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Winter's Kiss: The Ex Games; The Twelve Dates of Christmas
Cozy up to a double dose of winter-themed romantic comedy with two books in one bind-up.Lexi has come up with a master plan to make Cameron break up with her: get him to fall for another girl so she’ll be free (and guilt-free, too). But when the plan goes well—too well—Lexi starts to wonder if she hasn’t made a terrible mistake. Has she let the perfect guy get away? And is it too late to get him back?
Meanwhile, Hayden and Nick’s steamy relationship has ended in a frosty breakup, and now they’re just friends. But when they decide to go head-to-head in a boarding contest, the friendly competition gets heated….Will sparks start to fly on and off the slopes?
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2012
18 people are currently reading
882 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Echols
36 books4,889 followersJennifer Echols was born in Atlanta and grew up in a small town on a beautiful lake in Alabama—a setting that has inspired many of her books. She has written nine romantic novels for young adults, including the comedy MAJOR CRUSH, which won the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the drama GOING TOO FAR, which was a finalist in the RITA, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the Book Buyer’s Best, and was nominated by the American Library Association as a Best Book for Young Adults. Simon & Schuster will debut her adult romance novels in 2013, with many more teen novels scheduled for the next few years. She lives in Birmingham with her husband and her son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 7, 2012
Hmm, so how to review two books by two different authors in one actual book? Well, the two stories go together very well. The editors or publishers did a fantastic job of matching these up. Both are young adult romantic comedies and take place in the winter-time, which was perfect for me to read on the coldest days we’ve had in Florida in awhile. (No snow to go along with it, but I had my fair share of hot chocolate while reading.)
(*Note that the description of the book that I pulled from the publisher is actually backwards from how the stories appear in the book.)
The first story is by Jennifer Echols and is titled The Ex Games. I think that a lot of teens will be able to relate to the characters in this book. Both Hayden and Nick (and their friends) do some silly things and react without thinking all things through, so I often wanted to tell them to chill out and calm down, take a step back. Then I realized, I’ve been there, I was totally like that when I was younger (if not sometimes still). Echols definitely has a grasp on the mind of a teenager, it’s so realistic that the characters can be annoying and lovable all at once. She had me rooting for Hayden to have love over and over again as things went wrong time and time again.
As for the comedy bit, I’m not sure if I’ve ever read a romantic comedy. I know I’ve seen a lot of the movies with that label, but books…I can’t think of one. This certainly changed that. I loved that it was a light hearted read and the sarcastic nature of the characters was right on tune for me. This is definitely a good break from all of the gloom and doom of dystopian stories that I’ve been reading as of late. I’m a believer in the romantic comedy genre now and I see more books by Jennifer Echols in my future.
The second story is by Catherine Hapka and is titled The Twelve Dates of Christmas. This story is a bit shorter than the first one, but no less enjoyable. I flew through reading it one night. I must say that even though I knew it was a romantic comedy and that those types of stories (at least in movies) usually end happily, I wasn’t sure where this one was going to go. Lexi’s devious ways, with the best interest of her and her ex/current/maybe boyfriend, Cameron, at heart, continually backfire and it seems like Cameron’s ok with that.
Lexi’s best friend, Allie, is a highlight in the story as she comes up with strange theories referring to romance and one’s love life. She’s a little kooky with all of her theories, but you get the idea that she believes in all (well most) of them and is fully committed to making sure they work out. While that is all entertaining on its own, it doesn’t take away from the real story of Lexi trying to figure out if she wants to push Cameron away or work towards luring him back. This is definitely a story of “lesson learned” in a completely non-preachy, barely-there way that makes it totally enjoyable!
Reviewed by Jessica for Book Sake.
(*Note that the description of the book that I pulled from the publisher is actually backwards from how the stories appear in the book.)
The first story is by Jennifer Echols and is titled The Ex Games. I think that a lot of teens will be able to relate to the characters in this book. Both Hayden and Nick (and their friends) do some silly things and react without thinking all things through, so I often wanted to tell them to chill out and calm down, take a step back. Then I realized, I’ve been there, I was totally like that when I was younger (if not sometimes still). Echols definitely has a grasp on the mind of a teenager, it’s so realistic that the characters can be annoying and lovable all at once. She had me rooting for Hayden to have love over and over again as things went wrong time and time again.
As for the comedy bit, I’m not sure if I’ve ever read a romantic comedy. I know I’ve seen a lot of the movies with that label, but books…I can’t think of one. This certainly changed that. I loved that it was a light hearted read and the sarcastic nature of the characters was right on tune for me. This is definitely a good break from all of the gloom and doom of dystopian stories that I’ve been reading as of late. I’m a believer in the romantic comedy genre now and I see more books by Jennifer Echols in my future.
The second story is by Catherine Hapka and is titled The Twelve Dates of Christmas. This story is a bit shorter than the first one, but no less enjoyable. I flew through reading it one night. I must say that even though I knew it was a romantic comedy and that those types of stories (at least in movies) usually end happily, I wasn’t sure where this one was going to go. Lexi’s devious ways, with the best interest of her and her ex/current/maybe boyfriend, Cameron, at heart, continually backfire and it seems like Cameron’s ok with that.
