by Debbie Mason
Series: Christmas Colorado #5
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Surviving the holidays will take a Christmas miracle... Ex-cop Cat O'Connor is bored working for her sister, Chloe, as a personal assistant on the set of her soap opera. Until Chloe gets an opportunity to audition for the role of a lifetime and asks her identical twin to substitute for her on the soap with no one the wiser. It's a perfect switch—until Cat attracts the attention of the mysterious Mr. Tall, Dark, and Way-too-handsome leading man. Grayson Alexander never thought being snowbound in the charming town of Christmas, Colorado, for the holiday would get so hot. But between working with sexy, tough Cat on set and keeping his real reason for being there under wraps, he's definitely feeling the heat. And if there's one thing they'll learn as they bring out the mistletoe, it's that in this town, true love is always in season...
Snowbound at Christmas by Debbie Mason is the fifth book in the Christmas, Colorado series but do not let that stop you from picking it up. I have only read the first book in the series and Mason tells a suspenseful, romantic tale with colorful characters set against the Colorado snow-filled countryside.
I went into Snowbound at Christmas blind. I hand no idea I was going to find myself in the middle of a mystery with suspense, danger and shenanigans. I accepted the title because of the lovely holiday cover. I am a sucker for doors and the color red. What can I say?
We meet ex-cop Cat (playfully referred to as Kit-Kat by her sister) working as an assistant to her soap opera star sister Chloe. The two are twins and complete opposites. When they switch places, trouble ensues. Grayson Alexander soon finds himself posing undercover as a British actor and trying to do his job with his vibrant troublesome Grandmother acting as his manager. The setup for the tale was delightful and I quickly settle in. Mason provided a colorful cast of characters from actors, stage crew and townsfolk. I love when even secondary characters have depth and Mason made them all memorable.
While the tale starts in the city, we soon find ourselves in Christmas, Colorado at the family ranch of Chloe and Cat O’Conner. I loved the ranch and I am quite sure characters we met played roles in the earlier books for this series, but I never felt out-of-place.
The characters in Snowbound for Christmas are wonderfully fleshed out and unique. Chloe is the spoiled actor whose neck you will want to wring. Seriously, I kept waiting for someone to slap her. Cat has had her confidence shaken, but she is graceful, kind and surely headed for sainthood. How she has not throttled Chloe is beyond me. Grayson is swoon-worthy; levelheaded and definitely Mr. Tall, Dark and Mysterious. Ty, the makeup artist was delicious, and made me laugh at every turn. Grayson’s grandmother was a trip and her meddling added to the tale. Secondary characters from actors to townsfolk helped balance the tale, and created red herrings.
While the mystery was the focus, Mason weaved in a sweet romance that will satisfy readers. Character growth and a tightly woven plot kept me engaged. Mason weaved in a familiar Christmas Classic before closing lose threads and provided a solid ending. I closed Snowbound for Christmas with a smile.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Red Iza
I love doors, the color red and a good romantic suspense, so I’m in 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
See I am not the only one!
Lark
Oh, this sounds like fun! I’ll make a note of it for next year. But you’re right, the blurb doesn’t really indicate “mystery”; I would have thought it was a straightforward romance. I wonder why they avoided mentioning the mystery in the blurb?
kimbacaffeinate
Not sure since it was a huge chunk of the tale.
Quinn's Book Nook
I would have assumed this was a Christmas Romance and not realized it was also a mystery. Kit-Kat is a really cute nickname. Really cute. I’m glad you enjoyed this.
kimbacaffeinate
It is a cute nickname but when her sister used it, i think it grated on her nerves..LOL
Bookworm Brandee
Aah, you’re killing me with the Christmas titles…I feel I *must* read! 😉 I’m a sucker for stories set in Colorado so this one has that in its favor right off the bat. The well developed characters are very appealing, of course. But a meddling grandma seals the deal! I love a strong grandma in stories. 😉 Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
My weakness for settings is NOLA, although I have visited Colorado frequently and its beautiful
Lorna
A Christmas romance and a mystery? That sounds like a fun read 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was an enjoyable one thanks Lorna!
ailyn
*wring* and ring are two different things! can’t imagine ringing a person’s neck. But that switcheroo sounds funny
kimbacaffeinate
Yes I am aware, it wasn’t intentional, thanks for pointing it out.
Blessie (Mischievous Reads)
Oooh, a little bit of suspense in a fluffy romance doesn’t sound so bad for a holiday read. Will definitely check this out! 😀
kimbacaffeinate
It was a nice mix 🙂 thanks and enjoy!
The Bibliophile Babe
This looks like a fun read! I’m low on holiday reads; may pick this one up!
kimbacaffeinate
Low on holiday books *gasps* Yep, you need to pick some up!
Wattle
This sounds like a fun read…it also looks weirdly familiar, so I think it might be on my TBR. Think I’ll have to bump it up the list for the holidays, I do love a good mystery! Thank you for sharing 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I have so been there. I also love when I read a review and think ooh this sounds good let me one-click only for Amazon to tell me I bought it 6 months ago. *facepalm*
Angela Adams
Just picked this up today!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Angela!
kindlemom1
This sounds like a wonderful holiday read!
kimbacaffeinate
It was fun Ali, and a surprise 🙂
Kathy
Oh, this one is looks good and new to me. I love all the Christmas reading you’re getting in.. I’ve yet to pick up a Christmas book because I can’t decide on a book and because whatever it is needs to be a quick read. Thanks for the recommendations.
kimbacaffeinate
Have you tried a holiday anthology? I love those when it gets crazy in the weeks before Christmas..I can read a quick short each night.
Kathy
That’s a really good idea. I’m not much for anthologies, except a few with a couple of go-to authors I’ve read, but Christmas anthologies would be perfect for fitting in my holiday reading, meeting a few new-to-me authors, and getting me more in the spirit. Thanks, Kimberly!!
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh this sounds like a great character mystery book and one that would have me totally searching the map for the town. 🙂 Gah! We so need more snow here! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Right…we have had rain all week.
Aurian
This sounds really fun, although I am not a big fan of the “twin switch places” trope. Adding it to my wishlist.
kimbacaffeinate
It wasn’t overplayed and made sense when they switched.
Katherine
This sounds good and I like that there’s some suspense mixed in with all the holiday sweetness. I like the sound of all the characters with the exception of Chloe who sound like she’ll make me a little stabby. I’m glad to know I can just jump into this one! I’ve seen the book and have been curious about it.
kimbacaffeinate
She will indeed…and it added to the mystery and suspect list!!
Sophia Rose
Now that is a surprise that I would like. Bring on the mystery to go with the holiday. And good to know that it can be grabbed out of order.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, each works as standalone. I am curious to see if some of the others have a mystery element.
Candace
This one sounds good! And it sounds like it’s a bit different than how it looks. I like the sound of the mystery!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Candace it was nice mix into all the straight up holiday romances
Rita
Hmm, I just started this book last night, so I skipped your review after the first few lines. It seems you liked it, so I’m happy about that 🙂 I was attracted to the is pretty cover, title, and blurb and also didn’t read the previous books in the series but it seems I’ll be fine. Thanks for pointing this one out.
kimbacaffeinate
I was, and I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Heidi
The Christmas lights on your blog are so fun. This sounds like a great read for the holidays. I like that it has mystery and suspense as well as the feel good!
kimbacaffeinate
They are, it’s a plugin. I was surprised by the mystery and enjoyed it 🙂
Felicia GeekyBlogger (
I love the mystery Christmas reads and it had a sweet romance. I am sold 🙂 I am going to put it on my Christmas in July reading list—I know I am weird!
kimbacaffeinate
As much as I love holiday reads I only read them in November and December
Laurel-Rain Snow
You had me at the soap opera angle…I’m addicted! LOL
But aside from that, the suspense and the setting sound wonderful. Thanks for sharing…and enjoy!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL…I hope you enjoy it Laurel 🙂
Lisa (Lost in Lit)
Snowy Colorado? Sounds perfectly wintery to me!! 🙂 Btw I love your twinkling lights at the top. <3
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Lisa, that is a plugin called Holiday Lights.
Tracy Terry
An author I’ve been hearing a lot of recently. I’ll be sure to make a note of this series.
kimbacaffeinate
I might go back and grab the ones I missed 🙂
Braine
Chloe sounds like a hoot even is she’s irritating. This novel reminds me a bit of that old movie, America’s Sweetheart with Julia Roberts…
kimbacaffeinate
She was, her actions were so over the top. Good movie 🙂
Jenny
I have yet to read anything by this author Kim. Can you believe it? I’ve been binge reading holiday romances for a couple weeks now, so this sounds right up my current alley. I like that the mystery element is so prominent too, I’m in the mood for a page turner:)
kimbacaffeinate
It added a nice element Jenny. I hope you try it
Nick
This sounds like it could be a really fun read. And it has that mystery so I think I’m going to check it out.
Love how you really get into the Christmas mood, Kim! 🙂
Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
I do love the holidays Nick 🙂
Rosa
The cover is definitively a plus and so is the setting. When I first saw the cover I must confess it was a love story or some other typical Holiday story. Never thought it was a mystery book. Sound quite interesting!
kimbacaffeinate
I thought the same and was quickly surprised and delighted
Lekeisha
I love Christmas reads that have more to offer than just romance. Looks like a fun and mysterious read. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I liked the added elements as well Lekeisha
Debbie Haupt
Wow Kim why have I not heard of her, well now that is rectified. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I am so surprised, Mason has been around forever it seems
Lover Of Romance
I have heard some great things about this one!! And I just love it when there is great character growth.
kimbacaffeinate
I love to see character growth
Mary Kirkland
I don’t read much mystery or contemporary but this does sound like a good story with a sweet romance.
kimbacaffeinate
This was different and the mystery/suspense elements added interest
blodeuedd
Aww lovelyfor the holidays
kimbacaffeinate
Yes I agree Linda 🙂
melliane
it’s always nice to have a good mystery and all that during christmas? So cmuch fun!
kimbacaffeinate
I agree, it added a nice element 🙂