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Melt
Birdie Tenneson and Chase Cyrus met under the stars on Christmas Eve. They shared their deepest secrets, and a first kiss that neither would ever forget...
Chase hasn’t stopped dreaming of that fateful night. Then one evening, nine years later, Birdie serendipitously reappears in his life—but on the arm of his biggest investor. Though Birdie’s even more captivating than she was in his memories, Chase knows that she’s off limits if he wants to have any success with his up-and-coming bakery. But with Christmas magic in the air, the two of them spend more time together, and Chase begins to realize that Birdie’s more than just a fantastic memory. She could be his soul mate.
Birdie hasn’t forgotten Chase either, or the gift he gave her long ago—the ability to find both beauty and magic in small and quiet moments. Now that she’s older, Birdie seems to live a perfect, happy life. She has a burgeoning photography career, a boyfriend who adores her, and a chance to enter the county photo contest to honor her father’s memory. But Chase’s unexpected reappearance in her life turns her whole world upside down. Between sips of gingerbread latte, he shows her that she may be frozen in a life that she doesn’t really want...
...And that he may be the only one who can make her melt.
Chase hasn’t stopped dreaming of that fateful night. Then one evening, nine years later, Birdie serendipitously reappears in his life—but on the arm of his biggest investor. Though Birdie’s even more captivating than she was in his memories, Chase knows that she’s off limits if he wants to have any success with his up-and-coming bakery. But with Christmas magic in the air, the two of them spend more time together, and Chase begins to realize that Birdie’s more than just a fantastic memory. She could be his soul mate.
Birdie hasn’t forgotten Chase either, or the gift he gave her long ago—the ability to find both beauty and magic in small and quiet moments. Now that she’s older, Birdie seems to live a perfect, happy life. She has a burgeoning photography career, a boyfriend who adores her, and a chance to enter the county photo contest to honor her father’s memory. But Chase’s unexpected reappearance in her life turns her whole world upside down. Between sips of gingerbread latte, he shows her that she may be frozen in a life that she doesn’t really want...
...And that he may be the only one who can make her melt.
258 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2021
4 people are currently reading
1091 people want to read
About the author
Kayla Parent
9 books85 followersKayla Parent has written over 150 digital stories and amassed hundreds of millions of reads across a dozen different platforms.
Depending on her mood that day, she writes—and loves—both romance and horror. Her goals are to either make you fall in love with her characters, or frighten you enough to worry that one of them is hiding under your bed.
She currently lives in Boston with her swoonworthy husband, her sweet son and her mischievous beagle, Gus. When she's not writing, she's usually reading. She's enamored with historical romance, mythology, folk tales and true-life crime. She's also a self-proclaimed champagne enthusiast, a chronic daydreamer, and popcorn fanatic.
Oh, and I love Instagram. Follow me!
@kaylaparent_writer
Depending on her mood that day, she writes—and loves—both romance and horror. Her goals are to either make you fall in love with her characters, or frighten you enough to worry that one of them is hiding under your bed.
She currently lives in Boston with her swoonworthy husband, her sweet son and her mischievous beagle, Gus. When she's not writing, she's usually reading. She's enamored with historical romance, mythology, folk tales and true-life crime. She's also a self-proclaimed champagne enthusiast, a chronic daydreamer, and popcorn fanatic.
Oh, and I love Instagram. Follow me!
@kaylaparent_writer
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 26, 2021
4.25*
Do you remember your first kiss? Your first true love? Was it possibly the same person?💁🏻♀️
On a snowy Christmas Eve, Birdie runs into the woods in tears. She’d just lost her father and the thought of her first Christmas without him was too much to bare. And there, alone in the woods is an equally sad, lonely boy Chase. Seemingly heaven-sent, the two broken souls share this sad moment in time. And before going their separate ways, they share one magical kiss.
Now nine years later, Birdie is preparing to graduate from college. She’s fully aware her long-time college boyfriend is ready to propose any day now. Nagging questions begin to surface. Is that what she really wants? Has she truly put her first love completely out of her memories? And what will she do if Chase miraculously reappear when she least expects it.
What a tender, sweet romance this was. And yes, I Melted! I do believe in love conquers all. And of course a HEA. With a hint of spice this was the perfect romance to Melt your heart.
My first read by this author and thoroughly enjoyed her writing. The characters all had great depth and the chemistry between Birdie and Chase was palpable!
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways
Do you remember your first kiss? Your first true love? Was it possibly the same person?💁🏻♀️
On a snowy Christmas Eve, Birdie runs into the woods in tears. She’d just lost her father and the thought of her first Christmas without him was too much to bare. And there, alone in the woods is an equally sad, lonely boy Chase. Seemingly heaven-sent, the two broken souls share this sad moment in time. And before going their separate ways, they share one magical kiss.
Now nine years later, Birdie is preparing to graduate from college. She’s fully aware her long-time college boyfriend is ready to propose any day now. Nagging questions begin to surface. Is that what she really wants? Has she truly put her first love completely out of her memories? And what will she do if Chase miraculously reappear when she least expects it.
What a tender, sweet romance this was. And yes, I Melted! I do believe in love conquers all. And of course a HEA. With a hint of spice this was the perfect romance to Melt your heart.
My first read by this author and thoroughly enjoyed her writing. The characters all had great depth and the chemistry between Birdie and Chase was palpable!
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways
November 11, 2021
This is the first book I've read by the author and I think it was pretty sweet. Albeit it being predictable. It's like your typical Hallmark Christmas movie. Birdie and Rhett's story is pretty adorable though I have problems with their characters. I just wished Birdie was more headstrong to go for what she wanted. And Rhett can be shallow most of the time. I still think it's a pretty fun read.
December 31, 2021
I won an e-copy of Melt in a Goodreads giveaway. I absolutely loved this book! What a wonderful story to read during the holidays. The storyline discusses parent loss and negative relationships (both romantic and friendships), but the underlying message of finding yourself and trusting your real connections is beautiful.
December 28, 2021
3.5
Super cute, predictable hallmark movie
Super cute, predictable hallmark movie
December 10, 2021
Another sweet RomCom from Kayla Parent! The entire premise of the story almost doesn’t seem believable-pining after your first kiss for 9 years-but she does such a good job sucking you in that you can’t help but love it!
October 14, 2021
Melt by Kayla Parent
Published: November 9, 2021
Kayla Parent 2021
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Kayla Parent has written over 150 digital stories and amassed hundreds of millions of reads across a dozen different platforms. Depending on her mood that day, she writes—and loves—both romance and horror. Her goals are to either make you fall in love with her characters or frighten you enough to worry that one of them is hiding under your bed. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her swoon-worthy husband Jimmy, her sweet son Garrett, and her mischievous beagle Gus. When she's not writing, she's usually reading. She's enamored with historical romance, mythology, folk tales, and true-life crime. She's also a self-proclaimed champagne enthusiast, a chronic daydreamer, and popcorn fanatic.
“I thought you were a dream.”
Birdie lost her dad and didn’t think she would ever find a reason to be happy again. Until she accidentally happens upon a boy sitting under a tree. They strike up a conversation, and he kisses her. Fast forward, and adult Birdie is about to graduate college. She has been dating Rhett for a few years, and from the outside, they look like the perfect power couple. Except Birdie has never forgotten Chase, her first kiss, on Christmas night years ago. So when Chase walks back into her life, Birdie doesn’t know what to do. All she knows is that she needs a Christmas miracle to help her find her way.
Not my typical style as far as writing and storytelling go. This is the first book I’ve read by Kayla Parent.
The storyline is adorable, albeit predictable. It is very much like watching a Hallmark Christmas movie. You get drawn in, even though you have the ending figured out 15 minutes in.
The characters were okay, though I really would have liked to see them fleshed out a bit more. I think more depth would have helped give them a more substantial story arc.
Birdie is significantly go with the flow for the majority of the book, and it made me sad for her. She knew what she wanted and wouldn’t go after it. Her logic of never allowing someone who loves her to lose her was slightly immature, though with her feelings regarding the death of her beloved father, understandable.
I didn’t care for Rhett at all. I found his character relatively shallow, and he did not have many redeeming qualities. Though, I assume that was the point. He does have a decent storyline, and his character does get some emotional growth, which I appreciated.
Janice was an absolute nightmare of a character. She was a terrible friend, and has zero likability. I know that was her purpose, but wowza. Girl code clearly doesn’t exist in Janice-land.
Chase was slightly problematic for me. While I enjoyed that he is driven, ambitious, and wants to care for his family, I didn’t love that when Birdie told him they could be friends, he kind of refused to accept that. I am all for going after what you want, but if someone tells you they are in a relationship, you’ve just got to respect that.
I loved Dasha. She was so warm and engaging and the perfect side character. She offered such a mature and intelligent filler, and she just knew what to say when it needed to be said. I would love to see her get her own book.
The scenery is described so thoroughly that you hear the crunch of the snow under your boots and feel the chill on your cheeks. I very much enjoyed the imagery of Vermont and the descriptions of Christmas Town. Kayla absolutely has a gift when it comes to setting a scene and bringing it to life.
Overall, this was a delightful romance. I enjoyed that the steamy scene was just a scene that happened and not a primary focus. It complimented the storyline without sacrificing the emotional weight. I found that balance very well coordinated.
This was a charming story with a happy ending and a great feel-good Christmas romance.
Published: November 9, 2021
Kayla Parent 2021
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Kayla Parent has written over 150 digital stories and amassed hundreds of millions of reads across a dozen different platforms. Depending on her mood that day, she writes—and loves—both romance and horror. Her goals are to either make you fall in love with her characters or frighten you enough to worry that one of them is hiding under your bed. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her swoon-worthy husband Jimmy, her sweet son Garrett, and her mischievous beagle Gus. When she's not writing, she's usually reading. She's enamored with historical romance, mythology, folk tales, and true-life crime. She's also a self-proclaimed champagne enthusiast, a chronic daydreamer, and popcorn fanatic.
“I thought you were a dream.”
Birdie lost her dad and didn’t think she would ever find a reason to be happy again. Until she accidentally happens upon a boy sitting under a tree. They strike up a conversation, and he kisses her. Fast forward, and adult Birdie is about to graduate college. She has been dating Rhett for a few years, and from the outside, they look like the perfect power couple. Except Birdie has never forgotten Chase, her first kiss, on Christmas night years ago. So when Chase walks back into her life, Birdie doesn’t know what to do. All she knows is that she needs a Christmas miracle to help her find her way.
Not my typical style as far as writing and storytelling go. This is the first book I’ve read by Kayla Parent.
The storyline is adorable, albeit predictable. It is very much like watching a Hallmark Christmas movie. You get drawn in, even though you have the ending figured out 15 minutes in.
The characters were okay, though I really would have liked to see them fleshed out a bit more. I think more depth would have helped give them a more substantial story arc.
Birdie is significantly go with the flow for the majority of the book, and it made me sad for her. She knew what she wanted and wouldn’t go after it. Her logic of never allowing someone who loves her to lose her was slightly immature, though with her feelings regarding the death of her beloved father, understandable.
I didn’t care for Rhett at all. I found his character relatively shallow, and he did not have many redeeming qualities. Though, I assume that was the point. He does have a decent storyline, and his character does get some emotional growth, which I appreciated.
Janice was an absolute nightmare of a character. She was a terrible friend, and has zero likability. I know that was her purpose, but wowza. Girl code clearly doesn’t exist in Janice-land.
Chase was slightly problematic for me. While I enjoyed that he is driven, ambitious, and wants to care for his family, I didn’t love that when Birdie told him they could be friends, he kind of refused to accept that. I am all for going after what you want, but if someone tells you they are in a relationship, you’ve just got to respect that.
I loved Dasha. She was so warm and engaging and the perfect side character. She offered such a mature and intelligent filler, and she just knew what to say when it needed to be said. I would love to see her get her own book.
The scenery is described so thoroughly that you hear the crunch of the snow under your boots and feel the chill on your cheeks. I very much enjoyed the imagery of Vermont and the descriptions of Christmas Town. Kayla absolutely has a gift when it comes to setting a scene and bringing it to life.
Overall, this was a delightful romance. I enjoyed that the steamy scene was just a scene that happened and not a primary focus. It complimented the storyline without sacrificing the emotional weight. I found that balance very well coordinated.
This was a charming story with a happy ending and a great feel-good Christmas romance.
November 21, 2021
This is a new author to me, but I will certainly be looking out for her work in the future. Chase and Birdie shared a first kiss and a secret which neither has forgotten over the years, and now 9-years later they cross paths again. Chase has an up-and-coming bakery, while Birdie is a photographer who is hoping to enter the county’s photographic competition in her dad’s memory, and she also shows up with Chase’s biggest rival. Fate has destined these two to cross paths. This is sweet and enjoyable read, with twists, grief, healing, moving on, and love. I look forward to reading more from this author and I recommend this story.
January 1, 2022
Good, light and easy read
This book was essentially what I expected it to be, an easy, relaxing read that went just about the way I expected.
Perfect for when you're in that mood and the story is engaging enough that you want to keep reading.
This book was essentially what I expected it to be, an easy, relaxing read that went just about the way I expected.
Perfect for when you're in that mood and the story is engaging enough that you want to keep reading.
February 16, 2022
I received a free copy of Melt in a Goodreads giveaway and I am voluntarily leaving a review. There was a lot of warm Christmas magic and romance in this book. A great cozy book to read next to a fire with some yummy snacks. I love that every character was able to find their HEA
Read
December 4, 2021I know during most holiday romances there is a certain level of "unbelievability" to them but this one was a bit over the top for me.
January 1, 2022
Meh
I had really high hopes for this story, but it just didn't do it for me. Birdie frustrated me with her wishy washy attitude and constant back and forth between Rhett and Chase.
I had really high hopes for this story, but it just didn't do it for me. Birdie frustrated me with her wishy washy attitude and constant back and forth between Rhett and Chase.
April 13, 2022
A light, fun, slightly predictable read, just what I was looking for.
First time reading this author, one I’ll look for again. I received a copy from the author from a Goodreads giveaway.
First time reading this author, one I’ll look for again. I received a copy from the author from a Goodreads giveaway.
November 2, 2021
Kayla Parent does it again! I consistently read her books in 1-2 sittings, and Melt was no different. I was hooked from the first scene. The entire story is so enjoyable and had some unexpected twists and turns. Overall, it is a Christmas-themed romance, but it resonated much deeper with me. Kayla really hit the feeling of grieving on the head. I lost my mother at age 17, and I really related to the main character and her conflicted feelings around the holidays. I felt acknowledged in a way I never have with other books where a character is grieving. But that is just one piece of this beautiful puzzle. Do yourself a favor and give it a read this holiday season-or whenever! I already wish I could go back and read it again for the first time :)
February 3, 2022
I won a copy through a GoodReads Giveaway, and here is my review.
This book looked like a cute holiday read! If you believe in fate, soul mates, and enjoy Hallmark movies and love triangles, then this book is 100% for you. Content warnings for emotional abuse and toxic relationships.
Birdie reminded me a lot of Rory Gilmore, with her supportive community of family and friends, love for local coffee shops, and anxious ennui. I didn't love that Birdie was super flighty (pun absolutely intended), and found her rationale hard to follow at times. Overall this was a fun read, but not one I am likely to repeat.
This book looked like a cute holiday read! If you believe in fate, soul mates, and enjoy Hallmark movies and love triangles, then this book is 100% for you. Content warnings for emotional abuse and toxic relationships.
Birdie reminded me a lot of Rory Gilmore, with her supportive community of family and friends, love for local coffee shops, and anxious ennui. I didn't love that Birdie was super flighty (pun absolutely intended), and found her rationale hard to follow at times. Overall this was a fun read, but not one I am likely to repeat.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews