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The Happy Holidays #1
A Whyte Christmas
A funny, sweet, heartwarming romance.
Christmas has always been Kate O'Connor's favorite time of the year, but this season-despite her battery-operated twinkle-light earrings-she's feeling far from festive. In fact, she's wallowing in a generous dose of self-pity over the loss of her father, the train wreck that was her engagement, and an unsavory setback in her career. To make matters worse, her boss at the Cline & Co. ad agency has volunteered her to be the one-woman welcoming committee for Gavin Whyte, the VIP client from across the pond who could be the key to saving their struggling business. Eager to prove she's a team player, Kate resolves to show Gavin a good time, hoping his dazzling blue eyes, his delicious Irish accent, and her own propensity for disaster don't cause her to torpedo the company's chances of recovery.
Gavin Whyte would rather be anywhere than the Cline & Co. ad agency. Tasked with overseeing the ad campaign for his pharmaceutical firm, he's not impressed with the second-rate ad agency that's been awarded the contract. And there's one employee, Kate O'Connor, who confirms his suspicions that the ad agency just isn't up to the task at hand. She can't seem to do anything without something going wrong or the police showing up. Yet there's something about Kate that makes Gavin stop and take a second look.
Christmas has always been Kate O'Connor's favorite time of the year, but this season-despite her battery-operated twinkle-light earrings-she's feeling far from festive. In fact, she's wallowing in a generous dose of self-pity over the loss of her father, the train wreck that was her engagement, and an unsavory setback in her career. To make matters worse, her boss at the Cline & Co. ad agency has volunteered her to be the one-woman welcoming committee for Gavin Whyte, the VIP client from across the pond who could be the key to saving their struggling business. Eager to prove she's a team player, Kate resolves to show Gavin a good time, hoping his dazzling blue eyes, his delicious Irish accent, and her own propensity for disaster don't cause her to torpedo the company's chances of recovery.
Gavin Whyte would rather be anywhere than the Cline & Co. ad agency. Tasked with overseeing the ad campaign for his pharmaceutical firm, he's not impressed with the second-rate ad agency that's been awarded the contract. And there's one employee, Kate O'Connor, who confirms his suspicions that the ad agency just isn't up to the task at hand. She can't seem to do anything without something going wrong or the police showing up. Yet there's something about Kate that makes Gavin stop and take a second look.
276 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
December 21, 2021
This was one of those usual Christmas romances, however, this one had just enough comedy in it to make it fun.
October 17, 2017
Reviewed at Heart Full of Christmas
A Whyte Christmas is a lovely holiday romance that gives us touches of reality along the way to the happy ever after. Kate works for an ad company that is definitely on the down swing. Layoffs, taking lower pay jobs within the company just to have a job type of down swing. But there just may be hope on the horizon if the visiting VP overseeing his company’s ad with the agency likes what they do. And that’s a huge “if”. Kate has also had a rough few years in her personal life. Her father’s death, being dumped right before her wedding have turned an outgoing, trusting woman into a person who hides her light under a bushel (as my grandmother would say). Doing every unwanted job around the office, going out of her way to be a team player with little to no recognition for her efforts have at least allowed her to keep a job. Now she’s being tossed to the new visiting shark and it’s sink or swim time. Too bad Gavin Whyte is handsome, somewhat kind to her, has a lovely lilting accent and would be perfect if it appeared he wasn’t already taken… or held the sword of unemployment over all their heads.
Gavin and Kate’s romance is a slow burn, they each have an attraction but neither is actively working on doing anything about that. For Kate’s part, she believes he already has a girlfriend and won’t be the “other woman”. And Gavin is slowly discovering what an amazing woman Kate is, and making life changing decisions when far from home is probably not the best idea. The attraction is there, we’ll just have to see what they do with it.
I could probably give you real life names for most if not all of the characters from Kate’s office cast. Each one is unique, has their own quirks and annoyances. The office staff is definitely filled with a wide variety of personalities and feels completely, almost eerily real.
I enjoyed A Whyte Christmas very much. It’s sad at times, happy at others. It will make you think about situations that Kate and Gavin face. This one is far more than a holiday romance, but touches on some serious issues that we all must face in life. I would recommend this one for any Romance reader who appreciates those touches and moments of real life on the way to a happy ending.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
A Whyte Christmas is a lovely holiday romance that gives us touches of reality along the way to the happy ever after. Kate works for an ad company that is definitely on the down swing. Layoffs, taking lower pay jobs within the company just to have a job type of down swing. But there just may be hope on the horizon if the visiting VP overseeing his company’s ad with the agency likes what they do. And that’s a huge “if”. Kate has also had a rough few years in her personal life. Her father’s death, being dumped right before her wedding have turned an outgoing, trusting woman into a person who hides her light under a bushel (as my grandmother would say). Doing every unwanted job around the office, going out of her way to be a team player with little to no recognition for her efforts have at least allowed her to keep a job. Now she’s being tossed to the new visiting shark and it’s sink or swim time. Too bad Gavin Whyte is handsome, somewhat kind to her, has a lovely lilting accent and would be perfect if it appeared he wasn’t already taken… or held the sword of unemployment over all their heads.
Gavin and Kate’s romance is a slow burn, they each have an attraction but neither is actively working on doing anything about that. For Kate’s part, she believes he already has a girlfriend and won’t be the “other woman”. And Gavin is slowly discovering what an amazing woman Kate is, and making life changing decisions when far from home is probably not the best idea. The attraction is there, we’ll just have to see what they do with it.
I could probably give you real life names for most if not all of the characters from Kate’s office cast. Each one is unique, has their own quirks and annoyances. The office staff is definitely filled with a wide variety of personalities and feels completely, almost eerily real.
I enjoyed A Whyte Christmas very much. It’s sad at times, happy at others. It will make you think about situations that Kate and Gavin face. This one is far more than a holiday romance, but touches on some serious issues that we all must face in life. I would recommend this one for any Romance reader who appreciates those touches and moments of real life on the way to a happy ending.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
November 10, 2020
It was a little boring. I had a hard time staying interested in it
December 26, 2021
A Happy Holiday
Gavin arrives at the ad agency where Kate works , as a temporary consultant, and makes her rethink her attitude to life, even though she has no expectations of a relationship with him. A sweet and festive romance with some laugh out loud moments. Great fun.
Gavin arrives at the ad agency where Kate works , as a temporary consultant, and makes her rethink her attitude to life, even though she has no expectations of a relationship with him. A sweet and festive romance with some laugh out loud moments. Great fun.
December 16, 2023
This was a fun book to read although at times I thought it kind of dragged on too slow at the beginning. It was your typical Christmas story with comedic parts to it.
Characters were all likeable except for Alexis who comes across as the office snob and Mr. Cline who is the boss you dread having. At times I wanted to give Kate a shake for not doing better at standing up for herself. Vinnie, although likeable he was sort of creepy too. It was nice to see Gavin have a fun side to him rather than just being a workaholic.
Overall, a fun read.
Characters were all likeable except for Alexis who comes across as the office snob and Mr. Cline who is the boss you dread having. At times I wanted to give Kate a shake for not doing better at standing up for herself. Vinnie, although likeable he was sort of creepy too. It was nice to see Gavin have a fun side to him rather than just being a workaholic.
Overall, a fun read.
December 19, 2024
Super Cute
Lovely, feel-good, clean Holiday romance. I couldn't put the book down because it was so adorable and sweet. The storyline was fairly predictable but in a cozy feel-good way. I can't wait to read the next book.
Lovely, feel-good, clean Holiday romance. I couldn't put the book down because it was so adorable and sweet. The storyline was fairly predictable but in a cozy feel-good way. I can't wait to read the next book.
May 27, 2020
Not even a realist plot...
The author has obviously never worked in an office. There are strict codes of ethics, morality, and laws that protect employees from the words and deeds of the Mr. Cline's of this world. At least a dozen people in the story would have filed charges against the man and the company before noon. Companies have strict policies against accepting any kinds of gifts. As a Personal Executive Assistant to corporate presidents for over 30 years, the happenings of this story would never take place. There was nothing that could persuade me to read beyond 80 pages. Absolutely awful! Do your research Ms. Brouder!
The author has obviously never worked in an office. There are strict codes of ethics, morality, and laws that protect employees from the words and deeds of the Mr. Cline's of this world. At least a dozen people in the story would have filed charges against the man and the company before noon. Companies have strict policies against accepting any kinds of gifts. As a Personal Executive Assistant to corporate presidents for over 30 years, the happenings of this story would never take place. There was nothing that could persuade me to read beyond 80 pages. Absolutely awful! Do your research Ms. Brouder!
June 2, 2022
Okay read
I was hoping for a story more like a Hallmark Christmas but it didn't make it. The story line was good, but the h was a little weak. It was an okay read, with a little cursing and sexual innuendo, but if I was the h, I would have slapped that tv guy if he'd touched me inappropriately. The end was rushed. I would have loved to read more about the H and h getting together at the end than a kiss.
I was hoping for a story more like a Hallmark Christmas but it didn't make it. The story line was good, but the h was a little weak. It was an okay read, with a little cursing and sexual innuendo, but if I was the h, I would have slapped that tv guy if he'd touched me inappropriately. The end was rushed. I would have loved to read more about the H and h getting together at the end than a kiss.
December 27, 2022
Ms. Brouder is one of my few authors of choice for sweet romances. I love the fact that she tells an interesting story without the Stupidity Formula that so many romance authors use in their ridiculous books. The characters are good people who act like grown ups instead of idiots who cannot communicate and are always negative in their thoughts. See each book for my complete review.
Escape to Ireland Series:
A Match Made in Ireland, #1 - This must be my favorite story so far but I have enjoyed all that I have read by this author. Of course, I enjoy the Irish setting, the good dialog and the sweet romance. 5*
Her Fake, Irish Husband #2 – It’s OK, not my typical reading material but it is set in Ireland, enuff said. This is my first read by this author and I enjoyed the book. The storylines are well written and interesting. The characters are likeable and realistic, and their dialogues believable. Humor dances throughout the pages. The descriptions of the manor, the village and Ireland are so clear; it is like being there in person. This is a feel good read and I hope to read the rest of the series. I did have a problem with the over use of the earl, which should have been the Earl; it felt like name-dropping. 4*
Her Irish Inheritance, #3 - Maeve knew what she was doing when she left her home to her nurse. A sweet, well written romance with loveable characters, interesting story lines and set in Ireland. Caroline knew she was starting a new life after her divorce and discovering a new life she did. 5*
A Match for the Matchmaker, #4 - It happened. The first time a character by this author was stupid. Sadly, she is joined by him in that department making a pair of eejits. But the rest of the story is funny, entertaining and full of interesting events and characters. 4*
Home, Sweet Irish Home, #5 - A wonderfully sweet, happy story with loveable characters and good story lines. The Yank is too good to be true but he is at that. A good range of emotions, especially when a terrible event happens. Love is everywhere. 5*
An Irish Christmas, #6 - I saved this book for Christmas day. It was a lovely addition to a lovely day. The 84-yo grannies were the perfect partners in crime setting up their grandchildren. They claimed they were not matchmaking. Yeah, right. Full of fun and love, even with the anger. 5*
Her Great Irish Escape - A fun, sweet story that is hard to put down, luckily it was easy to read with bits of Ireland's local life mixed with the tour bits. 5*
Escape to Ireland Series end.
A Whyte Christmas - A funny, sweet way to spend the night, a written Hallmark. 5*
Escape to Hideaway Bay - Another interesting and fun filled second chance in the making story. 4*
Snowed in at Christmas - An enjoyable, sweet start of a romance between two people with a bit of luggage each. 5*
Escape to Ireland Series:
A Match Made in Ireland, #1 - This must be my favorite story so far but I have enjoyed all that I have read by this author. Of course, I enjoy the Irish setting, the good dialog and the sweet romance. 5*
Her Fake, Irish Husband #2 – It’s OK, not my typical reading material but it is set in Ireland, enuff said. This is my first read by this author and I enjoyed the book. The storylines are well written and interesting. The characters are likeable and realistic, and their dialogues believable. Humor dances throughout the pages. The descriptions of the manor, the village and Ireland are so clear; it is like being there in person. This is a feel good read and I hope to read the rest of the series. I did have a problem with the over use of the earl, which should have been the Earl; it felt like name-dropping. 4*
Her Irish Inheritance, #3 - Maeve knew what she was doing when she left her home to her nurse. A sweet, well written romance with loveable characters, interesting story lines and set in Ireland. Caroline knew she was starting a new life after her divorce and discovering a new life she did. 5*
A Match for the Matchmaker, #4 - It happened. The first time a character by this author was stupid. Sadly, she is joined by him in that department making a pair of eejits. But the rest of the story is funny, entertaining and full of interesting events and characters. 4*
Home, Sweet Irish Home, #5 - A wonderfully sweet, happy story with loveable characters and good story lines. The Yank is too good to be true but he is at that. A good range of emotions, especially when a terrible event happens. Love is everywhere. 5*
An Irish Christmas, #6 - I saved this book for Christmas day. It was a lovely addition to a lovely day. The 84-yo grannies were the perfect partners in crime setting up their grandchildren. They claimed they were not matchmaking. Yeah, right. Full of fun and love, even with the anger. 5*
Her Great Irish Escape - A fun, sweet story that is hard to put down, luckily it was easy to read with bits of Ireland's local life mixed with the tour bits. 5*
Escape to Ireland Series end.