Lexi’s best friend, Allie, is a highlight in the story as she comes up with strange theories referring to romance and one’s love life. She’s a little kooky with all of her theories, but you get the idea that she believes in all (well most) of them and is fully committed to making sure they work out. While that is all entertaining on its own, it doesn’t take away from the real story of Lexi trying to figure out if she wants to push Cameron away or work towards luring him back. This is definitely a story of “lesson learned” in a completely non-preachy, barely-there way that makes it totally enjoyable!
Reviewed by Jessica for Book Sake.
January 26, 2012
Review: The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols
There is no doubt that I love Jennifer Echols, so of course I had a blast reading her winter romantic comedy! The Ex Games was published in 2009, but was republished in a volume with The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Catherine Hopka this month. Even though it's been around for three years, it was still the perfect book to cozy up with while the snow fell outside.
Hayden and Nick have a rocky past; they dated four years ago but broke up soon after when Nick broke Hayden's heart. Since then, they have bickered like an old married couple, yet never got back together. Winter break changed everything when Nick and Hayden challenge each other to a snowboarding contest. Snow wasn't the only thing that's falling (in love that is) that winter!
Hayden is such a strong character who has had to deal with her feelings for Nick for four years. She puts her heart and soul into snowboarding, and I couldn't help but root for her during everything she went through. Even though she's strong on the outside, she always has a part of her that can't help falling for Nick over and over again. Who wouldn't? He is gorgeous, talented, and underneath his teasing is a heart of gold.
I loved the whole premise of Hayden and Nick competing against each other in a snowboarding contest; they literally have a game of the exes. It was cool how everyone's relationship was invested in the competition, everything riding on the chance to win Poser concert tickets from their significant other. Everything about this book was super cute and I was so sad when it was over. If you're looking for a heart-warming read on a cold winter's day, pick up The Ex Games!
There is no doubt that I love Jennifer Echols, so of course I had a blast reading her winter romantic comedy! The Ex Games was published in 2009, but was republished in a volume with The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Catherine Hopka this month. Even though it's been around for three years, it was still the perfect book to cozy up with while the snow fell outside.
Hayden and Nick have a rocky past; they dated four years ago but broke up soon after when Nick broke Hayden's heart. Since then, they have bickered like an old married couple, yet never got back together. Winter break changed everything when Nick and Hayden challenge each other to a snowboarding contest. Snow wasn't the only thing that's falling (in love that is) that winter!
Hayden is such a strong character who has had to deal with her feelings for Nick for four years. She puts her heart and soul into snowboarding, and I couldn't help but root for her during everything she went through. Even though she's strong on the outside, she always has a part of her that can't help falling for Nick over and over again. Who wouldn't? He is gorgeous, talented, and underneath his teasing is a heart of gold.
I loved the whole premise of Hayden and Nick competing against each other in a snowboarding contest; they literally have a game of the exes. It was cool how everyone's relationship was invested in the competition, everything riding on the chance to win Poser concert tickets from their significant other. Everything about this book was super cute and I was so sad when it was over. If you're looking for a heart-warming read on a cold winter's day, pick up The Ex Games!
November 16, 2012
The romances were very sweet but I also think these were some messed up people! Full review soon :)
December 25, 2020
First story was very good but struggled to get through the second one.
November 16, 2024
Cute Teenage Rom-Coms, double feature (two books in one) Both were entertaining and enjoyable.
December 7, 2012
Winter's kiss had two wonderful stories that I enjoyed reading. Both stories were beautifully written. I was immediately captivated with both stories. This is a book I will definitely be rereading. I loved it!!! I am really hoping I get to see more of these characters down the road.
The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols was a very sweet story. I loved, loved loved it. Hayden has never forgiven Nick on the bet he set with his friends. He hurt her more than she lets on. Four years later, they appear to have some sort of friendship. They are always picking on each, calling each other names. For winter break, Hayden prepares for a boarding competition. She ends up winning the whole thing. Now, her friends and her brother won't leave her alone. Hayden could go pro if she would lose her fear of heights. Due to the fear, she avoids the jumps at all costs. She even tries to avoid Nick. Liz and Chloe won't stop though. They want to hook the two lovebirds up. Nick and Hayden get into some really mean arguments and the wrong things were said. They decide to set up a competition between the two of them to see who is the best. Will Hayden lose her fear of heights to be Nick in this friendly competition? Will Nick and Hayden find their way back together after four years?
I loved Nick and Hayden!!! Hayden was very strong and loyal. She tried very hard to lose her fear of heights. Hayden never gave up even when she wanted to. She surprised everyone at the end with one of the boarding tricks she used. Nick was so hilarious!!! I loved his mean little ways he used to show Hayden he liked her. He was a little boy again. Be mean to the girl you like. He has picked on her for four long years. There wasn't a character in this story that I didn't like. I even adored the relationship between Hayden and her brother.
This was a very sweet and romantic story, I was on the edge of my seat every time Nick and Hayden got together. It always ended badly. They both had fears to overcome though. Nick and Hayden were so afraid of being hurt by each other again that they kept each other at arms length. Nick did try though. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change. It took many battles and fights, but it eventually came together.
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Catherine Hapka was a great story as well. Lexi has been worried about her relationship with Cam. She would soon be moving to a big city for college and didn't see how they would survive that. She also believed that they lost their spark after being together for four years. After much thought, she decided that the relationship should end. She didn't want to hurt Cam though so she came up with this insane idea to make him end it. Lexi decided that if he fell for another girl he wouldn't hurt over the break up. Jaylene comes into the picture. Lexi starts pulling away from Cam and secretly setting up dates with Cam and Jaylene. Not one of her friends thought this plan would work. But, it did. Cam showed up at her house, looking horrible, and ended it. When Lexi sees them together, she starts questioning if she made the right decision. She soon realizes that she still loves him and has to get him back. The question is, is it too late for Lexi to get Cam back?
Cam was an all around sweet guy. I adored him. He would help everyone out no questions ask. He loved Lexi unconditionally. He really did hurt over the break up. But Cam is like Lexi, they both hide their feelings very well. Even after the break up, Cam was there to support Lexi. Lexi kinda made me mad at times with these little games she played. She should have just been honest with him, but she did her thing, and it always backfired. She finally got some sense knocked into her though at the end.
This was a very engaging story. It had me from the very beginning. I had to finish it just to see if they would get back together. I was also on the edge of my seat with this story. I didn't know how it was going to turn out. Sometimes it seemed they made the right decision, and at times, it didn't.
I recommended this book to everyone who wants a very sweet and and romantic book to read for the holidays. Both stories end with a Happily Ever After thank gosh. This a a definite reread for me.
The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols was a very sweet story. I loved, loved loved it. Hayden has never forgiven Nick on the bet he set with his friends. He hurt her more than she lets on. Four years later, they appear to have some sort of friendship. They are always picking on each, calling each other names. For winter break, Hayden prepares for a boarding competition. She ends up winning the whole thing. Now, her friends and her brother won't leave her alone. Hayden could go pro if she would lose her fear of heights. Due to the fear, she avoids the jumps at all costs. She even tries to avoid Nick. Liz and Chloe won't stop though. They want to hook the two lovebirds up. Nick and Hayden get into some really mean arguments and the wrong things were said. They decide to set up a competition between the two of them to see who is the best. Will Hayden lose her fear of heights to be Nick in this friendly competition? Will Nick and Hayden find their way back together after four years?
I loved Nick and Hayden!!! Hayden was very strong and loyal. She tried very hard to lose her fear of heights. Hayden never gave up even when she wanted to. She surprised everyone at the end with one of the boarding tricks she used. Nick was so hilarious!!! I loved his mean little ways he used to show Hayden he liked her. He was a little boy again. Be mean to the girl you like. He has picked on her for four long years. There wasn't a character in this story that I didn't like. I even adored the relationship between Hayden and her brother.
This was a very sweet and romantic story, I was on the edge of my seat every time Nick and Hayden got together. It always ended badly. They both had fears to overcome though. Nick and Hayden were so afraid of being hurt by each other again that they kept each other at arms length. Nick did try though. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change. It took many battles and fights, but it eventually came together.
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Catherine Hapka was a great story as well. Lexi has been worried about her relationship with Cam. She would soon be moving to a big city for college and didn't see how they would survive that. She also believed that they lost their spark after being together for four years. After much thought, she decided that the relationship should end. She didn't want to hurt Cam though so she came up with this insane idea to make him end it. Lexi decided that if he fell for another girl he wouldn't hurt over the break up. Jaylene comes into the picture. Lexi starts pulling away from Cam and secretly setting up dates with Cam and Jaylene. Not one of her friends thought this plan would work. But, it did. Cam showed up at her house, looking horrible, and ended it. When Lexi sees them together, she starts questioning if she made the right decision. She soon realizes that she still loves him and has to get him back. The question is, is it too late for Lexi to get Cam back?
Cam was an all around sweet guy. I adored him. He would help everyone out no questions ask. He loved Lexi unconditionally. He really did hurt over the break up. But Cam is like Lexi, they both hide their feelings very well. Even after the break up, Cam was there to support Lexi. Lexi kinda made me mad at times with these little games she played. She should have just been honest with him, but she did her thing, and it always backfired. She finally got some sense knocked into her though at the end.
This was a very engaging story. It had me from the very beginning. I had to finish it just to see if they would get back together. I was also on the edge of my seat with this story. I didn't know how it was going to turn out. Sometimes it seemed they made the right decision, and at times, it didn't.
I recommended this book to everyone who wants a very sweet and and romantic book to read for the holidays. Both stories end with a Happily Ever After thank gosh. This a a definite reread for me.
