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Girl on a Plane #0.5
Girl Under the Christmas Tree
A hilarious holiday romance on the steamy side, featuring a girl who won’t say no to a fling, a guy who needs some holiday fun, one naughty night in a hotel suite… and a conga line of Santas!
Yuki Yamimoto isn’t the kind of girl to say no to opportunity, especially when it comes swaggering into the five-star hotel where she works, dressed in a three-piece suit. The handsome wavy haired man with a movie star smile and charming Irish accent is almost irresistible… If only he wasn’t a hotel guest!
Declan Moriarty can’t keep his eyes off the gorgeous girl at hotel Reception. Her wide eyes and flirting have him wondering, should he dare ask her out? When his whole life has fallen into the cosmic toilet the past year, it seems too much to ask for a dream girl like Yuki for Christmas. But maybe just this once, luck might be on his side.
A steamy Christmas Eve date has them both wanting more, but Yuki isn’t supposed to fraternize with hotel guests. Not even a cheeky, handsome guest who also happens to be one of the youngest tech CEOs in Ireland. She definitely isn’t supposed to stay in his hotel suite, even if it is just a fling for one night only. What if she loses her Christmas bonus or gets fired?
*Girl Under The Christmas Tree is a novella of approximately 18,000 words. It is a prequel or companion piece to Cassandra O'Leary's novel, Girl On A Plane.
Yuki Yamimoto isn’t the kind of girl to say no to opportunity, especially when it comes swaggering into the five-star hotel where she works, dressed in a three-piece suit. The handsome wavy haired man with a movie star smile and charming Irish accent is almost irresistible… If only he wasn’t a hotel guest!
Declan Moriarty can’t keep his eyes off the gorgeous girl at hotel Reception. Her wide eyes and flirting have him wondering, should he dare ask her out? When his whole life has fallen into the cosmic toilet the past year, it seems too much to ask for a dream girl like Yuki for Christmas. But maybe just this once, luck might be on his side.
A steamy Christmas Eve date has them both wanting more, but Yuki isn’t supposed to fraternize with hotel guests. Not even a cheeky, handsome guest who also happens to be one of the youngest tech CEOs in Ireland. She definitely isn’t supposed to stay in his hotel suite, even if it is just a fling for one night only. What if she loses her Christmas bonus or gets fired?
*Girl Under The Christmas Tree is a novella of approximately 18,000 words. It is a prequel or companion piece to Cassandra O'Leary's novel, Girl On A Plane.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 19, 2021
This was a fun and quick holiday novella. Both characters were very likeable in my opinion and I was absorbed into their lives rather quickly. It contains lots of humor, which is why I literally laughed throughout nearly the whole book. The chemistry between Yuki and Declan was quickly undeniable. This was a very nice read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 31, 2023
No ending
Unfortunately this book didn't do it for me. It was almost Juvenile. At one point Sedan text Yuki - "Miss you, Miss Yuki". Um, why say miss Yuki when he is speaking to her?
Unfortunately this book didn't do it for me. It was almost Juvenile. At one point Sedan text Yuki - "Miss you, Miss Yuki". Um, why say miss Yuki when he is speaking to her?
January 1, 2021
4 Stars
Quick and cute holiday novella with a story arc that was thorough and entertaining. I liked both of the sweet main characters, but especially Irishman Declan. *heart eyes* This is somewhat of a standalone prequel or a book one to previously published Girl on a Plane. I'm looking forward to finally reading that one next.
December 18, 2023
This book is why I don't have a Kindle, or else my entire library will be reading these awful first time novella's. Was this even a book? What was the plot? Where was the Christmas? Was she under a tree?
January 5, 2021
This was a fun and spicy holiday read with lots of humour and heart. I read Girl On A Plane years ago and it was such a treat to revisit the character of Yuki from that novel. Can’t wait to read more fabulous books from this author.
December 10, 2024
It was fine. I think this series could be good for those of us who have a wanderlust for travel. I was not so enthralled that I will continue the series. The story was cute enough but didn’t give strong cozy Christmas vibes.
December 22, 2020
A delightful Christmas romp
So cute and who doesn’t love an Irish accent. A great prequel. I will definitely read more from this author
So cute and who doesn’t love an Irish accent. A great prequel. I will definitely read more from this author
December 27, 2020
Girl Under The Christmas Tree is a steamy, lovely novella perfect for a quick and easy holiday break. Yuki is a smart, strong female character with goals. Declan is sensitive, handsome and honest. These qualities make their chemistry undeniable. Definitely recommend this enjoyable read!
January 21, 2021
My first from the author. A quick, cute-meet and whirlwind romance between Yuki and Declan. What’s with the Irish accent? I’m always a sucker for interracial romance and I love the way the author introduced the main leads. Chemistry is undeniable!
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you!!!
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you!!!
December 31, 2024
cute
A nice little story. Cute and sweet. I’m not sure I’ll read more, but it was good for a quick read.
A nice little story. Cute and sweet. I’m not sure I’ll read more, but it was good for a quick read.
December 25, 2020
What a delightful light-hearted read for the Christmas/holiday season. Just what I expect from Cassandra and she doesn't fail to deliver again.
January 16, 2021
Quick bit of Aussie cheek and Irish charm🎀
This was just a quick taste in the form of a whirlwind romance between a vivacious, young Australian hotel receptionist and an Irish businessman guest. No real depth but the leads are likable and the HFN ending leaves hope for more of a joint story for them in the future. Heat but not really graphic suited me just fine.
This was just a quick taste in the form of a whirlwind romance between a vivacious, young Australian hotel receptionist and an Irish businessman guest. No real depth but the leads are likable and the HFN ending leaves hope for more of a joint story for them in the future. Heat but not really graphic suited me just fine.
March 27, 2021
Ehh... this novella was just okay. Instead of a cute romantic story, like I expected, it was more about a hookup that convinced the characters (Declan and Yuki) that they were in love instead of in lust. In spite of that, there really wasn’t a lot of steaminess in my opinion.
As a short novella, I think the timeline for falling in love was unrealistically quick. Yuki and Declan had a lustful attraction to start off with and spent barely any time together. Then after two days they were in love?
I don’t really understand why Yuki risked her stable job, that she enjoyed, to hook up with a guest she’d just met. They could’ve easily just gone to her apartment... or ANY OTHER HOTEL. Although she ended up getting a new job immediately after being fired, it wasn’t smart.
One thing that really bothered me was the fact that Declan practically tried to guilt trip Yuki into staying in his hotel room longer when she was afraid she’d get fired. He then got mad and stormed out the room when she decided she was going to leave.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2021
I hadn’t realized when I downloaded this book that it was more novella than novel. It is pretty short - less than 45 mins to read. And with that short length, it means that the characters come together pretty darn quickly. A bit too fast. Acting in love on their first casual outing? I don’t know the book that this is the prequel to, but it felt very strongly like it was just trying to set up Yuki’s backstory, instead of being a book that could stand on its own. A couple of cheesy lines. Lots of complicated history for Yuki and Declan. Really quick to fall in love. And so many aspects of the story were a stretch — why sneak back into the hotel when they could have gone to her apartment? Why not go in separately? Basically it felt like this book is only meant to set up the next one. If you’ve read that one, maybe you’ll enjoy this! If you haven’t, like me, there just isn’t much to it. At least it was short and over quick! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2024
2⭐
Girl Under the Christmas Tree is a short slapdash novella where Declan, the Irish tech CEO meets Yuki, the local Aussie hotel receptionist meet while Declan is staying in the hotel while on business.
Call me scrooge but this wasn't really call this "A hilarious holiday romance on the steamy side".
Where was the comedy? Where was the steam? I guess the story took place around the holidays but despite some incidental Santa suits this didn't have a lot of festivity baked in.
The insta-love, sloppy dialogue, and the abrupt ending didn't do it for me, even if this is supposed to be a prequel.
I would take the pass.
Girl Under the Christmas Tree is a short slapdash novella where Declan, the Irish tech CEO meets Yuki, the local Aussie hotel receptionist meet while Declan is staying in the hotel while on business.
Call me scrooge but this wasn't really call this "A hilarious holiday romance on the steamy side".
Where was the comedy? Where was the steam? I guess the story took place around the holidays but despite some incidental Santa suits this didn't have a lot of festivity baked in.
The insta-love, sloppy dialogue, and the abrupt ending didn't do it for me, even if this is supposed to be a prequel.
I would take the pass.
Read
December 18, 2024It was nothing special so I don't even know what rating to give it.
It was written in a month by the author and self-published so there's some errors in need of a revision.
I got some icks from both MCs and I didn't like how he threats her by "Miss Yuki" even after they have sex and begin a relationship...
It was written in a month by the author and self-published so there's some errors in need of a revision.
I got some icks from both MCs and I didn't like how he threats her by "Miss Yuki" even after they have sex and begin a relationship...
April 1, 2021
A quick read. Disappointed! Not a romance. It was just lust. Characters were to superficial. This writer can write but this was not my cup of tea.
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
May 5, 2021
Firstly this was fun. I mean fun fun. I laughed and was involved from beginning to end. Def right up my alley as far as short quick romances go. Unfortunately, there were a few things outside of the awesome that brought this down for me.
The characters well defined. Yuki was just too awesome to not love. And Declan. Tall, dark hard muscles and an Irish accent, where can I get me one of these. I was born ready for this. It was written well and the pacing was perfect for the length of the book.
The first instance of groan was when Yuki mentions something on the first date about being spurned before. The moment was light and fun and when you add to the fact this was supposed to be a spontaneous live for the moment thing, he is leaving after all as he lives in Dublin and she lives in Australia, why are we thinking about previous relationships and also acting like this one is actually going somewhere. Especially when she herself had already admitted it didn’t have much of a future and said she was turning over a new live for now leaf.
Then there was the whole song bit, sigh. The tension there didn’t really pay off and a fun night, leading to a steamy night of passion would’ve kept the heated tension up and drew the reader in with a nice medium-slow burn. Instead, it was just eye-roll-inducing because it didn’t last long enough to be felt and there are a million ways to set up a need to escape from a scene. This one didn’t work that well.
The sneaking into the hotel bit was all sorts of stupid-fun. I may have laughed more than I should’ve Def bonus points for that hot-mess of an entrance.
The steamy scenes were a big let-down. The foreplay was on, I mean really on. But instead of stopping there, it acts like there’s going to be more then... it’s over. All build-up, no payoff. Honestly, if they are going to get that naked and ‘entering’ happens, glossing over the extras is odd. Like they literally, both times start doing the do for less than a paragraph after all the, rather excellent in my opinion, lead up. It would’ve held more umph if they just almost started after the foreplay and the author cleverly skipped over the hardcore parts to the next morning or the afterglow. However, the hardcore stuff happens and finishes quite literally in under a paragraph so the heightened state of yes it’s happening deflates real quick. Again, it def would’ve been more fun to just go there or leave readers with the pretty awesome build up and keep it NR 17 if not rated R.
Also, just like the song moment, there’s a phone call from Declan’s ex that does zero for the plot. Like she’s leaving the firm and calls the owner, especially since they have the worst backstory ever, to tell him? That’s an HR thing. There’s no way, after what she did and after what Declan did to her in return she would even think for a second he’d care. Both of these tension bits, the song for Yuki, and the phone call for Declan seemed forced and, unfortunately, drummed up zero angst or tension. Not even a teeny bit. Both were forgotten/dropped by the author as quickly as they happened.
And, after expressing she will lose her job for fraternizing with the guests, when Declan finds her dressed in his shirt he throws a tantrum and gets angry because she’s leaving. Instead of supporting the fact she could be fired, after the whole sneaking in bit the night before, and admiring just how sexy she looks in his shirt that is actually big enough to cover her outfit, Declan chooses to get mad instead of wishing her a successful escape? So he wants her to get fired apparently. No matter how many million ways I think about this I def, the moment she put on the shirt, was like ‘oh I see some steamy flirtatious let me envision her in my shirt forever and kiss her goodbye’ action before Yuki left. I was more than ready for some more heat. This almost ending made zero sense.
All of that to say this was good reading. Light quick romance HFN kinda fun. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a quick enjoyable read. Unfortunately for me the contradiction of being spontaneous and stepping out of the comfort zone while behaving as if looking for a real lifelong partnership seemed odd. Also, a few plot and author choices brought me out of an otherwise amazing read.
The characters well defined. Yuki was just too awesome to not love. And Declan. Tall, dark hard muscles and an Irish accent, where can I get me one of these. I was born ready for this. It was written well and the pacing was perfect for the length of the book.
The first instance of groan was when Yuki mentions something on the first date about being spurned before. The moment was light and fun and when you add to the fact this was supposed to be a spontaneous live for the moment thing, he is leaving after all as he lives in Dublin and she lives in Australia, why are we thinking about previous relationships and also acting like this one is actually going somewhere. Especially when she herself had already admitted it didn’t have much of a future and said she was turning over a new live for now leaf.
Then there was the whole song bit, sigh. The tension there didn’t really pay off and a fun night, leading to a steamy night of passion would’ve kept the heated tension up and drew the reader in with a nice medium-slow burn. Instead, it was just eye-roll-inducing because it didn’t last long enough to be felt and there are a million ways to set up a need to escape from a scene. This one didn’t work that well.
The sneaking into the hotel bit was all sorts of stupid-fun. I may have laughed more than I should’ve Def bonus points for that hot-mess of an entrance.
The steamy scenes were a big let-down. The foreplay was on, I mean really on. But instead of stopping there, it acts like there’s going to be more then... it’s over. All build-up, no payoff. Honestly, if they are going to get that naked and ‘entering’ happens, glossing over the extras is odd. Like they literally, both times start doing the do for less than a paragraph after all the, rather excellent in my opinion, lead up. It would’ve held more umph if they just almost started after the foreplay and the author cleverly skipped over the hardcore parts to the next morning or the afterglow. However, the hardcore stuff happens and finishes quite literally in under a paragraph so the heightened state of yes it’s happening deflates real quick. Again, it def would’ve been more fun to just go there or leave readers with the pretty awesome build up and keep it NR 17 if not rated R.
Also, just like the song moment, there’s a phone call from Declan’s ex that does zero for the plot. Like she’s leaving the firm and calls the owner, especially since they have the worst backstory ever, to tell him? That’s an HR thing. There’s no way, after what she did and after what Declan did to her in return she would even think for a second he’d care. Both of these tension bits, the song for Yuki, and the phone call for Declan seemed forced and, unfortunately, drummed up zero angst or tension. Not even a teeny bit. Both were forgotten/dropped by the author as quickly as they happened.
And, after expressing she will lose her job for fraternizing with the guests, when Declan finds her dressed in his shirt he throws a tantrum and gets angry because she’s leaving. Instead of supporting the fact she could be fired, after the whole sneaking in bit the night before, and admiring just how sexy she looks in his shirt that is actually big enough to cover her outfit, Declan chooses to get mad instead of wishing her a successful escape? So he wants her to get fired apparently. No matter how many million ways I think about this I def, the moment she put on the shirt, was like ‘oh I see some steamy flirtatious let me envision her in my shirt forever and kiss her goodbye’ action before Yuki left. I was more than ready for some more heat. This almost ending made zero sense.
All of that to say this was good reading. Light quick romance HFN kinda fun. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a quick enjoyable read. Unfortunately for me the contradiction of being spontaneous and stepping out of the comfort zone while behaving as if looking for a real lifelong partnership seemed odd. Also, a few plot and author choices brought me out of an otherwise amazing read.
June 8, 2021
BOOK REVIEW : Girl Under The Christmas Tree by Cassandra O'Leary.
HONEST REVIEW
•Rate : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
•Read it for : 2 hours
•📖 : 61 pages ; short story
•Genre : Christmas Romance
•Two 18+ scenes though. But the timing was just right, the time that they did the physical love isn't rushed. You may understand what i mean after reading the book. (Also it's not really really intense, and that's what i like. It's not like some books that literally explains the whoooolleeee thing. Those kind of books really annoys me)
•Yes i will read it again. And again and again.
OH. MY. GOSH. THAT WAS SOOOOOO GOOD. I CANT BELIVE IT'S ALREADY FINISH. woah.
Okay, obviously based on my reaction, i loved the book. It's just a short story with 61 pages. I read it for almost 2 or 2 and a half hours. Made a movie in my head. It was just sooo good. I can't-- i'm just speechless. The way christmas movies (christmas romance to be specific) make me feel when i'm watching those, that's the way i feel while i'm reading this. I just really love it.
So the story was about Yuki and Declan. Yuki is a staff in a hotel in Australia (if i'm not mistaken) and Declan is a hotel guest. The story begans with Yuki fantasizing Declan from afar, while eating cookies. And then one thing led to another, no, they did not have the thing that you're thinking yet. They just talked and say hi to each other, but they liked each other.
I want to spoil the ending but i wont sooo, i'll just say it's a happy ending.
The writing style, it's great. For a second i got confused but figured it out immediately, the narrator (the author) is explaining what Yuki feels on one part and on the next part it will be Declan's turn.
I really didn't think of it as them just really wanting each other (not just THAT thing).
Seriously, the moment i got myself into starting reading the book, i got butterflies in my stomach. IMMEDIATELY. NO KIDDING. And i swear, I can't put this book down. And YES i will definitellyyyyyyy read it again.
To wrap it up (because this review is soo messy), it was good. The writing was good and easy to understand and imagine. I got butterflies in my stomach every single time. I need a book 2, or at least a longer or a sequel (anything about them). I need a physical copy (but it doesn't have one :<<) I also love the cover ❤
This was the first book that i read from the author, Ms. Cassandra O'Leary. I will surely read more of your books in the future. Thank you so much for writing this book 🥺
Lastly, Thank you so much BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read this advance reader copy for free in exchange for an honest review. I really love it.
Oh, almost forget! To anyone who would like to purchase this book, here's the link on Amazon! It's an ebook and its only $0.99! So grab it now! I love it and i really think you will also like it too ❤
Link : https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Under-Chr...
HONEST REVIEW
•Rate : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
•Read it for : 2 hours
•📖 : 61 pages ; short story
•Genre : Christmas Romance
•Two 18+ scenes though. But the timing was just right, the time that they did the physical love isn't rushed. You may understand what i mean after reading the book. (Also it's not really really intense, and that's what i like. It's not like some books that literally explains the whoooolleeee thing. Those kind of books really annoys me)
•Yes i will read it again. And again and again.
OH. MY. GOSH. THAT WAS SOOOOOO GOOD. I CANT BELIVE IT'S ALREADY FINISH. woah.
Okay, obviously based on my reaction, i loved the book. It's just a short story with 61 pages. I read it for almost 2 or 2 and a half hours. Made a movie in my head. It was just sooo good. I can't-- i'm just speechless. The way christmas movies (christmas romance to be specific) make me feel when i'm watching those, that's the way i feel while i'm reading this. I just really love it.
So the story was about Yuki and Declan. Yuki is a staff in a hotel in Australia (if i'm not mistaken) and Declan is a hotel guest. The story begans with Yuki fantasizing Declan from afar, while eating cookies. And then one thing led to another, no, they did not have the thing that you're thinking yet. They just talked and say hi to each other, but they liked each other.
I want to spoil the ending but i wont sooo, i'll just say it's a happy ending.
The writing style, it's great. For a second i got confused but figured it out immediately, the narrator (the author) is explaining what Yuki feels on one part and on the next part it will be Declan's turn.
I really didn't think of it as them just really wanting each other (not just THAT thing).
Seriously, the moment i got myself into starting reading the book, i got butterflies in my stomach. IMMEDIATELY. NO KIDDING. And i swear, I can't put this book down. And YES i will definitellyyyyyyy read it again.
To wrap it up (because this review is soo messy), it was good. The writing was good and easy to understand and imagine. I got butterflies in my stomach every single time. I need a book 2, or at least a longer or a sequel (anything about them). I need a physical copy (but it doesn't have one :<<) I also love the cover ❤
This was the first book that i read from the author, Ms. Cassandra O'Leary. I will surely read more of your books in the future. Thank you so much for writing this book 🥺
Lastly, Thank you so much BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read this advance reader copy for free in exchange for an honest review. I really love it.
Oh, almost forget! To anyone who would like to purchase this book, here's the link on Amazon! It's an ebook and its only $0.99! So grab it now! I love it and i really think you will also like it too ❤
Link : https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Under-Chr...
July 11, 2021
Jebus, this was written from start to finish and published in about a month? Hat's off to you, O'Leary!
A tiny prequel to Girl on a Plane that can be read as a standalone, O'Leary wrote a solid novella from start to finish. Characters are strong, the pace feels instant, and the world feels fleshed out. The setting could have had a few more crumbs to better set it in Australia, but it was still a fun ride.
What I liked in Girl Under The Christmas Tree is how sugar-coated it feels yet tries to include imperfections. Like she may be a happy bubbly mess, but she's working paycheck to paycheck and is a tad immature. And he may look like a Hollywood model and he's rich, but he's facing a hard business deal and doesn't take rejection well. They're predictable flaws, yes, but I've seen leads in short stories that seem too perfect, and that draws me out.
Cute flirting and build up is sweet. The sex scenes relied on imagery and feeling rather than drawing out on specifics, and it fits the overall light and joyful tone of the work. I just have a harder time believing that their short burst of attraction and lust can blow over into a full-blown affectionate relationship. It's physical chemistry and seems like desperate rebounds on both ends to me. It's dressed up in the spirit of it's Christmas fun times! In July. But well, maybe I'm overthinking it.
Girl Under The Christmas Tree is a well-written story that fell a bit on the romance end for me. I can see how and why other people would love it though, and I really appreciate that this novella got me to smile once or twice while reading it. Fun while it lasted.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A tiny prequel to Girl on a Plane that can be read as a standalone, O'Leary wrote a solid novella from start to finish. Characters are strong, the pace feels instant, and the world feels fleshed out. The setting could have had a few more crumbs to better set it in Australia, but it was still a fun ride.
What I liked in Girl Under The Christmas Tree is how sugar-coated it feels yet tries to include imperfections. Like she may be a happy bubbly mess, but she's working paycheck to paycheck and is a tad immature. And he may look like a Hollywood model and he's rich, but he's facing a hard business deal and doesn't take rejection well. They're predictable flaws, yes, but I've seen leads in short stories that seem too perfect, and that draws me out.
Cute flirting and build up is sweet. The sex scenes relied on imagery and feeling rather than drawing out on specifics, and it fits the overall light and joyful tone of the work. I just have a harder time believing that their short burst of attraction and lust can blow over into a full-blown affectionate relationship. It's physical chemistry and seems like desperate rebounds on both ends to me. It's dressed up in the spirit of it's Christmas fun times! In July. But well, maybe I'm overthinking it.
Girl Under The Christmas Tree is a well-written story that fell a bit on the romance end for me. I can see how and why other people would love it though, and I really appreciate that this novella got me to smile once or twice while reading it. Fun while it lasted.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 12, 2021
What kind of madness is this? This book was phenomenal! I want more! I need more! But there isn’t more! This was a mike Tyson one two punch to my face! My lord Miss O’Leary can write a good book! This is my first time reading a story from her and instantly the synopsis grabbed me, shook me up and spun me around! I know I would love it! It just had all the makings of a cute holiday rom/com movie that you will see on a certain tv station that I will not name . It was so good! The chemistry between Yuki and Declan was off the charts! Also, I’ve always loved the name Declan. If I was able to go back in time I’d name one of my sons Declan. I’m a quarter Irish...but all of my children have Japanese names because of i love the culture. Isn’t that a daisy? But this story was so sweet, funny and romantic! I hope she writes more about Yuki. This had a HFN ending. Something I’m not entirely use to but in this case it’s understandable considering the demographics and jobs involved. All I will say about that without spoiling things. The author mentioned she has things in the works on her webpage. I truly hope more of this series will come out. She truly struck gold here. I loved it. This 🐻 gives this novella 5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this book as an ARC copy for my unbiased review from BookSirens.com. Check them out!
I received this book as an ARC copy for my unbiased review from BookSirens.com. Check them out!