A Whyte Christmas - A funny, sweet way to spend the night, a written Hallmark. 5*
Escape to Hideaway Bay - Another interesting and fun filled second chance in the making story. 4*
Snowed in at Christmas - An enjoyable, sweet start of a romance between two people with a bit of luggage each. 5*
December 12, 2023
This is such a cute, funny Christmas story! I think I fell in love with the story about the same time our main character, Kate, fell off the ladder trying to put up Christmas decorations. And of course falling off the ladder is exactly how she meets the love interest, Gavin Whyte who is actually a client of the advertising firm she works for. Kate is an underpaid copywriter who was downsized to being the receptionist of the agency during budget cuts and is very unappreciated in her job, but despite that, she is trying to reinvent herself and make herself happy. Gavin is in town hand holding the agency who is in charge of his company's account and despite their best efforts, sparks fly!
I really enjoyed this story, it was just the right amount of humor and cuteness that reminded me of other romantic comedies. I actually found myself wishing for an audiobook of this just so I could hear Gavin talk in his Irish accent (swoon!), especially when he asks Kate to come closer and they kiss. That would have been heavenly.
I knocked off two stars though because I got frustrated with how much abuse Kate allowed at her office. There was blatant verbal abuse from her boss, sexual harassment, and so much talking about her needing to lose weight. I get that the product they were working on was a diet pill, but I never got the sense from the descriptions that Kate was obese and I thought it was extremely inappropriate for her work colleagues to talk about it so much. I know this was part of the story, but it always made me annoyed to read those sections and I just wanted to slap Kate and tell her to stop putting up with it.
Aside from that, I would read this again, if nothing else for the descriptions of Gavin and his accent, their kisses, and the ending.
I really enjoyed this story, it was just the right amount of humor and cuteness that reminded me of other romantic comedies. I actually found myself wishing for an audiobook of this just so I could hear Gavin talk in his Irish accent (swoon!), especially when he asks Kate to come closer and they kiss. That would have been heavenly.
I knocked off two stars though because I got frustrated with how much abuse Kate allowed at her office. There was blatant verbal abuse from her boss, sexual harassment, and so much talking about her needing to lose weight. I get that the product they were working on was a diet pill, but I never got the sense from the descriptions that Kate was obese and I thought it was extremely inappropriate for her work colleagues to talk about it so much. I know this was part of the story, but it always made me annoyed to read those sections and I just wanted to slap Kate and tell her to stop putting up with it.
Aside from that, I would read this again, if nothing else for the descriptions of Gavin and his accent, their kisses, and the ending.
November 14, 2023
First let me say, this is not the typical genre I read. I like to stay far away from sappy romance books whose story lines are all the same: Woman is wallowing in self pity, man enters picture, woman falls in love, finds out man already loved her. The End. It just isn't my thing. That said, this book was free on Kindle Unlimited, and I have been walking through some deep waters in my personal life. I was looking for a lighthearted read that wouldn't make me cry or feel down, and what better subject to read about than Christmas. That's how I came about reading this book. The story line is exactly how I described above. What I loved about the book was it is set entirely in my hometown of Buffalo, NY. I have been gone 26 years but it still feels like home when I read words like,
"The skyway is closed due to weather so my 20 minute commute took 2 hours" and "I could hear the noise from the Scajaquada Expressway". The blizzard shutting down the airport so said man had to reschedule his flight home happens quite often in Buffalo. They went to Niagara Falls, visited the Albright-Knox Art Gallery (the place I despised in elementary school when school field trips made a point to go there), drove down Delaware Ave...you get the idea. It brought back a sense of nostalgia of Christmastime growing up.
The book itself wasn't horrible. I found myself rooting for Kate as so many around her took advantage of her. It was a quick, lighthearted read. It was just very predictable, hence the 3 stars.
"The skyway is closed due to weather so my 20 minute commute took 2 hours" and "I could hear the noise from the Scajaquada Expressway". The blizzard shutting down the airport so said man had to reschedule his flight home happens quite often in Buffalo. They went to Niagara Falls, visited the Albright-Knox Art Gallery (the place I despised in elementary school when school field trips made a point to go there), drove down Delaware Ave...you get the idea. It brought back a sense of nostalgia of Christmastime growing up.
The book itself wasn't horrible. I found myself rooting for Kate as so many around her took advantage of her. It was a quick, lighthearted read. It was just very predictable, hence the 3 stars.
March 16, 2022
I really wanted to like this book, as I had read two books by Michele Brouder, set in Ireland. I liked those books, and that's probably why I finished the book, instead of dropping it. This book was set in Buffalo, NY. But there were a some things that didn't feel right.
1. The phrasing and certain words were off. Not the ways things would be phrased by a native US speaker. Like, how would you tell someone you were going to pick them up at 7:00?
2. Her boss was a big [swear word]. I would not tolerate the garbage she put up with. She was single and no children, she should have gotten out of there and not put up with his [antics]. And then her ex-fiance shows up again?
3. So much alcohol! Did she drink that much every night? And it was like social drinking out of control, not wanting "Irish" to see how many empty martini glasses were on the table. Drinking at a party, at her house, at every meal out, at her mother's, shots before the meal, then drinking during lunch at her mom's then planning to drive home? If I had a friend that drank like that, I would be planning an intervention.
4. This story needed an epilogue. I expect that with sweet romance! Maybe it's just me, but I wanted to know if she moved to Ireland!
5. There were some other scatterings of plot lines that could have been tied up at the end, but weren't. And did Vinnie go to prison, or did he flee the country? The postcard was too vague for me.
1. The phrasing and certain words were off. Not the ways things would be phrased by a native US speaker. Like, how would you tell someone you were going to pick them up at 7:00?
2. Her boss was a big [swear word]. I would not tolerate the garbage she put up with. She was single and no children, she should have gotten out of there and not put up with his [antics]. And then her ex-fiance shows up again?
3. So much alcohol! Did she drink that much every night? And it was like social drinking out of control, not wanting "Irish" to see how many empty martini glasses were on the table. Drinking at a party, at her house, at every meal out, at her mother's, shots before the meal, then drinking during lunch at her mom's then planning to drive home? If I had a friend that drank like that, I would be planning an intervention.
4. This story needed an epilogue. I expect that with sweet romance! Maybe it's just me, but I wanted to know if she moved to Ireland!
5. There were some other scatterings of plot lines that could have been tied up at the end, but weren't. And did Vinnie go to prison, or did he flee the country? The postcard was too vague for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2021
This is a sweet and short Christmas story.
Kate is a woman who allows nearly everyone to take advantage of her. She went from being a copywriter to becoming the receptionist. Her boss now gives her tasks that have nothing to do with being a receptionist.
Her boss is a jerk.
Gavin is an executive in a company which is planning to do business with the advertising agency where Kate works. He is Irish and he is a powerful man. His job is filled with responsibility which weighs heavily on his shoulders.
Kate first meets him when she falls off a ladder, lands on the floor with her skirt over her hips.
Gavin does not laugh.
Kate and Gavin spend a great deal of time together and they get to know one another.
Gavin learns to laugh with Kate.. Kate learns that all the disasters that happen around her will not end her life. No matter how much she might feel that would be a good idea.
The story has family and friends. Most of these people have good thoughts for one another. Nearly all of these people care about Kate. The ones who do not care for her are spectacular in their thoughtlessness.
There is laughter, snow, affection and romance.
I enjoyed this story. It is a fast and fun read.
Kate is a woman who allows nearly everyone to take advantage of her. She went from being a copywriter to becoming the receptionist. Her boss now gives her tasks that have nothing to do with being a receptionist.
Her boss is a jerk.
Gavin is an executive in a company which is planning to do business with the advertising agency where Kate works. He is Irish and he is a powerful man. His job is filled with responsibility which weighs heavily on his shoulders.
Kate first meets him when she falls off a ladder, lands on the floor with her skirt over her hips.
Gavin does not laugh.
Kate and Gavin spend a great deal of time together and they get to know one another.
Gavin learns to laugh with Kate.. Kate learns that all the disasters that happen around her will not end her life. No matter how much she might feel that would be a good idea.
The story has family and friends. Most of these people have good thoughts for one another. Nearly all of these people care about Kate. The ones who do not care for her are spectacular in their thoughtlessness.
There is laughter, snow, affection and romance.
I enjoyed this story. It is a fast and fun read.