January 3, 2012
The Ex Games
by Jennifer Echols
My Rating: A
Story Overview:
Meanwhile, Hayden and Nick’s steamy relationship has ended in a frosty breakup, and now they’re just friends. But when they decide to go head-to-head in a boarding contest, the friendly competition gets heated….Will sparks start to fly on and off the slopes?
My Review:
What a wonderfully sweet romantic story, but it was so much more than that. This book is about Nick and Hayden. They dated for a single month in 7th grade and have had a contemptuous relationship in the 4 years ever since. Now it is winter break and they find themselves as third wheels in their friendships of three's because the other two in each respective group of three's have hooked up.
In seventh grade, when they hooked up, Hayden was the new girl in school and had just come off a horrific accident that had caused her to spend an entire year in a wheelchair and rehab. What she didn't know at the time was that their relationship was the result of a bet about the new girl. When she found out, she was horribly hurt and broke up with Nick. It's been four years, but neither one of them has ever recovered from the hurt of that time.
This book has a wonderful romantic story. I loved both Nick and Hayden's characters and the obvious angst that they are both going through. But this book is about so much more than that. This book is about overcoming fear...something that both these characters are dealing with although Hayden's is more obvious than Nick's. Both of them are terrified of being hurt by the other...again.
The entire book is set in amongst the backdrop of a winter mountain and an obvious passion for snowboarding. Hayden is on the cusp of becoming a pro snowboarder. She just has to find the courage to do the big jump after the lingering fear of heights that is left over from her accident.
I found this book to read easily and naturally. I got caught up in the story and the tension between Nick and Hayden. Their chemistry was so much fun to read about and I was on pins and needles every time they got caught up in another miscommunication. I thought that the tie in with the snowboarding was incredibly done. I am not a snowboarder, but those parts of the book were intriguing and interesting. Overall, this was simply a fabulous and entertaining read!
**********
The 12 Dates of Christmas
by Catherine Hapka
My Rating: B+
Story Overview:
Lexi has come up with a master plan to make Cameron break up with her: get him to fall for another girl so she’ll be free (and guilt-free, too). But when the plan goes well—too well—Lexi starts to wonder if she hasn’t made a terrible mistake. Has she let the perfect guy get away? And is it too late to get him back?
My Review:
This is a tough book for me to review. I hated Lexi's actions in the book and the games that she was playing, although she didn't see her actions as a game. She thought that she was justified. But I think that the reason that I had such a strong reaction to her actions is because I recognized them from my own actions in high school. *ugh* Even 20 plus years later that is a difficult thing to look back upon. BUT that is why this is such a good book for teens...call it a cautionary tale. hehe!
What did totally work for me in this book was the setting of this Christmas-oriented little town. I loved that almost all the activities in the book and the town were aimed towards the magical goal of Christmas. Even when they were all freezing in the frigid temperatures, there was a special magical feel to all the events and settings.
Cam...*sigh* Such a nice guy...but maybe just a bit too nice. Again, this is very reminiscent of high school. The problem with being a nice guy is that you can get totally run over by a girl caught up in her own drama about a situation.
Overall, this was an entertaining and fun read. I began to question whether Lexi was ever going to get her act together in time, but no fear...there is an HEA and the book ended very sweetly. It just kept me on pins and needles until I got there.
by Jennifer Echols
My Rating: A
Story Overview:
Meanwhile, Hayden and Nick’s steamy relationship has ended in a frosty breakup, and now they’re just friends. But when they decide to go head-to-head in a boarding contest, the friendly competition gets heated….Will sparks start to fly on and off the slopes?
My Review:
What a wonderfully sweet romantic story, but it was so much more than that. This book is about Nick and Hayden. They dated for a single month in 7th grade and have had a contemptuous relationship in the 4 years ever since. Now it is winter break and they find themselves as third wheels in their friendships of three's because the other two in each respective group of three's have hooked up.
In seventh grade, when they hooked up, Hayden was the new girl in school and had just come off a horrific accident that had caused her to spend an entire year in a wheelchair and rehab. What she didn't know at the time was that their relationship was the result of a bet about the new girl. When she found out, she was horribly hurt and broke up with Nick. It's been four years, but neither one of them has ever recovered from the hurt of that time.
This book has a wonderful romantic story. I loved both Nick and Hayden's characters and the obvious angst that they are both going through. But this book is about so much more than that. This book is about overcoming fear...something that both these characters are dealing with although Hayden's is more obvious than Nick's. Both of them are terrified of being hurt by the other...again.
The entire book is set in amongst the backdrop of a winter mountain and an obvious passion for snowboarding. Hayden is on the cusp of becoming a pro snowboarder. She just has to find the courage to do the big jump after the lingering fear of heights that is left over from her accident.
I found this book to read easily and naturally. I got caught up in the story and the tension between Nick and Hayden. Their chemistry was so much fun to read about and I was on pins and needles every time they got caught up in another miscommunication. I thought that the tie in with the snowboarding was incredibly done. I am not a snowboarder, but those parts of the book were intriguing and interesting. Overall, this was simply a fabulous and entertaining read!
