The Christmas Keeper

Happily Ever After #2

by Jenn McKinlay

All he wants for Christmas...

The second Joaquin Solis saw Savannah Wilson, he knew she was destined to be his wife. Unfortunately, Savannah's sights are set on a happily-ever-after of another kind: skewering the boss who got her fired. Until then, she won't act on the scorching sexual chemistry that is brewing between them, leaving Joaquin scrambling to find a way to capture her heart.

When the opportunity arises to use his ranch to boost Savannah's publicity career, Joaquin doesn't hesitate to invite her into his world at Shadow Pines and woo her with all of his Christmas loving mojo. It's a gamble since the holidays aren't really Savannah's thing and helping her might also mean losing her as she plans to shake the dust off of their quaint town in North Carolina and head back to New York City the first chance she gets.

But Joaquin believes in the magic of Christmas and he knows with a little help from his friends at the Happily Ever After Bookstore, he can convince the woman of his dreams that he's a keeper...

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, Audiobook, Westerns

309 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 29, 2019

About the author

Jenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with books, pets, and her husband’s guitars.

Reviews

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite not having read the Good Ones, I jumped at the chance to read this and it paid off. While I plan to go back and read Ryder and Maisy’s story, this works as a standalone.

Savannah Wilson is a city girl. Manhattan to be exact and she is in Fairdale, North Carolina living above her best friend’s bookstore within the quaint old Victorian for two reasons. 1. to help her friend launch her bookstore and 2. to earn back her reputation. She isn’t staying, but that doesn’t stop Joaquin Solis from telling Ryder he will marry Savannah by Christmas.

The tale that unfolds had sexy chemistry, snark, delicious banter and plenty of mistletoe. It also had a slight mystery as Savannah and Joaquin work together to save Maisy’s bookstore. I loved the thread about the bestselling author and Joaquin’s family story, particularly his sister just tugged at my heart-strings, and brought on all the feels.

This story delivered made for Hallmark moments without all the cheese, I loved The Christmas Keeper.

This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

…”Oh what fun it is to…” read a heartwarming and witty tale of a cowboy with an overabundance of Christmas spirit determined to get the woman of his dreams to say, “I do.” Okay, so maybe Joaquin Solas is going to be extra good to even get Savannah Wilson to give him the time of day, but their sizzling sexual attraction is undeniable. She just has other things on her mind and refuses to be sidetracked by the cowboy who believes in the magic of Christmas.

Jenn McKinlay’s THE CHRISTMAS KEEPER is sexy, sassy and humorous as one man pulls out all the stops on his charm to win the only woman to make his knees weak. Joaquin is a quirky, sexy character on a mission. Savannah tries her best to ignore her feelings, but there is no denying their chemistry, making this a wonderful holiday tale with just enough spice to melt an icecap.

I received this ARC copy of The Christmas Keeper from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Series: Happily Ever After - Book 2
Publisher: Berkley (October 29, 2019)
Publication Date: October 29, 2019
Genre: Holiday Romance
Print Length: 304 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jenn McKinlay returns with a holiday-themed novel in the Happily Ever After series. Since this is a fairly new series, I still think I’m warming up to the world and characters. That being said, it took me a while to really get into Joaquin and Savannah’s characters. McKinlay’s writing in this series tends to be quite light, which ideally would make it easy for me. However, something about the beginning of the story was lacking for me and it took me a little bit to finish it.

As a reader of many years, I like to see the different writing styles that an author can have and I definitely think that McKinlay is one of those versatile writers who is able to switch up her tone really well. I like the fact that her series don’t have a similar feel to them and they are very different from one another, so I’m looking forward to trying out more books in the series. I hope that they will grow on me more.

[Mackenzie - PhDiva Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok now that Halloween is over it is time to start tackling my ever-growing pile of Christmas books I picked up in the last year! Long-time book friends know that each year I do at least one Christmas cowboy romance, just for fun!

In this sweet romance, a publicist and cowboy may find that fate has brought them together after all!

Savannah leaves NYC to help her best friend launch a romance book store in North Carolina. Savannah is career-focused to her core—a tough childhood has made her certain that marriage and kids aren’t in the cards for her. But when Joaquin sets eyes on her, he knows she is the one for him—despite her disinterest in dating or love. But this cowboy has a little bit of Christmas magic and some help from the Happily Ever After bookstore on his side!

Full of fun banter, sexy chemistry, and sweet moments—this is a perfect holiday romance to spend a few hours escaping into the Christmas spirit! Adorable!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my copy. Opinions are my own.

[Reading In Pajamas · Rating 5 out of 5]

✦Review: THE CHRISTMAS KEEPER by Jenn McKinlay https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bkg
Publication Date: October 29, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars

I loved this installment in the Happily Ever After series. The series title says it all. This author has a gift for writing smooth dialogue, witty as well as somber. It isn’t just Savy and Quino’s flirtatious banter, but all those around them. This is one of those stories that make you wish you lived there, and I hated for it to end. I connected immediately with Savy and Quino and although story and romance progressed in a predictable manner – I loved every word of it. This was a sweet and steamy romance that has me smiling long after the last page was read.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Kindle https://amzn.to/2JXAyZX

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Keeper is wonderful book to fill you with some sizzling holiday joy.

Joaquin Solis knew Savannah Wilson was the one for him, now he just has to convince her. With the help of some friends, some very steamy chemistry and a ton of Christmas spirit.

Savannah has revenge on her mind and doesn’t want to have her plans to take second fiddle to anything, even including a hot all get out rancher.

The Christmas Keeper is a sexy, charming and packed full of fun Christmas romance.

I received this ARC copy of The Christmas Keeper from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. The Christmas Keeper is set for publication October 29, 2019.

My rating: 4 stars
Written by: Jenn McKinlay
Series: Happily Ever After (Book 2)
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley (October 29, 2019)
ISBN-10: 0451492455
ISBN-13: 978-0451492456
Genre: Romance Holiday

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Keep...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Itunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-c...

[angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edited review! I posted a review for a different book by mistake! Too many Christmas books! (if that is possible.)

I was just introduced to the term "cinnamon roll hero," and Joaquin Solis in The Christmas Keeper by Jenn McKinlay is the cinnamon rolliest. You all can keep your Christmas grinches and bad boys, give me all the good guys, lovers of Christmas, and cinnamon rolls! Joaquin has had his share of hard times, but he has turned those hard times into full blown Christmas cheer. And now he has set his sights on Savannah Wilson, who is in town trying to pick of the pieces from her career now in shambles and assisting her friend in getting her romance bookstore running smoothly.

I loved everything about The Christmas Keeper. Cute main characters, tons of Christmas cheer, a romance bookstores, and a cast of great side characters in a cute little town. And of course Christmas cowboys. Though it was book two in the series, it was easy to jump into the story. And now I need to go back and read book one. I have been recommending this book to all my friends. This one is easily a 4 star read!!

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really hot cowboy! What??? You need more info than that...okay, really hot cowboy totally into Christmas! Still not enough!?! Fine, a great plot with well developed characters that make you laugh, cry and sizzle as you connect with them and want to follow along as their story unfolds. Savy is an incredibly tough, intelligent and beautiful city woman who finds herself in the small town helping her best friend get her new bookstore solidly up and running while licking her wounds after an unjust firing from her big city firm. The cowboy...well, just read the book and find out! I promise you won't be sorry! Who knew that I was into romance books, but apparently its a genre that I am starting to embrace especially when there are really hot well written cowboys!

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is only my 2nd Jenn McKinlay book - the other had a dog, not a horse, on the cover.

Jenn McKinlay writes with a good dash of wit and plenty of heart. I really enjoyed this. I loved all of the characters and the wide array. Though how a small town could a support a romance only bookstore... That stretched credibility more than anything else!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley for review purposes. Thanks!

I thoroughly enjoyed this swoony holiday story! And thank goodness there wasn't any rod wrangling in this one! Oh, plenty of smexy times, but that awful reference was not included!

[Jaime Fiction Fangirls · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the pacing of Joaquin and Savannah's romance and fell in love with them as a couple but I am utterly and hopelessly in love with Joaquin!! He's charming, sexy, persistent, protective AND HE LOVES CHRISTMAS!!! Really, he's basically my dream man.

Even though he was overly protective of his sister, it made sense and, despite his anger over her decisions and path, he never overreacted in a way that went too far...until he did. The conflict of the story was mild but the timing was less than ideal, which lent to the natural and necessary progression of the story.

It wasn't just Savvy and Quino's relationship that really made this story for me though. It was all of the secondary characters and the glimpses into what might be to come that really put this book over the top for me! I'm particularly interested in reading Desi's story. We're getting that right?

*I received an ARC from NetGalley for honest review

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Keeper by Jenn McKinlay is a festive read that will get you into the Christmas spirit. This contemporary romance is both sweet and spicy. The main male character is a Christmas-loving cowboy who stops at nothing to get the woman of his dreams.

Jenn McKinlay gets an A+ for writing a sweet, well-paced romance. I didn’t think this author could top the first book in this series, but she has done it! This is a feel good story that I recommend and will reread during the holiday season.

*I also recommend Jenn McKinlay’s Cupcake Bakery Mysteries (another 5 star series).


Note: I won this ARC (advanced reading copy) in a giveaway. Thank you, to Goodreads, the Berkley marketing team, and Jenn McKinlay.


Publication Date: October 29, 2019


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[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely wonderful book!!! It has romance, humor and lovely Christmas sentiment.

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


Jenn McKinlay returns with a holiday-themed novel in the Happily Ever After series. Since this is a fairly new series, I still think I’m warming up to the world and characters. That being said, it took me a while to really get into Joaquin and Savannah’s characters. McKinlay’s writing in this series tends to be quite light, which ideally would make it easy for me. However, something about the beginning of the story was lacking for me and it took me a little bit to finish it.

As a reader of many years, I like to see the different writing styles that an author can have and I definitely think that McKinlay is one of those versatile writers who is able to switch up her tone really well. I like the fact that her series don’t have a similar feel to them and they are very different from one another, so I’m looking forward to trying out more books in the series. I hope that they will grow on me more.

*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Annie❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the second book in the Happily Ever After series from Berkley Publishing Group at Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is my first book of author Jenn McKinlay's that I read outside her Cupcake Bakery Mystery series, a series I adore. I have not yet read the first book in this series, but hope to get to that in the new year. I was happy to find out that this works as a standalone. This book follows Savannah Wilson, who lives above her friend's bookstore, and Joaqiun Solis, who vows to marry her by Christmas. This book has charm, wit and a lot of sweetness. It's a wonderful contemporary romance. I will definitely be recommending this book to our patrons to read during this holiday season!

[Saly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This one was nice but I felt the heroine held out for too long.

[Tara (Spinatale Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Good Ones so I was so excited for The Christmas Keeper. Savannah was a force of nature in the first book and I couldn’t wait to read her story. Plus I wanted to find out more about Joaquin!

The Christmas Keeper was everything I had hoped it would be and more. The chemistry between the two was sizzling and I loved how they slowly came to trust each other. Plus there was a mysterious and reclusive writer, a bookstore potentially in danger, and the return of beloved characters from the first book.

This one was full of Christmas cheer and I fully plan to read it again closer to the end of the year. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we keep getting more installments in this series for quite a while, I adore the characters and the setting. If you’re looking for a contemporary romance, I’d recommend checking this one out! Plus there’s plenty in this series to appeal to book lovers (I dare you to not want to visit the Happily Ever After Bookstore after reading this).

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Katy O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a perfect read in the lead up to Christmas! And let’s be clear, the male lead in the story may own a stables, but this is actually a romance-bookstore romance WAY more than it is a cowboy romance.....I get why the cover is what it is, but it’s a bit deceiving 😊 I can’t wait for book 3 in this series!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good Christmas romance, so I found this to be a cute and enjoyable read. I listened to the audio version and did find it to be a bit long. At times, it seemed to drag, but for the most part, it was pretty good. The switching between Joaquin and Quino did confuse me at times. I found myself thinking "Wait, wasn't his name Joaquin?" Now that I type it, I see how Quino was just the last part of his name with the 'o' added - I guess that's one of those things that makes more sense when you're reading it instead of listening.

Joaquin is the hot cowboy who raised his sister after his parents were killed in a car accident. She suffered a TBI and he's pretty much been overprotective of her since then, even though she clearly can do things on her own now like an adult (although, I couldn't fault him too much when she disappears). He loves horses and runs a horse farm. Oh and he's obsessed with Christmas! Like, wear an ugly Christmas sweater every day leading up to the holiday type of obsession. It was honestly quite adorable.

Savannah is only in town because she lost her PR job, so she's in NC helping her best friend with her new book store. She's desperate to get back to NYC and to her publishing career though, so while she's in NC working things there, she's also doing everything she can to fix her rep. Joaquin has wanted her since the moment she turned him down months ago, she just refuses to go out with him. Of course, she eventually breaks down and gives the poor guy a shot.

They were perfect together. Savannah surprised me. She went from the haughty New-Yorker with one step out the door to the caring girlfriend who loves the town and is there for Quino when he needs her. And he does need her there at one point in the end when something heartbreaking happens. But then he screws up as most men do in these books and he has to win her back.

The ending is super sweet and I was happy to see them get their HEA. I hope we have more from the series, perhaps with the brother and vet or even Quino's sister and the mysterious boss with a private jet.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda's 5 Star Review
The Christmas Keeper is the perfect holiday read because it is filled with Christmas spirit. Joaquin Solis knew he met his future wife and just had to figure out a way to make her his. Savannah Wilson is in Fairdale to help her best friend’s bookstore after being unfairly terminated as a publicist.

Joaquin/Quino jumps at the chance to help Savannah/Savy find ways to bring in customers to the bookshop and hopefully she’ll see him and his finer points. Savy is attracted to him but knows she’s here temporarily and it can’t go anything further than friendship. What she hadn’t expected was the slow seduction and charm he showed her in mistletoe kisses, ice skating, and his over the top Christmas decorations and ugly sweaters.

What an absolutely delightful story! I thoroughly enjoyed the journey she took me on. It flowed well and the new and old characters helped the story move forward effortlessly. Quino was very charming and lovable. I don’t think Savy had a chance to NOT fall in love with him. Savy just couldn’t resist and wanted the chance to live in the moment and enjoy. Quino learned the hard way that change can be a good thing and that family stays with you no matter where you are. This story hit home and touched my heart with all the good things I love about the holidays and family.

Jennifer's 4 star Review
This story was so much fun! I really like Joaquin and Savannah. The holiday background and his love for everything about the season makes it a wonderful read. Savannah is helping out to make her best friends bookstore a huge success with her end goal being getting her job and life in New York City. Joaquin will do anything to convince Savannah that they are meant to be together. Working together to make the bookstore the place to shop, Savannah starts to weaken under Joaquin’s constant presence. The back back and forth between these two is sexy and hilarious. I enjoyed the build up and release of their attraction. The secondary characters are just as much fun as the main couple!

Review copies provided for voluntary reviews.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.

Of all the romances I've read over the last year or two, I think this is my first Christmas themed one? And now I want to read more, and I didn't expect they would be that much my jam. This was super sweet and very fun to read. Even though I think she'd be mad at people feeling upset for her, Savannah's past and the career hurdles she was trying to overcome made me so mad for her, and I loved Joaquin's determination to make a Christmas (and Joaquin) lover out of her. As a book lover, I love the bookstore setting of this series and particularly enjoyed Savannah's determination to pull a reclusive author out of hiding as a career save. Thoroughly enjoyable, this would be a great stocking stuffer for any romance lover!

[Anne Z. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Savannah and Joaquin were likable characters from the first book already. He is a loyal friend to Ryder, hardworking, has some swagger, and of-course is drop dead gorgeous. Savannah is a loyal friend to Maisy and has been there for her every step of the way. She is not exactly in a good place in life right now but she still gives her all and her best to her friend.

This unlikely couple does work, they are good for each other. But as with most holiday romances the story is so light and fluffy that I found it hard to connect to the characters, to invest in their story.

I really don't have much else to say about it, it was a good holiday romance, just not one I will be reading again.

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[Living My Best Book Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Keeper is a swoon-worthy holiday romance about a Christmas-obsessed cowboy trying to convince a 'city girl' that he is a keeper. I loved how Jenn McKinlay gave us to characters that had so much chemistry that made the anticipation so worth the wait!!

Joaquin (Quino) Solis is a cowboy who is sexy, sweet, and LOVES Christmas. He loves wearing ugly Christmas sweaters any day he can and is a gem. I mean he is checking off all the things on my list for a dream guy!✔️✔️✔️

When he lays his eyes on Savannah, he knows she is going to be his wife. Now, he just has some convincing to do! She is confident, assertive, and isn't focused on finding love. She is the first woman to turn down Quino, which is a shock to him and is focused on saving her friend's bookstore and her reputation in the publicity game.

As Quino and Savannah start to spend more time together, Savannah's wall she put up starts to come down. She is sharing things she hasn't shared with anyone in a long time. Quino is amping up the charm which is irresistible at this point. They can't deny their attraction any longer and agree to have a fling knowing that Savannah plans to leave Shadow Pine soon.

Their relationship blossoms and is so captivating. I would definitely love to see this book come to life. Hallmark, do your thing and make it happen 😉.

I give The Christmas Keeper 4 stars. It's a holiday romance with an unexpected romance that was even more enjoyable because of the Christmas magic!

[meghann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was super cute and such a great December read. I loved the first book in the series, which focused on Maisy and Ryder. This picks up where that left off and tells the story of Savannah and Joaquin. I really love Savannah and how she speaks her mind. She's determined to do what needs to be done for her to return to the life she loves in New York, so she does not have time for charming cowboys, no matter how hot they are. But Joaquin is set on proving to her that she should give them a chance. This book is fun, full of Christmas spirit and even heartbreaking at times. I loved how it ended and can't wait to catch up with everyone in the next book.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I really enjoyed the first book in this series. That couple is in this novel, but I thought the lead couple weren't as good as them. Quino was actually kind of jerky when it came to his sister. I understand the reason why, but I didn't like it so much. Savy was an ok character. She was a little about herself but it worked out for others in the end. I would like to see a book from Desi's point-of-view next!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely good ... 3.5 stars

I wish that the rating system allowed me to differentiate more. This story was cute, Christmasy, and surprising. I love that Jenn weaves fun into her stories and also actual causes important to her heart. Quinn was a great character to read because he was allowing the past to dictate his future. He also was dedicated to Savy from the beginning.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a free copy of this one, so here is my review! Savy and Quino have that Hallmark Christmas movie thing where the girl leaves the big city and finds a new appreciation for family/Christmas/the small town pace. Gotta say the wrench in this story is that Savy enjoyed writing a grant so that Quino's little sister to work with elephants in Africa. Who likes writing grants? lol! But helping people is fun so maybe that helps you drag through them! So its darling, and its perfect for Christmas!

[Barbara Waloven · Rating 5 out of 5]

The patter between the main characters was brilliant. I spent most of the book with a huge smile on my face. I reread some of these conversations several times because it was that good. Great feel-good story.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect Christmas romance featuring likable characters. The book is set in North Carolina. The book was a quick easy read.

[Susan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely holiday romance. The setting and charterers will definitely keep the reader interested.