March 1, 2025
Taking a little break from my Advance Reader Copies and my Book Club books, I got wild and crazy as February turned to March and read a Christmas book. I’m glad I did. A Whyte Christmas is clean; no need to worry about language or open bedroom doors. The main characters have lots of misunderstandings during their slow burn romance. Both of them work hard to NOT be attracted to the other, but as you might guess, that doesn’t work well. Kate O’Connor is an extremely likable protagonist. Originally a copywriter for an advertising firm, she is demoted to receptionist during a downturn for the company. Gavin Whyte is close to the top of his pharmaceutical company in Ireland and is sent to supervise the ad campaign for their latest drug.
Kate and Gavin are thrown together in multiple situations that always seem to end up with humorous to hilarious endings. Sometimes involving police authorities. Both had bad luck in their previous relationships and neither is particularly happy in their jobs. It does not seem inevitable that an American who gets herself into situations from falling off a ladder to being stuck in a snowstorm with no place to spend the night and an Irishman, unaware of his good looks and delicious Irish accent, will end up together. But can it happen?
Kate and Gavin are thrown together in multiple situations that always seem to end up with humorous to hilarious endings. Sometimes involving police authorities. Both had bad luck in their previous relationships and neither is particularly happy in their jobs. It does not seem inevitable that an American who gets herself into situations from falling off a ladder to being stuck in a snowstorm with no place to spend the night and an Irishman, unaware of his good looks and delicious Irish accent, will end up together. But can it happen?
January 7, 2022
This was a nice Holiday romance with a little fun and humor. Kate works for an ad agency and Gavin is the big client they need to keep the business afloat.
Kate is the receptionist at the ad agency. She had to take this job when her copyright job was eliminated due to budget cuts. She takes this job with the promise of getting her old job back. She is spunky and funny as well as beautiful, but she doesn’t believe that part. Her romantic history has caused her to not believe in herself.
Gavin is vying for President of his company and that is contingent on this ad successfully promoting their new diet drug. He is from Ireland and flew to the States for this agency to get this campaign going and he is overseeing it.
These two are great and I loved watching their relationship grow, but there was never the depth I was hoping for. The story had plenty of humor, back and forth banter and a touch of romance, but it all ended so abruptly with a tidy bow. I just wanted a little bit more substance. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kate is the receptionist at the ad agency. She had to take this job when her copyright job was eliminated due to budget cuts. She takes this job with the promise of getting her old job back. She is spunky and funny as well as beautiful, but she doesn’t believe that part. Her romantic history has caused her to not believe in herself.
Gavin is vying for President of his company and that is contingent on this ad successfully promoting their new diet drug. He is from Ireland and flew to the States for this agency to get this campaign going and he is overseeing it.
These two are great and I loved watching their relationship grow, but there was never the depth I was hoping for. The story had plenty of humor, back and forth banter and a touch of romance, but it all ended so abruptly with a tidy bow. I just wanted a little bit more substance. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 31, 2017
I love Christmas romances, and that's why I chose this from my Kindle Unlimited selections. The story appealed to me from the beginning. Kate is the bumbler who attracts trouble no matter which way she turns. It doesn't help that she's just fallen off a ladder when Gavin, a hunky client from Ireland suddenly appears. And this is exactly how their relationship proceeds. This book is packed with humor and low on sex, a quality appreciated by many. Kate's girlfriends were cards, Alexis a pure office b*t*h. Kate's ex, Paul, was someone to be thrown in a dumpster. Vinnie was cocky with an underlying sadness. And Mr. Cline needs to fire himself! The greatest hindrance in Kate's and Paul's romance was that Kate reacted to incorrect assumptions and confused Gavin as to her true feelings, with mixed results. What a fun mashup!
I highly recommend this book for the pure fun of reading it. Enjoy!
I highly recommend this book for the pure fun of reading it. Enjoy!
November 13, 2016
Firstly I have to admit to staying up till 1am to finish this beauty, and that says most of it. This is about the tenth Christmas romance I've read this year and yet it's right up there with the rest of the great and good. Tyhe story, Irish business man meets New Yorker, isn't the most original but hey, that's whats so great about it. I read this genre because I don't want any nasties jumping out to scare me or some twisted plot that I'm never going to work out. I want an easy read with enough plot to keep it fun (the Niagara scene is one I'm not going to forget in a hurry), enough sex not to be "yuck", and way far too much romance (you can never have too much of romance). This is pure escapism and in this genre this book ticks all my boxes.
June 9, 2023
Set in 2009, this is a sweet Christmas story.
Thirty year old Kate O'Connor used to be a copy writer at her advertising agency, but budget cuts have landed her at the reception desk. Hot shot executive Gavin Whyte is temporarily working at the agency to ensure his company's biggest ever product launch goes smoothly. Kate's boss assigns her to Gavin to help him settle in to the office and show him the local sights. Cue lots of comedy capers and misunderstandings!
If you liked Bridget Jones or While You Were Sleeping, you will enjoy this book (there's even a Joe Junior type character). It's like a book version of a Hallmark Christmas movie, predicable but enjoyable. I will definitely read more by this author.
Thirty year old Kate O'Connor used to be a copy writer at her advertising agency, but budget cuts have landed her at the reception desk. Hot shot executive Gavin Whyte is temporarily working at the agency to ensure his company's biggest ever product launch goes smoothly. Kate's boss assigns her to Gavin to help him settle in to the office and show him the local sights. Cue lots of comedy capers and misunderstandings!
If you liked Bridget Jones or While You Were Sleeping, you will enjoy this book (there's even a Joe Junior type character). It's like a book version of a Hallmark Christmas movie, predicable but enjoyable. I will definitely read more by this author.
November 12, 2018
Fun and flirty
While the comedy in the story is several times slapstick-ish as some have said, it never made me cringe & I'm usually sensitive to that sort of thing.
I started the story with some trepidation, but became increasingly engaged in the story and the characters. The author did a great job of winning me over and by the happily-ever-after, I was more than ready for the next in the series!
Clean romance level: PG-13 kissing, secular attitudes about sex outside of marriage, the hero and heroine do have sex but "behind closed doors" so to speak, with no (porno)graphic details
Use of the Lord's Name in vain & some swearing
While the comedy in the story is several times slapstick-ish as some have said, it never made me cringe & I'm usually sensitive to that sort of thing.
I started the story with some trepidation, but became increasingly engaged in the story and the characters. The author did a great job of winning me over and by the happily-ever-after, I was more than ready for the next in the series!
Clean romance level: PG-13 kissing, secular attitudes about sex outside of marriage, the hero and heroine do have sex but "behind closed doors" so to speak, with no (porno)graphic details
Use of the Lord's Name in vain & some swearing
July 16, 2022
Not quite what I expected but still enjoyable
Based on description and other reviews I was expecting more of a Hallmark/Lifetime type story, which it isn't. However, it's still a wonderful story to read. The beginning starts out fairly harsh, but just push through (it's very business like with boss who acts like a total jerk and makes some very weird comments, it turned me off to the story, but I kept reading and glad I did). I did have a fairly hard time connecting to the characters but it was a fun storyline that I do suggest you read. I'll be reading more by this author. Overall it was a great book and written well, just not quite for me.
Based on description and other reviews I was expecting more of a Hallmark/Lifetime type story, which it isn't. However, it's still a wonderful story to read. The beginning starts out fairly harsh, but just push through (it's very business like with boss who acts like a total jerk and makes some very weird comments, it turned me off to the story, but I kept reading and glad I did). I did have a fairly hard time connecting to the characters but it was a fun storyline that I do suggest you read. I'll be reading more by this author. Overall it was a great book and written well, just not quite for me.
November 19, 2023
Kate O'Connor is stuck in a rut in her personal and work lives. When the new guy at her ad agency is Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome -- well you might guess which direction this book is going to go. The setting is Buffalo, New York, and our main characters do take a day to go visit Niagara Falls -- on the Canadian side. I prefer the US view myself. The plot includes some rather humorous situations along the way making this a fun holiday read. If you are looking for a clean, seasonal romance you might like this one a lot. The cover is gorgeous. For a bunch of people who make a living out of talking us into buying stuff, they did not have the finesse with language I might have expected.
December 30, 2023
3.5⭐ Book Review
This book was cute and predictable, but the FMC was quite annoying to me. I would not have others tell me what to do if it didn't align with my beliefs. She let people walk all over her at work, plus the weird relationship with her neighbor felt unnecessary. The whole cop thing was just unneeded drama. I also thought the ending was rushed and would have liked to know how they made their relationship work.
Not to say this book wasn't good! There were some sweet moments between Gavin and Kate before the inevitable ending. The side characters made some good side plots. And it did make me laugh a few times. I love a book that makes me laugh!
This book was cute and predictable, but the FMC was quite annoying to me. I would not have others tell me what to do if it didn't align with my beliefs. She let people walk all over her at work, plus the weird relationship with her neighbor felt unnecessary. The whole cop thing was just unneeded drama. I also thought the ending was rushed and would have liked to know how they made their relationship work.
Not to say this book wasn't good! There were some sweet moments between Gavin and Kate before the inevitable ending. The side characters made some good side plots. And it did make me laugh a few times. I love a book that makes me laugh!
July 26, 2021
mine had a different cover ... i love a great Christmas read. for some reason they always warm my heart ... no matter the season, time of the year, it is just perfect. my cover is a Christmas tree and green door. first book in this series. what fun. i will read more from Michele ...it was funny to find this book on Amazon ...has any1 noticed that Amazon has been kind of weird to search lately ... like i tried to find this book but it was not like it was there? didn't exist??! finally found it ... white is whyte ... michelle is michele ... any who ... found it. enjoyed it.
November 29, 2022
This was a nice combination of interesting characters, Christmas romance, and office politics. Kates company is in trouble, and she was temporarily downsized from copywriter to receptionist. Gavin is an executive from Ireland who was sent to oversee a large account. Kate is tasked to keep him entertained and it often ends up with police called and clumsy falls in a comedy of errors. Gavin and Kate started out as opposites but as they got to know each other they found a great deal of common ground.
December 30, 2022
The h is Kate O’Connor and works at Cline &Co Ad Agency in Buffalo New York. Gavin Whyte is almost 40 and is from Alchemis who is overseeing the advertising account for a diet pill. Kate becomes his secretary working just outside his office. Kate is single her ex fiancé Paul comes back to work for Cline &Co as an ad excec. She thinks Gavin is good to look at. Her boss asks her to show him around Buffalo. Gavin is home sick and lonely. All he does is work.
Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 30, 2020
A funny and is an enjoyable read
This author has put together a book that has Humor, romance, and well-developed characters. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it it was that good. A heavier set girl with a wonderful personality and work that ethics that is caught up in a world who doesn’t appreciate her. A man who comes and rocks her world and realizes her worth. You got to read it.
This author has put together a book that has Humor, romance, and well-developed characters. I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it it was that good. A heavier set girl with a wonderful personality and work that ethics that is caught up in a world who doesn’t appreciate her. A man who comes and rocks her world and realizes her worth. You got to read it.
December 3, 2021
Fluffy holiday book. Reads like it should be a Hallmark or Netflix movie. Spunky heroine who’s running into roadblocks with her boss, her ex-fiance, her femme fatale coworker. She’s tasked with entertaining a client visiting from Ireland whom she can’t stand – well not for long anyway. I felt a strong desire to visit Niagra falls after reading this book. 3.5/5. Would reread next holiday season.
December 5, 2021
I'm dreaming of a White Christmas
Trying to keep your Christmas spirit in full gear while trying to keep a float in a job you can but feel trapped in. But in comes in a Irish knight in a lovely suit, to your rescue. A dash of a funny neighbor and a mum trying to move on without the love of her life, and a bff, that just is in your corner. Timeless Christmas humor with a kiss of romance
Trying to keep your Christmas spirit in full gear while trying to keep a float in a job you can but feel trapped in. But in comes in a Irish knight in a lovely suit, to your rescue. A dash of a funny neighbor and a mum trying to move on without the love of her life, and a bff, that just is in your corner. Timeless Christmas humor with a kiss of romance
December 6, 2021
I loved it! I really like books centred around Christmas. Kate O’Connor has been ‘stuck’ with the receptionist job since her copy writer job was made redundant. She is pushed and pulled around by several people to do all the grunt work e.g. Christmas party planning. Her boss gives her the job of showing their newest ad agency client Gavin Whyte around the town on her own time. Their company really needs to impress this client! The pressure is on.
December 12, 2021
Sweet, but that's it
The characters are endearing, if a bit unrelatable. At first I thought Kate was a bit unrealistic, being unwilling to just address things head on to clear the air when it gets cloudy. In that sense this book is just a comedy of errors, which as a genre I find less funny and more pitiful. And do Gavins really exist in this world?
But by the end I still cared a lot about them both, so that's good writing in a subtle way.
The characters are endearing, if a bit unrelatable. At first I thought Kate was a bit unrealistic, being unwilling to just address things head on to clear the air when it gets cloudy. In that sense this book is just a comedy of errors, which as a genre I find less funny and more pitiful. And do Gavins really exist in this world?
But by the end I still cared a lot about them both, so that's good writing in a subtle way.
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