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Unexpected Gifts
Short Story A pity party normally doesn’t include gifts. Of course, it usually doesn’t include company…or sex, either. Feeling sorry for herself, Cassie Williams plays sick to skip out of her family’s Christmas Eve gathering. She loves her family, but on the heels of a divorce and her ex’s new engagement, an evening of togetherness is the last thing she wants. Long-time friend, Sam MacLane has been in love with Cassie for years, and he isn’t about to let her have her pity party. There’s a blizzard on the way, and Sam shows up on her doorstep—bearing gifts...
54 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2011
443 people are currently reading
718 people want to read
About the author
Bronwyn Green
54 books178 followersBronwyn Green is an award-winning author, blogger, and compulsive crafter. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two children and three somewhat psychotic cats. When not frantically writing, she can be found binge-watching Netflix while working on her latest craft project.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
January 28, 2016
Since it's only something like eighteen pages long, I feel kind of guilty using it in my GoodReads challenge. But hey... if it catches me up, I guess.
Backstory implied. Guy at her door. Declaration of love. Sex. Sleep. Sex. Presents. Declaration of love. The end.
Really? If you just read this review, you got the whole book... in about the time it would take to download and read it, too! GO, you! :)
Backstory implied. Guy at her door. Declaration of love. Sex. Sleep. Sex. Presents. Declaration of love. The end.
Really? If you just read this review, you got the whole book... in about the time it would take to download and read it, too! GO, you! :)
December 29, 2015
Disappointing read.
I love Christmas romances and I have loads sitting on my kindle just waiting to be read so I thought I'd read this one while everyone else is still in bed since it's only 28 pages.
With so few pages there's obviously not going to be a lot of buildup or background. Cassie has had a massive crush on Sam for fifteen years and now and on Christmas Eve he's on her doorstep covered in snow when all she wants is to be left alone, her marriage has crumbled and her ex is engaged again, she deserves to be left alone to feel sorry for herself and wallow in self-pity if she wants but Sam's here with food from her mother and presents.
It turns out not only does she really like Sam but Sam's finally realised just how much he likes her and he's not missing out now she's single.
So why only 2*?
Firstly it's a very short book so it wouldn't get more than 3* anyway but I wasn't keen on the writing, I can understand that Cassie's confidence has taken a knock but I got a little sick of how many times she dismissed Sam's feelings for her:
“And I’m still the guy that’s wanted you for years.”
Her heart clutched as his words registered, but she shook off the sensation. “Whatever,” she muttered. He wasn’t serious. He was never serious.
".....you don't need to joke about the rest of it."
He’d been placating her. Trying to make her feel better. Pity was the last thing she needed.
"I. Don’t. Need. Your. Pity.”
Ok you get the idea I could go on and on because there's way too much for such a short book but if I do by the time I finish the review will be longer than the book.
This is a hot Christmas read, there's a short introduction of characters and a brief summary at the end but it's mainly sex which is fine but I have to admit I was surprised by the use of the 'c' word it just didn't seem to fit in such a short and ultimately sweet albeit hot romance.
He slipped his hand beneath her a** and lifted her until her legs were around his waist and the hard bulge of his c**k was notched against her cu**
March 22, 2019
This book is just a short story at only 28 pages so I really wasn't expecting much. It was really cute and sweet though. The characters have known each other since they were kids and he is he brother's best friend and pretty much a member of the family. They had crushes on each other for years and finally on Christmas Eve, something happens.
December 25, 2016
2.5 stars
This is a short and sweet holiday read with likable characters. Issues between the main characters were resolved in record time and concluded with a great HEA.
This is a short and sweet holiday read with likable characters. Issues between the main characters were resolved in record time and concluded with a great HEA.
December 18, 2016
A little sexier than I've read in a while, but for a short story, the characters were quite likable.
And no, I do NOT feel guilty about using this for my Goodreads reading challenge. It's a book and books are written to be read :)
And no, I do NOT feel guilty about using this for my Goodreads reading challenge. It's a book and books are written to be read :)
December 17, 2018
I liked it, so 3 stars, but a very weak 3 stars.
It's only 28 pages. So not much time for character development. There's pretty much implied backstory, leading to the holiday hook-up between the leads. And that's really what this is - just a steamy short story about the hook-up. Like one scene in a larger story? This could definitely have been developed into a full holiday novella (or even novel), but as this is what it is... well, that's what I'll comment on.
Yes, Cassie (h) is having a pity party. Recent ugly divorce with ex now engaged. But for the number of times Sam (H) is telling her that he's interested, she's irritatingly stubborn. He had some really sweet comments, and she's just blowing him off. Really, how much pity was she expecting from him, how far was she was thinking he'd take his sympathy?? Especially for old family friends, would you really start confessing deep-seated feelings just to make them feel better? Probably not, right? With old family connections, you wouldn't want to create the drama - there's other ways to cheer them up. And yet, Cassie keeps blowing him off...
So, yeah. It's free and fast. An enjoyable distraction. Neither character was horrible, but I did want to smack Cassie when Sam was trying to be sweet. And as it's just a short story, there's really not time for anything else, so take it for what it is.
It's only 28 pages. So not much time for character development. There's pretty much implied backstory, leading to the holiday hook-up between the leads. And that's really what this is - just a steamy short story about the hook-up. Like one scene in a larger story? This could definitely have been developed into a full holiday novella (or even novel), but as this is what it is... well, that's what I'll comment on.
Yes, Cassie (h) is having a pity party. Recent ugly divorce with ex now engaged. But for the number of times Sam (H) is telling her that he's interested, she's irritatingly stubborn. He had some really sweet comments, and she's just blowing him off. Really, how much pity was she expecting from him, how far was she was thinking he'd take his sympathy?? Especially for old family friends, would you really start confessing deep-seated feelings just to make them feel better? Probably not, right? With old family connections, you wouldn't want to create the drama - there's other ways to cheer them up. And yet, Cassie keeps blowing him off...
So, yeah. It's free and fast. An enjoyable distraction. Neither character was horrible, but I did want to smack Cassie when Sam was trying to be sweet. And as it's just a short story, there's really not time for anything else, so take it for what it is.
November 4, 2018
Not bad, but not more then a sugar cookie in depth. I'm a sucker for these kind of Romances, but I wanted less telling of why she fell in love with him.
I'm still not entirely sure why he fell for her or why it took him so long to see and why he felt jumping straight into it only 5 months after the disaster of her marriage ended was a good idea.
Then again it's a short story that did warm some of the cockles of my small dark heart. It was nice for a change to see the guy have to wrestle with his feelings for so long.
I'm still not entirely sure why he fell for her or why it took him so long to see and why he felt jumping straight into it only 5 months after the disaster of her marriage ended was a good idea.
Then again it's a short story that did warm some of the cockles of my small dark heart. It was nice for a change to see the guy have to wrestle with his feelings for so long.
November 9, 2018
This was cute but way shorter than I expected it to be. I feel like there could have been a lot more here and as a full novel or even a longer novella everything could have been more fleshed out. I thought the writing was pretty good, though there were a few phrases used that I thought were odd. I really liked the overall concept for the love story but I just thought there could have been a lot more.
January 5, 2019
Short and sweet
This author is a new discovery for me, and I'm inhaling them at this point! This novella was a bit different from the other 3 I've read, but it didn't disappoint me. It was short and sweet and full of emotion.
This author is a new discovery for me, and I'm inhaling them at this point! This novella was a bit different from the other 3 I've read, but it didn't disappoint me. It was short and sweet and full of emotion.
April 20, 2019
This was my first book by this author. I'm always nervous when reading a book by an author I haven't read before, but I'm really glad I read this book! Yes, it is short but it is completely adorable and hot! I may have teared up... Maybe. :-)
January 28, 2017
Unexpected.
Short but sweet. Unexpected language but appropriate. Wish everyone could be loved this way. Love snow days that close out the world.
Short but sweet. Unexpected language but appropriate. Wish everyone could be loved this way. Love snow days that close out the world.
August 17, 2017
SoSo
Not much of a storyline. Needs more depth. It might be a decent beginning for a novel, but not a novel by itself.
Not much of a storyline. Needs more depth. It might be a decent beginning for a novel, but not a novel by itself.
September 21, 2017
Give this a miss
Very poor literary quality. I should have expected this as it was an Amazon freebie. If you enjoy sexual explicitness you may find it titillating.
Very poor literary quality. I should have expected this as it was an Amazon freebie. If you enjoy sexual explicitness you may find it titillating.
January 2, 2019
A short book with a sweet friends to lovers story line. This is my first read by Bronwyn Green and I can't wait to read more of her writing.
February 26, 2019
Waaaaay too short, but hot damn!!
I wish this had been a lot longer, with more about their past. I loved the characters, the sex was pretty damned hot too! Just toooooooo short!!
I wish this had been a lot longer, with more about their past. I loved the characters, the sex was pretty damned hot too! Just toooooooo short!!
December 6, 2019
SHORT book
More like one chapter, but not too bad outside of that. Definitely short and sweet. Good enough as long as you get it free.
More like one chapter, but not too bad outside of that. Definitely short and sweet. Good enough as long as you get it free.
June 12, 2021
Worse piece of crap ever! Waste of time I’ll never get back.
December 19, 2023
For a short read this wasn't bad.
January 27, 2017
So happy it was free. It only took an hour to read.
April 2, 2017
it's quick. it's good. I liked the story. it's a perfect read for a short commute. I didn't mind the raciness of the book. only a small twinge of guilt using it on my reading challenge.
February 23, 2018
This was okay, everything was squished into an extremely short story. It felt like it was moving way to fast.
March 5, 2017
A truly enjoyable read.
Perfect story of second chances, should've done this in the first place. A truly enjoyable read. I couldn't put it down.
Perfect story of second chances, should've done this in the first place. A truly enjoyable read. I couldn't put it down.
March 2, 2017
Sweet
Was a short it sweet love story . Worth the read . Love is always great to read about .
Was a short it sweet love story . Worth the read . Love is always great to read about .
December 31, 2016
I love Sam and Cass! I think they are my favorite couple of the year. I wish this was not a short story, I want more backstory and I want to see what happens next.
Okay…let me back-up.
Cass just got a divorce and is all alone this Christmas, so Sam decides to pay her a visit to make sure she is okay. Now, Sam is her brother’s longtime childhood friend. Cass has always loved him and Sam has always loved her. However, they were never together for many different reasons, but sometimes Christmas miracles exist. They realize this is their last shot since they are both single and there is a horrid blizzard going on and Sam can’t leave. They give in and you know the rest.
I liked this story a lot even though it was kinda creepy! Sam is like a carbon copy of an old crush of mine. 0_0 Also, this is set in Michigan (which is the state I live in)! WEIRD! All weird, but still a fun read even though it reminded me of said person. But of course I liked him xD
I liked Cass even though it was annoying how she thought Sam was just pitying her. Girl...there are levels of pity out there and him making out with you and visiting you during a blizzard is not pity at all! If he wanted to pity you he would've sent some flowers saying, "Sorry your ex was a big butt. Better luck next time." SMH. But I get it...if my crush suddenly was all over me randomly I would've been not believing it either. I liked her overall though.
Overall, this was a cute short story about two people who have finally found each other after years of denying their love for each other. The characters were fun. A cute romance set during xmas time. In the end, I'll stamp this with 4 stars.
December 9, 2017
I bought this book because I liked the description but didn't notice it was only 28 pages until I went to read it. You can't call it a book or a novella, it's really just a short story. You pretty much know what you're going to get...don't act like you don't!
I saw it as a scene of a story that has great potential to be a full length novel or even just a novella. The history of the two and their families is set up well enough that you can feel a connection between the two. The part that was unclear was the 'now' of the story. The whole opening was confusing as to who was talking and why.
I didn't find it too steamy so at least that wasn't very drawn out. I'm not sure why some of the reviews make it sound like it was all sex - it was pretty brief.
This does seem like a scene plucked from the middle of a story. You can see the back story that can be delved into more and there is plenty of potential for the rest of the story to play out. This could definitely be turned into a full length story.
I saw it as a scene of a story that has great potential to be a full length novel or even just a novella. The history of the two and their families is set up well enough that you can feel a connection between the two. The part that was unclear was the 'now' of the story. The whole opening was confusing as to who was talking and why.
I didn't find it too steamy so at least that wasn't very drawn out. I'm not sure why some of the reviews make it sound like it was all sex - it was pretty brief.
This does seem like a scene plucked from the middle of a story. You can see the back story that can be delved into more and there is plenty of potential for the rest of the story to play out. This could definitely be turned into a full length story.
December 7, 2016
Cassie is sulking. Yeah, it’s Christmas eve, a blizzard is expected, she’s avoiding family, her ex husband of three months is engaged, and the boy next-door shows up to tell her he’s always had a crush on her. Cassie has had a crush on Sam MacLane forever, too. After a quick kiss, she’s not ready for this and suggests he leaves, but his truck slides into a snowdrift.
So… he’s staying.
***
The first half was an audiobook read by Tatiana Sokolov, a specialist in erotica narration.
Huh. Who knew?
http://www.tatianasokolov.com/
They have the best sex Cassie has had in ages but she’s already worrying about the morning and how they will move on with their lives, past this ‘awkwardness’.
Whispers… silly girl.
A cute, sexy Christmas short.
Makes up for not even have my decorations out, eh?
4 stars
So… he’s staying.
***
The first half was an audiobook read by Tatiana Sokolov, a specialist in erotica narration.
Huh. Who knew?
http://www.tatianasokolov.com/
They have the best sex Cassie has had in ages but she’s already worrying about the morning and how they will move on with their lives, past this ‘awkwardness’.
Whispers… silly girl.
A cute, sexy Christmas short.
Makes up for not even have my decorations out, eh?
4 stars
April 17, 2016
I downloaded this book for free from Amazon Kindle at Christmas 2015 and hadn't managed to squeeze it onto my reading list. This is a short story; a read in an hour type. I have to admit that I thought it would be a light hearted, sweet, Christmas romance, and I was right about the romance, but it is an erotic romance. I'm not saying that's a bad thing.
There was little time for character development in this 28 page short, but we did learn the history of the main character Cassie and her childhood friend Sam before they got down to business, but the business happens quickly and doesn't let up. If you're into erotic romances and want a free book that only takes an hour to read, then this is your book.
The prose was well written, and the narrative was sweet, but steamy to boot. A quick, saucy read.
There was little time for character development in this 28 page short, but we did learn the history of the main character Cassie and her childhood friend Sam before they got down to business, but the business happens quickly and doesn't let up. If you're into erotic romances and want a free book that only takes an hour to read, then this is your book.
The prose was well written, and the narrative was sweet, but steamy to boot. A quick, saucy read.
Read
December 20, 2015I rated this as a short story so even though it is a four star rating remember it isn't as detailed as a full length. What made this book such a good book was while there was one love scene the rest of the book convinced this reader that the couple really loved each other. They have been friends for 15 years after Sam MacLane moved in next door to Cassie Williams. Cassie falls in love with Sam but like most knuckle heads he doesn't figure his true feelings until she's moved on. The biggest complaint is that it ended too soon. Christmas is a back drop for the story and makes you feel warm and cozy. Enjoy!
December 27, 2015
Love your book very exciting from the beginning to the last page. Stephanie Littlejohn. I chose this rating because it drew me into this story immediately. I enjoyed this book very very much you're a AWESOME writer thanks for sharing a wonderful and loving book. I would definitely recommend this book to all my friends to read. Thanks Stephanie Littlejohn
Love your book it captured my attention immediately from the beginning right until the end of the book. Thanks Stephanie Littlejohn
Love your book it captured my attention immediately from the beginning right until the end of the book. Thanks Stephanie Littlejohn
March 17, 2016
I really enjoyed this short. The writing was excellent and if had been a little longer, it most definitely would have been a five-star read.
It's Christmas Eve and Cassie isn't feeling the Christmas spirit. She's not sad about her divorce, just feels like a fool for being married to a man who couldn't keep his pants up.
Her mom is worried and sends over Sam, her brothers friend to make sure she's ok, a man she has had a crush on for a long time. A kiss turns into more and soon Cassie is left feeling confused. Is Sam trying to cheer her up? Or does he really have feelings for her?
It's Christmas Eve and Cassie isn't feeling the Christmas spirit. She's not sad about her divorce, just feels like a fool for being married to a man who couldn't keep his pants up.
Her mom is worried and sends over Sam, her brothers friend to make sure she's ok, a man she has had a crush on for a long time. A kiss turns into more and soon Cassie is left feeling confused. Is Sam trying to cheer her up? Or does he really have feelings for her?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews