This Had Potential but Missed the Mark for Me

I really wanted to like this book. I've enjoyed the Christmas in New York series, and the main. Characters were engaging but there were unresolved issues and unanswered questions.

***Spoiler Alert***
The 2 catalyst situations were faculty parties. Both cause issues with Sean and play on his insecurities. During a current-day faculty party, there is a situation alluding to sexual harassment. Will she ever report this? Seems unlikely according to the story, because although she apologizes to Sean, she still indicates this is just how things are and that her life will be easier if she leaves it at the status quo. There is no indication she will change that, so following the logical progression, this will continue and Sean and her managing professor will continue to knock heads, with the professor always having the upper hand, knowing he can get away with it, or else Sean's temper could cause a physical altercation. This was a problem for me since sexual harassment should never be acceptable and deserves a resolution.

The other minor unanswered question has to do with Sean’s new tattoos. His tattoos are mentioned six different times yet we never find out what they are, including the mystery hip tattoo. A bit of hype, with no follow-through.

Although I am very late in getting this out, my original copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC was originally set as part of the Christmas in New York series.

Seven years ago, he broke her heart and left... Now she walks into his bar just before Christmas and it just might be the best present of all.


Yet another second-chance romance that would've worked better if it wasn't a constant mope-fest. I got the gist. He left for her own good devastating them both. She was afraid of trusting him again. He was trying to make her see he's changed. I got it! There was no need for repeating the same spiel over and over and over again.
The story was short as it was, the space could've been better spent with some character presentation and development instead of constant repetition.

In the end the characters were one-dimensional husks merely going through the motions.

I liked the premise, though.

I already sent in my review for this title. I emailed NetGalley and they said they’re having problems with titles appearing to need feedback when it’s already been sent.