I really enjoyed this book. It was brilliantly written with a great cast of characters and intriguing plot that kept me turning the pages. Perfect read to escape from day to day life. A great read.

Completely charming and captivating. Perfect for the festive period. Really fun to read and would recommend to others

Omg this book had me in hysterics!!! A non-dog lover ends up looking after a very pregnant pooch, a deaf Great Dane, several other dogs and a couple of other animals – what could possibly go wrong!!! First of all, if you aren’t a fan of dogs, why would you offer to care for more than one of them? Nothing like throwing yourself in the deep end!! I don’t mean this to sound deafest (is that even a word?!), but I struggled to imagine a dead Great Dane. Maybe it’s because they are such massive dogs, I don’t know, but this one was certainly a sweetheart that’s for sure!

I was a little unsure of Charlie at first. I know she had a bit of a rubbish start to the festive season, but the way she came across sometimes was a little bit irritating and, as mean as this sounds, I was rather happy to see the vet give her a taste of her own medicine. Pardon the pun. I’m not saying that she deserved to be treated like rubbish, because nobody really does (welllllllllll), I just found her to be a little bit selfish. Well, selfish and hilarious! What a combination! She irritated me sometimes yet had me laughing like a seal on helium! How is that even possible?! Don’t worry though, my opinion of her changed big time by the end of the book, going from finding her irritating to finding her a bundle of energy.

‘Not Just For Christmas’ is full of such vibrant and colourful characters, and yes, the animals are included! I loved how fun the storyline was yet it also had a hint of serious topics throughout, highlighting the important fact that animals aren’t just for Christmas as well as several other relatable themes.

Natalie Cox has such an addictive writing style which is not only humorous, it’s also heartfelt. I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Not Just For Christmas’ and I just adored meeting Malcolm – what a gentle giant he is! A flirty, fun, and fabulous read – the perfect escape!

Blog Tour: Not Just For Christmas by Natalie Cox

I’m delighted to be on this festive themed blog tour organised by Orion Publishing Group

📚Book Review📚

Not Just For Christmas is jam packed with humour, an actual pack of loveable dogs, and a cute romance to root for. And lots of Christmas sparkle and cheer to make you smile and feel very Christmassy. Fun, frolics and snow. What more could you want from a feel good Christmas book? It ticked everything on my list.

I fully stand by the "if you like dogs or Christmas, you'll love this book" comment.

This is a cute Christmas rom-com with an adorable cast of canine characters. Charlie heads to her cousin's place in the countryside to recover from an accident. She's totally not a dog person, but somehow ends up running her cousin's doggy hotel over the holidays. Throw in a pregnant beagle, a hunky vet, a charming dog owner and you've got the perfect Christmas rom-com.

This was such a fun, light-hearted read that I absolutely blasted through it. It's got everything I look for in an easy to read rom-com PLUS dogs!!

What do you get if you cross a newly single, temporarily homeless, Christmas and dog phobic thirty-something woman alone at Christmas in charge of a doggy day-care centre, a hilarious tale of mishaps and mayhem that's what. Right from the off when Charlie ended up in hospital after the explosion you knew that this was going to be an entertaining read and I certainly wasn't disappointed.

The concept of this novel was just perfect. Alone in the middle of the countryside in Devon would be my idea of heaven but I'm not sure how I'd cope if like Charlie I'd be left in charge of animals. Charlie could hardly look after herself so how is she supposed to manage to keep the animals safe and well. She hadn't signed up for this, her mother had arranged for her to stay with her cousin Jez for Christmas, but who was she to stand in the way of love when her cousin gets an invite to go spend Christmas in Lapland from her girlfriend. With only herself and four dogs to look after, how hard could it be?

There was something about Charlie that you couldn't help but like, despite her somewhat woe-is-me attitude, as when push came to shove she was really there for her cousin despite her reservations. I'm sure many of us would have taken one look at the responsibility involved and would have scarpered but she really committed to it even if it did mean she ended up in some hilarious, compromising situations especially when it came to her first meeting with 'Bovine Cal'. I was literally laughing out loud at the circumstances of their meeting as who in their sane mind would dream of doing that, Charlie that's who.

Forget about any potential romance in this storyline, it was all about the dogs for me. And what stars they were... pregnant beagle Peggy, elderly poodle Sebastian aka slab, and twins Alaskan Malamutes Romulus and Remus. Add into the mix an unexpected addition, a deaf Great Dane called Malcolm and you will certainly get your fair share of canine capers to brighten up even the dullest of days.

Not Just for Christmas had everything you could possibly need for a fun, festive read... cute canines, two handsome men and Charlie of course. It really was the perfect tonic I needed to pick me up when I was in a bit of a slump as it was packed full of humour that had me laughing out loud and crying tears of laughter. I look forward to seeing what Natalie Cox has in store for us next.

Dogs... check
Christmas... check
Two gorgeous men... check
Hilarious situations... check
Main character who is not keen on Christmas or Dogs but needs to learn to embrace both.... check

I mean what more could you ask for from a Christmas book. This was completely delightful. There were laugh out loud moments, absolutely adorable moment and a rather unusually scary happening right at the beginning too.

A series of unfortunate circumstances leave Charlie temporarily homeless, single and having to take time off work, she ends up in Devon with her cousin Jez. Jez though runs Canine Cottages where owners can leave their beloved dogs safely, while they head off on holiday. However Charlie isn't really keen on dogs at all.

So when Jez then announces she is spending Christmas abroad and needs Charlie to look after the place you know things are going to get interesting.

Despite being a main character who isn't too keen with dogs she is remarkably easy to like, she is big hearted and a bit of a soft touch. Thankfully the local vet keeps popping in to make sure she doesn't do anything too silly with the dogs.

And what fabulous animals they are, from the twins who live outside and love nothing more than to pull a suky, to Peggy who is heavily pregnant, Malcolm the huge Great Dane, Jed the show dog, Slab who is just really old but sweet they all have such distinct personalities and all utterly gorgeous.

Easily this is a book for the Christmas and animal lovers amongst you, there is plenty of plot to keep you interested and a few surprises in store too. It is a lovely heartwarming read, and although it may be the first book I've read from this author, I am sure it won't be my last either.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orion for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Newly single Charlie doesn't like most things about Christmas. When a gas leak forces her out of her London flat, she's packed off to stay with her cousin in rural Devon. When her cousin gets the opportunity for a romantic trip to Lapland, Charlie steps in to look after the dogs at her up-market dog care centre.

Another thing, Charlie doesn't actually like dogs, and I found her attitude to them at the start a bit irritating. However, with it being Christmas, she soon mellows, both to the dogs in her care and the people around her. There are a couple of attractive men, one an engaged Great Dane owner and the other a grumpy vet, and the romantic element is predictable but that's fine for this kind of book.

There are misunderstandings and several near disasters that Charlie must avert. She has a very pregnant Beagle and a constipated Poodle to care for, not to mention the two wolf-like Malamutes who pester her to go out in a sulky. It was a quick read with a few laughs and I came to quite like the various characters by the end. The dogs are always the best ones though.

Not Just for Christmas by Natalie Cox.

This is an adorably funny book, perfect for a weekend snuggled up in front of the fire.

I was first attracted to this book by the thought of Christmas and dogs, but the story was so much more. From the get-go there is a brilliant humor which runs throughout the book. The list of pros and cons of Christmas had me in stitches. Charlie is a woman after my own heart, curious and not necessarily thinking about things before they jump on the hamster wheel.

I spent a wonderful few days living the highs and lows, embarrassments and joy of Charlie, I highly recommend this witty and loveable story. My thanks to #NetGalley and @orionbooks for a copy of #NotJustForChristmas

This is a light hearted book, and great for dog lovers. The first half of the book is a fairly standard chic lit, the usual group of prospective suitors a la Pride and Prejudice, Bridget Jones etc, but done well and with a lovely seasonal setting. Then it takes a turn and becomes more interesting, and rolls along to a very satisfactory ( and predictable, let's be honest, and none the worse for it) end. This is a good book to read to get you in the mood in the run up to Christmas.

Very enjoyable story set around Christmas in Devon at a dog boarding kennels.

Charlie is staying with her cousin, Jez, in Devon while Charlie recovers for a few days after being hospitalised after an explosion at her flat brought the ceiling down on her, literally! Whilst there Jez has the option of visiting Lapland to visit someone she has been 'Viber'ing romantically for the past couple of years, but has never met, so Charlie agrees to dog-sit the kennels whilst she is away for a short break over the Christmas period.

Charlie is a city person and doesn't like dogs (initially anyway!).... so why would Jez just dump the poor dogs on her, even if Charlie agreed?! Anyway throw in a lovely, albeit grumpy, vet (who mellowed as the story went on), a handsome, rich but completely clueless Great Dane owner, some really gorgeous dogs, puppies, dog-napping, lots of snow and you have an amusing, snowy, lighthearted, very enjoyable Christmas themed story.

If you’re looking for a good Christmas comedy, look no further!
Not Just for Christmas (or Mutts and Mistletoe, as it was previously published under that name) has everything you need this season in your festive chick lit: the most likeable protagonist you could wish for, many cute dogs, pups, hot guys, snow, food and lots and lots of humour.

