I wish I could've enjoyed this book at all, but unfortunately I hated every second of reading it. I couldn't get myself to immerse in the story and kept constantly zoning out despite trying again and again.

I did somehow push through to the end and there were parts of the plot I liked a little, but overall the writing was not gripping at all and neither was the pacing. I think not coming from a Christian background could have a part to play in my not liking it, but I have loved many Christmas centric stories just fine, so I don't think that's it.

Take my review with a grain of salt though, because I have seen many that praise this book. I am doubting myself a little, but will stick with my honest thoughts post read T-T

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Mariah Fredericks for this complimentary e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions in this review are authentically mine.

Finished this book in a total of three hours based on my Kobo stats. It was that good. Great pacing and tension that had me hooked very early on.

I won't discuss the plot since the title of the book itself makes the gist plain and clear, but I'll tell you that the execution was done pretty well, and I think it's all thanks to the MCs. The way the characters are crafted is just beautiful and I appreciated both their backgrounds and where they were coming from. The banter is top notch and I've annotated this ebook so much.

Despite not having any way to relate to the characters on paper, they felt so raw and strangely dear. There is something so earnest in the way the MCs are written, both Prince Gregory "Eddie" and Bash- a bodyguard who's seen a lot of things. In addition to memorable MCs, the book's got so many delightful side characters and explorations of complicated familial relationships. And as someone who loves platonic and familial love, it made me super happy.

There are quite a few spicy scenes within this book and while sexual themes usually make me uncomfortable, I found myself intrigued by how it was written here. Instead of just focusing on pleasure and smut for the hell of it, the author adds so much depth and vulnerability to the act. It was just so new to me, how coming out can be written with tenderness but intimacy doesn't tend to be as gentle.

While this book isn't perfect enough to receive the full five stars, I enjoyed it and definitely recommend it. This is my first read from the author and it was a great experience even without the first three in the series, so it's amazing as a standalone too.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Nora Phoenix for this complimentary e-ARC. All thoughts in this review are left voluntarily and authentically mine.