Amanda Bentley loves escaping into fictional worlds through reading and writing. A typical Pisces, she’s as much a mood writer as she is a mood reader. She likes her book boyfriends morally grey, but she’ll read any book with romance (preferably drenched in spice and angst).
When she’s not writing, you might find her chasing her wild toddler, or on stage, performing improv with her husband. She’s a creative, free spirit, and while she loves a fun adventure, there’s no place like her bed with a book.
It was a bit slow at first, but it got quite steamy and my interest peaked. Perfect short steamy novella inbetween books or when you're trying to reach your reading challenge faster 👀👀
Lorenzo sounded like a hottie and even peaked my interest of reading this series 🤔
Kate and Lorenzo meet after she uncharacteristically punches her ex at a bar and he swoops in to help pour gasoline on the fire.
You’d expect them to not cross paths again but too bad (or good) they’re coworkers. And so it begins a FWB situation drizzled with some dom/sub dynamic and creative use of Christmas lights. The book does end on a cliffhanger but I will be patiently awaiting the next installment in this fun festive series.
Thank you to Amanda Bentley and BookFunnel for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers. •Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
🎄The Holiday Hookup de Amanda Bentley serie Festive Fun libro 1 ✨
Argumento:
🎀Él no está buscando novia, lo cual es perfecto porque yo no quiero novio... ¿verdad?
¿Qué es peor que ser dejado plantado por tu cita? Golpear a tu ex infiel cuando te vas. Pensé que la noche cambiaría cuando el chico más atractivo que jamás había visto, vestido completamente de negro, puso su brazo alrededor de mi cintura y fingió ser mi novio. Pero ni siquiera me pidió mi número.
He terminado.
Esa noche fue el clavo en el ataúd de mi vida amorosa. Nunca esperé volver a ver a ese misterioso hombre caliente. Pero Azalea Pines es un pueblo pequeño y él es el nuevo empleado en la empresa de mi jefe. No estoy seguro de poder resistirme a él... incluso si es solo una aventura.
*** Esta es una novela corta de Festive Fun Series, que seguirá la historia de Kate y Lorenzo con lanzamientos durante las vacaciones durante todo el año. Esto está destinado a un público maduro. Habrá momentos de suspenso. ***
Mi humilde opinión:
❄️Esta historia corta transcurre previa las fiestas de navidad, es un romance en el trabajo erótico.
Me gustó el comienzo en el bar cuando se conocen Kate y Lorenzo me dejó con ganas de ver qué pasaría con ellos, dónde volverían a verse. Pero entonces comencé a conocer un poco más a estos personajes mientras leía, más a Kate que a Lorenzo porque este es como un misterio, y terminaron por no gustarme. Kate de repente era una mujer confundida que no sabia si quería un novio o no, se convertía en una tonta adolescente cuando Lorenzo estaba cerca. Me hubiera gustado que ella tuviera más columna vertebral. Lorenzo llegó como el nuevo en el trabajo con su personalidad extrovertida, su aro en la ceja y sonrisa torcida. Al principio me pareció encantador, el héroe ideal cuando llega a ayudar a Kate pero después ya no podía soportarlo. Era un creído que parecía tener doble personalidad.
Disfruto de las escenas picantes y osadas en las novelas pero tengo mis Nos, y uno es el estrangulamiento durante el sexo que es un gran NO. Cuando Lorenzo agarra un cable de luces navideñas para ponerla alrededor del cuello de Kate ya no me sentí cómoda leyendo. Hay quienes les gusta lo extremo durante el sexo pero no es para mí. Aún más cuando sentía que Lorenzo insistió tanto que Kate terminó cediendo a acostarse con él. No me gustó todo el juego de seducción y no fue algo que disfruté leer.
Esperaba algo sexy y divertido en navidad y no fue como esperaba. La historia y los personajes terminaron por aburrirme porque realmente no pasaba nada más. Menos mal que fue corto y no me importó que terminara en cliffhanger.
Kate and Lorenzo’s story was a fun and spicy novella. This story does end on a cliffhanger but I’m already eagerly awaiting the next novella in January!
Kate is a career motivated woman who doesn’t know how to let loose or have fun. She hasn’t slept with anyone since her tragic breakup with her ex-boyfriend who cheated on her.
Enter Lorenzo… 😍🥹🌶 Lorenzo is a hot dominant man that shows interest in her from the moment he sees her slap her ex across his face in a bar. Lorenzo claims to be looking for a good time, no strings attached, which might be exactly what she needs.
But are they really no strings attached like they claim? And what the heck is up with Lorenzo? There seems to be an air of mystery around him, and I can’t wait to see how this develops!
One thing I appreciated about this novella is it shows the true awkward nature of a hookup, and not knowing where you stand with that person. The emotions and anxiousness were real in this novella! Pair that with hand necklaces made of Christmas lights and I call this an exciting read!
Wow I did not want this to end. This was a short spicy novella that does end in a little cliffhanger.
Lorenzo and Kate are the complete opposites but they fit so well together. Their chemistry was off the charts. Kate is someone that likes to keep to herself were as Lorenzo is someone who is very outgoing. I feel like he's very good for her in that sense cause he bringing her out of her shell a little.
One think that has me excited for the next book (which i loved in this one) is the fact the Lorenzo is a mystery. We barely know anything about him. That also makes their let's be each other's holiday hookup relationship more exciting in a way.
The spicy scenes were giving everything it needed to. Lorenzo has my heart and soul. LOVED how he always made sure she felt comfortable with everything that was going on. I aso would not be able to look at Christmas lights the same way again.
The story starts off great and ends even better! I loved every chapter and was genuinely interested in Kate and Lorenzo’s story. I love how fast paced novellas are and Amanda delivered everything perfectly! I am so looking forward for the next part and can’t wait to find out more about their relationship!
Next the spice! 5/5😮💨🥵 I was not expecting the Christmas lights. I won’t ever put up my Christmas lights without thinking about Lorenzo🫣 Amanda really gave this novella her all and I am here for it🫦
I didn’t realize this was a novella - finished in about 2 hours! I went into this book blind so I just figured it’d be a Christmas spicy romance book. But no romance, no Christmas, all spice! 🌶️
Super typical douche guy who doesn’t really care and girl who falls for him - honestly kind of sad to read about!! Makes me cringe for her. That’s all you really learn from the book - there’s no depth or anything to the characters since there were only 10 ch.
It leaves off on a really good cliffhanger so I’ll be reading the 2nd book 👍🏻 hopefully the next book gives some insight into who the characters are past their desires!!
The book is ok, nothing special. It definitely has a fun trope with the holidays and the holiday party hookup, however the character depth is not there- which is fine since it’s a novella. The spice was basic, I don’t think it was as detailed or dark as some of the spicier stuff. I probably won’t read the others.
AMANDA WHY!! I was not expecting that cliffhanger but Kate + Lorenzo are so cute!! This is the perfect little holiday novella with some steamy spice to it & I can’t wait to get more of them & see where they go!!
was this novella everything i expected and more? yes. am i eagerly waiting for the second novella? also yes.
i love everything about this book. first, the fact that it’s holiday themed! i think everyone can agree that around the holidays, we all want to be reading holiday books that are super cute and fun. this book fit that persona PERFECTLY. i do like how this is apart of a series, which keeps the reader interested. i also like the whole plot. the idea of the uptight, no hook-up girl finally takes that leap and hooks up with a stranger… who is also her coworker. i thought that was such an interesting storyline! i do like that Kate, the main character, ended up doing a “friends with benefits” type thing with Lorenzo, who is another main character. i was nervous it was going to be a one and done type of night, so i was happy that they did it again. and that SPICE? omg yes please. Ms. Amanda Bentley did it with the spicy scenes because they were, so so so good. i love how detailed they were, really making you feel like YOURE in the scene (and trust me when i say, you’ll be thanking her for that). also, the use of christmas lights? yes please, i’ll be reenacting that scene ;)
now let’s discuss the characters themselves. first Kate, i like her. i like how we really see the debate she has with herself about whether she wants what she’s going with Lorenzo or not. i think it showcases the true feelings of one night stands; which is what something i think a lot of us feel when doing it. i also really like that Kate was, normal. i didn’t feel like she was trying to be “overly quirky” or anything like that. she was just a normal person who lived an everyday life. i could so see myself being friends with her. now Lorenzo, oh Lorenzo. god i love you and i wish you were real. i really like the mystery and suspicion behind Lorenzo. like, there is so much we don’t know about him and i love it. now, im getting the vibes that maybe he’s in the Mafia. that’s probably not true, buttt that’ll be my guess ;) now, there aren’t many other characters to debrief, if i’m being honest. it’s a novella though, so there usually aren’t many other characters to debrief or whatever
now, let’s discuss the ending. this will contain spoilers, so read at your own discretion. you’ve been warned… don’t complain. SHE GOT A TEXT FROM BRAD!? what the fuck. now listen, i dont like Brad. like he stood our girl up and made her run into Trent (who we also hate). but then again, i LOVE Brad because he introduced us to Lorenzo. i guess Brad is a neutral character… no feelings really. but honestly, i am interested to see what he says. especially since Lorenzo pretty much kicked out Kate right after they hooked up. even if he isn’t into her, he didn’t have to do that. it IS a party after all, and she was having fun
overall, this book was really good. i definitely recommend anyone read this book to ANYONE. this is a good spicy, fun holiday read. im excited to see where this whole series goes
Okay I’ve sat with this for a few days after getting the ARC to try and get my thoughts in order but uh I’ve never been good at that. HOLY SHIT. I was not expecting the spice to be that spicy. I also didn’t think Christmas lights could be used outside of them being pretty decorations. Lorenzo was obsessed the moment he laid eyes on her in the bar. I don’t care that he says he doesn’t want to be her boyfriend that cliffhanger say’s otherwise. Her badassery might have been what caught his eye but I think their interactions made an impression on him. Kate is already questioning herself because of him despite her saying she doesn’t want a boyfriend and trying to concentrate on herself otherwise she could’ve just left the message and not opened it until they returned to work. Amanda is brilliant and I can’t was for the rest of her series.
What is it about a guy calling the girl princess that’s so hot? Like excuse sir can you not?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I BETA read and got the ARC of The Holiday Hookup and of course I still had to read it the day I got it (it’s THAT good). Right off the bat I LOVED Lorenzo and Kate’s first interaction! I love that Kate can handle herself but what Lorenzo did was just the icing on the cake. The instant attraction is always hot and I love that it was that instead of love at first sight. I’m not a fan of that but I sure do love when both characters want to jump each others bones right away. Now let’s get to the spice. Lorenzo’s dirty talk 🥵 and I love that he calls her “Princess”! The spicy scenes (not smut but still spicy) are perfection and I now look at Christmas lights WAY differently! That ending though…I need more Lorenzo & Kate STAT!!!!!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Okay, I found Kate and her “innocence” so annoying. Either you wanted to sleep w him and enjoy the night, or you didnt. I think she overwhelmed herself and read too much into Lorenzo’s actions. She grew on me, a little. I’m looking forward to seeing Kate’s character development throughout the upcoming novellas. This novella was a quick read, and definitely straight to the point. I’m hoping that the second book gives a little more background for Kate specifically as the main character because I personally think that Lorenzo’s mysteriousness will eventually come out into the light.
Overall a solid 4 stars, I’m definitely looking forward to purchasing christmas lights this year. 🎄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thanks to Amanda Bentley for an ARC of this book! So appreciated ❤️
I loved this novella! I finished it in a day, it’s short and sweet. It delivers exactly what you’d expect! I was aching for a little bit more plot, but that’s just me. The spice was top notch. Amanda knows what she’s doing when it comes to writing these spicy novels. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Kate and Lorenzo! The cliffhanger you’re left with in this book is a good one 😫 Overall, it really got me in the holiday spirit and I have a new appreciation for Christmas lights 😏
Friends…with benefits? That’s what this couple thinks they’ve started. However, I feel like that won’t be the case forever 😉
The Holiday Hookup released yesterday! You can read it in KU for a quick spicy good time that does end on a cliffhanger. Good news is the next novellas are already written and are being released early 2023. 🙌🏼
Go meet Lorenzo and Kate who are instantly attracted to each other and cannot get enough. There may be Christmas lights involved that are not used in the traditional way.
This is book one in a new novella series by Amanda Bentley, Festive Fun, that will follow Kate and Lorenzo throughout the different holidays of the year.
Holiday Hookup was a quick, fun Christmastime novella. Lorenzo is so hot and cold, but I loved that he made sure Kate was comfortable and consenting every step of the way. He’s such a mystery though. I need to know more about Lorenzo!!
- One night stand/ friends with benefits - Mysterious MMC - Opposites attract - 🌶️ use of Christmas lights - Cliffhanger
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
My only complaint for this Novella was the cliffhanger the author left at the end of the book. I honestly was mad that I had to wait another month for the next part when it could easily have been one book. The author even mentions at the end of the book that the second part is already written, so having a cliffhanger is useless.
Regardless, I’ll be reading the next part once it releases.
Oh man I was so lucky to receive an ARC of this novella. It was the lightest read and in the midst of all this holiday chaos, was exactly what I need.
Also fairly similar to kind of what I’m going through now. Amanda how dare you write about my life? Hahaha anyways definitely read this and think about the Christmas lights part with me.
(Sorry this is more of a quick review. Work has been draining me.)
I received a arc for a honest review! Let me tell you if your looking for a spicy quick christmasy read with some christmas lights 😆 look no further! i devoured this book i thought it was amazing, and i love the characters and i’m excited to see where this story goes!! definitely can’t wait to read the second one!
Thank you to the author Amanda for this ARC ! I love holiday novella's. They get to the point 🤪 and I'm so happy this is just one novella from the Festive Fun Series. I can't wait to read more ! Btw this novella ends in a cliffhanger. But it's worth it 😛
✨REVIEW: Welllllll it definitely wasn’t what I expected… I thought the cover was an ornament, not a bra 🤣🤣 it wasn’t until after I read the entire book and went to mark it on goodreads that I realized what it was 😜 so with that being said, my reading may have been slightly tainted. I was shocked to say the least when it got dirty faster than a 3 year old who spots a mud puddle 🙃 it started out clean as can be and then BAM, dirty thoughts & full smut! You’ve been “warned” Since this is only a short 100ish page novela, that didn’t leave much time for build up and anticipation. Overall, I enjoyed reading Kate & Lorenzo’s story and their completely random meet up. I was looking for a short Christmas-y story and that’s exactly what I got plus unexpected smut! Short, sweet, & to the point! Not overwhelmingly good or bad, middle of the road 3⭐️ from me!
🚨WARNING: Potential triggers include umm sexually explicit scenes?
I need to know what happens after the cliffhanger? I’m not in love with these characters as of right now. Lorenzo is giving me whiplash and Kate needs to be more self aware. I really don’t think she should be having FWB situation since she’s clearly possessive, jealous, and a hopeless romantic. Lorenzo is a charming asshole. He makes her feel seen and special but he’s also kind of a dick? He made his intensions clear but if he’s so good at reading people, can’t he tell Kate’s true feelings and personality? He’s mysteriousness isn’t the sexy kind to me, I’m more wary.
Open your mind on this one. I’ve gotten very used to the dual POV, so I felt I was missing important info at first. Then, I realized the eagerness it built to get to the next chapter, hell, even the next page, looking for any insight into Lorenzo’s mind based on the dialogue. It also made the bonus chapter that much better. Kate is a bit much at the beginning (she definitely is an acquired taste) and Lorenzo is a charming and annoying @ss. The cliffhanger will definitely lead you straight to book two.
Lorenzo is freaking 🥵🥵🥵 Omg I need more! The Christmas lights omg. I can’t get enough.
Kate a workaholic who struggles to loosen up and have fun. Meets a hunk named Lorenzo after she hits her cheating ex. Later finds out they are now co-workers. Even though he frustrates her, she can’t seem to stay away. They have a few hot evenings together. A friends with benefits type of thing. Though I feel like she had more feelings for him and they burn realize. I feel like he seems the same!
I love both of the characters and can’t wait to start the next book!
I was sent this book from the author and it was absolutely captivating. I read it all in 2 hours and could not put it down. If you are looking for a short read with spice, workplace romance and friends with benefits this is your book! I am literally in love with Lorenzo (the mmc) the way he talks to Kate is just ughhh *chef's kiss*. The author's writing is wonderful and just pulls you in for chapter after chapter! This book ends on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!