Christmas in Rose Bend

When all the wrappings hide the pain inside, that is exactly what the case is with Nessa and Wolf. Nessa wrappings aren’t shiny and bright, she uses her cool exterior to hide everything, keep everyone at bay. But inside, all those unresolved, festering, feelings finally cause her to have to take notice and look at them. Wolf hides behind that shiny and bright exterior, everyone’s happy and helpful big brother, perfect son, family jokester. We learn that isn’t the case with him either, and there is a scene with his dad about being seen that had me sobbing for him. Nessa and Wolf find each other and they help the other take down their walls, deconstruct those barriers, and open up their hearts. A beautiful setting that eventually takes our characters to a place where they can truly live in all that beauty, together <3

Shame on me, this prolific storyteller has one-hundred-and-one books listed on Goodreads and this is my first time reading her clever craft. The characters were likable and realistically flawed, yet resilient while struggling with individual issues. The story hit all the feels with the angst well tempered with amusing humor and volcanic and gasp producing sensual steam, although the latter came much later in the tale. The storylines were relatable and easy to follow with generous servings of family drama, wry humor, a supposedly no-strings holiday romance with a short shelf life, and small-town community holiday festivities – and this little berg was really into Christmas. Ms. Simone’s Christmas tale provides a bit of tasty spice and is a higher octane alternative to the more chaste and commercially packaged seasonal eggnog out of the carton Hallmark moments broadcasting nonstop this month.

Nessa is on a road trip with her adolescent sister following the death of their father. They're spending Christmas in Rose Bend, giving Nessa a much needed break from her job as an ER nurse. The town's Christmas spirit grates on her nerves, but she tolerates it to make her sister happy. More trying is Wolf, the innkeeper's handsome son. He's just so…nice. And welcoming. And good with his hands. And who needs that, really? Nessa is too busy protecting her heart to make time for a man who's pursuing her for a holiday fling. That could lead to feelings. And wanting things she can't have. She's already experienced enough of that in her life. She doesn't believe in Christmas miracles—but she just might find one anyway. I love grumpy/sunshine books where the FMC is the grumpy one. Nessa and Wolf both have their dark sides, but he brings her the acceptance and hope she deeply needs. This book is just the right balance Simone's natural edginess and small-town Christmas charm. More, please! Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.