Marry Me at Christmas by Susan Mallery Series: Fool's Gold #19
Published by HQN Books on Sept. 29, 2015
Genres: Christmas, Contemporary Romance
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: the publisher through NetGalley
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Also in this series: Three Little Words, A Fool's Gold Christmas, Christmas on 4th Street, When We Met, Before We Kiss, Until We Touch, Yours for Christmas, Hold Me, Kiss Me, Thrill Me, Best of My Love
Also by this author: Three Little Words, A Fool's Gold Christmas, Christmas on 4th Street, When We Met, Before We Kiss, Until We Touch, Yours for Christmas, Hold Me, Kiss Me, Thrill Me, Best of My Love, The Ladies' Man, Second Chance Girl, Why Not Tonight
To bridal boutique owner Madeline Krug, organizing a Christmas wedding sounds like a joy—until she finds out she'll be working closely with the gorgeous brother of the bride, movie star Jonny Blaze. How will a small-town girl like her keep from falling for the world's sexiest guy? Especially with mistletoe lurking around every corner!
Jonny came to Fool's Gold looking for normal, not for love. Happily-ever-after only happens in the movies. Still, nothing about this quirky town is quite what he expected, and "ordinary" Madeline is the most extraordinary woman he's ever met. Refreshingly honest, disarmingly sweet. Achingly beautiful.
Planning the perfect wedding leads to candlelit dinners and strolls through snow-covered streets. And Madeline finds Jonny in real life even more captivating than her celebrity crush. But will the action star be brave enough to risk his heart and step into the role of a lifetime?
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Review
Marry Me at Christmas is a warm, charming Christmas romance with (thankfully) few misunderstandings, some tenderness, a little heat, and more than a little humor. Action-movie star Johnny Blaze wants nothing more than to be treated like a normal guy–but every time it happens, it surprises and even disconcerts him. By the third incident, I was chuckling every time someone approached him; his confusion is just so cute. That’s not to say he doesn’t occasionally come across people who react to his celebrity the way you might expect, but when he does, someone–usually Madeline–comes to his rescue in ways that are equally amusing.
Johnny and Madeline are really right for each other, and not because Madeline starts out with a huge crush on him. No, it’s because they come to understand each other and appreciate each other as human beings. Their relationship progresses relatively slowly and with blessedly few snags; those that do occur stem from their personal baggage but are quickly overcome. It’s a pleasure to read a romance where there’s no huge obstacle to happiness for a change! There’s tension, particularly over whether they will ever give in to their mutual attraction in the first place, but it’s enjoyable rather than stressful, even for the two main characters (and especially for the reader.)
The “Christmas” aspect of the book comes mostly from the time period in which it is set: before Thanksgiving up until Christmas. Both holidays make appearances, but the story could have been set in another season without much difficulty. So if you love Christmas romances, you’ll find a bit of Christmas cheer in this one, but it’s not the main focus of the novel. I enjoyed it regardless, for the reasons I mentioned above. . . and it made for light, enjoyable fun after a stressful week!
About Susan Mallery
With more than 25 million books sold worldwide, New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery is known for creating characters who feel as real as the folks next door, and for putting them into emotional, often funny situations readers recognize from their own lives. Susan’s books have made Booklist’s Top 10 Romances list in four out of five consecutive years. RT Book Reviews says, “When it comes to heartfelt contemporary romance, Mallery is in a class by herself.” With her popular, ongoing Fool’s Gold series, Susan has reached new heights on the bestsellers lists and has won the hearts of countless new fans.
Susan grew up in southern California, moved so many times that her friends stopped writing her address in pen, and now has settled in Seattle with her husband and the most delightfully spoiled little dog who ever lived.
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
This sounds cute and I love the sound of Johnny’s confusion. I read one of Mallery’s Christmas romances a year or two ago and loved it and have been meaning to read more. I like that there’s no big misunderstanding or huge obstacle. Sometimes it’s nice to read a simple sweet love story.
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library recently posted…Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic – Review
Lark_Bookwyrm
It really had me laughing, and I do enjoy it when things go more smoothly — not every real-life relationship has to overcome huge obstacles, after all!
Quinn @ Quinn's Book Nook
Awww, this looks really cute. I definitely want to read this one. I’ve only read one Fools Gold book.
Quinn @ Quinn’s Book Nook recently posted…Audio Review: Rumor Has It by Jill Shalvis
Lark_Bookwyrm
This one was a lot of fun!
Literary Feline
This sounds like a fun one. I am ready for some Christmas romance, I think. I hope to dive into one or two soon.
Literary Feline recently posted…October 2015 In Review
Lark_Bookwyrm
I’ve got a ton of them this year, for some reason – both ARCs and books I bought. I probably won’t get around to them all, but I’m looking forward to reading some more!
Bea @Bea's Book Nook
It sounds really sweet and I like that Christmas is part of the background and not the focus.
Bea @Bea’s Book Nook recently posted…ARC Review of Valiant Heart by Angela Addams
Lark_Bookwyrm
I like this series!