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Daddy Dearest #2
Angels Sing
Jamie Bailey has not had such a wonderful life. He gave up his dreams of Harvard at 18 to raise his sister’s unwanted baby, and later a prized job to help a sick friend. Now the father of six-year-old Mia, and assistant manager at Raven Books, Jamie’s dreams are dashed once again when Uncle Billy admits what dire straights the bookshop is in.
Stanton Potter, son of the most notorious businesswoman in Bedford Falls, loves his job teaching at the local elementary school. But he’s less than thrilled when he is forced to put together a Christmas pageant with first-graders, including Mia Bailey.
When Stanton meets Jamie, angels sing. Jamie’s gender-bending fashion sense, and sweet aura, have Stanton suffering through the worse crush he’s had since he was a teen. But can there be any hope for them when Jamie and Mia’s lives are about to be uprooted?
This Christmas, its Jamie’s turn to receive a little help from heaven.
Stanton Potter, son of the most notorious businesswoman in Bedford Falls, loves his job teaching at the local elementary school. But he’s less than thrilled when he is forced to put together a Christmas pageant with first-graders, including Mia Bailey.
When Stanton meets Jamie, angels sing. Jamie’s gender-bending fashion sense, and sweet aura, have Stanton suffering through the worse crush he’s had since he was a teen. But can there be any hope for them when Jamie and Mia’s lives are about to be uprooted?
This Christmas, its Jamie’s turn to receive a little help from heaven.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2019
142 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Eli Easton
83 books2,804 followersHaving been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a game designer, an organic farmer, an avid hiker, and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
December 11, 2019
I know Eli Easton can write a fabulous holiday story, but Angels Sing didn't really work for me, even though many of my friends enjoyed it.
First of all, there is a LOT of kid and kid-centered content in this story, and while that isn't always a bad thing, I felt like much of the focus of the story was on the children and their issues and not enough on relationship development. It wasn't my favorite setting for a holiday story, but I think if the rest of the book was stellar, I could have just rolled with it.
I also didn't enjoy the multiple POVs, which I know Eli Easton sometimes throws in the pot, but I like either strict one POV or alternating POVs. More than that and I'm out. There was also a pseudo-mystical element that I found to be out of place. I get that Christmas can be a magical time for some people, but it felt like a stretch.
On that note, I thought that the setting was supposed to be a public school, and if so... a Christmas pageant?? Really? For a private school, yeah, whatever, but in my very Jewish neck of the woods (with a fair amount of Muslim and Hindu people), a Christmas pageant would NOT fly.
And finally, and I won't give away any BIG spoilers, but I was actually mildly offended by the storyline of how Jaime became a father. He not only chose (!!) this life, 100%, but I found it to be traumatizing for the mother. It was off-putting.
Look, I'm not saying that the book was bad, but for Eli Easton, it was disappointing.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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First of all, there is a LOT of kid and kid-centered content in this story, and while that isn't always a bad thing, I felt like much of the focus of the story was on the children and their issues and not enough on relationship development. It wasn't my favorite setting for a holiday story, but I think if the rest of the book was stellar, I could have just rolled with it.
I also didn't enjoy the multiple POVs, which I know Eli Easton sometimes throws in the pot, but I like either strict one POV or alternating POVs. More than that and I'm out. There was also a pseudo-mystical element that I found to be out of place. I get that Christmas can be a magical time for some people, but it felt like a stretch.
On that note, I thought that the setting was supposed to be a public school, and if so... a Christmas pageant?? Really? For a private school, yeah, whatever, but in my very Jewish neck of the woods (with a fair amount of Muslim and Hindu people), a Christmas pageant would NOT fly.
And finally, and I won't give away any BIG spoilers, but I was actually mildly offended by the storyline of how Jaime became a father. He not only chose (!!) this life, 100%, but I found it to be traumatizing for the mother. It was off-putting.
Look, I'm not saying that the book was bad, but for Eli Easton, it was disappointing.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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November 29, 2019
~3.5~
I hate saying anything negative about an Eli Easton book because I love her work. Most of her stories are 5 star reads for me. The first Daddy Dearest book certainly was.
However, while I liked Angels Sing, I didn't love it. Because reasons, the main one being:
SO MANY DAMN KIDS.
Yes, yes, this series is about daddies, but the kids (not just Mia, Jamie's daughter, but all of Stanton's 1st grade students) took over the story line. Stanton is pushed into being a 1st grade substitute teacher, and one of his tasks is helping the kids put together a short Christmas program. Jamie, his student Mia's dad, volunteers to help.
Stanton, who's bi but has never really explored his attraction to men, has a huge crush on feminine Jamie, but the MCs are never really together outside the kid-infused setting.
A couple sexy scenes, which are perfectly lovely (the kimono scene is HOT!), are included, and I didn't need any more steam, but I wanted these guys to have some adult time: a dinner date, walk in the park, ANYTHING besides talking about the Christmas pageant and Mia. As it stands, the relationship development was minimal.
This is very much a feel-good story, even though we find out Jamie gave up all his dreams to raise Mia (who is not his biological daughter). The bookstore where Jamie has worked for years, and which he considered his and Mia's future, is in financial straits, and Jamie is despondent that he has to start all over again.
Not to worry: the ending is a VERY happy one, with the issue of the book store bankruptcy resolved by a real-life "angel" with some serious business acumen (who also happened to be the predator in the story, something that was casually dismissed when it came time to brand the hero).
Indeed, the epilogue is all kinds of hopeful and sweet.
My other niggle is that there is a hint of magical intervention that never comes to fruition. I have no idea why those scenes were included, since they went nowhere. Oh, and there is a chapter from Amelia's (Stanton's mom) POV that felt random and was, in my opinion, unnecessary.
Other than that, this is an enjoyable holiday story. I'm not a fan of kids in my romance, but if you are, you'll adore this book.
I hate saying anything negative about an Eli Easton book because I love her work. Most of her stories are 5 star reads for me. The first Daddy Dearest book certainly was.
However, while I liked Angels Sing, I didn't love it. Because reasons, the main one being:
SO MANY DAMN KIDS.
Yes, yes, this series is about daddies, but the kids (not just Mia, Jamie's daughter, but all of Stanton's 1st grade students) took over the story line. Stanton is pushed into being a 1st grade substitute teacher, and one of his tasks is helping the kids put together a short Christmas program. Jamie, his student Mia's dad, volunteers to help.
Stanton, who's bi but has never really explored his attraction to men, has a huge crush on feminine Jamie, but the MCs are never really together outside the kid-infused setting.
A couple sexy scenes, which are perfectly lovely (the kimono scene is HOT!), are included, and I didn't need any more steam, but I wanted these guys to have some adult time: a dinner date, walk in the park, ANYTHING besides talking about the Christmas pageant and Mia. As it stands, the relationship development was minimal.
This is very much a feel-good story, even though we find out Jamie gave up all his dreams to raise Mia (who is not his biological daughter). The bookstore where Jamie has worked for years, and which he considered his and Mia's future, is in financial straits, and Jamie is despondent that he has to start all over again.
Not to worry: the ending is a VERY happy one, with the issue of the book store bankruptcy resolved by a real-life "angel" with some serious business acumen (who also happened to be the predator in the story, something that was casually dismissed when it came time to brand the hero).
Indeed, the epilogue is all kinds of hopeful and sweet.
My other niggle is that there is a hint of magical intervention that never comes to fruition. I have no idea why those scenes were included, since they went nowhere. Oh, and there is a chapter from Amelia's (Stanton's mom) POV that felt random and was, in my opinion, unnecessary.
Other than that, this is an enjoyable holiday story. I'm not a fan of kids in my romance, but if you are, you'll adore this book.
December 10, 2019
🌲3.5🌲
I am crushing it with the femme reads all the sudden! Keep em comin', authors. I dig it. I dig it muchly.
So... spoiler alert, one of the characters in this sentimental holiday story is androgynous AND femme. Jaime is 100% sweetheart too. He's given up a lot of opportunities in his life to do the right thing and that's a rarity in the human race so I connected to him and his precocious and adorable daughter Mia pretty quickly.
Stanton is his love interest, a slightly older jock type and his physical opposite. This could've easily turned cliche but Easton made him the awkward and tongue tied one which completely worked for me. I half expected him to walk into a door because he was so distracted and besotted by Jaime. Jaime takes a bit longer to glom onto Stanton's interest but once he figures it out it was pretty entertaining to watch him turn Stanton inside out, both the PG-13 version and the adult version, though in different ways. Obviously.
I must confess I'm not a huge holiday story person. More of a cynical grinch type but Easton is hard to resist especially since Unwrapping Hank continues to carry the title of most beloved holiday story.
Was this as good as Hank?
No, but those are big shoes to fill. However, it sure was comforting to read which is something I've come to count on from this author and, for what it's worth, I devoured it.
Another thing it has going for it is it's not overly reliant on the miracle of the Christmas gambit. It's there but subtle and I appreciated that I didn't feel like I had glutted on peppermint sticks and eggnog after I finished it.
So if you're looking for a lighthearted and heartwarming holiday read Angels Sing is just what the doctor ordered.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I am crushing it with the femme reads all the sudden! Keep em comin', authors. I dig it. I dig it muchly.
So... spoiler alert, one of the characters in this sentimental holiday story is androgynous AND femme. Jaime is 100% sweetheart too. He's given up a lot of opportunities in his life to do the right thing and that's a rarity in the human race so I connected to him and his precocious and adorable daughter Mia pretty quickly.
Stanton is his love interest, a slightly older jock type and his physical opposite. This could've easily turned cliche but Easton made him the awkward and tongue tied one which completely worked for me. I half expected him to walk into a door because he was so distracted and besotted by Jaime. Jaime takes a bit longer to glom onto Stanton's interest but once he figures it out it was pretty entertaining to watch him turn Stanton inside out, both the PG-13 version and the adult version, though in different ways. Obviously.
I must confess I'm not a huge holiday story person. More of a cynical grinch type but Easton is hard to resist especially since Unwrapping Hank continues to carry the title of most beloved holiday story.
Was this as good as Hank?
No, but those are big shoes to fill. However, it sure was comforting to read which is something I've come to count on from this author and, for what it's worth, I devoured it.
Another thing it has going for it is it's not overly reliant on the miracle of the Christmas gambit. It's there but subtle and I appreciated that I didn't feel like I had glutted on peppermint sticks and eggnog after I finished it.
So if you're looking for a lighthearted and heartwarming holiday read Angels Sing is just what the doctor ordered.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
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September 23, 2025
RATING 4.5 STARS
Angels Sing is book two in the Daddy Dearest series by Eli Easton. This was a fairly short novella that I just couldn’t resist. I love holiday romance and love single father romance. So it was a win/win. It’s such a beautiful story and there was a particular moment towards the end that was just so wonderful, my eyes watered profusely.
Jamie Bailey is twenty four years old and is the single father to six year old Mia. When Jamie was about to graduate from high school, he thought he had the world at his feet. He had a full scholarship to Harvard so he practically had his bags packed to leave Bedford Falls, Oregon. But his younger sister announced she was pregnant and didn’t want the baby. Jamie just knew in his heart that he was meant to be this baby’s father. So he gave up college to become a daddy.
Then, he was offered a dream job in the city. But Uncle Billy that owned Raven Books, became seriously ill. Jamie had worked for Billy since he was old enough to have a job. He couldn’t leave Billy in his time of need. So he gave up the job prospect and stayed on as assistant manager of the book store.
Stanton Potter is thirty three years old. He is the physical education coach at the elementary school and loves his job. That is, until the first grade teacher is told she has to stay in bed for the remainder of her pregnancy. So Stanton is not only told he has to take over as a first grade teacher, he is told he is in charge of their Christmas program. To say Stanton is not happy is an understatement. But then, Stanton meets one of the children’s father. Time seemed to stand still. His heart beat wildly, his pulse sped up. Suddenly, things didn’t look so bleak.
Just when Jamie is thinking his luck might be changing, Uncle Billy admits just how bad their financial situation at the store is. That they are probably going to have to close the store. Stanton was the first man that Jamie had met that seemed to accept him as he is, and with a child. Now he’s sure he’s going to have to move away from Bedford Falls to find a new job. He has a child he is responsible for. That is his priority, even if it means leaving Stanton behind.
The feelings both of these men are experiencing for each other are a once in a lifetime thing. They are both devastated that Jamie might have to leave. At the same time, though, Jamie is helping Stanton with the Christmas program and they are getting to know each other better. Every moment they spend together makes them fall a little harder. If there is such a thing as Christmas magic, Jamie hopes that it might find it’s way to them to try to find a way to fix all of their problems.
This really was such a beautiful little story. I enjoyed getting to know these characters so much. If you decide to read it, I wonder if your eyes will water at the same point that mine did?! You’ll have to let me know.
Angels Sing is book two in the Daddy Dearest series by Eli Easton. This was a fairly short novella that I just couldn’t resist. I love holiday romance and love single father romance. So it was a win/win. It’s such a beautiful story and there was a particular moment towards the end that was just so wonderful, my eyes watered profusely.
Jamie Bailey is twenty four years old and is the single father to six year old Mia. When Jamie was about to graduate from high school, he thought he had the world at his feet. He had a full scholarship to Harvard so he practically had his bags packed to leave Bedford Falls, Oregon. But his younger sister announced she was pregnant and didn’t want the baby. Jamie just knew in his heart that he was meant to be this baby’s father. So he gave up college to become a daddy.
Then, he was offered a dream job in the city. But Uncle Billy that owned Raven Books, became seriously ill. Jamie had worked for Billy since he was old enough to have a job. He couldn’t leave Billy in his time of need. So he gave up the job prospect and stayed on as assistant manager of the book store.
Stanton Potter is thirty three years old. He is the physical education coach at the elementary school and loves his job. That is, until the first grade teacher is told she has to stay in bed for the remainder of her pregnancy. So Stanton is not only told he has to take over as a first grade teacher, he is told he is in charge of their Christmas program. To say Stanton is not happy is an understatement. But then, Stanton meets one of the children’s father. Time seemed to stand still. His heart beat wildly, his pulse sped up. Suddenly, things didn’t look so bleak.
Just when Jamie is thinking his luck might be changing, Uncle Billy admits just how bad their financial situation at the store is. That they are probably going to have to close the store. Stanton was the first man that Jamie had met that seemed to accept him as he is, and with a child. Now he’s sure he’s going to have to move away from Bedford Falls to find a new job. He has a child he is responsible for. That is his priority, even if it means leaving Stanton behind.
The feelings both of these men are experiencing for each other are a once in a lifetime thing. They are both devastated that Jamie might have to leave. At the same time, though, Jamie is helping Stanton with the Christmas program and they are getting to know each other better. Every moment they spend together makes them fall a little harder. If there is such a thing as Christmas magic, Jamie hopes that it might find it’s way to them to try to find a way to fix all of their problems.
This really was such a beautiful little story. I enjoyed getting to know these characters so much. If you decide to read it, I wonder if your eyes will water at the same point that mine did?! You’ll have to let me know.
December 14, 2019
Huh??
*scratches head*
I'm kinda confused. To be honest, halfway through I stopped reading and went back to the beginning to double-check things...I wasn't sure I was reading the right book?! Turns out I was, it just wasn't what I was expecting.
I'm having an especially hard time wrapping my head around the fact that this is a Daddy Dearest story because I LOVED Family Camp. And...I did not love Angels Sing. I didn't hate it but I could have done without it and that's not like me and an Easton book.
The plot was sporadic, the dialogue was strange at times and...what was up with the mysterious woman/angel???
I have no clue who she was or what her purpose was.
I could nitpick and carry on but I'll just leave it at...
I liked Stanton and Jamie but I'm sad to say, I didn't really like their story.
*2.5 what-in-the-what stars*
*scratches head*
I'm kinda confused. To be honest, halfway through I stopped reading and went back to the beginning to double-check things...I wasn't sure I was reading the right book?! Turns out I was, it just wasn't what I was expecting.
I'm having an especially hard time wrapping my head around the fact that this is a Daddy Dearest story because I LOVED Family Camp. And...I did not love Angels Sing. I didn't hate it but I could have done without it and that's not like me and an Easton book.
The plot was sporadic, the dialogue was strange at times and...what was up with the mysterious woman/angel???
I have no clue who she was or what her purpose was.
I could nitpick and carry on but I'll just leave it at...
I liked Stanton and Jamie but I'm sad to say, I didn't really like their story.
*2.5 what-in-the-what stars*
January 19, 2020
3.5 Stars
This went down nice and easy, as Easton reliably delivers on the holiday stories!
Totally a standalone in this series of single dads, this starts with Jamie who’s raising his daughter Mia, on his own. Their lives are disrupted when her most beloved teacher has to go on maternity leave, and a new one takes her place… a very nice looking one at that!
Stanton is used to just coaching older kids in various sports, and he’s totally out of his element when it comes to 6 year olds. It doesn’t help much that his non-artistic self also has to make sure his class puts on a show for the annual Christmas pageant. Good thing Jamie is around to help him out, right? *wink*
Overall, minimal angst with a touch of conflict with Stanton coming out with his never revealed bisexual status and Jamie with some work woes at the book store he manages.
Very sweet, heavy on all the kid cuteness one can imagine, this delivered on the flirting and slow build attraction between Stanton and Jamie, with a happy ending win! Bonus points for the epilogue that was the yummy icing on the cake!
This went down nice and easy, as Easton reliably delivers on the holiday stories!
Totally a standalone in this series of single dads, this starts with Jamie who’s raising his daughter Mia, on his own. Their lives are disrupted when her most beloved teacher has to go on maternity leave, and a new one takes her place… a very nice looking one at that!
Stanton is used to just coaching older kids in various sports, and he’s totally out of his element when it comes to 6 year olds. It doesn’t help much that his non-artistic self also has to make sure his class puts on a show for the annual Christmas pageant. Good thing Jamie is around to help him out, right? *wink*
Overall, minimal angst with a touch of conflict with Stanton coming out with his never revealed bisexual status and Jamie with some work woes at the book store he manages.
Very sweet, heavy on all the kid cuteness one can imagine, this delivered on the flirting and slow build attraction between Stanton and Jamie, with a happy ending win! Bonus points for the epilogue that was the yummy icing on the cake!
December 28, 2023
2.75 Stars
Disappointed this turned out to be my least favourite of them all, especially as it’s Eli’s and “It’s a Wonderful Life” is one of my favourite movies.
I really liked the beginning, but I struggled to finish it in the end. MCs were okay, but I wasn’t that invested in the relationship. The way Jamie became a father turned me off, and it left questions regarding his family.
Usually, I love kids, but sadly, I didn’t gel with Mia’s character.
Clarice the angel and her involvement was never explained 🤷🏻♀️
Disappointed this turned out to be my least favourite of them all, especially as it’s Eli’s and “It’s a Wonderful Life” is one of my favourite movies.
I really liked the beginning, but I struggled to finish it in the end. MCs were okay, but I wasn’t that invested in the relationship. The way Jamie became a father turned me off, and it left questions regarding his family.
Usually, I love kids, but sadly, I didn’t gel with Mia’s character.
Clarice the angel and her involvement was never explained 🤷🏻♀️
December 24, 2019
3.5 Stars
I liked this one. I daresay I ended up liking it even more than I thought I would when I first began.
That might seem like a strange comment to make when talking about a story by the ever-incomparable Eli Easton, but as a teacher, I actually try and avoid stories that are heavy on the kid stuff, as this series is, because I already feel a little bogged down by it all in real-life – and, honestly, my reading is a place for escape!
Having said that, in this story, where one MC is a young father of a six-year-old girl and the other is a teacher of a class of first graders, I wasn’t too perplexed to be reading a romance where children featured so heavily and where my job as an educator, with all its undertakings and possible stressors, was highlighted as a major theme within. Instead, I felt the stuff relating to Stanton’s role as a teacher was pretty well done and mostly realistic to my own experiences with first graders, school politics, and the exhausting hustle that can come hand-in-hand with the pressure to perfect pre-holiday school events.
I liked how the romance between Stanton and Jamie progressed; nothing was forced or rushed, instead they built a solid connection (in the limited page count) and fell in love genuinely, all while facing real-life challenges that served as short-lived roadblocks to them achieving their dreamy HEA.
I will say, though, those few scenes with the mysterious lady, and the possible angel vibes I was getting there, amounted to absolutely nothing, in my opinion, and I couldn't quite work out what the point was?! For a split second I thought it was going to be some kind of shout-out to last year's multi-author Christmas Angel series, for which Easton was the first contributor, but alas, it didn't come to pass and, again, I have no clue what the purpose of those scenes were here. If anyone gleaned something from this that I missed, I would love to know your thoughts!
Overall, this was another very sweet and lovely Christmas romance from Easton, as well as a welcomed addition to her recent Daddy Dearest series – even though there was nary a connection between the books beyond the single father finding love theme.
I liked this one. I daresay I ended up liking it even more than I thought I would when I first began.
That might seem like a strange comment to make when talking about a story by the ever-incomparable Eli Easton, but as a teacher, I actually try and avoid stories that are heavy on the kid stuff, as this series is, because I already feel a little bogged down by it all in real-life – and, honestly, my reading is a place for escape!
Having said that, in this story, where one MC is a young father of a six-year-old girl and the other is a teacher of a class of first graders, I wasn’t too perplexed to be reading a romance where children featured so heavily and where my job as an educator, with all its undertakings and possible stressors, was highlighted as a major theme within. Instead, I felt the stuff relating to Stanton’s role as a teacher was pretty well done and mostly realistic to my own experiences with first graders, school politics, and the exhausting hustle that can come hand-in-hand with the pressure to perfect pre-holiday school events.
I liked how the romance between Stanton and Jamie progressed; nothing was forced or rushed, instead they built a solid connection (in the limited page count) and fell in love genuinely, all while facing real-life challenges that served as short-lived roadblocks to them achieving their dreamy HEA.
I will say, though, those few scenes with the mysterious lady, and the possible angel vibes I was getting there, amounted to absolutely nothing, in my opinion, and I couldn't quite work out what the point was?! For a split second I thought it was going to be some kind of shout-out to last year's multi-author Christmas Angel series, for which Easton was the first contributor, but alas, it didn't come to pass and, again, I have no clue what the purpose of those scenes were here. If anyone gleaned something from this that I missed, I would love to know your thoughts!
Overall, this was another very sweet and lovely Christmas romance from Easton, as well as a welcomed addition to her recent Daddy Dearest series – even though there was nary a connection between the books beyond the single father finding love theme.
November 29, 2019
Eli Easton always writes consistently good holiday stories, and I absolutely loved Family Camp, the first book in the Daddy Dearest series, so when I found out the second book in the series would also double for a holiday read this year I was excited.
Angels Sing is a fun, sweet, and heartwarming holiday read I read in a single sitting. It's not long, it's heavy on the holiday sentimentality, there's definitely a couple of long winks towards It's a Wonderful Life, but it was the happy ending that had me grinning.
I loved how femme Jamie is, how Stanton was absolutely captivated by Jamie from the first moment they meet, and that ending! *sighs* I loved the ending. But...I would be lying if I didn't wish for more relationship development and on page dating, and sure, there were a few moments toward the end I side-eyed a bit, but can't talk about without spoiling anything (I'm looking at you, Amelia), but overall, Angels Sing is an sweet, enjoyable, holiday-themed, (mostly) dual POV, romance with some humor, a bit of magic, a little heat, and that oh-so-sweet happy ending.
3.5 Stars
Advanced Review Galley copy of Angels Sing provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Angels Sing is a fun, sweet, and heartwarming holiday read I read in a single sitting. It's not long, it's heavy on the holiday sentimentality, there's definitely a couple of long winks towards It's a Wonderful Life, but it was the happy ending that had me grinning.
I loved how femme Jamie is, how Stanton was absolutely captivated by Jamie from the first moment they meet, and that ending! *sighs* I loved the ending. But...I would be lying if I didn't wish for more relationship development and on page dating, and sure, there were a few moments toward the end I side-eyed a bit, but can't talk about without spoiling anything (I'm looking at you, Amelia), but overall, Angels Sing is an sweet, enjoyable, holiday-themed, (mostly) dual POV, romance with some humor, a bit of magic, a little heat, and that oh-so-sweet happy ending.
3.5 Stars
Advanced Review Galley copy of Angels Sing provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
December 1, 2019
3.5*
I absolutely adored the first book in the Daddy Dearest series and this one had all the same promise when it started.
It's seriously sweet, with a compelling cast of characters and I loved the setting, I'd happily spend hours in Raven Books!
But, I'm not sure what happened, it all then just seemed to carry on with one note.
There's a lot of admittedly cute kids, and a chapter from Stanton's mum's PoV that I didn't really get the need for, but they're my main niggles.
Overall, this is as accomplished as I'd expect from Eli, with a warmth to it which perfectly suits the festive season.
It has a gorgeous Epilogue, but I think I'd have liked a bit more of Jamie and Stanton together where the kids and the pageant weren't the focus.
Moderately steamy, it works well within the narrative and I didn't feel I was missing out on any sexy times.
Another good addition to the Christmas romance list.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I absolutely adored the first book in the Daddy Dearest series and this one had all the same promise when it started.
It's seriously sweet, with a compelling cast of characters and I loved the setting, I'd happily spend hours in Raven Books!
But, I'm not sure what happened, it all then just seemed to carry on with one note.
There's a lot of admittedly cute kids, and a chapter from Stanton's mum's PoV that I didn't really get the need for, but they're my main niggles.
Overall, this is as accomplished as I'd expect from Eli, with a warmth to it which perfectly suits the festive season.
It has a gorgeous Epilogue, but I think I'd have liked a bit more of Jamie and Stanton together where the kids and the pageant weren't the focus.
Moderately steamy, it works well within the narrative and I didn't feel I was missing out on any sexy times.
Another good addition to the Christmas romance list.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
December 5, 2019
4.5 stars
THIS was the Christmas romance I’ve been waiting for. Sweet and feel-good with lovely characters getting a beautiful HEA.
THIS was the Christmas romance I’ve been waiting for. Sweet and feel-good with lovely characters getting a beautiful HEA.
December 1, 2019
I am a huge lover of Eli Easton’s work so I had been “patiently” waiting to get my hands on this little beauty since it was announced.
And, Eli did NOT disappointed whatsoever.
A young, single father. A gym teacher suddenly put in charge of twenty something six year olds. An adorable, smart little girl. Mix in holiday cheer and you get a charming Christmas romance.
I was quite taken with Jamie from the very start. I am a sucker for being able to relate to characters and I was able to resonate with his character quite a bit. He’s a young, single father of this extremely bright little girl named Mia and he’s completely unapologetic about who is he.
Stanton was also a very likable character. It was very heartwarming to see him get thrown into a situation he isn’t a fan of but come out so gracefully. Watching him win over all the children, especially Mia who was a harder cookie to crack, was everything.
This couple together was very sweet and I couldn’t help but adore them together. I love a good pining story where each party is completely oblivious to the others feelings. The build up to this characters HEA was truly worth it. There were real feeling challenges in order for it to be achieved but the outcome was quite wonderful.
Eli has given us a sweet Christmas romance with very lovable characters that you’ll be rooting for from beginning to end.
5 stars <3
And, Eli did NOT disappointed whatsoever.
A young, single father. A gym teacher suddenly put in charge of twenty something six year olds. An adorable, smart little girl. Mix in holiday cheer and you get a charming Christmas romance.
I was quite taken with Jamie from the very start. I am a sucker for being able to relate to characters and I was able to resonate with his character quite a bit. He’s a young, single father of this extremely bright little girl named Mia and he’s completely unapologetic about who is he.
Stanton was also a very likable character. It was very heartwarming to see him get thrown into a situation he isn’t a fan of but come out so gracefully. Watching him win over all the children, especially Mia who was a harder cookie to crack, was everything.
This couple together was very sweet and I couldn’t help but adore them together. I love a good pining story where each party is completely oblivious to the others feelings. The build up to this characters HEA was truly worth it. There were real feeling challenges in order for it to be achieved but the outcome was quite wonderful.
Eli has given us a sweet Christmas romance with very lovable characters that you’ll be rooting for from beginning to end.
5 stars <3
December 5, 2019
4.25 stars from me. Yes, it was a little sugary sweet, but I liked the characters and the fact that there was another little person for Jamie and Stanton to love at the end. Much better for me personally than Family Camp, which I found quite cringeworthy and cavity-inducing to be honest.
December 12, 2019
3.5
If I ever want to remember how I felt about this years Christmas journey with Eli Easton I only have to read ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~'s review. She said all there is to say.
If I ever want to remember how I felt about this years Christmas journey with Eli Easton I only have to read ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~'s review. She said all there is to say.
December 8, 2019
"Look daddy...teacher says everytime a bell rings..."
Now if you've seen 'It's a Wonderful Life' than you know what the ending for that sentence is and if you haven't...seriously what are you waiting for? ok, if you haven't figured it out already this is absolutely my favorite holiday movie and this book is not that movie but...
Eli Easton's "Angels Sing" is set in 'Bedford Falls' and features Jamie Bailey (George Bailey) Mai Bailey (I know we want to say Mary Bailey here, but I'm going with Zuzu Bailey and if you've seen the movie, I think you'll agree with me on this), Uncle Billy (well this was a no brainer Uncle Billy Bailey...now say that one 3 times really fast), Stanton Potter (ok, I got nothing on this one), Amelia Potter (Mr. Potter...otherwise known as 'the bad person). So yes, this story shares some similarities with the classic 1946 holiday movie. But it's also very much it's own story.
While there are similarities in terms of character names and the story's setting there are also numerous differences the biggest one being no angels and by this I'm not talking about adorable little kiddles...I'm talking 'NO Angels' as in no Clarence trying to earn his wings, no Savings & Loans, no Bert & Ernie (that's right folks even the creators of Sesame Street were inspired by this classic movie), no seeing what life would have been like if you'd never been born for anyone... because...no angels. While the the plot in the movie and this story are similar in that they are very holiday themed and there is a happy ending...come on now, it's a Christmas story you can't tell me you didn't expect a happy ending, what happens in the story is very different from the 1946 movie which obviously inspired this book and as far as I'm concerned what better inspiration could one have.
I know there are a lot of wonderful holiday stories out there but 'It's a Wonderful Life' is for me at the top of that list. So to have an author that I like as much as Ms Easton pay tribute to my favorite holiday movie with a story as sweet this one just makes me happy.
While there were some very snow melting moments between Jamie and Stanton, what really won me over on this one was just the magic of the season that was instilled in the story and the fact that the author paid tribute to but didn't try to emulate a holiday classic that I'm sure is near and dear to more than just my heart.
I'm fairly certain that I'll be adding this one to my holiday traditions the only question for me is...will there be an audio version because if there is... sign me up please, Clarence!
*************************
An ARC of "Angels Sing" was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Now if you've seen 'It's a Wonderful Life' than you know what the ending for that sentence is and if you haven't...seriously what are you waiting for? ok, if you haven't figured it out already this is absolutely my favorite holiday movie and this book is not that movie but...
Eli Easton's "Angels Sing" is set in 'Bedford Falls' and features Jamie Bailey (George Bailey) Mai Bailey (I know we want to say Mary Bailey here, but I'm going with Zuzu Bailey and if you've seen the movie, I think you'll agree with me on this), Uncle Billy (well this was a no brainer Uncle Billy Bailey...now say that one 3 times really fast), Stanton Potter (ok, I got nothing on this one), Amelia Potter (Mr. Potter...otherwise known as 'the bad person). So yes, this story shares some similarities with the classic 1946 holiday movie. But it's also very much it's own story.
While there are similarities in terms of character names and the story's setting there are also numerous differences the biggest one being no angels and by this I'm not talking about adorable little kiddles...I'm talking 'NO Angels' as in no Clarence trying to earn his wings, no Savings & Loans, no Bert & Ernie (that's right folks even the creators of Sesame Street were inspired by this classic movie), no seeing what life would have been like if you'd never been born for anyone... because...no angels. While the the plot in the movie and this story are similar in that they are very holiday themed and there is a happy ending...come on now, it's a Christmas story you can't tell me you didn't expect a happy ending, what happens in the story is very different from the 1946 movie which obviously inspired this book and as far as I'm concerned what better inspiration could one have.
I know there are a lot of wonderful holiday stories out there but 'It's a Wonderful Life' is for me at the top of that list. So to have an author that I like as much as Ms Easton pay tribute to my favorite holiday movie with a story as sweet this one just makes me happy.
While there were some very snow melting moments between Jamie and Stanton, what really won me over on this one was just the magic of the season that was instilled in the story and the fact that the author paid tribute to but didn't try to emulate a holiday classic that I'm sure is near and dear to more than just my heart.
I'm fairly certain that I'll be adding this one to my holiday traditions the only question for me is...will there be an audio version because if there is... sign me up please, Clarence!
*************************
An ARC of "Angels Sing" was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2019
Just as sweet, swoony and adorable as I could want for a holiday tale. Eli Easton is an auto-buy author for me and I always count on her for wonderful Christmas feels as well as a good story. And I loved all the nods to one of my all-time favorite Christmas movies! <3
November 27, 2019
Super cute holiday romance!
Content warnings include: sex on-page, character faces loosing their job and livelihood, debt; mentions of unplanned pregnancy and giving up once-in-a-livetime opportunities.
I enjoyed reading this a lot, even though it had a bittersweet note for me while being very definitely a light-hearted book.
The romance was cute and light-handed, with an equal amount of attention on the kids, both Mia, Jamie's daughter, and the entire class of first graders Stanton got roped into teaching for a few months.
The plot around the bookstore added some tension, and, while not unpredictable, a quite lovely spin towards the end.
It's definitely light hearted and uplifting, despite the challenges, but I found it hard to read about how much Jamie has given up for his family. It all worked out for him, of course, but hearing him talk about turning down amazing opportunity after opportunity... as much as I love romance books, I found that heart-breaking.
There was also an element around an unnamed side character who kept popping up, but I couldn't really figure out what it was supposed to mean. I assume it's supposed to be add some christmas magic to it, but as the ending worked out fine on it's own I wonder about its inclusion.
Still, the book made me tear up a little at how much the two protagonists cared about the kids, and the happy ending was cute and wonderful, and very enjoyable to read even outside of the holiday season.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Content warnings include: sex on-page, character faces loosing their job and livelihood, debt; mentions of unplanned pregnancy and giving up once-in-a-livetime opportunities.
I enjoyed reading this a lot, even though it had a bittersweet note for me while being very definitely a light-hearted book.
The romance was cute and light-handed, with an equal amount of attention on the kids, both Mia, Jamie's daughter, and the entire class of first graders Stanton got roped into teaching for a few months.
The plot around the bookstore added some tension, and, while not unpredictable, a quite lovely spin towards the end.
It's definitely light hearted and uplifting, despite the challenges, but I found it hard to read about how much Jamie has given up for his family. It all worked out for him, of course, but hearing him talk about turning down amazing opportunity after opportunity... as much as I love romance books, I found that heart-breaking.
There was also an element around an unnamed side character who kept popping up, but I couldn't really figure out what it was supposed to mean. I assume it's supposed to be add some christmas magic to it, but as the ending worked out fine on it's own I wonder about its inclusion.
Still, the book made me tear up a little at how much the two protagonists cared about the kids, and the happy ending was cute and wonderful, and very enjoyable to read even outside of the holiday season.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 25, 2019
A delightful Christmas story with lots of heart.
In Oregon, Jaime, 24, works in his Uncle's Bookstore;
living upstairs with his niece, Mia, 6, who he is raising. Mia is in 1st grade and a great kid. Jaime became her Dad at 18, and it cost him his scholarship and work dreams, but he's happy and loves his child. Mia's teacher is pregnant and placed on bed rest, so Mia's new teacher is Coach Stanton, and Mia doesn't like it.
Stanton, 33, is bi and likes what he sees...
... in Jaime, he sees a free spirit who wears his gayness in his fashion. I didn't know they made pink Doc Martins !
And they look good with sheer shirts and a purple parka !
The cast of characters is marvelous, the story is fresh with a twist, also with older/younger, teacher/parent of student vibes going on. The bookstore is in peril. I loved these men and how they got closer, the sweet Christmas pageant and the whole heartwarming tale.
Have some tissues ready for the overwhelming happiness that is provided.
A delightful, sexy, caring, warm and hopeful story; a fantastic holiday romance that keeps on giving.
ENJOY !
======
In Oregon, Jaime, 24, works in his Uncle's Bookstore;
living upstairs with his niece, Mia, 6, who he is raising. Mia is in 1st grade and a great kid. Jaime became her Dad at 18, and it cost him his scholarship and work dreams, but he's happy and loves his child. Mia's teacher is pregnant and placed on bed rest, so Mia's new teacher is Coach Stanton, and Mia doesn't like it.
Stanton, 33, is bi and likes what he sees...
... in Jaime, he sees a free spirit who wears his gayness in his fashion. I didn't know they made pink Doc Martins !
And they look good with sheer shirts and a purple parka !
The cast of characters is marvelous, the story is fresh with a twist, also with older/younger, teacher/parent of student vibes going on. The bookstore is in peril. I loved these men and how they got closer, the sweet Christmas pageant and the whole heartwarming tale.
Have some tissues ready for the overwhelming happiness that is provided.
A delightful, sexy, caring, warm and hopeful story; a fantastic holiday romance that keeps on giving.
ENJOY !
======
December 6, 2019
I generally quite enjoy this author, but this book was a bit of a miss for me. It wasn't bad, and it was short enough (and my expectations based on other reviews) were low enough, that I wasn't too put off, but it just wasn't my cup of tea. Kid!fic is a hard sell for me, and I did think there was just too much focus on children and kids here, and not enough focus on the relationship. The angst was pretty weak and manufactured, I didn't 100% buy the connection between the character or care all that much about their relationship, and I found the whole idea of how Jamie became a parent to be super odd.
Jamie's attitude about being a young parent throughout the book was often "it's worth it even though I gave up so much to raise her and became a parent way too young" that when it was ~revealed~ that his kid was actually his niece and that he essentially forced his sister to have the baby that she actively wanted to abort just so that he could have a kid, it felt super bizarre and was extremely off-putting. YOU CHOSE THIS! You could have had a kid later in life in SO MANY other ways other than forcing your sister to go trough the trauma of pregnancy and birth (which IS trauma, especially if it's unwanted) and it was such a small, throwaway backstory, but it totally affected how I saw the entire situation and really put me off the whole book, tbh. Like, men controlling women's bodies for their own selfish gains is super fucking gross, and it really, really bothered me.
Jamie's attitude about being a young parent throughout the book was often "it's worth it even though I gave up so much to raise her and became a parent way too young" that when it was ~revealed~ that his kid was actually his niece and that he essentially forced his sister to have the baby that she actively wanted to abort just so that he could have a kid, it felt super bizarre and was extremely off-putting. YOU CHOSE THIS! You could have had a kid later in life in SO MANY other ways other than forcing your sister to go trough the trauma of pregnancy and birth (which IS trauma, especially if it's unwanted) and it was such a small, throwaway backstory, but it totally affected how I saw the entire situation and really put me off the whole book, tbh. Like, men controlling women's bodies for their own selfish gains is super fucking gross, and it really, really bothered me.
November 30, 2019
I LOVED this!
February 8, 2020
2.5 stars rounded up
Usually Eli Easton's books are a win for me. Hell, the first book of this series was a great win for me, I loved it.
But this was shorter, and a holiday story, and like with another of Easton's holiday stories, this one didn't do much for me as well.
I did like Jamie and Stanton, they were likable characters, and they were mostly sweet together. But a big thing that bothered me was how much more it felt like Stanton was the only one smitten and like Jamie was mostly just flattered that Stanton adored him so much. I wasn't feeling much of the love from Jamie. At one point near the end he even thinks that he "likes" Stanton but has been pushing him away because he couldn't handling "liking him more" or even falling for him and having his heart broken.
And we didn't have an "oh shit, I'm in love with him" moment with Jamie. We did with Stanton. He was clearly smitten from day 1, and he had thoughts about he felt more for Jamie than he had anyone else and that he was falling for him. We had no such thing with Jamie.
Now I liked Jamie, in fact I really enjoyed his character for the most part. But I think there definitely needed to be more of his feelings for Stanton to be expressed for it to be believable that he'd choose Stanton in the end and I just wasn't feeling that much in this. In small moments here and there, sure, but not enough, and especially not in the beginning.
I also don't really like the story of how Jamie got Mia. I was gonna give this book 3 stars but upon writing that all out, I'm taking another .5 stars off this. Just...no on all that.
Also, the ending was really abrupt and and fast and like "woah, what" because one second we were chugging along in the story and then it just ends without a convo between our two MC's cementing their relationship and we get the epilogue 2 years later and it's like...huh? When did these two get to being in a committed relationship in the first place?! Then we find out SUPER rushed.
So overall while I liked parts of this - and Stanton's character was the best character in this, a definite plus - and enjoyed most of the characters overall, there just wasn't enough on Jamie's end, and then the issue with Jamie and his sister and everything, and that rushed ending lead me to giving this 2.5 stars.
The first book in this series was definitely better and with my limited experience of Easton novella's and holiday stories, I gotta say they are not a strong suit for this usually good author. Mostly did not work for me this time.
Usually Eli Easton's books are a win for me. Hell, the first book of this series was a great win for me, I loved it.
But this was shorter, and a holiday story, and like with another of Easton's holiday stories, this one didn't do much for me as well.
I did like Jamie and Stanton, they were likable characters, and they were mostly sweet together. But a big thing that bothered me was how much more it felt like Stanton was the only one smitten and like Jamie was mostly just flattered that Stanton adored him so much. I wasn't feeling much of the love from Jamie. At one point near the end he even thinks that he "likes" Stanton but has been pushing him away because he couldn't handling "liking him more" or even falling for him and having his heart broken.
And we didn't have an "oh shit, I'm in love with him" moment with Jamie. We did with Stanton. He was clearly smitten from day 1, and he had thoughts about he felt more for Jamie than he had anyone else and that he was falling for him. We had no such thing with Jamie.
Now I liked Jamie, in fact I really enjoyed his character for the most part. But I think there definitely needed to be more of his feelings for Stanton to be expressed for it to be believable that he'd choose Stanton in the end and I just wasn't feeling that much in this. In small moments here and there, sure, but not enough, and especially not in the beginning.
I also don't really like the story of how Jamie got Mia. I was gonna give this book 3 stars but upon writing that all out, I'm taking another .5 stars off this. Just...no on all that.
Also, the ending was really abrupt and and fast and like "woah, what" because one second we were chugging along in the story and then it just ends without a convo between our two MC's cementing their relationship and we get the epilogue 2 years later and it's like...huh? When did these two get to being in a committed relationship in the first place?! Then we find out SUPER rushed.
So overall while I liked parts of this - and Stanton's character was the best character in this, a definite plus - and enjoyed most of the characters overall, there just wasn't enough on Jamie's end, and then the issue with Jamie and his sister and everything, and that rushed ending lead me to giving this 2.5 stars.
The first book in this series was definitely better and with my limited experience of Easton novella's and holiday stories, I gotta say they are not a strong suit for this usually good author. Mostly did not work for me this time.
December 20, 2020
'Every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings.'
I adored this interesting take on a classic movie favorite of mine, It's A Wonderful Life, staring James Stewart and Donna Reed. Frank Capra at his best. Please watch it if you can this Christmas, its life lessons give hope to us all.
The author managed to infuse elements from the movie, giving her own unique, updated spin.
The mysterious beings that appear a time or two represent the angels, watching over our MC's and extended family, giving that touch of magic, something to belive in, so our men can find their true path. A belief in themselves and their value to those around them. How a small bookstore can mean so much to a community in different and varying ways, but no less important.
Yes indeed, it truly is a wonderful life.
I found little Mia engaging. Actually all of the kids. It's family folks, the nice and the naughty.
Uncle Billy, perfect. Amelia, a cut above Mr Potter.
The Christmas Pageant was the highlight of the story for me, saving the bookstore. Yes, there is romance, but I found it to be a means to an end, not the primary focus.
The story behind Mia's coming into this world, I didn't care for that at all. Not one bit. It didn't make alot of sense to me. Mystery mom goes and just forgets she has a kid, and a brother no less. A giant lump of coal for you my dear. And take some damn birth control for Pete's sake. Okay, enough of that.
Tinkle, tinkle, ... whispers on the wind. Believe in yourselves and the rest will follow.
👼🏻🎄☃️🧣❤
I adored this interesting take on a classic movie favorite of mine, It's A Wonderful Life, staring James Stewart and Donna Reed. Frank Capra at his best. Please watch it if you can this Christmas, its life lessons give hope to us all.
The author managed to infuse elements from the movie, giving her own unique, updated spin.
The mysterious beings that appear a time or two represent the angels, watching over our MC's and extended family, giving that touch of magic, something to belive in, so our men can find their true path. A belief in themselves and their value to those around them. How a small bookstore can mean so much to a community in different and varying ways, but no less important.
Yes indeed, it truly is a wonderful life.
I found little Mia engaging. Actually all of the kids. It's family folks, the nice and the naughty.
Uncle Billy, perfect. Amelia, a cut above Mr Potter.
The Christmas Pageant was the highlight of the story for me, saving the bookstore. Yes, there is romance, but I found it to be a means to an end, not the primary focus.
The story behind Mia's coming into this world, I didn't care for that at all. Not one bit. It didn't make alot of sense to me. Mystery mom goes and just forgets she has a kid, and a brother no less. A giant lump of coal for you my dear. And take some damn birth control for Pete's sake. Okay, enough of that.
Tinkle, tinkle, ... whispers on the wind. Believe in yourselves and the rest will follow.
👼🏻🎄☃️🧣❤
December 12, 2019
Hmmm. I love Eli Easton's stories. Usually. This one not so much. The rhythm felt off and the characters didn't hook me as many of her others have. There was attraction between Jamie and Stanton but not a lot of sexual chemistry. I was especially disappointed in the sex scenes. I don't care that there were only a few--it's not quantity, it's quality--but I've come to expect some major hormones and fireworks from this author that just weren't there.
There was also a huge focus on Mia, Jamie's daughter, and IDK, kids are nice but not for so many pages. Maybe I'm negatively influenced by my first career but, man, I am not a fan of young children so less page time the better. And then there's how Jamie became a father. That was a shocker and left a sour taste. And over and above his interactions with his sister, I wondered what is the story with his mother in all that. I just didn't get on board with the decision or how it was made.
Then there's Stanton who was almost too good to be true. And I found his personality a little off-putting. His mother's behavior was not what I expected either, based on her age and life experiences, so no buy-in there for me. And one more thing: that bell ringing business (you'll know when you read this) reminded me so much of last year's Christmas angel series that I kept looking at the date to see if I had stepped back in time or I got the wrong book.
All that being said, I still liked it. *2.5 stars worth of like so I rounded up because...Eli Easton. Maybe the author had only a limited time to get this done. Here's hoping this one is a fluke.
There was also a huge focus on Mia, Jamie's daughter, and IDK, kids are nice but not for so many pages. Maybe I'm negatively influenced by my first career but, man, I am not a fan of young children so less page time the better. And then there's how Jamie became a father. That was a shocker and left a sour taste. And over and above his interactions with his sister, I wondered what is the story with his mother in all that. I just didn't get on board with the decision or how it was made.
Then there's Stanton who was almost too good to be true. And I found his personality a little off-putting. His mother's behavior was not what I expected either, based on her age and life experiences, so no buy-in there for me. And one more thing: that bell ringing business (you'll know when you read this) reminded me so much of last year's Christmas angel series that I kept looking at the date to see if I had stepped back in time or I got the wrong book.
All that being said, I still liked it. *2.5 stars worth of like so I rounded up because...Eli Easton. Maybe the author had only a limited time to get this done. Here's hoping this one is a fluke.
December 6, 2019
** 3.5 stars **
This was a sweet holiday romance. Told from dual POV it was mildly steamy low angst story with a host of mostly cute characters. I liked how both Jamie and Stanton got to know each other - all the shy, awkward and romantic moments. I must admit that at times I found Mia's behavior slightly annoying instead of charming but I decided to overlook it. The plot twist was predictable, but the book had such a feel good vibe that I enjoyed it more than not. Steady paced HEA guaranteed Christmas love story!
This was a sweet holiday romance. Told from dual POV it was mildly steamy low angst story with a host of mostly cute characters. I liked how both Jamie and Stanton got to know each other - all the shy, awkward and romantic moments. I must admit that at times I found Mia's behavior slightly annoying instead of charming but I decided to overlook it. The plot twist was predictable, but the book had such a feel good vibe that I enjoyed it more than not. Steady paced HEA guaranteed Christmas love story!
December 8, 2019
3.5 stars
I liked this book EXCEPT! If my kids were going to public school and the school put up a CHRISTMAS pageant and made my kids sing CHRISTMAS songs about the birth of Jesus the school board would not hear the end of it. BIG WTF! This could not be a WINTER or HOLIDAY pageant? I am kinda disappointed about this lack of inclusion or consideration of other cultures or religions.
I liked this book EXCEPT! If my kids were going to public school and the school put up a CHRISTMAS pageant and made my kids sing CHRISTMAS songs about the birth of Jesus the school board would not hear the end of it. BIG WTF! This could not be a WINTER or HOLIDAY pageant? I am kinda disappointed about this lack of inclusion or consideration of other cultures or religions.
December 9, 2019
Eh, this did little for me, tbh. It's extra-schmoopy, which by itself would be okay since it's a holiday book. But I have a big problem with
As for the rest, it just kind of read phoned-in to me. I didn't think the MCs had much chemistry and Stanton was completely bland. Also considering how much of this book was about cute first-graders doing a Christmas pageant, it didn't really mesh well with the few hurried smut scenes, which just felt shoe-horned in.
The structure also felt off, with chapter after chapter from the same POV instead of a more even distribution, and there was one scene from an otherwise non-POV character that served absolutely no purpose.
So yeah, sorry to Grinch all over this but it didn't work for me at all. Probably time to stay away from any further installments in this series, since I don't do well with kidplots at the best of times.
As for the rest, it just kind of read phoned-in to me. I didn't think the MCs had much chemistry and Stanton was completely bland. Also considering how much of this book was about cute first-graders doing a Christmas pageant, it didn't really mesh well with the few hurried smut scenes, which just felt shoe-horned in.
The structure also felt off, with chapter after chapter from the same POV instead of a more even distribution, and there was one scene from an otherwise non-POV character that served absolutely no purpose.
So yeah, sorry to Grinch all over this but it didn't work for me at all. Probably time to stay away from any further installments in this series, since I don't do well with kidplots at the best of times.
December 13, 2019
It's a Wonderful Life
I loved this. LOVED IT! This is my favorite Christmas book of the year. I love, love, love the spin the Author put on an old favorite, It's a Wonderful Life and because of that, the magic.
This was just a perfect story for me and absolutely enough of everything I expect and want in a Christmas story.
I was truly not a fan of the first book so I had didn't have high expectations for this one. What a Christmas surprise!
LOVED IT!
I loved this. LOVED IT! This is my favorite Christmas book of the year. I love, love, love the spin the Author put on an old favorite, It's a Wonderful Life and because of that, the magic.
This was just a perfect story for me and absolutely enough of everything I expect and want in a Christmas story.
I was truly not a fan of the first book so I had didn't have high expectations for this one. What a Christmas surprise!
LOVED IT!
December 14, 2019
“Face flaming, Stanton carefully put the chair down and stood straight, searching for his dignity. A few children tittered and he grinned back, as if he’d meant to do that. Being six-year-olds, maybe they even bought it.” – Stanton, coach and temporary first-grade teacher
This is the second totally awesome ‘Daddy Dearest’ book – this one Christmas-themed – and I am so glad the author decided to add another volume to this series. I was already pretty much addicted to her stories – but man, this one tore at my heartstrings more than usual. Jamie is a remarkable young man who has given up any ambition for his own career to raise his sister’s baby. Stanton is a teacher – of older kids – who gets drafted into replacing the first-grade teacher just weeks before Christmas. When they meet all kinds of feelings begin to grow, but their romance is not an easy one for more than one reason. Entertaining, suspenseful, and with quite a few twists and turns this is an excellent read at any time of the year. Adding the Christmas-y elements just made sure I was a complete goner!
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
This is the second totally awesome ‘Daddy Dearest’ book – this one Christmas-themed – and I am so glad the author decided to add another volume to this series. I was already pretty much addicted to her stories – but man, this one tore at my heartstrings more than usual. Jamie is a remarkable young man who has given up any ambition for his own career to raise his sister’s baby. Stanton is a teacher – of older kids – who gets drafted into replacing the first-grade teacher just weeks before Christmas. When they meet all kinds of feelings begin to grow, but their romance is not an easy one for more than one reason. Entertaining, suspenseful, and with quite a few twists and turns this is an excellent read at any time of the year. Adding the Christmas-y elements just made sure I was a complete goner!
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 21, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Author Eli Easton has taken the premise of the holiday film, It’s a Wonderful Life, and morphed it into a lovely romance, Angels Sing, the second in her Daddy Dearest series. Based loosely on the aforementioned film, it stars two men who have little in common other than their attraction to each other. Stanton is hilarious, at turns, as the physical education teacher turned first-grade, short-term substitute. His main goal is to get through the next few weeks until the real sub can arrive to take the class and hope he survives. With the thought of a Christmas pageant looming in the future, the guy is terrified he will not make it, but then Jamie comes along—talented, sweet Jamie who offers to help and Stanton falls hard for the gender fluid younger man.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Author Eli Easton has taken the premise of the holiday film, It’s a Wonderful Life, and morphed it into a lovely romance, Angels Sing, the second in her Daddy Dearest series. Based loosely on the aforementioned film, it stars two men who have little in common other than their attraction to each other. Stanton is hilarious, at turns, as the physical education teacher turned first-grade, short-term substitute. His main goal is to get through the next few weeks until the real sub can arrive to take the class and hope he survives. With the thought of a Christmas pageant looming in the future, the guy is terrified he will not make it, but then Jamie comes along—talented, sweet Jamie who offers to help and Stanton falls hard for the gender fluid younger man.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
December 24, 2019
2.5 stars
Have to agree with few reviews I saw here. The kids rather overwhelmed the romance. Together, I didn't find Jamie and Stanton to sizzle. I was thrown off by ONE single chapter from a completely different POV (is it really needed?!).
BUT, what rather make me sick was the SELFISH way on how Jamie adopted Mia. I mean, SERIOUSLY!!
The epilogue was sweet, but it wasn't enough for me to save the whole reading experience after I discovered that one fact.
Have to agree with few reviews I saw here. The kids rather overwhelmed the romance. Together, I didn't find Jamie and Stanton to sizzle. I was thrown off by ONE single chapter from a completely different POV (is it really needed?!).
BUT, what rather make me sick was the SELFISH way on how Jamie adopted Mia. I mean, SERIOUSLY!!
The epilogue was sweet, but it wasn't enough for me to save the whole reading experience after I discovered that one fact.
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