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Bad Luck Club: Spicy Version #2
Jingle Bell Hell
She’s a sexually repressed control freak. He’s a muscular ex-con with heavier baggage than Santa’s toy bag. They’re everything each other never wanted.
Mary
I’m usually the first person on my block to decorate for Christmas. This year? Humbug.
My six-year-old son, Aidan, just had a meltdown after learning some hard truths from a drunk Santa impersonator, and I can no longer deny we both need help. Change is hard for Aidan, and right now he’s dealing with several big ones, including A) his father abandoning us, B) our move to Asheville, and C) the Santa snafu.
And me? I’m a control freak, and my life is more out-of-control than a sled on ice.
That’s why I agree to let Aidan join Butterfly Buddies, a group that matches kids with adult mentors.
It’s also why I agree to a mentor of my own—terrifying, pink-haired Nicole, who wants to help me live life on the wild side. Her advice is strangely compelling, especially after I meet Aidan’s new “buddy,” a gorgeous tattooed hunk of a man who makes me wish there weren’t cobwebs in my...well, you know.
*********
Jace
Mary O’Shea is sexy as hell, but she doesn’t know it.
She also doesn’t know I’m an ex-con, and if she finds out that I served three years in prison, extenuating circumstances won’t matter to her.
The last thing I should do is get attached to her kid...or her, but I didn’t get in this position by making good decisions.
I’m usually the first person on my block to decorate for Christmas. This year? Humbug.
My six-year-old son, Aidan, just had a meltdown after learning some hard truths from a drunk Santa impersonator, and I can no longer deny we both need help. Change is hard for Aidan, and right now he’s dealing with several big ones, including A) his father abandoning us, B) our move to Asheville, and C) the Santa snafu.
And me? I’m a control freak, and my life is more out-of-control than a sled on ice.
That’s why I agree to let Aidan join Butterfly Buddies, a group that matches kids with adult mentors.
It’s also why I agree to a mentor of my own—terrifying, pink-haired Nicole, who wants to help me live life on the wild side. Her advice is strangely compelling, especially after I meet Aidan’s new “buddy,” a gorgeous tattooed hunk of a man who makes me wish there weren’t cobwebs in my...well, you know.
Mary
I’m usually the first person on my block to decorate for Christmas. This year? Humbug.
My six-year-old son, Aidan, just had a meltdown after learning some hard truths from a drunk Santa impersonator, and I can no longer deny we both need help. Change is hard for Aidan, and right now he’s dealing with several big ones, including A) his father abandoning us, B) our move to Asheville, and C) the Santa snafu.
And me? I’m a control freak, and my life is more out-of-control than a sled on ice.
That’s why I agree to let Aidan join Butterfly Buddies, a group that matches kids with adult mentors.
It’s also why I agree to a mentor of my own—terrifying, pink-haired Nicole, who wants to help me live life on the wild side. Her advice is strangely compelling, especially after I meet Aidan’s new “buddy,” a gorgeous tattooed hunk of a man who makes me wish there weren’t cobwebs in my...well, you know.
*********
Jace
Mary O’Shea is sexy as hell, but she doesn’t know it.
She also doesn’t know I’m an ex-con, and if she finds out that I served three years in prison, extenuating circumstances won’t matter to her.
The last thing I should do is get attached to her kid...or her, but I didn’t get in this position by making good decisions.
I’m usually the first person on my block to decorate for Christmas. This year? Humbug.
My six-year-old son, Aidan, just had a meltdown after learning some hard truths from a drunk Santa impersonator, and I can no longer deny we both need help. Change is hard for Aidan, and right now he’s dealing with several big ones, including A) his father abandoning us, B) our move to Asheville, and C) the Santa snafu.
And me? I’m a control freak, and my life is more out-of-control than a sled on ice.
That’s why I agree to let Aidan join Butterfly Buddies, a group that matches kids with adult mentors.
It’s also why I agree to a mentor of my own—terrifying, pink-haired Nicole, who wants to help me live life on the wild side. Her advice is strangely compelling, especially after I meet Aidan’s new “buddy,” a gorgeous tattooed hunk of a man who makes me wish there weren’t cobwebs in my...well, you know.
401 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2021
913 people are currently reading
935 people want to read
About the author
Angela Casella
46 books776 followersANGELA CASELLA lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and their ill-behaved corgi in an extremely small bungalow. She spends her days writing and pretending to market. She writes solo romcoms and also has three co-written series with Denise Grover Swank.
You can subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive free content and updates on her projects! http://subscribepage.io/AngelaCasella...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
October 15, 2021
Jingle Bell Hell is quite unexpected and I found myself really enjoying it. It’ll give you all the feels. One minute you’re laughing and the next wiping away tears.
With a little boy on the spectrum, Mary is adjusting to life as a single mom in her hometown. Jace committed a stupid offense when he was younger and paid for it heavily. When these two meet sparks fly but both have some personal baggage that make for a bumpy road.
Mary’s is uptight and sexually repressed, so it was hilarious to see her try to relax and open up, especially on the recommendations of a crazy pink haired woman.
I adored Jace and Aidan’s immediate connection. Jace is amazing and has a big heart. He’s definitely what Mary needed to help her step out of her comfort zones.
This book has everything you’d need in a cute romcom.
With a little boy on the spectrum, Mary is adjusting to life as a single mom in her hometown. Jace committed a stupid offense when he was younger and paid for it heavily. When these two meet sparks fly but both have some personal baggage that make for a bumpy road.
Mary’s is uptight and sexually repressed, so it was hilarious to see her try to relax and open up, especially on the recommendations of a crazy pink haired woman.
I adored Jace and Aidan’s immediate connection. Jace is amazing and has a big heart. He’s definitely what Mary needed to help her step out of her comfort zones.
This book has everything you’d need in a cute romcom.
December 21, 2023
Pink rabbits and rainbow children
I admit: I love A.R. Casella's and Denise Grover Swank's books to bits and so much! And I started this one, way before Christmas (me who about never reads Christmas stories before the start of December) out of ARC team obligation.
Who do you think gets the last laugh? Angela and Denise, I hope! Because I totally DEVOURED the book, which is probably their funniest to date. And heaven knows that their books are all multiple sorts of hilarious. From the pink rabbit "magick wand" to a pearl-clutcher getting to finally start living (that's Mary), to the hot and amazing ex-con (that's Jace), there is no dull moment in the story. Well, impossible to have "dull" when Nicole Ricci and Dottie Hendrickson are involved, believe you me!
However, the part I love the most about the book is the little rainbow kid: Aidan (the rainbow reference is explained in the book, so I'm not explaining it, you'll have to read it to understand it). Rarely are kids on the spectrum taking almost centre stage in books, and Angela and Denise did it with sparkling colours. There's a reason I love those kids so much, and all of those reasons are shown in Aidan. Mary's love for her son shines bright in it, too, as does Jace's profound understanding of autistic children's needs, making my heart swell with every mention of everything Aidan does, and with everything they do for him.
In other words: it might be a Christmas story, but it is one which can be read at just about any moment.
I admit: I love A.R. Casella's and Denise Grover Swank's books to bits and so much! And I started this one, way before Christmas (me who about never reads Christmas stories before the start of December) out of ARC team obligation.
Who do you think gets the last laugh? Angela and Denise, I hope! Because I totally DEVOURED the book, which is probably their funniest to date. And heaven knows that their books are all multiple sorts of hilarious. From the pink rabbit "magick wand" to a pearl-clutcher getting to finally start living (that's Mary), to the hot and amazing ex-con (that's Jace), there is no dull moment in the story. Well, impossible to have "dull" when Nicole Ricci and Dottie Hendrickson are involved, believe you me!
However, the part I love the most about the book is the little rainbow kid: Aidan (the rainbow reference is explained in the book, so I'm not explaining it, you'll have to read it to understand it). Rarely are kids on the spectrum taking almost centre stage in books, and Angela and Denise did it with sparkling colours. There's a reason I love those kids so much, and all of those reasons are shown in Aidan. Mary's love for her son shines bright in it, too, as does Jace's profound understanding of autistic children's needs, making my heart swell with every mention of everything Aidan does, and with everything they do for him.
In other words: it might be a Christmas story, but it is one which can be read at just about any moment.
October 11, 2021
Romance and Christmas are quite literally two of my favorite things - so it’s no surprise that I gobble up Christmas romance stories like a kid in a candy store. I’m knew to these authors, and with a title like Jingle Bell Hell, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect for this particularly festive literary outing, but I found it quite delightful- with the saccharine sentimentality and satisfaction of a Hallmark Christmas movie but with all the missing spice and humor.
The story centers around single Mom Mary, who, post divorce, decides to relocate to be closer to family with her austistic son, Aidan. Moving is a challenge for any child, but especially for Aidan given his different needs. Enter Jace, who becomes a mentor/buddy to sweet Aidan- and my heart just MELTED with how beautifully and easily these two connect- a surprise to Mary. All of the characters are super likable, and their connection feels authentic and gentle. They have a hesitant beginning, both worried about protecting Aidan, but their love story evolves quite sweetly. And with quite a few laugh out loud moments along the way.
As a writing duo, I was quite impressed with their fluidity. Each character has distinct voice but the prose flows as if from one pen-and while it took a minute for the story to take off for me, once it did, it was engaging until the end. Just the write little holiday treat to make my heart deck the halls. I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of the Bad Luck Club series- this was all good, sweet fun.
The story centers around single Mom Mary, who, post divorce, decides to relocate to be closer to family with her austistic son, Aidan. Moving is a challenge for any child, but especially for Aidan given his different needs. Enter Jace, who becomes a mentor/buddy to sweet Aidan- and my heart just MELTED with how beautifully and easily these two connect- a surprise to Mary. All of the characters are super likable, and their connection feels authentic and gentle. They have a hesitant beginning, both worried about protecting Aidan, but their love story evolves quite sweetly. And with quite a few laugh out loud moments along the way.
As a writing duo, I was quite impressed with their fluidity. Each character has distinct voice but the prose flows as if from one pen-and while it took a minute for the story to take off for me, once it did, it was engaging until the end. Just the write little holiday treat to make my heart deck the halls. I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of the Bad Luck Club series- this was all good, sweet fun.
September 17, 2021
I love visiting Asherville in the books by A.R Casella and Denise Grover Swank!
My five star review may seem like it’s habitual, since I seem to have given it to all the books in the series.
But that’s not the case.
This book, this couple, this story, it’s all new!
And yet it’s so familiar, as it’s set in the warm context of Dottie’s corner of the world. She is after all a main character through both series these authors have co-written, even if she is a secondary one as far as this story goes.
But let’s stay with this story. If you’ve read previous books you’ve met Mary through her sisters. She’s uptight, eager to be doing things properly and her sole focus in life is her son Aidan, who’s on the autistic spectrum. Her husband left the family since he couldn’t cope with his son being different and Mary moved herself and Aidan to Asherville where her sisters lives.
It’s clear to anyone who knows a person in the spectrum that the authors know quite a lot about this. Aidan is beautifully written and it’s so lovely to read about all the little things his mom and others do for him to make his life easier. It makes the story richer and also add another layer to the romance between Mary and Jace.
Jace, the ex-con and Mary the divorcee, they both feel like faliures and none of them is really aware of how deeply they affect their surroundings. Their story is romantic and sizzly, but it’s also bittersweet and heart wrenching.
It’s a romance, but that’s not all, it’s also a story of overcoming both your own feelings of inadeqacy and other peoples limitations of you. And it’s a story of friendship and community and how important that is to living a full life. I loved it!
I can only encourage you to try out the Bad Luck Club series. The books can be read as standalones, but reading them as a series is a treat, as you get to know the recurring characters from different points of views, and because you get to visit this lovely version of Asherville and pretend to live there for a while.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My five star review may seem like it’s habitual, since I seem to have given it to all the books in the series.
But that’s not the case.
This book, this couple, this story, it’s all new!
And yet it’s so familiar, as it’s set in the warm context of Dottie’s corner of the world. She is after all a main character through both series these authors have co-written, even if she is a secondary one as far as this story goes.
But let’s stay with this story. If you’ve read previous books you’ve met Mary through her sisters. She’s uptight, eager to be doing things properly and her sole focus in life is her son Aidan, who’s on the autistic spectrum. Her husband left the family since he couldn’t cope with his son being different and Mary moved herself and Aidan to Asherville where her sisters lives.
It’s clear to anyone who knows a person in the spectrum that the authors know quite a lot about this. Aidan is beautifully written and it’s so lovely to read about all the little things his mom and others do for him to make his life easier. It makes the story richer and also add another layer to the romance between Mary and Jace.
Jace, the ex-con and Mary the divorcee, they both feel like faliures and none of them is really aware of how deeply they affect their surroundings. Their story is romantic and sizzly, but it’s also bittersweet and heart wrenching.
It’s a romance, but that’s not all, it’s also a story of overcoming both your own feelings of inadeqacy and other peoples limitations of you. And it’s a story of friendship and community and how important that is to living a full life. I loved it!
I can only encourage you to try out the Bad Luck Club series. The books can be read as standalones, but reading them as a series is a treat, as you get to know the recurring characters from different points of views, and because you get to visit this lovely version of Asherville and pretend to live there for a while.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2021
Sweet romance between a soon-to-be divorced mom of a special needs son and an ex con. As a mom of a special needs son, I related to how the author's nailed the internal dialog of the female lead. She has all the feels when it comes to balancing her love for her son and the insecurities that come along with dating someone new. The book is funny, yet steamy in scenes. Excellent read.
October 9, 2021
Mary, Mary, Mary... She certainly needs to be in the Bad Luck Club. Nicole's insistence that she is in it, is nothing short of hilarious. Nicole is a force to be reckoned with.
Mary is a lawyer with a straight type A personality. She has an autistic 6 year old son, Aidan. Mary's soon to be ex, Glenn has never once, even by accident, rung Mary's bell. He never made time for their son or even tried to build a relationship with him.
Mary puts Aidan before every other single thing in her life. Now that they've moved to Asheville, she has her sisters and some new friends to help her out. She just has to relax and let them. Mary has alot on her dinner plate but her dessert plate is empty...
Enter Jace who wants to be Aidan's Buddy, something like the Big Brother program. Jace has autism experience with his own nephew. He's very good with Aidan who has taken an instant shine to him. Jace is an ex-con trying to leave his past behind. He doesn't make allot of money, drives a beat up pickup truck and lives in an old apartment. He doesn't have much to offer a woman like Mary. But, he can't help wanting to be more than her occasional dessert.
I laughed so hard about the bunny, I had to put my Kindle down and wipe my eyes! Aidan, bless his heart, just can't be anything but straight up truthful. Dottie's special tea, my lord, she'll give you some laughs, too. That woman wears many hats! Pink haired Nicole with her no holding nothing back sex talk loves to shock poor Mary as much as she can.
I love that the book touches on the lives of previous couples we've come to know. I'd like it if it touched a little more, but that's just me being picky.
I love that this book gives a face to autism and a clearer picture to those that haven't had any or very little experience with it.
Mary is a lawyer with a straight type A personality. She has an autistic 6 year old son, Aidan. Mary's soon to be ex, Glenn has never once, even by accident, rung Mary's bell. He never made time for their son or even tried to build a relationship with him.
Mary puts Aidan before every other single thing in her life. Now that they've moved to Asheville, she has her sisters and some new friends to help her out. She just has to relax and let them. Mary has alot on her dinner plate but her dessert plate is empty...
Enter Jace who wants to be Aidan's Buddy, something like the Big Brother program. Jace has autism experience with his own nephew. He's very good with Aidan who has taken an instant shine to him. Jace is an ex-con trying to leave his past behind. He doesn't make allot of money, drives a beat up pickup truck and lives in an old apartment. He doesn't have much to offer a woman like Mary. But, he can't help wanting to be more than her occasional dessert.
I laughed so hard about the bunny, I had to put my Kindle down and wipe my eyes! Aidan, bless his heart, just can't be anything but straight up truthful. Dottie's special tea, my lord, she'll give you some laughs, too. That woman wears many hats! Pink haired Nicole with her no holding nothing back sex talk loves to shock poor Mary as much as she can.
I love that the book touches on the lives of previous couples we've come to know. I'd like it if it touched a little more, but that's just me being picky.
I love that this book gives a face to autism and a clearer picture to those that haven't had any or very little experience with it.
October 5, 2021
5 star review of Jingle Bell Hell (Bad Luck Club #2) by A.R. Casella & Denise Grover-Swank
When I read the blurb for this book I was intrigued and since Christmas is my favourite holiday of the year I was excited to read Jingle Bell Hell. I fell hard and fast for Jace and Mary, single mum to Aidan, her autistic son and the secondary characters of Nicole Ricci and Dottie Hendrickson.
From the first chapter I was hooked on the story these authors wove and have no idea who wrote what or where one finished and the other took over; the words flowed that easily.
However it was Jace’s relationship with Aidan that took this book to another level for me. His understanding of the needs of autistic children melted my heart. His acceptance and protectiveness was inspiring.
This book had me laughing out loud too many times to count. In fact my husband thought I was out of my mind when I woke him from a sound sleep with my laughing. This was a wonderful book full of humour, love and romance.
Jingle Bell Hell is a well written story that will draw you and keep you invested from the first to the last chapter.
When I read the blurb for this book I was intrigued and since Christmas is my favourite holiday of the year I was excited to read Jingle Bell Hell. I fell hard and fast for Jace and Mary, single mum to Aidan, her autistic son and the secondary characters of Nicole Ricci and Dottie Hendrickson.
From the first chapter I was hooked on the story these authors wove and have no idea who wrote what or where one finished and the other took over; the words flowed that easily.
However it was Jace’s relationship with Aidan that took this book to another level for me. His understanding of the needs of autistic children melted my heart. His acceptance and protectiveness was inspiring.
This book had me laughing out loud too many times to count. In fact my husband thought I was out of my mind when I woke him from a sound sleep with my laughing. This was a wonderful book full of humour, love and romance.
Jingle Bell Hell is a well written story that will draw you and keep you invested from the first to the last chapter.
October 6, 2021
Dysfunctional with a bit of edge proves to be delightful. No one does unconventional humor like the dynamic duo of Grover Swank and Casella. Jingle Bell Hell was never meant to be a fairytale kind of romance. Jace and Mary are more of a mess than a dream yet somehow this work in progress leaves you with happy thoughts and heartwarming emotions drizzled with more than a little irony.
September 19, 2021
I absolutely love these Asheville and Bad Luck Club books and they are getting better and better and this one was the best but I say it every time! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of reading this funny, sexy, bittersweet second chance romance book with so much more than just that.
I absolutely loved all the well developed characters, well known from previous books and new ones. Eccentric and sweet personalities, both. It was such delight to get to know Mary and Jace's story. Oh, and little Aidan stole my heart for good! I didn't know much about rainbow children but now I'm grateful authors told this story.
Love, commitment, friendship, finding a way to the true self, acceptance and courage to face reality, joy and laughter - have a fun reading this book!
I absolutely loved all the well developed characters, well known from previous books and new ones. Eccentric and sweet personalities, both. It was such delight to get to know Mary and Jace's story. Oh, and little Aidan stole my heart for good! I didn't know much about rainbow children but now I'm grateful authors told this story.
Love, commitment, friendship, finding a way to the true self, acceptance and courage to face reality, joy and laughter - have a fun reading this book!
October 10, 2021
‘Jingle Bell Hell’ is the story of Mary and Jace. Mary is a single mom, to a six year old autistic boy. All her life Mary has done everything she was supposed to. Go to college, marry the responsible guy and be a good wife and mom. Now her life has been turned upside down and she definitely could use some help. What she didn’t expect to need was Jace. A broke, ex-con who is extremely handsome. Jace is everything she never wanted. But things need to change.. and maybe Jace is exactly what she needs.
This story was definitely one I loved. After a slow start, I got pulled into the story of Mary and Jace. Mary’s character honestly made me think of myself most of the time. A control freak, who apologizes a lot and never really does something nice for herself. Yep, that sounds a lot like me most days. And her interactions with her ‘friend’ Nicole, made me laugh out loud several times.
Then there is Jace. This hardworking, handsome, tattooed guy who made a bad decision when he was young. Now all he wants to do is make something of himself. He works hard, stays out of trouble and helps out his elderly neighbor. What is not to like about him?
The chemistry between Mary and Jace is definitely intense. And you easily get swept away by there intense connection. I loved how they where both so different, but also so right for each other. And there where several moments that gave me all the butterflies. Sigh..
A nice side note to this story was Mary’s son, Aiden. He is autistic and definitely need a different approach than most 6 year old’s. I enjoyed reading about him and how Jace got close to him. And then there is Mary’s friend Nicole. Ow boy.. That girl made me laugh out loud so much. I definitely got some worried glances from my husband while reading about her. LOL!
‘Jingle Bell Hell’ was a great read I definitely loved. It was my first book by these two authors.. and I definitely want to read the first book in this standalone series too.
This story was definitely one I loved. After a slow start, I got pulled into the story of Mary and Jace. Mary’s character honestly made me think of myself most of the time. A control freak, who apologizes a lot and never really does something nice for herself. Yep, that sounds a lot like me most days. And her interactions with her ‘friend’ Nicole, made me laugh out loud several times.
Then there is Jace. This hardworking, handsome, tattooed guy who made a bad decision when he was young. Now all he wants to do is make something of himself. He works hard, stays out of trouble and helps out his elderly neighbor. What is not to like about him?
The chemistry between Mary and Jace is definitely intense. And you easily get swept away by there intense connection. I loved how they where both so different, but also so right for each other. And there where several moments that gave me all the butterflies. Sigh..
A nice side note to this story was Mary’s son, Aiden. He is autistic and definitely need a different approach than most 6 year old’s. I enjoyed reading about him and how Jace got close to him. And then there is Mary’s friend Nicole. Ow boy.. That girl made me laugh out loud so much. I definitely got some worried glances from my husband while reading about her. LOL!
‘Jingle Bell Hell’ was a great read I definitely loved. It was my first book by these two authors.. and I definitely want to read the first book in this standalone series too.
October 22, 2021
I wasn't sure about this one, what little we have seen of Mary hasn't been the best, but when she turned to her sisters for help after her husband left her, she seemed to relax a little. This book was fun because Mary had to discover who she was again and not be held back by what she thought she should be and also learn to lean on those that were in her life for help with Aidan.
Jace was the perfect person for Mary. For one, he totally got Aidan, knew the best way to interact with him and how to deal with him when he started to loose it. Nothing Aidan did or said seemed to phase Jace and there was some funny stuff going on that I laughed at. Jace was also great for Mary as a woman, he saw her and let her know how much he appreciated her. Jace never seemed to let things get him down, like when Mary freaked out about when she learned about his past or when she pulled back, just plain scared. He was even up for the randomness that was Nicole and her odd challenges for Mary.
This one ended in the best possible way, loved that these 3 are building a new family.
Jace was the perfect person for Mary. For one, he totally got Aidan, knew the best way to interact with him and how to deal with him when he started to loose it. Nothing Aidan did or said seemed to phase Jace and there was some funny stuff going on that I laughed at. Jace was also great for Mary as a woman, he saw her and let her know how much he appreciated her. Jace never seemed to let things get him down, like when Mary freaked out about when she learned about his past or when she pulled back, just plain scared. He was even up for the randomness that was Nicole and her odd challenges for Mary.
This one ended in the best possible way, loved that these 3 are building a new family.
December 27, 2021
¡Que agusto me la pase! Basicamente este libro cuenta la historia de Mary, quien después de un año esta tratando de reconstruir su vida después de que su esposo la abandonara junto a su hijo quien tiene autismo. Cuando decide meterse a un programa que permitira a su hijo tener un mentor/amigo y lidiar de forma más agradable con todo el cambio, se ve a si misma atraída al hombre al que le asignan a su hijo, quien es todo lo opuesto a su ex esposo: amable, atento, cariñoso… en fin, todo parece ir bien este año y mientras las festividades navideñas se acercan Mary solo puede pensar en cómo sería su vida al lado de Jace. Siento que este libro hizo lo que ocupaba: me dio un romance sencillo, tierno. Tiene sus defectos pero los deje ir por cómo disfruté cada página, me reí muchísimo, asi que la recomiendo totalmente para quienes amen el romance y aun tengan ganas de leerse algo temático de estas fechas.
September 25, 2021
I just adore all of the books in the Asheville series that Denise and AR have written together and this one is no different! Quite possibly one of my top faves. I laughed so hard at a few of the scenes that I cried. Good steam and wonderful chemistry between Mary and Jace. I loved Mary’s strength as a mother. I loved that Jace may have seemed like a bad boy on the outside, but had the heart of absolute gold. Denise and AR also did such a wonderful job with Aiden and writing his character true to that of a kid on the spectrum. I just really enjoyed him and the addition of his story line. As usual, you get some previous characters popping back in, which I’m always a fan of. Wonderful book which I highly recommend!
December 21, 2021
The first time I have read anything by either of these authors and it won't be the last. The romance felt slow burn and real, although they got together quite quickly time-wise. Note that the book is longer than normal. I thought the story was interesting and engaging and beautifully written. Loved the little boy and the main characters were all well drawn. The romance scenes were steamy and tasteful and once again, fitted the story perfectly. It's is set in the month or so before Christmas and the epilogue sets up the next book which will revolve around another character. I already bought that on audio, so I'm looking forward to it. Normal people with normal jobs too, as the heroine is a small town lawyer and the hero is a carpenter. 4.5 stars.
September 27, 2021
Jingle Bell Hell it’s a great book for this holidays. Mary and Jace have a special relationship that became more and more than they can manage. Finally they took the first step and enjoy one another company. Aidan is the glue and the lava between them, but obviously they make everything possible for keeping it glued ❤️ Jace need reassurance and Mary help him, Mary needs more self love and Jace help her. They are perfect for each other ❤️ Great book, great romance, great story.
I’m so excited for Tina’s story!
I’m so excited for Tina’s story!
October 7, 2021
Consigo até sentir o cheiro de canela açucarada no ar depois de ler este livro. O clima natalino deu um fundo muito gostoso para essa história, que já é muito boa por si só. A forma como o Jace e o Aidan se conectam é muito especial, é uma amizade linda. Assistir a Mary descobrindo que é capaz de voltar a desejar alguém, vê-la desejando, foi muito bom e inspirador. É uma ótima leitura temática para o Natal, com este clima bem dezembro, papais noéis e guirlandas!
October 11, 2021
My first Christmas book of 2021 and it was FANTASTIC!
This book honestly had everything sweet moments, laugh out loud scenes, sexy times and tears rolling down my face touching moments. I absolutely LOVED it.
The romance was perfect with a touch of angst to keep me interested.
But what made this book for me was a sweetest autistic boy named Aiden he captured my heart.
I fell hard for our hero ( just like his mother) as he interacted with this precious child.
I see this is second in a series but it is a total standalone. The side characters were great and now I have to read the first and future books in the series.
This book honestly had everything sweet moments, laugh out loud scenes, sexy times and tears rolling down my face touching moments. I absolutely LOVED it.
The romance was perfect with a touch of angst to keep me interested.
But what made this book for me was a sweetest autistic boy named Aiden he captured my heart.
I fell hard for our hero ( just like his mother) as he interacted with this precious child.
I see this is second in a series but it is a total standalone. The side characters were great and now I have to read the first and future books in the series.
December 12, 2021
This was an unexpectedly humorous and satisfying romantic comedy. At first I found the juxtaposition between the uptight attorney and the rough edged ex-con a little unlikely, but eventually I got to like their relationship, which centered to a large extent around the attorney's ten year old son who is on the autistic spectrum. It is a bit steamy, so if you don't like explicit sex scenes and some slightly rough language you may not enjoy it as much, but it seemed to work with the story.
September 23, 2021
Is someone who has been convicted of a crime and served their sentence to be trusted? How is a child who is diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum to be treated? Jingle Bell Hell is Book 2 of the RomCom Bad Luck Club Series asks these sensitive questions. A.R. Casella and Denise Grove Swank have presented issues outside most people’s comfort zone in Jingle Bell Hell.
The characters are well developed. They are flawed, seeking acceptance and love.
As always, this reader thoroughly enjoyed the characters, their differences and
Idiosyncrasies that told their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters are well developed. They are flawed, seeking acceptance and love.
As always, this reader thoroughly enjoyed the characters, their differences and
Idiosyncrasies that told their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2024
I LOVED this book! I felt so connected to the characters and was so involved in their story! I absolutely adored Jace and Aidan both and just couldn’t wait to see how their story turned out! I cannot wait to read more from Angela and Denise because they really did an amazing thing with this book!
September 19, 2021
Jingle Bell Hell is absolutely wonderful!! I have loved the Asheville Brewing and Bad Luck Series much. I can truly say the Jingle Bell Hell is my favorite!! This book may actually be one of my favorites I have read all year! I laughed so hard I cried in many places. Mary is so relatable and hilariously awkward and Jace is a dream! There were so many times Mary reminded me of myself. My only complaint is it was not long enough.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2021
This book! ❤️ 💚❤️💚 Jingle Bell Hell is the second installment in The Bad-Luck Club series. Denise Grover Swank and AR Casella have outdone themselves! The authors deftly wove together a story that brings the characters we have grown to love together with endearing new characters and infused with laugh out loud scenarios and steamy scenes. I was also moved by the insightful look into the realities of parenting a child who experiences the world differently.
Filled with heart and sizzling chemistry, I loved every moment of this romantic comedy. This one is a must read!!
Filled with heart and sizzling chemistry, I loved every moment of this romantic comedy. This one is a must read!!
December 30, 2021
Cute book! Great winter “interlude” book.
October 7, 2021
I’m utterly in love with this book and the characters! From the main characters to even the side characters, this book is fun and hits all the feels. I wasn’t exactly a single mom but I completely related to Mary and felt her doubts and insecurities. Jace completely melted my heart. I especially loved his relationship with his beloved neighbors. While I love the O’Shea sisters, I think this one is my favorite.
September 21, 2021
This book moved me so much. The Asheville Brewing and Bad Luck Club Series are hands down my favorite Rom Com series of all time. This book though, touched my heart in ways that no other book ever has.
Mary is a single mom whose jerk of a husband left because he couldn't hack being a parent to one of the most special kids in the world. She's definitely a prime candidate for the Bad Luck club and Nicole is hilarious in her challenges to help Mary open up.
Jace was a stupid kid just trying to make a place for himself in life and be able to see his nephew Ben again. He's not only wonderful with special children but always makes an amazing friend and neighbor to some pretty special senior citizens.
I laughed so hard I thought I was going to choke throughout this book, but I think I had tears just as many times. The way Aiden was front and center in this book and how well it was written just goes to show how amazing they are as authors.
