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The Remains of Christmas
A man, a woman, a disembodied skull… What could go wrong this holiday season?
Everything.
Traipsing through the woods, searching for a century-old skull is just another day at the office for forensics professor, Dr. Chris Carter. But this call couldn't have come at a worse time.
He’s recently been jilted by his long-term crush. It's days away from Christmas and he's spending the holidays alone. It's bone-chillingly cold, he really needs that third cup of coffee, and there’s nothing remotely interesting about this cut-and-dried case.
Until his colleague’s new assistant bounces onto the crime scene.
Daphne McKinnon is bubbly and gorgeous, with a keen intelligence and an eye for detail that makes her an excellent anthropologist. Their eyes linger too long inside the caution-taped perimeter. Her smile stretches wide as his thumb accidentally brushes hers over a dirt-encrusted orbital bone.
It’s more than flirtation. It’s magic.
When Chris and Daphne agree to transport the remains across the state to his lab, their spark ignites. Something about this woman turns the snobby, uptight, millionaire academic into a protective, feral... Daddy... who can't say no to her. Especially not when she’s urging him to right the wrongs of Christmases past, heal their childhood wounds, and make their own new, movie-worthy holiday traditions along the way.
But while they’re making merry, every stop on their Christmas Eve road trip turns into one disaster after another, until one giant peppermint hot cocoa bomb threatens to blow their cozy new world apart, almost as soon as it began.
They've already started planning their lives together, but their relationship might not even survive the remains of Christmas.
The Remains of Christmas is an age-gap, (lightly) forbidden romance featuring an angsty-sweet, cinnamon roll anti-billionaire daddy professor, and a brilliant grad student heroine with a blue-collar background.
If you're looking for a Christmas romance that'll warm your heart with comfort & joy and give you the happily ever after of your dreams, but is also thought-provoking, drily funny, and intensely sexy–with only the tiniest hint of the macabre–this book is for you!
Everything.
Traipsing through the woods, searching for a century-old skull is just another day at the office for forensics professor, Dr. Chris Carter. But this call couldn't have come at a worse time.
He’s recently been jilted by his long-term crush. It's days away from Christmas and he's spending the holidays alone. It's bone-chillingly cold, he really needs that third cup of coffee, and there’s nothing remotely interesting about this cut-and-dried case.
Until his colleague’s new assistant bounces onto the crime scene.
Daphne McKinnon is bubbly and gorgeous, with a keen intelligence and an eye for detail that makes her an excellent anthropologist. Their eyes linger too long inside the caution-taped perimeter. Her smile stretches wide as his thumb accidentally brushes hers over a dirt-encrusted orbital bone.
It’s more than flirtation. It’s magic.
When Chris and Daphne agree to transport the remains across the state to his lab, their spark ignites. Something about this woman turns the snobby, uptight, millionaire academic into a protective, feral... Daddy... who can't say no to her. Especially not when she’s urging him to right the wrongs of Christmases past, heal their childhood wounds, and make their own new, movie-worthy holiday traditions along the way.
But while they’re making merry, every stop on their Christmas Eve road trip turns into one disaster after another, until one giant peppermint hot cocoa bomb threatens to blow their cozy new world apart, almost as soon as it began.
They've already started planning their lives together, but their relationship might not even survive the remains of Christmas.
The Remains of Christmas is an age-gap, (lightly) forbidden romance featuring an angsty-sweet, cinnamon roll anti-billionaire daddy professor, and a brilliant grad student heroine with a blue-collar background.
If you're looking for a Christmas romance that'll warm your heart with comfort & joy and give you the happily ever after of your dreams, but is also thought-provoking, drily funny, and intensely sexy–with only the tiniest hint of the macabre–this book is for you!
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2024
160 people are currently reading
1477 people want to read
About the author
Megan Montgomery
5 books149 followersMegan Montgomery is a multi-award winning author of steamy, smart, character-driven romance.
Her debut novel, WELL...THAT WAS AWKWARD, described as "a big, juicy bite of Chesapeake Bay culture," was inspired by her homesickness for southern Maryland. She now lives among the cornfields of Illinois with her family--but don't ever mistake her for a Midwesterner. A goth at heart since age 12, she loves the color black, Mozart's Requiem, and the history of death and burial rites.
When she’s not writing or reading, you’ll find her volunteering at the library or the medicinal herb garden, or cackling over a cauldron during a full moon.
Her books have received the B.R.A.G. Medallion, Best Indie Book Award for romance, the Indie Reader Discovery Award for chick lit, the Rudy Award for contemporary romance, and were finalists in the Page Turner Book and Screenplay Awards, but she's most thrilled when she makes personal connections with readers.
Her debut novel, WELL...THAT WAS AWKWARD, described as "a big, juicy bite of Chesapeake Bay culture," was inspired by her homesickness for southern Maryland. She now lives among the cornfields of Illinois with her family--but don't ever mistake her for a Midwesterner. A goth at heart since age 12, she loves the color black, Mozart's Requiem, and the history of death and burial rites.
When she’s not writing or reading, you’ll find her volunteering at the library or the medicinal herb garden, or cackling over a cauldron during a full moon.
Her books have received the B.R.A.G. Medallion, Best Indie Book Award for romance, the Indie Reader Discovery Award for chick lit, the Rudy Award for contemporary romance, and were finalists in the Page Turner Book and Screenplay Awards, but she's most thrilled when she makes personal connections with readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews
November 12, 2024
Thank you to Luna Literary Management for the ARC!
This book… was much different from what I was expecting. The premise of two forensic scientists working on a skull was what captivated me from the start and the reason I wanted to read this book, but there was none of it? I mean, it’s only in the first chapter, then the story takes a completely different road. I expected a sort of investigation, but this skull was immediately forgotten.
There are a lot of smut scenes, which I don’t usually mind, but here it’s all the book is about and it wasn’t my cup of tea. There is no plot and they go from acquaintances to being hopelessly in love in the span of two days? It wasn’t really believable for me.
What really threw me off was the resolution to their “problem” at the end? Are you for real? You’ve known each other for less than a week!
This book… was much different from what I was expecting. The premise of two forensic scientists working on a skull was what captivated me from the start and the reason I wanted to read this book, but there was none of it? I mean, it’s only in the first chapter, then the story takes a completely different road. I expected a sort of investigation, but this skull was immediately forgotten.
There are a lot of smut scenes, which I don’t usually mind, but here it’s all the book is about and it wasn’t my cup of tea. There is no plot and they go from acquaintances to being hopelessly in love in the span of two days? It wasn’t really believable for me.
What really threw me off was the resolution to their “problem” at the end? Are you for real? You’ve known each other for less than a week!
November 24, 2024
You know what fits the vibe this year? A meet-cute over a mysterious skull that transitions into a holiday road trip romance. Chris a dentist slash (sorry for getting so technical) tooth and bite professor/expert is called into a discovery by a colleague who brings her intern Daphne. Chris and Daphne are immediately drawn together, with a palpable chemistry and connection. Chris thinks, "For me, desire usually built over time, after months or even years of mutual respect [...] It had never felt this instantaneous." Montgomery does a wonderful job here showing that its not just attraction, there's mutual mini-caretaking (the loan of a scarf, the offered hot drink) and careful tiny check-ins to gauge that the zing is on both sides.
Daphne's professor (this is important) mentor does a little heavy-handed matchmaking at dinner that night, and it shakes out that Chris and Daphne will deliver the skull to the university together, since she needs a ride and he's going that way. So logic only dictates that she spend the night with him so they can get an early start, right? They end up spending 36 hours together in his parent's mansion (Chris is from generational wealth. This is mentioned a LOT by Daphne who is blue collar, but she likes it).
There is a LOT of steam in this book. A lot. Yet it all seems to serve the plot and character development, deepening the intimacy and connection, and showing in inevitability of their coming together. They both think "Mine" and "we'd just been waiting until now to find each other" and "this was more than sex; its was a bonding" and the reader gets it. In that interlude at the house (when they can grab a second from the constant apparently irresistible physical side) they are clear with each other that the emotional side is mutual and unusual. They are both quite clear that it's early and new but they are thinking lifetime, not just a good time.
So that's the first third of the book. I loved it. Then Chris puts it together that Daphne will be a grad student and he's a professor and he freaks out and starts catastrophizing. This is where Chris (and the book to some extent) lost me; no one else seems to think its a huge problem (reminder, the person that set them up is ALSO a professor and she's not even in his program) and he fixates on disclosing asap to the point where their trip runs into mishaps and a FAR more sensible option would to go 20 minutes back to and wait v press forward but press they do (I mean, road trip romance, so sure). His refusal to move forward together yet inability to stay away just is miserable. Ultimately every other character (as well as this reader), is like, DUDE and he finds a workaround that gets him exactly what he wants in every way.
This was my first Montgomery book and I will definitely be digging into her back stock. She's a compellingly complex writer and her niche of writing about people connected to death work is an interesting one.
Daphne's professor (this is important) mentor does a little heavy-handed matchmaking at dinner that night, and it shakes out that Chris and Daphne will deliver the skull to the university together, since she needs a ride and he's going that way. So logic only dictates that she spend the night with him so they can get an early start, right? They end up spending 36 hours together in his parent's mansion (Chris is from generational wealth. This is mentioned a LOT by Daphne who is blue collar, but she likes it).
There is a LOT of steam in this book. A lot. Yet it all seems to serve the plot and character development, deepening the intimacy and connection, and showing in inevitability of their coming together. They both think "Mine" and "we'd just been waiting until now to find each other" and "this was more than sex; its was a bonding" and the reader gets it. In that interlude at the house (when they can grab a second from the constant apparently irresistible physical side) they are clear with each other that the emotional side is mutual and unusual. They are both quite clear that it's early and new but they are thinking lifetime, not just a good time.
So that's the first third of the book. I loved it. Then Chris puts it together that Daphne will be a grad student and he's a professor and he freaks out and starts catastrophizing. This is where Chris (and the book to some extent) lost me; no one else seems to think its a huge problem (reminder, the person that set them up is ALSO a professor and she's not even in his program) and he fixates on disclosing asap to the point where their trip runs into mishaps and a FAR more sensible option would to go 20 minutes back to and wait v press forward but press they do (I mean, road trip romance, so sure). His refusal to move forward together yet inability to stay away just is miserable. Ultimately every other character (as well as this reader), is like, DUDE and he finds a workaround that gets him exactly what he wants in every way.
This was my first Montgomery book and I will definitely be digging into her back stock. She's a compellingly complex writer and her niche of writing about people connected to death work is an interesting one.
November 12, 2024
✨Book Review✨
This was such a great read. I absolutely loved all of the holiday feels. I really liked the MC's making their own holiday traditions. The dual pov was perfect. I really liked that the FMC was a blue collar gal. Also, the forensic science aspect was *Chef's Kiss* I ate it up! This was fast paced and really great. Def recommend!
Thank you @meganmontgomerywrites for the gifted earc
This was such a great read. I absolutely loved all of the holiday feels. I really liked the MC's making their own holiday traditions. The dual pov was perfect. I really liked that the FMC was a blue collar gal. Also, the forensic science aspect was *Chef's Kiss* I ate it up! This was fast paced and really great. Def recommend!
Thank you @meganmontgomerywrites for the gifted earc
December 2, 2025
This is my book. I wrote it for me, according to my id list. It’s not a mystery or a “STEM” book—nor was it ever intended to be—just some weird, whimsical smut I needed to read and wanted to share with others who might also need to read. Instalove is the #1 trope contained in these pages. That’s how love feels real to me. It’s my bit of Christmas magic. But if that’s not your vibe, there’s a great likelihood you’ll be irate reading this.
November 1, 2024
4.25⭐
4🌶️
Tropes: Insta lust, holiday, Christmas, he falls first, age gap, forbidden relationship, bougie vs blue collar
Wow, this book is 🥵🥵🥵. I did not expect this to be so spicy but by 20% in I knew I was going to love it. I ate this story up!! Chris and Daphne first meet when they’re called to a crime scene with human remains. Chris is a dentist who moonlights as a forensic scientist, and Daphne is the understudy of Chris’ friend Decca. Their connection is immediate and she ends up going home with him that night after Decca’s party.
The story is well written and I could definitely feel the chemistry between them, and I highly recommend this book. What kept this from being a 5 star from me though is I’m not really a fan of daddy kink/cum play (hers) and I found Daphne’s character to be a little over the top and annoying sometimes. I also didn’t really like the current social/political talking points woven into the story. I read for escapism; life is hard enough without reading about it too lol. Finally I wish there had been more about the actual forensics part of the story but that wasn’t a big deal. But as I said, this was a great book that I think everyone should read.
4🌶️
Tropes: Insta lust, holiday, Christmas, he falls first, age gap, forbidden relationship, bougie vs blue collar
Wow, this book is 🥵🥵🥵. I did not expect this to be so spicy but by 20% in I knew I was going to love it. I ate this story up!! Chris and Daphne first meet when they’re called to a crime scene with human remains. Chris is a dentist who moonlights as a forensic scientist, and Daphne is the understudy of Chris’ friend Decca. Their connection is immediate and she ends up going home with him that night after Decca’s party.
The story is well written and I could definitely feel the chemistry between them, and I highly recommend this book. What kept this from being a 5 star from me though is I’m not really a fan of daddy kink/cum play (hers) and I found Daphne’s character to be a little over the top and annoying sometimes. I also didn’t really like the current social/political talking points woven into the story. I read for escapism; life is hard enough without reading about it too lol. Finally I wish there had been more about the actual forensics part of the story but that wasn’t a big deal. But as I said, this was a great book that I think everyone should read.
November 7, 2024
This is a story unlike any other. Told with notes of the kind of morbid humour you’d expect in forensic studies, wrapped up in a surprisingly light-hearted steaminess and topped with the sweetest acknowledgment. From the very first second, these two “see” each other, “accept” each other and “support” each other. Truly a magical connection unlike anything I’ve read, their connection is pure kismet. The way Megan Montgomery draws you into a scene, painting it in a world of technicolor. The playfulness of Daphne, paired with the studious responsibility of Chris makes for a perfect balance. They fill the missing gaps in each other, finally finding the last missing piece of the puzzle. Where some stories can appear predictable in their spice, this one takes you to unexpected places and explores subjects you never knew intrigued you. Chris isn’t the only one surprised by new kinks. I found myself deeply invested in Chris & Daphnes’s ethical turmoil. The desperate longing while sitting directly next to the person you love, made for a palpable angst that I felt as a physical ache. This story is easily one I would revisit again and again, my own holiday tradition.
paused
November 3, 2025Paused @ 22%
Premise: Two hot bones people are instantly hot for each other. And it’s Christmas.
Even though this is cute and the characters are endearing, I feel like I can stop at 22% and treat it like a novella. 😅
I might try again when I’m the mood for something low angst, as there’s not much story tension (so far), but I hear there’s a lot of horniness to make up for it.
Premise: Two hot bones people are instantly hot for each other. And it’s Christmas.
Even though this is cute and the characters are endearing, I feel like I can stop at 22% and treat it like a novella. 😅
I might try again when I’m the mood for something low angst, as there’s not much story tension (so far), but I hear there’s a lot of horniness to make up for it.
November 4, 2024
What DIDN’T happen in this story! I truly had zero idea what was going to happen next, it was such a refreshing surprise, especially for a holiday romance.
Chris and Daphne are great, they’re perfect for each other. I’m not usually one who loves insta-lust/love and needs to feel the angst but this one is worth it.
It’s everything you could want in a spicy holiday romance. I read this one in one sitting.
Chris and Daphne are great, they’re perfect for each other. I’m not usually one who loves insta-lust/love and needs to feel the angst but this one is worth it.
It’s everything you could want in a spicy holiday romance. I read this one in one sitting.
November 12, 2024
This book just let me down, and I am so sad about how it turned out. I had to wait a week after it's release to share this unfortunate review, but here it is.
When I read the blurb and the tropes of this book, it made me really excited. I was expecting more 'STEM' in this, mainly because they both work in the forensic field. However, the only times the book actually brought up their occupations were at the start and towards the end, and even those were not executed well enough. Honestly, their jobs were why I wanted to read this in the first place, and realizing it's just thrown off to the side was my first disappointment.
Next disappointment was the insta-lust/insta-love in this book. As a romance reader, I've come across a couple of reads with those tropes already, but this book just took that to a whole other level of unrealistic and immature. Which are also the two words I used to describe our FMC, Daphne, but more about her later. The insta-relationship was just not done well in this book. There was literally no chemistry between the characters, and there continued to be no chemistry throughout the book. Everything felt so forced, and I just did not understand why they got together in the first place. They were obviously different, and that became more obvious as they went on their "road trip" but that didn't deter them, and I'm left confused. Moreover, there was no character development or growth in the later parts. In fact, they became much worse than how they started, and that amazed me.
Moving on to the third disappointment, the FMC. She was such a child in this book, and that's irrelevant to the fact that this has an age gap trope, which is also another trope I've read before. The FMC in this book is unbearable, childish, irritating, and just straight up angers me. She sounded like a child all throughout, only thinking about herself and her "blooming and fated" relationship with the MMC. The fact that she didn't seem to understand/care about why the MMC was stressing out about ethical issues and what has happened between them, just proves that she's so immature and selfish. And I'll quote something from her that just made me question her sanity: "He had every intention of letting me get away. He just didn't know I wasn't going to let that happen." Literally, crazy. If I don't stop now, I'll be going on an even longer rant and nobody wants to read that.
Anyway, the reason why I didn't dnf this is because I liked the first half which was literally Part One. I think the author divided the book really well-first half was the good part and second half would make you tear your hair out of irritation. I don't know how she did it, but it was perfectly divided. After crossing over to part two, I immediately got hit with the disappointment train, but I wanted to push through hoping it would get better. But, it didn't. And honestly, I zoomed through it as fast as I could because I was tired and stressed out with the story.
As someone who is not a stranger to the erotica genre, I could've forgiven the "sex over plot" concept as long as it was marketed that way. However, this one seemed so promising that I was hoping for a more solid story, which is another reason why it ended up being an unfortunate read.
Overall, very sad about this book being nowhere near my expectations. I am thankful to Luna Literary Management and the author for allowing me to share my honest reviews on this ARC read.
When I read the blurb and the tropes of this book, it made me really excited. I was expecting more 'STEM' in this, mainly because they both work in the forensic field. However, the only times the book actually brought up their occupations were at the start and towards the end, and even those were not executed well enough. Honestly, their jobs were why I wanted to read this in the first place, and realizing it's just thrown off to the side was my first disappointment.
Next disappointment was the insta-lust/insta-love in this book. As a romance reader, I've come across a couple of reads with those tropes already, but this book just took that to a whole other level of unrealistic and immature. Which are also the two words I used to describe our FMC, Daphne, but more about her later. The insta-relationship was just not done well in this book. There was literally no chemistry between the characters, and there continued to be no chemistry throughout the book. Everything felt so forced, and I just did not understand why they got together in the first place. They were obviously different, and that became more obvious as they went on their "road trip" but that didn't deter them, and I'm left confused. Moreover, there was no character development or growth in the later parts. In fact, they became much worse than how they started, and that amazed me.
Moving on to the third disappointment, the FMC. She was such a child in this book, and that's irrelevant to the fact that this has an age gap trope, which is also another trope I've read before. The FMC in this book is unbearable, childish, irritating, and just straight up angers me. She sounded like a child all throughout, only thinking about herself and her "blooming and fated" relationship with the MMC. The fact that she didn't seem to understand/care about why the MMC was stressing out about ethical issues and what has happened between them, just proves that she's so immature and selfish. And I'll quote something from her that just made me question her sanity: "He had every intention of letting me get away. He just didn't know I wasn't going to let that happen." Literally, crazy. If I don't stop now, I'll be going on an even longer rant and nobody wants to read that.
Anyway, the reason why I didn't dnf this is because I liked the first half which was literally Part One. I think the author divided the book really well-first half was the good part and second half would make you tear your hair out of irritation. I don't know how she did it, but it was perfectly divided. After crossing over to part two, I immediately got hit with the disappointment train, but I wanted to push through hoping it would get better. But, it didn't. And honestly, I zoomed through it as fast as I could because I was tired and stressed out with the story.
As someone who is not a stranger to the erotica genre, I could've forgiven the "sex over plot" concept as long as it was marketed that way. However, this one seemed so promising that I was hoping for a more solid story, which is another reason why it ended up being an unfortunate read.
Overall, very sad about this book being nowhere near my expectations. I am thankful to Luna Literary Management and the author for allowing me to share my honest reviews on this ARC read.
December 8, 2024
Forensikos specialistų meilės istorija su žmogaus kaukole Kalėdų fone? Skamba intriguojančiai, ar ne? Bet vietoj to, kad autorius parodytų jų profesinį gyvenimą ir sukurtų įtampą, mes gauname paviršutinišką „duh“ romaną, kuriame darbas forensikoje paminimas tik knygos pradžioje ir pabaigoje. O kai jau paminimas, tai taip „gerai“, kad skaitytojas svarsto, ar autorius bent žino, kas yra forensika.
Pradėkim nuo veikėjų. Krisas, kuris greičiau turėtų pasikeisti vardą į Poną Milijonieriumi, nes tai – vienintelis dalykas, kas apibūdina jo charakterį. Turtingas, ir tiek. O Dafnė? Atrodo, kad autorė norėjo parašyti apie moterį su svajonėmis, bet gavosi naivi paauglė, kurią suaugusiųjų pasaulis aplenkė dideliu lankstu. Ir taip, jų „meilės istorija“ – tai greičio rekordas. Pirma para: susitiko. Antra para: pora, su planuojamais vaikais, Trečia para: vestuvės.
O siužetas? Jei kas nors rado siužetą, prašau praneškite. Nes vietoje intriguojančios istorijos apie forensikos darbą ir žmogaus kaukolės tyrimą mes gavome... kelionę automobiliu. Kelionę, kuri turėjo trukti tris valandas, bet dėl nesuskaičiuojamų kvailų sprendimų tęsiasi visą parą.
O tas šlovingas „STEM“ siužetas, kuris turėjo padaryti knygą įdomią? Jis užmirštas, nustumtas į šoną taip efektyviai, kaip ir logika bet kuriame šio kūrinio puslapyje. Vienintelis tikslas, atrodo, buvo prigrūsti „aš tave taip noriu“ dialogų ir nusmukinti bet kokią idėją, kad santykiams reikia bent šiek tiek pagrindo.
Pradėkim nuo veikėjų. Krisas, kuris greičiau turėtų pasikeisti vardą į Poną Milijonieriumi, nes tai – vienintelis dalykas, kas apibūdina jo charakterį. Turtingas, ir tiek. O Dafnė? Atrodo, kad autorė norėjo parašyti apie moterį su svajonėmis, bet gavosi naivi paauglė, kurią suaugusiųjų pasaulis aplenkė dideliu lankstu. Ir taip, jų „meilės istorija“ – tai greičio rekordas. Pirma para: susitiko. Antra para: pora, su planuojamais vaikais, Trečia para: vestuvės.
O siužetas? Jei kas nors rado siužetą, prašau praneškite. Nes vietoje intriguojančios istorijos apie forensikos darbą ir žmogaus kaukolės tyrimą mes gavome... kelionę automobiliu. Kelionę, kuri turėjo trukti tris valandas, bet dėl nesuskaičiuojamų kvailų sprendimų tęsiasi visą parą.
O tas šlovingas „STEM“ siužetas, kuris turėjo padaryti knygą įdomią? Jis užmirštas, nustumtas į šoną taip efektyviai, kaip ir logika bet kuriame šio kūrinio puslapyje. Vienintelis tikslas, atrodo, buvo prigrūsti „aš tave taip noriu“ dialogų ir nusmukinti bet kokią idėją, kad santykiams reikia bent šiek tiek pagrindo.
December 8, 2024
This wasn’t for me. I expected some sort of spicy romance with some mystery / little bit of murder from the blurb but instead it was spice and basically nothing else. I enjoy a pure spice read on occasion but I was getting whiplash from going from a heavily spicy scene to them talking about something serious. Plus this book took place over a three day period and moved way too fast. I probably should have dnf-ed it but can never bring myself to actually do that.
