A STAND-ALONE HOLIDAY NOVEL BY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR H.M. WARD
The holiday season is supposed to be fun and filled with magic. Norman Rockwell never met my family. There's nothing but chaos at holiday meals, and I'm completely dreading it. Think pushy parents, a set of terrible twos in twin form, and a Grandma who wants to see bouncing great-grandbabies before she dies—no amount of turkey can make that situation into a good thing. Add in the recent breakup that no one knows about, then couple it with getting laid off from work, and I'm ready to walk to Mexico and Feliz Navidad myself.
That's when I meet HIM—Mr. Tall and Irresistibly Beautiful. I bet he never heard the word no before in his life. After some animated banter, I decide drowning myself in Hot Guy would be way better than getting smashed alone. One thing leads to another, and I'm breathless in his arms when he walks out. Merry freaking Christmas. No early holiday package for me.
I pull myself together and jump headfirst into the holiday season when I finally get some good news—a job offer at a swank coffee shop in Manhattan. The problem? It's not a building. I'll be working in a food truck in ass-cold freezing temps, dressed like a slutty Swiss Miss. Oh, and Hot Guy is there. Every day. Every night. He's the boss. I can take it if he can, assuming we don't kill each other first.
Genre: New Adult Romance Type: Novel, 404 pgs
MORE HOLIDAY TITLES BY H.M. WARD CHRISTMAS KISSES A LITTLE CHRISTMAS ROMANCE
H.M. Ward continues to reign as a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author who surpassed more than 23 million books sold, placing her among the literary titans. Ward has been featured in articles in the NEW YORK TIMES, FORBES, and USA TODAY to name a few.
This is a novel! Price is only $2.99 during pre-order. I know it's DAMAGED 3's big day, so I'll wait to post more on this book until another time. Go read about Mr. Turkey!
Well, it was interesting… for those who plan to start their own business, in the first instance a coffee shop. You get plenty of marketing tips :-) As to the romance, well… the age difference was too big – IMO . And the plot with h’s overintelligence was not fully developed Also the h’s ex, or rather their past, was not clear explained . And I didn’t get how nobody noticed that h slept in her car for weeks??? Don’t let me start with the issue she didn’t shower and wash her hair for a couple of days and H smelled only her fragrance? *snuff* Insta-lust and insta-love were cute. Their dialogs were (in larger part) funny and smart. H’s bff was a d*ck. Safety note:
It's no secret that I am a fan of all things HM Ward, but the two main characters in this story (Aiden and Kris) have moved up to the top of my list of favorites. They are real life characters that I can see actually being friends with. They both have pretty kick butt personalities and remind me of people I'd enjoy knowing. They both have had some pretty crappy family issues from their past, still have some annoying (and vindictive) family members presently, but they both also still have some amazing friends and family there for them through the bad stuff two...and through it all each other as well. The determination of both Kris and Aiden are amazing. The compassion, friendship and love they both offer is also fantastic. I'm, of course, a sucker for happy endings and this one definitely delivers that and some.
The Hottie Hutt idea is actually quite brilliant. What better way to sell coffee to the crazed consumers in the midst of Christmas Shopping Mayhem than from an outdoor shack, being served by a Manly Viking and a Slutty Swiss Miss (aka Hot Girl)? OH...I know, add in a Yummy Hot Boss with chemistry between the Boss and said Hot Girl = an amazing holiday good read.
The coincidence of the pairing of Aiden and Kris makes it a wonderful holiday romance. The love at first sight attraction is wonderfully done by HM....not cheesy or unbelievable...hope that that type of relationship and love is actually attainable in real life and very well written. The comedy added with the additional characters (Kris' grandma, sister and twin nephews; Aiden's best friend, customers and Shannon (the Viking "employee" of the Hottie Hutt) and the customers oogling over Kris, Aiden and Shannon make it a fantabulous story.
Of course there is an evil uncle, a secret back story from Kris' past and the constant attempts to jeopardize Aiden's attempt to save the company his father built...but it all rolls together into another 5 star production!! I am thankful for the ARC copy to read and review and hope this review helps with your decision to purchase this book!!
Aiden Ryan is in his mid-thirties and in a position of losing his family fortune tied up in his Dad's company, Norvek. Only his dad died and his evil uncle James wants it for himself and puts Aiden through a sort of hell reducing him to nothing. I don't understand how people can think of getting away with murder. As Aiden discovers he was blackmailed for killing a bunch of individuals, who had taken a so-called "cure for cancer" pill that his Uncle James had tampered with making the formula poisonous. Woah now there is a mouthful. Aiden had created this 'cure for cancer' calling it RequimX, knowing that Aiden would be the heir to his dad's company.
Okay, so there was some unfinished business that Hot Guy now was put to the test to keep his job. It was doomed to fail because of a trifling weather forecast in New York risking not only his little Hottie Hut but every other business in the city as well.
He meets a girl named Kris, with her own set of problems that neither of them wanted anyone to know. I wouldn't call them honest with each other but whatever. When they couldn't hide their feelings for each other is when all hell breaks loose, secrets were unveiled only to reveal their love for each other could not keep them apart for long.
I wish Hot Guy would have prevailed to tell us what came next because the story didn't seem finished to me when we learned of a marriage proposal. It had the potential of being more than a short story novella. For that, I am knocking off two stars. I feel it is important to tie up loose ends. I couldn't access Aiden's HEA link either.
Never have I been so thankful that a book was finished. I know what you're thinking - why didn't you just quit while you were ahead. Not really sure, but since I normally love all the H.M. Ward books I thought that this one too would have to get better. Alas it really didn't. It was an okay story, but nothing like her other books. There is only one sex scene and even at that it was meh. The build up of feelings between the two MCs wasn't believable and the age difference was a bit much considering that neither character was written to their age. Just make them both in their twenties and you'd have been fine. It took me nearly 6 months to finish this book.......that's saying a lot about the quality of the book.
A full Christmas novel.. Say what? Yep and it's a great holiday story. Aiden and Kris are both having a bad day when they meet. Things go from steamy to icy when a phone call throws a wrench into their sexy plans. From there they each deal with major family issues, moral decisions, emotional baggage and all that with great heart, soul and wonderful sarcasm. This story is simply a very heartening tale. Of course if you're a HM Ward fan you'll love it..if you've never read her books, you should.. You're missing out!! Thanks Holly, I've never read a better Christmas story..
I think this novel was a success for HM Ward. It didn't drag me in like I expected, which is why I gave it 4 stars. I was able to out it down and sleep...lol. I wish the age difference between the main characters wasn't so much, but it adds to the pull. It seemed like the story was rolling along with an expected and easy ending, that was going to have an HEA tossed in there. I was pleasantly surprised to see a twist or 2 come in to keep me engaged. It was interesting, and I would recommend it as a fun read.
What a great change of pace! I really liked this story. The over all storyline was very unique and creative. Holly provides us with a great love story in a strange setting and still was able to throw in some funny happenings for Aiden and "Hot Girl". These two were both train wrecks from the beginning and wore that as a badge of honor. They were ages apart get on the same page together.
me encanto fue divertida ligera y muy buena lectura...!!! la personalidad de kris era algo de no creer para ser tan joven la describieron con una madures y capacidad dignas de alguien con mucha mas edad y Aiden pues llego un momento en que quise cachetearlo por su constante crítica a lo joven que es ella! pero en general me gusto mucho
Aiden needs to prove he can make money on a start up business. But he only has a small amount of money and an even smaller amount of time. His friend Chad is helping him and hires Kris. Little does he know that Aiden has already met her. Not to spoil anything but this was a fun book to read. I can say I was actually laugh out loud.
Swiss Miss, The Viking, Hottie Hut, Mary, Chad, Kris (aka Hot Girl) and Aiden (aka Andy, Ass, Arrogant Ass, Alvin) and he who shall not be named (the dastardly uncle) make up the cast of characters in this holiday romance. Add a few sexy costumes, a garish coffee hut, a wintery parking lot, a couple cars, a dog and a bunch of birds (Yes, birds!) and you've got the "perfect" scene for said holiday romance.
Aiden and Kris have met under unfortunate circumstances prior to their first meeting as boss and employee at the Hottie Hut. This makes the first meeting even more awkward. Chemistry is palpable in every interaction in that tiny space. Both have shadows in their eyes and holes where their hearts should be. Neither gives in to what they feel even though they want to. Heartbreak and loss is what they know.
When their moment comes, its light-hearted, fun, sexy and...cramped?! Surrounded by ice and snow, they succumb.
It seems it's over before it's truly begun when lies and truths are discovered. And its the worst Christmas, filled with longing, sadness, and no sign of hope for the future.
A sister, a Christmas tree, and a dog named Lucky. That's all it takes to turn this Christmas around.
I loved Hot Guy! First, because HM Ward gave us a full length Holiday novel (thank you Aiden for having so much to say!!). Secondly, because Aiden and Kris and their cast of characters are about as real as you can get. Even the Viking! Lastly, because Aiden and Kris make you feel. ❤️
3 Star Read: It has many redeeming qualities. The characters were likable at best neutral at worst. The writing was much better than expected. I developed an interest that withstood to the end. The plot was nice, somewhat original or had its own unique flair. The writing was good, and the pretense wasn’t half bad, the romance was simmering with few exceptions. The male/female lead showed hints of abuse both verbal and/or physical or signs of spot-on or forced chemistry. It was a tiny bit predictable. Overall, liked it enough, entertaining.
Full Disclosure : I participate in reviews with NetGalley, Author Review Requests, Publisher Requests, and Book Tours. An e-copy was provided to me by NetGalley and/or the Author, and/or the publishers. No payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was not any obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist, or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Hot Guy was fantastic!! I devoured this book and didn't want it to end. If you have read HM Ward then you know she can make you swoon for her leading men good or bad. Aiden (Hot Guy) will most definitely make you swoon!
Aiden and Kris met at a bar. Both having horrific days, they were just going to hook up and make it go away. But…… it didn't quite work out like that. (The book description says it all.)
There is so much to this story than just a hot guy and a hot girl. You have friendships, love and heartbreak, family, trust and backstabbing all in one book. Oh, and humor and let's not forget the psychotic birds!
Hot Guy will put you in the Christmas spirit with its heartwarming HEA! 5 fantastic stars!!
As always HM Wards books and stories are riveting with plenty of plot and steam to keep your fingers itching to turn the page. Don't let the simplistic title of this one fool you as the plot was loaded down with deceit, trauma, lust, love, betrayal and lots of good ole angst. Kris is a a tough as nails young girl hardened by a rough childhood who is down on her luck. Aiden is in line for billionairedom if his Darth Vader Uncle doesn't steal it from under him. When the two collide a beautiful story unfolds that you will not soon forget. Damn HM Ward does it again!!!!
This is an absolute must read for any H.M Ward fan. I started this book and I seriously could not put it down. It's a Christmas story of love, friendship, heartache and betrayal. I love every character in this book - except Uncle James!! Its only mid November but I am now well and truly feeling the Christmas spirit after reading this book, It's the perfect feel-good festive tale from one of my favourite authors.
This stand alone novel is phenomenal! Not only does it catch the readers attention from the beginning, it starts this holiday season off by putting the reader in the perfect holiday mood! I was able to relate to Kris on some things, and the story of her and Aiden (I love the names of the characters btw!!) is just perfect!! If you are having trouble getting into the holidays, need a little romantic story in your life, H.M. Ward delivered!! Read it! It's that awesome!! :-)
Aiden (Hot Guy) and Kris (Hot Girl) met at a bar when they were both having a bad day, things started to turn around but then Aiden left Kris all alone. The stars must have been in alignment for the two of them though because they did meet again under different circumstances. H.M. promised us a holiday story and boy did she deliver. I loved this story, I didn't want it to end. Holly, you are awesome, thanks so much for sharing the stories with us.
Every year HM Ward likes to give us a Christmas story and this year we had a full novel.
I absolutely loved the dynamic between Aidan and Kris, the chemistry sizzled and Holly really kept the reader on their toes with the direction that this story was going to take. She really didn't make things easy for these two.
Spice up your ereader this holiday season with this great book that will leave with the warm fuzzies.
I love when Ms. Ward gives us the full length novel, a nice change of pace from her series books. Hot Guy was a really fun, sometimes light hearted, laugh out loud, amazing story!!! Aiden & Kris were so fun from start to finish! They were sweet, entertaining, and had great chemistry that made the story even better. I wanted to read this all in 1 sitting, but being a full length, that just wasn't possible with a 6 year old, hahaha. I enjoyed Hot Guy and definitely recommend it.
Me gustó mucho la personalidad de Kriss, para ser una chica de 21 o 22 años es fuerte, leal, decidida y luchadora a pesar de todo lo que tuvo que llevar a cuestas. Aidén es un chico pijo rico que tuvo que enfrentar un gran desafío antes de perderlo todo. Tomo malas decisiones pero al final estuvo en el camino correcto. Es la primera vez que leo a esta autora y aunque me gusto la historia no me mató.
Need a Hot Guy to keep you warm this winter? Look no further than Aiden Ryan. A rich bad boy that has a challenge to face in order to keep his place in the family business and his money. While meeting that challenge he meets an even bigger challenge, Kris. Aiden and Kris working the Hottie Hut makes me want to be a coffee drinker. Hope for some snow and curl up with this Hot Guy.
Another amazing book by H.M. Ward. This book has me laughing and feeling sad for Kris and Aiden at times. Ms. Ward always has a way of making her characters so real that I am sucked into the story. I couldn't put this book down. I wanted to see how it would turn out. This is a nice Christmas story with a HEA.