Shark Attack

by Annie Marcus

When Jessa and Lou meet under slightly mortifying circumstances involving a fourteen-foot shark in Hawaii, they are both clear on what they want for Christmas.

Jessa's wishlist:
Surfboards
Mai Tais
That really big bonus at work

Lou's wishlist:
Cheesy Christmas movies
A date to his brother's wedding
Jessa

Can Lou convince Jessa to give Christmas–and him–a try? Or is she better off protecting her little chestnut of a heart?

89 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2024

About the author

Annie Marcus lives in Seattle with her handsome husband, energetic son, and the best dog girl ever. She grew up in rural Minnesota and has spent her adult life in the Pacific Northwest where she regularly overindulges her addiction to dahlias, books, and coffee.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet holiday novella written by my friend.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessa and Lou's sweet and entertaining holiday rom-com, fake relationship story with a happy ending. I enjoyed reading. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annie Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Reader,

I can't tell you how much I laughed out loud while writing this one. I leaned hard into Christmas while also celebrating the beaches of Hawai'i, so it's quite a bit lighter than Small Town Romance. However, it does deal with some serious topics including loss and anxiety. Please take care when deciding if this book is right for you.

<3

Annie

[Abby Windsor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have an hour or two? If so, grab your surf board and hit the beach running to read all about Shark Attack! @authoranniemarcus slayed with this tropical romcom involving a little spice, fake dating and lots of laughs.

What kind of monster hates Christmas? Me. Hi. I’m the problem; it’s me. Beaches for one, please, and thank you.

Jessa Wallace has plans to spend her Christmas in Hawaii hitting the waves and checking a huge bonus off her to do list.

Louis Wu has plans to attend his brother’s Christmas wedding and avoid his mother playing matchmaker to a beautiful but boring girl.

A deal struck over drinks at the hotel bar gives Jessa and Lou a Christmas they’ll never forget.

If you’ve read Annie’s Small Town Romance, you’ll see some familiar names in the epilogue. Hi Olivia and Aiden 👋🏻

And if you haven’t, go give it a try. I promise it won’t disappoint you. Just like Shark Attack didn’t disappoint me.

[June Westwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when a book feels like a mini-vacation from everyday life and Shark Attack by Annie Marcus does not disappoint!

From the moment Lou and Jessa met I felt their palpable tension on the page, and when they strike a fake-relationship deal (one of my favorite tropes) they have no choice but to get to know each other on a more personal level if they want to fool Lou’s family.
This novella hits on deep emotional beats, weaving Jessa’s fond memories of her parents at Christmas with themes of loss and grief. Jessa and Lou's connection and their HEA is wholly earned by the end, no easy feat with a bite-sized and delightful novella. I would read this author again!

Happy holidays and happy reading!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kate Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well if this wasn’t the funniest, sweetest, cutest little beach trip rom com, I don’t know what is. The meet cute had me cracking up- hello fake ✨fish fact✨

This novella felt like a beach trip with a bestie because of all the laughs and feel good vibes.

Loved Olivia’s appearance in the epilogue (highly recommend Small Town Romance if you want to know who she is)

My only complaint is that I need more Lou and Jessa. Hope they get another book because I couldn’t get enough

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! It is Annie Marcus's 2nd book and she's definitely not the author of just one amazing book.
Perfect Tropical Holiday RomCom to read in one go. Lou and Jessa are amazing characters and their fake dating arrangement turns out "fake".
What was that kissing rule again?
Sweet and funny. Give me more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong Holiday story that I was hoping for and enjoyed in this type of book. I was invested in what was happening with the characters and enjoyed the feel of the Romantic Comedy element that I wanted. Annie Marcus has a strong writing style and the characters were everything that I was looking for.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pati · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a sweet and funny holiday rom-com, very enjoyable, really made me laugh out loud while reading. It’s a pretty short read, perfect for the holiday season. I loved Lou and Jessa, and the fake relationship trope was great, I really enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, short holiday romance read with all the feels. Our main characters are Lou and Jessa. I loved the humor - their meet cute was fantastic. I also loved the holiday theme found in this topical romance. While it may be short, it reads as a complete story and was absolutely delightful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written Christmas novella with a great story that can be read in a very short time. One of my favorite tropes is fake dating and this novella is no exception. The novella is written in a very entertaining and humorous way. I really liked Jessa and Lou and their chemistry together was great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PurpleLadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story. I love the way title was used in the story. i enjoy watching holiday movies and this would definitely make a nice one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love Jessa and Lou... this is their fake love story... a fast paced shorter rom/com drama... their wishlist... oh, my... their meet/cute... oh, boy ... so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It was such an unexpected story with Jessa and Lou. These two have such different Christmas wish lists and their story to romance was so much fun because of it. A great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Felicia Seay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute holiday rom-com short story. It's a good read, if a bit rushed through and lacking detail.

[Brittany]

This was....ok? Not bad but it didn't pull me in. It was quick and fun though. I just didn't get attached to the characters.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable novella with some of my favorite tropes:
🏹 Grumpy/Sunshine
🏹 Intercultural romace
🏹 Fake Relationship

It's a short read that tells a complete story, perfect for the season. I'm really enjoying this new author.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was fast paced, funny and swoon worthy! Annie is a great writer, this quick read had everything! Great plot, excellent character growth. Jessa and Lou fell so fast, even though Jessa tried to fight it. I really enjoyed this novella and you probably will too!.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout and the Author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.