Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Review & Giveaway - - Holiday Ever After

Holiday Ever After: An Anthology
One Snowy Night, Holiday Wishes, & Mistletoe in Paradise
by Jill Shalvis
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: October 26, 2021
Reviewed by PJ




Three fan-favorite Jill Shalvis novellas are together for the first time in this holiday anthology!


One Snowy Night

It’s Christmas Eve and Rory Andrews is desperate to get home to her family. Problem is, her only ride to Lake Tahoe comes in the form of the annoyingly handsome Max Stranton, her long-time crush, and his big, goofy, lovable dog. A long road trip in a massive blizzard might be just what they need to face their past…and one steamy, snowy night is all it takes to bring Max and Rory together at last.

Holiday Wishes

When Sean O’Riley shows up for his older brother’s bachelor weekend, the last person he expects to see is Lotti Hartford, the woman he lost his virginity to a decade ago. As the weekend continues, Sean realizes he wants to leave his hook-up life behind, but can he convince Lotti to open her heart to him again?

Mistletoe in Paradise

Years after their secret fling ended, Hannah isn’t eager to see James during their families’ annual joint holiday-themed yacht adventure. But when they’re the only people who show up, James and Hannah are stuck together on the high seas for days. As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize the best things in life can’t be planned, and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around. 



PJ's Thoughts:


Perfect for the busy holiday weeks when we're looking for a romantic escape but don't have a lot of time, Holiday Ever After combines three previously published novellas by Jill Shalvis. Each of the stories is connected to a Shalvis series but is suitable for both fans and new readers alike, although I do believe reading the earlier books in the Heartbreaker Bay series before reading One Snowy Night and Holiday Wishes will add an extra layer of enjoyment to the novellas. Mistletoe in Paradise is probably the novella that stands best on its own. It's a second-chance romance set aboard a yacht in the Caribbean, a place I frequently fantasize about during the cold months of winter. 


All three stories are filled with the banter, emotion, and happy endings that I look forward to whenever I pick up a Jill Shalvis story. My favorite character from the anthology is Carl, Max's "huge, eternally hungry, adorable Doberman" in One Snowy Night. I adored him. My favorite story is Holiday Wishes. I love a stranded by a storm trope and this one is especially fun. And last, but not least, my favorite location is - no surprise - the balmy, beautiful Caribbean where childhood friends Hannah and James realize that sometimes, life does give you second chances. I enthusiastically recommend readers give Holiday Ever After by Jill Shalvis a chance this holiday season. 



Do you gravitate toward novellas during the busy holiday season?


Have you read any recently that you would recommend?


One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 4 will receive a print copy of Holiday Ever After.


*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited







19 comments:

  1. I would love to win this book; I have not read either of these novellas. TY for the chance.

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  3. I usually go for the longer stories but I always make an exception for Jill Shalvis.

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  4. I read all lengths around the holiday.

    Anthologies are nice when you have only a small slot of time to read.

    Love Jill’s stories!

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    1. We were traveling so I haven’t read any anthologies recently.

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  5. I don't read too many anthologies or novellas unless I want some quick reads or the stories do grab me and thee stories sound vg. I love Jill's books and would love to win this collection.
    Cathi P.

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  6. I read novellas and anthologies since they are enjoyable and thought provoking.

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  7. When I have a brief moment I sit down and read an anthology and it is what I appreciate greatly. Meaningful and special. I have read many and they are just as wonderful as a novel.

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  8. I do love Christmas anthologies - the shorter novellas can be read in just one (or two) sittings, so I get to the HEA that much sooner, then on to another happy story.

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  9. I haven't read any novellas yet. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas I don't have the time to invest in a normal book and the novella does the trick. Short and easy with a HEA at the end.

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  10. I'm a huge fan of Christmas anthologies where the stories are short and the feelings are warm. I Have read several new ones this year and enjoyed them. I also reread several of the Signet books which were wonderful.

    Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.

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  11. Novellas are so easy for quick down time during the holidays. Happy November to everyone.

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  12. I usually prefer books longer than novellas. But there are times when I like a quick read.

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  13. I love Christmas novellas, and I love Jill Shalvis. This books sounds wonderful!

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  14. I always start reading Christmas books as soon as they come out I love them and I love Jill's books especially the wildstone series and the Heartbreaker Bay series,
    Penney

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  15. These are great holiday stories you can read anytime of the year. I'll read holiday stories whenever I feel the need for a change of pace.

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  16. Since I always seem to be pressed for time, anthologies really are a favorite format. Being able to finish a good story in a short period of time helps with the frustration of not being able to dig into a nice long book. I haven't read any lately, but there are some really good ones coming out this Christmas season.
    I hope you are having a good Fall season.

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  17. I love novellas, especially in anthologies like Mistletoe Christmas.

    denise

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  18. Perfect time of the year to read this. I do like novellas. Thanks for the chance.

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