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Sweet #3
Holiday Man
A Year of Holidays...
Shannon Quinn is the small-town girl who runs "Holiday Quinn" -- a holiday-themed inn and resort based in scenic Door County, Wisconsin.
One winter evening, wealthy Minneapolis businessman, Bram Hartwick, blows into town along with the fast-falling snow. The sparks Bram and Shannon create succeed in heating up the chilly Midwestern night, not to mention plenty of holiday weekends in the year that follows...
But is their relationship only for special occasions, or might it be the elusive everyday love that neither one thought could be found?
Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.
Words: 60020
Shannon Quinn is the small-town girl who runs "Holiday Quinn" -- a holiday-themed inn and resort based in scenic Door County, Wisconsin.
One winter evening, wealthy Minneapolis businessman, Bram Hartwick, blows into town along with the fast-falling snow. The sparks Bram and Shannon create succeed in heating up the chilly Midwestern night, not to mention plenty of holiday weekends in the year that follows...
But is their relationship only for special occasions, or might it be the elusive everyday love that neither one thought could be found?
Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.
Words: 60020
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2012
2 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Marilyn Brant
35 books405 followersMarilyn Brant is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of contemporary fiction. Her debut novel won RWA's prestigious Golden Heart Award® in 2007 and she was named the 2013 Author of the Year by the Illinois Association of Teachers of English. She wrote ACCORDING TO JANE, the story of a modern woman who receives dating advice from the spirit of Jane Austen, FRIDAY MORNINGS AT NINE, and A SUMMER IN EUROPE, all women's fiction releases from Kensington Books.
She's also a #1 Kindle & #1 Nook Bestseller and has written a series of fun and flirty contemporary romantic comedies, such as ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAE and PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND THE PERFECT MATCH, along with a bestselling coming-of-age romantic mystery (THE ROAD TO YOU), a sweet holiday romance (THE KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS), and the 7-book "Mirabelle Harbor" contemporary romance series. Look for her latest releases, THE SECRET LIFE OF MAGGIE BLAKE, a modern romantic spy comedy inspired by the Scarlet Pimpernel (May 2022), and NOT ANOTHER ROMAN HOLIDAY, a rom-com novella set in Italy (November 2023)!
Marilyn lives in the northern Chicago suburbs with her family, analyzing novels for the storytelling website Save the Cat! and working on her own writing projects. When she isn't rereading Austen's books or enjoying the latest releases by her author friends, she's daydreaming plot ideas for her next novel, eating chocolate indiscriminately and hiding from the laundry.
She's also a #1 Kindle & #1 Nook Bestseller and has written a series of fun and flirty contemporary romantic comedies, such as ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAE and PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND THE PERFECT MATCH, along with a bestselling coming-of-age romantic mystery (THE ROAD TO YOU), a sweet holiday romance (THE KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS), and the 7-book "Mirabelle Harbor" contemporary romance series. Look for her latest releases, THE SECRET LIFE OF MAGGIE BLAKE, a modern romantic spy comedy inspired by the Scarlet Pimpernel (May 2022), and NOT ANOTHER ROMAN HOLIDAY, a rom-com novella set in Italy (November 2023)!
Marilyn lives in the northern Chicago suburbs with her family, analyzing novels for the storytelling website Save the Cat! and working on her own writing projects. When she isn't rereading Austen's books or enjoying the latest releases by her author friends, she's daydreaming plot ideas for her next novel, eating chocolate indiscriminately and hiding from the laundry.
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August 4, 2015
Holiday Man is the third installment in Marilyn Brant's adult contemporary romance series titled Sweet. To tell you the truth, I had no idea this was part of a series until just now. I found this title in my library's audiobook collection and I spontaneously decided to read it. All my other TBR books are still on library hold at the moment so problem solved! I found Holiday Man to be a likable romance that I enjoyed as a standalone. All of the books in the series may in fact be connected in some way but if so, I couldn't tell just from reading this one.
Moving on...
Holiday Man is not what I expected at all. That's not good or bad...it just is. It had a very classic type of vibe to it but it is also incredibly modern at the same time. There are some "big band" music clips to separate the chapters throughout the audiobook, and some of the songs referenced within this book stem from that same era. After reading a fellow goodreader's fantastic review HERE and HERE, I learned from the reviewer that Ms. Brant loosely based this novel on the 1942 film Holiday Inn.
When I read this little fact, things started clicking in place for me. Thank you Kim!
The setting in both the film and the book is a themed hotel that is only opened on holidays. Also, in both experiences, two men kinda-sorta vie for the affections of the same woman. I haven't seen the film in quite some time but I believe that is where the differences end. Just to clarify, there is no love triangle here. Actually, the secondary male is a bit more of a villain in some respects than a competing love interest, but it's all good. Please note that there is a good amount of adult content in this book. Fans of Ms. Brant may already be aware, but I don't want anyone to see the 1942 photo in this review and then get the shock of their life once they start to read haha.
In a nutshell, I liked Holiday Man and thought it was a sexy adult romance with an interesting multi-holiday twist. The ending was a little cheesy in my opinion, but I don't have any major complaints. It's fairly short: 187 pages on kindle or 5½ hours via audiobook (narrated by Erica McKendrick). If this sounds like a book you might enjoy then give it a try!
My favorite quote:
“How can I possibly go back home until I've seen something of the world, gained some knowledge and wisdom, experienced everything I can imagine?” “Honey, world travel can certainly give you many of those things. But there's more than one way to take a trip you know. Education is a true odyssey of the mind. And love, well love is a journey that never ends. It sets you on a path that never stops twisting and turning. Don't underestimate the power of those types of experiences either.”
Marilyn Brant's Sweet series includes the following installments as of June 2015:
#1-On Any Given Sundae
#2-Double Dipping
#3-Holiday Man
Moving on...
Holiday Man is not what I expected at all. That's not good or bad...it just is. It had a very classic type of vibe to it but it is also incredibly modern at the same time. There are some "big band" music clips to separate the chapters throughout the audiobook, and some of the songs referenced within this book stem from that same era. After reading a fellow goodreader's fantastic review HERE and HERE, I learned from the reviewer that Ms. Brant loosely based this novel on the 1942 film Holiday Inn.
When I read this little fact, things started clicking in place for me. Thank you Kim!
The setting in both the film and the book is a themed hotel that is only opened on holidays. Also, in both experiences, two men kinda-sorta vie for the affections of the same woman. I haven't seen the film in quite some time but I believe that is where the differences end. Just to clarify, there is no love triangle here. Actually, the secondary male is a bit more of a villain in some respects than a competing love interest, but it's all good. Please note that there is a good amount of adult content in this book. Fans of Ms. Brant may already be aware, but I don't want anyone to see the 1942 photo in this review and then get the shock of their life once they start to read haha.
In a nutshell, I liked Holiday Man and thought it was a sexy adult romance with an interesting multi-holiday twist. The ending was a little cheesy in my opinion, but I don't have any major complaints. It's fairly short: 187 pages on kindle or 5½ hours via audiobook (narrated by Erica McKendrick). If this sounds like a book you might enjoy then give it a try!
My favorite quote:
“How can I possibly go back home until I've seen something of the world, gained some knowledge and wisdom, experienced everything I can imagine?” “Honey, world travel can certainly give you many of those things. But there's more than one way to take a trip you know. Education is a true odyssey of the mind. And love, well love is a journey that never ends. It sets you on a path that never stops twisting and turning. Don't underestimate the power of those types of experiences either.”
Marilyn Brant's Sweet series includes the following installments as of June 2015:
#1-On Any Given Sundae
#2-Double Dipping
#3-Holiday Man
June 14, 2013
I have a massive soft spot for old movies. I'm talking black and white old. It all started when I was about 7 years old and my aunt introduced me to an old Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire film called Holiday Inn. The premise of the film was that an inn in Connecticut only opens on holidays! (Thinking back on this, maybe it's Holiday Inn that started me on my love of Connecticut?!) Anyway - I LOVED this movie. I still watch int every holiday season. After reading Pride, Prejudice, and the Perfect Match by Marilyn Brant and seriously enjoying it, I started looking into other Brant novels. I came across Holiday Man which sounded a lot like a modern-day Holiday Inn! I tweeted with Marilyn back and forth and found out that yes, it was loosely based on the film! I knew then and there I had my next Marilyn Brant read.
Shannon Quinn is your quintessential small town girl. She is personable, cheerful, and an all around good person. She is the sole proprietor of Holiday Quinn, a resort getaway that is only opened during holiday weekends. Located in scenic Door County, Wisconsin, Shannon's establishment is running along smoothly until a businessman from Milwaukee, Bram Hartwick, enters the picture. Not only does Bram totally throw Shannon off-balance, but both he and Shannon prove to be quite a pair as the heat is turned up on their relationship. Will Shannon be able to keep her mind off of Bram in order to run her business? Will Bram succeed in catching this woman whom he has found so intoxicating?
This book was so much fun to read! I've actually come to expect this from Brant's novels. The characters are delightfully normal, the writing is humorous, and the romance is sexy! Bram and Shannon are equally intriguing characters. I loved how normal they were! How many times do we as individuals make assumptions about something or someone only to have our assumptions be wrong. That's what Bran and Shannon's relationship was like. The two had all these misconceptions about each other that unfortunately led to misunderstanding after misunderstanding. Eventually they figured out that communication was necessary if they ever stood a chance at being together. I was thrilled that Brant gave them a realistic problem with a realistic solution.
It gets boring sometimes reading books that dwell on complete fantasy. Sure, everyone needs a bit of the fantastical sometimes, but a healthy dose of realism does the mind good too. Everyone wants to believe in true love and Brant's books allow just that. The ability to dream that there is that perfect person for all of us out there. And if she chooses to write that story as an ode to Holiday Inn? Well, that's a-ok in my book.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted: http://wp.me/p18lIL-1Jz
Shannon Quinn is your quintessential small town girl. She is personable, cheerful, and an all around good person. She is the sole proprietor of Holiday Quinn, a resort getaway that is only opened during holiday weekends. Located in scenic Door County, Wisconsin, Shannon's establishment is running along smoothly until a businessman from Milwaukee, Bram Hartwick, enters the picture. Not only does Bram totally throw Shannon off-balance, but both he and Shannon prove to be quite a pair as the heat is turned up on their relationship. Will Shannon be able to keep her mind off of Bram in order to run her business? Will Bram succeed in catching this woman whom he has found so intoxicating?
This book was so much fun to read! I've actually come to expect this from Brant's novels. The characters are delightfully normal, the writing is humorous, and the romance is sexy! Bram and Shannon are equally intriguing characters. I loved how normal they were! How many times do we as individuals make assumptions about something or someone only to have our assumptions be wrong. That's what Bran and Shannon's relationship was like. The two had all these misconceptions about each other that unfortunately led to misunderstanding after misunderstanding. Eventually they figured out that communication was necessary if they ever stood a chance at being together. I was thrilled that Brant gave them a realistic problem with a realistic solution.
It gets boring sometimes reading books that dwell on complete fantasy. Sure, everyone needs a bit of the fantastical sometimes, but a healthy dose of realism does the mind good too. Everyone wants to believe in true love and Brant's books allow just that. The ability to dream that there is that perfect person for all of us out there. And if she chooses to write that story as an ode to Holiday Inn? Well, that's a-ok in my book.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted: http://wp.me/p18lIL-1Jz
December 28, 2015
With a little nod to the movie classic Holiday Inn starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, Marilyn Brant has created her own updated version for Shannon Quinn’s inn that is open only on holiday weekends. Instead of Connecticut, today’s Holiday Inn is located in Wisconsin, and instead of Christmastime, our story begins on Valentine’s Day and covers several others. We don’t get the dynamic singing/dancing talents of Crosby and Astaire, but I assure you that with each check-in at Holiday Quinn Bram Hartwick spreads a festive glow!
A nice quick perk within its sexy and tingly pages. Easily read as a standalone.
A nice quick perk within its sexy and tingly pages. Easily read as a standalone.
September 10, 2016
I really hated this book! It felt like a series of scenes strung together with a common theme of being set on a holiday. There was no communication between the two main characters, or Shannon the heroine and her employee Jake that had a crush on her, which made for a lot of hurt feelings, drama, and angst, when there really didn't need to be. The hero was a selfish jerk, and I couldn't really understand his interest in Shannon. Thankfully, it was a short read, but I'll not be seeking out the author in the future.
August 16, 2014
Kindle bestseller Brant is back with another e-book exclusive that is bound to charm readers far and wide!
Full review in April 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Full review in April 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 23, 2020
I won a copy of this story in one of those blog raffles. I have read over a dozen of this author's stories and always enjoyed them.
Shannon Quinn runs an inn which she inherited, named Holiday Quinn (in honor of the movie, Holiday Inn) but it is only open around holidays. It is located in Door County, Wisconsin. Her assistant, Jake Marcolis, flirts with all the attractive ladies who pass his way. Early in the year for the Valentine's Day holiday, Bram Hartwick, comes to stay. Shannon finds him attractive and learns that although the reservation was made under a woman's name, the man is unattached.
As the story evolves Bram makes reservations for most of the holidays: it is a time he uses to get away from his successful business but also a high pressure business. He comes to highly value the quiet time away from any distractions. He is not there to tour and go out on the town. He and Shannon have sizzling chemistry between them. However, Shannon comes to realize that her dreams of traveling the world are not of interest to Bram. In fact he seems put off by her hints at wanting that. After all his business has taken him around the world and he has had many cultural experiences.
Meanwhile, Jake and Shannon find they have a common interest in that world traveling desire. Then when a close friend offers to buy out Shannon, she now has the time...and the money to make her dreams come true and a friend, Jake, who facilitates the planning...while making it clear he wants to win her love.
I found this story interesting as we have a couple whose chemistry is at odds with their ideas of where this relationship is going. Does she go on her tour and let that affair cool over time? I recommend you read this and find out.
Shannon Quinn runs an inn which she inherited, named Holiday Quinn (in honor of the movie, Holiday Inn) but it is only open around holidays. It is located in Door County, Wisconsin. Her assistant, Jake Marcolis, flirts with all the attractive ladies who pass his way. Early in the year for the Valentine's Day holiday, Bram Hartwick, comes to stay. Shannon finds him attractive and learns that although the reservation was made under a woman's name, the man is unattached.
As the story evolves Bram makes reservations for most of the holidays: it is a time he uses to get away from his successful business but also a high pressure business. He comes to highly value the quiet time away from any distractions. He is not there to tour and go out on the town. He and Shannon have sizzling chemistry between them. However, Shannon comes to realize that her dreams of traveling the world are not of interest to Bram. In fact he seems put off by her hints at wanting that. After all his business has taken him around the world and he has had many cultural experiences.
Meanwhile, Jake and Shannon find they have a common interest in that world traveling desire. Then when a close friend offers to buy out Shannon, she now has the time...and the money to make her dreams come true and a friend, Jake, who facilitates the planning...while making it clear he wants to win her love.
I found this story interesting as we have a couple whose chemistry is at odds with their ideas of where this relationship is going. Does she go on her tour and let that affair cool over time? I recommend you read this and find out.
December 11, 2017
A retelling of the old Holiday Inn movie. I kind of enjoyed it, but I was frustrated with the non communication of the MC, and I wasn't a big fan of the narrator. I may have enjoyed this more in print.
January 10, 2013
Shannon Quinn is suffering from a romantic dry spell. Perhaps it is running Holiday Quinn, a quaint holiday themed bed and breakfast, that keeps her too busy for romance. Sure, there is her young, good-looking assistant Jake Marcolis, who brings sexual suggestiveness to every conversation, but that’s just his way; he’s a Grade-A flirt. He can’t honestly be serious about Shannon. Could he? But when the tall, dark and deliciously handsome Bram Hartwick walks through the inn’s doors on Valentine’s Day, Shannon’s dry spell may be coming to an end.
Surprising herself, Shannon begins sizing up the intense looking man with jet-black hair and a rather unsettling gaze. As her thoughts rapidly begin taking a more erotic bend, Shannon remembers what her friend and mentor, Margaret Ashland, once said, “Some temptations should never be resisted.”
For Bram Hartwick, there is also no denying the sexually charged energy between them. This may well be the thing he’s looking for: a hot, short-term romance with boundaries. As Bram visits Holiday Quinn throughout a year of random holidays and passion-filled trysts, can their relationship stay hot and short-term or has it gradually moved into something more? What’s more, can our carnal couple overcome their frequent misunderstandings and differing desires in life? Shannon wants to experience world adventures outside Door County, Wisconsin while Bram seems ready to settle down into a relaxing life in the country. Shannon continually finds herself asking if one adventure will lead to another, if one small risk opens the door to larger ones? And are these risks she is willing to take, both emotionally and personally?
I have yet to encounter a novel by Marilyn Brant that I have not either simply enjoyed or altogether loved. With each story, I am impressed at how well scenes are described and how easily I am transported to them. Adding to my sensory experience, Brant seamlessly finds a way to incorporate music and food into each novel, with Holiday Man being no exception. Readers are taken back in time with classic tunes such as “Playing with the Queen of Hearts” during the inn’s Valentine’s Singles Dance, the appropriate “Monster Mash” at Halloween, and “White Christmas” during the Christmas season. When it comes to food, I do not think I will ever look at a cupcake the same way after Shannon’s tantalizing Memorial Day cupcakes, and I have a great desire to try some Česnica, Serbian Christmas bread, after Bram and Shannon’s savory scene. I have come to look forward to the various and illustrated ways Brant draws me in, enlivening my reading experience.
Holiday Man is a hot, quick, and titillating read, sure to keep one warm during these long, cold winter months.
Originally post on www.leatherboundreviews.blogspot.com
FTC Disclaimer: Review copy provided by author
Surprising herself, Shannon begins sizing up the intense looking man with jet-black hair and a rather unsettling gaze. As her thoughts rapidly begin taking a more erotic bend, Shannon remembers what her friend and mentor, Margaret Ashland, once said, “Some temptations should never be resisted.”
For Bram Hartwick, there is also no denying the sexually charged energy between them. This may well be the thing he’s looking for: a hot, short-term romance with boundaries. As Bram visits Holiday Quinn throughout a year of random holidays and passion-filled trysts, can their relationship stay hot and short-term or has it gradually moved into something more? What’s more, can our carnal couple overcome their frequent misunderstandings and differing desires in life? Shannon wants to experience world adventures outside Door County, Wisconsin while Bram seems ready to settle down into a relaxing life in the country. Shannon continually finds herself asking if one adventure will lead to another, if one small risk opens the door to larger ones? And are these risks she is willing to take, both emotionally and personally?
I have yet to encounter a novel by Marilyn Brant that I have not either simply enjoyed or altogether loved. With each story, I am impressed at how well scenes are described and how easily I am transported to them. Adding to my sensory experience, Brant seamlessly finds a way to incorporate music and food into each novel, with Holiday Man being no exception. Readers are taken back in time with classic tunes such as “Playing with the Queen of Hearts” during the inn’s Valentine’s Singles Dance, the appropriate “Monster Mash” at Halloween, and “White Christmas” during the Christmas season. When it comes to food, I do not think I will ever look at a cupcake the same way after Shannon’s tantalizing Memorial Day cupcakes, and I have a great desire to try some Česnica, Serbian Christmas bread, after Bram and Shannon’s savory scene. I have come to look forward to the various and illustrated ways Brant draws me in, enlivening my reading experience.
Holiday Man is a hot, quick, and titillating read, sure to keep one warm during these long, cold winter months.
Originally post on www.leatherboundreviews.blogspot.com
FTC Disclaimer: Review copy provided by author
January 10, 2013
Holidays have never been as festive--or as sizzling--as they are at the Holiday Quinn.
Shannon Quinn has been running the charming inn, which is now only open on holidays, since her parents died. As a huge fan of Bing Crosby's HOLIDAY INN, I love the clever name and movie references. (Can I pretty-please-with-Orange Custard Chocolate Chip Ice Cream-on-top, please reserve the Astaire Suite???)
Our story begins on Valentine's Day when dashing Bram Hartwick (classic romantic moniker, I must say) checks in and an instant attraction takes both Shannon and him by surprise. Not being a particularly romantic person myself, I was pleasantly shocked by how much I enjoyed the chemistry between these two characters. I will warn you, though, the love scenes are steamy and though I have not read, FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, I doubt EL James would have much on Brant.
Anyway, as we all know, the course of true love never did run smooth and our young lovers find out pretty quickly their differences are considerable. Bram, a workaholic jet-setter, longs for the simple, quiet life. Shannon, who has never ventured from her small world, longs for adventure and excitement.
While the two volley back and forth about the longevity of their romance, we get to spend a year of holidays with them. In the end, can the two come together without sacrificing their own dreams? Well, you'll just have to read this fun, sexy, fantastic book yourself to find out.
I said I'm not a particularly romantic person, but in truth, I'm not particularly a fan of the whole romance genre--at least not the old-fashioned notion of romance books. (No half-naked, fifteenth century clansman named, 'Thor', if you know what I mean.) But, Marilyn Brant has revolutionized the romance novel. Her female characters are smart, independent and deliciously flawed--and, I dare say, may not be the perfect size double zero *gasp*. Her male leads are sensitive and vulnerable, all the while holding on to their brooding masculinity. She's a master--a true artist.
I'm giving this book a full, much-deserved, five-star review, not only due to Brant's masterful storytelling, but I love, love, LOVE the beautiful cover! The author has sent me the ARC of her newest digital book, PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND THE PERFECT MATCH with the tagline, 'Love is just a fib and a click away.' Naturally, this has gone to the top of my TBR pile.
Shannon Quinn has been running the charming inn, which is now only open on holidays, since her parents died. As a huge fan of Bing Crosby's HOLIDAY INN, I love the clever name and movie references. (Can I pretty-please-with-Orange Custard Chocolate Chip Ice Cream-on-top, please reserve the Astaire Suite???)
Our story begins on Valentine's Day when dashing Bram Hartwick (classic romantic moniker, I must say) checks in and an instant attraction takes both Shannon and him by surprise. Not being a particularly romantic person myself, I was pleasantly shocked by how much I enjoyed the chemistry between these two characters. I will warn you, though, the love scenes are steamy and though I have not read, FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, I doubt EL James would have much on Brant.
Anyway, as we all know, the course of true love never did run smooth and our young lovers find out pretty quickly their differences are considerable. Bram, a workaholic jet-setter, longs for the simple, quiet life. Shannon, who has never ventured from her small world, longs for adventure and excitement.
While the two volley back and forth about the longevity of their romance, we get to spend a year of holidays with them. In the end, can the two come together without sacrificing their own dreams? Well, you'll just have to read this fun, sexy, fantastic book yourself to find out.
I said I'm not a particularly romantic person, but in truth, I'm not particularly a fan of the whole romance genre--at least not the old-fashioned notion of romance books. (No half-naked, fifteenth century clansman named, 'Thor', if you know what I mean.) But, Marilyn Brant has revolutionized the romance novel. Her female characters are smart, independent and deliciously flawed--and, I dare say, may not be the perfect size double zero *gasp*. Her male leads are sensitive and vulnerable, all the while holding on to their brooding masculinity. She's a master--a true artist.
I'm giving this book a full, much-deserved, five-star review, not only due to Brant's masterful storytelling, but I love, love, LOVE the beautiful cover! The author has sent me the ARC of her newest digital book, PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND THE PERFECT MATCH with the tagline, 'Love is just a fib and a click away.' Naturally, this has gone to the top of my TBR pile.
December 21, 2012
In the Holiday Man, the holidays sizzle in this cute, sexy read!
Shannon Quinn owns and runs an inn called Holiday Quinn. It has been in her family for a couple of generations, first belonging to her grandparents. Shannon now runs it alone, and she is only open on the holidays. I loved that this Inn is named after the movie Holiday Inn and has room names like the Crosby Room and The Astaire Suite. Super cute!
On Valentines weekend, Shannon meets Bram Hartwick as he checks into the inn - he checks in as a single guest. Right away there is a strong attraction to one another. But all weekend long, as soon as they start getting close, they are interrupted by Jake, Shannon’s assistant. Jake has always flirted with Shannon, and even though he would like it to go further, it never has. After that first weekend, Bram makes it a point to return every holiday he can. But, with different desires and misunderstandings will they ever get together for more than a weekend?
When we first meet Shannon she is lonely and stuck in a rut. She loves the inn, but doesn’t want to be stuck there for the rest of her life. She wants to see the world! Experience new things; live! Bram is just the opposite. He has seen the world and experienced many things. He is ready to settle down and relax.
I love it when the characters have that chemistry...when there fingers touch, and they feel that tingle. Shannon and Bram have that special magic between them, and they are naturally drawn together, but I was getting a little frustrated with their misunderstandings. One thing is for sure...they had no trouble communicating in the bedroom!
I enjoy this story! It is a fun, quick read, and I read it in one afternoon! Oh, and let me say how much I love this cover! It was designed by Rebecca Young. She is becoming quite the cover artist!
I am looking forward to reading Brant's next book, Pride and Prejudice and the Perfect Match coming out in January!
I was provided a copy of Holiday Man for my honest review.
I would give this a mature rating for some sexual scenes and mild language.
Shannon Quinn owns and runs an inn called Holiday Quinn. It has been in her family for a couple of generations, first belonging to her grandparents. Shannon now runs it alone, and she is only open on the holidays. I loved that this Inn is named after the movie Holiday Inn and has room names like the Crosby Room and The Astaire Suite. Super cute!
On Valentines weekend, Shannon meets Bram Hartwick as he checks into the inn - he checks in as a single guest. Right away there is a strong attraction to one another. But all weekend long, as soon as they start getting close, they are interrupted by Jake, Shannon’s assistant. Jake has always flirted with Shannon, and even though he would like it to go further, it never has. After that first weekend, Bram makes it a point to return every holiday he can. But, with different desires and misunderstandings will they ever get together for more than a weekend?
When we first meet Shannon she is lonely and stuck in a rut. She loves the inn, but doesn’t want to be stuck there for the rest of her life. She wants to see the world! Experience new things; live! Bram is just the opposite. He has seen the world and experienced many things. He is ready to settle down and relax.
I love it when the characters have that chemistry...when there fingers touch, and they feel that tingle. Shannon and Bram have that special magic between them, and they are naturally drawn together, but I was getting a little frustrated with their misunderstandings. One thing is for sure...they had no trouble communicating in the bedroom!
I enjoy this story! It is a fun, quick read, and I read it in one afternoon! Oh, and let me say how much I love this cover! It was designed by Rebecca Young. She is becoming quite the cover artist!
I am looking forward to reading Brant's next book, Pride and Prejudice and the Perfect Match coming out in January!
I was provided a copy of Holiday Man for my honest review.
I would give this a mature rating for some sexual scenes and mild language.
December 31, 2012
Holiday Man
by Marilyn Brant
Genre: contemporary romance
PDF edition
.....And Come to Holiday Quinn! (sorry, I couldn't resist!)
Shannon's grandparents opened Holiday Quinn in the mid 1940s, inspired by the hit movie "Holiday Inn". Now open only on holiday weekends, Holiday Quinn hosts mix & mingle events for a variety of guests. Even Bing and Fred are represented in this fun story!
Shannon Quinn runs the Inn on holiday weekends and works for the Ashland Hotel the rest of the time. Jake Marcolis manages a secondhand music store and works for Shannon during the holiday weekends. New guest, Bram Hartwick, is CEO of a company based in Minneapolis. How can any of these workaholics find time for love?
I loved the plot line and the movie plot references, "Freddie" had me howling with laughter! And the love triangle kept me guessing 'til the end! The holiday events and decorations were wonderful, I'm ready to reserve my room for Valentine's Day.
(great cover!!)
I really enjoyed the story. You should read it and let me know what you think!
profanity
this book is for the over 18 crowd due to sexual scenes and references
no blood, guts and gore.
I was not monetarily compensated for this review in any way. I won a free copy of this book by being randomly selected. All opinions are 100% my own.
by Marilyn Brant
Genre: contemporary romance
PDF edition
.....And Come to Holiday Quinn! (sorry, I couldn't resist!)
Shannon's grandparents opened Holiday Quinn in the mid 1940s, inspired by the hit movie "Holiday Inn". Now open only on holiday weekends, Holiday Quinn hosts mix & mingle events for a variety of guests. Even Bing and Fred are represented in this fun story!
Shannon Quinn runs the Inn on holiday weekends and works for the Ashland Hotel the rest of the time. Jake Marcolis manages a secondhand music store and works for Shannon during the holiday weekends. New guest, Bram Hartwick, is CEO of a company based in Minneapolis. How can any of these workaholics find time for love?
I loved the plot line and the movie plot references, "Freddie" had me howling with laughter! And the love triangle kept me guessing 'til the end! The holiday events and decorations were wonderful, I'm ready to reserve my room for Valentine's Day.
(great cover!!)
I really enjoyed the story. You should read it and let me know what you think!
profanity
this book is for the over 18 crowd due to sexual scenes and references
no blood, guts and gore.
I was not monetarily compensated for this review in any way. I won a free copy of this book by being randomly selected. All opinions are 100% my own.
December 22, 2013
God no. Just no. After Reading The Road To You by Marilyn, I was kind of interested to see what else she does. I was so, so, so disappointed. This book was terrible; a super attractive CEO takes a weekend off with family friends and falls head over heels in lust for the owner of the inn at which they stay. He goes away, then returns and they spend the night together and then he leaves her his number and they spend weeks having phone sex until he returns again.
Just, no. There was no plot whatsoever. The sex was terrible. The characters were annoying and urgh I just could not get into this book at all. I struggled from beginning to end. It's one thing to have no plot, but for the whole book to be boring and stupidly written is another. I thoroughly regret the hours I wasted over this.
Sigh
Just, no. There was no plot whatsoever. The sex was terrible. The characters were annoying and urgh I just could not get into this book at all. I struggled from beginning to end. It's one thing to have no plot, but for the whole book to be boring and stupidly written is another. I thoroughly regret the hours I wasted over this.
Sigh
September 13, 2013
First of all, I want to address the "adult-content rating." I hadn’t noticed that before I had started reading the book, and I'll admit that I thought it was steamier than usual for Marilyn Brant; that being said I didn't think it was too dirty. I thought the sex scenes were very well written, and with just the right balance of sensuality and down-and-dirty content. I should qualify my judgment by saying that I am by no means a prude, however there have been a few occasions where the sex was too dirty, too much for even me. So . . . consider this the opinion of a non-prude who’s also known to blush on occasion ;)
As for the story itself, I enjoyed it greatly. The main characters were wonderful and I loved being part of their journey, both together and separately. Very enjoyable and I’d recommend it to friends!
As for the story itself, I enjoyed it greatly. The main characters were wonderful and I loved being part of their journey, both together and separately. Very enjoyable and I’d recommend it to friends!
January 2, 2013
Thank you Marilyn for the gift of this read. I loved it. I just finished it last night. It left me though wanting more. Did they end up getting married. I didn't want it to end. But then I didn't want A Summer in Europe to end either! What a great winter/holiday story Marilyn! Just the right amount of mush. :)
March 2, 2015
Shannon Quinn is the manager of a charming holiday-themed resort in Door County, Wisconsin. It belonged to her grandparents, and after the loss of her parents it has been Shannon's to run. Holiday Quinn is open during holidays, and during one winter weekend, Bram Hartwick stays for a weekend with some friends and quickly finds himself enamored with the place, and its lovely owner. Before long, Bram is spending all of his holidays at Holiday Quinn. His job has him traveling all over the world and his time there is peaceful and relaxing. Shannon and Bram find that even though they are in different places in their lives, they can't deny their incredible chemistry or how their relationship is becoming more important to both of them than either intended.
This book has a classic romance feel. The sexy parts are plenty steamy, but there is a sort of innocence to much of the book. The main characters also feel a little more mature than their ages would suggest. The chemistry between Shannon and Bram was definitely hot, and I was really hoping that they would find a way to bring the happiness to each other's lives that both characters deserved. At times it was frustrating to see two characters who both seem to be pretty good at communicating in most settings somehow not getting their messages across to one another. Overall, their relationship begin and grow with the passing of each holiday was a pleasant experience.
The narrator had a wonderful voice that reminded me of Jane Fonda. Overall, she was articulate and did a good job of keeping me engaged in the story. I think it was a combination of the narration and the author's writing that had me feeling at times like the characters were not acting or sounding their ages. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a nice steamy romance with some mid-western charm.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review
This book has a classic romance feel. The sexy parts are plenty steamy, but there is a sort of innocence to much of the book. The main characters also feel a little more mature than their ages would suggest. The chemistry between Shannon and Bram was definitely hot, and I was really hoping that they would find a way to bring the happiness to each other's lives that both characters deserved. At times it was frustrating to see two characters who both seem to be pretty good at communicating in most settings somehow not getting their messages across to one another. Overall, their relationship begin and grow with the passing of each holiday was a pleasant experience.
The narrator had a wonderful voice that reminded me of Jane Fonda. Overall, she was articulate and did a good job of keeping me engaged in the story. I think it was a combination of the narration and the author's writing that had me feeling at times like the characters were not acting or sounding their ages. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a nice steamy romance with some mid-western charm.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review
Read
February 9, 2015I wanted to love this book... Holiday Inn is a favorite movie, and what a fun premise to set a romance at an inn open only for holidays, but there was something missing for me.
The characters were ok... but the dynamic between Shannon and Jake just seemed off, and how did Shannon not realise that? Jake went from creepy to nice guy to creepy again and again. As for Bram, well honestly he lost me at "phone holster". Sorry, but NO man who wears a phone holster is sexy, it's like the male equivalent of a scrunchie.
Overall a sweet premise, but the characters just didn't get there for me.
The characters were ok... but the dynamic between Shannon and Jake just seemed off, and how did Shannon not realise that? Jake went from creepy to nice guy to creepy again and again. As for Bram, well honestly he lost me at "phone holster". Sorry, but NO man who wears a phone holster is sexy, it's like the male equivalent of a scrunchie.
Overall a sweet premise, but the characters just didn't get there for me.
Read
December 24, 2012This novel was inspired by one of my favorite seasonal films, "Holiday Inn" (the Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire classic), in that it takes place over a year of holidays... It's a light contemporary love story and one of my steamier romances. I hope readers will have as much fun getting to know Shannon and Bram as I did writing about them!
August 21, 2014
Couldn't put this down from the first page and would have given 5 stars but lost me a bit when Bram left.
April 20, 2015
Enjoyable short easy read, not quite at the same depth of character as some of her other books but still a great story, told in short scenes that follow the holidays of the year.
June 22, 2016
Sweet romance
I thought this was a sweet romance. I enjoyed the play on the old Holidays Inn movie, it's a favorite!
I thought this was a sweet romance. I enjoyed the play on the old Holidays Inn movie, it's a favorite!
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