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12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas #11
Defending Christmas
Christmas Town’s city attorney Lincoln Vasser suspects the multi-million-dollar lawsuit threatening the town is a fraud, but he needs help proving it. Private Investigator Jax Marshall comes highly recommended, but when Lincoln hires her he can’t quite figure out why. Her laid-back attitude, questionable work ethic, and apparent unconcern for the urgency of the case rub him the wrong way. It doesn't make sense for him to be attracted to her.
Jax Marshall knows that taking a case for the arrogant Lincoln Vasser is a mistake. But when he makes her an offer much more tempting than money, she agrees. She soon wishes she hadn’t. The guy is demanding and uptight, and, worst of all, he keeps trying to tell her how to do her job! He's almost completely unlikable. Almost.
One thing they can agree on is that happy ever afters are strictly for fairytales and Christmas Town myths. Finding a way to work together is difficult enough, admitting that they’re falling in love is going to take an extra little nudge from that very Christmas Town magic they don’t believe in.
Jax Marshall knows that taking a case for the arrogant Lincoln Vasser is a mistake. But when he makes her an offer much more tempting than money, she agrees. She soon wishes she hadn’t. The guy is demanding and uptight, and, worst of all, he keeps trying to tell her how to do her job! He's almost completely unlikable. Almost.
One thing they can agree on is that happy ever afters are strictly for fairytales and Christmas Town myths. Finding a way to work together is difficult enough, admitting that they’re falling in love is going to take an extra little nudge from that very Christmas Town magic they don’t believe in.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
5 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Carol Ross
49 books729 followersUSA Today and national bestselling author Carol Ross grew up in small-town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of free-range parents, she developed a love of adventure and the outdoors at a very early age. She’s grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.
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Stop by her website: http://www.carolrossauthor.com/
Or sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bB60jr
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 3, 2018
I always love Carol Ross’ books and, when you add in a setting called Christmas Town, I’m there! This story has all the charm of the season, a quaint small town, an intriguing stocking, and a hero/heroine who can’t agree on much except that ‘happily-ever-after’ is the stuff of fairy tales.
Jax Marshall is a dichotomy in and of herself – straight-forward but laid back, independent but fiercely loyal, eclectic but traditional at the same time. And she’s just plain fun to be around on the page. Lincoln Vasser is also a bit of a dichotomy at times. He’s trying to do everything on his own and when he does have to acquiesce to accept Jax’s help he wants it done his way. Which, as you might imagine, doesn’t go over well with laidback, has-her-own-way-of-doing-things, Jax. The sparks fly between them, and not just the romantical kind! Ross does an exceptional job of defining these characters, gradually revealing their layers, and keeping their interactions believable and entertaining… all within a relatively small page count.
Christmas Town is really a supporting character in this story, along with the mix of quirky and compelling characters it generates. There are hints of the carousel subplot in Defending Christmas, enough to raise my interest in tracking down the six Christmas Carousel stories that are also part of the 12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas universe.
Bottom Line: Defending Christmas is a delightful tale of romance, family, and holiday magic – a story I could easily see as part of Hallmark’s Christmas line up next year. It’s lighthearted and fun while also nicely balancing a deeper, more poignant plot thread as well. As always, Ross creates charming, multidimensional characters and a story that goes right to the heart. A great choice for your Christmas reading list!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Jax Marshall is a dichotomy in and of herself – straight-forward but laid back, independent but fiercely loyal, eclectic but traditional at the same time. And she’s just plain fun to be around on the page. Lincoln Vasser is also a bit of a dichotomy at times. He’s trying to do everything on his own and when he does have to acquiesce to accept Jax’s help he wants it done his way. Which, as you might imagine, doesn’t go over well with laidback, has-her-own-way-of-doing-things, Jax. The sparks fly between them, and not just the romantical kind! Ross does an exceptional job of defining these characters, gradually revealing their layers, and keeping their interactions believable and entertaining… all within a relatively small page count.
Christmas Town is really a supporting character in this story, along with the mix of quirky and compelling characters it generates. There are hints of the carousel subplot in Defending Christmas, enough to raise my interest in tracking down the six Christmas Carousel stories that are also part of the 12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas universe.
Bottom Line: Defending Christmas is a delightful tale of romance, family, and holiday magic – a story I could easily see as part of Hallmark’s Christmas line up next year. It’s lighthearted and fun while also nicely balancing a deeper, more poignant plot thread as well. As always, Ross creates charming, multidimensional characters and a story that goes right to the heart. A great choice for your Christmas reading list!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
November 21, 2018
In this short novel, city attorney Lincoln Vasser and private investigator Jax Marshall butt heads from the get-go.
Lincoln’s tunnel-vision concerning the threat of a lawsuit that will sink the town blinds him to everything else, and when Jax doesn’t seem to be taking his case seriously, he aims to set her straight.
Jax is extremely likable, offering no excuses for who she is. She’s good at her job, respects all of her clients, and refuses to be pushed around—especially by Lincoln.
As these get thrown together and begin to recognize the effort and importance surrounding the case, the attraction grows. Then Lincoln’s tenacity appears when he sets his sights on changing Jax’s mind about him—and them.
This short and sweet story set in Christmas Town is a tasty holiday treat.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Lincoln’s tunnel-vision concerning the threat of a lawsuit that will sink the town blinds him to everything else, and when Jax doesn’t seem to be taking his case seriously, he aims to set her straight.
Jax is extremely likable, offering no excuses for who she is. She’s good at her job, respects all of her clients, and refuses to be pushed around—especially by Lincoln.
As these get thrown together and begin to recognize the effort and importance surrounding the case, the attraction grows. Then Lincoln’s tenacity appears when he sets his sights on changing Jax’s mind about him—and them.
This short and sweet story set in Christmas Town is a tasty holiday treat.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 21, 2018
Defending Christmas is a delightful and sweet read. It is a quick story that I had read in no time. It is full of adventure, mystery, and romance. I loved the interaction between Jax and Lincoln. It was fun when they were together. There were a few true to life emotional scenes that tugged at my heart.
I give Defending Christmas five stars. I recommend for readers to add this magical tale to their Christmas reading list.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I give Defending Christmas five stars. I recommend for readers to add this magical tale to their Christmas reading list.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
December 28, 2018
Since I'm often skeptical of romances that start with the couple completely at odds, I didn't know if I'd buy a romance between Jax and Lincoln, but Carol Ross pulled it off extremely well.
I bought their disagreement and I bought their attraction and growing feelings for one another. Well-developed characters and a little mystery to go with it. I flew through the book and finished satisfied with characters that grew, healed, and found love!
I'd happily read another clean romance by this author!
I bought their disagreement and I bought their attraction and growing feelings for one another. Well-developed characters and a little mystery to go with it. I flew through the book and finished satisfied with characters that grew, healed, and found love!
I'd happily read another clean romance by this author!
January 5, 2019
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
First of all, I realize that this is a "Christmas" book, but I promise you that this squeaky-clean romance can be read and enjoyed any time of the year. Christmas is the backdrop for an amazingly fun and tantalizing read, and if you are in the mood for a romance with a strong female, an endearing male, and even a bit of a mystery, this is a book that you should read IMMEDIATELY.
I have read enough holiday romances to know and accept that this was probably going to be a standard, run-of-the-mill read, but boy hardy, was I wrong! Carol Ross created characters that were completely engaging and three-dimensional, and I am planning to put her on my list of favorite authors. And as a side note, if Hallmark is looking for the ideal book to adapt to a holiday movie, this is it! I knew how the story would probably end, but the mystery kept me guessing. And while the formula for romance is there in the story, I was never bored nor found myself wondering when the book would end. In fact, at the conclusion, I was prepared for so much more!
First of all, I realize that this is a "Christmas" book, but I promise you that this squeaky-clean romance can be read and enjoyed any time of the year. Christmas is the backdrop for an amazingly fun and tantalizing read, and if you are in the mood for a romance with a strong female, an endearing male, and even a bit of a mystery, this is a book that you should read IMMEDIATELY.
I have read enough holiday romances to know and accept that this was probably going to be a standard, run-of-the-mill read, but boy hardy, was I wrong! Carol Ross created characters that were completely engaging and three-dimensional, and I am planning to put her on my list of favorite authors. And as a side note, if Hallmark is looking for the ideal book to adapt to a holiday movie, this is it! I knew how the story would probably end, but the mystery kept me guessing. And while the formula for romance is there in the story, I was never bored nor found myself wondering when the book would end. In fact, at the conclusion, I was prepared for so much more!
November 28, 2018
I haven’t read any of the other eleven stories that are connected in this 12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas series or the author’s previous story of Kinley and Ian set in Christmas Town, ME but this story is quite enjoyable on its own. The premise of the story is unique and intriguing (hero being the town’s lawyer and heroine the private investigator hired to help ferret out the truth behind a lawsuit against the town), the writing is easy to follow, the plot is well-paced, the dialogue is deliciously fun and snarky, and there is even a bit of mystery involved.
I had a bit of difficulty connecting with the main characters Lincoln and Jax at first. They both start as selfish, self-centered, and bullish people who like working alone because they are both self-sufficient and self-reliant though unwittingly empty emotionally. As they work together on the pending lawsuit, they do let their guards down and Lincoln’s softer, sweeter, tender side emerges as Jax’s self-sacrificing, loyal, loving side comes out. Evelyn, Jax’s twin sister, is a fun and wise character. There is forgiveness, grace, and emergence from grief embedded into character development, which make the characters multi-layered.
If you enjoy a well-written clean Christmas romance, you will definitely enjoy this book. I was given a copy of the book by the author/publisher via Prism Book Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I had a bit of difficulty connecting with the main characters Lincoln and Jax at first. They both start as selfish, self-centered, and bullish people who like working alone because they are both self-sufficient and self-reliant though unwittingly empty emotionally. As they work together on the pending lawsuit, they do let their guards down and Lincoln’s softer, sweeter, tender side emerges as Jax’s self-sacrificing, loyal, loving side comes out. Evelyn, Jax’s twin sister, is a fun and wise character. There is forgiveness, grace, and emergence from grief embedded into character development, which make the characters multi-layered.
If you enjoy a well-written clean Christmas romance, you will definitely enjoy this book. I was given a copy of the book by the author/publisher via Prism Book Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
December 26, 2018
I love Jax, she is laid back and takes her time doing her job. She is good and thorough. But Lincoln is uptight and wants things done right now and his way.
It was great reading this book and seeing how opposites are attracted to each other. Another great book by Carol Ross
It was great reading this book and seeing how opposites are attracted to each other. Another great book by Carol Ross
November 15, 2018
5 Stars
I'll admit that even though I have read many of this author's books, I have not read any of the multi-author Christmas Town anthologies or related full-length stories. I'm happy to report that while reading Defending Christmas, not for one moment did I feel lost or that something was missing. This story, as well as I imagine all of the related stories, standalone perfectly.
Defending Christmas was a charming introduction to this town. Along with the romance between an attorney and private detective, a mystery to solve was a given. The author did an amazing job of plotting the mystery, bringing it full circle, and tying it altogether. Amidst all of that, she weaved a sweet romance between these two opposites that fit together perfectly. I was even drawn to Lincoln right from the start, regardless of his curmudgeonly beginning. While the romance was sweet and the mystery fun, there was an added emotional element involving death and grief. This author brought all of these elements together and delivered a wonderful holiday story. When it ended, I was left wanting more in the best way.
October 22, 2018
This story was about two opposite personalities, a lawyer and a private investigator. They don't appear to be getting along to well, yet perhaps there is something they aren't seeing. Working together didn't always work out. There were challenges.
I enjoyed this delightful Christmas season book, part of a series of Christmas books. It definitely gets you in a happy Christmas mood. There is romance, mystery and is heartwarming, through and through!
I received an ebook copy from the author. All thoughts are my own.
I enjoyed this delightful Christmas season book, part of a series of Christmas books. It definitely gets you in a happy Christmas mood. There is romance, mystery and is heartwarming, through and through!
I received an ebook copy from the author. All thoughts are my own.
October 11, 2018
Delightfully filled with fireworks, romance and sweet nothings! The couple least likely to ... but yet somehow they do! He's uptight and demanding, she's laid back and works at her own pace, but as they slowly come together to work on this case together, each one starts to have a greater appreciation for the other. Jax & Lincoln were quick to draw me in, and I continued to enjoy their connection throughout. This particular book in the anthology had less to do with the carousel and more to do with the town as a whole, but the entire series is turning into a really fun compilation of small town happily ever afters!
City attorney Lincoln Vasser is trying to keep the potential multi-million dollar lawsuit that could ruin Christmas Town, Maine under wraps while he figures out how to blow it to pieces, but the disregard and obstinance of the PI he's been recommended to hire is really getting under his skin. Does she actually work for a living or what??
Private Investigator Jacqueline Marshall can't believe the gall of this big wig attorney thinking he can dictate her schedule and snap his fingers to get her to come running. She runs a very successful business, and all of her clients are equally important. He can just put on his big boy pants and wait his turn!
City attorney Lincoln Vasser is trying to keep the potential multi-million dollar lawsuit that could ruin Christmas Town, Maine under wraps while he figures out how to blow it to pieces, but the disregard and obstinance of the PI he's been recommended to hire is really getting under his skin. Does she actually work for a living or what??
Private Investigator Jacqueline Marshall can't believe the gall of this big wig attorney thinking he can dictate her schedule and snap his fingers to get her to come running. She runs a very successful business, and all of her clients are equally important. He can just put on his big boy pants and wait his turn!
October 9, 2018
this is a great story , someone is threating to sue the town, Lincoln hairs Jax to check into the claim. there is some funny things that happen . if you like romance and some mystery you will enjoy reading the story. love the series. I was given a copy of the book but this is an honest reveiw.
January 22, 2019
Carol writes beautiful psychological characters!!
This book spoke to me big time. Not the actual story, but the psychological side stories. People grow and change constantly. One person may grow from an incident, while others, may not see it the same way. I loved this story particularly for that reason. This book changed me. I can only speak for me, but I hope when you read it, it changes you too!
This book spoke to me big time. Not the actual story, but the psychological side stories. People grow and change constantly. One person may grow from an incident, while others, may not see it the same way. I loved this story particularly for that reason. This book changed me. I can only speak for me, but I hope when you read it, it changes you too!
April 14, 2019
Predictable but fun & well done
The verbal exchanges between the hero and heroine are quite entertaining & probably my favorite aspect of the book. And even though the plot isn't original & you could see where the story was going, it was fun getting there. The end wrapped up just a bit too quickly - after staying with these characters through the whole story, we'd like some time to savor their happily-ever-after a little.
Clean romance level: passionate kissing
The verbal exchanges between the hero and heroine are quite entertaining & probably my favorite aspect of the book. And even though the plot isn't original & you could see where the story was going, it was fun getting there. The end wrapped up just a bit too quickly - after staying with these characters through the whole story, we'd like some time to savor their happily-ever-after a little.
Clean romance level: passionate kissing
September 29, 2018
for Lincoln Vasser a lawyer came something unexpected in the form of love Jax Marshall they are opposites who attracted each other. He is laid back and she is arrogant
reviewed
November 30, 2018A sweet and quick Christmas novella, Defending Christmas by Carol Ross is a delight to read this time of year. A small town setting in Christmas town, a daunting lawsuit, and a lawyer and private investigator that cannot help butting heads… The drama, mystery, and romance of the story makes it oh so enjoyable, and I loved getting to know these characters. For those readers in need of charming holiday reads, I recommend reading Defending Christmas—it does not disappoint.
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
Thanks to Prism Book Tours, I received a complimentary copy of Defending Christmas and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
Thanks to Prism Book Tours, I received a complimentary copy of Defending Christmas and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
December 21, 2018
I received this book for free from the Prism Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Will this lawsuit be the end of Christmas Town?
Defending Christmas by Carol Ross is an excellent novel. This one is about a lawyer and a private detective trying to figure out if this lawsuit can be avoided. It’s a great book that reminds me a bit of Veronica Mars at some points in the book. Our private detective is Jacqueline “Jax” Marshall, and the lawyer Lincoln Vasser.
Jacqueline Marshall
The main female character is Jacqueline aka Jax Marshall, and she is a bit reluctant to love after the loss she and her family recently had. Her sister is Evelyn, a personal shopper at one of the stores in town. Their family is close with their mom and for her twin girls. Jax is a private detective and is a good one at that. She was asked by the city attorney to uncover if this lawsuit is real or not since she is at the top of her field. Jax is a nice person that is trying to do good things, yet she doesn't want to fall for anyone and be heartbroken again.
What I liked:
I like that Jax is a well-developed character and has a lot of sides to her. However, she doesn’t want to let anyone in that will be able to love her. Jax is also a bridesmaid in John and Lisa's wedding. Jax is trying to work during the holiday and wedding, but it doesn't always work out as she planned. I consider this is a like because Jax is pretty good at multitasking and just to get a few cases handled is terrific work. Jax is a foodie, and I love seeing how she is with food, especially when she has the time to enjoy it.
What I didn’t like:
I don’t like Jax's method of grieving. Yes, I know everyone has different processes for grieving, but it seemed like she didn’t want to get over the grief.
Lincoln Vasser
The main male character is Lincoln Vasser, and he is the love interest of Jax, and the city attorney of Christmas Town, Maine. Lincoln comes from a wealthy family, and since becoming the city attorney of Christmas Town, everyone thinks that he can fix anything. He is trying to make a name for himself that isn’t connected to his family's money or law firm.
What I liked:
I like that Lincoln takes his job seriously and gets positive results despite being a little bit like his father. Another thing that I like about him is that he is also a foodie and seems to enjoy being a chef as well. I also like is that despite being the middle sibling he has a wonderful relationship with his older brother and little sister. I mean by that is that the three of them have fun hanging out. This type of thing doesn't always happen for the middle child.
What I didn’t like:
I dislike that Lincoln has high expectations and the outcome depends on specific results. He acts like his dad when he is in attorney mode, and that’s not always a good thing. The other thing that I dislike is that Lincoln wanted a daily update from Jax. He tried to micromanage her instead of letting Jax work on the job.
Five Star
I am giving Defending Christmas by Carol Ross a five-star rating because it was an incredible book. Ms. Ross has a great way with her words. It was a great read and different so far from what I have read of these 12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas series.
Anyways until the next time enjoy this review brought to you by,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Defending Christmas by Carol Ross is an excellent novel. This one is about a lawyer and a private detective trying to figure out if this lawsuit can be avoided. It’s a great book that reminds me a bit of Veronica Mars at some points in the book. Our private detective is Jacqueline “Jax” Marshall, and the lawyer Lincoln Vasser.
Jacqueline Marshall
The main female character is Jacqueline aka Jax Marshall, and she is a bit reluctant to love after the loss she and her family recently had. Her sister is Evelyn, a personal shopper at one of the stores in town. Their family is close with their mom and for her twin girls. Jax is a private detective and is a good one at that. She was asked by the city attorney to uncover if this lawsuit is real or not since she is at the top of her field. Jax is a nice person that is trying to do good things, yet she doesn't want to fall for anyone and be heartbroken again.
What I liked:
I like that Jax is a well-developed character and has a lot of sides to her. However, she doesn’t want to let anyone in that will be able to love her. Jax is also a bridesmaid in John and Lisa's wedding. Jax is trying to work during the holiday and wedding, but it doesn't always work out as she planned. I consider this is a like because Jax is pretty good at multitasking and just to get a few cases handled is terrific work. Jax is a foodie, and I love seeing how she is with food, especially when she has the time to enjoy it.
What I didn’t like:
I don’t like Jax's method of grieving. Yes, I know everyone has different processes for grieving, but it seemed like she didn’t want to get over the grief.
Lincoln Vasser
The main male character is Lincoln Vasser, and he is the love interest of Jax, and the city attorney of Christmas Town, Maine. Lincoln comes from a wealthy family, and since becoming the city attorney of Christmas Town, everyone thinks that he can fix anything. He is trying to make a name for himself that isn’t connected to his family's money or law firm.
What I liked:
I like that Lincoln takes his job seriously and gets positive results despite being a little bit like his father. Another thing that I like about him is that he is also a foodie and seems to enjoy being a chef as well. I also like is that despite being the middle sibling he has a wonderful relationship with his older brother and little sister. I mean by that is that the three of them have fun hanging out. This type of thing doesn't always happen for the middle child.
What I didn’t like:
I dislike that Lincoln has high expectations and the outcome depends on specific results. He acts like his dad when he is in attorney mode, and that’s not always a good thing. The other thing that I dislike is that Lincoln wanted a daily update from Jax. He tried to micromanage her instead of letting Jax work on the job.
Five Star I am giving Defending Christmas by Carol Ross a five-star rating because it was an incredible book. Ms. Ross has a great way with her words. It was a great read and different so far from what I have read of these 12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas series.
Anyways until the next time enjoy this review brought to you by,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book TroveDisplaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews