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Christmas in the City #2
Candy Cane Challenge
One year ago, Holly and Jackson met when their best friends Gemma and Cole got together. There was an instant spark between them, but they were looking for different things. Holly wanted a fling and Jackson was after love. When it came time for him to return to New York, they parted as friends and Holly stayed behind in London.
Now, Holly has come to New York for Gemma and Cole's wedding and to spend Christmas with the happy couple... and their best friend. It doesn't take long for Holly and Jackson to realize the electricity between them is still there, but the problem they had before hasn't gone away either. Holly thinks they should just have a good time,while Jackson's looking for a long time.
In the spirit of the season, they agree to a challenge. Jackson will try to win Holly's heart while she does her best to get him into bed. Whoever gives in first is the loser – though as the challenge heats up, it seems less about winning and more about enjoying the game.
When Christmas morning dawns, who will come out on top?
Now, Holly has come to New York for Gemma and Cole's wedding and to spend Christmas with the happy couple... and their best friend. It doesn't take long for Holly and Jackson to realize the electricity between them is still there, but the problem they had before hasn't gone away either. Holly thinks they should just have a good time,while Jackson's looking for a long time.
In the spirit of the season, they agree to a challenge. Jackson will try to win Holly's heart while she does her best to get him into bed. Whoever gives in first is the loser – though as the challenge heats up, it seems less about winning and more about enjoying the game.
When Christmas morning dawns, who will come out on top?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2021
73 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
Melody Tyden
45 books180 followersIf you're looking for sweet and steamy romance, you've come to the right place! I started reading romance novels in my early teens and writing them soon afterwards; growing up in small towns in western Canada, there wasn't much else to do! Luckily, those early stories have never seen the light of day.
Now, I live in the UK with my husband and daughter and spend my free time diving into magical or just romantic settings where true love (almost) always wins.
Now, I live in the UK with my husband and daughter and spend my free time diving into magical or just romantic settings where true love (almost) always wins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 6, 2021
This holiday romance read is full of enchanting moments, sweet romance, and adventure. I really enjoyed how the author brought two broken people who doubted themselves together, giving them both a second chance. Their unexpected romance was too sweet for words and absolutely perfect. This book couldn't have ended better, and I loved every minute of it. This is a must-read.
This book continues where the other left off, except for Jackson's point of view. Cole and Gemma are getting married; it is their wedding day. Jackson is Cole's best man and still looking for his own true love, but he doesn't do casual.
Holly is still lusting over Jackson, but she has done romance too many times and is determined to keep her heart locked with a key no one has. Jackson drops one heck of a truth bomb on her, and here's hoping these two can reconcile their differences when it comes to love.
Jackson and Holly make a deal, and oh, it is so sweet and romantic I can't wait to see it play out in Jackson's favor. Jackson and Holly both have a history with issues to overcome to believe in love again.
Things get steamy as they explore each base together, slowly making new experiences for both on dates and at night. Omg, Jackson is an idiot believing the filth and just about ruined his chances with Holly. I feel so bad for her.
Omg, this book ends so unexpectedly. I love how the author ended this story. This was a fantastic holiday romance read.
This book continues where the other left off, except for Jackson's point of view. Cole and Gemma are getting married; it is their wedding day. Jackson is Cole's best man and still looking for his own true love, but he doesn't do casual.
Holly is still lusting over Jackson, but she has done romance too many times and is determined to keep her heart locked with a key no one has. Jackson drops one heck of a truth bomb on her, and here's hoping these two can reconcile their differences when it comes to love.
Jackson and Holly make a deal, and oh, it is so sweet and romantic I can't wait to see it play out in Jackson's favor. Jackson and Holly both have a history with issues to overcome to believe in love again.
Things get steamy as they explore each base together, slowly making new experiences for both on dates and at night. Omg, Jackson is an idiot believing the filth and just about ruined his chances with Holly. I feel so bad for her.
Omg, this book ends so unexpectedly. I love how the author ended this story. This was a fantastic holiday romance read.
August 14, 2021
This is the second book in this series, after Mistletoe Mistake, but it can also be read alone.
Holly and Jackson's story is really different from Gemma and Cole's but just as engaging. These characters both felt so real to me. They're relatable and I understood their actions even when I didn't always agree with them (looking at you, Holly). Jackson is the sweetest!
There is less sex in this one than in Mistletoe Mistake, just by the very nature of the characters, but somehow that doesn't make it less hot. The buildup of intimacy between the characters as they get to know each other better, both physically and emotionally, leads to lots of steam, just in less traditional ways.
Loved the ending and coming full circle to include Gemma and Cole as well. I really recommend both of these books!
Holly and Jackson's story is really different from Gemma and Cole's but just as engaging. These characters both felt so real to me. They're relatable and I understood their actions even when I didn't always agree with them (looking at you, Holly). Jackson is the sweetest!
There is less sex in this one than in Mistletoe Mistake, just by the very nature of the characters, but somehow that doesn't make it less hot. The buildup of intimacy between the characters as they get to know each other better, both physically and emotionally, leads to lots of steam, just in less traditional ways.
Loved the ending and coming full circle to include Gemma and Cole as well. I really recommend both of these books!
February 18, 2022
⭐️: 5/5
🌶: 6/10
What a cute and steamy Christmas time love story!! Jackson and Holly met a year ago (in Mistletoe Mistake when Gemma and Cole met). Jackson was immediately enamored but Holly kept her distance. A year later they’re spending Christmas time in New York and it’s Jackson’s time to shine. The romance in this book was just perfect and the backstories for Jackson and Holly both were believable and endearing. I loved having both POVs throughout the book and seeing things from both sides. The steamy moments were sexy and fun and i loved the twist that created such a unique dynamic between Jackson and Holly. Can’t wait to see what else Melody comes out with!
🌶: 6/10
What a cute and steamy Christmas time love story!! Jackson and Holly met a year ago (in Mistletoe Mistake when Gemma and Cole met). Jackson was immediately enamored but Holly kept her distance. A year later they’re spending Christmas time in New York and it’s Jackson’s time to shine. The romance in this book was just perfect and the backstories for Jackson and Holly both were believable and endearing. I loved having both POVs throughout the book and seeing things from both sides. The steamy moments were sexy and fun and i loved the twist that created such a unique dynamic between Jackson and Holly. Can’t wait to see what else Melody comes out with!
December 11, 2021
Such a cute story. I loved how we got a full story from both couples. I loved Cole & Gemma's story but Holly & Jackson are definitely the favorite in my book. There is so many emotional connections between those two beyond just sexual connection. Candy Cane Challenge was perfection!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2021
I dived straight into this after reading Mistletoe Mistake and I am so glad I did. Jackson and Holly’s story has a really interesting twist and I was hooked from the moment Jackson revealed all. The anticipation built steadily and the steam came at just the right moments. I loved it!
August 20, 2022
The Christmas in the City series is one of my favorites from Melody! Totally worth the read!
January 4, 2023
Another cutesy feel good story, this one about the other half of both business partners. Best friends of the 2 in the first book, and almost too adorable for words.
Of course it had its share of steam, although not as much as the one before it, but still a 3.75-4 star from me.
Of course it had its share of steam, although not as much as the one before it, but still a 3.75-4 star from me.
November 4, 2021
Another wonderfully written story with characters you can't help but love.
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
August 19, 2021
Another fantastic book! I’ve read several of her work on another app! Her style of writing is incredible!! I look forward to the rest!
November 15, 2022
A challenge with a twist
Jackson and Holly have quite the adventure in this book. Their banter was well written and made it easy to envision them. This story was steamy enough, but not too steamy. Shows that sometimes you have to see the whole picture of thing’s before you make a decision
Jackson and Holly have quite the adventure in this book. Their banter was well written and made it easy to envision them. This story was steamy enough, but not too steamy. Shows that sometimes you have to see the whole picture of thing’s before you make a decision
June 8, 2022
Recommend
I really enjoyed the story of Jackson and Holly nd i know you will enjoy it also so get the book and start reading and enjoy
I really enjoyed the story of Jackson and Holly nd i know you will enjoy it also so get the book and start reading and enjoy
December 8, 2022
Wow. Loved Holly and Jackson from book 1. Different vibe then Cole and Gemma, but just as good. Jackson is amazing.
October 14, 2022
What a Christmas story! I can read Jackson & Holly's story over and over again!
December 4, 2021
I loved their story. A little slow moving and very different from the first one but really good.
December 28, 2021
Candy Cane Delicious
The 2nd book in the series - this story is about Jackson and Holly. The confession Jackson shares with Holly, and the insecurities Holly brings and watching them work through it together- during the holidays - great story!
The 2nd book in the series - this story is about Jackson and Holly. The confession Jackson shares with Holly, and the insecurities Holly brings and watching them work through it together- during the holidays - great story!
December 28, 2023
I enjoyed the first book of this series Mistletoe Mistake, so it was nice to read this book and continue on with Cole and Gemma’s story in a new way.
But I truly enjoyed this book so much more than the first. Jackson is the sweetest man. Someone who you would want to protect his heart at all costs. There’s not many men like him out in the world.
Miscommunication between the love interests can be so unbelievably frustrating to the point where you wish you could reach into the book to yell at them to smarten up. But that means the author is doing something right. Making you invested in the story, and having these strong emotions and connections to the characters.
Jackson and Holly’s love story simply put, was beautiful. I was constantly in awe of this man and the way he viewed life and love. How well he treated his friends, family, his team at the office, and of course the woman he loved, Holly.
This is a beautiful story of love, hope, passion, trust, Christmas, and so much more.
The build up to the intimacy of the characters, Jackson and Holly was perfect. Much different than in the first book, Mistletoe Mistake with Cole and Gemma. I loved the differences in both relationships, and how well both couples were for each other.
The ending couldn’t have been more perfect, it came full circle hearing from everyone’s point of view: Cole, Gemma, Jackson, and Holly.
But I truly enjoyed this book so much more than the first. Jackson is the sweetest man. Someone who you would want to protect his heart at all costs. There’s not many men like him out in the world.
Miscommunication between the love interests can be so unbelievably frustrating to the point where you wish you could reach into the book to yell at them to smarten up. But that means the author is doing something right. Making you invested in the story, and having these strong emotions and connections to the characters.
Jackson and Holly’s love story simply put, was beautiful. I was constantly in awe of this man and the way he viewed life and love. How well he treated his friends, family, his team at the office, and of course the woman he loved, Holly.
This is a beautiful story of love, hope, passion, trust, Christmas, and so much more.
The build up to the intimacy of the characters, Jackson and Holly was perfect. Much different than in the first book, Mistletoe Mistake with Cole and Gemma. I loved the differences in both relationships, and how well both couples were for each other.
The ending couldn’t have been more perfect, it came full circle hearing from everyone’s point of view: Cole, Gemma, Jackson, and Holly.
December 30, 2025
Okay so like, this book was absolutely everything!! Holly x Jackson are very much me and my fiancé. When we met? He had been celibate for 6 years and I very much was in my h0e phase. As a single mom society kept telling me that I was undesirable and with my poor dating track record and my failed marriage? I was starting to believe it. So I was resolved to just have hookups because it was easier to give someone my body than it was to give someone my heart again.
I met my fiancé the same way Holly met Jackson: by pure chance, we were at the right place at the right time. Only difference is we didn't wait a year to fall for each other. And everything has worked perfectly for us since we have given ourselves to each other fully.
No one is perfect but we are perfect for each other 🥰
I met my fiancé the same way Holly met Jackson: by pure chance, we were at the right place at the right time. Only difference is we didn't wait a year to fall for each other. And everything has worked perfectly for us since we have given ourselves to each other fully.
No one is perfect but we are perfect for each other 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2022
A sweet and gentle love story. This friends to lovers tale is a slow burn. Holly (bff to the h in in Mistletoe Mistake) finds Jackson to be hot, kind and successful but doesn't want anything serious. Jackson isn't willing to settle for less than the real deal. So they make a bet to see who caves first. There are many layers to this story, so much emotion but not angsty. The spice level is lower on this one vs the first book but still good. I love the games they play with each other. A good read.
December 10, 2023
4.5/5🌟
Jackson and Holly. Their interactions in the first book really made me excited to read this book. They really seemed to fit, so I couldn't wait to see how that went. And it was so much better than I expected. Jackson was scared of the physical aspects of a relationship, but completely ready for the emotional part. Holly ran away from anything emotional because she had been hurt in the past. This story, watching them navigate falling in love, was pretty fantastic. And the epilogue? Perfection. When I saw the next book is about Noah and Olivia, I might have squeed.🤣
Jackson and Holly. Their interactions in the first book really made me excited to read this book. They really seemed to fit, so I couldn't wait to see how that went. And it was so much better than I expected. Jackson was scared of the physical aspects of a relationship, but completely ready for the emotional part. Holly ran away from anything emotional because she had been hurt in the past. This story, watching them navigate falling in love, was pretty fantastic. And the epilogue? Perfection. When I saw the next book is about Noah and Olivia, I might have squeed.🤣
December 25, 2021
I picked this up as it sounded like a cute holiday read. He's a virgin. She's a player. They see each other at a wedding a year after they initially met. He wants her to take him seriously and date. She just wants a casual relationship. There's a bit of plot, but it's mainly centered around him experimenting with sex, while she slowly falls for him. It's a really light read.
Other than the story taking place in NYC during Christmas, there are really no other holiday references.
Other than the story taking place in NYC during Christmas, there are really no other holiday references.
August 3, 2022
hmm
I love the story but hated the ending. Why do you build up to the ending with holly and Jackson and only give them few pages that have skipped years.
I would have like how Jackson felt about meeting holly family.
And how holly found out she was pregnant what did she do.
Not be 3 years later.
And what did Gemma and holly call there second babies and was they Christmas Day. babies
I love the story but hated the ending. Why do you build up to the ending with holly and Jackson and only give them few pages that have skipped years.
I would have like how Jackson felt about meeting holly family.
And how holly found out she was pregnant what did she do.
Not be 3 years later.
And what did Gemma and holly call there second babies and was they Christmas Day. babies
December 15, 2022
No OWD or cheating.
The characters were fun and had a bit more emotional depth than the first book in the series.
V-Card MMC and Sex-Positive FMC (Loved this!)
While the smut was less adventurous than the former book, the buildup was enjoyable.
Dabbles of BDSM that make sense for the couple without being unrealistic for the situation.
The MCs had an honest and raw quality about them that I enjoyed.
The characters were fun and had a bit more emotional depth than the first book in the series.
V-Card MMC and Sex-Positive FMC (Loved this!)
While the smut was less adventurous than the former book, the buildup was enjoyable.
Dabbles of BDSM that make sense for the couple without being unrealistic for the situation.
The MCs had an honest and raw quality about them that I enjoyed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2023
I loved Jackson and Holly's story. it was a different twist which was refreshing to hear for a change. I liked the slow burn challenges. This allowed them to be themselves and be vulnerable. The steamy scenes were perfect. The narration was on point because the male lines were read by Giancarlo Herrera and female parts voiced by Hannah Schooner. They were able to voice American and English accents well.
July 29, 2022
Instant love trope is not my thing. The book was cute and I did enjoy it, but it was hard to get into and stay with. I get the character development and why they feel and act the ways they do, but it was hard for me to keep focused on. The ending were really cute and the spice was great. I definitely found myself laughing and smiling a lot more towards the end.
December 23, 2023
hot Innocence
Love Holly and Jackson’s story. Who knew he was such an innocent. But dang a hot one at that. She is amazing but has had some awful relationships in the past. He hasn’t had much experience but knows what he wants and that is Holly. Enjoy their journey to their HEA. Thanks for the read.
Love Holly and Jackson’s story. Who knew he was such an innocent. But dang a hot one at that. She is amazing but has had some awful relationships in the past. He hasn’t had much experience but knows what he wants and that is Holly. Enjoy their journey to their HEA. Thanks for the read.
February 22, 2023
Would have given it 5 stars if it didn’t start out super slow. It took me almost a month to finish because of it. Around 40% through the book is where it picks up and then I finished the last 60% in 2 days. I’d recommend reading this if you want a very mild smut book!
December 19, 2023
Another cute and spicy Christmas book by this author! This book was full is sweet romantic moments between Jackson and Holly, but it was also a book about a lot of foreplay between the two. Jackson having a secret that nobody knew about limited what he would do with Holly behind closed doors. Though the physical chemistry was there between them Jackson wanted Holly to decide what she wanted between them before he became to close.
December 19, 2023
This was cute and refreshing. I was glad to get a little more insight on Cole and Gemma from the first book. The MMC is actually a virgin and that’s normally not the typical route with romance books, so I was here for it. Jackson is a true, romantic and makes me swoon.
January 28, 2024
Romance
Continuing story of Holly and Jackson, friends of Cole and Gemma. Holly has much more experience than Jackson with sex. I liked the way they resolve to get closer and trust each other. Very nice ending
Continuing story of Holly and Jackson, friends of Cole and Gemma. Holly has much more experience than Jackson with sex. I liked the way they resolve to get closer and trust each other. Very nice ending
May 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this story. This was a sweet kind of love and these two characters felt like they were really made for each other. It felt like the typical love story that I grew up loving and hoped I would grow up to have.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews