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Castle Mountain Lodge #1
Unexpected Gifts
Christmas represents everything Andi Williams is supposed to have, and doesn't. Running away to a remote mountain lodge in the Canadian Rockies, sounds like the perfect way to escape, until a mix-up finds her sharing a villa with sexy, rough around the edges, Colin Hartford.
Colin's determination to enjoy the holiday he’s missed for the last five years, sweeps Andi into a season of joy that she’s not sure she’s ready for. Can Andi open herself up to everything the holidays have to offer... including love?
Colin's determination to enjoy the holiday he’s missed for the last five years, sweeps Andi into a season of joy that she’s not sure she’s ready for. Can Andi open herself up to everything the holidays have to offer... including love?
136 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2011
2176 people are currently reading
3887 people want to read
About the author
Elena Aitken
237 books1,001 followersElena Aitken is a USA Today Bestselling Author of more than forty romance and women’s fiction novels. Living a stone’s throw from the Rocky Mountains with her teenager twins, their two cats and a goofy rescue dog, Elena escapes into the mountains whenever life allows. She can often be found with her toes in the lake and a glass of wine in her hand, dreaming up her next book and working on her own happily ever after with her very own mountain man.
Read a free novella — https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vxuimdz0j8
Read a free novella — https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vxuimdz0j8
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 584 reviews
December 4, 2013
I have become OBSESSED with Christmas uncharacteristically early this year. I've already been watching cheesy Christmas movies and wanted to read a Christmas-y book. This delivered! It had everything I wanted... a snowy lodge, ice skating, hot chocolate, bonfires, cutting down a Christmas tree, romance, a strong female heroine, and of course a sexy Santa. It was a very quick read for me which was perfect. Definitely a predictable storyline, but it was light and fluffy.
January 1, 2016
1/1 - First book of the year and it was a success!! I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this. If it hadn't ended at 91% it might have even received a five, but thinking I still had 15 minutes of reading left, only to find I had no minutes left kind of annoyed me. The book was too short, but only because I was enjoying the story, not because anything was missing. For a Kindle freebie this was surprisingly well edited, I only picked up on one mistake - a missing space between two words (see authors who say they can't afford to have their books edited? It is possible!).
This is the kind of book that makes me yearn for a white Christmas - the romance of getting snowed in, crackling fires and hot chocolate, ice skating and snowball fights. I guess the grass is always greener - Australians want the beauty of snow and no worries about bushfires, Americans (and others in the Northern Hemisphere) want warmth and no worries about driving in a blizzard.
I will definitely read more from this series, in fact I'm going to see what Amazon has the subsequent books priced at now.
2016 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge - A Book that's Under 150 Pages
This is the kind of book that makes me yearn for a white Christmas - the romance of getting snowed in, crackling fires and hot chocolate, ice skating and snowball fights. I guess the grass is always greener - Australians want the beauty of snow and no worries about bushfires, Americans (and others in the Northern Hemisphere) want warmth and no worries about driving in a blizzard.
I will definitely read more from this series, in fact I'm going to see what Amazon has the subsequent books priced at now.
2016 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge - A Book that's Under 150 Pages
August 6, 2016
Original review found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I downloaded this story off of Amazon in my quest for Christmas reads to profile during the month of December.
Let me start by explaining what I was looking for in a Christmas read. I wanted a story that what centralized around the season and not just a story that put Christmas in the title just because it occurred during the month of December. This story delivered just that.
I was swept away in the story from the beginning through the beautiful scenery of the Canadian Rockies, the mountain lodge with all of the Christmas festivities and the undeniable chemistry between Andi and Colin. Seriously what red blooded female hasn't fantasized about being stuck in a beautiful mountain cabin with a hot and sexy guy who is determined to show you the magic of the season? The perfect set up to take you away from reality.
I particularly liked the character of Colin who has easily become one of my favorite book boyfriends. The banter between him and Andi was a joy to read. I can't help but wish that the story was a little longer just so that I could spend more time with him.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It delivered exactly as promised and was a true Christmas story. As a Canadian I couldn't help but giggle at some of the references to Canada in particular the comments about the typical Canadian stereotype. I may miss quote this but I had to read out loud to anyone who would listen the part that mentioned "All Canadians should be able to skate, know the names of every hockey team, eat poutine and know how to build an igloo".
Aitken is a new author to me and this will not be the last of her work that I read. I look forward to discovering what else she has to offer. A four star Christmas read
I downloaded this story off of Amazon in my quest for Christmas reads to profile during the month of December.
Let me start by explaining what I was looking for in a Christmas read. I wanted a story that what centralized around the season and not just a story that put Christmas in the title just because it occurred during the month of December. This story delivered just that.
I was swept away in the story from the beginning through the beautiful scenery of the Canadian Rockies, the mountain lodge with all of the Christmas festivities and the undeniable chemistry between Andi and Colin. Seriously what red blooded female hasn't fantasized about being stuck in a beautiful mountain cabin with a hot and sexy guy who is determined to show you the magic of the season? The perfect set up to take you away from reality.
I particularly liked the character of Colin who has easily become one of my favorite book boyfriends. The banter between him and Andi was a joy to read. I can't help but wish that the story was a little longer just so that I could spend more time with him.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It delivered exactly as promised and was a true Christmas story. As a Canadian I couldn't help but giggle at some of the references to Canada in particular the comments about the typical Canadian stereotype. I may miss quote this but I had to read out loud to anyone who would listen the part that mentioned "All Canadians should be able to skate, know the names of every hockey team, eat poutine and know how to build an igloo".
Aitken is a new author to me and this will not be the last of her work that I read. I look forward to discovering what else she has to offer. A four star Christmas read
February 8, 2016
I loved this holiday romance. It was feel-good fun at its absolute best!
This was a sweet story with a little bit of conflict, some insta-love that actually worked, and one huge great big dick-head of an ex, and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed every second of this book and now I can't wait for snow and ice, blizzards and bright, clear nights. Oh yes, and the big day itself!
I want to go ice-skating and dress up and eat delicious food and drink hot chocolate. But boy, do I not want to ever meet someone like Blaise.
I didn't even mind that the guy was called Colin. Colin is the kind of name that I just don't like, characters named Colin generally make me feel a little icky... But I didn't mind at all with this book.
This was a sweet story with a little bit of conflict, some insta-love that actually worked, and one huge great big dick-head of an ex, and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed every second of this book and now I can't wait for snow and ice, blizzards and bright, clear nights. Oh yes, and the big day itself!
I want to go ice-skating and dress up and eat delicious food and drink hot chocolate. But boy, do I not want to ever meet someone like Blaise.
I didn't even mind that the guy was called Colin. Colin is the kind of name that I just don't like, characters named Colin generally make me feel a little icky... But I didn't mind at all with this book.
January 5, 2020
"You don’t need weeks and months to fall in love; you just need the right two people and the perfect circumstance."
This was a quick, sweet Christmas read. Perfect if you need a little dash of Christmas fun during the winter months. Trigger warnings at the bottom.
SUMMARY
Andi Williams is not in the Christmas spirit. But rather than wallow at home alone, she snatches up a company offer to a mountain lodge getaway. But with a blizzard blocking the roads, and the reservation getting mixed up, Andi begins to regret her decision.
In comes Colin Hartford. Colin overhears the mix up and does the only thing a gentlemen would do, he offers her one of the guestrooms in his villa.
When he learns that Andi is Christmas-averse, he decides to show her the best Christmas ever. As the two take on the holiday spirit, sparks begin to fly. But Andi is holding onto her painful past, and unless she can face it, she will never move on.
REVIEW
This was a really sweet read.
Watching Colin and Andi connect was so much fun because you saw her slowly opening up to him through hilarious winter activities. Even though it was a super quick romance, it made sense. They worked so well together, and Elena Aitken managed to make you root for their romance from the very start.
Andi has a painful past that she refuses to fully acknowledge, and as a result she is in a constant state of sadness. Her development over the story was so emotional to watch. She was a truly strong woman who had been through one of the worst things a woman can experience. Watching her come to terms with her trauma and open up to Colin was so special. I am so glad we had her as our heroine.
The side characters were an absolute riot. Andi's bestfriend was a heap of fun, and her ex was the perfect stereotypical d-bag. I am tempted to read the other books in this series because Castle Mountain Lodge holds a lot of promise!
