The Ugly Christmas Sweater

by Jackie Paxson

7 Reasons to Never Do a Favor for Your Best Friend:

1. It’s an ugly sweater party
2. The party is full of handsy executives
3. It’s an ugly sweater party
4. It’s an open bar and you need lots of alcohol to get through the party
5. It’s an ugly sweater party
6. Your friend leaves you to humiliate yourself in front of a sexy suit
7. It’s an ugly sweater party

Being a good friend means attending a corporate Christmas party with the ugliest sweater your friend could find. Cierra is a very good friend. However, coping with the party with the open bar lends her to humiliating herself with the sexiest guy there.

Justin knows the girl who threw up on his shoes at his company’s Christmas party, if only he could remember where. Between her drunken slurs and unfiltered conversation, she was the most fascinating woman he’d ever met.

Christmas is the season filled with love and cheer. Can a woman with no filter and a billionaire CEO find a way to survive the season, fall in love, and save an animal shelter in the process?

Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2019

About the author

I am the author of the Dirty Laundry series, a romantic comedy series featuring sexy movie stars and the feisty women who put up with them. When I'm not writing, I'm busy with my husband, three kids and two fur babies, Cady and Oberon. In those moment between family, writing and my day job, I am busy posting sarcastic/too honest posts on instagram. Then finally in that sweet spot between utter exhaustion and an over active brain I get to enjoy reading until my kindle slaps me in the face.

Reviews

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

I thoroughly enjoyed this romcom. My face was aching from smiling so much and there are so many laugh out loud moments too. I fell in love with the whole book.

There were a few despicable characters that had my hackles rising but there are so many loveable and funny ones too, that I chuckled my way through the whole book far too quickly. The animals added to the hilarity really well.

Justin is a good looking, smart, sexy man-god and I really fell for him fast. From their first meeting to the last page I was his. Cierra is so clumsy that it’s comical; I do know a few people as accident-prone as her so I could relate. Her interactions with everyone are so unfiltered and funny that I feel I could easily be her friend.

Their slow-burn love story is compelling and addicting, I would love to read the other characters stories too. There are some great friends in this group and I just know their romances would be equally fun and swoony.

This is my first book by Jackie Paxson and I will be looking out for more in future.

[QuinnReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uproariously Hilarious!

OMG!! This is rip-roaringly hilarious! The sassy, quick-witted women (and odd pet) are AWESOME! Throw in a some hot guys - gay and straight - and a pair of pink fuzzy handcuffs and you have a MUST-READ book. A special shoutout to the older adults (yeah, Mrs B, that includes you!) who add amazing color to the story. This is quite possibly THE funniest rom-com I've ever read. I LOVE EVERYTHING!

UPDATED 1/2021: I really do love this book and the cast of characters! ...And there are plenty of characters - old, young, and in the middle, cats, dogs, and a foul-mouthed bird.

I had the pleasure of listening to the audio for the second time through with narrator Joy Reade. I enjoyed her voice as she brought the story to life. There isn't always much difference between characters' voices but overall, I liked her. Whether you prefer to read or listen, I'd recommend that you add this to your list of books to enjoy!
💖🎈🎉🎄🎅🎁😸🐰🐍🐶🐺🐱💙🔥

Story: 5 stars
Narration: 3.5 stars

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paxson finds a way to make you smile while breaking off a little piece of your heart. The Ugly Christmas Sweater takes on heartwarming whimsy while delivering some age old advice. Cierra speaks to the vulnerability that we all have, but have a hard time showing. Justin is the sweet dream that's always been there waiting for the heart to take notice. With an obvious message and charming presentation, The Ugly Christmas Sweater is a gem of a read.

[Piper's Romance Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a short & sweet tidbit from me today! This book was laugh out loud funny! It reminded me of Pippa Grant's antics with the animals. Soo enjoyed a-hole the cat! I'm pretty sure I snorted when I got to his part of the story. The story really sucked me in. It's definitely romantic comedy gold in my opinion. I laughed a lot and even snorted a few times.The story flows well and there are a lot of dynamics between the main characters and the people closest to them in the story. This kept things very interesting & entertaining! There were plenty of unexpected twists & turns which I appreciated because it gave more depth to the story and made me want to devour the book. In fact, I finished it in one sitting!

Special thanks to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Overall: 5⭐️
.
BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS
Plot: 5/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine): 5/5 - Cierra & Justin
He is: -Billionaire CEO -Sexy -Brooding
She is: -Coffee shop girl -Sweet -Awkward yet cute -Has no filter -Gives it to ya straight -Sky high walls
Angst: 5/5 - So. Much. Angst. Great build up!
The Feels: 5/5 - Such good feels!
Pace: 5/5
Addictiveness: 5/5 - Could not put it down! Stayed up EXTRA late to finish this book in one sitting. Worth it!
Steam/Hotness/Chemistry: 5/5 Slow burn romance - the anticipation was enough to set my kindle on fire!
Triggers:
Theme or Tone: 5/5
Flow (Writing Style): 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Originality: 4/5
Ending: 5/5 - Sweet and swoon worthy HEA
Book Cover: Smitten Christmas holiday romance
Trope: Billionaire romance
Romance Subgenre: New Adult Romance, Contemporary Romance
Source: Kindle eBook
.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, 18+. Definitely mature audience.
Would I read more from this author? Yes! Can’t wait to see who’s story is next! Personally, I’m hoping for Dinah!

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

What fun!!
A fantastically fun holiday romance that will have you laughing, snorting, fuming and once again believing in the magic of the season.

Cierra is a handful!
A touch snarky, a bit clumsy and a whole lot of heart.
Her character was a balance of 'sweet girl next door' and filter-free slightly mischievous BFF.
Always one to keep you on your toes as you can expect the unexpected from her.

Justin was the sexy billionaire filled with marshmallow goodness. Smart, successful, and oh so deliciously tempting.
It was fun watching him lose his heart to Cierra.

The supporting cast is just as addicting. Each one had their own endearing quirk. I found myself enamored with this cast. I do hope we get their stories.

*The copy I read was not the final edit so my star rating is based on the belief final editing was done before release.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read from this author and I really liked it. It was a fun Christmas rom-com. Justin and Cierra were such a great couple. They played off each other so well and it was fun watching them work their way to their HEA.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherry McWilliams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received a free copy from author for a review. I loved every minute of this story. You can't help but laugh out loud at some points and in others you groan. Justin and Cierra are fantastic characters.

[madtrekkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cierra works at Two Beans and a Latte and the highlight for the past few months has been a customer who wears an Armani suit. Invited to attend her best friends work party she is wearing the worst ugly Christmas sweater picked by her friend, bored by guys picking her up, leads her to the bar, and vodka pineapples lots of vodka pineapples as it would turn out! Cierra comes face to face with the mysterious man from the coffee shop. Cierras internal monologue breaks down and she says what she is thinking much to his amusement. Justin is pulled to Cierra, he has liked her from afar, but as he gets to know her, and the people in her life - he can't stay away!

This is one of the best books I've read this year! From the POV of Cierra it's humourous, heartwarming, filled with characters that are so realistic, hilarious situations (with animals, neighbours, parents and best friends) with witty dialogue that had me laughing out loud many times - it's pure joy to read! Told from Cierra's POV intimately describes her feelings, emotions and monologues that will have a reader laugh with her as she navigates through the crazy beautiful world she lives in and capturing the heart of her handsome, swoonworthy, adorable CEO!!!! Recommended!!!! Worth more than 5 stars!

[Monae Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a perfect read for the Christmas season. It is funny, spicy 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ and wonderful.

This story centers around a woman named Cierra. By her best friend she gets invited to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party. Cierra wanted to be a good friend and attend the party in the ugliest Christmas sweater her friend had found. She knows that the party will have an open bar. She ends up meeting a guy there by the name of Justin.

Justin meets a woman at the Ugly Christmas Sweater party he attends and it’s Cierra. Cierra manages to get sick all over Justin further embarrassing herself with the sexiest man she has ever met. Cierra has no inhibitions and no filter whatsoever. She says things out loud that nobody would think to say. Justin finds Cierra fascinating. This story was quite funny, spicy and overall a fun book to read.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first time author for me, and I am so glad to have read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I was giggling during this entire time reading. The characters are well developed and the friends are spot on in helping, goading and being there for support. I loved Cierra with her no filter and Justin, a big enough man to admit when he needed to make amends. I will be looking forward to reading more by this author in the near future.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Cierra and Justin have funny start to their relationship. This book is full of humor, drama and love. I thought these two were perfect for each other. Justin is going to take advantage of this opportunity to grab Cierra and not let her go. The book is well written and gives you a great hea.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holidays and everything to much at the moment, the grab this tale, sit back and loose yourself in a story that will have you laughing so much you will not want to get up. Justin and Cierra's characters are just what you need with their, their parents are over the top. If this does not get you in the season, than I am not sure what will. Definitely a must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cierra attends a party with her friend wearing an ugly Christmas sweater. There she meets Justin where she unfortunately throws up on his shoes after having too many drinks. Justin is not upset at all about what happened and wants to spend more time with her. They have some bumps along the way. Can they find their happiness?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book that I have read from this author and was not sure what to expect. So I was going in open minded. In the first couple of pages I was not so sure that this was going to be my kind of book, but I am really glad that I kept going. I really enjoyed reading this book. This book not only had romance, but suspense and mystery as well.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written Christmas story of suspense, drama, mystery and romance. I enjoyed reading Cierra and Justin's story, I ended up laughing at somethings as I read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I loved this! Christmas really is the season of goodwill and cheer and this has me in stitches! It’s well written and funny as well as a bit hot and romantic and you will just love the characters and their interactions! A great Christmas romance.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Cierra and Justin’s well developed with plenty of chemistry throughout the pages between them. One ugly sweater leads to so much more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A laugh out loud story with a cast of characters who were engaging and entertaining. I loved his character and I enjoyed her antics. A wonderfully crafted story that was a joy to read.

I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It had so many funny moments starting with throwing up on the shoes of the most handsome guy at the Christmas party.

[Tina Layner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. I laughed throughout the entire book. Justin was at a bar when a girl got sick all over his shoes. However, he did not remember who she was. Cierra got drunk and made a fool of herself in front of the sexiest guy in the bar. Will Justin remember who it was that got sick on his shoes?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Up All Night With Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
 Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer 
Up All Night w/ Books Blog

Love. Love. Love.

I have not had the pleasure of reading Jackie Paxson before so when I was offered to review this gem, I jumped at the chance. Jackie grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it until the end of the book.

Cierra has been working at the same coffee shop for a long while now and serves the same customer every day, unknowing who he was or what he did. The crush she carried seemed to be one-sided and she never dreamed he would return her feelings. Much less challenge her to open her heart and let down the walls she built around it. Can Justin make her see that she belongs with him? 

Cierra and Justin have a chemistry that you can detect from the start when they sort of officially meet at Cierra’s best friend’s Christmas party. Cierra is so far gone At this party that when she pukes on an unexpecting stranger, she does not realize who he is. Justin, on the other hand, knows exactly who she is and vows to get to know her better. 

Usually, I shy away from books that surround a holiday because it sometimes makes the character's interactions seem rushed. However, The Ugly Christmas Sweater is nothing of the sort. Jackie Paxson has created a world filled with love, humor, romance, angst, and friendship. All the feels. Her characters have a backbone and have no problems laying it all out there. 

Cierra was my favorite from the start with her spunk. I really wanted to see her happy and to have her happy ever after. Justin is the sweetest man and deserves his own happy ever after as well. But, things are not always as easy. There are people that are against their budding romance and will do just about anything to tear them apart. 

I highly recommend this gem. It is so worth it. 

 ***ARC received in exchange for an honest review.***

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cierra has been floating since college, working in the same local coffee shop until her best friend talks her into going to her work ugly sweater Christmas party. After drinking too much and dancing with sexiest man there she finds herself kissing and then getting sick on the same sexy man.

Imagine her surprise when she finds out the man she got sick on and held her hair back is the same one she and her co workers have been drooling over for months at the coffee shop. The biggest shock is he's not put off at all and wants her even more and is willing to chase after her and overcome her walls.

After getting a job as an event planner at his company ( though her best friend) things get really interesting. Throw in a couple of jealous mean girls and work, her fun and crazy parents, an older neighbor with a insane cat, and his mom who can't except her son dating below him this story is a fun ride. Can they overcome all of it and find their happily ever after?

Lots of steamy and laughs in The Ugly Christmas Sweater its a fun read.

I received an advanced readers copy for a honest review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars of fun and happiness!

Thank you, Jackie Paxson, for reaching out to me! I enjoyed this book.

This book has a HEA and amazing characters. I adore Cierra and Justin and the secondary characters are amazing too. I hope there are books about Trina and Dinah and Donny and Jonas. Hint, hint!

Cierra has worked at the local coffee house since graduating high school. Not her dream job, but it pays the bills for her. Her friend, Trina suckers her into attending the company Christmas party, where Cierra let's loose, in more ways than one. A job opens up for an event planner, right up Cierra's alley - at Trina's job. The same place Cierra let loose. When she goes in for the interview she doesn't expect to see the hot guy she serves coffee too.

Justin is smitten by Cierra. She is witty, creative, spunky, and has no filter. Plus she is gorgeous. Slowly he works his way into her life. With the loss of his father, his mother is on the warpath for his happiness. Only she's doing it her way and not the right way. Justin is happy with Cierra. Can he get his mother to back off or accept her? Or will she destroy everything?

[Sheila Schoenauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun contemporary romance. Cierra goes to an ugly sweater party with one of her best friends. She's been to these parties in the past and ends up getting so drunk she pukes on the one person she has been admiring for months. Justin has wanted Cierra since the first moment he laid eyes on her but was to afraid to ask her out. He takes his chance at his company's Christmas party and even holds her hair while she pukes. These two were adorable and had me smiling throughout the story. Though I will admit there were a few times I wanted to seriously smack Cierra. I liked Justin because he refused to let anything get in the way of their love, even if that person was Cierra herself. There was a great cast of secondary characters; all of whom I would love to read their stories. There was even a apologetic manipulative mother involved. In all, this book was cute and a great way to get me into the Christmas spirit. *I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*

[Jill Kerich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cierra agreed to go to her friend’s company party dressed in a ridiculous ugly Christmas sweater and sets herself at the bar for the night. Too many vodka and pineapple juices and she ends up in the arms of “Mr. Sexypants”. Although the evening ends a little messy, she soon finds out that her mystery man is the same attractive customer that comes to the coffee shop every day and leaves her tongue tied.
Cierra and Justin begin a friendship and romance that is fun and we get to ride along. There is conflict along the way, who could imagine a mother being so rude?? Despite theIr differences, they keep moving forward and deepening their feelings for each other. I found it very refreshing that this couple did not jump into bed immediately, in fact by the time they did, I was right there with Cierra’s girlfriends shouting “it’s about time!!”
All said, this was a easy read and paced perfectly. The secondary characters were enjoyable and I can see possible follow up books to explore their stories, who will Trina, Dinah and Honor end up with!??

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cierra perfect man came into her coffee shop every morning for his caffeine hit. But all Cierra does, is drool over his perfect butt as he leaves the store. On a night out with her friends, Cierra agrees to go to her friend Trina's ugly sweater office party. Having been to these events before, Cierra parks herself at the bar with her vodka and pineapple - or many vodka and pineapples! When Mr. McSexypants asks her to dance it's as if the world has faded away and it's just the two of them. As they sneak away, Cierra starts to regret the drinks and proceeds to vomit all over the gorgeous guy. Turns out, Mr. McSexypants is the same as Mr. perfect butt, much to Cierra's mortification! This is a fun contemporary romance, which builds into the bedroom rather than jumping right in. The book is well written, the story a lot of fun, with a touch of conflict, and many secondary characters that add to the overall enjoyment. If we're lucky, maybe Cierra's friends Dinah and Trina will get their own stories.

[Becky Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every moment of The Ugly Christmas Sweater. Jackie Paxson had me in full on giggles the entire time. It's been a little while since a book made me giggle and smile so much as this one did. I love the banter between Justin and Cierra. Those two are just so cute together and can not only make you laugh out loud but also fan yourself too. I love Cierra's friends, parents and her neighbor. To see why you really have to read this one. Justin is sweet and totally swoon worthy. Cierra is awkward and she owns it. If you love Christmas romance books then this is the one to read. It's funny, cute and hot all at the same time. What can I say other then you really need to read this one. I know this is a book I plan on re-reading over and over again because I couldn't get enough.

[Kelly Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book.
Its funny and has some great characters.
Cierra, the classic clumsy girl has a bit too much to drink at her friends work christmas party and after snogging Justin, the extremely hot CEO shes had a crush on for months she then proceeds to throw up not only in the toilet but also on his pants.
Great start to a budding romance.
I loved all the characters in this story, Cierra has some great friends whom I'm hoping will get there own book but I especially loved Cierras parents who cant keep their hands off eachother and cierras no filter neighbour Mrs B.
Funny, laugh out loud romantic comedy .

[Breen]

“Yes, this book was everything! The Ugly Christmas Sweater really hit my loving Christmas stories. I absolutely enjoyed this book. It was a really funny contemporary romance. Jackie writing skills had me laughing most of the time. Justing and Cierra were so cute together. A match made in heaven. He wasn’t at all what I expected and that made him simply perfect! Cierra was the classic clumsy girl but she was also unique in her own way. I must said the characters were exceptional and lovely. Funny, laughable and way too romantic. It’s a must perfect Christmas read.”

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this book to read and review and I absolutely loved it!

Any book that takes place at Christmas will have a piece of my heart from the start but the characters in this one took the rest.

Great humour throught out the story so it didn't get too intense even when drama came up. The characters were easy to love and cheer for

I hope we get to find out what becomes of Cierra and Justin's friends and family in future books