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Between The Holidays
A HOLIDAY ROMANCE THAT'S GUARANTEED TO GET YOU IN THE SPIRIT.
Even though she's named after Love's favorite holiday, Valentine has experienced her fair share of disappointment and heartbreak. She knows firsthand how messy relationships can get when you put the happiness of others before your own, expecting them to return the favor.
Decades of self-sacrifice have left her feeling a little cracked around the edges, causing her to give up on the illusion of love. Electing to focus on herself, she vows to avoid falling into another trap baited with false emotional connection.
Or rather, that's the plan until Mr. Perfect and his twin brother walk into her life. They feed the fractured halves of her soul, and Val quickly realizes that losing them isn't an option. Now, she has to decide if loving them forever is long enough.
Kold and Darc have come to heat up the holidays, and they intend to last long past New Year's Eve.
Even though she's named after Love's favorite holiday, Valentine has experienced her fair share of disappointment and heartbreak. She knows firsthand how messy relationships can get when you put the happiness of others before your own, expecting them to return the favor.
Decades of self-sacrifice have left her feeling a little cracked around the edges, causing her to give up on the illusion of love. Electing to focus on herself, she vows to avoid falling into another trap baited with false emotional connection.
Or rather, that's the plan until Mr. Perfect and his twin brother walk into her life. They feed the fractured halves of her soul, and Val quickly realizes that losing them isn't an option. Now, she has to decide if loving them forever is long enough.
Kold and Darc have come to heat up the holidays, and they intend to last long past New Year's Eve.
524 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2023
19 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 3, 2024
I stumbled upon this book after hearing about it on Threads, and I have to say, the cover immediately caught my attention – it's absolutely magnificent and had me itching to dive right in. So, I did.
If you're into spicy reads, let me tell you, you'll find yourself served a lot of spice!! It certainly doesn't shy away from that! From the get-go, I was engaged and intrigued by the premise. The initial setup had me hooked; will they get together?
But here's where things took a turn for me, and I have to admit that I ended up marking this one as a dnf at around the 350-page mark. Unfortunately, I couldn't muster the enthusiasm to continue. The characters lost their appeal, the plot lost its grip on me, and the writing style just didn't quite align with my preferences.
One of my main issues for me was that the characters felt somewhat one-dimensional. While they were love interests, it felt as though their entire existence revolved solely around their romantic relationship and the physical aspect of it. And, the dialogue felt somewhat contrived, lacking the authenticity that usually draws me into a story (who truly speaks like that?). Also, distinguishing between the characters' voices and perspectives wasn't always clear, which made the story feel longer and somewhat confusing. Oh, and did I mention the book's length? It's quite the brick, which can be a bit intimidating, especially when you're not completely engrossed in the narrative.
Now, I don't want to discourage anyone from giving this book a shot, because every reader's experience is unique, and my perspective might not align with yours. The cover, as I mentioned before, is truly striking, and the initial premise promises a lot of fun. If you're a fan of intense and passionate love stories, this might be right up your alley.
In summary, while "Between the Holidays" didn't quite hit the mark for me personally, I do believe it has its merits, and it might just be the perfect read for someone else. So, go ahead and give it a try – after all, the beauty of literature lies in its ability to resonate differently with each reader.
If you're into spicy reads, let me tell you, you'll find yourself served a lot of spice!! It certainly doesn't shy away from that! From the get-go, I was engaged and intrigued by the premise. The initial setup had me hooked; will they get together?
But here's where things took a turn for me, and I have to admit that I ended up marking this one as a dnf at around the 350-page mark. Unfortunately, I couldn't muster the enthusiasm to continue. The characters lost their appeal, the plot lost its grip on me, and the writing style just didn't quite align with my preferences.
One of my main issues for me was that the characters felt somewhat one-dimensional. While they were love interests, it felt as though their entire existence revolved solely around their romantic relationship and the physical aspect of it. And, the dialogue felt somewhat contrived, lacking the authenticity that usually draws me into a story (who truly speaks like that?). Also, distinguishing between the characters' voices and perspectives wasn't always clear, which made the story feel longer and somewhat confusing. Oh, and did I mention the book's length? It's quite the brick, which can be a bit intimidating, especially when you're not completely engrossed in the narrative.
