Jingle Balls

Ball Games #5

by Andie M. Long

The Turner family and friends return!

Cam steals mum Dora’s favourite date, announcing she’s holding a joint Christmas Day/Engagement Party with a buffet and no tree. Beth and Leo secretly plot to propose to each other during dessert. Brother Tyler intends to Vlog the event for his channel but is annoyed he has to share his birthday once again with Christmas.

That’s the plan. But Dora is manipulating everyone and causing chaos via an Elf on the Shelf. It just so happens that this Christmas someone is getting an extra present, one that won’t be unwrapped until Summer 2017. But with Cam declaring a Christmas Pudding free zone, who’s got a bun in the oven?

Genres: Christmas, Novella, Romance

Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2016

About the author

Andie M. Long is the author of multiple titles including the popular Supernatural Dating Agency series.

When not writing, or editing for other authors, she spends her time drinking coffee and eating far too many Toblerones. She adores her whippet, Bella, and is tormented frequently by her OH and her teenage son.

She adores the book community, chatting with likeminded people who don't roll their eyes when she talks books, unlike the OH and teenage son...

Sign up to Andie's weekly newsletter here: http://www.subscribepage.com/f8v2u5 and get a FREE copy of DATING SUCKS. The short story prequel to The Vampire wants a Wife - EXCLUSIVE to subscribers.

Reviews

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't get enough of this series!!
Jingle Balls is a short novella full of laugh and crazy twists.

I was thrilled to meet these characters again and enjoy their Christmas countdown.
Dora will show you how to plan a "perfect" Holiday time in the Balls style and you can bet it won't a calm and relaxed Christmas.

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating:

4.5

Favorite Quotes:

This year’s theme is homemade, I’ve ordered lots of homemade looking decorations, bunting, that kind of thing… Businesswomen haven’t time for all that. We buy it so it looks like we’ve made it.

While I accept my skills as a trendsetter, there is no way I am doing a homemade Christmas with thousands of other people. I will not be a sheep. I am a lioness. I’ll have to retreat and consider my position of attack now.

She lifts her hand and wipes tears from her eyes, then grabs a piece of kitchen roll and makes a noisy blow that an elephant would be proud of achieving… It’s like a miracle has been performed before me. I’m checking for Holy Water in the tap.

How the female mind works is really beyond me. I swore her to secrecy, and she said no problem; she was good at keeping them. Now, I’m wondering what secrets she’s keeping from me.

My Review:

Jingle Balls brings us an early Christmas treat of irreverent and spicy Brit humor from this amusing and addictive series. I adore Andie M. Long’s humor - it is clever, snarky, and saucy. This installment brings more of Dora’s shenanigans and seasonal plotting, as well as surprises, relationship transitions, and odd premonitions from a maiden cat-lady aunt. The story was a quick and enjoyable read, written from alternating points of view, and brimming with humor and fun banter.

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a hilarious Christmas read this is the one for you. I love this crazy family. This is another short story that continues the antics of the Turner family and friends. The writing was really good and the characters spoke to me realistically. Dora, the Mum is such a meddler but it's funny how devious she is about it and the kids reactions to Mum and Dad make me howl. So funny!

The series continues with Dora secretly meddling in everyone's lives, as usual! Ever the meddler, Dora has decided to down tools for Christmas. With her two kids, Camille and Tyler already moved out and Cam wanting Christmas at her house, Dora feels unwanted. She is hilarious in her antics to match make and sneakily get the holiday she'd wanted. The whole family are so realistic and could totally be members of my family.
I had proper belly laughs at a lot of their thoughts and actions. It was nice to catch up with them all and to meet Dora's mad sister. I can't wait for the next book in the saga to come out!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a great fun series to read and this one was no exception. We follow the Turners and others for Christmas this time.

Dora is hilarious as always with her meddling ways and the other cast members back her up perfectly. The humour is great and down to earth. The characters are totally believable. I think we can all see a little of ourselves in this bunch of nuts lol. I know I do. Does that make me a nut too? Probably ;O)

The writing was excellent and the story flowed along at a good pace. This is a quick read but it's got quite a lot packed in.

This was a fun, lighthearted read that I really enjoyed. It's a perfect way to get you in the Christmas spirit.

As always with the series of books there's a useful and hilarious Yorkshire slang guide, although I'm from the south and I use a lot of these too lol.

Good, funny read. Recommended.

Calling All Bookaholics :)

[Blogging For The Love Of Authors And Their Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****Nic's Review!!*****

I received an ARC for my honest review.

This book was so funny from the start to the very end. Dora is a very cheeky women and I love it. Christmas is not going the way it normally should but Dora is in the works. Andie does a great job again with the humour of these characters and brings them to life. I strongly suggest you to read this book. I loved it. Of course all the same characters are in this book. There are some new ones. This is a good holiday and humorous read. It will definitely get you in the holiday spirit. So get some hot pimm and sit down and enjoy this humorous book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so funny from the start to the very end. Dora is a very cheeky women and I love it. Christmas is not going the way it normally should but Dora is in the works. Andie does a great job again with the humour of these characters and brings them to life. I strongly suggest you to read this book. I loved it. Of course all the same characters are in this book. There are some new ones. This is a good holiday and humorous read. It will definitely get you in the holiday spirit. So get some hot pimm and sit down and enjoy this humorous book.

[Mariana Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ball Games Series is just brilliant. Andy is a great author, she uses fun, wit and sarcasm perfectly. This new book is fantastic, I don't know how she does it but each book just gets better and she manages to keep the stories fresh and not repetitive. As with all of the other books this one is a charming, funny, sexy story. I love all the characters but I particularly love Dora ( I find I have a lot in common with her)

[Helen Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEN THINGS COULDN'T GET ANY BETTER. THIS SERIES HAS HAD ME WANTING MORE FROM THE BEGINNING WITH PLENTY OF LAUGH OUT LOUD MOMENTS. THIS CHRISTMAS INSTALMENT IN THE SERIES IS NO DIFFERENT. FROM ENGAGEMENT/XMAS/BIRTHDAY PARTIES TO GUESSING WHOSE PREGNANT. A FANTASTIC ENJOYABLE READ FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON.

[Beantown Bitches · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this family! Dora the matriarch of the family is up to her usual shenanigans! With Christmas around the corner and Cam having Christmas Dinner. Dora must pull some tricks to have the Christmas she knows everyone wants!

This is another bent over belly laugh story I could not get enough of!

Reviewed by Tracey

[Louise White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and the whole family. Dora is up to her meddling ways to get the family and their friends into the Christmas spirit. This book is hilarious, a perfect short read to get you into the Christmas mood!

[Kim Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely hilarious Christmas book from the Balls Series! We follow the characters from each Balls Book on the lead up to Christmas. Dora is an absolute legend, I seriously need a Dora in my life! I have not laughed so much in such a long time. Cannot wait for more from A.M. Long!

[Sandy Digger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another funny one!

Well, this was certainly action packed. Weddings, pregnancies and engagements. Seems like everyone's getting into the season with lots of surprises. Laugh out loud funny.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Muti POV story about the upcoming Christmas season. This was a fun read and was great catching up with all the characters.

[Theresa Ritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

The ball game series has been amazing books , jingle balls was a great quick read couldn't put it down I highly recommend this book

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can definitely say that after reading the Ball’s series, Andie has created a fan out of me. This book is hilarious! I couldn’t help but chuckle at the men’s reactions to finding their elves. I really enjoyed this book; I loved all of the points of view from all of the characters. Be prepared for belly laughs, cute scenes and Christmas feels.
I am so desperate for the next book! I need it now! I need to know what happens with the friendships and relationships in the group, also what happens with the babies and maybe babies, still cooking.

This Christmas Dora has decided she is on strike! She isn’t going to buy the Christmas presents, cook the dinner or decorate the house. When Camille announces that the dinner is going to be at her and Dylan’s new house, Dora is a bit miffed but settled enough to let Camille have the day. But when she learns that there isn’t going to be a tree and that dinner is going to be a buffet, she sets out to get her own way – but secretly. Secretly manipulating all of the men of the group, it isn’t long until Dora gets her way. But when Dora’s sister announces that something is going to happen, Dora panics and has her fingers crossed that she isn’t going to be the ‘’oven’’. Follow Dora, Tim and the gang and enjoy a hilarious run up to Christmas put be prepared to be left desperate for the next book.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fab christmas story. The Turner's antics at christmas are absolutely hilarious and this book had me laughing out loud at inappropriate times and then gasping going noooo they didn't just do that! All the characters from the previous books are all involved in this and it's so nice to see what they are doing now since their story finished with their book. This book has a slight cliff hanger and sort of leaves you hankering for the next book but I would suggest reading the other books before embarking on this one as you get to know the characters really well and when reading this it kinda reminded me of joining a group of crazy mates for their christmas preparations.

I was in the mood for a christmassy themed read and this delivered and more. Absolutely loved it and can't wait to see what happens next!

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Turner family is back and it's Christmas time. I love this family. They are super funny. They're the family you would love to hang out with but are thankful they aren't your family. The turner family doesn't disappoint in this one. Ii will have you smiling and laughing while reading. Dora rules Christmas but this year Cam wants to host Christmas at her house. Dora may make it seems like she is ok with it but she's not. Dora isn't going to let stop her Christmas fun, she's just going to channel it a different way with a little help from some elves. If your looking for a fun Christmas read, this is it.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this one. This is all about the family Christmas. Hold on because this is a wild Christmas for this family. Dora always has a special Christmas but this year things aren't going her way. But she is not going to let anyone stop her from having her Christmas. A little Elf on the shelf hidden in some homes, decorating for charity and talking to her husband like he has lost his mind and things work out or do they? I loved this one. I loved the characters. The storyline is just as amazing as it has been in all the books prior to this one. Andie has written an amazing series with these characters and this is a great addition to this series. Highly recommend reading.

[Ann (Literary Lust) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I'm flying through reading this series and loving every moment.

There have been significant changes over the past year in the lives of all the characters in this series. So as Christmas approaches, Dora finds that there are going to be some changes to their usual festive routine too. Now Christmas is the time of year that Dora loves the most and so it wasn't a total surprise to find her meddling and scheming as she loves to do. The book was full of humour and banter which I loved.

Another fabulous must read!

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Turner family is a laugh riot. Dora is not happy that Cam is hosting Christmas but she decides to make the best of it. Since she isn’t hosting, she won’t do any decorating, baking or present buying. Of course, this is Dora and she can’t leave it like that. She begins her plotting to ensure her family has the Christmas she wants which involves naughty elves and an exterior decorating contest at Cam’s place. In all the craziness, this family shows that love is greater than everything as they support each other no matter what.

[Amo & Sarah & · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jingle Balls by Andie M. Long.
Reviewed for Amo and Sarah’s book corner.

I can’t say much about this book really…except that it’s AWESOME!!! If you’ve read the rest of the Balls series then you’re definitely going to enjoy this little festive edition.

We’re back to daily going ons with the Turner family as they decide where they are going to hold Christmas dinner. As with every ‘normal’ family, Christmas dinner is big and Dora, well let’s just say, she isn’t happy with the outcome. So Dora is back to her usual meddling, with Elf on a shelf helping out and a particular scene where Dora gets drunk and ends up with carpet burns.
I must say though I Iove Dora. I do like the new characters that get introduced but Dora and the long suffering Tim of course get my vote every time.

Thank you, Andie M. Long for another fantastic addition to this already AMAZING series, everyone needs to read these. So, grab yourself a cup of coffee and put your feet up and enjoy this short rom com, believe me, you’ll be laughing your socks off!!
5 stars!!
Reviewed by Sarah!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dora, quite simply, is a crazy woman. I don’t know whether I’m more jealous or afraid of Christmas as it’s spent with the entire extended Turner clan and company. They kept me laughing with them at Dora’s insane antics, and in so many ways I’m beyond grateful that I’m not actually related to any of them. I’m certainly discovering more reasons why the best holiday spirits are at least forty proof.

[Michelle Burton - Aguino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balls 5 is winning"

No surprise here. I loved the book. A lot of laugh out loud moments. I can't wait to see what happens with the gang!

[Lorraine McCabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

The funny side of everyday life!OMG I couldn't put the book down,wondering what else Dora was going to get into.

[Yvonne Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my...

Each book just gets better. With each book I laugh more and read just a little bit quicker. On to the next one...

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas is turning out to be a busy time for the family, with engagements being planned and some very unexpected news. As usual Dora is in the middle of this all.....

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great funny novella in the Complete Balls series. We have a catch up with all our characters from the previous novellas and Dora, as always is up to muschief.

[Amanda Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the Turner family at Christmas! This was a fun and super cute addition to the series. It's a quick read, perfect for a cozy night during the holiday season

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were two things I didn't like in this fifth book of the Ball Games series. In Chapter One, I felt that Dora's behavior was a bit eccentric and over-the-top, somewhat seeming forced. At least in the rest of the novel, she was back to her normal self. And maybe due to the popularity of the series and possibly rushing to release the book, it had many errors whereas the writing in the previous four books was very good.  
There's a lot going on in Jingle Balls but something that caught my attention is how Tyler is very much his mother's son. The difference is that Dora's sly and Tyler's clueless. That makes him an adorable dork! He's quickly become my favorite character. 
 Editorial problems aside, this is the book I've most enjoyed due to the antics involved. 
 

[Bea McGhie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better with every book!
Utterly hilarious and sore muscles guaranteed, I was laughing constantly.
The Turner family are just too funny and Andie's style of writing captures their shenanigans perfectly !!!