Member Reviews
Elisha Rowe, a successful film liaison, is determined to bring her hometown into the spotlight by securing a sequel to the classic holiday film Sleighbells. In her pursuit, she falsely claims permission to film at the historic Christmas house, owned by the nephew of her friend who just passed away. Ves, in town temporarily to sell the inherited house, is resistant to the holidays due to past memories. Despite their opposite personalities, as Elisha and Ves grow closer, they discover a spark that might be just what the season needs.
I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of good tension between Elisha and Ves and their banter back and forth was so fun to read. I didn't fully understand the storyline with Elisha's ex and felt like that could have been edited out but all the other secondary characters were great, especially Elisha's grandfather! If you like a grumpy/sunshine romance with all the holiday vibes then read this!
A heartwarming Christmas romance which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a review.
I enjoyed this book so much! I do feel as though Christmas romances can become a bit oversaturated, especially in recent years as they have become a hit, but this one really stood out to me amongst them all (and kept my attention when I was quick to put down others!). The premise is as ridiculous as you would expect, about Elisha who works as a location scout for films and wants her cosy small-town to be used for an upcoming highly-anticipated sequel. I do enjoy film and book tie-ins, and it reminded me of the great Julie Murphy Christmas book A Merry Little Meet Cute in the best way possible with this aspect. The chemistry between Elisha and the owner of the sought-after house Ves was really great, and I appreciated the way that it wasn't a full-blown enemies-to-lovers because they were both just too nice and cared for one another too much! I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for more from Vale.
Cute little Christmas novel with a surprising amount of spice. I loved the setting, it just oozes small town Christmas community feels, with a picture perfect house and setting. And overall I found thr plot to be predictable but enjoyable. It's a lot like a more diverse holiday Netflix movie, with a grumpy sunshine element and plenty of banter. However I did find that at times I just wasn't really invested in the relationship between Elisha and Ves. Their chemistry took a long time to build up for me, with Ves in particular coming off as cold and standoffish, which made it difficult for me to endear myself to him.
A spicier Christmas story than some others I've read this year, but this just fell short on the relationship dynamics for me. But the Christmas vibes are top tier.
This book was so good!!
A perfect Christmas reading to read under a warm blanket in front of a crackling fireplace and a hot chocolate!
I liked all the characters and they seemed very vivid and real.
The story is sweet and never boring, the timing has been managed perfectly!
The sweet and evocative writing was also truly enjoyable!
In short, a perfect Christmas reading!
Highly recommended !!
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC!
Wrapped with a Beau was such a wonderful festive romance I loved it, it’s definitely one to put on your winter TBRs for sure. 4.5
In Wrapped with a Beau you have
🎄 a real opposites attract romance
🎥 the most gorgeous small town setting, full of all the kinds of people you’d hope for, along with impressive representation
🎄 a real wintery/festive season - this is a Christmas romance actually set at Christmas and with all the festive trimmings!
🎥 a brilliant enemies (but not really more omg this was a terrible first meeting what are you doing) to lovers, where we go from no strings attached to you make my life complete
🎄 super building chemistry, with steamy payoff
🎥 serious personal growth arcs for our MCs
🎄incredible sassy banter between our MCs
🎥 a great supporting cast of friends
🎄 some wonderful found family moments
🎥 one of the best bookish grandpa’s going in Grandpa Dave
🎄 so many tastey treats - you’re going to be hungry reading this one!
Honestly this book was just everything I hoped it would be. It’s the kind of festive romance that ticks all the boxes; it’s an easy read, that will make you smile, cheer, swoon and maybe even she’s a tear or two. It’s my first Lillie Vale but I’m going to look forward to discovering more of her back catalogue now and to whatever she writes next.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'Wrapped with a Beau' by Lillie Vale.
I was so excited for this book and this overall concept, trust me I was, but after reading it I just felt 0 enthusiasm. It didn't feel that Christmassy to me personally and it could have just been a regular story and it wouldn't have changed things. I also felt that the story just didn't flow as well as I wanted.
3/5 stars! The cover of this book was adorable and really set my expectations high for this book. It was cute and it worked as a holiday romcom, but it really lacked depth. It felt like something you read and are like "aww," and immediately forget 10 minutes later. Elisha was full of blind optimism and that felt a bit naive to me. If you're looking for a quick and simple holiday romance, this should work for you.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was my first book by Lillie Vale and I loved every second it. It’s not too early to get into the Christmas spirit and I read it at the perfect time.
Could not put this down at all I cried happy tears I laughed I got happy I got sad but the ending whyyyyy do that I wanted moreeee
Elisha and Ves meet when he moves to town temporarily to sell the house he inherits - the house she needs access to for a film that will help her career. They don't get off to the best start, and he struggles with relationships, so will the time spent together lead to more. I liked both characters and wanted everything to work out for them.
A lovely cosy romance story. Perfect alongside a warm blanket and hot chocolate.
More sex than is usual in this genre - not a complaint, but something I wanted to mention in case it's relevant to some potential readers.
Wrapped with a Beau is a cute and cosy festive romance novel by Lillie Vale.
This was such a sweet novel. Perfect to curl up with over the festive season. It had a brilliant story with a good cast of characters. Definitely recommend.
💖 Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Spoilers?
I absolutely loved the decoy girlfriend so when I saw this on NetGalley it was an easy request. (Thanks again Bonnier Books & NetGalley for the ARC!)
4.5⭐️
This was such a cute & cozy read! I loved everything about Piney Peaks from the Chocolate Mouse to the Christmas House.
It felt just hallmarky enough with the perfect amount of spice that left it with a cozier feel.
I enjoyed the banter and back and forth the characters held throughout and could really feel the tension building.
I’d say it was more on the slow burn side as things didn’t really kick off until around 60% in but if your like me & enjoy a slower burn, I would definitely recommend!
I think T his would be the perfect book to get you in the festive mood!