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Puffin Island #3

Für immer und einen Weihnachtsmorg​en

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Skylar Tempest hat noch nie verstanden, warum der Fernseh-Historiker Alec auf der ganzen Welt geliebt wird. Schließlich verhält er sich ziemlich abgehoben und hat es sich in den Kopf gesetzt, sie nicht zu mögen. Als das Schicksal ihr am Ende des Jahres dazwischenfunkt, muss sie Heiligabend ausgerechnet an seiner Seite verbringen. Und obwohl ihr diese Weihnachtszeit zunächst nicht sehr gnadenbringend erscheint, könnten die Glocken auf Puffin Island nicht süßer klingen. Denn bei ihm und seiner Familie herrscht das schiere Festtagschaos. Und das kann manchmal ganz schön liebenswürdig sein.

368 pages, Paperback

First published October 8, 2015

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2976 people want to read

About the author

Sarah Morgan

683 books7,176 followers
About Sarah

USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.

Look out for Sarah's latest novel - All Together for Christmas (UK title)/ A Merry Little Lie (US/Canadian title)

Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
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Website: www.sarahmorgan.com





Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

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5 stars
2,154 (46%)
4 stars
1,581 (34%)
3 stars
678 (14%)
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145 (3%)
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40 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 504 reviews
Profile Image for Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡  .
5,075 reviews637 followers
April 15, 2023
Skylar und Alec haben zwar einen gemeinsamen Freundeskreis, doch die beiden können sich eigentlich nicht gut leiden. Durch unvorhergesehene Umstände und Alecs Hilfsbereitschaft verbringen sie allerdings einige gemeinsame vorweihnachtliche Tage bei Alecs Familie. Die beiden schließen Frieden miteinander und kommen sich sogar näher. Es entwickelt sich eine Art Freundschaft zwischen ihnen. Wird es so bleiben können?
💝💝💝💝
Mein Leseeindruck:
Dieses Buch ist das perfekte Buch für alle Leser/Innen, die Weihnachten und Romantik mögen. Es ist leicht geschrieben, unterhaltsam, romantisch und einfach schön.
Natürlich ist es ein wenig vorhersehbar, aber trotzdem ist es nicht langweilig. Und manchmal ist es auch einfach schön zu wissen, dass es ein Happy End geben wird. Gerade in der (Vor-)Weihnachtszeit lese ich sehr gerne solche Wohlfühlbücher.
Ich hatte mit dieser Lektüre sehr schöne und unterhaltsame Lesestunden. Es hat Spaß gemacht, Skylar und Alec zu begleiten.
Profile Image for Irena BookDustMagic.
713 reviews921 followers
December 30, 2016
This was a cute story, although I found many similarities with Morgan's book Miracle on 5th Avenue, that I have read earlier this year.

Review to come.
Profile Image for Claire.
2,324 reviews738 followers
November 20, 2015
5 - Don't ever apologize for being who you are." Stars!

I discovered Sarah Morgan around this time last year, and funnily enough it was with a Christmas book, and my appreciation for her writing, characters and storylines has increased exponentially in the last twelve months, and with every new story I have read.



The third book in the Puffin Island series gives us Skylar and Alec’s Story, and WOW it was so worth the wait. This is a couple that have been frenemies for pretty much the whole of the previous two books, more tolerating of each other than anything, due to their mutual circle of friends.

”You have a habit of thinking you have me all figured out.”

The other thing that you come to understand if you have read the previous two books it that Skylar is so much more than the rich, spoiled, heiress that Alec assumes her to be. But the expectations of her family and the realities of who she wants to be are so conflicted it takes her a while to understand that she needs to start living her life for herself to be truly happy.

”Turns out we were both wrong about a lot of things.”

The story starts in snowy London, takes us into the British countryside, before Alec and Skylar journey back to the Island.

"With a body like yours, I'm willing to ignore the flaws in your personality."

Sparks fly, so does their clothing and our couple generally make the most of their new found frenemies-to-friends to friends-with-benefits situation.

”You scored straight A’s for stamina.”

I don’t want to say too much more about this book, I think its beauty will be more in your own discovery and outright enjoyment of the story, and my rating tells you how much I loved it. You can easily read it as a standalone, and if you are looking for your one Christmas read for this year, then I don’t think you could go far wrong with Christmas Ever After.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Profile Image for Nicola.
1,390 reviews287 followers
July 1, 2018
description ...there are plenty of women who find brooding and cynical to be attractive traits. If you kept your mouth shut, I’m sure you could attract one of them.”

description

I was going to save this one for Christmas but after reading the previous three books, my willpower disagreed. Flat out one of the best books I’ve read from Sarah Morgan and if I could give it more than five stars if I would. Skylar and Alec are the couple of this series and both Christmas Ever After and the Puffin Island series are precisely the reason I fell in love with the author’s writing. Spending time with these couples has been an absolute pleasure from start to finish.

description Friendships changed, but that didn’t mean they were less meaningful or genuine. Just different.”

description
Profile Image for Inês Sagres.
186 reviews279 followers
December 9, 2018
Alec and Skylar? They hate each other. But that’s not important when Alec finds Skylar alone and hurt. He takes her in and takes care of her, ending up with her at his family’s house for Christmas. With that, they start knowing each other better, understanding that maybe what they thought they knew about each other wasn’t true. And that maybe together, they could have a Christmas ever after.

