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Beachwood Bay #includes 2.5, 6
A Kiss for Christmas
Celebrate the holidays with this special festive romance bundle from New York Times bestselling author, Melody Grace!
In Unwrapped… When a unlikely couple gets snowed in on the way to the wedding, a flirty game of truth-or-dare sends temperatures soaring.
In Unexpectedly Yours… Sophie has been dreaming of a magical winter holiday in New York City. Can a chance encounter with musician Austin bring her festive dreams to life?
In Holiday Kisses… Writer Dash needs peace and quiet to finish his new script, but he wasn’t betting on inn-keeper Ellie and the local Starbright festival to give him a jolt of holiday inspiration.
In Unwrapped… When a unlikely couple gets snowed in on the way to the wedding, a flirty game of truth-or-dare sends temperatures soaring.
In Unexpectedly Yours… Sophie has been dreaming of a magical winter holiday in New York City. Can a chance encounter with musician Austin bring her festive dreams to life?
In Holiday Kisses… Writer Dash needs peace and quiet to finish his new script, but he wasn’t betting on inn-keeper Ellie and the local Starbright festival to give him a jolt of holiday inspiration.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2013
2316 people are currently reading
1512 people want to read
About the author
Melody Grace
69 books2,638 followersNYT bestselling author of small-town romance. A new chapter in the Sweetbriar Cove series begins with Two Hearts - July 30th!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
December 24, 2020
If you're looking for some raunchy christmas romances, this is the book for you.
December 24, 2020
So many obvious holes and errors in the writing. I will read almost anything but when a chapter starts with the a character getting up, showered, and dressed, and then a few pages later suddenly she’s still in her pjs and heads to the shower? Poor editing, I just can’t.
Want to read
February 27, 2024💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/15/2017)! 💝
January 25, 2021
A fun collection of christmas themed stories to make you feel all warm and fuzzy and put you in the mood for the holidays.
Is the writing perfect? No. Is every story flawless? Also no. But considering this was a free e-book, it did everything I wanted it to so I can't complain.
Is the writing perfect? No. Is every story flawless? Also no. But considering this was a free e-book, it did everything I wanted it to so I can't complain.
January 1, 2022
Eh. I owe this one to an end-of-the-year-trying-to-still-meet-my-Goodreads-goal sort-of read-a-thon. It was okay, I guess. Nothing to write home about, and definitely needs some editing.
PS: WHY is every single one of these main characters "not like other girls"? I'm so tired of this BS.
PS: WHY is every single one of these main characters "not like other girls"? I'm so tired of this BS.
December 21, 2017
Predictable and boring. Only read the first two stories. Good thing it was a freebie.
December 19, 2018
So many grammatical errors ... glad it was a freebie!
December 23, 2019
These three quick holiday reads are great. They each have the whole hearts and romance that will bring a smile to your face. I read each of these as stand-alones having not read any of the other books that feature the other characters and it didn’t spoil my fun in reading them at all.
I especially loved Unexpectedly Yours, I loved how all the bows, frills and magic of Christmas is woven beautifully into the plot.
I especially loved Unexpectedly Yours, I loved how all the bows, frills and magic of Christmas is woven beautifully into the plot.
December 24, 2021
Christmas Romance
Three lovely Christmas romances and one lovely romance. Melody Grace has created short stories peopled with characters who inhabit her fictional holiday town. The first three are very festive, but the last, while not set at Christmas time, is the best. Enjoyable and adorable tales. Well worth reading.
Three lovely Christmas romances and one lovely romance. Melody Grace has created short stories peopled with characters who inhabit her fictional holiday town. The first three are very festive, but the last, while not set at Christmas time, is the best. Enjoyable and adorable tales. Well worth reading.
December 26, 2018
Love
I adore Melody and her novels. another great edition to the Baywood Family - only wish it was longer. Love
I adore Melody and her novels. another great edition to the Baywood Family - only wish it was longer. Love
December 7, 2018
I have to agree with a previous reviewer that the three stories were all fun and quick to read and brought out the magic of Christmas and romance. But the grammatical errors almost made these stories, especially Unexpectedly Yours, difficult to read. These stories need to be better edited or the author needs to decide what she wants to do - present tense or past tense and who should be telling the story. But, other than that distraction, the stories were lovely and all's well that ends well.
October 18, 2021
Sweet and Hot Holiday Romances With Kisses And Love
1. Unwrapped, Book 2.5 of Beachwood Bay Series, Rating 3/5
I am re-reading this book as I did not remember much of it. In the past, I think I liked it but the second time around, the story premise was great. However, the characters constant assumptions about each other and the convenient situation occurrences, got old fast...
Event Planner and Known Party Girl, Lacey James is sweet and emotional. However, it seems that she sabotages her own happiness for loyalty and friendships. Due to her selfless ways, she has missed out on finding love. On her way to participating in her best friend's wedding, she runs into the man that has always had her heart. Will Lacey take the chance at happiness or will she repeat her known pattern?
Straight Laced Lawyer Daniel Sullivan, has had his heart broken badly and he is still searching for his perfect mate that will fit in with all of his plans of partnership, family, and children. On his way back to the East Coast, he runs into a familiar face associated with his ex. His reaction to her surprises him and he takes stock of what is important. Will he try to change or continue looking for what maybe wrong?
The foundation of the story was interesting. But the analytical thought processes of both of the protagonists was rather trying. For a novella, it is hard to have substance, but the constant rationalizing and suppositions were not fun. Also, the story had too many coincidences, when the location is a large metropolitan city. Lastly, the sex scenes were animalistic and I missed the sweet heat aspects.
It was a quick read and if you like serendipitous second chance instant attraction stories, with a slight Christmas feel, you may enjoy this story.
***********************************************
2. Unexpectedly Yours, Book 6 of Beachwood Bay Series, Rating 5/5
I did not remember much of this book and usually I am not a fan of the musician genre nor the instant attraction trope. However, this story won my heart and I couldn't wait to continue reading.
For a Holiday Romance, it was extremely satisfying and lovely.
Psychology Graduate Student, Sophie Young has always had a romanticized notion of Christmas. She cannot wait to enjoy the snow, have hot cocoa, skate, and just enjoy the Yuletide traditions in New York City with her boyfriend, Matt. However, her trip to New York is not panning out in the way she figured. A chance meeting with an attractive and sexy man will change her ideas. With all the fun she is having, her heart is opening up to the possibility of long-term and love, but is this real and can it last?
Guitarist and Band Member, Austin Kelly has never enjoyed the holiday season and rather spend it alone. When his transatlantic flight gets cancelled due to bad weather and Noel plans with his family are squashed, he is actually pleased. New game plan is to enjoy a drink, some fatty carbs, and be in the presence of hot female company. Again, the black book is a disappointment, until his eyes fall on a lady in a slinky navy dress, hose with back leg seams, and innocent eyes. As the date continues, Austin finds himself doing things that are unlike him, so what is this encounter leading towards?
There were some supporting characters from the other books in the Beachwood Bay Series that made a quick appearance. The interactions between the protagonists were absolutely fun and humourous. The sexy scenes revolved more around love making and those emotional scenes are always a treat to read. Although, at the end, it felt unfinished as it was concluded rather quickly. I hope the readers do get to see Austin and Sophie in other books.
If you are looking for a holiday romance, that is emotional, funny, sweet, deals with heartbreak, contemporary, and overall gives you hope in love, then you will absolutely adore this book! Definitely worth it!
***********************************************
3. Holiday Kisses, Book 5 of Sweetbriar Cove Series, Rating: 5/5
Since this book was not part of the Beachwood Bay Series in the bundle book, I thought I would re-read this one first. I am so glad that I did because I did not remember this series story whatsoever. For a novella, it had all the bases in romance, conflict and happy endings covered.
Sweetbriar Inn Employee and Sweetbriar Cove's Businesses' Bookkeeper, Ellie Lucas, is a sarcastic and sassy woman, who has major ambitions of travel and exploration in mind. For now, she is happy spending Christmas in her hometown as her family goes off to enjoy themselves. Even though, she may appear prickly, she has a heart of gold that has been broken a few times in the past. Ellie likes to hide behind her capabilities and skills, so that she doesn't ever get her heart involved again. However, a certain guest with a British accent, might break down her barriers and show her some new locales, if she allows him?
Hollywood Up and Coming Screen Writer, Dash Everett, has a nasty case of writer's block. He is under enormous pressure and a very tight deadline to complete a script for an upcoming movie. This just might be his big break that he is seeking and he needs to focus. So what better place than a rustic winter wonderland to get the creative juices flowing! However, a certain evasive and attractive Inn owner might just open his eyes to something more, like the beauty around, her giving heart, the Christmas spirit and possibly love.
I was hooked from the very first moment as the protagonists bantered and had some great dialogues. The character development was quick because it was a novella. Usually, I am not a big fan of the instant attraction type stories, however, there was definitely a build up and a time trajectory, so I enjoyed my read. Very few supporting characters, but the environment and the ambiance added to the story. However, there are some edits and sentence structure issues, that were slightly trying.
If you are looking for an adorable and quick-witted female protagonist along with a dashing and British male character, with a hot romance, fun times and some insecurity issues wrapped in snow and Christmas, then this quick read will not disappoint.
1. Unwrapped, Book 2.5 of Beachwood Bay Series, Rating 3/5
I am re-reading this book as I did not remember much of it. In the past, I think I liked it but the second time around, the story premise was great. However, the characters constant assumptions about each other and the convenient situation occurrences, got old fast...
Event Planner and Known Party Girl, Lacey James is sweet and emotional. However, it seems that she sabotages her own happiness for loyalty and friendships. Due to her selfless ways, she has missed out on finding love. On her way to participating in her best friend's wedding, she runs into the man that has always had her heart. Will Lacey take the chance at happiness or will she repeat her known pattern?
Straight Laced Lawyer Daniel Sullivan, has had his heart broken badly and he is still searching for his perfect mate that will fit in with all of his plans of partnership, family, and children. On his way back to the East Coast, he runs into a familiar face associated with his ex. His reaction to her surprises him and he takes stock of what is important. Will he try to change or continue looking for what maybe wrong?
The foundation of the story was interesting. But the analytical thought processes of both of the protagonists was rather trying. For a novella, it is hard to have substance, but the constant rationalizing and suppositions were not fun. Also, the story had too many coincidences, when the location is a large metropolitan city. Lastly, the sex scenes were animalistic and I missed the sweet heat aspects.
It was a quick read and if you like serendipitous second chance instant attraction stories, with a slight Christmas feel, you may enjoy this story.
***********************************************
2. Unexpectedly Yours, Book 6 of Beachwood Bay Series, Rating 5/5
I did not remember much of this book and usually I am not a fan of the musician genre nor the instant attraction trope. However, this story won my heart and I couldn't wait to continue reading.
For a Holiday Romance, it was extremely satisfying and lovely.
Psychology Graduate Student, Sophie Young has always had a romanticized notion of Christmas. She cannot wait to enjoy the snow, have hot cocoa, skate, and just enjoy the Yuletide traditions in New York City with her boyfriend, Matt. However, her trip to New York is not panning out in the way she figured. A chance meeting with an attractive and sexy man will change her ideas. With all the fun she is having, her heart is opening up to the possibility of long-term and love, but is this real and can it last?
Guitarist and Band Member, Austin Kelly has never enjoyed the holiday season and rather spend it alone. When his transatlantic flight gets cancelled due to bad weather and Noel plans with his family are squashed, he is actually pleased. New game plan is to enjoy a drink, some fatty carbs, and be in the presence of hot female company. Again, the black book is a disappointment, until his eyes fall on a lady in a slinky navy dress, hose with back leg seams, and innocent eyes. As the date continues, Austin finds himself doing things that are unlike him, so what is this encounter leading towards?
There were some supporting characters from the other books in the Beachwood Bay Series that made a quick appearance. The interactions between the protagonists were absolutely fun and humourous. The sexy scenes revolved more around love making and those emotional scenes are always a treat to read. Although, at the end, it felt unfinished as it was concluded rather quickly. I hope the readers do get to see Austin and Sophie in other books.
If you are looking for a holiday romance, that is emotional, funny, sweet, deals with heartbreak, contemporary, and overall gives you hope in love, then you will absolutely adore this book! Definitely worth it!
***********************************************
3. Holiday Kisses, Book 5 of Sweetbriar Cove Series, Rating: 5/5
Since this book was not part of the Beachwood Bay Series in the bundle book, I thought I would re-read this one first. I am so glad that I did because I did not remember this series story whatsoever. For a novella, it had all the bases in romance, conflict and happy endings covered.
Sweetbriar Inn Employee and Sweetbriar Cove's Businesses' Bookkeeper, Ellie Lucas, is a sarcastic and sassy woman, who has major ambitions of travel and exploration in mind. For now, she is happy spending Christmas in her hometown as her family goes off to enjoy themselves. Even though, she may appear prickly, she has a heart of gold that has been broken a few times in the past. Ellie likes to hide behind her capabilities and skills, so that she doesn't ever get her heart involved again. However, a certain guest with a British accent, might break down her barriers and show her some new locales, if she allows him?
Hollywood Up and Coming Screen Writer, Dash Everett, has a nasty case of writer's block. He is under enormous pressure and a very tight deadline to complete a script for an upcoming movie. This just might be his big break that he is seeking and he needs to focus. So what better place than a rustic winter wonderland to get the creative juices flowing! However, a certain evasive and attractive Inn owner might just open his eyes to something more, like the beauty around, her giving heart, the Christmas spirit and possibly love.
I was hooked from the very first moment as the protagonists bantered and had some great dialogues. The character development was quick because it was a novella. Usually, I am not a big fan of the instant attraction type stories, however, there was definitely a build up and a time trajectory, so I enjoyed my read. Very few supporting characters, but the environment and the ambiance added to the story. However, there are some edits and sentence structure issues, that were slightly trying.
If you are looking for an adorable and quick-witted female protagonist along with a dashing and British male character, with a hot romance, fun times and some insecurity issues wrapped in snow and Christmas, then this quick read will not disappoint.
December 18, 2020
2.5 stars.
The stories were somewhat cheapened by the numerous interjection of explicit sexual interplay. The stories themself were enjoyable and I did appreciate that there were little cursing. However, the use of the word Damn is in itself not offensive, preceding it with God, though is highly offensive to many people. It is easy to skip over the sexual scenes , but the " GD " that is thrown in too often has stopped me from reading more of this series.
I hate to write a poor review, but I feel that this author has potential and with a few changes, could draw in a much wider audience. There are many of us out here who have been reading romance novels for 30 - 40 years.... We still like reading it but the steam level is no longer necessary. 😉 Cozy and Medicare more my speed now.
The stories were somewhat cheapened by the numerous interjection of explicit sexual interplay. The stories themself were enjoyable and I did appreciate that there were little cursing. However, the use of the word Damn is in itself not offensive, preceding it with God, though is highly offensive to many people. It is easy to skip over the sexual scenes , but the " GD " that is thrown in too often has stopped me from reading more of this series.
I hate to write a poor review, but I feel that this author has potential and with a few changes, could draw in a much wider audience. There are many of us out here who have been reading romance novels for 30 - 40 years.... We still like reading it but the steam level is no longer necessary. 😉 Cozy and Medicare more my speed now.
November 25, 2018
I got this collection of holiday themed novellas as a Kindle freebie and I liked it a lot, enough to look up other books by the same author. Three couples hook up quickly during Christmas time and then they have to decide whether it's just a holiday fling or something that lasts.
At first I thought it was quite predictable but then I realized I actually I had read this before and I forgot and started the book again but once I got far enough to recognize having read the first novella before I just wanted to finish it again nevertheless. I guess it means it was my kind of book. (However, it may be predictable even if you haven't read it before. It's the holidays and there will be a happy end, so, you know.)
At first I thought it was quite predictable but then I realized I actually I had read this before and I forgot and started the book again but once I got far enough to recognize having read the first novella before I just wanted to finish it again nevertheless. I guess it means it was my kind of book. (However, it may be predictable even if you haven't read it before. It's the holidays and there will be a happy end, so, you know.)
December 3, 2019
A Holiday Collection, EBk-M, Nook, Fiction, 3 previously written novellas, Unwrapped @ 12/7/13, Unexpectedly Yours @ 12/4/14, both Beechwood Bay series, and Holiday Kisses @ 12/2/15, A Sweetbriar Cove book, published date 11/9/17, read 12/2/19. Christmas, Romance. I love all things Christmas, the movies the books, the music, the food, just the whole flavor of the season. So, at first glance, this collection should be right up my alley - not so much! The stories were formulaic, change the names and occupations of the characters, and you've got a new book, right? And, they are definitely not Hallmark movie material. Not porno, but not wholesome, either. 2☆'s = Okay, I didn't hate it, but was pretty bored by the middle of the second story. Just my OCD kept me going!
May 21, 2018
Three shorter stories in one book, about couples finding and accepting love during the Christmas season. Likeable protagonists, a good flowing narration style and romantic settings would usually get a big like from me - but not in this one. From the first to the last page, there were uncountable spelling and grammar errors, tenses were wrong, and in the last book either the author or the editor could not decide whether the story should be told by a 3rd-party narrator, or in first person singular, there were both options.
So despite some good plots, narration as such and characters, the errors were too many to ignore, and took off a big portion of my joy in reading.
So despite some good plots, narration as such and characters, the errors were too many to ignore, and took off a big portion of my joy in reading.
December 24, 2020
The Slightly more adult Halmark Christmas Romance Collection
I liked these stories. Much like a Hallmark Christmas movie, you know the outcome and wish it had a little more development, but you still enjoy yourself. These just had a little more spice (but not super spicy). The final book, I was slightly confused with at first because it is not a holiday read, it's the first book of one of Grace's series and I actually enjoyed it the most. It plot and characters were more developed (and I can forgive it not being Christmas themed because I enjoyed it) - I even see myself at least reading the next book in the series (if not reading the whole series).
I liked these stories. Much like a Hallmark Christmas movie, you know the outcome and wish it had a little more development, but you still enjoy yourself. These just had a little more spice (but not super spicy). The final book, I was slightly confused with at first because it is not a holiday read, it's the first book of one of Grace's series and I actually enjoyed it the most. It plot and characters were more developed (and I can forgive it not being Christmas themed because I enjoyed it) - I even see myself at least reading the next book in the series (if not reading the whole series).
January 11, 2018
Unwrapped
I enjoyed reading this sexy, fun story of Daniel and Lacey. I loved their chemistry and the writing. I thought their “thoughts” were funny, especially in their awkward meeting.
Unexpectedly Yours
I loved Austin and Sophie. I couldn’t put this book down. All the sweet things Austin did for Sophie were genuinely thoughtful... how could she not fall for him.
Holiday Kisses
I loved this sweet and sexy Christmas story. I fell in love with Ellie and Dash immediately. As the writer, Melody Grace puts it...”a dash of Hollywood magic” truly occurred.
Great read
I enjoyed reading this sexy, fun story of Daniel and Lacey. I loved their chemistry and the writing. I thought their “thoughts” were funny, especially in their awkward meeting.
Unexpectedly Yours
I loved Austin and Sophie. I couldn’t put this book down. All the sweet things Austin did for Sophie were genuinely thoughtful... how could she not fall for him.
Holiday Kisses
I loved this sweet and sexy Christmas story. I fell in love with Ellie and Dash immediately. As the writer, Melody Grace puts it...”a dash of Hollywood magic” truly occurred.
Great read
December 8, 2018
The thing with reading too much by the same author is that all the stories start to blend together.
These short stories were very predictable although I was looking for a romantic read with a happy ending which is what we all dream of at some point (and what better time of year than Christmas) and that is exactly what I got.
I really enjoyed the first two but found the third one difficult to get into so gave up.
These short stories were very predictable although I was looking for a romantic read with a happy ending which is what we all dream of at some point (and what better time of year than Christmas) and that is exactly what I got.
I really enjoyed the first two but found the third one difficult to get into so gave up.
December 1, 2019
I really liked these stories. I'm not sure that I can pick a favourite.
The characters were all sweet with an escalating amount of spice thrown in. And despite that all the collected stories were by Melody Grace I didn't feel like I was re-reading the same story or meeting the same characters over and over again. Each story had a distinct feel and I really liked that.
I can see me buying more books from her in the future.
The characters were all sweet with an escalating amount of spice thrown in. And despite that all the collected stories were by Melody Grace I didn't feel like I was re-reading the same story or meeting the same characters over and over again. Each story had a distinct feel and I really liked that.
I can see me buying more books from her in the future.
December 6, 2020
Hmmm
I'd heard great things about this author so when I saw this book on sale i thought I would give her books a go. Well she just didn't do it for me and only got part way through the story. I got so much whiplash from ellie that I just didn't enjoy it and dash was too full of himself. This just put me off wanting to read anymore of the stories. Needless to say I won't be buying anymore by this author
I'd heard great things about this author so when I saw this book on sale i thought I would give her books a go. Well she just didn't do it for me and only got part way through the story. I got so much whiplash from ellie that I just didn't enjoy it and dash was too full of himself. This just put me off wanting to read anymore of the stories. Needless to say I won't be buying anymore by this author
January 4, 2018
Three short Christmas novellas by an author I've never read before. I'm going to check out her other books, because these three novellas were written in a way that sucked me into the story and wouldn't let me venture away. Even though the stories were predictable, I enjoyed each and every one of them! Definitely worth the read!
December 25, 2017
This book has three stories in it but the end with cliffhanger. The first is "Unwrapped" - the love story of Lacey and Daniel, the second is "Unexpected Your" - the love story of Sophie and Austin and last last is "Holiday Kisses" - the love story of Dash and Ellie. Great story but remember there are cliffhanger.
January 6, 2018
A lovely little collection of short stories, perfect Christmas holiday reading! For short stories all three were excellent, quickly creating characters that drew you in and had you rooting for their happy ending. I will be looking for more from Melody Grace as I have not read anything from her before and I was unexpectedly very happy with her short stories!
December 10, 2018
These Christmas novellas were my first reads by this author. I loved the characters and the stories. I really want to read her whole back list and get to know the other characters from the series. And the settings are beautifully described, drawing the reader into that world.
The only downside for me is that the series is not available on KU, otherwise I would be binge reading it now.
The only downside for me is that the series is not available on KU, otherwise I would be binge reading it now.
December 30, 2018
Very enjoyable. Liked the characters. Decent story lines with beginning, muddle and end, but possibilities fir expandi g on all characters. A nice relaxing read 🙂.
First time reading this author, but look forward to reading more in the future.
Do recommend this book and look forward to more in the series.
First time reading this author, but look forward to reading more in the future.
Do recommend this book and look forward to more in the series.
January 3, 2019
Uugghhh
Sorry, but these were predictable stories without a lot of plot. I guess I was more bothered by grammatical things than even the stories. I knew going into reading these that they were light chick-lit books but even knowing that, they were almost too much.
Two stars is generous. I don’t know, maybe the time wasn’t right for this collection.
Sorry, but these were predictable stories without a lot of plot. I guess I was more bothered by grammatical things than even the stories. I knew going into reading these that they were light chick-lit books but even knowing that, they were almost too much.
Two stars is generous. I don’t know, maybe the time wasn’t right for this collection.
May 2, 2019
Great bargain bundle
When I started reading I thought this was only one book. I didn't notice collection in the title and it said the reading time was 1 hour 23. But over 300 pages. ( ?). I didn't read the summary since I love all of Melody's books. It was a a a nice surprise to keep reading. These are wonderful light hearted romances.
When I started reading I thought this was only one book. I didn't notice collection in the title and it said the reading time was 1 hour 23. But over 300 pages. ( ?). I didn't read the summary since I love all of Melody's books. It was a a a nice surprise to keep reading. These are wonderful light hearted romances.
December 3, 2019
Nice compilation of romance stories
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. All the stories are gripping and leave you want to read more. My reason for not giving five stars is because as you get to the end of each story they kind of leave you hanging and wanting to read on. Melody Grace's writing style is easy to read and captures the reader.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. All the stories are gripping and leave you want to read more. My reason for not giving five stars is because as you get to the end of each story they kind of leave you hanging and wanting to read on. Melody Grace's writing style is easy to read and captures the reader.
December 31, 2019
I don not believe there is ever a chance to get to know someone and instantly fall in love. Its a great option to know you may not have to wait long but at the same time I think we all know its not possible. With that said these little stories directly filled their purpose. Can't say I liked them all too much, but i guess they weren't completely horrible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews