An alternate cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
Enjoy another charming, romantic holiday story from New York Times bestselling author, Melody Grace!
Hot British director Dash Everett needs inspiration - and fast. He’s hoping that a Christmas vacation in Sweetbriar Cove will give him everything he needs to break his writer’s block: a deserted cabin, his laptop, and his old friend Jack (Daniels, that is). But it turns out, isolation isn’t nearly as inspiring as the beautiful spitfire behind the front desk...
Ellie Lucas isn’t crazy about spending her holidays catering to the arrogant (and sexy) guest in Cabin 4 -- and she really doesn’t have time to play muse. She’s ready to leave her small-town behind for a fresh start, but when an unexpected snowstorm sends both their plans awry, she finds that a dash of Hollywood magic is exactly what she needs to see the joy in one more Sweetbriar Cove Christmas.
The magic of Christmas brings a whirlwind romance. She falls into his arms (shaky ladder) and he catches the muse he’s needed to break through his writers block. Cute romance but you have to look past the insta love to enjoy it. 😊
It’s a short book that tested my short patience. For me, the female mc can make or break the book. There’s a fine line between sassy and rude, strong and..rude. You own a business (an inn in this book) and you treat your guests poorly because you feel an instant attraction to him and he brings unpleasant memories of a past (this word sounds funny here given she's 22 lol) when you were a naive 18 years old. Lame. If that summer puppy love affected you to the point to traumatize you, go seek counseling. I think it is a little ott, but people reaction to situations are different. But don't treat your guests poorly because you have no control over your issues. And I don’t like this overused form of conflict: not trusting/getting involved with someone in the present based on what a man/boy did to you in the past. And being rude to the person who’s interested in you (and you in him)because of it. That’s immature.Considering your age and the man who betrayed you (actually a boy 😏) in the “past” (this word... 🤣🤣) - you were 18 years old. 🤔🙄 And what made me more upset with this heroine is the invasion of privacy. She got his personal computer and read his script-5 pages, there were 60 pages. She never asked for permission. It was his unfinished work. The computer was just laying there on the table and she just grabbed it and read his work. It never crossed her mind he maybe wouldn't like anyone seeing his work before it was done? You just take someone's personal items because you're curious? There's a thing called respect and boundaries. Only because you fucked the guy once doesn't give you the right to do it. She came up to conclusions, didn’t let him explain, didn’t read the rest and told him to leave. The old misunderstanding/miscommunication because you don’t want to listen. A ridiculous fabricated drama that made no sense at all. I wish he never went back to her and apologized. He didn’t have a reason to. She should be the one ashamed for getting into someone’s personal/private things. Annoying, immature, stupid , dumb girl who doesn’t deserve a merry Christmas.
This was another sweet and steamy holiday read by Melody Grace. Holiday Kisses is the third Christmas themed book I’ve read by Melody and she didn’t disappoint. She does a great job of bring these characters to life but yet keeping the story short and sweet, just how I like my holiday books.
Holiday Kisses takes place in a small New England town called Sweetbriar Cove that loves Christmas; they love it so much they have their very own Christmas festival that brings in a ton of tourist. The sweet charming town reminded me something right out of a Hallmark Christmas movie (another thing I love). Director/screen writer Dash Everett is looking for some peace and quiet so he can finally break his writers block. A secluded cabin in the woods should be just what he needs, what he doesn’t need is to be attracted to the sassy spunky girl who runs the inn. Ellie Lucas is left to take care of her family’s inn over this holiday season. Ellie does not get involved with tourist; she’s been burned once so never again even if he is a hot British director. The attraction between the two is definitely there but they try to fight it, that’s until a snow storm gives them the push they need.
Holiday Kisses is a really holiday story that I’m sure everyone will enjoy.
When I first heard about this book, I was so excited. I loved Melody Grace and her flawless writing style. So, when this lovely little novella showed up on my kindle, I could not wait to dive in.
Holiday Kisses follows the story of Dash and Ellie. Dash blows into town looking for some inspiration that will hopefully help with his writers block. However, once he gets into town and lays eyes on Ellie, he quickly discovers that maybe isolation isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Ellie loves living in the Cape. While she has dreams of leaving and traveling around the world, she likes being her hometown and feeling needed. When she meets Dash and sees his anti-holiday attitude, she’s less than excited about having him around. But, when fate throws them into an unlikely situation, both Ellie and Dash will start seeing things in a different light. Will Dash finally break his writers block? Will Ellie finally get that extra happiness that she’s been looking for?
Holiday Kisses was such a fun read. It gave me everything that I’ve come to love and expect in a Melody Grace novel. The story was well written and entertaining. The characters pulled you into their story and had you wanting to learn more. I loved the romance and swoony moments. I appreciated that while there was some drama, it was on the light side. Melody Grace has once again delivered a fun holiday romance, that will leave you begging for more!!
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via the author, in exchange for an honest review*
Dash Everett was introduced as one of Blake Callahan's friends in Unwritten, but you absolutely do not need to read it in order to enjoy Holiday Kisses.
Dash is months overdue delivering his next script to the Hollywood studio and he has a mean case of writer's block, so he decides to book a holiday getaway in a small Cape Cod town in the hopes that the change of scenery and some peace and quiet will provide the inspiration he so badly needs.
Ellie Lucas never expected to be swept off her feet - literally- by a gorgeous Brit when he walks through the door of her family's inn and promptly rescues her from a potentially nasty fall when he knocks her off the ladder she had set up to fix some decorations. She has always longed to leave the tiny town she grew up in to travel and see the world but has never been able to realize that dream. She knows that the drop dead gorgeous man with the lovely accent spells trouble with a capital T though and her walls immediately slam into place. After all, she learned the hard way that tourists never want to stick around in her life beyond a quick fling, and after just one quick interaction, she knows Dash will have her questioning her resolve to remain at a professional distance in no time at all.
Dash is intrigued by the quick witted, sassy redhead running the inn and despite her often cutting tone and sarcastic words, they have an easy running banter flowing between them along with a spark of interest he knows they both feel. After sending Dash on a nearly disastrous errand to get him out of her line of sight and to restore her equilibrium, Ellie relents and spends a little time actually talking to Dash even as she knows her carefully built walls are about to come crashing down. But what will happen when it is time for Dash to return to his regular life?
Holiday Kisses was a fun, sweet and at times hot little holiday novella that I thoroughly enjoyed! If you are looking for a quick read that will put a smile on your face, definitely grab this story now!
Holiday Kisses was another great, fun Christmas read. I just loved reading about the Sweetbriar Cove Christmas fun!
Ellie is stuck running her families hotel for the holiday season, one of the busiest times of year in Sweetbriar Cove. She dreams of traveling the world and experiencing something different. She just wants to get out and do something new as she has never gone anywhere. She has a rule - no getting involved with tourists. It will only end in heartache for her. She learned her lesson the first time. Only when Dash shows up things heat up. No matter how much she tells herself she can't, she would just be a holiday fling for him, she is still drawn to him.
Dash is a Hollywood screenwriter/director but he is having a hard time finding the inspiration to write his current piece. He needs to get this script written as it is way past due. He plans to stay in a secluded cabin in the woods far away from Hollywood in the hopes that the solitude and lack of distractions will help. He doesn't count on meeting Ellie, this girl who inspires him and makes him want to get closer and never let her go.
This is a quick read, but full of all the holiday fun I love. Lots of snow and Christmas cheer, a bit of Christmas magic and viola! You have a fun Christmas read. Ellie and Dash were cute together, I loved reading what Dash was thinking especially. He looks at people in a unique way that made it fun to watch everything unfold. Ellie is a bit scared to trust someone again, especially someone who is not staying around, as she just doesn't want to get hurt. It was a sweet story and I really enjoyed it. Another great holiday read.
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Another Christmas, another Festival at Sweetbriar Cove. Ellie is minding the inn for her parents so they can take a much needed vacation. Not that she has anywhere to go or be... let's face it, she was born here and has spent all her 21 years stuck in this town. Her hope - to finally have enough money saved to spread her wings and travel so she can see the world beyond Sweetbriar.
This is a great holiday story. Into Ellie's humdrum life walks in Dash. Just like his name says, this man comes from the stressful, fast-moving world of Hollywood. These two characters literally crash into each other with a powerful explosion of emotions as the result. Attraction and pull are the words to describe their initial meeting. The steamy undercurrent that ensues continues throughout the story.
Just like all the other books from this author, this is a story that will make you smile, keep you holding a tissue close by, and thrilled by chase and the steam of a fictional romance to warm up this Winter season.
Holiday Kisses was a quick and delightful read. Nothing is sweeter than a Christmas love story. You will fall in love with Dash and Ellie!
This story takes place in Sweetbriar Cove, New England just before Christmas. Ellie is left to take care of her family's business, the Sweetbriar Inn, while the rest of her family is away. The last thing she wanted or expected was to literally fall into the arms of the hot screenwriter who was coming to stay at the Inn. Ellie has been hurt in her past. Men only come for one thing when they are on vacation and when it's over they leave you.
Ellie and Dash have some major snow melting chemistry. Dash is just plain hot! As hard as she tries to push him out, she can't. You have got to read and see what happens. Will Dash end up being like all the other men or will he prove to be more?
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Crazy Cajun Book Addicts for an honest review.
A sweet Christmas short from Melody Grace as soon as I started reading that was it I couldn't stop until I got to the end. Ellie is looking after her families lodge the Sweetbriar Inn over the Christmas holidays. She loves her family, the lodge and the town she lives in but has dreams of spreading her wings. Dash is a film director suffering from writers block he's decided to spend a week at the lodge all alone to hopefully get his writing back on track. Ellie literally falls into Dash' arms on their first meeting and the chemistry between them is hot enough to melt the snow surrounding them but she's been hurt before will history repeat itself or will Dash prove that's he's worthy of her heart.
Such a cute, sweet, heartwarming story with fun characters! As always I couldn't put it down, and read this novella in one evening. The characters are so adorable and fun. The storyline was great and the writing style is as amazing as always. I forgot I was even reading a novella. The romance and steaminess were an excellent balance.
If you haven't checked out anything by Melody Grace, this novella is a perfect starter. Her writing style is superb and draws you in, creating entire scenes and towns that you can easily imagine as you read. The characters are well developed and the storylines come first, with the romance and steamy scenes a close second. It's always a pleasure to read one of her books.
Who doesn't fall in love with a sweet holiday novella? And Melody Grace is a pro at writing sweet and steamy reads! Dash is running to solitude for the holidays. What he isn't expecting is running straight into Ellie. Their chemistry is undeniable and instant. They both fight it, but the truth is there. But there's a secret front and center and when it's exposed, they panic. Is their budding romance strong enough to withstand betrayal?
A quick read perfect for those who love holiday romance. I loved it!
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Let me start off with saying I am a HUGE fan of Melody's!!!! Her books never dissapoint. Holiday Kisses was the perfect short story for the holidays. I was hooked from the beginning! Having met Dash in Unwritten, I had hoped he would get his own story. Ellie is such a sweet and genuine person. When the two of them came together you could see the chemistry between them. I really enjoyed their story, the cabins, snow, and everything Christmas!!!
I always love Melody's stories......they are very sweet and romantic. I mean who would not fall in love with a setting of a small town with charm, and Christmas festivities and love just wafting in the air. It also does not hurt that Dash has an accent.....I mean there is never a down side to a hot sexy man with an accent. Ellie is small town girl to a tee. She dreams big and plays it's safe, until she meets Dash that is. I simply loved this story and I hated to see it end. Must read :)
Loved this read! This one is a cuddle on the couch with a fire going kinda book. I want to know if this town is real, because I want to go today. It sounds amazing there. But Melody always seems to come up with the most amazing places to read about. You also get a little peak of old characters too. But this is a standalone. So good.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Melody Grace has outdone herself yet again. Holiday Kisses is a quick, sweet, and romantic holiday read that is well-written with a wonderful story-line and amazing characters.
Did anyone edit this book? When the male lead arrived at the inn, his cabin was described as being 15 square feet, with a bathroom, bed, and desk. Think about that. Don’t even get me started on the grammar errors.
Holiday Kisses: Sweetbriar Cove Book 5 is by Melody Grace. This book is a very quick read. It is great for holiday reading. Although it is predictable, how she gets you to the end is what is fascinating. This novella was the first of the series that was written. With some rewriting, it takes its place among the other chapters very well. Ellie Lucas is running Sweetbriar Inn on her own for the holidays. Her parents were on a cruise and her sister was in New York City with friends. It wasn’t that the inn was difficult to run or that she even minded it; but she wished to travel and that just wasn’t happening. She really loved the Inn and the town at Christmas; but it was always the same. Giving herself a good shake, Ellie turned her attention back to her job just as the last guest came into the Inn. Dash Everett, British producer, was the last guest to be checked in. He wasn’t here for the holidays, he was here to write a play. He was excited about it; but the other family members weren’t so excited. He was here to isolate himself and write a script. He could no longer put it off. However, he was having problems with this script. He had writer’s block. He hoped his stay here would help. He wasn’t even put out when he saw the rustic cabin. It had a small bedroom and tiny bath with a living room and a stove. It was perfect until later that night when he couldn’t get a fire built and it got cold. Ellie gave into her feelings and was on her way to invite him into the inn when he showed up asking for help. As they talked, she realized he was a good guy and she could trust him on most things. What happens when he betrays that trust? Is it the end for them?
In a short, Christmas-y romance we meet Ellie who we’ve heard mention of by her accounting genius for many of the town’s businesses and from her family’s inn where she also works. In Holiday Kisses, everyone has gone their separate ways for this Christmas leaving Ellie holding down the fort at the inn during Sweetbriar Cove’s famous Christmas celebrations. One of the guests, Dash, is a director/screenwriter who has lost his magic touch with the written word and is fighting writer’s block on his latest project. He’s looking for isolation to recapture his muse but the truly rustic cabin he’s rented for the holiday is probably not what he had in mind. There’s picturesque rustic with central heating, and there’s truly rustic with a fireplace. Yeah, it’s easy to guess which one Dash is dealing with.
While I enjoyed Holiday Kisses for what it is, a short Christmas novella, it didn’t give me that magical feeling that the rest of the Sweetbriar Cove series has. Perhaps because we never run into anyone that we’ve come to know or because of the length, I’m not sure but that feeling wasn’t there. Without giving away spoilers, there were personal privacy lines crossed in this story that I wasn’t completely comfortable with – yes, they make a good story but they also gave me pause. Ellie and Dash do find their way to a happy ending that gives them both what they truly desired, it’s a rough journey to get there.
An author that I quite enjoy and is one of my go-to authors when I don't know what to read and also if I am in the mood for a sweet romance, is Melody Grace. Her books are easy-to-read and sweet romance stories. Holiday Kisses is set in the small town of Sweetbriar where Christmas happens every day. In this book, Ellie is looking after her family's Inn while they are cruising and her older sister is on holiday in New York. One of the visitors for the season is Dash Everett who is friends with Blake Callahan - this part I liked as I find often that Melody likes to connect her various series. Dash is a scriptwriter and has hit writer's block and hired a cabin for the season. Sparks fly between Dash and Ellie but Ellie is determined not to start anything with Dash as she doesn't want a repeat of falling for a guy only for him to leave her. She has been duped once before. Can Dash prove to Ellie that she makes him better as he finds his writer's block gone when she is around? Can Dash be the motivation Ellie needs to get out of the small-town life and travel and tick some of the places off her bucket list including the Cape? Find out in this cute Christmas romance that has all the makings of a Hallmark Christmas movie - Holiday Kisses by Melody Grace.
ENGLISH AND SPANISH REVIEW Dash is looking for inspiration Ellie has always wanted to leave her small town. This book has holiday spirit, and that instant love type of thing. It was a really short happy story, everything happens in a few days. Ellie works in her family inn, her whole family left for the season, so she is left alone to manage it, & thats where she meets Dash, a Hollywood script writer. 2📚/5📚 * *no esta en español* Dash esta en busca de inspiración Ellie sueña con dejar el pequeño pueblo donde vive. Este libro tiene un espíritu navideño, y el clásico amor instantáneo. Es una historia cortita y todo ocurre en un par de días. Ellie trabaja en una posada de su familia, pero todos la dejaron a cargo durante las vacaciones y ahí es donde conoce a Dash un guionista de Hollywood.
I wouldn't be so upset if the author didn't have "New York Times bestselling author" and writer "for television and film, including the Netflix hit show, Bridgerton" in her bio. When you set it up like this... people will expect a bit more than sentences that are missing words and infuriating, unbelievable characters.
Let's try to be nice here... nice settings? The town felt warm and sorta kinda real, actually perfect for a Christmas romance book.
Let's address the elephant in the room: an absolute cultural debacle regarding the love interest, who is "Irish" but gets teased about being a "Brit." This wouldn't fly at all. Much more cultural research needed!
Also, a life-changing love after less than 48 hours? Good for them, I guess! Not too believable for me as a reader, but then again, maybe I'm bitter :)
4 star Sweet and steamy Quick and easy Light and fluffy Insta lovey (Sort of) Mild grammer and spelling mistakes
Hot Irish screen writer comes to small town for time a way in an attempt to get over his writer’s block on his script and meets the daughter of the owners of the inn he’s at.
I felt like this one was not drug out in the way I feel a lot of romance books are. When I read romance I usually feel the conflict is boring or unrealistic or drawn out and I get bored. This one was quick.
It was a bit insta love in the sense that they had chemistry right away which I don’t mind having chemistry right away but the problem comes when they develop almost unrealistically fast into feelings.
This was a sweet and funny read. Basically what I expected after the other books in the series. Sadly it was quite short, but that was known before I started..
It was quite the funny coincident that I had juat read another book (completely unrelated) with the same moviescript-plottwist.
Only thing that kinda annoyed me were some grammar-mistakes. The story is writen as a 3rd-pers narrator but more than once there was a "my lips/ mine" blabla.. / "he make". Thats just a little sad because it takes away from the story unnecessarily.
Synopsis: When screen writer Dash Everett rents a secluded winter cabin at Sweetbriar Inn to overcome his writers block, Dash finds inspiration, and an electric connection, in the Inn's restless "rock" Ellie Lucas. But when Dash makes Ellie his muse against her wishes, does this spell disaster for any chance between them?
Review: Absolutely loved this story! The chemistry was electric with a slow burn and hot romance. Their conflict and solution felt like a real experience, with Dash's very sweet grand gesture making so much sense! The town plus the festival was inviting and easy to picture.
3.5 stars. This would have easily been a 4 star but this desperately needs more editing. I found several grammar and spelling mistakes each chapter which really takes away from a good story.
This is a fluffy, sweet, predictable and steamy read. It’s very short and can be read in one sitting. I did enjoy the characters and the overall story but like I said the editing mistakes were a major turn-off.
Cheesy predictable romance novels with basically no plot are not for me. Easy book to finish, skimmed the last few chapters just to get through it. Not a fan of the characters internal dialogue, or the fact that the guy was Irish and the girl kept calling him a Brit and referencing British things as opposed to Irish. Could he be from Northern Ireland which is part of the UK, maybe, but at least specify it, or just make him British.