Review: Christmas Sweater Weather by Jaqueline Smith
Thank you Forever for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
It pains me to now have loved this book. One, because I adore Forever titles. Two, because I loved Snowed in for Christmas by the same author last year! I loved the tropes of this book and found it to be an enjoyable read, but it didn’t become a new favorite or have that “unputdownable” feeling I crave. I didn’t feel like it captured the cozy vibes of the holidays either, which based on the title and cover, I anticipated!
While I didn’t love it, I do think it will be a fun, easy, sexy read this Fall and holiday season.
Synopsis:
“Charlotte Calhoun has avoided Hayden Porter, her older brother’s sexy-as-sin best friend, ever since that mortifying night when he flat-out rejected her. Fine. Except this Christmas season, they’re thrown together at a snowy ski resort for her brother’s bachelor party, complete with mistletoe, cozy fireplaces, and adjoining rooms. She can tell herself to get over Hayden, but holiday cheer is turning to holiday lust every time he is within ten feet of her.
Between being a full-time single father and his high-pressure college coaching job, a romantic relationship is off the table for Hayden. But he’s fought his attraction to Charlotte for as long as he can. A one-night stand is starting to sound like a good idea—as long as her brother never finds out. But with two long weeks until the wedding, hiding their growing feelings is going to take a Christmas miracle.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Tropes—The tropes of Single Dad and Brother’s Best Friend just hit different in a holiday book. I really enjoyed these elements and they were probably my favorite part!
The Concept—I thought it was fun to have the competition element at the beginning of the book and that’s where you get most of the festive vibes.
What Didn’t Work For Me:
The Romance Writing/Language—I hate saying this, but it was a little cheesy for me. It felt like leaning into trends that people hype up on TikTok instead of being natural to the characters.
The Pacing—The opening felt very disjointed before leading into the “meat” of the novel.
Didn’t Feel Like a Holiday Book—I think this would have been stronger if it didn’t try to involve the holiday season. It felt like an aftermath to me vs purposeful and cozy!
Character Authenticity: 3.5 Spice Rating: 3/5 Overall Rating: 3/5
Content Warnings:
car accident