Now, I don't want to discourage anyone from giving this book a shot, because every reader's experience is unique, and my perspective might not align with yours. The cover, as I mentioned before, is truly striking, and the initial premise promises a lot of fun. If you're a fan of intense and passionate love stories, this might be right up your alley.
In summary, while "Between the Holidays" didn't quite hit the mark for me personally, I do believe it has its merits, and it might just be the perfect read for someone else. So, go ahead and give it a try – after all, the beauty of literature lies in its ability to resonate differently with each reader.
October 29, 2023
Between the Holidays
By Amanda Bryk
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book 1. She a thick bitch. And I loved her.
We meet Val. She moved to Ohio after losing her mother and a failed marriage. Val has become a shell of herself. She meets wrong dudes, is a people pleaser and stays in relationships until she gets left. All of this has brought her to the moment she meets Kold.
Did I mention Kold is a rockstar? Did I mention Kold has an identical twin?
The dynamic and relationship between Val and Kold, while figuring out this whirlwind romance, and trying to figure out how not to fall in love with Kold’s best friend and twin.
I can’t wait for book 2!
By Amanda Bryk
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book 1. She a thick bitch. And I loved her.
We meet Val. She moved to Ohio after losing her mother and a failed marriage. Val has become a shell of herself. She meets wrong dudes, is a people pleaser and stays in relationships until she gets left. All of this has brought her to the moment she meets Kold.
Did I mention Kold is a rockstar? Did I mention Kold has an identical twin?
The dynamic and relationship between Val and Kold, while figuring out this whirlwind romance, and trying to figure out how not to fall in love with Kold’s best friend and twin.
I can’t wait for book 2!
January 20, 2025
Couldn't put it down!
I genuinely could not put this book down! It kept me guessing from start to finish. I absolutely Loved it!
I genuinely could not put this book down! It kept me guessing from start to finish. I absolutely Loved it!
March 6, 2025
I wanted to love this book. I really did. It was on its way to be a 3-4 star book, but it just became so repetitive. I struggled to like any of the characters due to their inability to trust and communicate. I feel like the book could have been 150 pages less, but I am not an author.
DNF at 80%
DNF at 80%
October 9, 2024
Oof I really struggled to finish this one.
The characters are completely one-dimensional, and this book is way too long given it only focuses on a relationship full of red flags. There was no plot outside of this relationship and its drama, and the writing needs some polishing. Most of the dialogue sounded contrived and unrealistic.
I did not enjoy, and unfortunately do not recommend.
The characters are completely one-dimensional, and this book is way too long given it only focuses on a relationship full of red flags. There was no plot outside of this relationship and its drama, and the writing needs some polishing. Most of the dialogue sounded contrived and unrealistic.
I did not enjoy, and unfortunately do not recommend.
November 1, 2023
Can I please be Val?! This book had me feeling all the feels. It was spicy and sweet and had me laughing, too. I can't wait for book 2!
January 9, 2024
5 stars, 4 chilis. I DEVOURED THIS BOOK!!
Between the Holidays by Amanda Bryk introduces us to Valentine, a woman whose journey through loss and failed relationships has left her emotionally scarred and disconnected. Scarred by the pitfalls of self-sacrifice, she's determined to prioritize her own happiness over pleasing others. Settling in Ohio, Val finds herself stuck in a cycle of attracting the wrong partners and being a people pleaser, ultimately leading to heartbreak – I’m looking at you Allen.
Enter Kold from stage left, he’s a charismatic rockstar with a magnetic presence that disrupts Val's carefully constructed walls. But here's the twist – Kold comes with a package deal, an identical twin who adds complexity to the already intense mix of emotions. The narrative unfolds as Val navigates the uncharted waters of a whirlwind romance with Kold while grappling with the temptation of his equally alluring twin, Darc.
Between the Holidays promises a rollercoaster of emotions, exploring themes of self-discovery, forbidden attraction, and the challenges of unconventional love. Amanda Bryk invites readers into a world where the scars of the past collide with the allure of a rockstar romance, forcing Val to confront her fears and redefine what love truly means.
As Val gets entangled in the complexities of her feelings for Kold and his twin, readers are in for a journey filled with passion, heartache, and the tantalizing allure of a love that defies the norm. This book explores the intricacies of desire and the consequences of surrendering to the irresistible pull of a rockstar's charm. Get ready for a journey where every page unfolds a new layer of intensity, leaving you craving more of Val's daring exploration into the realms of love and self-rediscovery.
#BetweenTheHolidays #BookReview #DarkRomance #AmandaBryk #LoveAndDesire #RockstarRomance #TwistedLoveStory #PassionUnleashed #ForbiddenAttraction #Twinning #EmotionalJourney #HolidayRomance #BookishThrills #HeartbreakRedemption #BookRecommendation #MustRead #IntenseLoveTriangle #SteamyRomance #TwinFlames #BookMagic #ReadingAdventures #EscapeToFiction #BookReviewing
Between the Holidays by Amanda Bryk introduces us to Valentine, a woman whose journey through loss and failed relationships has left her emotionally scarred and disconnected. Scarred by the pitfalls of self-sacrifice, she's determined to prioritize her own happiness over pleasing others. Settling in Ohio, Val finds herself stuck in a cycle of attracting the wrong partners and being a people pleaser, ultimately leading to heartbreak – I’m looking at you Allen.
Enter Kold from stage left, he’s a charismatic rockstar with a magnetic presence that disrupts Val's carefully constructed walls. But here's the twist – Kold comes with a package deal, an identical twin who adds complexity to the already intense mix of emotions. The narrative unfolds as Val navigates the uncharted waters of a whirlwind romance with Kold while grappling with the temptation of his equally alluring twin, Darc.
Between the Holidays promises a rollercoaster of emotions, exploring themes of self-discovery, forbidden attraction, and the challenges of unconventional love. Amanda Bryk invites readers into a world where the scars of the past collide with the allure of a rockstar romance, forcing Val to confront her fears and redefine what love truly means.
As Val gets entangled in the complexities of her feelings for Kold and his twin, readers are in for a journey filled with passion, heartache, and the tantalizing allure of a love that defies the norm. This book explores the intricacies of desire and the consequences of surrendering to the irresistible pull of a rockstar's charm. Get ready for a journey where every page unfolds a new layer of intensity, leaving you craving more of Val's daring exploration into the realms of love and self-rediscovery.
#BetweenTheHolidays #BookReview #DarkRomance #AmandaBryk #LoveAndDesire #RockstarRomance #TwistedLoveStory #PassionUnleashed #ForbiddenAttraction #Twinning #EmotionalJourney #HolidayRomance #BookishThrills #HeartbreakRedemption #BookRecommendation #MustRead #IntenseLoveTriangle #SteamyRomance #TwinFlames #BookMagic #ReadingAdventures #EscapeToFiction #BookReviewing
August 12, 2025
This is one book that literally gives us all what we want is twins sharing us. Having a good side and an evil side to bring out the dark and light of us. I adore this book!!! The whole storyline is just intriguing and wants you to not put the book down. Valentine is her name. Her dog’s name is Christmas. But she literally hates Christmas because of her past but has found a way to love Christmas within her dog. Then she has a crappy past we all have made dumb decisions and then finally finds her two happy endings. I love this book so much. Cannot wait to read more about the twins and Val. Def need more of it all!!!!
I bought this book a few years ago and I’m finally reading it as she’s now a big hit author here in Ohio as she got to be at BRAE this year! Finally got it finished and I am soooo pleased with this book. Literally last year having a conversation with Amanda and her husband and getting to know them. I love everything about the little hints of the books!
I bought this book a few years ago and I’m finally reading it as she’s now a big hit author here in Ohio as she got to be at BRAE this year! Finally got it finished and I am soooo pleased with this book. Literally last year having a conversation with Amanda and her husband and getting to know them. I love everything about the little hints of the books!
December 23, 2025
I could not put this book down! I’m truly obsessed with these twin brothers. We follow the FMC Val who is in a terrible relationship. In walks Kold, perfect in every way and he has an exact copy. This book navigates the relationships, has lots of spice, and leaves you wanting twin brothers of your very own. Did I mention cute dogs too! This is the first book I have read by this author and can’t wait to check out her others.
September 15, 2025
Val, Kold and Dark are interesting characters that won my heart! I just wish their emotions didn’t going back and forth so much and so often 🤣🤣 it was a good why choose with some dark romance 🥰 * side note, I met Amanda this past summer and she was so kind! Can’t wait to read more by her 🥰
December 27, 2023
Loved this book! The amount of inner monologue so you could actually read into more of the characters thoughts and feelings beyond just the verbal character communication is very refreshing. Besides that, how can you deny a set of hot twins and a woman learning to heal and find love again. Plus, adorable dogs with even cuter names. Will be eagerly waiting for the 2nd book.
November 22, 2024
I met the author Amanda at Romance Con & she was very nice! It was a fun book to read and I hope there will be a sequel.
July 17, 2025
Very spicy but I was confused as to what the plot was. It never felt resolved and was pretty stagnant
November 7, 2025
I DNF at a little over 200 pages. Just not for me
October 1, 2023
Okay, so… No one tell my husband, but I am in LOVE with the twins. Or maybe OBSESSED is a better word.
January 27, 2024
I discovered Amanda through Threads and popped this book on my TBR. Decided to move it up the list last week as I had finished a book series and was in the mood for something a bit different.
I stayed awake two nights in a row to read this.
My criteria for getting five stars:
Well written: yes. The author has an excellent grasp of language, good grammar, and few mistakes. Refreshing to see! She is excellent at getting into her characters minds and crafting the words to make us feel what they feel. Amanda really knows how to take us on a journey!
Interesting storyline: yes. I will admit I struggled with some of the content as it is not my usual kind of book, but that is a me thing. The story itself does draw you in and want to see where it goes. A few little plot threads got sprinkled in thagt never really got picked up and my reader brain desperately wants answers to those threads, but overall, this was well crafted.
Plot development: pretty good. I actually loved how the author didn't shy away from showing that broken people don't magically heal when falling in love. That brokeness and hurt carry over and it takes work and time to properly heal. Plus the time frame of the story is quite short and would have been entirely unrealistic had she gone down the 'we are in love and look at me being all perfect now' route.
Characters: I was leaning half star initially as the characters seemed a little 'stuck' at times, but at the end, as above, I appreciated the slow change. They made me frustrated, cry, angry, annoyed and all the others inbetween, and the one character I thought I would hate ended up being my favourite at the end.
Enjoyable: definitely. An author can get all of the above right and still not craft a book which can be enjoyed but this one was brilliant.
As mentioned, this is not my usual genre of book to read but I am so glad I took a chance on this one. I genuinely loved it and very much look forward to other novels written by Amanda.
And for those who are fans of spice, there is indeed spice. It is of the hot variety!
I stayed awake two nights in a row to read this.
My criteria for getting five stars:
Well written: yes. The author has an excellent grasp of language, good grammar, and few mistakes. Refreshing to see! She is excellent at getting into her characters minds and crafting the words to make us feel what they feel. Amanda really knows how to take us on a journey!
Interesting storyline: yes. I will admit I struggled with some of the content as it is not my usual kind of book, but that is a me thing. The story itself does draw you in and want to see where it goes. A few little plot threads got sprinkled in thagt never really got picked up and my reader brain desperately wants answers to those threads, but overall, this was well crafted.
Plot development: pretty good. I actually loved how the author didn't shy away from showing that broken people don't magically heal when falling in love. That brokeness and hurt carry over and it takes work and time to properly heal. Plus the time frame of the story is quite short and would have been entirely unrealistic had she gone down the 'we are in love and look at me being all perfect now' route.
Characters: I was leaning half star initially as the characters seemed a little 'stuck' at times, but at the end, as above, I appreciated the slow change. They made me frustrated, cry, angry, annoyed and all the others inbetween, and the one character I thought I would hate ended up being my favourite at the end.
Enjoyable: definitely. An author can get all of the above right and still not craft a book which can be enjoyed but this one was brilliant.
As mentioned, this is not my usual genre of book to read but I am so glad I took a chance on this one. I genuinely loved it and very much look forward to other novels written by Amanda.
And for those who are fans of spice, there is indeed spice. It is of the hot variety!
February 23, 2024
This book had me wanting to scream and reminded me why I hate love triangles. I just want everyone to be happy and together 😩😂 Darc deserves so much more recognition than he gets in my opinion. Even though this was a bit longer than my usual reads and made me wanna scream this was definitely worth a read as they ultimately are happy and boy do they have good s3x too 🥵😅
September 27, 2023
I read her first book and loved it so I thought I would give this one a try. I think I have a new favorite. This has become one of those authors that has me anxiously awaiting the next release.
Something about the way she writes her characters has you feeling everything they are feeling, and I really enjoy that she’s not afraid to give her male characters actual emotions. They feel like real people, and I want to know what happens next.
The sex scenes add depth to the story and characters without feeling like they were shoehorned in. Can’t wait for the next book.
*** Note to the author: I want to see Kold step up and hang onto his girl. Darc is a dickhead and I can see why she likes him, but he’s a terrible brother. Let the nice guy have a win.
Something about the way she writes her characters has you feeling everything they are feeling, and I really enjoy that she’s not afraid to give her male characters actual emotions. They feel like real people, and I want to know what happens next.
The sex scenes add depth to the story and characters without feeling like they were shoehorned in. Can’t wait for the next book.
*** Note to the author: I want to see Kold step up and hang onto his girl. Darc is a dickhead and I can see why she likes him, but he’s a terrible brother. Let the nice guy have a win.
December 18, 2023
AMAZING!
This book was everything I didn’t know I needed! It’s truly amazing! When I picked it up I wasn’t prepared for everything in it but I now have two more book boyfriends living permanently in my head while wishing I could be Val! I was completely blown away by this book and it doesn’t get nearly the recognition it should!
To all those with an Allen, I hope you find your Kold!
This book was everything I didn’t know I needed! It’s truly amazing! When I picked it up I wasn’t prepared for everything in it but I now have two more book boyfriends living permanently in my head while wishing I could be Val! I was completely blown away by this book and it doesn’t get nearly the recognition it should!
To all those with an Allen, I hope you find your Kold!
December 15, 2023
I devoured this book! At first I thought it was a bit cheesy, but then I started looking at it speaking to the unspoken thoughts people have about their significant others and started relating more and more to the characters. Now I don’t have a twin kink, but can see the appeal. I do wish more of their unspoken profession was a part of the story, but it was still a great read!
December 24, 2023
Whew.. this was my first spicy book since the whole 50 Shades thing and let me just say, this was absolutely a better read. The storyline is *mostly* believable and realistic, the main characters are built in a way that they can suit whatever mental pictures you desire, and they will definitely satisfy some other desires as well. I think I'll take a Kold shower now.
September 19, 2023
Slam dunk! A message to Darc: if you ever get tired of Val….
Al jokes aside, you can tell Amanda puts her heart and soul into her writing. The effort and detail oozes off the pages and keeps you wanting more.
Al jokes aside, you can tell Amanda puts her heart and soul into her writing. The effort and detail oozes off the pages and keeps you wanting more.
September 25, 2023
This book, I had to make myself slow down and savor it. Love the ending and most definitely worth the read! I really love the twin aspect of this and where the end is. I CANNOT wait for the next book!!
September 29, 2023
Heyy
Heyy girl I just wanted to say there needs to be more Kold out in the real world . I love him to pieces. 🤩😍 I am proud to say I'm your number one fan girl. And there Def needs to be a part 2.
Heyy girl I just wanted to say there needs to be more Kold out in the real world . I love him to pieces. 🤩😍 I am proud to say I'm your number one fan girl. And there Def needs to be a part 2.
September 30, 2023
Steamy good read!
Very steamy book. Kept me up late reading, I couldn't put it down! Never disappointed by this author! Keep the books coming!
Very steamy book. Kept me up late reading, I couldn't put it down! Never disappointed by this author! Keep the books coming!
January 16, 2024
Absolutely loved this book. Loved Val and loved both twins. Great holiday romance with great spice.
February 29, 2024
This book equally kept me happily hooked and extremely enraged at the same time.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews