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Christmas in the City #4
Gingerbread Gamble
Noelle never seems to come first. In her family, she’s the second daughter. In her college classes, she’s in a battle for top spot with the annoyingly clever Aaron. Her best friend, Eve, is richer and prettier and she just managed to hook up with Corey, the guy Noelle has had a crush on for years.
Now, their whole group of friends is heading for a 10-day getaway in the Christmas town of Leavenworth, where Noelle will have to watch Corey and Eve together. To make matters worse, she’s stuck sitting next to Aaron, who happens to also be Corey's best friend, for the whole flight. One too many drinks over the Midwest and she ends up spilling the beans about her crush.
Just when she thinks she's blown it all, Aaron lets her in on a secret: he’s always wanted a shot with Eve. The relationship between Eve and Corey is just a fling, so maybe, by working together, they can find a way to break the new couple up and both get what they want. It might be a gamble, but anything worth having is worth playing dirty for.
This book contains content unsuitable for readers under the age of 18.
Now, their whole group of friends is heading for a 10-day getaway in the Christmas town of Leavenworth, where Noelle will have to watch Corey and Eve together. To make matters worse, she’s stuck sitting next to Aaron, who happens to also be Corey's best friend, for the whole flight. One too many drinks over the Midwest and she ends up spilling the beans about her crush.
Just when she thinks she's blown it all, Aaron lets her in on a secret: he’s always wanted a shot with Eve. The relationship between Eve and Corey is just a fling, so maybe, by working together, they can find a way to break the new couple up and both get what they want. It might be a gamble, but anything worth having is worth playing dirty for.
This book contains content unsuitable for readers under the age of 18.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2022
115 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
Melody Tyden
45 books179 followersIf you're looking for sweet and steamy romance, you've come to the right place! I started reading romance novels in my early teens and writing them soon afterwards; growing up in small towns in western Canada, there wasn't much else to do! Luckily, those early stories have never seen the light of day.
Now, I live in the UK with my husband and daughter and spend my free time diving into magical or just romantic settings where true love (almost) always wins.
Now, I live in the UK with my husband and daughter and spend my free time diving into magical or just romantic settings where true love (almost) always wins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
November 4, 2022
Honestly, this book was so much better than I expected. I am not a Christmas person, and I expected this to be like a smutty hallmark movie in book form, but it was SO much better!
The characters are unique and relatable, the setting is gorgeous and well-described, and it was overall just such a well-written and entertaining book.
It is definitely spicy, and the spice is on point.
You will 100% fall in love with these characters, and to be honest, I am so anxious to read Eve's story next!
The characters are unique and relatable, the setting is gorgeous and well-described, and it was overall just such a well-written and entertaining book.
It is definitely spicy, and the spice is on point.
You will 100% fall in love with these characters, and to be honest, I am so anxious to read Eve's story next!
November 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this Christmas romance! This felt like the smuttier, more throughout version of a hallmark movie and I was here for it. The spice was on point, the characters were unique, I loved the plot and enjoyed seeing these “enemies” get their happily ever after! Also, I forgot to mention.. he calls her “good girl”!
What to expect:
❤ Forced Proximity
❤ Enemies to Lovers
❤ Scheming
❤ Praise
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What to expect:
❤ Forced Proximity
❤ Enemies to Lovers
❤ Scheming
❤ Praise
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 27, 2022
Adorable book! Will make you want to snuggle up and read with a cup of hot chocolate. Though this book is somewhat holiday themed, you could read it anytime. It is such a sweet story with lots of steam!
Tropes
🎄Holiday Romance
🔥Praise Kink
🌟Forced Proximity
🎄Slow Burn
🔥College Romance
🌟Rivals to Friends to Romance
The two main characters are fun, and so perfect for one another. Yet they don’t realize that until much later on. Noelle and Aaron have always thought very little of each other. Their competition toward one another is fierce. But they each have something the other wants, to get together with each other’s best friend. Noelle’s best friend Eve is, gorgeous, funny and everyone loves her. Including Aaron who wants her badly. Aaron’s best friend Corey is, funny, ruggedly handsome, a hockey star, everyone wants, including, Noelle. When holiday break rolls around and they all go away together to this beautiful Christmas town, Aaron and Noelle decide to work together, bringing the magic and putting their efforts forward in getting them each the one gift no one else could, Eve & Corey!
This book was fun, lighthearted and had so much heat! Their where wicked fun twists you didn’t see coming, (like how steamy thus was), but you wanted it, no heck you needed it so badly to happen. I mean it when I say, I really didn’t see the heat coming. I thought it would be a sweet enemies to lovers romance and I was wrong it was so much more! 😍😍
Tropes
🎄Holiday Romance
🔥Praise Kink
🌟Forced Proximity
🎄Slow Burn
🔥College Romance
🌟Rivals to Friends to Romance
The two main characters are fun, and so perfect for one another. Yet they don’t realize that until much later on. Noelle and Aaron have always thought very little of each other. Their competition toward one another is fierce. But they each have something the other wants, to get together with each other’s best friend. Noelle’s best friend Eve is, gorgeous, funny and everyone loves her. Including Aaron who wants her badly. Aaron’s best friend Corey is, funny, ruggedly handsome, a hockey star, everyone wants, including, Noelle. When holiday break rolls around and they all go away together to this beautiful Christmas town, Aaron and Noelle decide to work together, bringing the magic and putting their efforts forward in getting them each the one gift no one else could, Eve & Corey!
This book was fun, lighthearted and had so much heat! Their where wicked fun twists you didn’t see coming, (like how steamy thus was), but you wanted it, no heck you needed it so badly to happen. I mean it when I say, I really didn’t see the heat coming. I thought it would be a sweet enemies to lovers romance and I was wrong it was so much more! 😍😍
October 24, 2022
Trope(s):
✔️ Christmas Romance
✔️praise kink (good girl 🥵)
Triggers: N/A
This story was so sweet but spicy at the same time!! . It’s perfect if you love Christmas and even if Christmas isn’t for you, you’ll still enjoy it. I couldn’t put it down. I devoured it in one sitting!!
I loved seeing Noelle gain her confidence through the book. Let me just say Aaron is the guy every girl needs. He just knows how to push all the rights buttons and what to say 🥵🥵
There is so much I want to say but I don’t want to give anything away so you’ll have to read it to find out!!
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series
✔️ Christmas Romance
✔️praise kink (good girl 🥵)
Triggers: N/A
This story was so sweet but spicy at the same time!! . It’s perfect if you love Christmas and even if Christmas isn’t for you, you’ll still enjoy it. I couldn’t put it down. I devoured it in one sitting!!
I loved seeing Noelle gain her confidence through the book. Let me just say Aaron is the guy every girl needs. He just knows how to push all the rights buttons and what to say 🥵🥵
There is so much I want to say but I don’t want to give anything away so you’ll have to read it to find out!!
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series
October 24, 2022
Spice – 3/5
Rating – 4/5
Tropes – Praise, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, scheming,
Quote – “Good girl.” ….. NEED I SAY MORE??
LOVED, at first, I wasn’t sure but I got hooked pretty quickly. Growing up, my family had a vacation cabin in Leavenworth so it was fun to read this book. Let me tell you… THE PRAISE in the book is some of the best I’ve read in a while. I loved how throughout the book Aaron and Noelle grew personally and how well they complemented each other. I absolutely adored how when their plans backfired Aaron became protective, without even realizing it! This was a super fun read. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion!
Rating – 4/5
Tropes – Praise, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, scheming,
Quote – “Good girl.” ….. NEED I SAY MORE??
LOVED, at first, I wasn’t sure but I got hooked pretty quickly. Growing up, my family had a vacation cabin in Leavenworth so it was fun to read this book. Let me tell you… THE PRAISE in the book is some of the best I’ve read in a while. I loved how throughout the book Aaron and Noelle grew personally and how well they complemented each other. I absolutely adored how when their plans backfired Aaron became protective, without even realizing it! This was a super fun read. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion!
November 5, 2022
If you know anything about me you know that I’m a sucker for holiday romance. I thought the small town they visited and the cabin they rented was a nice setting. I thought that the book had fun plot that was entangled with the romance that created an engaging read.
Our main characters spend a lot of the book scheming with each other to try and get the interest of someone else. Their shenanigans keep throwing them together and creating that spark between them. Honestly they would save a lot of time if they would just have a discussion with each other!
The thing that I have a small complaint about was the spice. It was mostly very good but some of the phrases were so overused that it started feeling a little cringey at times.
I did like the romance and love how he was always trying to raise her up and make her see how amazing she is.
I found all of the characters interesting. I love when you can clearly see the character growth that they are all going through. I wish we got to see some more interactions with the other people that were in the cabin with them. It felt slightly unrealistic that they wouldn’t be having more conversations with the others more often.
Overall I really enjoyed this one. I definitely plan on checking out others in this series and from this author!
Our main characters spend a lot of the book scheming with each other to try and get the interest of someone else. Their shenanigans keep throwing them together and creating that spark between them. Honestly they would save a lot of time if they would just have a discussion with each other!
The thing that I have a small complaint about was the spice. It was mostly very good but some of the phrases were so overused that it started feeling a little cringey at times.
I did like the romance and love how he was always trying to raise her up and make her see how amazing she is.
I found all of the characters interesting. I love when you can clearly see the character growth that they are all going through. I wish we got to see some more interactions with the other people that were in the cabin with them. It felt slightly unrealistic that they wouldn’t be having more conversations with the others more often.
Overall I really enjoyed this one. I definitely plan on checking out others in this series and from this author!
December 17, 2022
This book is a fun enemies to lovers story. Aaron and Noelle start out as enemies with crushes on each other’s best friends but end up falling for each other. Love this series, all great characters and stories that are easy to immerse yourself into.
November 2, 2022
"You're going to be my good girl and take what I give you. Will you do that for me?"
🎄Rivals to Friends to Lovers
🎄Christmas Romance
🎄Praise k!nk
🎄Forced Proximity
🎄One Bed
🎄He Falls First
🎄Interconnected Standalone
Noelle and Aaron are college academic rivals who both have secret crushes on each other's best friends. The same best friends who are currently hooking up with one another. On the plane to their holiday vacation with friends, Noelle and Aaron find themselves seated next to each other and drunkenly admit their shared heartache and make a plan to break up their friends and reap the benefits.
This was such a cute and spicy holiday read! It's the perfect book to start the holiday season! Noelle and Aaron's chemistry was sizzling even when their plans seemed to go haywire at times and the praise was so good in this! 🔥🥵 I did not realize that this is book 4 in an interconnected standalone series but you absolutely do not need to read the other books first!
Thank you so much SmutHood Tours for this advanced copy in return for my honest review! ❤
🎄Rivals to Friends to Lovers
🎄Christmas Romance
🎄Praise k!nk
🎄Forced Proximity
🎄One Bed
🎄He Falls First
🎄Interconnected Standalone
Noelle and Aaron are college academic rivals who both have secret crushes on each other's best friends. The same best friends who are currently hooking up with one another. On the plane to their holiday vacation with friends, Noelle and Aaron find themselves seated next to each other and drunkenly admit their shared heartache and make a plan to break up their friends and reap the benefits.
This was such a cute and spicy holiday read! It's the perfect book to start the holiday season! Noelle and Aaron's chemistry was sizzling even when their plans seemed to go haywire at times and the praise was so good in this! 🔥🥵 I did not realize that this is book 4 in an interconnected standalone series but you absolutely do not need to read the other books first!
Thank you so much SmutHood Tours for this advanced copy in return for my honest review! ❤
November 2, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐧 𝐢𝐭, 𝐍𝐨𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞” 🥵
Noelle always feels second best. Her best friend Eve is richer and prettier and she finds out she hooked up with the guy she has had a crush on for several years, Corey. She finds them at a party right before their group of friends head out for a 10 day getaway.
On the flight, Noelle gets stuck next to Corey’s best friend Aaron on the flight. They get a little tipsy & admit that while Noelle has feelings for Corey, Aaron has feelings for Noelle’s best friend Eve.
Naturally, they decide to team up & break them up!
Which, in the romance genre we know..
this always works out😜 one way or another..
This book was 🔥🔥
Aaron is kinda giving nerdy vibes, but then he starts Praising, and shows his dom side in how he uses his words and how Noelle reacts to even the smallest praise makes him 🫠😮💨
This definitely had some of my top favorite tropes-
✅Rivals to lovers
✅One Bed
✅Praise
✅He falls first
✅Forced Proximity
Although they are in a Christmas town, it can really be read any time! It is a cozy, fun, hot as hell read!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐧 𝐢𝐭, 𝐍𝐨𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞” 🥵
Noelle always feels second best. Her best friend Eve is richer and prettier and she finds out she hooked up with the guy she has had a crush on for several years, Corey. She finds them at a party right before their group of friends head out for a 10 day getaway.
On the flight, Noelle gets stuck next to Corey’s best friend Aaron on the flight. They get a little tipsy & admit that while Noelle has feelings for Corey, Aaron has feelings for Noelle’s best friend Eve.
Naturally, they decide to team up & break them up!
Which, in the romance genre we know..
this always works out😜 one way or another..
This book was 🔥🔥
Aaron is kinda giving nerdy vibes, but then he starts Praising, and shows his dom side in how he uses his words and how Noelle reacts to even the smallest praise makes him 🫠😮💨
This definitely had some of my top favorite tropes-
✅Rivals to lovers
✅One Bed
✅Praise
✅He falls first
✅Forced Proximity
Although they are in a Christmas town, it can really be read any time! It is a cozy, fun, hot as hell read!
October 29, 2022
I'm so in love with Aaron, it's ridiculous. He's such a wonderfully complex character and I love his personality so much! He's 100% in my top 5 male characters!
I love that Melody chose to redeem Corey. He's a bit of an arrogant toerag, but I'm so glad that he had a few redeeming scenes. I loved to see him grow as a character and really settle into who he is without all the manipulation and playboy mentality. Noelle was really good for him and I love their friendship!
I was so satisfied reading Gingerbread Gamble. I felt so warm and content while reading it and, by the time I was done, I was practically a gooey puddle. What a cute story!
I love that Melody chose to redeem Corey. He's a bit of an arrogant toerag, but I'm so glad that he had a few redeeming scenes. I loved to see him grow as a character and really settle into who he is without all the manipulation and playboy mentality. Noelle was really good for him and I love their friendship!
I was so satisfied reading Gingerbread Gamble. I felt so warm and content while reading it and, by the time I was done, I was practically a gooey puddle. What a cute story!
November 7, 2022
A perfect holiday read with 'Good Girl' Vibes
This book has all my favourite tropes:
Christmas
Fake Dating vibes
Praise kinks
I couldn't put it down.
Noelle and Aaron are made for eachother only they can't see it. Both having crushes on eachothers best friends. Que the Matchmaking!
Only when things don't always go to plan and they find themselves enjoying eachothers company as well?
Do they stick to their plans or take a Gamble???
Read to find out and have those batteries charged because the steamy scenes in this book are *chefs kiss*
Now go read this book like the good girl you are!
This book has all my favourite tropes:
Christmas
Fake Dating vibes
Praise kinks
I couldn't put it down.
Noelle and Aaron are made for eachother only they can't see it. Both having crushes on eachothers best friends. Que the Matchmaking!
Only when things don't always go to plan and they find themselves enjoying eachothers company as well?
Do they stick to their plans or take a Gamble???
Read to find out and have those batteries charged because the steamy scenes in this book are *chefs kiss*
Now go read this book like the good girl you are!
November 7, 2022
I enjoyed this book. This is my 1st book by the author. This is a holiday story. This is my second holiday themed book. Both were Christmas stories. Love Christmas stories. Christmas is my second favorite holiday. Noelle is secretly in love with Corey. Then her best friend swoops in and hooks up with Corey. Aaron is Corey’s best friend. He’s in love with Eve. Then Eve and Corey get together. Now they all are stuck going on a trip together. Noelle and Aaron hatch a plan to break Eve and Corey up. Then Noelle can sweep in and be there for Corey and Aaron can be there for Eve. They both will get what they want. What could go wrong? Read the book to find out.
October 28, 2022
I absolutely loved this! Gingerbread gamble was full of festive fun, spicy scenes, praise kink and dirty tactics.
Noelle and Aaron were a great team and I loved how they worked together to try and get the outcome they wanted.
I sometimes felt really sorry for Noelle and her struggle to be seen over her best friend Eve. Aaron was the perfect guy and I loved the way he brought her out of her shell.
Highly recommend this book!
Noelle and Aaron were a great team and I loved how they worked together to try and get the outcome they wanted.
I sometimes felt really sorry for Noelle and her struggle to be seen over her best friend Eve. Aaron was the perfect guy and I loved the way he brought her out of her shell.
Highly recommend this book!
October 29, 2022
This book was super cute ♥️ with a healthy dose of the praise spice 🥵 A steaminess I didn’t see coming 🌶 Aaron and Noelle are super competitive with each other academically but they hatch a plan to get what they each want…each other’s best friend. Little do Aaron and Noelle are PERFECT for each other 🥰 Reading their developing relationship was heart warming…and a bit steamy 😉
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
*ARC provided by author and the smuthood for an honest review*
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
*ARC provided by author and the smuthood for an honest review*
October 29, 2022
Oh my god cuteness overload
Think of a Hallmark movie with smut.
This was probably the most adorable thing I've read all year. Aaron and Noel are so cute. Even though there are several moments where I'd like nothing more than to bash their idiot heads together.
Soooooooooooo much praise kink like soooo much and I loved it ate every bit up. And so many amazing lines my kindle is full of highlights from smutty to sassy. Definitely something to add to your Christmas tbr.
Think of a Hallmark movie with smut.
This was probably the most adorable thing I've read all year. Aaron and Noel are so cute. Even though there are several moments where I'd like nothing more than to bash their idiot heads together.
Soooooooooooo much praise kink like soooo much and I loved it ate every bit up. And so many amazing lines my kindle is full of highlights from smutty to sassy. Definitely something to add to your Christmas tbr.
October 30, 2022
Listen, I wasn't sure entirely what I was going to expect going into this book. I received this book as an ARC through The Smuthood and I am so grateful I was selected to read this book!
Everyone who has a praise k!nk and enjoys a "good girl" praise this book is for you.
I always love when they MMC takes you by suprise feeding the praise that makes you go all tingly inside. I could not put this book down! Aaron was everything Noelle needed for herself and she didn't even know it at first!
Everyone who has a praise k!nk and enjoys a "good girl" praise this book is for you.
I always love when they MMC takes you by suprise feeding the praise that makes you go all tingly inside. I could not put this book down! Aaron was everything Noelle needed for herself and she didn't even know it at first!
October 30, 2022
This book was super cute. It gave me pure Christmas rom com vibes and made me want to curl up with a hot chocolate in front of the fire.
I enjoyed every second of it and couldn't put it down once I picked it up. Their is a good story and it is SO spicy in all the right ways. Aaron may just be the king of praise 🥵
This is the perfect Christmas romance, I loved it.
I enjoyed every second of it and couldn't put it down once I picked it up. Their is a good story and it is SO spicy in all the right ways. Aaron may just be the king of praise 🥵
This is the perfect Christmas romance, I loved it.
October 27, 2022
This book was precious! Go through the crazy journey of Noelle and Aaron. What starts as a plot to destroy something else opens another door for these 2.
With all the Christmas 🎄 and 🌶 vibes you need for this Christmas season.
You’ll enjoy their love story
With all the Christmas 🎄 and 🌶 vibes you need for this Christmas season.
You’ll enjoy their love story
October 29, 2022
Loved it!
I loved the storyline! I thought it was a fun and sweet read. There was a bit of humor, angst and steam!! Noelle and Aaron were perfect together. The steam was hot and the dirty talk!!!! We get dual POV, which I love. Overall, I really enjoyed it!
I loved the storyline! I thought it was a fun and sweet read. There was a bit of humor, angst and steam!! Noelle and Aaron were perfect together. The steam was hot and the dirty talk!!!! We get dual POV, which I love. Overall, I really enjoyed it!
October 29, 2022
This is the 4th book in the Christmas in the City series but can be read on its own. This one is sweet and spicy and who doesn’t love some praise mixed in? Aaron is up there for one of my favorite male leads 🔥🔥 I read this book in one shot I could not put it down.
November 2, 2022
I devoured this book. I could not put it down. The story line was great. The characters were well developed. The seasonal feels were all there. The romance, the spice, was perfect. I was rooting for the main characters the whole time. Definitely recommend!
November 5, 2022
This 4th book in the standalone Christmas in the City series by Melody Tyden is both sweet and spicy.
Noelle is a female lead that many readers will connect with and Aaron's character will shock you in a "good" way. 😉😉
I couldn't help but cheer for the characters that always feel like second place to finally feel like they don't need to compete to feel first and to finally feel like they are special. Aaron discovering what Noelle needs before she does is perfect and only adds to what they both discover.
I have a love for character development and I liked seeing how Aaron is helping Noelle to see herself differently. There is a scene with her Dad after she stands up for herself and her boyfriend that made me shed a tear.
I also love the theme of friendship in this book... even if the friends aren't that happy with each other's decisions... friendships play a big role in this book.
Think matching Christmas pajamas, Christmas traditions, making a gingerbread house, ice skating, Christmas shopping, and time spent together over the holidays with your best friend forever, plus 8 other friends (including the guy you have been crushing on and your scholarly arch rival). Then add in some games to make it a fun and spicy holiday experience - spin the bottle, seven minutes in heaven (and upping the fun to 20 minutes in heaven) and letting a gingerbread arrow choose your shower partner.
If you love interconnected standalone books, I definitely recommend this series. I love how each book features new leads, a new story and a new kink, but that we get glimpses of the characters throughout the series. I especially love the little hints and descriptions of the previous characters that you would only pick up on if you have read the previous books.
This book makes me wish I knew how to make book aesthetics... so many pictures from this novel are floating in my head.
Noelle is a female lead that many readers will connect with and Aaron's character will shock you in a "good" way. 😉😉
I couldn't help but cheer for the characters that always feel like second place to finally feel like they don't need to compete to feel first and to finally feel like they are special. Aaron discovering what Noelle needs before she does is perfect and only adds to what they both discover.
I have a love for character development and I liked seeing how Aaron is helping Noelle to see herself differently. There is a scene with her Dad after she stands up for herself and her boyfriend that made me shed a tear.
I also love the theme of friendship in this book... even if the friends aren't that happy with each other's decisions... friendships play a big role in this book.
Think matching Christmas pajamas, Christmas traditions, making a gingerbread house, ice skating, Christmas shopping, and time spent together over the holidays with your best friend forever, plus 8 other friends (including the guy you have been crushing on and your scholarly arch rival). Then add in some games to make it a fun and spicy holiday experience - spin the bottle, seven minutes in heaven (and upping the fun to 20 minutes in heaven) and letting a gingerbread arrow choose your shower partner.
If you love interconnected standalone books, I definitely recommend this series. I love how each book features new leads, a new story and a new kink, but that we get glimpses of the characters throughout the series. I especially love the little hints and descriptions of the previous characters that you would only pick up on if you have read the previous books.
This book makes me wish I knew how to make book aesthetics... so many pictures from this novel are floating in my head.
November 4, 2022
I LOVE this series and this is another great addition to it!
In Tinsel Temptation, we got to know Olivia, and now it's time for her younger sister, Noelle, to shine. Unfortunately, Noelle often finds herself in the shadows, either Olivia's, or more usually, her best friend, Eve's. It's affected her confidence so much that she hasn't been able to tell Corey, the guy she's had a crush on all through college, that she likes him. To make matters worse, Eve hooks up with him just before they're all going away on a big trip together.
If that wasn't bad enough, she ends up stuck next to Aaron on the plane. Aaron is Corey's best friend and often finds himself overlooked the way that Noelle does. They have more in common than that, though: besides being academic rivals, Aaron's also got a secret crush he hasn't acted on yet - and that crush is on Eve!
When that truth comes out, the two of them agree to work together to try to get some quality time with their crushes, but of course, their scheme doesn't go to plan, and the more time they spend together, the more they realize that they work together a lot better than they realized.
Like all the other books in this series, it's a great mix of sweet and spicy. The spice in this one is focused on a praise kink, so if you like 'good girl' and lots of encouragement, you'll find it here. I loved how Aaron's praise helped to bolster Noelle's confidence, and how he realized that there was a lot more to her than met the eye. Sweet, sweet ending, and I can't wait to read Eve's story!
In Tinsel Temptation, we got to know Olivia, and now it's time for her younger sister, Noelle, to shine. Unfortunately, Noelle often finds herself in the shadows, either Olivia's, or more usually, her best friend, Eve's. It's affected her confidence so much that she hasn't been able to tell Corey, the guy she's had a crush on all through college, that she likes him. To make matters worse, Eve hooks up with him just before they're all going away on a big trip together.
If that wasn't bad enough, she ends up stuck next to Aaron on the plane. Aaron is Corey's best friend and often finds himself overlooked the way that Noelle does. They have more in common than that, though: besides being academic rivals, Aaron's also got a secret crush he hasn't acted on yet - and that crush is on Eve!
When that truth comes out, the two of them agree to work together to try to get some quality time with their crushes, but of course, their scheme doesn't go to plan, and the more time they spend together, the more they realize that they work together a lot better than they realized.
Like all the other books in this series, it's a great mix of sweet and spicy. The spice in this one is focused on a praise kink, so if you like 'good girl' and lots of encouragement, you'll find it here. I loved how Aaron's praise helped to bolster Noelle's confidence, and how he realized that there was a lot more to her than met the eye. Sweet, sweet ending, and I can't wait to read Eve's story!
October 26, 2022
While this is a holiday romance, it is a book that can be read at any time of year. While the setting is festive, the story does not solely revolve around it, which makes it a read that you can easily read in the winter, spring, summer, or fall.
Tropes and random highlights
Academic rivals to friends to lovers
Praise kink
Forced Proximity
One bed
Mutual pining
He falls first
Top tier spice
HEA
We meet Eve and Noelle, lifelong best friends who have grown up together, born on the same day to parents who are also best friends, and the girls are now in their senior year of college and about to graduate. The holidays are coming up and they decide to go on a festive trip with a group of their friends.
Eve is a confident, sure-of-herself woman who people seem to be naturally drawn to. Noelle on the other hand is more withdrawn, slightly less confident, and feels like she lives in the shadows of not only her best friend but her sister as well. Noelle has had a crush on a popular hockey player, Corey, for the last 3 years of college, but has never had the confidence to approach him about it or even discuss it with her very best friend, but is hoping that changes on their upcoming vacation. The week before their trip, the friends are all at a party and Noelle is searching for Eve only to discover her coming out of a room with Corey.
On the plane, Aaron and Noelle end up stuck next to each other, and despite the fact they've been academic rivals throughout their time at school, they end up wine-drunk and swapping stories of their recent heartbreaks. They concoct a plan and set it into action to win the hearts of their longtime crushes.
I can't wait for you to read their story and find out how their plan plays out.
Tropes and random highlights
Academic rivals to friends to lovers
Praise kink
Forced Proximity
One bed
Mutual pining
He falls first
Top tier spice
HEA
We meet Eve and Noelle, lifelong best friends who have grown up together, born on the same day to parents who are also best friends, and the girls are now in their senior year of college and about to graduate. The holidays are coming up and they decide to go on a festive trip with a group of their friends.
Eve is a confident, sure-of-herself woman who people seem to be naturally drawn to. Noelle on the other hand is more withdrawn, slightly less confident, and feels like she lives in the shadows of not only her best friend but her sister as well. Noelle has had a crush on a popular hockey player, Corey, for the last 3 years of college, but has never had the confidence to approach him about it or even discuss it with her very best friend, but is hoping that changes on their upcoming vacation. The week before their trip, the friends are all at a party and Noelle is searching for Eve only to discover her coming out of a room with Corey.
On the plane, Aaron and Noelle end up stuck next to each other, and despite the fact they've been academic rivals throughout their time at school, they end up wine-drunk and swapping stories of their recent heartbreaks. They concoct a plan and set it into action to win the hearts of their longtime crushes.
I can't wait for you to read their story and find out how their plan plays out.
December 1, 2022
Noelle is at an off-campus party with her best friend, Eve. They have had a long history of friendship. Noelle is introverted and Olivia's younger sister. Oh, it sucks that her crush Corey is sleeping with her best friend. But in all honestly, I don't think Eve knows she likes him. Corey's best friend Aaron is extroverted as well .but he seems to be not so put together. Interestingly, we get his pov.
Things get interesting as they and the girls and a bunch of college students go to a cabin in the woods for ten days. Aaron and Noelle are a lot alike. They even have the same interests and smarts. Aaron seems to have a crush on Eve. Ahh, these how the best friend is scheming up something naughty.
Ah, now I understand the title of the book. This book gets steamy as fate seems to decide for them who should be with who. Things get complicated as feelings develop despite their plans. I love how despite the mix-up, the characters still take a little time of miscommunication and second-guessing to come to terms with fate's decision. This book is steamy, and the author fully embraces the positive kink in the story. Noelle and Eve have some truth to tell each other, as well as Aaron and Corey. I thought this might end up with a sharing, but the author didn't go in that direction.
However, this book's new winter adult romance and steamy scenes are fabulous, and I love that they ended on Christmas Eve. The whole premise of the story was intriguing, and I liked the best friends-friend connection with both couples and the rivals-to-lovers trope. I thought Corey was going to be the story's premise at first, but I was stunned to see he wasn't the main focus. I love when Noelle becomes more outspoken and confident. Overall this was a steamy holiday seasonal read with a new adult vibe and many surprises.
Things get interesting as they and the girls and a bunch of college students go to a cabin in the woods for ten days. Aaron and Noelle are a lot alike. They even have the same interests and smarts. Aaron seems to have a crush on Eve. Ahh, these how the best friend is scheming up something naughty.
Ah, now I understand the title of the book. This book gets steamy as fate seems to decide for them who should be with who. Things get complicated as feelings develop despite their plans. I love how despite the mix-up, the characters still take a little time of miscommunication and second-guessing to come to terms with fate's decision. This book is steamy, and the author fully embraces the positive kink in the story. Noelle and Eve have some truth to tell each other, as well as Aaron and Corey. I thought this might end up with a sharing, but the author didn't go in that direction.
However, this book's new winter adult romance and steamy scenes are fabulous, and I love that they ended on Christmas Eve. The whole premise of the story was intriguing, and I liked the best friends-friend connection with both couples and the rivals-to-lovers trope. I thought Corey was going to be the story's premise at first, but I was stunned to see he wasn't the main focus. I love when Noelle becomes more outspoken and confident. Overall this was a steamy holiday seasonal read with a new adult vibe and many surprises.
October 28, 2022
4th book in Melody's Christmas series amd once again I'm left here flustered and gutted that I have finished the book!
I never give away details in my reviews as I hate spoiking books for others.
So my honest review, I loved it from the first page to the very end and now I have to wait until next year for the final book! It's a page turner and advice given is don't read it before bed as you won't stop reading amd you will not sleep.
I never give away details in my reviews as I hate spoiking books for others.
So my honest review, I loved it from the first page to the very end and now I have to wait until next year for the final book! It's a page turner and advice given is don't read it before bed as you won't stop reading amd you will not sleep.
November 5, 2022
I love this series!
Each one is so different from the first book till this one. Even the fetishes, Although on the same lines as their parents they are so different as well.
I found this book to be fun, awkward, and explorative just what you would expect for their ages and maturity level.
I really love that this was set in Leavenworth, a place I really want to visit in the winter. We want there last summer and it was neat but at 95°F not what I was looking for
Each one is so different from the first book till this one. Even the fetishes, Although on the same lines as their parents they are so different as well.
I found this book to be fun, awkward, and explorative just what you would expect for their ages and maturity level.
I really love that this was set in Leavenworth, a place I really want to visit in the winter. We want there last summer and it was neat but at 95°F not what I was looking for
October 15, 2023
This is Noelle's story. She is in college going on vacation with her friends. Her best friend, Eve goes as well. Eve hooks up with Cory who happens to be Noelle's secret crush. Cory's best friend Aaron has a thing for Eve so a plan is made by Noelle and Aaron to get Cory and Eve apart. The plan does not go as they hoped. Giancarlo Herrera and Hannah Schooner deliver a good performance of this audiobook.
October 23, 2022
**ARC Review**
This was such a great cute story! I loved how the relationship between Noelle and Aaron grew into something bigger. Aaron is incredibly sweet! Both Noelle and Aaron have always had to deal with coming in second to everyone else. The way their confidence in themselves grew the more time they spent together was amazing for their relationship. I absolutely loved this story and I cannot wait to read Eve's story.
This was such a great cute story! I loved how the relationship between Noelle and Aaron grew into something bigger. Aaron is incredibly sweet! Both Noelle and Aaron have always had to deal with coming in second to everyone else. The way their confidence in themselves grew the more time they spent together was amazing for their relationship. I absolutely loved this story and I cannot wait to read Eve's story.
October 26, 2022
This was a sweet story. Makes you feel warm and fuzzy and wishing it was Christmas already. Perfect mix of sweet yet spicy, yes to all the praise kink too. Loved both the male and female characters. Arron is the perfect book boyfriend. There is really good character growth for Noelle too. Love how they trust in each other and how their relationship blossoms. Fab read
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