Most books I read, I leave my review on Goodreads and Amazon. "Smitten with Candy Canes" is included in a big romance collection called Love, Laughter and Happily Ever After. I have yet to read all twenty novellas (yes, twenty!), and so I haven't left a review. I get so excited about Ellen Jacobson's books, though, I had to make this review my first on here.
Zoe Randolph is a carefree travel writer eager to spend Christmas at Santa's Village in Finland. But when her photographer breaks her ankle, Zoe is cursed to spend the holiday Max Guerrero. He's an arrogant flirt, and she never really meant to kiss him the last time she saw him. Will Zoe's Yuletide fun be ruined, or will she discover some Christmas magic?
There's so much to love about this wonderful little romance. I'm already a big fan of Jacobson's Smitten with Travel series. They're light-hearted, hilarious, and give me the warm fuzzies. Good thing this book gave me those warm fuzzies, because it's cold up there in Finland! One of the big things I love about her books is that there are all sorts of amazing details about the places the characters travel to. Santa's Village was brought to life for me. All the activities were a hoot. Dog sledding is one I'd love to do the most. What I found most amusing was how dedicated the elves were to being elves. I do wonder if in the real Santa's Village they truly do believe in themselves. As a reader, I also stopped to think if the elves really did have some magic. Though I think the true fun is never knowing!
Zoe is living a great life. She gets to go to exotic places and have marvelous adventures. Yet there is something missing, not that she would admit it. She has a big heart and a great sense of humor, except when it comes to Max and hedgehogs. Max does come off as a flirty jerk at first, but we're seeing it all through Zoe's eyes. Yet there is definite tension between them. Through their holiday activities, their relationship takes twists and turns. It's all swirly like a candy cane! It's clean and hilarious, and I want more.
Be sure to check out Ellen Jacobson's website and not only her romantic comedy travel series, but her cozy mysteries too.
Romance seems to be in the air this summer! Glad you're reviewing and enjoying your new blog.