Still, even though it’s funny and entertaining, it does not go overboard and everything in this novel, every element, is dosed just right.

The story follows Charlie, who after the accident that caught her apartment, stays at her cousin’s place.
Her cousin runs hotel for dogs, and after she goes on a trip to meet the love of her life, Charlie stays to run the place over Christmas.
Charlie is not a dog person, but day by day she discovers the beauty of mutts and one’s relationship with them.

Not Just for Christmas was lovely, warm story that put a smile on my face so many times.
It is a feel good story that will make readers’ lives better, I honestly believe that.

The writing style is stunning, and it reminds me of Sophie Kinsella’s, but it is still different. In my language, I would call it “pitko” which means that you drink the words, that’s how it easy is to read.

This book has 352 pages and it felt like it had only 200 pages, that’s how fast I read it (and I am a slow reader).

I liked all the characters. Even our villain was sympathetic.

Still, my favorite was Malcolm, a deaf Dane who certainly gave this book a heart.

I don’t say this often in my reviews, but I wouldn’t change anything in this novel.
It was perfect just as it was, and I am so grateful I had a chance to read it.

I can already see it will be the one book I’ll recommend to everyone around me.

If you’re looking for a good Christmas comedy, I highly, highly recommend you Not Just for Christmas (or Mutts and Mistletoe) because trust me, it will put a smile on your face and warm your heart, just like it did my.

A fun, funny Christmas book with a heroine who has a lot of personality. I really enjoyed watching the slightly crumogeonly heroine grow to love the season, the village where she’s staying, and all those dogs. Even better, the book does whis while never descending into sentimentality.

Fantastic Christmas read. Great characters lovely bit of romance and some doggie what’s not to love

Not just for Christmas by Natalie cox is a pure festive delight. I’ve never read anything by this author before but I truly loved this book and would definitely read more if she published further stories. The style of writing reminded me a lot of Trisha Ashley novels so anyone who is a fan would totally love this book.
The central character Charlie isn’t really a fan of the festive season, her boyfriend has recently left her for his personal trainer and her mother is off with husband number 5 so she plans to hibernate with a box set until it’s all over. But after a gas explosion leaves her concussed and homeless Charlie finds herself agreeing to converless at her cousin Jezs home in Devon whilst she goes to Iceland to meet the woman of her dreams. It also happens to be a kennel business - the cozy canine retreat.
Here she encounters a cast of wonderful characters including Hugo and his deaf Great Dane Malcolm and the sexy local vet Cal who doesn’t seem impressed with Charlie or her ability to care for dogs.
This book is funny, romantic and very festive and I’d definitely recommend it.
I’m glad I requested it and got the chance to review.

I hadn’t heard of this author before, but loved the cover and the synopsis. Really glad I requested it. Loved the story, Perfect read for anyone who loves Christmas, dogs, colourful characters and romance. A fun read. Would definitely read another book set here.

I absolutely love Christmas, but I’m not the greatest fan of dogs! However Natalie Cox was able to weave the two of these subjects into the most beautiful Christmas story and I was hooked! I read this book in 2 days it was so good.
After her flat explodes Charlie finds herself in Devon and unwittingly taking on ownership of her cousins kennel business over Christmas. Charlie cannot say no to anybody and faces Christmas with numerous dogs, a litter of newborn puppies, two alpacas and a dog thief.
Pure comedy with a liberal sprinkling of romance - loved this!!

Excellent book with a great storyline. Characters that are so well written. I would highly recommend this book to anyone!

I had not heard to much about this author and certainly never read any of her books before but the cover and description sounded really good and didn't let me down at all. Full of laughs and romance and plenty about dogs and Christmas and shows how things can change in your life for the better. I have never laughed as much as when reading this book just so funny a very fantastic read with great countryside and loveable vets and plenty of dogs.
Charlie hates Christmas and this year sets to be the worst as her boyfriend has left her and then her flat is out of bounds as it's had a gas leak and can't go near and she's in hospital with concussion. Her mother speak with her and says her cousin is on her way to collect her and she will spend some time with Jez in Devon. Once she gets there she realises her cousin is going away and she wants Charlie to look after the dogs in the day care she runs. So with a pregnant and deaf dog about over Christmas how will she cope and when she notices a person casing the place where is the beautiful vet when you want him. Will she enjoy Christmas in the end or not and will she find romance or will it be a total disaster.
If you love dogs and want a laugh this is the perfect book for you.

This was a lovely, heartwarming novel. I'd never read a novel by Natalie Cox before, nor had I heard of the author. But when this popped up on Netgalley, I knew just from the cover that I wanted to give it a read. I love dogs and I love Christmas - so I thought it was the perfect combination!

Loved it, was funny, engaging and heartwarming. The perfect winter read.