June 23, 2021
Sometime all you need is to make a wish!
This little story is just what I was needing as a break of my usual genre reading! A short, sweet, not too deep romantic story!
We follow two characters who cross paths in a hotel, Yuki who works there and Declan, an Irish businessman who's staying at the hotel. The fact that Yuki and Declan have an almost imediate attraction causes some trouble since hotel regulation prohibit staff to date with the costumers! But Yuki is way too enamorated by the Irish accent of Declan to let a few rules stop her.
It wouldn't mater...... Right? No spoilers!
Anyway, it's a short story with not much plot but enough to keep you interested in what'll happen next! The main characters are really funny and likeable, although Declan is a bit hard-headed! The romantic aspect is very present, the sweetness of the moments is ever present and the sexual part is also noticeable, but not the focus here! So if you're looking for a hot read, this is not it!
All and all, like said above, a short, sweet, cozy romance! I'm reading in June but it's perfect for a Christmas read!
Thank you Cassandra O'Leary for giving me the opportunity to read and review your book, and BookSirens for facilitating the process!
This ebook was freely given to me through BookSirens in exchange for an honest review!
This little story is just what I was needing as a break of my usual genre reading! A short, sweet, not too deep romantic story!
We follow two characters who cross paths in a hotel, Yuki who works there and Declan, an Irish businessman who's staying at the hotel. The fact that Yuki and Declan have an almost imediate attraction causes some trouble since hotel regulation prohibit staff to date with the costumers! But Yuki is way too enamorated by the Irish accent of Declan to let a few rules stop her.
It wouldn't mater...... Right? No spoilers!
Anyway, it's a short story with not much plot but enough to keep you interested in what'll happen next! The main characters are really funny and likeable, although Declan is a bit hard-headed! The romantic aspect is very present, the sweetness of the moments is ever present and the sexual part is also noticeable, but not the focus here! So if you're looking for a hot read, this is not it!
All and all, like said above, a short, sweet, cozy romance! I'm reading in June but it's perfect for a Christmas read!
Thank you Cassandra O'Leary for giving me the opportunity to read and review your book, and BookSirens for facilitating the process!
This ebook was freely given to me through BookSirens in exchange for an honest review!
March 10, 2021
This is the prequel novella to Girl on a Plane.
The book description excited me, lured me in, was bubbly and more-ish. But the book somehow had a different tone than the blurb. The start didn’t grab me. It felt a bit immature. My enthusiasm waned quickly as I read about Yuki’s teenage behaviour, so juvenile, and the story was almost too simple, too superficial. I think I’m getting too old for stories like this. And on top of that: it doesn’t have a HEA. It has a HFN (Happy For Now). And I’m just not 100% convinced.
I do think that this story will appeal to the younger reader. Quote: “Yuki wanted adventure, a life full of excitement.” And that’s not a bad thing, not at all! Because it truly was not a bad story, it is sure to have fans. I can see that it will speak to others. It’s lighthearted, and it’s not badly written at all. It’s just not for me. So if you like the synopsis, by all means, give this book a try!
The book description excited me, lured me in, was bubbly and more-ish. But the book somehow had a different tone than the blurb. The start didn’t grab me. It felt a bit immature. My enthusiasm waned quickly as I read about Yuki’s teenage behaviour, so juvenile, and the story was almost too simple, too superficial. I think I’m getting too old for stories like this. And on top of that: it doesn’t have a HEA. It has a HFN (Happy For Now). And I’m just not 100% convinced.
I do think that this story will appeal to the younger reader. Quote: “Yuki wanted adventure, a life full of excitement.” And that’s not a bad thing, not at all! Because it truly was not a bad story, it is sure to have fans. I can see that it will speak to others. It’s lighthearted, and it’s not badly written at all. It’s just not for me. So if you like the synopsis, by all means, give this book a try!
July 6, 2021
This short, eight chapter novella is set in a Melboune, Australia hotel during the Christmas season. Yuki works for the hotel and Declan is a guest. The relationship between these two is not very memorable. Character development was superficial for the leading characters and non-existent for supporting characters. Yuki and Declan were likable but I never got to that point where I felt invested in their happily-ever-after. In addition, the awkward situation they found themselves in, at one point in the story, made no sense. Yuki had a perfectly good apartment they could have gone to but, instead, without much discussion, they chose to expose her to trouble by hanging out at the hotel. It all seemed a bit contrived and nonsensical. It had the effect of making Declan appear as insensitive and self-serving. I don’t think that was the message the author was aiming for.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 7, 2024
This was another quick read for me. Especially it being the holidays, I want to read as much holiday romance as possible.
I love how Yuki and Declan met. Him being a business man and staying at the hotel she worked as a receptionist. I knew she was gonna get fired as soon as I learnt about the no hooking up/ no dating the guests rule. They were Infatuated with each other and soon as they met.
I liked them together but the dialogue was kind of off at times. I really wanted more of them and in the end we didn't get that. I get that life isn't all about the relationship and also about the individual but still I wanted more.
Overall I give this book a ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. It was a cute and quick read. Yuki and Declan are meant to be and I saw there will be a full book for them as a second chance so that kind of shocked me because him breaking her heart? That's crazy to me but it's on my TBR because I need to know what happened.
I love how Yuki and Declan met. Him being a business man and staying at the hotel she worked as a receptionist. I knew she was gonna get fired as soon as I learnt about the no hooking up/ no dating the guests rule. They were Infatuated with each other and soon as they met.
I liked them together but the dialogue was kind of off at times. I really wanted more of them and in the end we didn't get that. I get that life isn't all about the relationship and also about the individual but still I wanted more.
Overall I give this book a ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. It was a cute and quick read. Yuki and Declan are meant to be and I saw there will be a full book for them as a second chance so that kind of shocked me because him breaking her heart? That's crazy to me but it's on my TBR because I need to know what happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2021
This is my first time reading something by this author so I wasn't sure what to expect. I have to say, I was very glad to have picked up this book. This is a feel-good, sweet and spicy, quick holiday romance that's sure to warm your heart and give you some laughs along the way. The characters were relatable and easy to fall in love with. The whole time I found myself rooting for Yuki and Declan. This was a fun story that had me captivated till the very end. Yuki and Declan were great together and I just loved their chemistry. An enjoyable and entertaining read that will leave you with a smile on your face. I adored this charming story and if your looking for a fun, sweet, and steamy romantic story, then this is definitely the book you want!
Thank you to Book Sirens for providing an electronic copy. This is my honest, voluntarily review.
Thank you to Book Sirens for providing an electronic copy. This is my honest, voluntarily review.
December 27, 2023
For a Christmas novella it was good. A nice quick read that I did enjoy. The plot centred on a receptionist at a hotel falling for a guy there for a tech conference. Employee/Guest relations are strictly prohibited so it’s also a little naughty. Throw in some Christmas cheer, a few drunk Santa’s and a snow machine and you had a fun little Insta-love treat. Yuki and Declan were perfect for each other, they communicated very well when handing the small conflict that occurred and I liked the side characters. What I didn’t like however was the abrupt ending. Most novellas I read have some sort of HEA or epilogue that takes us into the future but this had nothing. Just an end where they are I guess still together but also who knows if it’ll last? Technically it’s a HFN but I wasn’t happy. Way too abrupt of an ending for me. Otherwise though, I did like it.
March 23, 2021
This is my first read by author Cassandra O'Leary and I smiled a lot while reading "A girl under the Christmas tree". I sincerely hope Yuki will get a follow-up story in the future since I found her so easy to like and absolutely adorable. The Mermaid Airlines mentioned at the end of the book sounds interesting. I hope both Yuki and Declan will find their HEA in future novels.
I received a free copy from the author of "A girl under the Christmas tree" but my review is honest and I enjoyed reading the story very much. It's a feel good novella full of optimism and possibilities I'm sure anyone who enjoys the contemporary romance genre will enjoy reading.
I received a free copy from the author of "A girl under the Christmas tree" but my review is honest and I enjoyed reading the story very much. It's a feel good novella full of optimism and possibilities I'm sure anyone who enjoys the contemporary romance genre will enjoy reading.
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