If you are looking for a quick and fun Christmas-themed romance, pick this up! It is a bit predictable, but when you have a sexy-Santa and ice-skating shenanigans, it doesn't really matter. Overall, I recommend this short story.
Trigger Warning:
This was a quick, sweet Christmas read. Perfect if you need a little dash of Christmas fun during the winter months. Trigger warnings at the bottom.
SUMMARY
Andi Williams is not in the Christmas spirit. But rather than wallow at home alone, she snatches up a company offer to a mountain lodge getaway. But with a blizzard blocking the roads, and the reservation getting mixed up, Andi begins to regret her decision.
In comes Colin Hartford. Colin overhears the mix up and does the only thing a gentlemen would do, he offers her one of the guestrooms in his villa.
When he learns that Andi is Christmas-averse, he decides to show her the best Christmas ever. As the two take on the holiday spirit, sparks begin to fly. But Andi is holding onto her painful past, and unless she can face it, she will never move on.
REVIEW
This was a really sweet read.
Watching Colin and Andi connect was so much fun because you saw her slowly opening up to him through hilarious winter activities. Even though it was a super quick romance, it made sense. They worked so well together, and Elena Aitken managed to make you root for their romance from the very start.
Andi has a painful past that she refuses to fully acknowledge, and as a result she is in a constant state of sadness. Her development over the story was so emotional to watch. She was a truly strong woman who had been through one of the worst things a woman can experience. Watching her come to terms with her trauma and open up to Colin was so special. I am so glad we had her as our heroine.
The side characters were an absolute riot. Andi's bestfriend was a heap of fun, and her ex was the perfect stereotypical d-bag. I am tempted to read the other books in this series because Castle Mountain Lodge holds a lot of promise!
If you are looking for a quick and fun Christmas-themed romance, pick this up! It is a bit predictable, but when you have a sexy-Santa and ice-skating shenanigans, it doesn't really matter. Overall, I recommend this short story.
Trigger Warning:
January 4, 2019
This is a fairly predictable Christmas story that is heavy on the fluff with a dash of insta-love thrown in for good measure. The story was decent until about 3/4 of the way through. Have you ever read something that's slightly ridiculous but you excuse it until it gets more ridiculous, then you start thinking back on all that you excused and realize no, it's just really bad? That's how I felt reading the last few chapters.
Andi plans to spend Christmas grumpy and alone but unfortunately the lodge she plans on staying at is booked up. Enter Colin, who generously offers to share his villa. But it's okay, because they know each other. As in they had ONE dinner together some time ago with Andi's ex, who happens to be an old friend of Colin's. The two get along pretty well and spend the days leading up to Christmas having fun and growing their attraction to each other. The real kicker is when Andi's ex shows up with plans to ask for her hand in marriage even though they split a year ago and he left her after the devastating loss of their baby. Instead of telling him to take a hike, Andi guilt trips Colin into sharing space in his villa. Then she acts surprised when the ex won't leave and can't understand why she doesn't want to marry him *big sigh*
Andi plans to spend Christmas grumpy and alone but unfortunately the lodge she plans on staying at is booked up. Enter Colin, who generously offers to share his villa. But it's okay, because they know each other. As in they had ONE dinner together some time ago with Andi's ex, who happens to be an old friend of Colin's. The two get along pretty well and spend the days leading up to Christmas having fun and growing their attraction to each other. The real kicker is when Andi's ex shows up with plans to ask for her hand in marriage even though they split a year ago and he left her after the devastating loss of their baby. Instead of telling him to take a hike, Andi guilt trips Colin into sharing space in his villa. Then she acts surprised when the ex won't leave and can't understand why she doesn't want to marry him *big sigh*
December 8, 2018
I was really enjoying this until it ended so abruptly. I really thought there would be more to this story, so it was a bit of a let down. Additionally, there was so pretty misogynistic language thrown in that I (obviously) didn’t care for.
December 10, 2020
the book was sweet enough and i love Christmas, but it was a little boring and slow..... i liked the characters but i found the story a little blah....
Still a festive read, 2.5 stars the audi was good too.
Still a festive read, 2.5 stars the audi was good too.
June 30, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup
The Story:
Unexpected Gifts was a cute little Christmas read. An unexpected connection with an old acquaintance. Healing, finding the Christmas spirit, love and happiness. I enjoyed the story as Andi--who is hiding out from Christmas festivities--and Colin--who wants to embrace the season with verve--are thrown together and have a whirlwind wintery romance at a mountain resort. It was sweet and even though the romance moved quickly it was fun and the characters likable. Fairly PG overall.
The Narrator: Laura Drake Ford
Listening to it on audio was a mistake for me, though, and really cut down on the enjoyment. I actually ended up bailing about halfway through and reading the rest in ebook because I was enjoying the story but just could not get into Jennifer Drake Ford's narration. She basically just...read the book. I mean flat out read the book. Everything sounded pretty much the same with very little distinction between narration and dialogue or that of various women and hero. It didn't even feel like an attempt at making a distinction. I listened on the normal setting (usually I listen on 1.5 instead of 1.0) and even at normal setting it seemed too fast. And WAY too perky. Like someone take away her coffee perky. I won't be listening to the narrator again.
The Story:
Unexpected Gifts was a cute little Christmas read. An unexpected connection with an old acquaintance. Healing, finding the Christmas spirit, love and happiness. I enjoyed the story as Andi--who is hiding out from Christmas festivities--and Colin--who wants to embrace the season with verve--are thrown together and have a whirlwind wintery romance at a mountain resort. It was sweet and even though the romance moved quickly it was fun and the characters likable. Fairly PG overall.
The Narrator: Laura Drake Ford
Listening to it on audio was a mistake for me, though, and really cut down on the enjoyment. I actually ended up bailing about halfway through and reading the rest in ebook because I was enjoying the story but just could not get into Jennifer Drake Ford's narration. She basically just...read the book. I mean flat out read the book. Everything sounded pretty much the same with very little distinction between narration and dialogue or that of various women and hero. It didn't even feel like an attempt at making a distinction. I listened on the normal setting (usually I listen on 1.5 instead of 1.0) and even at normal setting it seemed too fast. And WAY too perky. Like someone take away her coffee perky. I won't be listening to the narrator again.
December 28, 2014
This short novella is the first book in Elena Aitken's Castle Mountain Lodge series. Set in the Canadian Rockies, Andi Williams hates Christmas and is persuaded to go to Castle Mountain Lodge to relax and forget about Christmas. Only when she arrives she finds the place is fully booked and no sign of her reservation. Colin Hartford comes to the rescue and offers to let her stay in his villa. They aren't complete strangers. Colin grew up and was friends, at one time, with the man Andi was engaged to.
Just a cute little Christmas novella. Not a lot of substance but it was enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a Christmas themed novella.
Just a cute little Christmas novella. Not a lot of substance but it was enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a Christmas themed novella.
April 9, 2015
Super sweet clean romance. Andi has had a bad year and when she's faced with Christmas and everything it was supposed to be she runs. Too much pain, too much loss and heartache drew my sympathy. Colin is the antithesis of all of that. I enjoyed his determination to change her mind and get her to really enjoy Christmas with him. They have a few obstacles to work through but it has a satisfying ending.
The author has a spicier version of this series if you prefer a bit of heat in your stories.
All read
The author has a spicier version of this series if you prefer a bit of heat in your stories.
All read
November 20, 2013
I loved this story! It was cute and Christmassy! Colin's mom was right. Love will find the right person you are to be with. Andi & Colin both coming from bad relationships. One looking for Christmas and the other running from Christmas.
I read this in June in Alabama. It was 90 yesterday! Christmas stories in June are a great way to "cool" off!
I also loved the Ball theme! Too cute! It would be fun to follow these two girls with a series of "party" stories.
I read this in June in Alabama. It was 90 yesterday! Christmas stories in June are a great way to "cool" off!
I also loved the Ball theme! Too cute! It would be fun to follow these two girls with a series of "party" stories.
November 18, 2013
Cute, light, fluffy Christmas shortie. I am a bit confused at the number of people who said the book was predictable. I mean... it's a romance novel.... it's not like the hero is going to get eaten by a yeti or something.....
November 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It was another great holiday read. I liked both the main characters and I'm glad that they were able to have this great trip. It's exactly what they both needed. I just hope the characters in the other books are as awesome as these two.
September 14, 2013
Fun and light, if a little unbelievable, but cute. Mostly clean with a little descriptive make-out scene, but no sex.
Read
October 28, 2013Got about 30% into it an he is thinking about getting her into his bed...not for me.
November 19, 2019
Predictable & cute
December 1, 2021
It's been awhile since I've read a Christmas-y book around the holidays. In all honesty, I didn't know that it was going to be set in Christmas time when I began, but I loved that it was. What a great way to put you in the Holiday spirit!
Andi is a character that I feel like every reader will empathize with. She's been through something that's horrible and heart breaking and the person who should have been there wasn't. Colin is the typical guy who thinks he's not relationship type, but might be more than he realizes. I loved the chance meeting, the forced proximity, and just the chemistry between the two. Even more than that, I loved the challenge Colin gave himself to help Andi learn to love Christmas again, even when he didn't know what made her stop.
There were times over the course of this book that I laughed, but also times where I teared up a bit. And overall I was left with a feeling of contentment. I think the story went exactly where it needed to go and it was effortless in its flow.
I hadn't read this author before, but I already am excited to read the 2nd book in the Castle Mountain Lodge series.
Andi is a character that I feel like every reader will empathize with. She's been through something that's horrible and heart breaking and the person who should have been there wasn't. Colin is the typical guy who thinks he's not relationship type, but might be more than he realizes. I loved the chance meeting, the forced proximity, and just the chemistry between the two. Even more than that, I loved the challenge Colin gave himself to help Andi learn to love Christmas again, even when he didn't know what made her stop.
There were times over the course of this book that I laughed, but also times where I teared up a bit. And overall I was left with a feeling of contentment. I think the story went exactly where it needed to go and it was effortless in its flow.
I hadn't read this author before, but I already am excited to read the 2nd book in the Castle Mountain Lodge series.
December 30, 2021
Good for a Christmas read! Super Short, would almost call it a Novella.
December 18, 2022
a quick and Christmas-time romance.
September 14, 2018
Christmas love story
I loved this romance Christmas book. One character does not love Christmas and of course the other one does. They ended up getting together, and have a very Merry Christmas!
I loved this romance Christmas book. One character does not love Christmas and of course the other one does. They ended up getting together, and have a very Merry Christmas!
October 29, 2018
.
This was a pleasant escape into a winter wonderland. It was refreshingly delightful!
Compelling romantic holiday … twists and turns that will warm your toes in this cozy holiday vacation.
It is clean, stands on its own, and has an HEA that makes you smile with satisfaction.
This was a pleasant escape into a winter wonderland. It was refreshingly delightful!
Compelling romantic holiday … twists and turns that will warm your toes in this cozy holiday vacation.
It is clean, stands on its own, and has an HEA that makes you smile with satisfaction.
Read
October 26, 2021Counting down the days to Christmas? No need to wait...read Unexpected Gifts TODAY!
Amazon -https://amzn.to/3oLGwyW
Kobo- http://bit.ly/37O8VPk
GP - http://bit.ly/2rpRbYe
Nook - http://bit.ly/1rXhmdL
(Sorry Apple readers...they currently aren't letting me change the price...stay tuned)
Amazon -https://amzn.to/3oLGwyW
Kobo- http://bit.ly/37O8VPk
GP - http://bit.ly/2rpRbYe
Nook - http://bit.ly/1rXhmdL
(Sorry Apple readers...they currently aren't letting me change the price...stay tuned)
February 5, 2017
I know I actually read this Christmas-story a month too late. But that doesn't matter. It is a really nice, winterly, love story. Which just happens to take place during Christmas.
May 30, 2018
Enjoyable, though incredibly predictable, but at only 136 pages why complain.
December 26, 2020
3.7 star. Short sweet, and sort of predictable.
December 1, 2016
2.5 stars. Didn't finish after page 35. This book is exactly what you can expect from this type of book. I swear there must be some sort of romance novel guidebook that tells authors exactly what to write and then they can just change the names of the characters and change the setting a bit but leave all the rest the exact same because I've read so many books that are exactly like this one. Dual point of view writing where the love interests meet and there's just something so appealing about the other instantly and they're different from any other guy/girl they've ever met. This having been decided after only one or two very generic conversations. I mean, Colin has had only a handful of benign conversations with her but yet he feels so strongly about her and claims she's different from other girls he's been with but why? Why is she different? She's not different at all. She's generic as far as I've seen. She isn't bad. She isn't good. She just is a person filling up the pages with generic answers and actions. I don't want the author to tell me that Colin feels differently about her than any other girl. I want the author to show me why she's different. And in order to do that I need to see a unique character. Someone who doesn't always do what you'd expect or say what you'd expect. And with the dual point of view writing everything is even more expected because I know what the characters are both thinking all of the time. So there is zero mystery or intrigue. I know what's going to happen not only because of the dual point of view writing but also because this is like every other sleepy romance novel out there where they both want each other immediately but both have these conflicts they've assigned to themselves so the author can keep them apart for awhile until they finally decide to just go ahead and be together. But until they do I'll have to listen to both of them berate themselves via inner monologue after every lustful thought they have about the other. "I had an impulse to reach out and touch her. But no, I mustn't think that way. I'd love to kiss the top of her nose, but no stop that way of thinking! She looks beautiful. Wait no stop I can't be thinking about how beautiful she looks" and then rinse and repeat for andis point of view too. It's been done to death and I have no patience for it anymore. In fact, I'm thinking of copying this review and then just pasting it to the next hundred books I'm sure to read in the future that this review will apply to because I already feel like I've written this same thing a hundred times before this too! Okay, rant over! I'm sorry and honestly If you haven't read a ton of books like I have you may enjoy this book. I'm sure it's a great read if you like this sort of book and if it's one of your first romances you've read. this author is plenty capable of writing a fine story I just wish and hope that in her next book she'll think outside the box just a little. Did a little deeper to create more unique characters that stand out from the crowd. Ones that when the guy claims the girl is so different from other girls I'll actually believe him! I definitely didn't hate what I read at all other than the fact that I crave uniqueness. The characters are pleasant enough and you could do much worse than this little read. I don't think the author is a horrible writer at all. If she just dug deeper I would have really liked this.
November 13, 2014
Andi hasn't had the best year, from the ending of a long-term relationship to the tragedy that she went through, that changed her life so very much. Now, with Christmas around the corner she is only just starting to feel like herself again, her plans with her family fall through at the last minute leaving her no plans for Christmas.
So, when her best friend and business partner suggests taking up the offer of the invitation they received to the Castle Mountain Lodge but upon arriving it turns out that there are no free rooms at all. Colin wants to have the whole Christmas experience, given that he has spent a lot of time in the sun over the past few years, staying at the Castle Mountain Lodge is just what he wants.
So when he recognises Andi, he offers to share his villa with Andi, she agrees to given that they already knew each other. Seeing the un-Christmas like spirits in Andi behaviour, Colin decides to make sure not only he enjoys Christmas but Andi does too. Though you can never have Christmas without having drama to make it all the more exciting.
With the lodge down a Christmas Party planner, Andi puts her business forward to make it the best party they have ever seen but when her ex-fiancé shows up in the middle of the festiveness, she doesn't have a clue what she is going to do. Colin doesn't do relationships, not after his last one failed, so when he starts to feel something for Andi, he knows that he must do everything to make her his, and make his Christmas Wish come true.
Unexpected Gifts is a great Christmas story that makes you want to be in the Castle Mountain Lodge and experience all the Christmas cheer that is to offer. With its great characters, festive theme and amazing story, I can't help but love this wonderful book.
If I had to sum this book up in three word, they would be Wonderful, Festive and Beautiful.
So, when her best friend and business partner suggests taking up the offer of the invitation they received to the Castle Mountain Lodge but upon arriving it turns out that there are no free rooms at all. Colin wants to have the whole Christmas experience, given that he has spent a lot of time in the sun over the past few years, staying at the Castle Mountain Lodge is just what he wants.
So when he recognises Andi, he offers to share his villa with Andi, she agrees to given that they already knew each other. Seeing the un-Christmas like spirits in Andi behaviour, Colin decides to make sure not only he enjoys Christmas but Andi does too. Though you can never have Christmas without having drama to make it all the more exciting.
With the lodge down a Christmas Party planner, Andi puts her business forward to make it the best party they have ever seen but when her ex-fiancé shows up in the middle of the festiveness, she doesn't have a clue what she is going to do. Colin doesn't do relationships, not after his last one failed, so when he starts to feel something for Andi, he knows that he must do everything to make her his, and make his Christmas Wish come true.
Unexpected Gifts is a great Christmas story that makes you want to be in the Castle Mountain Lodge and experience all the Christmas cheer that is to offer. With its great characters, festive theme and amazing story, I can't help but love this wonderful book.
If I had to sum this book up in three word, they would be Wonderful, Festive and Beautiful.
December 21, 2019
Andi Williams has been dreading the holidays ever since her daughter had been stillborn and her ex, Blaine bailed on her.
She co-owns an event planning business, Party Hearty with her best friend and business partner, Eva.
She’s been looking forward to spending Christmas with her dad, his wife, and her twin half-brothers. But then five days to Christmas, her father calls to tell that his wife Roxanne has decided to go to Disney World instead. Bummer
Now, she’s left with no choice but to accept a promo invite for Castle Mountain Lodge that Eva gave her.
After being away from home for five years, Colin Hartford is looking forward to spending his first Christmas in Canada in Castle Mountain Lodge.
At the reception, he runs into Andi whom Blaine introduced to him as his fiancée during his trip to St. Lucia. Andi has just informed that there were no rooms available—an oversight on her part.
Fortunately, Colin offers her a room in the expansive villa his assistant, Rose had reserved for him.
Colin has had his fair share of women and has sworn off relationships but can he make room in his heart for Andi?
And will Andi let Colin change her mind about Christmas?
Heartwarming Christmas romance story, gorgeous setting that’s bound to give you the chrismassy feel. Highly recommend.
Picking up book two right away. 😅🎄🎄🎄
She co-owns an event planning business, Party Hearty with her best friend and business partner, Eva.
She’s been looking forward to spending Christmas with her dad, his wife, and her twin half-brothers. But then five days to Christmas, her father calls to tell that his wife Roxanne has decided to go to Disney World instead. Bummer
Now, she’s left with no choice but to accept a promo invite for Castle Mountain Lodge that Eva gave her.
After being away from home for five years, Colin Hartford is looking forward to spending his first Christmas in Canada in Castle Mountain Lodge.
At the reception, he runs into Andi whom Blaine introduced to him as his fiancée during his trip to St. Lucia. Andi has just informed that there were no rooms available—an oversight on her part.
Fortunately, Colin offers her a room in the expansive villa his assistant, Rose had reserved for him.
Colin has had his fair share of women and has sworn off relationships but can he make room in his heart for Andi?
And will Andi let Colin change her mind about Christmas?
Heartwarming Christmas romance story, gorgeous setting that’s bound to give you the chrismassy feel. Highly recommend.
Picking up book two right away. 😅🎄🎄🎄
October 25, 2018
It started out good and had me hooked with the glimpse st the heroine’s past. From there it’s a simple, mostly sweet, holiday romance.
Where it went down hill for me is when the heroine’s ex shows up and she can’t seem to stand up to him. She’s made it clear previously that she no longer wants him after what he did but she can’t just seem to tell him “no” or “go away” which really weakened her as a character in my eyes. Then the ending is very abrupt. It needed a little more and preferable an epilogue.
Plus there was tons of hints at sexy times to come, even an almost topless in the hot tub scene but it all came to nothing. I don’t mind a “clean” romance but don’t hint that sex is coming then not deliver it changes the dynamics of the book and makes it feel like something is missing.
I really would have liked the MCs to talk deeper about their pasts together too. To feel that deeper connection.
I’m not sure I’ll read more in this series but this was a find Christmas sweet story and think is stands just fine as a stand alone.
Where it went down hill for me is when the heroine’s ex shows up and she can’t seem to stand up to him. She’s made it clear previously that she no longer wants him after what he did but she can’t just seem to tell him “no” or “go away” which really weakened her as a character in my eyes. Then the ending is very abrupt. It needed a little more and preferable an epilogue.
Plus there was tons of hints at sexy times to come, even an almost topless in the hot tub scene but it all came to nothing. I don’t mind a “clean” romance but don’t hint that sex is coming then not deliver it changes the dynamics of the book and makes it feel like something is missing.
I really would have liked the MCs to talk deeper about their pasts together too. To feel that deeper connection.
I’m not sure I’ll read more in this series but this was a find Christmas sweet story and think is stands just fine as a stand alone.
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