🤍 age gap (12 years, he’s older)
🤭 strangers to lovers
💕 insta love
👀 daddy kink
🚿 hair washing
dual POV
3/5 stars ⭐️
3.5/5 spice level 🌶️
🤍 age gap (12 years, he’s older)
🤭 strangers to lovers
💕 insta love
👀 daddy kink
🚿 hair washing
dual POV
3/5 stars ⭐️
3.5/5 spice level 🌶️
December 14, 2024
Galvojau tarp 2 ir 3 ⭐️ Duodu 2.5 - tiesiog buvo ne mano knyga. 🤷🏼♀️
December 24, 2024
3.75 out of 5 stars.
November 22, 2024
The Remains of Christmas
By @meganmontgomerywrites
💀 Insta love
🎄 Christmas novel
💀 Age Gap
🎄 Road trip
💀 Spicy 🔥
🎄 Mechanic/ blue collar FMC
💀 Forensic dentist MMC
🎄 Dual pov/ first pov
💀 Daddy Kink
🎄 Cat Daddy MMC
If you are looking for a spicy Christmas novel with a heavy focus on romance this is the one for you. It will have you laughing and sweating 🥵 🤣. Daphne and Chris form an instant connection and you can feel the pull they have to each other.
Being my first Megan book I loved her style of writing and can't wait to read more by Megan.
"I didn't care what was so fascinating about this case- no skull was worth the agony of scrotal frostbite."
By @meganmontgomerywrites
💀 Insta love
🎄 Christmas novel
💀 Age Gap
🎄 Road trip
💀 Spicy 🔥
🎄 Mechanic/ blue collar FMC
💀 Forensic dentist MMC
🎄 Dual pov/ first pov
💀 Daddy Kink
🎄 Cat Daddy MMC
If you are looking for a spicy Christmas novel with a heavy focus on romance this is the one for you. It will have you laughing and sweating 🥵 🤣. Daphne and Chris form an instant connection and you can feel the pull they have to each other.
Being my first Megan book I loved her style of writing and can't wait to read more by Megan.
"I didn't care what was so fascinating about this case- no skull was worth the agony of scrotal frostbite."
November 21, 2024
I picked up this book because I loved the blurb and it reminded me of one of my favorite TV shows, Bones. Naturally hearing about a romance tale during the holidays with a mystery skull and two opposites find love hooked me.
Daphne and Christopher were adorable together, they were unique, quirky and smart. Every scene with them was entertaining. The insta-lust that quickly turned into love (in the course of 8 days!) was a little harder to believe.
A lot happens in the story and most of it was fun and laugh out loud funny. I think the smexy times might have overshadowed the rest of the story. There was a lot of sex in this love story and paired with their instant ILYs and I felt like I missed the development of the romance. I like falling in love with the characters and this felt a little too rushed for me.
I would still recommend because this story is honestly a unique story and I loved learning about these characters and their quirks and drive. It was a safe read and if you don't mind a lot of spice, this book will definitely be a good read :)
Favorites Bits:
🖤 Their meet cute! It reminded me of a Bones episode!
🖤 Daphne's humor and unique outlook on life.
🖤 The epilogue. I'm a sucker for a look at the MCs HEA.
SAFETY INFO:
Daphne and Christopher were adorable together, they were unique, quirky and smart. Every scene with them was entertaining. The insta-lust that quickly turned into love (in the course of 8 days!) was a little harder to believe.
A lot happens in the story and most of it was fun and laugh out loud funny. I think the smexy times might have overshadowed the rest of the story. There was a lot of sex in this love story and paired with their instant ILYs and I felt like I missed the development of the romance. I like falling in love with the characters and this felt a little too rushed for me.
I would still recommend because this story is honestly a unique story and I loved learning about these characters and their quirks and drive. It was a safe read and if you don't mind a lot of spice, this book will definitely be a good read :)
Favorites Bits:
🖤 Their meet cute! It reminded me of a Bones episode!
🖤 Daphne's humor and unique outlook on life.
🖤 The epilogue. I'm a sucker for a look at the MCs HEA.
SAFETY INFO:
November 5, 2024
The Remains of Christmas
Megan Montgomery
324 pgs
"I didn't care what was so fascinating about this case- no skull was worth the agony of scrotal frostbite."
There is something to be said about the first line of a book. It's the first chance an author has to make an impression on a reader when they open the cover. Megan Montgomery went above and beyond, catching my attention with her first line. We're introduced to Chris' sense of humor from the beginning, and I have high hopes for the rest of the book. The Remains of Christmas is a book that combines humor, forensic sciences, Murphy's law, and spice into a perfect holiday rom-com tied up in a neat little Christmas bow. The book starts strong with the characters arriving at the scene where human remains are found, the Tennessee winter colder than usual. Dr Chris Carter finds himself entranced by his colleague's new assistant and offers her his cashmere scarf, to her delighted surprise. From there, we're swept up into a holiday romance reminiscent of Bones, unlike any other!
"Sometimes love is inconvenient. And you're not beholden to the pearl clutchers."
Daphne's character was a kaleidoscope blend of interests; from the vast random facts she spouted in times of quiet to the knowledge of cars and what went on under the hood, her exciting and unapologetic personality was fun to read. She was knowledgeable about anthropology and forensics despite only having completed her undergrad, and her attention to detail was sure to lead her to be successful. I appreciated how true to myself she was and even found myself wishing I could be a little more like her. Megan Montgomery did a fantastic job at writing the two main characters in a way that felt accurate. There was witty banter, moments of frustration on Chris' part to Daph's impulsive nature, and pure joy when they gave in to the inevitability of lousy weather, tractor-trailer accidents, and black ice. I couldn't get enough of their forbidden relationship, and I loved how they supported each other. Not to mention that the spice was SPICING, and they didn't hold back from each other. The kink awakening for both Chris and Daphne was a surprise and made me giggle with the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory reference. The Remains on Christmas was a spicy, cozy, full of banter and humorous holiday romance that delicately touched on how love perseveres even when faced with unexpected barriers like faculty and students.
Thank you so much to Megan Montgomery for providing me with this book to read and review. I enjoyed getting into the holiday spirit with Chris and Daph and the creative way forensic sciences were essential to the story.
Megan Montgomery
324 pgs
"I didn't care what was so fascinating about this case- no skull was worth the agony of scrotal frostbite."
There is something to be said about the first line of a book. It's the first chance an author has to make an impression on a reader when they open the cover. Megan Montgomery went above and beyond, catching my attention with her first line. We're introduced to Chris' sense of humor from the beginning, and I have high hopes for the rest of the book. The Remains of Christmas is a book that combines humor, forensic sciences, Murphy's law, and spice into a perfect holiday rom-com tied up in a neat little Christmas bow. The book starts strong with the characters arriving at the scene where human remains are found, the Tennessee winter colder than usual. Dr Chris Carter finds himself entranced by his colleague's new assistant and offers her his cashmere scarf, to her delighted surprise. From there, we're swept up into a holiday romance reminiscent of Bones, unlike any other!
"Sometimes love is inconvenient. And you're not beholden to the pearl clutchers."
Daphne's character was a kaleidoscope blend of interests; from the vast random facts she spouted in times of quiet to the knowledge of cars and what went on under the hood, her exciting and unapologetic personality was fun to read. She was knowledgeable about anthropology and forensics despite only having completed her undergrad, and her attention to detail was sure to lead her to be successful. I appreciated how true to myself she was and even found myself wishing I could be a little more like her. Megan Montgomery did a fantastic job at writing the two main characters in a way that felt accurate. There was witty banter, moments of frustration on Chris' part to Daph's impulsive nature, and pure joy when they gave in to the inevitability of lousy weather, tractor-trailer accidents, and black ice. I couldn't get enough of their forbidden relationship, and I loved how they supported each other. Not to mention that the spice was SPICING, and they didn't hold back from each other. The kink awakening for both Chris and Daphne was a surprise and made me giggle with the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory reference. The Remains on Christmas was a spicy, cozy, full of banter and humorous holiday romance that delicately touched on how love perseveres even when faced with unexpected barriers like faculty and students.
Thank you so much to Megan Montgomery for providing me with this book to read and review. I enjoyed getting into the holiday spirit with Chris and Daph and the creative way forensic sciences were essential to the story.
November 2, 2024
This was an ARC copy - thank you so much Megan Montgomery for the book! My review is all my own opinions and words.
REVIEW
Score: 5/5
POV: Dual
Heat Level: 5+/5 and extra 🌶️🔥
Tropes: Insta Love; Road Trip; Age Gap; “Forbidden”; Christmas
Likes:
* Daphne and Chris! Omg could I not be more obsessed with both of them?? I literally highlighted a passage of something Daphne says and noted “Daphne I love you” 😂
* the spice?? Holy shit! I just can’t. It was so hot.
* the most perfect road trip trope ever. It’s not usually a trope I read (I have nothing against it) and not sure why but it was done so well.
* another trope that just worked - the insta love! Look I love me a good insta love book and this is that! If you even remotely like that trope read this!
Dislikes:
* this is freaking petty but I hated that there’s a very small brief moment where a second line is mentioned but the term second line isn’t used. I feel like the term second line is very common knowledge? So I found it strange.
Wow. Just wow. This book was so freaking good. This book just shows to me as well that an author can be an incredible writer but still have some books that just don’t really work for you. I say that because I actually read Deccas book this past month and it was just okay. But when I saw the trope list for this book I wanted it so bad. It just seemed so good and my gosh was it the best arc request ever. Megan is a really good writer and she knows her shit or she’s at least really good at researching!
And my gosh the spice in this book. Yall there are 8 scenes! Like 8 full blown sexy time scenes and my goodness each one gets better and better.
I feel like I’m rambling at this point but all I can say is that this book is so good and it will 100% be a reread for me.
5/5
REVIEW
Score: 5/5
POV: Dual
Heat Level: 5+/5 and extra 🌶️🔥
Tropes: Insta Love; Road Trip; Age Gap; “Forbidden”; Christmas
Likes:
* Daphne and Chris! Omg could I not be more obsessed with both of them?? I literally highlighted a passage of something Daphne says and noted “Daphne I love you” 😂
* the spice?? Holy shit! I just can’t. It was so hot.
* the most perfect road trip trope ever. It’s not usually a trope I read (I have nothing against it) and not sure why but it was done so well.
* another trope that just worked - the insta love! Look I love me a good insta love book and this is that! If you even remotely like that trope read this!
Dislikes:
* this is freaking petty but I hated that there’s a very small brief moment where a second line is mentioned but the term second line isn’t used. I feel like the term second line is very common knowledge? So I found it strange.
Wow. Just wow. This book was so freaking good. This book just shows to me as well that an author can be an incredible writer but still have some books that just don’t really work for you. I say that because I actually read Deccas book this past month and it was just okay. But when I saw the trope list for this book I wanted it so bad. It just seemed so good and my gosh was it the best arc request ever. Megan is a really good writer and she knows her shit or she’s at least really good at researching!
And my gosh the spice in this book. Yall there are 8 scenes! Like 8 full blown sexy time scenes and my goodness each one gets better and better.
I feel like I’m rambling at this point but all I can say is that this book is so good and it will 100% be a reread for me.
5/5
November 18, 2024
It’s the holiday season but work never stops for the professors at Tennessee’s Body Farm. Forensic odontologist Dr Chris Carter is not only smart but handsome. Daphne McKinnon is an anthropology student. Christmas will be heating up as these two work together after the discovery of a skull.
I absolutely loved this book. It was cute, funny, sexy and just pulled me in throughout. I really wanted to just read straight through but I also wanted to savor the read! This was a unique take on the field/profession and made the read that much better!
I will definitely be checking out more from the offer if her books are all like this!
Thank you to the author, Megan Montgomery, and Luna Literacy for the opportunity to read this book. I received an EPUB and my review is being left voluntarily.
November 3, 2024
Author: Megan Montgomery
Book: The Remains of Christmas
An erotic road trip rom com
Release: November 5th
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Review:
The Remains of Christmas by Megan Montgomery was a fantastic read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoyed the series, Bones. The Remains of Christmas reminds me of a reverse version of Dr. Teperance Brennan being Dr. Christopher Carter and Seely Booth being Daphne McKinnon, except Daphne isn’t a law enforcement official but an anthropology grad student. An absolutely must read Christmas romance book that everyone should read!
Book: The Remains of Christmas
An erotic road trip rom com
Release: November 5th
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Review:
The Remains of Christmas by Megan Montgomery was a fantastic read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoyed the series, Bones. The Remains of Christmas reminds me of a reverse version of Dr. Teperance Brennan being Dr. Christopher Carter and Seely Booth being Daphne McKinnon, except Daphne isn’t a law enforcement official but an anthropology grad student. An absolutely must read Christmas romance book that everyone should read!
November 6, 2024
What a fun Christmas read, and the whole “Bones” vibes were cool. It was spicier than I originally expected which is always appreciated 🫡
•insta lust
•age gap
•she’s car obsessed and blue collar
•forensic scientist
He’s a hot nerdy guy with glasses and that made the spice all the better to me lol. Overall I’d definitely recommend this for a fun and spicy holiday read with an adventure mixed in. Thank you Luna Literary for the arc!
•insta lust
•age gap
•she’s car obsessed and blue collar
•forensic scientist
He’s a hot nerdy guy with glasses and that made the spice all the better to me lol. Overall I’d definitely recommend this for a fun and spicy holiday read with an adventure mixed in. Thank you Luna Literary for the arc!
November 12, 2024
Unfortunately, this one was a disappointment for me. I felt so drawn in when I first found out about this book. Two forensic professionals meeting when the remains of a skull are found during Christmas time. There was so much potential to make this truly interesting and yet it was wasted.
It doesn’t matter how often you’re told the main characters are hot when all of their dialogue is obnoxious. The amount of times Chris’ wealth was talked about was exhausting. Being wealthy was pretty much his entire personality. Daphne was….something. While I acknowledge this is an age gap book, she acts truly like a child. I found their relationship & undying love of forty-eight hours ridiculous.
I’m generally not a fan of the insta love trope but I decided to push forward in hope it would get better, it did not. While I love a good spicy read, that’s really all this was. I was actually interested in the story line which seemed to be nonexistent outside of the bedroom. If you’re looking for an all spice with a sprinkle of storyline Christmas read this may be for you.
I found that the plot was not well executed and there was little to no character development. This one unfortunately missed the mark for me. I did not finish at 60%. Despite all that, I am grateful for Luna Literacy for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It doesn’t matter how often you’re told the main characters are hot when all of their dialogue is obnoxious. The amount of times Chris’ wealth was talked about was exhausting. Being wealthy was pretty much his entire personality. Daphne was….something. While I acknowledge this is an age gap book, she acts truly like a child. I found their relationship & undying love of forty-eight hours ridiculous.
I’m generally not a fan of the insta love trope but I decided to push forward in hope it would get better, it did not. While I love a good spicy read, that’s really all this was. I was actually interested in the story line which seemed to be nonexistent outside of the bedroom. If you’re looking for an all spice with a sprinkle of storyline Christmas read this may be for you.
I found that the plot was not well executed and there was little to no character development. This one unfortunately missed the mark for me. I did not finish at 60%. Despite all that, I am grateful for Luna Literacy for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2024
unfortunately this wasn’t really my vibe. when I saw a romance where the MCs are forensic anthropologists, I was expecting a little mystery storyline, even if it’s a holiday novel. what I got was insta-love, daddy kink, repetitive conflict, and marriage as a way to…avoid backlash at work/school?
probably a great read for those looking for a spicy holiday novel that runs just off vibes, but I wasn’t really a fan. it just felt silly and like spice for the sake of spice instead of propelling any kind of character development. not sure if this was me misunderstanding the vibe of the book, or what.
thank you to the author and Luna Literary for the eARC in exchange for my honest review :)
probably a great read for those looking for a spicy holiday novel that runs just off vibes, but I wasn’t really a fan. it just felt silly and like spice for the sake of spice instead of propelling any kind of character development. not sure if this was me misunderstanding the vibe of the book, or what.
thank you to the author and Luna Literary for the eARC in exchange for my honest review :)
November 14, 2024
This book started out sooooo frickin strong for me. I was heavily enjoying it and so excited to see where it went.
I found Chris and Daphne’s instant connection to be so cute. They were so fun and the addiction they had to one another could be felt from the readers view. Honestly Daphne gave Chris a youthful feel, like he could be young and carefree with her
Unfortunately that good time feeling went downhill
This book had a hard time trying to figure out whether it wanted to be serious or just a silly fun good time. It would flip flop back and forth.
And the forbidden reason they should stop being together just kind of weighed down the story in some parts.
I also had a problem with the same thing other people had problems with, which is the talk of his wealth. It wasn’t even that Chris made his money his personality but more that Daphne did. He was a sweet soft mc and I adored him. Just could’ve done with less of the “oh you’re so rich and a billionaire daddy🥵😪👹”
All in all, I found the ending fun and I loved what they were trying for
I found Chris and Daphne’s instant connection to be so cute. They were so fun and the addiction they had to one another could be felt from the readers view. Honestly Daphne gave Chris a youthful feel, like he could be young and carefree with her
Unfortunately that good time feeling went downhill
This book had a hard time trying to figure out whether it wanted to be serious or just a silly fun good time. It would flip flop back and forth.
And the forbidden reason they should stop being together just kind of weighed down the story in some parts.
I also had a problem with the same thing other people had problems with, which is the talk of his wealth. It wasn’t even that Chris made his money his personality but more that Daphne did. He was a sweet soft mc and I adored him. Just could’ve done with less of the “oh you’re so rich and a billionaire daddy🥵😪👹”
All in all, I found the ending fun and I loved what they were trying for
November 23, 2024
Wow! I was warned that this was going to be HOT but this book exceeds that mere word!
This story had everything I love and everything I didn't know I loved. Instant connection, emotional intimacy, primal attraction and one of the best examples of complimenting personalities in a relationship I've read. I loved how unafraid they were with each other in sharing their thoughts, backgrounds, goals, wants, needs and desires. Like me, they learned a few things that they didn't know they liked. Chris wasn't aware that being called "Daddy" made him a bit feral. And Daphne learned what a roadside restaurant "special" was and might have, maybe liked it a little bit?? At least, she liked Chris's reaction to it.
Sometimes I like to read straight up smut, and sometimes I need emotional depth. In this story, Megan managed to give me both. It does lean a little more on the smut side, but I became so engaged in their thoughts, feelings and experiences outside the bedroom, and throw in some holiday cheer, it ended up being a complete package. They were so comfortable and trusting with each other allowing them to explore their sexuality that led to some really hot (and slightly shocking) experiences. Chris's insistence on doing the right thing added just the right amount of angst and I loved how his resistance was no match for Daphne's persistence.
This is such a feel-good story about two people finding their other half in all aspects of their life. Megan has a brilliant imagination with unique character backgrounds that I can't get enough of. Forensics, death care, mortality.... things we all shy away from but become morbidly fascinating through Megan's writing. I highly recommend this holiday read and all of the books in the Last Responders Series that are interconnected but can be read as standalones.
I was honored to receive a complimentary copy from the author and Luna Literary Management (Thank you!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story had everything I love and everything I didn't know I loved. Instant connection, emotional intimacy, primal attraction and one of the best examples of complimenting personalities in a relationship I've read. I loved how unafraid they were with each other in sharing their thoughts, backgrounds, goals, wants, needs and desires. Like me, they learned a few things that they didn't know they liked. Chris wasn't aware that being called "Daddy" made him a bit feral. And Daphne learned what a roadside restaurant "special" was and might have, maybe liked it a little bit?? At least, she liked Chris's reaction to it.
Sometimes I like to read straight up smut, and sometimes I need emotional depth. In this story, Megan managed to give me both. It does lean a little more on the smut side, but I became so engaged in their thoughts, feelings and experiences outside the bedroom, and throw in some holiday cheer, it ended up being a complete package. They were so comfortable and trusting with each other allowing them to explore their sexuality that led to some really hot (and slightly shocking) experiences. Chris's insistence on doing the right thing added just the right amount of angst and I loved how his resistance was no match for Daphne's persistence.
This is such a feel-good story about two people finding their other half in all aspects of their life. Megan has a brilliant imagination with unique character backgrounds that I can't get enough of. Forensics, death care, mortality.... things we all shy away from but become morbidly fascinating through Megan's writing. I highly recommend this holiday read and all of the books in the Last Responders Series that are interconnected but can be read as standalones.
I was honored to receive a complimentary copy from the author and Luna Literary Management (Thank you!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 25, 2025
DNF at 36%. I just can't anymore. What started out really cute and funny and sweet, has morphed into straight 🌽 with liberal gibberish and wealth-shaming. I was interested in the forensic aspect of the book and I'm getting none of that. Just no.
December 16, 2024
{chef’s kiss} RTC
dnf
December 20, 2024this is incredible boring, all they do is fuck and after two times, nothing is new. Aside from that - when the actual plot comes to play or what will be the plot, eh, pass
November 9, 2024
I’m not the biggest instalove fan, which this book starts off very insta lover very quickly. It was quick and easy to read. I didn’t really connect with the characters very much tho.
December 5, 2024
I loved Megan Montgomery’s The Bones of Love (book 3 of The Last Responders). In that book, on a forensic dig site, we were introduced to two minor characters, Chris and Daphne, who seemed to have instant chemistry. But their relationship isn’t mentioned again. Well, here is their story. A behind the scenes of what was going on while the events of book three were happening. It’s a fast, spicy read that’s perfect for Christmas.
When I say spicy, I mean S-P-I-C-Y. There’s so many shmexy scenes I lost count! It’s instalust, with some very creative positioning, forbidden romance, and lots of kink. This story is hot, hot, hot.
I really loved Chris and Daphne as characters, too. Age gap is hit or miss for me, but these two worked. I loved how normal Chris was, despite his wealth and advanced degrees. He’s definitely not an alpha-hole billionaire. His passion to not take advantage of his privilege while also enjoying the things he could afford was endearing. And Daphne was so much fun. Smart and caring. A little manic but in a lovable way.
The plot (and there was actually a plot in between all the spicy scenes) was simple but fun. I love a good holiday road trip story. And watching the two of them make Christmas traditions together was sweet.
If you’re looking to spice it up this Christmas, download this book on Kindle.
When I say spicy, I mean S-P-I-C-Y. There’s so many shmexy scenes I lost count! It’s instalust, with some very creative positioning, forbidden romance, and lots of kink. This story is hot, hot, hot.
I really loved Chris and Daphne as characters, too. Age gap is hit or miss for me, but these two worked. I loved how normal Chris was, despite his wealth and advanced degrees. He’s definitely not an alpha-hole billionaire. His passion to not take advantage of his privilege while also enjoying the things he could afford was endearing. And Daphne was so much fun. Smart and caring. A little manic but in a lovable way.
The plot (and there was actually a plot in between all the spicy scenes) was simple but fun. I love a good holiday road trip story. And watching the two of them make Christmas traditions together was sweet.
If you’re looking to spice it up this Christmas, download this book on Kindle.
December 16, 2024
I really wanted to love this, sounded very bones-esque. But unfortunately I couldn’t get into the first part of the book with her being hung up on ‘how rich he is’ and then the other half being him obsessing over a forbidden romance. I finished the book in the hopes there was some character growth.
It was an insta lust for sure, I wasn’t completely convinced it was love. The relationship didn’t seem very equal, and Daphne was more bratty and immature, which I think was the opposite of what her character should be? The road trip and ‘traditions’ were just Daphne getting her way instead of taking Chris’s feelings into account as well. I did like that they opened up to each other and attempted to work through their emotions together eventually instead of avoiding them.
If you’re here for the relationship being the main focus and spice, give it a go. I didn’t find there was too much of a plot but Id say it’s an easy read, you don’t have to think too much about it. Just because it wasn’t for me doesn’t mean it’s not for you!
It was an insta lust for sure, I wasn’t completely convinced it was love. The relationship didn’t seem very equal, and Daphne was more bratty and immature, which I think was the opposite of what her character should be? The road trip and ‘traditions’ were just Daphne getting her way instead of taking Chris’s feelings into account as well. I did like that they opened up to each other and attempted to work through their emotions together eventually instead of avoiding them.
If you’re here for the relationship being the main focus and spice, give it a go. I didn’t find there was too much of a plot but Id say it’s an easy read, you don’t have to think too much about it. Just because it wasn’t for me doesn’t mean it’s not for you!
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