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Tech-nically Love #4
Grinch Girl
Sometimes, the real story isn’t the beautiful city girl returning to her small town to save Christmas—it’s the townie chick who never left.
Jane Zielinski has her hands full this December, working three jobs and directing a homemade reality dating web series, Single Bells, as a stunt to keep her small town competitive with the ritzy resort towns luring tourists. Then the gorgeous Bella Bradley, Jane’s childhood BFF who had no qualms about skipping town when times got tough, returns with handfuls of cash and her smoking-hot business partner Nate Wright on her arm.
Jane can’t believe she’s being upstaged again, especially when Bella uses the Single Bells activities to rekindle a romance with her high school boyfriend—the man Jane had envisioned her future with. So if a little competition could convince Bella to leave town—again—Jane is ready to take the mittens off. And she’s not above sabotage, cheating, or flirting with Nate to win.
These childhood friends turned rivals may have more in common than they thought. Let the reindeer games begin…
Jane Zielinski has her hands full this December, working three jobs and directing a homemade reality dating web series, Single Bells, as a stunt to keep her small town competitive with the ritzy resort towns luring tourists. Then the gorgeous Bella Bradley, Jane’s childhood BFF who had no qualms about skipping town when times got tough, returns with handfuls of cash and her smoking-hot business partner Nate Wright on her arm.
Jane can’t believe she’s being upstaged again, especially when Bella uses the Single Bells activities to rekindle a romance with her high school boyfriend—the man Jane had envisioned her future with. So if a little competition could convince Bella to leave town—again—Jane is ready to take the mittens off. And she’s not above sabotage, cheating, or flirting with Nate to win.
These childhood friends turned rivals may have more in common than they thought. Let the reindeer games begin…
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2022
About the author
Michelle Dayton
16 books83 followersThere are only three things Michelle Dayton loves more than sexy and suspenseful novels: her family, the city of Chicago, and Mr. Darcy. Michelle dreams of a year of world travel – as long as the trip would include weeks and weeks of beach time. As a bourbon lover and unabashed wine snob, Michelle thinks heaven is discussing a good book over an adult beverage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 5, 2022
4 stars. I really enjoyed this holiday romance. It was a touch more angsty than I was expecting - and I’m still very indignant on the heroine’s behalf. My takeaway from this book is that I hate the dead grandma for showing so much preference for Bella, who left and didn’t look back for 10 years.
I really liked the heroine - she was just the right level of snarky for me. I do think this book is a little light on the romance (I’d prefer more time spent with the MCs), with a bigger focus on the side characters and all of the town’s issues. I never really felt like I got to know or understand the hero. Once again, this book needed a better epilogue. Writing an epilogue a few days out from the end isn’t really an epilogue!! I want to know what these characters are doing in a year, dang it. I read romance for the HEA, why do authors always get so stingy with it?
Safe; no virgins, no major om/ow drama, the heroine briefly wants to peruse something with om, but that was more out of desperation than true interest. No scenes with om/ow, no cheating.
I really liked the heroine - she was just the right level of snarky for me. I do think this book is a little light on the romance (I’d prefer more time spent with the MCs), with a bigger focus on the side characters and all of the town’s issues. I never really felt like I got to know or understand the hero. Once again, this book needed a better epilogue. Writing an epilogue a few days out from the end isn’t really an epilogue!! I want to know what these characters are doing in a year, dang it. I read romance for the HEA, why do authors always get so stingy with it?
Safe; no virgins, no major om/ow drama, the heroine briefly wants to peruse something with om, but that was more out of desperation than true interest. No scenes with om/ow, no cheating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2022
Just when I think, so, I really loved the last book in this series, but the next one couldn't possibly be *as* good, right? But then I pick up the next one, and yeah. Yeah, it IS.
LOVED Grinch Girl!
Like the rest of the series, it's written in first person from the POV of the main female character--in this case, that's Jane. She's working roughly a bazillion jobs trying to keep afloat and harboring not an insignificant amount of resentment about the fact that she's felt trapped by obligation and circumstance in the same small (and somewhat trashy, according to the nearby more prosperous towns) town that she grew up in. When the story opens, she's struggling to keep her surrogate grandmother's business afloat during the first winter season since Greta's death and having a bit of a time with it. In fact, the entire town's businesses are struggling, and no one's quite sure how to fix it.
But Jane's superpower is that she's a fixer--or at least, she tries to be with the limited resources she has--and this time she's come up with a (hopefully) brilliant idea. A holiday-themed online dating show set in her hometown that will feature the town, its residents, and most of all, its businesses. It's so crazy it just might work...but then her current nemesis and former BFF Bella comes back to town and signs up to participate.
(For readers of the series, Bella was a secondary character in the previous book, Escape Girl . The MCs of the first 3 books are waaaaaay out on the periphery of this one, with mostly mentions here and there so this would work as a standalone. But as I've said with all of the series books so far, WHY DO THAT TO YOURSELF? READ. THEM. ALL.)
Bella looks like a Disney princess, and was high school sweethearts with the one eligible nice guy left in town, the one Jane kinda sorta had her eye on for herself. She's clearly going to be the good girl heroine of their dating show, and since they need even numbers for the show, Jane decides to cast herself in the role of bad girl villainess, AKA Grinch Girl.
Except Jane's not really a bad girl, or all that grinchy, really. And the work colleague that Bella brings to town with her, Nate, sees right through the act to her gooey center. (And OMG, not only does he appreciate competence p*rn, he uses the phrase in conversation in reference to Jane. Be still my heart.) But Nate--and Bella--are going to be leaving after the holidays.
And Jane's sick of being left behind. Of not being good enough. Of not being chosen. So...better to just keep her distance from both of them, right?
Well, she'll try. But fortunately, they have other ideas which they eventually will manage to get through to her thick skull. Because the HEAs here are glorious.
Have I mentioned that I love this series? <3
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
LOVED Grinch Girl!
Like the rest of the series, it's written in first person from the POV of the main female character--in this case, that's Jane. She's working roughly a bazillion jobs trying to keep afloat and harboring not an insignificant amount of resentment about the fact that she's felt trapped by obligation and circumstance in the same small (and somewhat trashy, according to the nearby more prosperous towns) town that she grew up in. When the story opens, she's struggling to keep her surrogate grandmother's business afloat during the first winter season since Greta's death and having a bit of a time with it. In fact, the entire town's businesses are struggling, and no one's quite sure how to fix it.
But Jane's superpower is that she's a fixer--or at least, she tries to be with the limited resources she has--and this time she's come up with a (hopefully) brilliant idea. A holiday-themed online dating show set in her hometown that will feature the town, its residents, and most of all, its businesses. It's so crazy it just might work...but then her current nemesis and former BFF Bella comes back to town and signs up to participate.
(For readers of the series, Bella was a secondary character in the previous book, Escape Girl . The MCs of the first 3 books are waaaaaay out on the periphery of this one, with mostly mentions here and there so this would work as a standalone. But as I've said with all of the series books so far, WHY DO THAT TO YOURSELF? READ. THEM. ALL.)
Bella looks like a Disney princess, and was high school sweethearts with the one eligible nice guy left in town, the one Jane kinda sorta had her eye on for herself. She's clearly going to be the good girl heroine of their dating show, and since they need even numbers for the show, Jane decides to cast herself in the role of bad girl villainess, AKA Grinch Girl.
Except Jane's not really a bad girl, or all that grinchy, really. And the work colleague that Bella brings to town with her, Nate, sees right through the act to her gooey center. (And OMG, not only does he appreciate competence p*rn, he uses the phrase in conversation in reference to Jane. Be still my heart.) But Nate--and Bella--are going to be leaving after the holidays.
And Jane's sick of being left behind. Of not being good enough. Of not being chosen. So...better to just keep her distance from both of them, right?
Well, she'll try. But fortunately, they have other ideas which they eventually will manage to get through to her thick skull. Because the HEAs here are glorious.
Have I mentioned that I love this series? <3
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 9, 2022
Jane never left her hometown as she wanted to support the town and the people she loved. Her latest plan to bring visibility to the town is a dating show but she never expected it would also bring her estranged best friend Bella and Nate, her swoony business partner.
If it isn’t difficult enough for Jane to have Bella return then having them both romantically interested in the same man is sure to amp up the tension. Now Jane finds herself feeling competitive towards Bella as they try to work through the secrets of the past and decide what direction they want their futures to take.
I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters and the pasts that have brought them to this point. Jane is a loyal friend who has always been there for those she cares about and I was glad to see her finally get the happiness she deserves.
If it isn’t difficult enough for Jane to have Bella return then having them both romantically interested in the same man is sure to amp up the tension. Now Jane finds herself feeling competitive towards Bella as they try to work through the secrets of the past and decide what direction they want their futures to take.
I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters and the pasts that have brought them to this point. Jane is a loyal friend who has always been there for those she cares about and I was glad to see her finally get the happiness she deserves.
December 25, 2022
This was so good!! Loved the main character: she was complex, cool and caring. She took action to save the town during Christmas, but she was definitely not happy-go-lucky. She had a lot of things to work through.
I loved reading her banter with Nate. They had such great chemistry. There is more to this book than romance though: the complex family dynamics are just as interesting.
I loved reading her banter with Nate. They had such great chemistry. There is more to this book than romance though: the complex family dynamics are just as interesting.
October 17, 2022
Jane Zielinski knows her little town is in trouble financially but she is hoping their Christmas Season will be enough to push all of their businesses through the slow times. Jane comes up with the idea of doing a Christmas dating show but will it be enough?
When Jane’s ex-bff, Bella Bradley, comes in to save the day and steal the man, Michael, that Jane has her eyes on, how far will Jane go to save her town and her own dreams?
This was such a fun read and not normally something I would pick up but I am so glad I did.
I really liked Jane and knew through the book that she really gave up a lot for Greta but that Greta did so much for her as well. I understood a little about why she was upset at Bella and as the book went on I understood more and more.
There was so much history between Bella and Jane but there were also a lot of secrets because of what Greta wanted to keep from Bella. That put a lot of responsibility on Jane and then created some animosity between them.
I really liked the dating game and how they had people vote for which couples they wanted together. I really liked how it brought certain couples together and let everyone see a different side to them. The dates were fun and everyone had a great time.
I loved how Nate and Jane had their own plans and began to hatch their ideas so that both of them could get what they wanted!
It was also interesting how the two towns around them began plotting against them and the levels that Jane and crew went to in order for their show and Christmas Village to survive and come out on top!
I did really like the way everything ended and the twists along the way! The book was a fun Christmas delight!- Rebecca
When Jane’s ex-bff, Bella Bradley, comes in to save the day and steal the man, Michael, that Jane has her eyes on, how far will Jane go to save her town and her own dreams?
This was such a fun read and not normally something I would pick up but I am so glad I did.
I really liked Jane and knew through the book that she really gave up a lot for Greta but that Greta did so much for her as well. I understood a little about why she was upset at Bella and as the book went on I understood more and more.
There was so much history between Bella and Jane but there were also a lot of secrets because of what Greta wanted to keep from Bella. That put a lot of responsibility on Jane and then created some animosity between them.
I really liked the dating game and how they had people vote for which couples they wanted together. I really liked how it brought certain couples together and let everyone see a different side to them. The dates were fun and everyone had a great time.
I loved how Nate and Jane had their own plans and began to hatch their ideas so that both of them could get what they wanted!
It was also interesting how the two towns around them began plotting against them and the levels that Jane and crew went to in order for their show and Christmas Village to survive and come out on top!
I did really like the way everything ended and the twists along the way! The book was a fun Christmas delight!- Rebecca
November 15, 2024
Jane was walking around their small town trying to not feel discouraged. Greta, who had been like a grandmother to her, had passed away two months before and Jane was doing everything she could to keep Greta's shop open. Working as a seasonal waitress at The Grand Vienna Resort and doing Geek Squad appointments.
She was attending her first Small Business Association meeting as she was now running Greta's wine store. The meeting was to see what they could do to encourage tourists to visit their Christmas Village. It was getting harder each year to gather funds from local businesses and it looked like this year, not only wouldn't they be able to have the Christmas Village, but some businesses may not survive until the new year.
Only everyone was fresh out of ideas. The neighboring town had built a new ice rink and was determined to take all their business. Jane was determined to come up with a way to save their town and threw out the idea of having a reality dating show to draw attention to their Christmas Village and to have viewers decide which of the contestants would be set up for each date.
Workers had descended on their town and the Christmas Village was being restored to its old glory. Then Carol drops the bomb and introduces the benefactor who is rebuilding the Christmas Village and saving their town. Bella... Greta's granddaughter... Jane's best friend... Bella who had left town ten years ago without a backward glance.
I loved this story and it was a great ending to an amazingly funny series. It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable.
This story started out slower than the other books in the series and it took me a while to get the connection to the rest of the series because the person who connects the series isn't the main female character and isn't immediately obvious - although she did get her own HEA.
This book will keep you laughing as this small town puts together a reality show with no experience in any aspect - including using a video camera. Jane is trying to save their town as she mourns the woman who practically raised her and coming to terms with her friend returning to town. Along with the man who arrives with Bella.
Loved this book and this series! The books are smoking hot, full of suspense with a few twists. Michelle Dayton is definitely a one-click author if you love rom-coms with a twist. Highly recommend!
She was attending her first Small Business Association meeting as she was now running Greta's wine store. The meeting was to see what they could do to encourage tourists to visit their Christmas Village. It was getting harder each year to gather funds from local businesses and it looked like this year, not only wouldn't they be able to have the Christmas Village, but some businesses may not survive until the new year.
Only everyone was fresh out of ideas. The neighboring town had built a new ice rink and was determined to take all their business. Jane was determined to come up with a way to save their town and threw out the idea of having a reality dating show to draw attention to their Christmas Village and to have viewers decide which of the contestants would be set up for each date.
Workers had descended on their town and the Christmas Village was being restored to its old glory. Then Carol drops the bomb and introduces the benefactor who is rebuilding the Christmas Village and saving their town. Bella... Greta's granddaughter... Jane's best friend... Bella who had left town ten years ago without a backward glance.
I loved this story and it was a great ending to an amazingly funny series. It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable.
This story started out slower than the other books in the series and it took me a while to get the connection to the rest of the series because the person who connects the series isn't the main female character and isn't immediately obvious - although she did get her own HEA.
This book will keep you laughing as this small town puts together a reality show with no experience in any aspect - including using a video camera. Jane is trying to save their town as she mourns the woman who practically raised her and coming to terms with her friend returning to town. Along with the man who arrives with Bella.
Loved this book and this series! The books are smoking hot, full of suspense with a few twists. Michelle Dayton is definitely a one-click author if you love rom-coms with a twist. Highly recommend!
November 9, 2022
I received this arc of Grinch Girl in exchange for my honest review. This is the fourth book in Michelle Dayton’s Tech-nically Love series. I have read all of the books in this series and just loved them. Book 4 takes place in southeast Wisconsin. The main character, Jane Zielinski has stayed in her hometown all her life. Her best friend Bella Bradley left after they graduated high school and never returned. Bella’s grandmother Greta took both girls in as babies and raised them as their mothers were young and unmarried and not able to handle it. Jane learned that Greta was sick and she made the decision to not leave town with Bella after graduation. This information was kept from Bella to make sure she had the futureGreta wanted her to have. These choices ruined their friendship.
Greta passed away and Bella returned to town with her new coworker Nate Wright. Jane works three jobs to stay afloat, including running Greta’s liquor store. The small hometown shops are struggling to get business and with a lack of funds, the town’s Christmas events aren’t being held. Bella provides the money for the Christmas village to help bring business to the town. Her career is going very well.
Jane devises a plan to help save the businesses. She comes up with a Reality Dating plan called Single Bells. They get 4 women and 4 men to sign up including Jane, Nate, Bella and Bella’s former high school sweetheart Michael. They get locals to take the videos and update social media. Each week, the people watching the show, vote on which people to put together. Bella and Michael are paired together a couple of weeks and Jane and Nate are paired together. Jane and Nate spend time together talking and notice they have chemistry. Jane is a realist and realizes Nate will leave after the holidays are over so she doesn’t want to get her heart broken.
This book was a great addition to the series. I found all the characters so likable and genuine. I loved reading about the relationships with Jane and Bella and their past history. Nate and Jane make a great couple and it is romantic to see Michael and Bella together in the reality show. Michelle did a wonderful job with the story. As someone familiar with southeast Wisconsin, I loved recognizing the Grand Vienna Hotel, Wontana, Vienna, and Falworth as places I’m familiar with. I highly recommend this book and the series.
Greta passed away and Bella returned to town with her new coworker Nate Wright. Jane works three jobs to stay afloat, including running Greta’s liquor store. The small hometown shops are struggling to get business and with a lack of funds, the town’s Christmas events aren’t being held. Bella provides the money for the Christmas village to help bring business to the town. Her career is going very well.
Jane devises a plan to help save the businesses. She comes up with a Reality Dating plan called Single Bells. They get 4 women and 4 men to sign up including Jane, Nate, Bella and Bella’s former high school sweetheart Michael. They get locals to take the videos and update social media. Each week, the people watching the show, vote on which people to put together. Bella and Michael are paired together a couple of weeks and Jane and Nate are paired together. Jane and Nate spend time together talking and notice they have chemistry. Jane is a realist and realizes Nate will leave after the holidays are over so she doesn’t want to get her heart broken.
This book was a great addition to the series. I found all the characters so likable and genuine. I loved reading about the relationships with Jane and Bella and their past history. Nate and Jane make a great couple and it is romantic to see Michael and Bella together in the reality show. Michelle did a wonderful job with the story. As someone familiar with southeast Wisconsin, I loved recognizing the Grand Vienna Hotel, Wontana, Vienna, and Falworth as places I’m familiar with. I highly recommend this book and the series.
December 30, 2024
Jane Zielinski is the stay at home small town girl and this book was appropriately named Grinch Girl when it was first released.
It took me a while to warm up to Jane who was on the surface, trying to make the most of her small town life in honour of her long term parental figure, Greta, who died recently. Underneath, Jane is teaming with unspoken resentment, especially against Greta's granddaughter who used to be her best friend and managed to escape the small town life at a cost to Jane.
When the town seems to be on its last legs, as proven by the closing down of the Christmas Village that would bring an influx of tourist dollars each winter, Jane is desperate to turn things around. After all, she's decided her destiny is to run Greta's liquor store and marry the only eligible bachelor in town.
The brilliant concept of an internet dating show set in the town to lure the tourists to explore has all the right bells and whistles to save the town. Only Bella Bradley, her nemesis, rolls back into town all cashed up with her own agenda to save the town including funding the Christmas Village.
Which would have been fine (maybe) if the eligible bachelor Jane has set her sights on didn't happen to be Bella's ex, Michael, and they seem very happy to see each other again.
It seems like Bella is planning to steal everything from her so Jane decides to fight back. If she has to use the hot guy who came into town in Bella's company to win the attention of bachelor Michael, she's prepared to go all out. Nate seems like the ideal guy to get a local boy next door jealous.
This story is very much about Jane learning what she wants from life. After the sacrifices she has made, she lost sight of who she was and what her dreams are. It isn't until she's faces with losing everything she thinks she wants, that she actually starts to consider what she really needs.
I did enjoy her interactions with Nate, who was a perfect foil for Jane's idiosyncrasies.
This is the final book in the Tech-nically Love series and is a stand alone book that can be read without the previous stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It took me a while to warm up to Jane who was on the surface, trying to make the most of her small town life in honour of her long term parental figure, Greta, who died recently. Underneath, Jane is teaming with unspoken resentment, especially against Greta's granddaughter who used to be her best friend and managed to escape the small town life at a cost to Jane.
When the town seems to be on its last legs, as proven by the closing down of the Christmas Village that would bring an influx of tourist dollars each winter, Jane is desperate to turn things around. After all, she's decided her destiny is to run Greta's liquor store and marry the only eligible bachelor in town.
The brilliant concept of an internet dating show set in the town to lure the tourists to explore has all the right bells and whistles to save the town. Only Bella Bradley, her nemesis, rolls back into town all cashed up with her own agenda to save the town including funding the Christmas Village.
Which would have been fine (maybe) if the eligible bachelor Jane has set her sights on didn't happen to be Bella's ex, Michael, and they seem very happy to see each other again.
It seems like Bella is planning to steal everything from her so Jane decides to fight back. If she has to use the hot guy who came into town in Bella's company to win the attention of bachelor Michael, she's prepared to go all out. Nate seems like the ideal guy to get a local boy next door jealous.
This story is very much about Jane learning what she wants from life. After the sacrifices she has made, she lost sight of who she was and what her dreams are. It isn't until she's faces with losing everything she thinks she wants, that she actually starts to consider what she really needs.
I did enjoy her interactions with Nate, who was a perfect foil for Jane's idiosyncrasies.
This is the final book in the Tech-nically Love series and is a stand alone book that can be read without the previous stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2022
This is the third book I have read by Michelle, and it seems that each one gets better and better. Grinch Girl takes place in a small town in Wisconsin, along the lake. The main character, Jane Zielinski has been there her whole life. She was raised by Greta, the grandmother of Bella who was her best friend growing up.
All the business in town seems to be struggling so the owners of the small business get together to try to figure out what to do. Jane comes up with and they all agree on having a dating Christmas show with the characters pairing up with each other. Sounds like a fun idea but will it be enough? The neighboring towns are in competition so it will be difficult.
Greta has recently passed away from a lingering illness and Jane is devasted and has taken over running the small business that Greta had operated. Bella has been very successful in Chicago but hasn't been home in a decade which makes Jane a bit angry. She does come home though to help out with the Christmas dating show. Jane still harbors bitterness with Bella so they barely speak.
In Greta's will, she left a stipulation that the girls are to spend Christmas Eve together and get over their differences. Bella had come home with her business partner Nate and he and Jane develop a relationship that may work or not as Jane does not really trust anyone.
All in all, the Christmas show, very much like a reality show, turns out to be a success, but does everyone get along and how will their relationships continue?
Grinch Girl is a romantic comedy of sorts, with all sorts of different relationships going on. I thought it was very fun read! I have enjoyed all the books in the series by Michelle Dayton and will read more by her.
I give the book 5 stars!
All the business in town seems to be struggling so the owners of the small business get together to try to figure out what to do. Jane comes up with and they all agree on having a dating Christmas show with the characters pairing up with each other. Sounds like a fun idea but will it be enough? The neighboring towns are in competition so it will be difficult.
Greta has recently passed away from a lingering illness and Jane is devasted and has taken over running the small business that Greta had operated. Bella has been very successful in Chicago but hasn't been home in a decade which makes Jane a bit angry. She does come home though to help out with the Christmas dating show. Jane still harbors bitterness with Bella so they barely speak.
In Greta's will, she left a stipulation that the girls are to spend Christmas Eve together and get over their differences. Bella had come home with her business partner Nate and he and Jane develop a relationship that may work or not as Jane does not really trust anyone.
All in all, the Christmas show, very much like a reality show, turns out to be a success, but does everyone get along and how will their relationships continue?
Grinch Girl is a romantic comedy of sorts, with all sorts of different relationships going on. I thought it was very fun read! I have enjoyed all the books in the series by Michelle Dayton and will read more by her.
I give the book 5 stars!
October 17, 2022
This was such a fun read and not normally something I would pick up but I am so glad I did.
I really liked Jane and knew through the book that she really gave up a lot for Greta but that Greta did so much for her as well. I understood a little about why she was upset at Bella and as the book went on I understood more and more.
There was so much history between Bella and Jane but there were also a lot of secrets because of what Greta wanted to keep from Bella. That put a lot of responsibility on Jane and then created some animosity between them.
I really liked the dating game and how they had people vote for which couples they wanted together. I really liked how it brought certain couples together and let everyone see a different side to them. The dates were fun and everyone had a great time.
I loved how Nate and Jane had their own plans and began to hatch their ideas so that both of them could get what they wanted!
It was also interesting how the two towns around them began plotting against them and the levels that Jane and crew went to in order for their show and Christmas Village to survive and come out on top!
I did really like the way everything ended and the twists along the way! The book was a fun Christmas delight!
I really liked Jane and knew through the book that she really gave up a lot for Greta but that Greta did so much for her as well. I understood a little about why she was upset at Bella and as the book went on I understood more and more.
There was so much history between Bella and Jane but there were also a lot of secrets because of what Greta wanted to keep from Bella. That put a lot of responsibility on Jane and then created some animosity between them.
I really liked the dating game and how they had people vote for which couples they wanted together. I really liked how it brought certain couples together and let everyone see a different side to them. The dates were fun and everyone had a great time.
I loved how Nate and Jane had their own plans and began to hatch their ideas so that both of them could get what they wanted!
It was also interesting how the two towns around them began plotting against them and the levels that Jane and crew went to in order for their show and Christmas Village to survive and come out on top!
I did really like the way everything ended and the twists along the way! The book was a fun Christmas delight!
November 10, 2022
I haven’t read much by Michelle Dayton and I’m really surprised that she hasn’t crossed my radar a lot sooner. This is Jane Zielinski and Michael’s captivating journey and it’s book 4 in the Tech-nically Love Series but I do believe it can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone. If you love books set around the holidays in small towns look no further than this whimsical read.
Jane is determined to keep her small town up there amongst the best for the tourist market, she keeps herself busy with a number of jobs one of which is a dating website called Single Bells. A plan has been made to use the dat8ng sire to create visibility fir her hometown but that’s about to be ruined when her ex best friend Bella and her business partner Nate arrive in town…….
What follows is a lots of games as Bella sets her sights on Michael the man Jane has always dreamed of having a future with. So who will win in the end, you will need to one click to find that out.
This book ticked my boxes, irs a rocky road with a fair few twists and turns, it’s emotional yet magical, it has wonderful characters but more importantly it’s about friendships. A witty read that I highly recommend.
Jane is determined to keep her small town up there amongst the best for the tourist market, she keeps herself busy with a number of jobs one of which is a dating website called Single Bells. A plan has been made to use the dat8ng sire to create visibility fir her hometown but that’s about to be ruined when her ex best friend Bella and her business partner Nate arrive in town…….
What follows is a lots of games as Bella sets her sights on Michael the man Jane has always dreamed of having a future with. So who will win in the end, you will need to one click to find that out.
This book ticked my boxes, irs a rocky road with a fair few twists and turns, it’s emotional yet magical, it has wonderful characters but more importantly it’s about friendships. A witty read that I highly recommend.
December 29, 2025
surprisingly really enjoyed reading the first 2/3 of this book and I was so willing to give it a 4 stars, but the last end of the book really ruined it for me, from how overdramatic the conflict between Jane and Nate was at the bonfire and the fact that it all took place on camera (which I hate), to Jane falling into the lake (of course she does smh), and then even how Bella and Jane made up, it just didn’t seem very realistic considering how angry the two of them had been with each other, it doesn’t make sense that they would willingly sit and talk through their feelings, and Jane came across as way too forgiving despite the years of resentment that had built up.
my final ranking of the technically love series:
1. the love hack (disaster girl, still taking the crown despite how unliveable tess became in the 3rd book)
2. christmas single bells (grinch girl, only the final part of the book did I dislike but still really enjoyed everything leading up to it especially the whole reality tv plot)
3. the love clause (escape girl, loved reading about emily’s grief than the actual love story itself)
4. cupid tricks (scammer girl, great idea but poor execution in my opinion)
my final ranking of the technically love series:
1. the love hack (disaster girl, still taking the crown despite how unliveable tess became in the 3rd book)
2. christmas single bells (grinch girl, only the final part of the book did I dislike but still really enjoyed everything leading up to it especially the whole reality tv plot)
3. the love clause (escape girl, loved reading about emily’s grief than the actual love story itself)
4. cupid tricks (scammer girl, great idea but poor execution in my opinion)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2022
4 Star review of Grinch Girl (Tech-Nically Love #4) by Michelle Dayton
Michelle Dayton is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across this author before. This month I have read a number of new to me authors and will be looking at her other books as soon as time permits.
From the first to the last chapter I was invested in Jane and the man who she falls for Michael. I love stories set around the holidays, add in that it’s a small town romance and Grinch Girl ticked the boxes for me.
Jane is a woman on a mission, to keep her small town competitive with the surrounding tourist towns. She works a number of jobs, including directing a dating web series called Single Bells.
When her childhood best friend Bella Bradley, now Jane’s rival, returns to town with her business partner Nate, complications quickly arise as Bella sets her sights on Michael.
I really liked Jane but the history between Jane and Bella was challenging. Their journey was rocky, full of twists and turns but it made for an entertaining, witty read.
Michelle Dayton is a new author to me and I am surprised I have not come across this author before. This month I have read a number of new to me authors and will be looking at her other books as soon as time permits.
From the first to the last chapter I was invested in Jane and the man who she falls for Michael. I love stories set around the holidays, add in that it’s a small town romance and Grinch Girl ticked the boxes for me.
Jane is a woman on a mission, to keep her small town competitive with the surrounding tourist towns. She works a number of jobs, including directing a dating web series called Single Bells.
When her childhood best friend Bella Bradley, now Jane’s rival, returns to town with her business partner Nate, complications quickly arise as Bella sets her sights on Michael.
I really liked Jane but the history between Jane and Bella was challenging. Their journey was rocky, full of twists and turns but it made for an entertaining, witty read.
November 6, 2022
Stephannie's 5-Star Review:
I love this series, each book is different but I have loved every one of them. This one is about Jane and her small little lake town that is not doing so well and needs Christmas sales to boost in hopes to keep them afloat. Jane creates a reality game show to air via the internet in hopes to get visitors to this small town in the hopes to save businesses. Also, Greta who was like a mother to Jane died and her niece Bella comes back into town. Jane and Bella had a falling out and there are secrets and drama between these two; Greta is trying to mend their relationship from the grave. Jane finds herself attracted to Bella’s work adviser, Nate. Will the town survive? Can Jane and Bella find a way back to becoming friends?
I really loved this one. I hated Bella at first but there is more to this story and I should have known there were two sides to the story. I love Nate and Jane together; these two are perfect for each other. Great read, one-click this one today!
I love this series, each book is different but I have loved every one of them. This one is about Jane and her small little lake town that is not doing so well and needs Christmas sales to boost in hopes to keep them afloat. Jane creates a reality game show to air via the internet in hopes to get visitors to this small town in the hopes to save businesses. Also, Greta who was like a mother to Jane died and her niece Bella comes back into town. Jane and Bella had a falling out and there are secrets and drama between these two; Greta is trying to mend their relationship from the grave. Jane finds herself attracted to Bella’s work adviser, Nate. Will the town survive? Can Jane and Bella find a way back to becoming friends?
I really loved this one. I hated Bella at first but there is more to this story and I should have known there were two sides to the story. I love Nate and Jane together; these two are perfect for each other. Great read, one-click this one today!
December 4, 2024
Christmas Single Bells by Michelle Dayton
In this story we find the technical savvy Jane and she's had to run Greta's shop for her since she's passed. The town is rallying for the Christmas village to be set up again but nobody has money. Jane has a plan and it has to do with dating. She hopes to get closer to Mike, a local during the dating phases. She is able to sign up a lot of people and they find a donor so money is not a problem any longer. Greta's granddaughter is also back in town and they have a meeting with the lawyer to finalize the estate and learn what they will have to do to finish it. It's not your typical clause but they have to find a way to work together.... Love when we read about why they both didn't leave to attend college. so courageous.
Like tech things and how she's able to change things in the town next door that's gotten a lot of tourists to stop in lately, taking business from their town.
Fun, laugh out loud and entertaining. Love whole series. Adult situations.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing and this is my honest opinion.
In this story we find the technical savvy Jane and she's had to run Greta's shop for her since she's passed. The town is rallying for the Christmas village to be set up again but nobody has money. Jane has a plan and it has to do with dating. She hopes to get closer to Mike, a local during the dating phases. She is able to sign up a lot of people and they find a donor so money is not a problem any longer. Greta's granddaughter is also back in town and they have a meeting with the lawyer to finalize the estate and learn what they will have to do to finish it. It's not your typical clause but they have to find a way to work together.... Love when we read about why they both didn't leave to attend college. so courageous.
Like tech things and how she's able to change things in the town next door that's gotten a lot of tourists to stop in lately, taking business from their town.
Fun, laugh out loud and entertaining. Love whole series. Adult situations.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing and this is my honest opinion.
November 26, 2024
This is last in series and probably my favourite. We deleve into Bella's past when returns home after grandmothers, Greta's, death. The pov comes from her ex best friend Jane, who after taking over Gretas shop realises something needs to be done to save local businesses. She comes up with an online dating show and uses it as an excuse to get close to her crush, Michael, who has signed up though he is hoping to make a move on Bella. Jane starts getting close to Bella's friend Nathan and realises she has secret feelings for him.
I loved the concept of this book. Its both silly and tackles a real issue put to the community. I like how they all throw themselves into helping out. In this book Bella to me comes across more standoffish but when her and Jane finally settle their issues the story really comes together..
Good little Christmas read that will keep the imagination going.
I received this as an ARC and am leaving my own review
I loved the concept of this book. Its both silly and tackles a real issue put to the community. I like how they all throw themselves into helping out. In this book Bella to me comes across more standoffish but when her and Jane finally settle their issues the story really comes together..
Good little Christmas read that will keep the imagination going.
I received this as an ARC and am leaving my own review
December 11, 2024
Two girls were raised by the same woman and they were the best of friends. But Bella was brilliant and received a full scholarship to a good college. The other girl, Jane, stayed in their tiny, dying town to help her addicted mother and Greta, the woman who raised her.
When Bella comes back to town, after a 10 year absence, the women were no longer close and both were angry with each other. Bella, having recently come into a lot of money, has agreed to pay for the revitalization of the Christmas market. There are two wealthier towns that have worked to take away any tourists the small town used to attract. So Jane and her fellow business owners hatch a plan to get more eyes and attention on their town and what it has to offer. The plan works, and has many benefits for the town and the participants.
This is a fun story, that has some spicy sections. Some characters are from previous books in the series, but this book can absolutely be read on its own. I liked it a lot.
When Bella comes back to town, after a 10 year absence, the women were no longer close and both were angry with each other. Bella, having recently come into a lot of money, has agreed to pay for the revitalization of the Christmas market. There are two wealthier towns that have worked to take away any tourists the small town used to attract. So Jane and her fellow business owners hatch a plan to get more eyes and attention on their town and what it has to offer. The plan works, and has many benefits for the town and the participants.
This is a fun story, that has some spicy sections. Some characters are from previous books in the series, but this book can absolutely be read on its own. I liked it a lot.
October 25, 2022
The entire Tech-nically Love series is terrific. There are four books; each one is individual as they come and all are steeped in love and romance.
Grinch Girl takes place in a small lake town where Jane has found herself stuck, her dreams altered too much. A chance to make her town thrive over Christmas brings fun and love when Jane suggests a reality dating show using single townspeople and the town as the backdrop. The hope is that people will make the show viral and bring tourists to the town. The pairings are fun and Jane finds herself as one with Bella’s work adviser, Nate.Plus, her once very dear friend, Bella, is back and maybe, against all odds, they can get back their friendship.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Grinch Girl takes place in a small lake town where Jane has found herself stuck, her dreams altered too much. A chance to make her town thrive over Christmas brings fun and love when Jane suggests a reality dating show using single townspeople and the town as the backdrop. The hope is that people will make the show viral and bring tourists to the town. The pairings are fun and Jane finds herself as one with Bella’s work adviser, Nate.Plus, her once very dear friend, Bella, is back and maybe, against all odds, they can get back their friendship.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 8, 2022
Grinch Girl, Tech-nically Love Book 4, by Michelle Dayton is another modern edgy tale of the one trying to make it in life. There are many young adult women who can identify with Jane Zielinski. Staying in the small town that you grew up in can have its advantages but also its disadvantages too.
Resorting back to your high school rivalry is not the mature thing to do but it sure makes reading the book interesting. I wasn’t sure how this book would conclude but had faith knowing that the Grinch’s heart grew in the children’s book so I believed that the characters in this story would find some grown and maturity too.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Resorting back to your high school rivalry is not the mature thing to do but it sure makes reading the book interesting. I wasn’t sure how this book would conclude but had faith knowing that the Grinch’s heart grew in the children’s book so I believed that the characters in this story would find some grown and maturity too.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 8, 2022
This is another fun book in this series and while you don't have to read them to follow this one you should do yourself a favour and read them all
Jane will do anything to keep her town going even though it has strong competition from local tourist towns and Greta the woman she cared for knew that and has set her a task of rejuvenating the town This has led to Jane working multiple jobs all at the same time as well as running and on line dating show What she didn't expect is that Bella her ex best friend and now nemesis would return all at the instigation of Greta. Now Bella is making a move on the one man that Jane could see a future with Well if they gloves are off she will go after Bella's business partner Nate So let the games begin
Jane will do anything to keep her town going even though it has strong competition from local tourist towns and Greta the woman she cared for knew that and has set her a task of rejuvenating the town This has led to Jane working multiple jobs all at the same time as well as running and on line dating show What she didn't expect is that Bella her ex best friend and now nemesis would return all at the instigation of Greta. Now Bella is making a move on the one man that Jane could see a future with Well if they gloves are off she will go after Bella's business partner Nate So let the games begin
December 22, 2024
Christmas Single Bells ~Tech-nically Love #4 by Michelle Dayton.
Publisher Description
It’s the classic holiday movie set-up, but there’s mischief behind the scenes…
I have loved reading Michelle's series, and each book has been better than the last. This is a brilliant, well-written story to end the series.
Wonderful characters, small town, hot shot from outer town and best friend
Truly a lovely Christmas small-town romance, which I recommend to all.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Original, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Publisher Description
It’s the classic holiday movie set-up, but there’s mischief behind the scenes…
I have loved reading Michelle's series, and each book has been better than the last. This is a brilliant, well-written story to end the series.
Wonderful characters, small town, hot shot from outer town and best friend
Truly a lovely Christmas small-town romance, which I recommend to all.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Original, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2025
Hello Holiday! If you’re looking for a feel-good story, with a high dose of enemies-to-lovers and a sparkle of tech conversation, “Christmas Single Belles” is the book for you! It wraps up humor and holiday magic in one delightful package.
We have another enemies-to-lovers, but this time Michelle Dayton trades the tech-heavy plot for the seasonal cheer. Same as in her other books, the banter is delicious, and the romance has just the right amount of tension. It has a lighter tone compared with the earlier books in the series, but with plenty of emotional payoff and a satisfying happily-ever-after. We have relatable characters who fall in love between mistletoe and misunderstandings.
This is a feel-good read, ideal for a winter night!
We have another enemies-to-lovers, but this time Michelle Dayton trades the tech-heavy plot for the seasonal cheer. Same as in her other books, the banter is delicious, and the romance has just the right amount of tension. It has a lighter tone compared with the earlier books in the series, but with plenty of emotional payoff and a satisfying happily-ever-after. We have relatable characters who fall in love between mistletoe and misunderstandings.
This is a feel-good read, ideal for a winter night!
November 8, 2022
Best friends growing up, Jane and Bella's relationship grew into a contentious rivalry by the time they reached high school. Jane stayed in their small town while Bella left for Chicago. Bella comes home, and they are no longer on speaking terms. They get stuck spending the holidays together. Will their friendship rekindle?
This is a well written book with relatable if not always likable characters. This is the first book by this author I've read, and I will be looking into her backlist. I don't read a lot of holiday themed books, but I did enjoy this one, and can definitely recommend it.
I received an ARC from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This is a well written book with relatable if not always likable characters. This is the first book by this author I've read, and I will be looking into her backlist. I don't read a lot of holiday themed books, but I did enjoy this one, and can definitely recommend it.
I received an ARC from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
November 11, 2022
This book was awesome an truly reminded me about the goodness of celebrating Christmas. Jane Zielinski realizes that her little city is in trouble, while working 3 jobs. As a stunt for mor publicity for her little town she develops a dating web series an enlists the town locals as well as visitors to lure tourists an raise funds. Jane’s childhood BFF waltz into town for the holidays to save the day an reinvents the town Christmas villages all expense’s paid. However what starts as friendly competition turns into rivalry into reality of long held feelings never discussed. Fast paced, fun, suspenseful, romantic storyline. This book was given as a ARC for a honest review.
November 8, 2022
I enjoyed this book, Jane is someone who is just making ends meet. She has multiple jobs that keep her busy and no time for the fun stuff. This book is a great down to earth story with blue collar people that are dealing with real life problems, setbacks, self-doubt and of course emotions. This is a romance, so of course there are smiles, hearts and swoon-worth moments. Nate character definitely brings in many of those moments. I appreciated how relatable these characters were. How authentic their stories felt, and how gloriously human they were in all the lovely and ugly ways.
November 10, 2022
Jane is a small town girl and she likes it that way. Mostly. But when her little town hits some financial trouble, she takes it upon herself to help in a unique way. A holiday themed dating show!
Fun, right?
Then her ex-bestie comes to town and tries to take it all over and on top of that, she tries to take Jane’s man. Can you believe it?
It’s a good premise for a story but I didn’t love it the way I thought I would. It was a good time and I especially loved the relationship between Jane and Bella. It wasn’t my favorite book but it was an enjoyable read.
Fun, right?
Then her ex-bestie comes to town and tries to take it all over and on top of that, she tries to take Jane’s man. Can you believe it?
It’s a good premise for a story but I didn’t love it the way I thought I would. It was a good time and I especially loved the relationship between Jane and Bella. It wasn’t my favorite book but it was an enjoyable read.
December 29, 2023
I was looking for some Christmas reads as I’ve never read any! (What, self? Why?) Anyway, this was the first I picked up. While I enjoyed the story, I probably wouldn’t have read it if I’d known it was definitely open door/spicy and because of the amount of language. I try to steer clear of those things, but I persisted in this case because I was already invested in the story. Also, maybe it’s because I’m not used to spicy romance, but the romance felt a little shallow for most of the book. I enjoyed how it ended up, though.
December 21, 2024
This is book 4 in Dayton's Tech-nically Love series and was previously released as Grinch Girl. A great addition to the series but can be read as a standalone. Our main characters are Nate and Jane. I love how wonderfully well written and woven this read was. A fun, Christmas romance read that is sure to please with all the twists and turns that somehow come out to a HEA! A great read and excited for more!
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.
November 8, 2022
Oh my gosh what a fun book! I had the best time reading this book! The story is extremely well written with some great characters. I will be recommending this book to my friends!
This book is about a woman who has always been there for everyone else and put herself last. She has to learn “how” to do that. Her small town needs to pull together to save the town. She put herself in charge of “Operation Christmas Village” the last ditch effort to put the town back in black.
This book is about a woman who has always been there for everyone else and put herself last. She has to learn “how” to do that. Her small town needs to pull together to save the town. She put herself in charge of “Operation Christmas Village” the last ditch effort to put the town back in black.
November 7, 2022
This book was a very intriguing read. It is fun, but also emotional. The story line is different but in a good way. From the moment I picked it up I could not put it down. I look forward to reading more by this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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