**********
The 12 Dates of Christmas
by Catherine Hapka
My Rating: B+
Story Overview:
Lexi has come up with a master plan to make Cameron break up with her: get him to fall for another girl so she’ll be free (and guilt-free, too). But when the plan goes well—too well—Lexi starts to wonder if she hasn’t made a terrible mistake. Has she let the perfect guy get away? And is it too late to get him back?
My Review:
This is a tough book for me to review. I hated Lexi's actions in the book and the games that she was playing, although she didn't see her actions as a game. She thought that she was justified. But I think that the reason that I had such a strong reaction to her actions is because I recognized them from my own actions in high school. *ugh* Even 20 plus years later that is a difficult thing to look back upon. BUT that is why this is such a good book for teens...call it a cautionary tale. hehe!
What did totally work for me in this book was the setting of this Christmas-oriented little town. I loved that almost all the activities in the book and the town were aimed towards the magical goal of Christmas. Even when they were all freezing in the frigid temperatures, there was a special magical feel to all the events and settings.
Cam...*sigh* Such a nice guy...but maybe just a bit too nice. Again, this is very reminiscent of high school. The problem with being a nice guy is that you can get totally run over by a girl caught up in her own drama about a situation.
Overall, this was an entertaining and fun read. I began to question whether Lexi was ever going to get her act together in time, but no fear...there is an HEA and the book ended very sweetly. It just kept me on pins and needles until I got there.
May 10, 2012
Book provided by author for review.
Review originally published on my blog AWordsWorth.blogspot.com
Winter's Kiss is actually two books in one cute little volume: The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols and The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Catherine Hapka. The two novels pair together beautifully, and I read them during a particular cold week - which made them doubly fitting.
The Ex Games is an intense ride. Hayden and Nick were an item in seventh grade, and have been enemies ever since. Well, maybe not entirely enemies, considering how Nick is all Hayden can think about, and if her little brother's logic is right, then Nick maybe likes Hayden more than he lets on too. When their best friends pair off, the Exes find themselves thrown together more and more, and soon Winter Break turns into a hot contest with Poser tickets on the line. A fun mix of snowboarding and high school dynamics, The Ex Games was a perfect wintry read. I also really enjoyed that Echols used chapter headings to introduce snowboarding lingo (I'm a word nerd, and I happen to love the winter X Games).
With a similar theme of exes and potential romance, The Twelve Dates of Christmas is a series of misadventures. Lexi thinks that she and long-time boyfriend Cam need to break up, so she applies the theories of science to orchestrate the plan. It works too well however, and soon she's trying new theories: those of her best friend Allie, who hopes to write a self-help romance book one day. As plan after plan backfires, Lexi realizes that maybe this is not a time for theories and hypotheses. Maybe this requires something even more drastic. A fast-paced read that had me chuckling out loud, as well as cringing sympathetically at times, The Twelve Dates of Christmas is the perfect companion read for The Ex Games.
Review originally published on my blog AWordsWorth.blogspot.com
Winter's Kiss is actually two books in one cute little volume: The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols and The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Catherine Hapka. The two novels pair together beautifully, and I read them during a particular cold week - which made them doubly fitting.
The Ex Games is an intense ride. Hayden and Nick were an item in seventh grade, and have been enemies ever since. Well, maybe not entirely enemies, considering how Nick is all Hayden can think about, and if her little brother's logic is right, then Nick maybe likes Hayden more than he lets on too. When their best friends pair off, the Exes find themselves thrown together more and more, and soon Winter Break turns into a hot contest with Poser tickets on the line. A fun mix of snowboarding and high school dynamics, The Ex Games was a perfect wintry read. I also really enjoyed that Echols used chapter headings to introduce snowboarding lingo (I'm a word nerd, and I happen to love the winter X Games).
With a similar theme of exes and potential romance, The Twelve Dates of Christmas is a series of misadventures. Lexi thinks that she and long-time boyfriend Cam need to break up, so she applies the theories of science to orchestrate the plan. It works too well however, and soon she's trying new theories: those of her best friend Allie, who hopes to write a self-help romance book one day. As plan after plan backfires, Lexi realizes that maybe this is not a time for theories and hypotheses. Maybe this requires something even more drastic. A fast-paced read that had me chuckling out loud, as well as cringing sympathetically at times, The Twelve Dates of Christmas is the perfect companion read for The Ex Games.
June 5, 2014
This was a amazing book!!!!!!! Both books were great!!!
The Ex Games- It was funny, cute, and taught a lesson all girls need to learn when they go into their teen years. Hayden who has loved Nick Keiger forever. Even though they broke up four years ago in seventh grade.She was new in town and Nick set his eyes on her. They went on a few dates and on a movie date, Hayden figured everything out. A popular and pretty girl named Chloe and another girl named Liz tell her that Nick going out with her is a bet that he would like him even though she doesn't know he is rich. So that night she yelled at him and he and her became kind of like frenimes. She still likes him though. They both like snowboarding. Then the story continues on how these two who are different and are still so similar in so many ways. So don't give up hope. Because everyone falls in love someway...somehow.
The Twelve Dates Of Christmas-Alexis Lexi Michaels has a great boyfriend named Cam. But she thinks that they have different goals. She thinks they will separate when they go to Collage next year like her cousin Nick. So she makes a plan that she will get Cam to break up with her. She wants her best friend Allie and Nick's help. She tries hard by missing dates and acting different. Then she tries to get Cam closer to the new girl who is blond, pretty, and southern Jaylene. The story continues on Jaylene trying to get back her guy, even though she got rid of him in the first place. So lesson learned: just because times are changing and you and your boyfriend have different goals then you should accept it. Don't try to change things and over time you will learn that they guy you try to break up with may be the one guy you always wanted.
Hope you like the book :)
The Ex Games- It was funny, cute, and taught a lesson all girls need to learn when they go into their teen years. Hayden who has loved Nick Keiger forever. Even though they broke up four years ago in seventh grade.She was new in town and Nick set his eyes on her. They went on a few dates and on a movie date, Hayden figured everything out. A popular and pretty girl named Chloe and another girl named Liz tell her that Nick going out with her is a bet that he would like him even though she doesn't know he is rich. So that night she yelled at him and he and her became kind of like frenimes. She still likes him though. They both like snowboarding. Then the story continues on how these two who are different and are still so similar in so many ways. So don't give up hope. Because everyone falls in love someway...somehow.
The Twelve Dates Of Christmas-Alexis Lexi Michaels has a great boyfriend named Cam. But she thinks that they have different goals. She thinks they will separate when they go to Collage next year like her cousin Nick. So she makes a plan that she will get Cam to break up with her. She wants her best friend Allie and Nick's help. She tries hard by missing dates and acting different. Then she tries to get Cam closer to the new girl who is blond, pretty, and southern Jaylene. The story continues on Jaylene trying to get back her guy, even though she got rid of him in the first place. So lesson learned: just because times are changing and you and your boyfriend have different goals then you should accept it. Don't try to change things and over time you will learn that they guy you try to break up with may be the one guy you always wanted.
Hope you like the book :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2012
I really loved both stories! And the one thing that the guys have in common for both stories is that they never forget their frst love. No matter how long, it's still there. That spark that everyone is saying about.
I really love how Nick wanted Hayden back badly and how he confessed that he should be the one for her and not Everett [cuss word] Walsh. (see what i did there) He really fought for her. It's such a sweet sweet story if you just wanna be in the mood for some romantic-cuddly-mini tear jerking kinda story.
And also for Cam(such a hot name it is Cam/Cameron), even though he was dating Jaylene he did it because that's what he thought Lexi wanted. Thank God he knew her for four years inside out and still managed to give her another chance. I know it's not really much of a plan (the one which Lexi did) to be happy about but this just shows how realistic things can get and how people do resort to it in reality. I'm just glad that they got back together. True love really does exist.
And mine is out there. I just know it. (Thanks to this book, I'm having these thoughts already, but hey, who said it's bad to hope? It's only whether you want to or not.)
I really love how Nick wanted Hayden back badly and how he confessed that he should be the one for her and not Everett [cuss word] Walsh. (see what i did there) He really fought for her. It's such a sweet sweet story if you just wanna be in the mood for some romantic-cuddly-mini tear jerking kinda story.
And also for Cam(such a hot name it is Cam/Cameron), even though he was dating Jaylene he did it because that's what he thought Lexi wanted. Thank God he knew her for four years inside out and still managed to give her another chance. I know it's not really much of a plan (the one which Lexi did) to be happy about but this just shows how realistic things can get and how people do resort to it in reality. I'm just glad that they got back together. True love really does exist.
And mine is out there. I just know it. (Thanks to this book, I'm having these thoughts already, but hey, who said it's bad to hope? It's only whether you want to or not.)
August 10, 2013
The Ex Games
I disliked this book. Like, I didn't hate it, but I'm sure that it is pretty close to that. I thought it was stupid and of course, Hayden ends up winning. I mean, wow. I didn't expect that. Yeah, right. I thought that Nick and Hayden were a horrible couple. and the ending: "how long have you been dating?" "oh, four years." Yeah, ok buddy. Keep dreaming. She hated you but liked you. I just hated how on and off they were. I mean, when they broke up it was over the dumbest, and I mean dumbest reasons. I recommend this to readers who enjoy Jennifer Echols because if you don't you'll probably hate it.
Rating: 1.3/10
Parental Rating: 13+
The Twelve Dates of Christmas
First of all, I'd like to say, how did Lexi not realize that Allie and Nick were dating? I mean, are you seriously that rapped up in your own world to not even realize you best friends are dating? You are sad. Anyway, I hated this one as much as The Ex Games. I just, I thought it was silly for Lexi to break up with Cam then be like: "Oh, wait, can I have a second chance?" I disliked this book as well. I recommend this to readers who enjoy Jennifer Echols or Catherine Hapka.
Rating: 1.0/10
Parental Rating: 13+
I disliked this book. Like, I didn't hate it, but I'm sure that it is pretty close to that. I thought it was stupid and of course, Hayden ends up winning. I mean, wow. I didn't expect that. Yeah, right. I thought that Nick and Hayden were a horrible couple. and the ending: "how long have you been dating?" "oh, four years." Yeah, ok buddy. Keep dreaming. She hated you but liked you. I just hated how on and off they were. I mean, when they broke up it was over the dumbest, and I mean dumbest reasons. I recommend this to readers who enjoy Jennifer Echols because if you don't you'll probably hate it.
Rating: 1.3/10
Parental Rating: 13+
The Twelve Dates of Christmas
First of all, I'd like to say, how did Lexi not realize that Allie and Nick were dating? I mean, are you seriously that rapped up in your own world to not even realize you best friends are dating? You are sad. Anyway, I hated this one as much as The Ex Games. I just, I thought it was silly for Lexi to break up with Cam then be like: "Oh, wait, can I have a second chance?" I disliked this book as well. I recommend this to readers who enjoy Jennifer Echols or Catherine Hapka.
Rating: 1.0/10
Parental Rating: 13+
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2016
This book was really great... Although I really enjoyed The Ex Games by: Jennifer Echols, I will try to review on both books. Well first off, in The Ex Games, Hayden is a struggling snowboarder who has an issue on doing jumps, when her and her ex boyfriend, Nick begin to get heated between flirting they both agree to go on a head to head competition things go from bad to worse. This is truly one of the cutest romance comedies ever written and you should definitely read it. The second book is The Twelve Dates of Christmas by: Catherine Hapka, this book complements the whole novel, instead of having the book crash and burn with the last book in this two book novel. Lexi is looking into the future where she doesn't see herself dating Cameron, so instead of breaking his heart he decides to set him up with another girl, but when her plan goes a little too well she begins to think that she made a mistake... You should really read this book, because it was beautifully written and you will love it
December 20, 2016
Winter's Tale is two books combined into one. The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols, a book where Nick and Hayden after a breakup decide to be friends but snowboarding competition may get in between that. The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Catherine Hapka where Lexi wants to break up with Cameron and comes up with a master plan to do so, but in the end is it really what she wanted for Christmas? Both stories go really well together due to how different they are but at the same time they revolve around the holidays. They grasp you at the first pages due to the characters and the description put into each story so the reader can feel like they are part of it.
As a reader I recommend this book to people that enjoy romantic stories that will sweep you off your feet. It is a great book to read around the holiday time because of how the stories revolve around it. It is full of romance, funny moments, and of course heart breaking moments that you can feel due to the description and flow of the story. A great book with two great authors and amazing stories in one.
As a reader I recommend this book to people that enjoy romantic stories that will sweep you off your feet. It is a great book to read around the holiday time because of how the stories revolve around it. It is full of romance, funny moments, and of course heart breaking moments that you can feel due to the description and flow of the story. A great book with two great authors and amazing stories in one.
January 7, 2013
Thank you Jennifer Echols for sending me an autographed copy.
3 stars - 4 for The Ex Games and 2 for The Twelve Dates of Christmas
I borrowed The Ex Games from the library and read it over a year ago and really liked it. I was excited to own it when I received the autographed copy of Winter's Kiss today and reskimmed the story and found I still thought it was really cute. I'm a sucker for romantic comedies, and I don't care if they're cliche or cheesy. This book made me smile, and a love a banter that gets me laughing. A delightful read.
While I was at it, I read The Twelve Dates of Christmas. I've liked some of Hapka's other books, but I just thought this one was okay. I just don't understand why you would throw a perfectly great guy away. But either way, I'm usually a sucker for cute, fun reads, but I didn't think this was really a romantic comedy. It was a cozy read, but the dialogue didn't have me smiling or grinning. Still, it wasn't a bad book at all.
3 stars - 4 for The Ex Games and 2 for The Twelve Dates of Christmas
I borrowed The Ex Games from the library and read it over a year ago and really liked it. I was excited to own it when I received the autographed copy of Winter's Kiss today and reskimmed the story and found I still thought it was really cute. I'm a sucker for romantic comedies, and I don't care if they're cliche or cheesy. This book made me smile, and a love a banter that gets me laughing. A delightful read.
While I was at it, I read The Twelve Dates of Christmas. I've liked some of Hapka's other books, but I just thought this one was okay. I just don't understand why you would throw a perfectly great guy away. But either way, I'm usually a sucker for cute, fun reads, but I didn't think this was really a romantic comedy. It was a cozy read, but the dialogue didn't have me smiling or grinning. Still, it wasn't a bad book at all.
January 19, 2013
I read both of these stories pretty quick, but I have to say I enjoyed The Ex Games better than The 12 Dates Of Christmas.
The Ex Games:
I'm a sucker for any Jennifer Echols story. It had many cute and funny moments, which had me enjoy every word. Again, its a love-hate relationship between the 2 main characters, which i always enjoy. The characters were likeable and relatable, and I would read it again! 3.5/5 stars.
The Twelve Dates of Christmas:
This was an interesting story, since it's about a girl who tries to make her boyfriend leave her, since she is too scared to break up with him. It was an alright story, but it didn't draw me in like the first one did. Personally, I was not a fan of the main character. For someone who's very logical, she seemed to change her mind a lot. 2/5 stars.
The Ex Games:
I'm a sucker for any Jennifer Echols story. It had many cute and funny moments, which had me enjoy every word. Again, its a love-hate relationship between the 2 main characters, which i always enjoy. The characters were likeable and relatable, and I would read it again! 3.5/5 stars.
The Twelve Dates of Christmas:
This was an interesting story, since it's about a girl who tries to make her boyfriend leave her, since she is too scared to break up with him. It was an alright story, but it didn't draw me in like the first one did. Personally, I was not a fan of the main character. For someone who's very logical, she seemed to change her mind a lot. 2/5 stars.
October 17, 2012
The first book is called "The Ex Games." Nick and Hayden used to date in the seventh grade, now in the eleventh grade they are thrown together again. When Nick challenges Hayden to a snowboarding comp, he believes he will win without any explanation. My favorite part was when Nick and Hayden were alone together. Will sparks start to fly on and off the slopes? The second book is called "The Twelve Dates of Christmas." Lexi thinks her boyfriend Cam isn't committed to her for the long run. So she decides to make him break-up with her. But when Cam falls for someone that is the exact opposite of her, she thinks she made the wrong decision. Has she let the perfect guy get away? And is it too late to get him back? My favorite part was when Lexi was trying to make Cam jealous.
November 24, 2014
It was kind of hard for me to rate this since it has essentially two books in it.
The Ex Games I loved. The characters are witty and fun. Although there is a huge amount of drama and back and forth, I still really liked the story.
The Twelve Dates of Christmas was... ok. I can't really say a whole lot more about it except that I suffered through it. While it was a cute concept, the main character was a hot mess and a poster girl for 'be careful what you wish for' and a little crazy.
Both were fun winter reads and I would still recommend the stories, just go in knowing that they will be fluffy and a little shallow.
The Ex Games I loved. The characters are witty and fun. Although there is a huge amount of drama and back and forth, I still really liked the story.
The Twelve Dates of Christmas was... ok. I can't really say a whole lot more about it except that I suffered through it. While it was a cute concept, the main character was a hot mess and a poster girl for 'be careful what you wish for' and a little crazy.
Both were fun winter reads and I would still recommend the stories, just go in knowing that they will be fluffy and a little shallow.
January 23, 2014
I would have given this book compilation 5 stars if it were not for the second book by Catherine Hapka. I absolutely loved the first book by Jennifer Echols, The Ex Games. The plot was interesting with a snowboarding competition between exes. The characters were fantastic and funny. The second book was not nearly as enjoyable as I had hoped from the plot description. I found the female character dislikeable and unrelatable. I did not bother to read past the first couple chapters.
May 3, 2013
Let me say one thing I enjoyed the twelve dates of Christmas more than the ex games. (Gasp) surprising, I know. Sure Hayden reminded me of myself and her and Nick were cute but I just liked the twelve dates of Christmas more. I mean Lexi was so funny and her schemes were so entertaining! Not to mention how cute Cam seemed. It's such a cute read and would be fun to read durning Christmas.
December 29, 2013
Not the greatest YA rom-coms, but good brain candy for the holidays. I read most of the first one on the plane home and the rest I read between family time. Both stories have their annoyances, but I liked the second story, The Twelve Dates of Christmas, slightly better.
December 19, 2014
I only read the Ex-games by Jennifer Echols and I liked it. I may have to skip the other story since I still have plenty of other books to read. I hope that I could pick this up again though some other time. yay!
April 13, 2015
This book actually contains two books, but I only read the first one. It was alright I could say, but the second one I just couldn't get into. I wouldn't really suggest this book, it wasn't all that great.
April 30, 2018
Rating for first book. Best line that I knew was coming: "Four years."
Second book blah.
Second book blah.
January 29, 2012
A great and cute story to warm yourself with.
February 8, 2012
Light reading for teens and young adults - read my full review for this book at: http://www.dreamworldbooks.com/2012/0...
March 1, 2012
Both stories were kind of eh. Not my favorite or anything. It just semed like the stories were rushed since there had to be two stories in one book.
April 4, 2012
I read The Ex Games and I loved it but as I started to read The Twelve Dates of Christmas I really couldn't get into it so I decided to stop reading it.
April 24, 2012
This was a great book because it's 2 in 1. I loved the first book. The second took longer to get into but once i did i loved it too.
August 30, 2012
This book was pretty good. It was nice to read 2 books in one. They both had great relationship stories.
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