Wedding Bells in Christmas

Christmas, Colorado #4

by Debbie Mason

To have and to hold from this day forward...

Wedding bells are ringing in the charming town of Christmas, but not for Vivian Westfield. She's just had her heart trampled under the cowboy boots of Chance McBride and lost her dream job at a big-city newspaper. But when she returns for a wedding, she stumbles on a story that could resurrect her career. First, though, she'll have to deal with the handsome man standing in her way... and a still-burning flame that's too hot to ignore.

Chance recognizes trouble when he sees it. He just didn't expect to find it in the first-class cabin on the flight home for his father's wedding. Yet there she is, as gorgeous as ever. Vivi dared Chance to want things he knew he could never have. It's why he left her. But Christmas's meddling matchmakers have them firmly in their sights. So if they want to survive the next week, they'll have to play the part of an adoring couple—an irresistible charade that may give them a second chance at the real thing...

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Chick Lit, Holiday

366 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 26, 2015

About the author

Debbie Mason is the USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado series and the Harmony Harbor series. The first book in her Christmas, Colorado series, “The Trouble with Christmas,” was the inspiration for Hallmark’s “Welcome to Christmas.” Her books have been praised by RT Book Reviews for their “likable characters, clever dialogue, and juicy plots.” When Debbie isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family in Ottawa, Canada.

Reviews

[Dani C. (Polly's Place) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very well written but it is a widower romance.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Aubrey
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

I loved this book. I fell in love with Chance and Vivi and the rest of the cast of characters in Christmas, CO. Vivi is exactly the type of character I adore. She is crazy smart, super creative and beyond spunky. She lives her life on her terms even if she may be a tad harsh and not overly caring to those not in her inner circle.

Chance has many demons that he needs to fight as he returns to his hometown of Christmas. The emotions he feels is above the top and needs someone to soften him up. He is a bit of an over the top macho man who feels the need to protect everyone around him especially Vivi.

The suspense of the novel was well thought out and unexpected. It made the book a lot more interesting and kept me wanting to read faster to find out what was going to happen next.

I loved all the secondary characters. They brought a charm to the story. I loved Chance’s meddling great-aunt who was full of schemes to keep both Vivi and Chance in Christmas instead of returning to New York. She is the type of aunt that everyone wishes they had. Quirky and totally out of control.

I really liked how you could feel a connection between all the characters. Vivi was super close to Madison and Skylar along with their husbands. Everyone looked after each other and were a big happy family albeit wacky and unconventional. Princess, Chance’s dog is a hilarious character in her own right.

I can’t wait till the next book in the series. I went and bought the first 3 in the series so I could read the other love stories that happened in Christmas.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was book 4, and sure there was talk about other couples, but I did not feel like I had missed out. It worked well as a stand alone. And that next book seems promising.

Viv is a hothead. It's good to be curious, but curiosity killed the cat. She was reckless.

Chance lost his wife and child 5 years ago and will never love again. It's good to mourn, but life goes on and you can love again. And you obviously like Viv since you are protecting #stalking# her.

They had a fling, he left cos he can't love again. She is angry (oh and there is this other thing, not cool man.) Sparks fly, cos they can't stay away from each other.

To their help in this small town they have Aunt Nell. More about her! Not enough, not near enough of her. Ya know, the meddling older relative who likes to play matchmaker.

But, with all those good things I felt kind of..meh. I did not like Viv, there is a line she crossed of recklessness. And Chance was particularly stalking her even though he sigh, could not love again. I did not feel like they worked together. I did not feel the chemistry and I did not like them...

But the suspense was good. Still, a meh book.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW: WEDDING BELLS IN CHRISTMAS(CHRISTMAS, COLORADO #4) BY DEBBIE MASON  
 
My Review
 
Wedding Bells in Christmas (Christmas, Colorado, #4) by Debbie MasonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Found nothing unappealing about Wedding Bells in Christmas By Debbie Mason. Loved the small town, family feel to the story. Enjoyed the chemistry between Chance and Vivian. The matchmaking attempts proved hilarious. Even more funny were the lengths that Chance and Vivian went to deter falling victim. I received Wedding Bells in Christmas for and honest review. This story is an adorably funny and heartwarming read. (www.goodreads.com/review/list/2555691...)
 
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Bells-C...
 
Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/weddi...
 
Google Play Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
 
Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...

[Ann Lorz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm telling you right now, if you haven't yet read a book by Debbie Mason you don't know what you're missing. Her Christmas, Colorado Series is so good. It's full of great characters, fun humor and at times some very touching moments. I will tell you right away that I believe that you should read this series in order. It just adds so much more to the characters when you get to know them from the beginning of their stories. There is not that many to read so you can do it in no time. Wedding Bells in Christmas is about Vivian & Chance. I will admit that for a while I couldn't remember who Chance was but it did finally come to me. At times he pissed me off. You just wanted to shake him and say...stop it! Of course even at those times I still liked him. There is just something about him that makes you feel for him. Now, Vivian was a shock in this book. In the past ones she was a slightly hard person, not so in Wedding Bells in Christmas. You just couldn't help but liking her. She came off as a very sweet, caring person. I just love this series and think you will too. Give Wedding Bells in Christmas and the whole Christmas, Colorado Series a try.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished Wedding Bells in Christmas, and I am ready to go out and buy the rest of the series. I love these people and want to visit Christmas and meet them. I am partial to small town stories where the people are involved and are caring which fits this book perfectly, but what makes the book really awesome is the chemistry between Vivi and Chance. The book falls pretty close to the "sweet romance" description, but the characters are fire, steam, humor, and human.

Vivi fell in love with Chance while he was undercover in New York, but he wasn't ready to move on from the pain of losing his wife and baby in an accident for which he blames himself. They are manipulated into meeting again on a flight to Christmas. She knew he would be there since the trip is for father's wedding but she hoped she could mostly avoid him, little chance of that with Aunt Nell pulling the strings. The story is big and wonderful, enjoy.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story and a great addition to the series. Chance McBride is a man who has lost so much in life and isn't willing to put his heart on the line again. Vivi is a woman who is focused on her career. Well, at least she was until it imploded now she finds herself writing an advice column of all things. Her brief but oh so hot fling with Chance shouldn't be a problem but when Chance's Aunt Nell starts her matchmaking ways, things get out of control. Fast!

This is a great story with Chance finally coming home and dealing with the past and Vivi trying to figure out her future. Definitely one you don't want to miss. I highly recommend it.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

WEDDING BELLS IN CHRISTMAS is another fun and touching addition to the Christmas, Colorado series. Chance lost his wife and child 5 years ago and feels like he can never love again. So why can't he stop orbiting around city-girl Viv? He is a typical frustrating man. Sexy and protective, He fights with himself over his attraction to the tough and vivacious Viv. Being the stubborn man that he is, he very nearly blows his chance to be happy again. It takes a town full of matchmakers to steer him in the right direction to where his heart needs to be.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this heaps more than Book #3 in the series. Love Vivi and Chase and their complicated story.

[Shelly Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Christmas, Colorado series. If you haven't read the others I'd recommend you do that before moving on to this one. It'll make a whole lot more sense that way and the enjoyment level will go up 100%.
In this book, the couple being showcased is none other than Chance McBride and Vivian Westfield. In the last book they were mentioned throughout so you have the basic set up. Chance, the one who broke Vivi's heart, is the oh so attractive (as is everyone in and from Christmas. I'm telling you, there must be something in the water) widower who knows he can never love again. Vivi is the one who had some "relations" with him at one point and she fell hard. Then he broke her heart. Now, they find themselves headed to Christmas for a wedding and the match makers of the town are all ready at play. Chance decides that it'd be a fun idea to pretend they are already a couple so they don't have to deal with them while they are visiting. Vivi agrees but with some reluctance. I'm thinking you are seeing where this is going but things go all over the place when emotions and feelings run high. Vivi tends to be driven by her emotions quite a bit an tolerates quite a bit when it comes to Chance and his... let's just say moods. Since you are going to read this book anyway I won't tell you more than this. You'll just have to read it for yourself and see where it goes. Between the wedding, the babies, the intimate times, guilt, love, anger, etc.,etc. there is just far too much to list here! It's a fun addition to the series!
I noticed some reviewers saying there are too many characters but I think if you are familiar with this series you will be familiar with most of the characters. Each book pulls in a few new characters in order to keep the series progressing but as long as you are keeping up with the books, you will see those in the previous stories plus a few new faces that will lead you into the next book. I hope that makes sense. The short of it, there are a few characters to keep track of but as long as you are following the series you should be okay.
I liked this book. It just keeps the series going, follows the same formula as the others so you know what you are getting into, and has drama, angst, and so much more. If you liked the first three books, you should like this one as well.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I think I'm almost over this series (five books in...hah). Nell is super freaking annoying. And everyone getting over-involved in each other's lives is getting old. Like, She's trying to definitely and angrily and rightfully leave and go home, and they trick her and badger her into buying an entire newspaper!!!!! What?? Never, in the entire book, did she mention wanting to own and be responsible for an entire newspaper. She just wanted to do the crime investigating...But, like 20 people and their kids show up at her door and bully her into it. I kind of hated that part. I really wanted her to leave. With most of these small town series, you grow to really love the town and the people and families. Buuuuuuut....I think this one is getting on my nerves. I've read other ones that allow the characters to end up outside of the small town or to go back and forth. This one seems to just suck them all in, and after living in New York, no way do I believe she (or he) would want to live in this tiny town that seems pretty far away from the nearest big city.

I guess this one wasn't quite as convincing for me. She seemed all strong and kept making stands against him, but she never actually went anywhere. She caved every time. And, while I have been liking the friends, it seemed a bit more manipulative. I worry that it will continue to get worse with the manipulation seeing as we know so many characters, and they have all already drank the Koolaid. I already read book 5, and it's probably best that a lot of it takes place outside of Christmas. It's definitely time for a change of pace.

Oh, and another thing that I noticed in this one and the last one. There seem to be a lot of allusions to events that don't happen in any other books. I keep looking to see if there is a novella or short story or something, but I haven't found any. I understand that you can't really tell everything, especially from the past. (I thought all the Kate/Emma stuff was done just fine.) But when you refer vaguely to things that seem to have quite an impact on the story, it just leaves me confused and wondering if I missed something.

[Shelleen Toland · Rating 4 out of 5]

4th book in this amazing series. This time it is the romance between Vivi and Chance. Chance's wife and baby were killed in a car accident 5 years ago and he has always blamed himself and says he will never get married again or fall in love again. Vivi is a hard ass woman and is a reporter who will go to almost any extremes for a story. Her best friends live in Christmas along with Chance's family. Aunt Nell is at it again playing matchmaker. Vivi screws things up alot and so does Chance, making your head spin with the on again off again relationship. But family and friends are always there to either bitch them out or push them. I can not wait for the next book and already have an idea who the couple in that book will be.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a 3 1/2

I can't help but enjoy Debbie Mason books. Its the characters, they are just so charming. Of course, there are some unrealistic things said, but it's not a good romance unless there is some exaggeration.

All in all, just a nice fun story. There is just enough action and plot intrigue in this series that you don't feel bogged down with the romance and waiting for the two main characters to move on from what is keeping them apart.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is the best of the series so far. Chance lost his wife and child in a car accident five years ago and vowed never to fall in love again. Vivi was her mother's feel dark secret and wanted nothing to do with her. Her father was a criminal who was in & out of jail. She thought she just wasn't loveable.

Vivi feel in love with Chance at first sight. He spent one week with her then walked away. This is their story.

[Beth Lechman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I have enjoyed this series this one was hard for me to read. The character of Vivian Westfield which is one of the main characters in this book was a bit hard to take. To me she was so needy and almost to afraid of everything that it put my nerves on edge. Overall it is a good book about second chances. Worth the read.

[Donna Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the main character, Vivi (although I was never quite sure how to say her name), who had a lot of spunk and a real ability to instinctively clue in on situations. The only thing that was annoying was one scene that had so many characters from previous books (since this one was #4), that I could not follow what was happening. Otherwise, a good story.

[Sonnetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was my favorite. I loved Vivi’s heart. She just cannot help it when trouble finds her. Her relationship with Chance is a interesting dynamic. He is still dealing with the loss of his wife and baby. He meets Vivi and she brings out something in him that is deceased wife didn’t. The feeling that he revealed is what a widow would have to come to terms with.

[Debra McEathron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chance has to overcome a lot of issues. Some of those issues were causing problems for other family members and friends. Vivi is trying to be patient but of course the Auntie's take matters into their own hands and try to help things along. A fun read with some heart breaking scenes that make you understand why people sometimes do the wrong things.

[PJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viv lost her job in New York and travels to Christmas, CO for the holidays. She stumbles onto a mystery in the small town. Her on again off again boyfriend is there - Chance who wants her to stay away from investigating this mystery. Entertaining story - mystery involved in the story.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Vivi is an independent, tough as nails reporter who lets no one stand in her way. Chance is a security professional scarred by an unbelievable loss. The two of them are thrown together for the week of Chance's father's wedding and together they sizzle!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, I really enjoyed this story and the electricity between Vivi Westfield and Chance McBride. It was a hard book to put down and the side stories were great and really kept the action going. Never say never and more so in Christmas, Colorado.

[Diane Hermann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Widower lost his wife & child & he can't move on. Doesn't stop him from sleeping with other women, of course. He led Vivi on, kept coming back to her, all the while saying nothing would ever come from their relationship. Vivi lets him cuz he's so darn good looking! Didn't like either character.

[Deirdre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite by this author but still enjoyable. This one in the series follows Vivian And Chance.

[Christina Aldarondo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of drama and great character development. The passion Chance and Vivi is hot and timeless. They both have a lot healing to do and together they can make it.

[Pauline Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the small town life you get to know everything about everyone. A well written and perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. A second chance of love everyone gets behind.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really, really good book. Some parts are very sad, but many are hilariously, laugh-out-loud, funny.
Holds your attention from beginning to end. Great series!!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series! I love the characters and there's enough mystery to keep it interesting. Looking forward to the next one!

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Kathy Paulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!! I could not put this book down, I was drawn into the small town and cheering on the main characters.