My favorite parts were all the crazy shenanigans with Nicole and Dottie. Between knocking people out and a Grease wedding, it's laugh out loud funny.
I think because of Aiden, this was my favorite book so far. I think the only thing that could have made it better was a scene when Ben come to Asheville to visit. I can see the two boys keeping Mary and Jace on their toes.
My biggest piece of advice... Grab the tissues and read this book. You won't be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mary is a single mom whose jerk of a husband left because he couldn't hack being a parent to one of the most special kids in the world. She's definitely a prime candidate for the Bad Luck club and Nicole is hilarious in her challenges to help Mary open up.
Jace was a stupid kid just trying to make a place for himself in life and be able to see his nephew Ben again. He's not only wonderful with special children but always makes an amazing friend and neighbor to some pretty special senior citizens.
I laughed so hard I thought I was going to choke throughout this book, but I think I had tears just as many times. The way Aiden was front and center in this book and how well it was written just goes to show how amazing they are as authors.
My favorite parts were all the crazy shenanigans with Nicole and Dottie. Between knocking people out and a Grease wedding, it's laugh out loud funny.
I think because of Aiden, this was my favorite book so far. I think the only thing that could have made it better was a scene when Ben come to Asheville to visit. I can see the two boys keeping Mary and Jace on their toes.
My biggest piece of advice... Grab the tissues and read this book. You won't be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2021
Who would have thought uptight Mary would let loose and have some fun. Not your typical man meets women and falls in love. It is so much better!! Ex con meets laywer, what could not work!!! *spoilers* Misunderstood Jace finally gets second chance after serving prison time. Trying to void the loss of his nephew he joins program to mentor children on the spectrum. Not expecting to meet his dream girl at the same time. Enters Mary newly single mom on the mend after a horrible marriage. Both find ways to become stronger and different in their new lives. Both getting a second chance in life, and running with it!!! Amazing book filled with laughter, romance, and all together great read! Can be a stand alone book but highly recommend reading whole seriesnamd every other book by these amazing ladies!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2021
The only thing I did not like about this book was being interrupted while reading it. Every time I had to set it down I felt like I was missing out on what happens next.
A.R Castella and Denise Grover Swank do a fantastic job bring a child with Autism Into this story. Jace is an amazing character(swoon worthy) if only there were more men In real life like him. Mary is stronger than she thinks and she goes out of her comfort zone making this one smoldering hot story. Nicole is a fantastic part of this story too She adds laughter and keeps you guessing about what she is up to. I highly recommend this addition to the Bad Luck Club series you won't regret it.
A.R Castella and Denise Grover Swank do a fantastic job bring a child with Autism Into this story. Jace is an amazing character(swoon worthy) if only there were more men In real life like him. Mary is stronger than she thinks and she goes out of her comfort zone making this one smoldering hot story. Nicole is a fantastic part of this story too She adds laughter and keeps you guessing about what she is up to. I highly recommend this addition to the Bad Luck Club series you won't regret it.
October 6, 2021
The third sister, the most unknown out of the three but now we get to find out about her and her wonderful son Aidan.
Unbelievably refreshing to read a mainstream book with one of the main characters having Autism, it's brings Disability to the forefront and goes a long way in showing variety and strength to characters without it being tokenistic.
It was a great read with both Jace and Mary battling their own insecurities but working on them all the time and in the end they realised they were just meant to be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Unbelievably refreshing to read a mainstream book with one of the main characters having Autism, it's brings Disability to the forefront and goes a long way in showing variety and strength to characters without it being tokenistic.
It was a great read with both Jace and Mary battling their own insecurities but working on them all the time and in the end they realised they were just meant to be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2021
I have loved every single book in this series, but this one is super special. Jace is a rare type of person who makes lives better without taking the credit. He is funny, caring and sexy. Mary is an amazing mother who will put her child before herself every time. Aiden is the sweetest kid, he is outstandingly intelligent. This story is about second chances, seizing what you want in life and love.
January 7, 2022
The overall plot for this book wasn’t *entirely* awful and the characters were actually pretty likable aside from the cringeworthy and unnecessary sexual commentary and forced Christmas similes throughout. The overly sexual themes intertwined with the sweet storyline of the autistic son feels a bit uncomfortable to me. I’m guessing all the 5-star reviews come from extremely horny middle-aged single mothers. I actually began to enjoy the last 20% of the book when it’s more focused on the drama in the plot and the actual romance and depth of the characters and their relationships.
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