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The Cynic's Christmas Conundrum: A Holiday Novelette
Burnt-out River is just looking for a quiet place to work the corporate grind in peace.
Cheerful opera singer, Amara, disturbs River's peace in the best (and worst) way. She shows River what she's missing most.
Cheerful opera singer, Amara, disturbs River's peace in the best (and worst) way. She shows River what she's missing most.
88 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2023
30 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 1, 2023
River and Amara didn't get off to the best start, but, after a storm bring the two closer, it's clear there is an attraction there, even if it takes them a while to realise it, the chemistry is palpable, and when they finally realise there attraction, thers no telling how hot that heat can reach. 😏
This was a lovely Christmas Novella and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 🎄 Thank you, L.M. for the ARC, it was a fabulous read, and I can't wait to read more from you. I definitely recommend this Christmas novella. This book comes out amonday December 4, so get it in your diaries or pre-order it now!
If you haven't read any of L.M. Bennett's books, check out Bad Beat, it's has a great storyline!🃏
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This was a lovely Christmas Novella and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 🎄 Thank you, L.M. for the ARC, it was a fabulous read, and I can't wait to read more from you. I definitely recommend this Christmas novella. This book comes out amonday December 4, so get it in your diaries or pre-order it now!
If you haven't read any of L.M. Bennett's books, check out Bad Beat, it's has a great storyline!🃏
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
December 25, 2023
To start, the cover is gorgeous!!! Unfortunately the story fell flat. I wanted to love this but it was very boring. I'm not even sure what the storyline actually was and all of sudden River was in love and randomly found the courage to change the trajectory of her life and it wasn't believable for me because she hated Amara it seemed like.
Also, if it wasn't for the cover, I wouldn't be able to visualize River at all. I don't think the author described her once except to say she cut her locs off (I thought she was black...). The romance for me was tepid and there is one open door scene in case readers need to know that. I think this would work with some who just want something very simple but for me, even as a novelette it was just missing that spark.
Also, if it wasn't for the cover, I wouldn't be able to visualize River at all. I don't think the author described her once except to say she cut her locs off (I thought she was black...). The romance for me was tepid and there is one open door scene in case readers need to know that. I think this would work with some who just want something very simple but for me, even as a novelette it was just missing that spark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2025
3.5 stars
This was a cute and quick read. Set around the Christmas season.
Written in first person with a single POV. Enemies to Lovers. Grumpy x Sunshine. Forced Proximity. Masc/Femme. 1x Spicy Scene.
This was a cute and quick read. Set around the Christmas season.
Written in first person with a single POV. Enemies to Lovers. Grumpy x Sunshine. Forced Proximity. Masc/Femme. 1x Spicy Scene.
December 22, 2025
Single POV
It kills me reading single pov cause I don’t care how detailed or intuitive the narrator, something is missing. Holiday wise this is just a story that takes place near Christmas. Romance wise it felt more like fiction with a romantic element.
It kills me reading single pov cause I don’t care how detailed or intuitive the narrator, something is missing. Holiday wise this is just a story that takes place near Christmas. Romance wise it felt more like fiction with a romantic element.
December 26, 2025
A very quick but very cute read! I have only read one other book by this author, but I will definitely be reading more!
December 19, 2023
L.M. Bennett
The Cynic's Christmas Conundrum: A Novelette (Love Cynics Anonymous)
Amara, a talented opera singer, was diligently preparing for her upcoming grand performance. She had thoughtfully coordinated rehearsals with her neighbor Khalil, ensuring that they wouldn't clash with his schedule. However, this arrangement proved to be inconvenient for River, Khalil's closest friend.
This captivating tale revolves around two remarkable individuals who share a burning desire to pursue their artistic passions. Amara's presence in River's life served as a catalyst, reigniting her own love for the arts.
I must admit, I am utterly enthralled by this enchanting Christmas romance that beautifully depicts the journey from adversaries to lovers. The story is enhanced by its heartfelt portrayal of Indian culture, adding a touch of sweetness to the narrative. If you are seeking a heartwarming holiday tale with a sapphic twist, I highly recommend exploring this wonderful creation. You can find it on Amazon, so do check it out today!
The Cynic's Christmas Conundrum: A Novelette (Love Cynics Anonymous)
Amara, a talented opera singer, was diligently preparing for her upcoming grand performance. She had thoughtfully coordinated rehearsals with her neighbor Khalil, ensuring that they wouldn't clash with his schedule. However, this arrangement proved to be inconvenient for River, Khalil's closest friend.
This captivating tale revolves around two remarkable individuals who share a burning desire to pursue their artistic passions. Amara's presence in River's life served as a catalyst, reigniting her own love for the arts.
I must admit, I am utterly enthralled by this enchanting Christmas romance that beautifully depicts the journey from adversaries to lovers. The story is enhanced by its heartfelt portrayal of Indian culture, adding a touch of sweetness to the narrative. If you are seeking a heartwarming holiday tale with a sapphic twist, I highly recommend exploring this wonderful creation. You can find it on Amazon, so do check it out today!
December 27, 2025
When River, graphic designer with dreams bigger than her corporate job, meets Amara, apartment neighbor who is a passionate opera singer, they recognize they couldn't be more different. A snowstorm forces the two to be together for a bit of time, and the two start to realize that maybe they aren't as different as they originally believed.
Bennett, you know how to make my heart swell with happiness. A touch of enemies to lovers mixed with self discovery and forced proximity? Sign me up every time. The plot held me captive from the very beginning and I loved watching both FMCs recognize kindred spirits in each other. A cute holiday read, and if anyone is interested, pairs INCREDIBLY well with classical music!
Bennett, you know how to make my heart swell with happiness. A touch of enemies to lovers mixed with self discovery and forced proximity? Sign me up every time. The plot held me captive from the very beginning and I loved watching both FMCs recognize kindred spirits in each other. A cute holiday read, and if anyone is interested, pairs INCREDIBLY well with classical music!
December 17, 2025
This is so good! 5 glowing stars and a partridge in a pear treeeeeeee!
River and Amara absolutely enchanted me. I could read about them all year. I devour a Butch/Femme enemies-to-lovers tale, especially when it is as deliciously spicy as this. A story to be enjoyed with someone special and maybe a nice cocktail or three. I will be re-reading this book very soon!
Also... LOOK AT THE COVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome. I need to check out more of L.M. Bennett's books.
River and Amara absolutely enchanted me. I could read about them all year. I devour a Butch/Femme enemies-to-lovers tale, especially when it is as deliciously spicy as this. A story to be enjoyed with someone special and maybe a nice cocktail or three. I will be re-reading this book very soon!
Also... LOOK AT THE COVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome. I need to check out more of L.M. Bennett's books.
December 5, 2023
4 stars. This was good! I wasn’t crazy about River in the beginning and her entitlement. Rubbed me the wrong way but her chemistry with Amara was great and she did grow on my by the end. I loved that it takes a while for them to warm up to each other and I thought Amara was wonderful. This was a great romance and I honestly wish it were longer because I wanted more of these two by the end.
read-ebooks
December 24, 2023grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity lesbian holiday love 💗 short and sweet.
January 7, 2024
Cute, but double spaced on KU to make more pages than it actually is. Also, never read about an Opera singer in romance before so that's a first!
July 12, 2024
Dreams
Taking the courage to chase your dreams. Inspiration to begin your passion is just a step away. Practice always makes perfection.
Taking the courage to chase your dreams. Inspiration to begin your passion is just a step away. Practice always makes perfection.
on-hold
August 20, 2024consumed via ebook
marked on hold at 12% for now, will likely come back to read at christmas time, i enjoy this author.
marked on hold at 12% for now, will likely come back to read at christmas time, i enjoy this author.
January 4, 2026
Not long enough!
I really enjoyed this story. It left me wanting more. I can’t wait for the other stories in the series.
I really enjoyed this story. It left me wanting more. I can’t wait for the other stories in the series.
February 16, 2024
Sexy Christmas!
It’s funny how sometimes your instant reaction to someone is negative. But, given time to get to know them, you just click. Like River and Amara, I disliked my ex, when I first met her but she told friends “I just met my wife.” She was right. After I got to know her, I changed my tune. We were together for 18 years. River totally disliked Amara. But given time and a bit of familiarity, they just worked. This is a fun and sexy story!
It’s funny how sometimes your instant reaction to someone is negative. But, given time to get to know them, you just click. Like River and Amara, I disliked my ex, when I first met her but she told friends “I just met my wife.” She was right. After I got to know her, I changed my tune. We were together for 18 years. River totally disliked Amara. But given time and a bit of familiarity, they just worked. This is a fun and sexy story!
December 6, 2023
Loved It
Humor, frustration, lost, found, passion, burn out, a zillion conflicting emotions wrapped up in romance is what you find in this quick read. And it's done very well with skill and inspiration. I recommend this story for everyone.
Humor, frustration, lost, found, passion, burn out, a zillion conflicting emotions wrapped up in romance is what you find in this quick read. And it's done very well with skill and inspiration. I recommend this story for everyone.
December 9, 2023
Very good
I really enjoyed the story line very good the only thing I regret that it was so short The 1st I read of this author I definitely will be reading more I recommend this book
I really enjoyed the story line very good the only thing I regret that it was so short The 1st I read of this author I definitely will be reading more I recommend this book
January 7, 2024
A Perfect Christmas Romance
I honestly loved this book from beginning to end. It is a short book but but it packs a lot of punch and I enjoyed it. I will definitely read more of Bennet’s books.
I honestly loved this book from beginning to end. It is a short book but but it packs a lot of punch and I enjoyed it. I will definitely read more of Bennet’s books.
January 28, 2024
Just the right note
This was definitely a great read. I enjoyed the talent of both women in and out of bed. Sometimes you have to take chances and Amara and River were really turned into each other.
This was definitely a great read. I enjoyed the talent of both women in and out of bed. Sometimes you have to take chances and Amara and River were really turned into each other.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews