So much wasted potential!

This book started off strong with cute, CHristmasy, rom-com vibes and just went down hill from there.

I was loving the "meet cute" our FMC and MMC had on Christmas eve at the animal shelter but after that interaction it just got worse and worse. I felt as though the author couldn't decide if she was writing a Christmas rom-com or a serious contemporary romance. There were so many directions this story was trying to go at once I felt I was getting whiplash.

The MMC of this book was HORRIBLE! If he was walking around IRL he would need a giant flashing sign above his head that said "DESPERATELY NEEDS THERAPY!" and "NOT BOYFRIEND MATERIAL!" he was condescending and for all intents and purposes was already in a relationship when he met and continued to date our FMC.

NOPE NOPE NOPE this book was not it!

This started off so cute. Christmas Eve. Felicity is at the animal rescue caring for the animals. A man in a penguin costume carrying a kitten knocks at the door.

Then, after the initial meet-cute chapters, it kind of went off the rails. Lots of things happening that didn't necessarily help the story. James is nearly completely off page. Lots of unnecessary drama.

Also, while the meet cute happens on Christmas Eve, and there is a lot of talk about hating Christmas, this isn't really a Christmas-y book.

Hannah Curtis narrates and the narration is enjoyable.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

I could not get into this book at all. It sounded really cute, but it just didn't seem super organized. The narrator kind of bugged me. I would try skipping ahead hoping something would grab my attention but it just didn't. Not for me.

There is a lot going on with this story. Christmas grumps with a spark, an ex, family secrets, holiday traditions and a penguin helping a kitten. It was a warm cozy simple read but also felt a little overwhelming.