by Jenn McKinlay
Translator: *affiliate links
Series: Happily Ever After #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
True love and holiday cheer combine for an unforgettable romance in this second Happily Ever After novel featuring a North Carolina bookstore from the New York Times bestselling author of The Good Ones.
All he wants for Christmas...
The second Joaquin Solis saw Savannah Wilson, he knew she was destined to be his wife. Unfortunately, Savannah's sights are set on a happily-ever-after of another kind: skewering the boss who got her fired. Until then, she won't act on the scorching sexual chemistry that is brewing between them, leaving Joaquin scrambling to find a way to capture her heart.
When the opportunity arises to use his ranch to boost Savannah's publicity career, Joaquin doesn't hesitate to invite her into his world at Shadow Pines and woo her with all of his Christmas loving mojo. It's a gamble since the holidays aren't really Savannah's thing and helping her might also mean losing her as she plans to shake the dust off of their quaint town in North Carolina and head back to New York City the first chance she gets.
But Joaquin believes in the magic of Christmas and he knows with a little help from his friends at the Happily Ever After Bookstore, he can convince the woman of his dreams that he's a keeper...
The Christmas Keeper by Jenn McKinlay is the second novel in the Happily Ever After series, but that didn’t stop me from swooning and enjoying this holiday romance filled with sweaters, books and magical moments.
Despite not having read the Good Ones, I jumped at the chance to read this and it paid off. While I plan to go back and read Ryder and Maisy’s story, this works as a standalone.
Savannah Wilson is a city girl. Manhattan to be exact and she is in Fairdale, North Carolina living above her best friend’s bookstore within the quaint old Victorian for two reasons. 1. to help her friend launch her bookstore and 2. to earn back her reputation. She isn’t staying, but that doesn’t stop Joaquin Solis from telling Ryder he will marry Savannah by Christmas.
The tale that unfolds had sexy chemistry, snark, delicious banter and plenty of mistletoe. It also had a slight mystery as Savannah and Joaquin work together to save Maisy’s bookstore. I loved the thread about the bestselling author and Joaquin’s family story, particularly his sister just tugged at my heart-strings, and brought on all the feels.
This story delivered made for Hallmark moments without all the cheese, I loved The Christmas Keeper.
Grab some hot cocoa and snuggle by the fire with The Christmas Keeper by Jenn McKinlay #swoon-worthy #HallmarkChristmas #MustRead #HappilyEverAfter Share on X
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
Carla
This sounds like a lovely Christmas story. I do enjoy Jenn McKinlay’s books, so I will definitely have to check this one out. I still have a week to read Christmas stories.
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
I love McKinlay but somehow I couldn’t get into this no matter what I did. After reading this I’m thinking my reading experience was affected by my mood and I really should pick up the first book in the series.
MarthaE
Sounds like this was a warm and sexy read.
Thanks for sharing..
Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
Sounds good! I always enjoy a nice Christmassy romance, especially if it isn’t cheesy.
Jen T.
Oh! This sounds perfect for holiday reading. And I like that you don’t have to have read the first book. Thanks for sharing!
Anne - Books of My Heart
Wow! I am just started on the holiday reads and will have to add this to my list since you enjoyed it so much. I like the NC tie in. Excellent review.
Sophia Rose
Love it when a Christmas romance is full of all the good Christmas-y feels and fun like the way you describe this one.
Melliane
Oh this one sounds perfect for this period of the year
Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café
*groan* I want this! Great review, Kimberly?
Kim
Great review. This book is on my reading list.
sherry fundin
looks like a great read for the season
Debbie S Haupt
Oh I’m lining up my recovery reads Kim and this just went on the list. Thanks for sharing I need some HEA 🙂
Ailyn Koay
that sounds oddly romantic, I hope she stays for him.