Category: Christmas

Christmas with a Chimera by Isabelle Taylor

On By TracyIn Christmas, Contemporary, New To Me Author, Novella, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Rom Com, Romantasy, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Christmas with a Chimera: A cosy, spicy, Alaska-set second chance romance – perfect for Christmas 2025 (Claw Haven Book 2)Christmas with a Chimera: A cosy, spicy, Alaska-set second chance romance – perfect for Christmas 2025 by Isabelle Taylor

Tracy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Claw Haven #2

Release Date: October 9, 2025

Chimera Arthur Pineclaw left his hometown of Claw Haven, Alaska twelve years ago to pursue his dream of acting in Los Angeles. Now a successful actor, Arthur has returned to film a holiday rom-com and is a bit surprised at the changes in the small town. But one thing hasn’t changed and that is Emma Cult, the girl he loved and left behind all those years ago. Arthur is still drawn to Emma, and she is still as shrewish as ever – why does that still turn him on? As Arthur reconnects with his past and Emma, he wonders if he can convince her to give them another chance and move with him back to LA. He is sure he will win her over, after all, he can charm anyone!

Emma Cult is now the owner of Cozy Grotto Café and let newcomer Luna Musgrove talk her into allowing the film crew to use her café for the movie, but no one told her that her ex-boyfriend, Arthur was the star! Emma was devasted when Arthur left her on Christmas Eve all those years ago and hasn’t spoken to him since. She is determined to keep him at an arm’s length, but Arthur is just as determined to make her forgive him and give him a second-chance. Let the battle of wills begin!

This was a reverse grumpy/sunshine romance that definitely had a Hallmark rom-com vibe, just with monsters. The book is a cute and spicy second chance romance with long separated high school sweet hearts, Arthur is very charming and likeable and cannot handle anyone not liking him, but he hasn’t let anyone really know him since Emma, Emma is his complete opposite, she is angry and apparently has been that way all her life, and despite her denial, she is still hurt by Arthur’s abandonment. Together, they will have to come to terms with the past and move forward, but before they can do that, they will each have to look inside and be honest with themselves. This was a cute story with a happy ending, making it a quick, holiday read that leaves with that Hallmark-like feel good feeling.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart by Morgan Lockhart

On By TracyIn Christmas, Debut Novel, Paranormal / Fantasy, Romantasy, Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Spell for Midwinter's HeartA Spell for Midwinter’s Heart by Morgan Lockhart

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: September 23, 2025

After years of not practicing magic, Rowan Midwinter returns home to Elk Ridge, Washington to help her mother’s coven cast the annual snow spell at the winter festival. Rowan, who has avoided magic for years after past mishaps, is hesitant to jump back into the magical world. And to make matters worse, she crosses paths with her old high school rival and secret crush, Gavin McCreary, whose family is entangled in a corporate scheme threatening the town’s charm. As Rowan grapples with rekindling her magical abilities, confronting old wounds, and possibly rekindling romance with Gavin, the fate of the town’s festival hangs in the balance.

When I read the blurb for this book my first thought was that it was going to be a cute Christmas story with magic and Hallmark vibes and for the most part that is exactly what it was. I did enjoy learning more about Yule traditions, but the story lacked real depth, and I really had a hard time believing Rowan and Gavin as a couple. I just didn’t feel the chemistry and wanted more magic. The book does have a very diverse cast of characters, great family and holiday vibes, but it was a bit too predictable and fluffy for me. However, if you are looking for a light, cozy holiday read with witchy vibes, second chances and happy endings – you might want to give this book a read.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *