When Miriam is summoned to Benjamin Silver’s luxurious Aspen chalet, she certainly doesn’t expect a blizzard to leave her stranded there for Hanukkah! Until the storm passes, she must battle her scandalous and ever-intensifying attraction to her boss…
Sorry, I hate being so critical of this author’s work, but this story was unbelievably boring. I kept waiting for it to get started, to begin to interest me, excite me, involve me. I’m still waiting! Somehow, everything was stilted, turgid and slow. Neither the heroine nor the hero came across as rounded, three dimensional people.
I was gifted an advanced reader copy, courtesy of Mills and Boon and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I have read this author before and I know she can write entertaining stories with interesting characters, but this was so disappointing.
The heroine, Miri, arrives at a billionaire’s cabin in Colorado to report on her preparation for a Gala. They talk. They each think lots and lots - so loudly that you can hear them. Then they talk some more but mainly there is a lot of thinking. I think she’s meant to be feisty and sassy but just comes across as rude and unprofessional.
There’s a strong physical attraction, and they eventually succumb, (after lots more talking). The snowstorm lasts a long time so they have lots of sex, both agreeing they’ll stop once the storm ends because they can’t possibly carry on as it will break the foundation’s rules. (I kind of lost the will to live by this point.)
Finally Benjamin says he wants them to carry on seeing each other. She has a hissy fit and claims he doesn’t respect her and starts to leave in a helicopter, but Benjamin runs outside, attracts her attention and asks her to marry him. She says yes.
I felt no real emotion, no credible tension, no deep rooted angst.
Sorry this was not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Not sure why this is labeled as a Christmas story - it is entirely about Hanukkah. That said it is a nice forced proximity romance, definitely on the shorter side but for sure a complete fulfilling storyline/plot.
As the new events director for the Los Angeles Jewish Community Foundation, Miriam "Miri" Howard needs Benjamin Silver—her billionaire and sexy as hell supervisor—to give official approval for her plans for the Foundation's annual fundraising gala. Because he's in Aspen and she's in Los Angeles, he insists that she go to Aspen in his private jet to get the job done. What they didn't expected was that a blizzard would stuck her at his home, and they would be alone...while the blizzard lasts. Not to mention the increasing and inconvenient attraction they feel for each other, since the Foundation's rules makes clear that fraternizing between employees is strictly prohibited.
Miri's family has some issues with her. Or is her the one with issues? She loves them and they love her but her loved ones doesn't understand why she became Jewish, so she spends little time with them (or so that's how I perceived it) because their family reunions are a bit awkward. Benjamin, on the other hand, was born Jewish but he didn't involves a lot in Jewish life (with the exception of the Foundation) because he lost both his families—biological and adoptive—very early in his life. He couldn't stand to lose another person and that's why he prefers being isolated from the world.
I found Benjamin's character more alluring than Miri's. His troubled past defines his personality makes him more interesting. As for Miri, she looks like she's living in the "my way or the highway" motto, which I dislike, almost 90% of the story. And a bit immature towards the end. Did I mentioned that I'm not a fan of this character yet?
Their romance? I could tell something about that if I felt there was romance between them while I was reading the book. Not even with a Hanukkah twist. Their interactions are odd sometimes. Although they speak A LOT to make a deep connection, they don't have it. Nor they connect with the reader, in my humble opinion. No chemistry, no credible argument, but lots of sexual attraction we see here. I didn't believed Benjamin's change of heart when Miri leaves, either. The only good thing between Miri and Benjamin? She's a virgin (and I'm not the type of reader that cares if heroines are virgins or not). Lust at first sight? Yes. Real love? Not so much.
Since they're "trapped" in a luxurious Aspen villa, there's not so many secondary characters in this book. Maybe if they were in a physical form this story could work? That's something we will never know.
I picked this book from Netgalley because I never read Ms. Bell's books before. And this one in particular didn't gave me a good vibe. At least I finished it, and that's something I have to credit the author for and maybe—just maybe—give her another shot.
• ARC given by Harlequin and Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Y'all, I have been completely derelict when posting about books. Please forgive me. It can be hard to juggle author life with disabling chronic illness! I'm hoping to rectify that situation in the coming weeks.
TBS, I could not be more pleased to tell you about a Hanukkah book I recently came across, Snowbound in the Boss's Bed by @Marcellabellwrites
Snowbound in the Boss's Bed takes place over Hanukkah. It is about an events director, Miriam Howard, who finds herself stuck in her boss's luxurious Aspen ski chalet when a blizzard leaves her stranded. From there, it is an avalanche worth of feels! Some things I loved about this book:
*SITBB is a category romance. What is a category romance? It's a type of romance that guarantees a specific promise to the reader. This line, Harlequin Presents, promises books with exotic locations and high sensuality. SITBB delivered on this promise BEAUTIFULLY.
*I was SO impressed with this book. It is SO well-written. Marcella Bell does a deep dive into the heads and histories of our hero/heroine, giving me all the feels in the process. I felt their sensuality, their chemistry, the want of each other. Also, that cover!
*Though our heroine is not technically Jewish, she is Jewish-adjacent... meaning her chosen family is Jewish. I also love that she's MORE into the Jewish thing than the actual Jewish character! I also appreciated all the efforts to set this story in a Jewish world. From mentioning kosher food, to using metaphors about light, I never forgot that this was a Hanukkah romance.
*I have said from the beginning, "I READ ROMANCE FOR THE BILLIONAIRE WHO DOES LAUNDRY." Am I ever going to get stuck in a ski chalet in Aspen with a hot billionaire who wants to rip my clothing off? OF COURSE NOT. Plus, my husband wouldn't like it. But for a few hours, I can live vicariously.
This book is perfect for anyone looking for a winter escape, with high-romantic fantasy and all the feels! It would pair great with your favorite glass of prosecco, silk pajamas, and a warm fireplace. Grab your copy today!
Quick Summary: An insta-love romance all wrapped with a beautiful multicultural bow
My Review: Snowbound in Her Boss's Bed by Marcella Bell was a mixed bag romance. It was 2/3 informational and 1/3 first love vibes.
What I Liked:
- I really liked the diversity between the characters. Benjamin and Miri were an unexpected couple. Part of what made them interesting was their backgrounds. (I love a multicultural approach to relationships.)
- I liked the fact that Miri was no pushover. She had a firmness or grit about her. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind. Still, she remained professional when it came to her work.
- I liked Benjamin. His tragic past helped to explain his apprehension about connecting. In seeking to control matters, he was protecting his heart, in a way.
- I thought the renewal of Benjamin's cultural heritage and the new found experience by Miri ,who was embracing her new heritage, was sweet.
What I Did Not Care For:
- The conflict was unbelievable. I found it rather difficult to make sense of the couple's final scene before Miri's departure. Next thing you know, Benjamin made a life-altering decision after six days. It seemed to negate the very situation that led to Miri leaving. The dots did not connect for me on that.
- Much of the beginning was weighed down with educational verbiage. It was too much and was entirely lulling.
- I did not care for the loss of innocence scene. The end.
My Final Say: This romance will either have a hit or miss response with readers.
Rating: 2.5/5 Recommend: +/- Audience: A
I voluntarily read this title. Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley, who provided access to this work in exchange for an honest review.
Don’t JUDGE me. This was a Christmas/Hanukkah buddy read and it was 193 pages of ehhhh. I *was* insanely attracted to the 8-day Colorado snowstorm (can you imagine living through that in a log cabin mansion that has an ice rink, movie theater, AND bowling alley??? Legit!), but that was about it. Benjamin Silver was a cold, unfeeling rich dude and Miri couldn’t stop talking about how rich he was.
Example: “She should have been on her way to west LA to spend the night catching up with the dear friends with whom she didn’t get enough time these days. Instead, she was staring into the eyes of one of the richest men in the world.” We get it, Miri. He RICH rich. And you ready to secure that bag, girl. I see you.
Some sections of this book read like Chat GPT: “The present was surreally romantic and ideal, a cozy and rom-com-esque situation in which to find herself in the wake of all of the unexpected events that this man had set off in her life over the last twenty-four hours.” AI has presented me with sentences that have read better than MANY of the sentences in this book.
All of the characters in this book could use some therapy BEFORE pursuing romance. Two stars for the fun Hanukkah references (genuinely— yay for learning new things!) and the occasionally fun banter. Once again, I wasn’t trying to be mean in this review, but I write a scathing one. Oooops. Apologies!!
Miri is snowbound with her fabulously wealthy boss who is guiding his heart.
This is not the first time that I've read this author and felt confused. I find it hard to connect to the characters, sometime due to the odd choices, and others because of the style of the writing. The language is very disjointed and never really conveys a realistic emotional or sexual attraction I never quite believe the romantic connections. It was never really explained why she converted and the physical attraction between them had no real spark of passion.
Additionally the "obstacle" to them being together was not believable. Once again there was no interaction with HER family or anyone that was important to her or to him for that matter.
I did love learning more about the Jewish holiday and it was refreshing to have Jewish characters represented. Outside of that it was a miss for me....and it continues the horrible covers that do not match the characters!
I'm not sure if I will give this author another chance because thus far unfortunately her titles have left me with an odd feeling when I finished that I can't put my finger on.
Plot: Miri gets stranded in Aspen after a meeting with her billionaire boss
Overall: DNFed this one
Look, I am vaguely interested in how Miri and Benjamin square the impossible circle of their work relationship, but not enough to wade through clunky prose and Benjamin being kind of annoying. But if you’re looking for a Jewish-centered holiday special and don’t mind billionaires and adjectives, you might enjoy this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
I was looking forward to this holiday romance because I haven't read a Hanukkah romance before. There was a lot of information regarding the main characters, their lives, and their background but somehow the Hanukkah romance was lost. There was no pining or even a mild attraction except for that first night. I enjoyed the atmosphere and how it played a part in the story. I just didn't connect to the characters and that disappointed me. It fell flat to me and was one-dimensional until the end of the book. Even then it was odd. The conversation that led to Miri's sudden need to leave Benjamin's snow oasis was reasonable. They had spent 6 nights together and were really enjoying themselves. I found her reaction over the top and immature. For someone who cared so much for people, her actions didn't follow her words. The weather still was horrible but instead of having a conversation with Benjamin, she endangers others. The reader does get a grand gesture from Benjamin at the end.
The Hanukkah romance seemed to have been buried in the sea of information about the key characters, their backgrounds, and lives. Other than that first night, there was no yearning or even a slight attraction. The atmosphere and its role in the narrative were appealing to me. I was dissatisfied since I couldn't relate to the characters. I found it to be one-dimensional and flat till the very end. It was strange even then. Miri suddenly felt the need to depart Benjamin's snow sanctuary after a reasonable talk. They had been together for six nights and were having a great time. Her response, in my opinion, was excessive and immature. Her behavior fell short of what she had said she cared about in terms of individuals. Even though the weather was still terrible, she puts others in danger rather than talking to Benjamin. Benjamin does make a significant gesture to the reader at the conclusion.
This book surprised me! I have enjoyed books by the author before, but this one is truly one of her best. Unsurprisingly, it is rated lower because it's so different from the usual Presents. I learned so much about Jewish traditions and some Los Angeles Jewish culture. Also, the Aspen setting was described so lushly by the author that almost had me reconsidering my hatred of low winter temperatures. Sensual and erotic but never veering on vulgarity and a hero who has deep childhood wounds (don't they all) but not in a way readers expect.
I thought this was a perfectly paced and well-written story and I was immediately invested in the characters. If you're interested in holiday romance that isn't Christmas, this is the perfect read.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Presents for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I found this book pretty unrealistic, but still ok. Quick/insta love. I did like the characters individually, but did not feel any chemistry really between them. I thought Miri acted a bit immature but then Benjamin was a bit of a jerk. I would read this author again, and even try another Hanukkah romance. 3 stars
In the wake of a scandal, events director Miriam gets snowed in at CEO Ben's luxurious home. Their organization has a strict non-fraternization policy—can the two resist temptation?
I loved Miri and Ben. They were so perfect together—it was understandable that they weren't able to help falling for each other. Sweet and steamy holiday romance!
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
3.5 stars. Super romantic and a slower pace than typical HP novels. The two main characters are basically the only characters for the whole of the book. I wanted more back story for both but the page length wouldn't allow it. I wonder if this might be better served as a single title than a category but will stay on my shelf
I know this was meant to be short and I figured it'd be insta-love, but DAMN the ending was just so fucking contrived. It was too rushed plus I am genuinely sick of babies in epilogues, even if they make narrative sense. Felt like the author didn't know what to do with her remaining pages
Richly layered characterizations and backstories combined with sizzling chemistry make this romance memorable and generate anticipation for this author's next title.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion. I expected this book to be a straightforward romance in the Mills and Boon genre. I found the writing style odd, such as using the word 'ocean' to describe a quantity of forest, 'direct boss' instead of line manager, and extremely repetitive, telling us many times that Mira worked in L.A., Benjamin Silver's residence was enormous, and that relationships between staff were not allowed. I did not enjoy the the repeated references to colour and religion, as though the author thought this was the only important thing about the characters. I thought Benjamin's lack of knowledge of his own home was ridiculously unrealistic - we are expected to believe he didn't know there were clothes for guests in a walk-in closet - does he not walk around the building, or is actually Buckingham palace with over 100 rooms? This book wasn't for me.
Mirium is required to fly out to visit her employer, Benjamin Silver over Hanukkah. She just wants to be as quick as possible so she can get back to her friends and enjoy her holiday. Unfortunately she gets snowed in with him. She sees the pared down version of him and realises he isn’t the ogre he portrays himself to be.
This is the first holiday romance that has been Hanukkah rather than Christmas themed. An enjoyable read. I enjoyed reading about the Jewish traditions.