Full review available at Under the Pages.

description
Profile Image for Mel.
155 reviews187 followers
November 14, 2019
4.5 Sterne und ganz viel Weihnachten! ❤️

Ich musste einfach langsam mal zu einem Sarah Morgan Buch greifen, nachdem alle so von ihr und ihren Büchern geschwärmt hatten. Ich wurde nicht enttäuscht, auch wenn ich mit dem letzten Band der Puffin-Island Reihe angefangen habe, bin ich wahnsinnig verliebt. Die Geschichte ist sicherlich nicht das innovativste was ich jemals gelesen habe, aber ich hatte sehr viel Spaß und fand die Liebesgeschichte sehr schön. Dazu noch die Anspielungen auf Weihnachten und eine Insel Namens Puffin-Island haben es zu einem wundervollen Buch gemacht!
Profile Image for E.
21 reviews17 followers
December 27, 2017
This book is the definition of cliché. The amount of eye rolls was enormous.

Actual rating: 2.5



On December 23rd I started baking Christmas cookies and thought it was a good idea to listen to an audiobook to get in the mood. So, I turned to Spotify to get inspiration and stumbled over Christmas ever after by Sarah Morgan. It was in a playlist between the children’s books Peterson and Findus, and Lilly the witch. So, I was not prepared. Let me say, that this is not a suitable audiobook for kids or any family activity. I was glad that I was on my own, while I was baking and listening. Saved me some embarrassment. If you want to listen to this book, I would recommend using headphones.

That being said, it was not the thing that made me almost hate this book. It was the horrible, horrible cliché. The book is somehow a mix of the film “The Proposal” and “Friends with Benefits“, though it was much, much worse than either of the movies.

Plot
Skyler Tempest, a stunning blonde and successful artist with rich and horrible parents is in an unhappy relationship with an (idiot) politician. After some events and their brake-up, Alec Hunter— a very handsome, dark haired friend— cares for her and is as nice as anyone could possibly be. Sky and Alec have the same circle of friends and a history of hating each other. Or so the author tells us. I did not feel much of it. So, obviously, Alec takes Sky home to celebrate Christmas with his family. Sky suffers the effects of a smaller accident and is, due to that, so weak that he sees no other option.

What follows is an accumulation of unoriginal events. Sky and Alec fall in love, even though neither of them wanted to. Who would have thought that? Did I mention that Alec is so sure of his— 3 week— relationship with Sky that he proposes to her on Christmas day? No? Ok. Well, now you know.

Characters
The Characters were so horribly stereotypical that it made me cringe every other page. The awesome, dark haired knight in shining armor and the blonde, perfect damsel in distress. The warm and supportive family. The cold, rich and horrible family. Ugh.

Also, my feminist streak kept me from liking Sky. The girl honestly needs to learn to care for herself. Or at least learn to wash her hair on her own, even if she has a head injury that hurts.

Conclusion
Christmas ever after is unoriginal from beginning to end and I do not even know how it got so many 5 star reviews on goodreads. Sure, the snowy landscapes and Christmassy vibes were there, but if you are searching for that, there are surely better Christmas stories.
Profile Image for Muffinsandbooks.
1,721 reviews1,336 followers
October 17, 2023
C’est du pur Sarah Morgan : oui, c’est lent, oui, c’est prévisible, oui, ça parlotte beaucoup… mais DAMN SI C’EST PAS HYPER ADDICTIF ! Et tellement chou, adorable et touchant. Je me suis énormément attachée aux héroïnes de la saga Puffin Island et je n’avais aucune envie de les quitter avec ce final qui se concentre sur Sky. Son histoire est hyper touchante et je l’ai adoré comme j’avais adoré les deux premiers tomes.
Profile Image for Jo.
957 reviews242 followers
June 15, 2019
4.5 Stars
His voice was soft but firm. “Don’t ever apologize for being who you are.”

There is no one that Skylar Tempest dislikes more than Alec Hunter. This famous historian might have women falling at his feet, but Skylar definitely isn’t one of them. He’s cynical, aloof and always thinks the worst of her. So having him come to her rescue at her lowest moment is her idea of hell. With nowhere else to go, she has no choice but to spend a few days before Christmas with Alec as his family. And there she discovers there’s a lot more to the reserved Alec and his family is the kind she’s always yearned to have.

Alec’s short marriage taught him that relationships and love is not for him. Skylar might be the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, but he knows just how spoiled and selfish beautiful women are. Until circumstances force him to take her home with him, where he assumes she would hate it, but seeing her thrive among his chaotic family, her realises just how very wrong he was about her.

“We both know you’re not a heartbreaker. You believe in one true love and happy endings. You’re my nightmare.”
“No, I’m not, because while I’m waiting for that to come along I believe in hot sex.” She beamed at him. “Lots of it. Which in fact makes me your daydream, not your nightmare.”
His jaw tightened. “You should stop talking now.”

But Skylar believes in love and Alec refuses to love. Can they indulged in a short hot affair without their hearts becoming involved?

“I want to be loved and accepted for who I am. Love with no reservations. Is that wrong?”

I loved Skylar. She’s a smart-ass, tough, optimistic and brave. I loved how sarcastic she was with Alec and how she kept her optimism and her belief in love, despite how many times her family tried to make her believe her dreams weren’t good enough. She might come from wealth, but she knew what was really important, love and friendship, and that meant more to her than anything else.

He couldn’t remember ever wanting anything or anyone as badly as he wanted her. He told himself that it was because he hadn’t let himself give in to the feeling, but deep down he knew it was more than that.

I love broody heroes and Alec is my kind of hero. He’s reserved and cynical, but he loves his family and his friends. I loved his adventurous spirit, how his job as a historian takes him all over the world, studying shipwrecks. And I loved how he couldn’t stay away from Sky despite how hard he tried to deny how he felt.

Throughout his marriage he’d felt inadequate. He’d failed to meet almost all the demands made of him, fallen short of almost every expectation, until he’d convinced himself that he wasn’t capable of making any woman happy.
And then Sky had come along, and made him feel as essential as sunlight.

I love a good hate to love book and this one was terrific!! Both had misconceptions about the other, until circumstances forced them to spend time together, to discover that what they thought they knew was completely wrong. Both had so much baggage, Alec was so damaged by his failed marriage and Sky by a lifetime of being seen by her family and her ass of a boyfriend as a failure, as not good enough. I loved seeing them together, their heated and playful banter, how they slowly revealed who they really were, and how good they were for each other. It was so much fun seeing these two deny their feelings, insisting what they had was just casual and uncomplicated sex, but you could see them falling in love. They were such adorable idiots.

I just love this author’s romances, how sweet and romantic they are with so much depth, and this was another winner from her. Highly recommended.

Profile Image for Ivy.
1,201 reviews58 followers
December 22, 2018
Klassischer Weihnachts-Chick-Lit.

Mich hat das wunderschöne Cover angezogen und die Story war auch so ziemlich das was ich erwartet hatte.
Der Schreibstil ist angenehm, locker und flüssig.
Das Beste an der Geschichte ist das Setting. Zu erst ein verschneites englisches Landhaus, dann das weihnachtlich herausgeputzte Puffin Island. Beides traumhaft und bildlich beschrieben.

Skylar und Alec sind gute Figuren, die sich nicht besonders mögen aber auch beide anders sind als sie sich gegenseitig eingeschätzt haben. Sie ist eine erfolgreiche Künstlerin aus einer versnobten Familie und überraschend unkompliziert. Alex wirkt total reserviert und überrascht indem er sich kümmert.

Die Geschichte ist romantisch aber auch humorvoll und es werden alle Klischees bedient. Zwei, die sich nicht mögen und dann doch. Dazu beginnt und endet alles mit einem Antrag.

Alles in allem: Schönes Cover, süßes Glück, traumhaftes Setting. Und die anderen Bücher der Reihe kann man immer noch lesen, da die wahrscheinlich sowieso ähnlich vorhersehbar sind.
Profile Image for Cora Tea Party Princess.
1,323 reviews860 followers
November 30, 2015
5 Words: Friendship, attraction, passion, hesitation, love.

That was absolutely amazing and a truly wonderful way to end the Puffin Island series. I loved it in every way.

The tension between Sky and Alec has been obvious to anyone who has read the previous books, that spark of attraction and the overlying resentment and bitterness and contempt. In case you weren't sure, they really do not like each other.

Until they're thrown together.

Alec is a true gent, a wonderful man. He's slightly bitter and hardened but he has good reason. He's intelligent and savvy and tall, dark and handsome...

Excuse me while I swoon. I'm sure he'd catch me, chivalrous as he is.

Then we have Sky, the young woman who has an amazing talent but is put down and manipulated by her controlling family and boyfriend. So she is unsure and self-depreciating and holds back.

The passion between these two is crazy, and by the end of the story they are completely different people.

My favourite part of this story, much as I love Puffin Island, was the time that the two spent in the UK. The descriptions were breath-taking and I had to read all snuggled up in a blanket with a large cup of tea. And Alec's family are fantastic, funny and loving, and reminded me of my own family.

Pre-Review

Must... Resist... Until... November.

I'm really struggling not to pick this up and devour it now, but I don't know if I can wait two more weeks. I need to get back to Puffin Island!

After the preview in the end of Some Kind of Wonderful I don't think I can wait for this! Especially as I already know from past experience that this author rocks Christmas.

I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.
Profile Image for Tami.
Author 36 books2,736 followers
October 24, 2016
Rezension kommt bald auf meinem Kanal! <3
Profile Image for antonia.
447 reviews104 followers
December 19, 2016
"Don't ever apologize for being who you are."

Super cliche. Like the definition of cliche. But it's Christmas!
Profile Image for Hannah.
600 reviews118 followers
July 1, 2018
Sky and Alec seem like complete opposites who put up with each other due to having mutual friends. It soon becomes clear after an unexpected circumstance when they are thrown together they aren't as different to each other as they seem. If you've ever got someone wrong you'll really get into this book. I love the overall meaning of this story of being who you are. I have enjoyed all the Puffin Island series but this one was my favourite.
Profile Image for Marine ☾ marine_books.
165 reviews252 followers
December 20, 2023
ok je viens de DNF ce livre
Au délà du fait que je lève les yeux toutes les 6sec face aux dialogues clichés :
Chapitre 1, la protagoniste est blessée et a sûrement une commotion cérébrale donc elle s’endort dans le taxi en compagnie du futur love interest. Le mec la seule chose à laquelle il pense c’est de déshabiller la protagoniste en s’imaginant lui « dénuder ses courbes délicieuses ». Je vais vomir
Je rappelle la protagoniste n’est pas dans son état normal et elle dort. De plus, ils se détestent et en l’espace de 20 pages le mec aimerait la déshabiller alors qu’elle n’est pas consentante :)
Profile Image for Vi ~ Inkvotary.
675 reviews32 followers
October 26, 2016
OMG this novel was soooooooo beautiful *sigh*. Heartwarming, romantic, full of passion, and written in a adorable style. Sarah Morgan you´ve got a new fan! So glad that I said yes to this offer.

Skylar Tempest has never understood Alex Hunter´s appeal. So what if he´s a world-renowned historian? He´s also cynical, aloof and determined to think the worst of her. So when a twist of fate finds her spending the lead-up to Christmas with Alec and his family, she´s not expecting the season to be either merry or bright. Alex has learned the hard way not to trust beautiful women – and Skylar is the most beautiful woman he´s ever seen. But as he watches her throw herself into his family´s festive chaos, Alec realizes there is far more to his blonde bombshell than meets the eye. With Christmas around the corner, Alec and Skylar return to Puffin Island, a tentative bond forged between them. Neither intends to fall in love but as the nights become darker, and the fire between them grows hotter, could this be the chance

This is the very first time that I´ve read a book by Sarah Morgan; and it wasn´t for sure the last time.

Her style is perfect and so romantic and she creates characters *sigh*. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

 :
Skylar is in London to open her first exhibition and to meet with her boy friend Richard. But when he surprises her with an unromantic proposal in front of everyone and she asks for a private talk things get very ugly. Hurt, in pain and with a bloody head Alec finds her and though he isn´t happy about it, takes care of her. An embarrassing situation for Skylar, but she is too weak to say no. And so it comes that she ends up in the embrace of a loving and caring family, has to clear some misunderstandings and to change her plans completely.

 :
Christmas Ever After is heartwarming, romantic, passionate, and with so many fantastic dialogues, it was a huge pleasure for me to read it. In know the author by name since a couple of years, but somehow never got to read her books.

The story takes place in London, moves to the country side and then over to Maine, USA. The way how Sarah Morgan describes her scenes, how she builds right in front of the readers eye an amazing winter landscape and totally different characters, was simply amazing. I loved every minute and will for sure get her other books as well.

Her language is clear, her tone soft but not too soft, sensitive and she writes about love, about respecting each other. That love should never bind what you have inside, but should free it. That someone who loves – really loves – should never feel incomplete with the other person. Yes, there are bad times, yes there are things that might be dark, difficult and not as bright and glorious as expected, but love is the ultimate feeling that doesn´t require something. You either love unconditionally - and get it in return the same way - or you don´t. Sarah Morgan expresses all that and so much more in an entertaining and very atmospheric way. There isn´t one single line or page where you get bored or where you wish for this book to end. In fact, I could have read it forever! Loyalty, friendship and the love of a caring family and what power such a love can contain gets displayed in a well-written and very expressive way.

This book is written in the personal perspective from Skylar and Alec. This brings a lot of fun, humor and charm to the story. The reader sees both sides, gets to know how they see things, what they really feel and the way how the author describes everything is adorable and makes you laugh and cry tears at the same time.

 :
Skylar is used to be kind of ignored by her family. That they don´t approve what she wants or what she is. In fact, every decision she makes, they disfavor. But when she finds out, that behind her relationship with Richard was all along a plan and she finally gets to see his real face, she is shocked. And literally hurt. But not willing to give in. And with that decision she shows from page to page a bit more about whom she really is and what she wants in life and from life. She is, despite the family she grew up in, a fantastic woman who has the heart on the right place and knows exactly where to go when she needs time from her parents. Parents who are as cold as ice and only show interest in their daughter when she does as they say.

