff after you get some hints on the tackiest Christmas ever.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were fun to get to know. Suzanne St. Michelle is adorable. She is an artist looking to find her muse this Christmas at the cabin on Joshua Grady's ranch. She is looking to spend Christmas away from her parents, and the shadow of her mother's overwhelming fame as a sculptor. When her mom calls asking when she would be home for Christmas, she leads her mom to believe that she is in a relationship with Grady and would be spending Christmas with him. Her mom then tells her that she and her father are having problems and was hoping to have one last Christmas as a family, so they would just come to Colorado to be with her. Panicked, Suzanne comes up with and even crazier story about Grady loving Christmas and going overboard with decorations to try to dissuade her mother, but her mother insists. Suzanne must them convince Grady to be her"boyfriend," let her move into his house and decorate it with lights, tinsel, garland and any other gaudy decoration she can find. This will not be an easy sell because Grady hasn't celebrated Christmas in 17 years, and while he may be hot to look at, he has a very frosty demeanor. Sparks fly and passion erupts. This was such a fun read!

Okay, I’m just going to admit that I laughed my way through most of THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS. I mean, really. The tackiest Christmas celebration ever! Then in a heartbeat, I was face to face with old pain, hurts that never really fade with time and two complete opposites who are so much more than attracted, they’re in matching ugly Christmas sweaters.

What I loved most about this story was watching Joshua come back to the living once again through Suzanne’s crazy, loud, outlandish Christmas where they fought hard but were falling for each other at the same time. The details, well, those you should read for yourself. But this is a story that is going on my re-read Christmas list because it’s a love story that touches the heart, a healing process, and two people who actually fit together perfectly – and neither one of them would have ever expected that. I had fun and that is the entire point. If you love a crazy Christmas, seeing old wounds be healed with tender loving care, and two people pretending to be in love actually discover that the real love was there all the time – then you’ll adore THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS. I’d not hesitate to recommend this one or the entire series to any reader who loves a good romance, likable characters, and some truly laugh out loud moments to enjoy.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Suzanne St Michelle has an interesting job in New York. You see, she creates replicas of other people’s art for a living. Need a Rembrandt? A Van Gogh? She can do it, which is amazing in itself, but what she’s missing is her own muse, that creative spark that shouts this is what you should be painting! Her best friend has settled in a little town called Credence, Colorado and recommends that a change of scenery might allow her to find her muse! Unfortunately, she’s finding that her muse is more interested in the way those jeans just happen to fit the surly, cowboy next door than painting sunsets. Joshua Grady a.k.a. just Grady is a no-nonsense quiet kind of guy and Suzanne is really crashing his party. She’s loud and over the top and has a tendency to babble uncontrollably.

Suzanne is looking forward to celebrating Christmas in every kitschy way she possibly can, as her modern artist mother doesn’t go for anything in the way of traditional Christmas decorations. She really wants to stay in Credence for Christmas to celebrate with all the Christmas trimmings instead of going back to New York for another sterile holiday season. In a stroke of tinsel inspired genius, she tells her parents that she can’t come home for the holidays as she’s seeing Grady the Grinch, but in the version she tells her parents, he adores Christmas!

While the whole “pretend boyfriend” trope isn’t my favorite, I loved the interaction between these two. The dialogue is sometimes silly, sometimes naughty, and sometimes just plain odd! This whole thing snowballs one thing into another and by the end, oh boy! Hijinks abound! It is totally out of control but so much fun for those of us along for the ride. It really is a cute love story between two people who at first glance, don’t have much in common. By the end though, you can’t see how they weren’t meant to be from the very start.

This was a pretty good read. The writing flowed well for the most part, although the beginning did drag a bit for me. The on and on about Suzanne's muse was repetitive and weird after a while. Thankfully it does die down some after the first several chapters. I love a fake relationship story, but the way this one came about annoyed me. Suzanne dug herself a nice big hole, and then blackmails Grady (Joshua) into being her fake boyfriend. Then she gets mad when he gets aggravated at the lengths he is expected to go like it was all his fault. I felt bad for Grady a few times. She does seem to settle down as the story progresses, and I think that they end up having great chemistry. I was happy to see Grady understand that he could have love again. The ending was sweet and perfect for these two.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

Loved this heartwarming holiday read filled with exciting charters, beautiful local, witty banter and undeniable passion.... a thrilling read from beginning to end with every emotional twist and turn. Really loved this journey and enjoy reading this series.

Suzanne and Grady’s unexpected love story in The Trouble with Christmas by Amy Andrews, book two in her Credence, Colorado series, was a fun, charming, amazing, and amusing story that I struggled to put down. Grady was lost soul, a loner, one who kept to himself and wanted to be out of the spotlight, at all cost. After all the adversity he’s dealt with, he just wanted to work his ranch. Suzanne was the daughter of a famous sculptor who feared her paintings could never live up to her mother’s reputation; so she painted reproductions of famous paintings. Suzanne wanted a normal, over the top, Christmas celebration instead of the minimalist-type her mother always insisted on. Spending it with her best friend in Credence, Colorado would only make it better and more fun; as would renting a cottage, on a ranch. When Suzanne’s mother insist she spend Christmas with them, she lies, saying that Grady is her boyfriend, she can’t leave him, and, oh yeah, Josh Grady just loves Christmas; so her parents will come to her. Josh must have lost his mind as he agrees to play her fake rancher boyfriend and allow her to decorate his house with the cheesiest decorations, ornaments and lights that can be seen from the space station. Décor like Elvis Santa on a motorcycle, Elf Barbie dressed as a pole dancer, cat garland, and so forth. Then there’s the mistletoe in every doorway and spaces in between. This fake relationship of two opposites makes for one hysterical story.

While at the ranch, Suzanne found that her artistic muse had returned. The problem was instead of painting landscapes of the beautiful scenery, she was painting Grady’s face on the body of well-known models; David, a cherub, Atlas, and others. As Grady and Suzanne negotiate for the paintings, spend time together, and talk they discover a chemistry that is off the charts. Kissing, especially under all that mistletoe, is no hardship for them and there’s enough electricity arcing and sparking between them they could set off the New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Ms. Andrews wrote a wonderful, funny and charming story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, amusing banter, and endearing characters giving Grady and Suzanne a chance at love, happiness, and a future neither expected. I highly recommend The Trouble with Christmas to other readers and look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Suzanne is a woman desperate to experience a “real” Christmas, and Grady is a man who just survives the season. She’s an artist, he’s a rancher. She’s anxious to please her parents, he’s trying to get his town out of his business. Polar opposites? Maybe. But through some white lies, wheeling and dealing, and a little luck – good or bad, who knows? – the two end up spending the holidays pretending to be in a relationship. Of course, eventually they each realize that they are in love, but even that’s not enough to overcome the obstacles. Only an understanding that Christmas is about unselfish giving, not the size of the tree or the matching tacky sweaters, can bring the two together.

What did I like about this book? Grady is wounded, Suzanne looking for a more down-to-earth lifestyle than her boho New York art-scene upraising. They are fundamentally likable characters. The subplot with Suzanne’s parents provides an interesting entrée into the fake relationship, as well. That the movement in their relationship is tied so closely with Suzanne’s painting is pretty cool, too.

What did I not like as much? I think that at the age of 34, having had the support of his aunt, uncle, and entire town, it is a shame that Grady is still so bogged down in pride and misguided, self-imposed solitude. He does have a really good moment of enlightenment and makes up for being an idiot in a very satisfying way, but I don’t typically enjoy the come-here-go-away sort of story. I also get impatient when the main characters agree they can’t have a relationship but keep falling into bed.

Overall, though, this is a satisfying Christmas story that’s a little unusual, with some nice characters and interesting situations. Plus some really hot action that has me hoping for a blizzard soon! I received an advance copy in return for my honest review.

4.5 Stars
I'm a sucker for anything Christmas and throw in that it's written by Amy Andrews you have me sold. I loved this book so much. It had me right from the beginning and I could hardly put it down. I have a book hangover because I kept saying just one more chapter last night. I loved Grady and Suzy together. They are definitely opposites but, they are so perfect for one another. I loved all the Christmas activities in this book. Did I mention Grady is not a fan of the holiday season so that sets up for intriguing times at his cabin. The small town vibe is awesome and a draw for this series. This was the second book in the series. The epilogue was perfect and it was one of my favorite scenes of the book. If you're looking for a book to get you into the holiday spirit, but also with a story to warm your heart I would highly recommend this one!

This is the perfect read to get you into the holiday mood any time of the year. The writing paints the images in you minds eye showing you the scenery of the valley and... so much more. The descriptions give you a clear picture of what Suzanne sees when she has her first look at Joshua without a shirt on swoon
A story of how opposites can really make for a perfect match. The relationship the grows for Joshua and Suzanne, is one that is built upon attraction and patience. A development that neither of them were wanting or expecting, but happen because fate made it so.
A romance that is cuddle worthy any time of the year. Grab a blanket to snuggle with and settle in for a romance to warm your heart.

5 star review of The Trouble With Christmas (Credence, Colorado #2) by Amy Andrews
 
Amy Andrews is a relatively new author to me. This was a fun, entertaining read that had me riveted from the first to the last chapter.
 
There was humour and the banter that flowed was well written and amusing. I loved the main characters of Suzanne and Joshua as they were easy to relate to.

I love cowboys and small town romance and this ticked the boxes for me. It was amusing to watch Suzanne and Joshua dance around the feelings that were developing between them. The secondary characters were great and enhanced this feel good story and I am looking forward to reading more in this series.

The Trouble With Christmas is a romantic, sweet, heart warming story that is centred around the most magical time of the year. What’s not to enjoy?

I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley.

The Trouble with Christmas was a heartwarming, sweet story with a communicative holiday spirit. 

When the grumpy, tall, dark and handsome rancher let his match with an artist who made him fall in love without even trying.

Brady was happy in his solitary life, his ranch, busy all day and keeping his life at bay from all the people of Credence Bay. Until the moment when the cottage next to his house was rented by the bubbly, chatty and charming artist who was too sexy and tempting  for her own good. A temptation he didn’t need in his life. Like never.

It needed just a silly plan from Suzanne; by having a fake rancher boyfriend to really see what he would like to finally found that someone. 

But before getting there, they would have a lot of passionate arguments filled so much smoking hot tension that would make anyone melt.

I adored how different they could be in the outside and so complementary on the inside. For this unmatched « couple », finding a way to make things natural were too easy for their liking. 

She was too loud and he loved the quiet but they fitted perfectly, from arguing passionately to almost trying to ignore those feelings, to just freaking swooning.

Just the good kind of trouble!

I absolutely love Christmas and anything to do with Christmas. This book was really good. I couldn't get enough of Grady and Suzanne .
I love the grumpy Grady because characters like his are very entertaining once you get to know them.
Suzanne was funny. There's never a dull moment with her around. The city girl going off on rancher, I love it.
These two have great chemistry and the build up, my goodness, it was slow but worth the wait.
Grady said Suzanne will steal your heart , the plot if the fake relationship, setting is on ranch at Christmas and in small its all the fixings you need to have an entertaining book.
I promise, you'll laugh alot, your heart will be ready for all things Christmas and you might want a rancher after this read, lol. I sure want to.

This is a book full of laughter, sadness, embarrassment, hope, cringy at times in the best way (I will never look at tinsel or well Christmas decorations the same again lol) rekindling love and potential love all wrapped up in one great read. Grady is a silent broody cowboy who just wants to be left alone to be well all silent and broody while Suzanne is all talky talky, finding her true self and muse driven ... broody cowboy muse driven to be exact. If you love Christmas and a great slow burn love story this is the one to go for as you will not only fall in love with Joshy and Suzy but also everyone in Credence.

This book was such a great Christmas romance! It's laugh out loud funny and has with a bit of snark. I just loved the story and think this is might be my favorite by this author. She perfectly captured a Christmas tale that is so good it can, and should, be read any time of year. I loved the characters, from the artistic Suzanne and the gruff Grady, to the proper Simone.

It was so delicious that I slowed my reading pace so I could prolong the book.. As satisfying as the ending was, I was sorry when I reached the last page and ran out of book to read. I highly recommend Suzanne and Grady's book. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.