Alec is handsome as hell, knows a lot about ship wrecks and his house on Puffin Island means everything to him. So does his family. If they don´t try to get him involved with a new woman. No thank you very much. Not after his disastrous marriage and the fact that he failed completely. So Skylar is for him like a red flag. But the more he gets to know her, the more she isn´t at all what he expected her to be, the more he´s lost.

 :
I am so thrilled! This novel was a fantastic read and together with those great characters a real reading pleasure. I will definitely read more by her and can highly recommend this book.

 :

Originally posted on Gone With The Books
Profile Image for Laura.
875 reviews78 followers
December 12, 2016
Alec e Sky si confermano la mia coppia preferita in assoluto tra quelle create dalla Morgan.

Ho dovuto aspettare tre libri per leggere finalmente di Sky e Alec. Sapevo che sarebbe diventata la mia coppia preferita da quando ho visto che si preannunciava una relazione prima ti odio ma poi ti amo. L'odio ovviamente è relativo. Si tratta più di pregiudizi e apparenti incompatibilità di carattere, che si riveleranno ben altro. Protagonisti sono Sky e Alec: lei è una donna brillante e solare, che si è creata un mestiere sulla sua passione; lui è uno storico - approdato anche al piccolo schermo con i suoi documentari - con un brutto divorzio alle spalle, tanto da averlo convinto di essere negato a rendere felice una possibile partner. Pensa di aver ferito la sua ex ma dovrà capire che in realtà è stato ferito anche lui. Sky invece sogna l'amore e, anche se questo non arriverà, non è più disposta a stare con delle persone che non riconoscono il suo valore.

Sky e Alec si incontrano nel primo romanzo della serie, subito nasce una sorta di astio tra di loro, che prosegue anche con il secondo libro. Purtroppo per loro, Alec si troverà al posto giusto al momento giusto, anche se loro lo considereranno il posto sbagliato al momento sbagliato. È la storia più antica del mondo quando due persone prima non si sopportano e poi si amano ed è anche il mio tallone d'Achille. Per non farsi mancare nulla, il romanzo è anche ambientato nel periodo natalizio, prima in una fredda ma fantastica Londra e nelle innevate campagne inglesi e poi a Puffin Insland, l'isola che abbiamo imparato a conoscere e ad amare.
A rendere quest'atmosfera ancora più bella, ci pensano i famigliari di Alec, impiccioni ma adorabili, contando pure i due labrador.

Trovo le storie di Sarah Morgan adorabili, tanto da farmi dimenticare tutti i cliché. Io leggo le sue storie proprio per farmi avvolgere da questi cliché e dall'inevitabile happy ending. Sky è forse la mia protagonista femminile preferita tra quelle proposte dalla Morgan, perché è sempre solare e ottimista e anche quando non lo è non resta a piangersi addosso.
Alec è il bello e tenebroso che si è creato una corazza per non far avvicinare nessuna donna che possa pretendere da lui niente di quello che non ha. L'unica cosa che ho notato, è che forse Alec è troppo simile a Zach, il protagonista del precedente romanzo, ma non posso fare a meno di notare comunque il suo fascino. Certo, ogni tanto avevo voglia di entrare nel libro e dire ad Alec di svegliarsi, che non sarebbe stato né il primo né l'ultimo uomo ad aver avuto una brutta esperienza matrimoniale.
Alec e Sky partivano come quelli più svantaggiati ma in realtà si rivelano la coppia meglio assortita, quella che potrebbe restare a discorrere per ore di quadri senza annoiarsi mai e che sogna la grande avventura nel mondo. E cosa c'è di meglio di partire per avventure in giro per il mondo con la persona giusta?

Spero che esista una nuova serie di Sarah Morgan o che se non esiste sia almeno in cantiere perché non posso fare a meno del mio guilty pleasure, soprattutto se questo è sottoforma di una serie che mi permette di avere informazioni anche su tutti i personaggi che ho amato.
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,324 reviews571 followers
October 4, 2015
Sarah Morgan is an exceptional talent when it comes to writing Christmas scenes, I learnt this over the last 2 years with the O'Neill brothers trilogy, and now with Christmas Ever After she has done it again. This is a wonderful story, that includes two different Christmases, and references a completely different sort of Christmas which is Skylar's usual Christmas day.

Skylar and Alec have been sparring partners since the first met over the summer, Alec is closed off to romance since his divorce, and Skylar has been in a relationship with politician Richard. However when Richard shows his true colours, it is Alec to the rescue, despite him not really liking Skylar.

Alec takes Skylar to his family's home for their Christmas, about 3 weeks before the day itself, and its a warm and loving family Christmas, full of the usual chaos you would expect, and for Skylar it is like a dream come true, as you will discover her parents are not the most loving sort.

There is so much love in this book, and it is great to see Alec and Skylar go from pretty much hating each other, to something resembling friends, and then more, as the chemistry between them slowly makes itself shown.

This is a Puffin Island book though, and so the action finally turns to the Island, where we catch up with Brittany and Emily, Zach, Ryan and Lizzie. As the dynamic of their friendships change, we see them gearing up for a Puffin Island Christmas, with a finale that give me goosebumps!

I loved learning more about Skylar and just how creative she is, with regards her jewelerry making and art. Also about seeing a completely different side to Alec, that made me fall a bit in love with him too.

Christmas Ever After is a fantastic story and a fitting conclusion to the Puffin Island trilogy, and I can't wait to see what Sarah Morgan will be releasing next!

Thank you to Netgalley and Mills and Boon for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Saly.
3,437 reviews578 followers
April 26, 2016
I will be honest, this series by this author hasn't been my favorite and I was pretty unsure about this book too partially because in the past two books we have read about Skylar's not so great relationship with Richard and how she failed to see how wrong it was. But this book cleared all of that and made me fall in love with Skylar, her open nature, her zest for life, all of it. Despite growing up with disapproving parents she was just so warm and open and when she is at her lowest point in her life, Alec, the man she hasn't gotten along with shows up and draws her in to his life, taking care of her, bringing her home to his parents and in the process giving her a glance at the Alec he used to be, before his divorce made him so jaded. I truly loved seeing the relationship between the two, the play fullness, the sexual tension, all of it really. Even the moment on the phone when Alec hears about her feelings for him was all sorts of hilarious, sweet and embarrassing. The last book in this series is truly the best and establishes my faith in this author all over again.
Profile Image for Agi.
1,676 reviews104 followers
January 8, 2016

Even though Sarah Morgan has written plenty of books, Christmas in the Snow is only my second read by this author, though even with only two books under my belt I can see where this love that so many readers feel for her is coming from. Personally, I loved Maybe this Christmas that I read last year, and after hearing only lovely things about the newest release, I couldn't wait to dive into my copy.
I knew that Christmas Ever After is the third book in the Puffin Island series and having not read the previous books I was really afraid to start this one - I was scared that perhaps I should read them in the right order. But after being assured that I can read this novel without reading the previous two, I more then happily obliged. And that's true - despite the fact that there is a group of friends who know each other really well, who share some history, and who are connected through Puffin Island, Christmas Ever After can be easily read as a stand - alone book. Nevertheless, I will be trying to squeeze reading the earlier books somewhere between all my review copies, as Skylar and Alec's background sounds just brilliant, and I'd love to see their interactions from earlier.

This book is fast - paced and full to brims with action - I don't want to tell more to spoil the reading for you, but there was not a single moment flat, even with those dragging on a little passages, there was all the time something happening. The author takes us on a journey from snowy London, to the British countryside, to Puffin Island, and being in all those places with the characters felt just great. One of the best things in this book is the relationship between Sky and Alec - for me, who didn't read the previous books, it was obvious they have a history, and that it is a very turbulent history. To say they don't like each other would be an understatement - but the fate was throwing them together again and again, and the tension between them, and then sparks were absolutely brilliantly captured, felt so incredibly realistic and the descriptions of their emotions just touched at my heartstrings. Seeing them growing together was one of the highlights, as it was not so obvious they'll grow together at all. Ha! And I really liked their characters. Yes, the situation with Sky's parents and the way she let them tell her how to lead her life was one of the weakest links for me, but she turned out to be a clever woman, and her ripostes were to die for. She was so talented, I loved her ideas and the jewellery she made, and it pained me to see how self - depreciating she is, how she holds back because of her parents and controlling boyfriend. Also, I was not sure why she doesn't like Alec so much, Alec - who, apart of being a little bitter and cynical (and he had his reasons!), was a great person, inside and outside.

As I have already mentioned, the subplot with Skylar's parents and Richard didn't work so much for me. I mean, no matter who the parents are, we live in 21st century, right? The way Sky's relationship with Richard was "organized" just didn't sit with me, it was much too far - fetched for my liking, much too impossible and somehow, it just didn't fit Skylar and her personality. It took her really long to realise that the expectations of her family (the way she called her father "Judge" or when she reminded how they were forced to "Object" at the table just gave me shivers) and her own expectations don't have anything in common, that she must live her life according to her own rules, but when it happened, I felt really proud of her. The difference between Sky and Alec's families was like day and night and I fell in love with his family as quickly as Sky did - they were so incredibly warm and open, and I adored the way the were. They were the whole package, the full service, as they came not only with two labradors, but with mulled wine, mince pies, noisy younger sister and an overwhelming feeling of being welcome, and I just loved it, because they were so much like my own family.

I definitely found the part of the book taking place in London and at Alec's parents' house much more appealing, much more quicker, and much more funnier than when they moved back to Puffin Island - I was just so drown in Alec and Sky's story that all the mentions of their friends, their problems just made me feel I am being pulled away from my favourite characters. Also, this was the part that dragged on too much for me, when the two were working on if the relationship can work or not, it was like watching too long tennis play, and it made me a little frustrated, this never - ending will they/won't they, can they/can't they, all the time comparing Sky to Alec's ex - wife - there were too much repetitions, the scenes were being mulled over and over again, and as much as I like Sarah Morgan's beautiful writing style, I just couldn't stop rolling my eyes and hurrying to new information, new scene.
I also couldn't help the feeling that Skylar's hair were the separate character in the book, or at least that they were mentioned almost every second page - they were always in her way, they were flying in the wind, they were always fanning out on the pillow and they were the central point everywhere she put her head to.

But Sarah Morgan's writing style is exceptional. It's full of warmth and feeling, and her descriptions are so very vivid, bringing everything she writes about to life. It was a great, warm, light - hearted story, funny, flirty and romantic, a great read, and not only for Christmas. Even though it is a tad predictable, I didn't reach for this book because of its unpredictability - no, I wanted to read it because I was sure it's going to be a story that will cheer me up - and I was right. This book has also this what I adore in my novels - that under all this brilliant humour, there are also some more serious, darker issues hidden, and the author has balanced them in a great way. Add to this wonderful, snowy settings, the possibility of being snowed - in for Christmas, strong main characters and spectacular love scenes, and you've found your perfect read. Recommended!

Copy provided by publisher in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for ReginLaRadiosa.
505 reviews24 followers
December 23, 2016
Sarah Morgan crea in ogni suo libro una magia inspiegabile: ha il potere di arrivare dritto al cuore del lettore e riesce sempre a coinvolgermi, a farmi innamorare e commuovere.
E' una splendida garanzia di qualità, amore, divertimento e amicizia.

"L'amore è sincero e generoso. Non conosce egoismo e non pretende nulla. E' una tazza di tè bollente a letto in una giornata fredda, un massaggio ai piedi quando hai camminato per ore, un orecchio capace di ascoltare e una parola di incoraggiamento in un momento di difficoltà. E' aperto, accogliente, tollerante, non cerca di cambiarti. E' dare, non prendere. E' azione, non parole."
Profile Image for Debbie.
944 reviews79 followers
January 2, 2016

Christmas Ever After, book three and the last in the Puffin Island series is much anticipated and Morgan at her masterful best. From book one reader’s have been privy to the adversarial and complicated relationship between Alec and Sky. And with the help of her tongue in cheek dialogue, a visually stimulating narrative, her amazing co-stars and a two continent emotional rollercoaster ride we see her flawlessly shape and mold them from frienemies to forever lovers. The laugh out loud humor is necessary to lighten the sometimes dark and serious issues, her character development is spot on and the sweet and sexy love scenes are spectacular.

It’s Christmas time in London, and Skylar Tempest is here for the most important gallery showing of her career. She was excited when she learned her boyfriend; the newly elected US Senator would be attending and hoped she could talk him into a long weekend getaway. Instead she finds herself alone with a bruised head and a bruised heart. Just when she think things can’t get worse, she’s being saved by a man she can’t stand, a man she was apparently totally wrong about.
In London on business, Alec Hunter will also celebrate an early Christmas with family in England before returning to Maine. His friends back home remind him of Skylar’s gallery showing and to appease them he’ll make the effort to attend the shallow princess’s gala. He didn’t expect to ride to her rescue, learn that he was wrong about her and invite her to his family’s Christmas gathering, or that he would ever be attracted to her.


Unfortunately this is not yet available in the US but US e-book readers can get it in digital format from Amazon UK
Profile Image for Sara Emme.
519 reviews13 followers
November 26, 2016
Super romantico! L' atmosfera natalizia è magica! Adoro i libri di Sarah Morgan
Profile Image for Tiny Shen 沈帝妮.
1,251 reviews34 followers
October 11, 2018
One Enchanted Moment ~ Sarah Morgan ⭐⭐⭐🌠



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hidup adalah petualangan besar yang mengasyikkan, kadang mengerikan dan kau harus memilih orang yang akan kauajak bertualang dengan sangat hati-hati. Kau perlu seseorang yang akan ikut berserakan saat kau berhasil dan mengangkatmu saat kau terjatuh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alec Hunter dan Skylar Tempest mempunyai teman yang sama dan sering berkumpul di Puffin Island. Alec dan Sky tidak pernah akur, selalu saja ada aura "membunuh" diantara mereka.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alec diutus Brittany untuk menghadiri pameran perhiasan Sky, meski enggan mau tak mau Alecpun hadir. Tentu saja kehadiran Alec ini kejutan bagi Sky. Sky juga mendapatkan kejutan dari Richard Everson, kekasih pilihan orangtuanya yang juga seorang senator.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kehidupan Sky berubah 180 derajat malam itu, begitu juga penilaiannya terhadap Alec. Karena suatu hal mereka "terjebak" bersama selama Natal.
Dan apakah mereka akan terjebak bersama dengan akhir bahagia selamanya?

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"Jangan pernah minta maaf karena menjadi dirimu sendiri. ~ Emily.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,947 reviews39 followers
December 13, 2019
This installment was the perfect holiday read and easily my favorite of the series! The chemistry and slow burn relationship between Alec Skylar had me devouring it in one night. If this is the end of the series, I couldn't have asked for a better finale. For those who have read other Morgan books, there were some hidden gems as well, which I loved.
Profile Image for Kelly (Little.shropshire.reader).
237 reviews26 followers
December 10, 2025
This is a perfect Christmas read. Full of emotion and happiness. This had all the right feels

I just adored Sky and Alec. They were perfect for each other.

Now I want a cottage in the Cotswolds.

I can't wait to read more Sarah Morgan books.
Profile Image for Jayrielle.
58 reviews20 followers
December 22, 2018
Ich mochte die beiden wirklich wirklich gerne und es war wirklich eine süße Geschichte die sich gut lesen ließ.
Weihnachtenoverload fehlte mir allerdings auch da wieder 🤪🤪🤪
Profile Image for Desere.
758 reviews78 followers
November 2, 2015
Everyone knows I am a serious Sarah Morgan addict, so of course I yelled out my joy when the final of the Puffin Island series reached me,. Every Sarah Morgan book is like receiving that one special gift that will always be with you.

And this Christmas read will certainly always be with me as one of the best reads in the romance world. This time we get the low down on Skylar , she has never understood Alec Hunter's appeal, so what if he's a world renowned historian, who cares! He's cynical, aloof and determined to think the worst of her.

Then a twist of fate leaves Skylar having to spend Christmas with Alec's family and of course she's not thinking of this as being a merry affair or starry and bright either. That is until she get's into the festive mood.

Alec has learned the hard way to not trust beautiful woman, and Skylar is by far the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on, then as he watches her tangle deeper and deeper into the family's festive chaos he starts to realize there is far more to this blonde bombshell than meets the eye.

Now with Christmas just around the corner Alec and Skylar return back to the gorgeous Puffin Island and they bring back a tentative bond formed between them. Neither one intends to fall in love but as the nights become darker and the flames of passion grow hotter you never know this could be the beginning of the romance of the year, and the happy ending they both crave!

A touch of Christmas sparkle , the joy of family and the beauty of love , is what this read is all about and there is no other author more suitable to the task of bringing it all to life. I cried, I laughed , I shouted out and yes I even felt like my heart was being torn to shreds, and then pieced back together again with such tender care it nearly brought me to my knees. Sarah Morgan has an exceptional talent that not only wows me each time but manages to pull me out from whatever slump I might be in.

This time it was the news of my father having to go for a heart operation next week. It felt like the most scariest words I have ever heard , so of course as I always do I find something to read to take away all the chaotic thoughts running through my mind, it's almost never worked, there is always a point in the books where my mind wanders but I can tell you that this time it was not the case, Sarah Morgan , Alec and Skylar managed to take away my focus on the bad for a full 4 hours! And even now as the date nears I can pull on those happy thoughts from the book and the strength the character of Skylar has to get me through the days.

The book is emotional, brilliantly crafted, has a gorgeous plot and stunning backdrops with that perfect Sarah Morgan magic ! Sarah Morgan is the magic that makes romance go round!

5/5 star review
" Life is all about second chances and when on Puffin Island do as the islanders do, fall in love ! "
Profile Image for CL.
1,203 reviews17 followers
September 17, 2015
 photo LIASOM_zps9e498f89.png



“There are no buts. You can control a lot of things, Brit, but you can’t control your heart.” Her voice broke. “You can’t control that. And my heart belongs to him even though he doesn’t want it. It may have been a short relationship, but it was the most honest, true, real relationship I’ve ever had. With him, I never felt like I should try harder to be something different.”

ARC received from: Netgalley

Rating: 5*

Cover: Yay

Trope: A festive delight

Chemistry: Off the charts Scorchio

Review: Oh wow, this was the perfect festive read set in both my hometown and my fantasy hometown.

I loved everything about it from start to finish but I especially loved the chapters with Alec's family and when they were convinced that Alec/Skylar were a couple.

'His grandmother turned to his mother with a puzzled look. “What did he say?”
Suzanne Hunter raised her voice and spoke clearly. “He said he doesn’t want a woman.”
“That’s what I thought he said, but it doesn’t make sense. Why wouldn’t he want a woman? Is he saying he’s gay? Has he come out?”
“He’s not gay, Mum.”
“Are you sure? Because Skylar is a beautiful girl. The only reason a healthy, vigorous, single man wouldn’t be interested in her would be if he were gay. And that would be fine. I want him to know we’ll love him whoever he is.”
Alec clenched his jaw. “I am not gay.” He was aware of Skylar, sitting across from him. Her head was bent over Nelson so he couldn’t see her expression but he was fairly sure she was laughing.'


I mean you know it's the perfect book when the only criticism you can make is that I am sure that Alec's family wouldn't be calling Father Christmas "Santa", and that I thought that .

This book was literally everything I ever wanted in a contemporary romance, complete with snow, dogs, and Christmas. Highly recommended.

Originally posted @ Love's A State Of Mind




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