Tuesday, December 17, 2013

[Review]: "Sleigh Bells in the Snow"

Sleigh Bells in the Snow by Sarah Moran
Publisher: Harlequin HQN (October 29, 2013)
Series: O'Neil Brothers, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance (holiday)


USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan heats up the season with the O'Neil brothers in a brand-new holiday series! 

Once upon a time, Christmas was Kayla Green's favorite time of year. Now all the workaholic wants for Christmas is for it to be over—as fast as possible! So when duty calls her to snowy Vermont to close a deal with a new client, Kayla is grateful for an excuse to avoid the holidays for another year. 

Jackson O'Neil left a thriving business behind to return home and salvage his family's resort—it's in his blood, and he can't let it fail. Now that he's got marketing whiz Kayla Green working with him to put Snow Crystal on the map, success is on the horizon. The fact they strike enough sparks off each other to power all the Christmas lights in Vermont is just an added bonus. 


Kayla might be an expert at her job, but she's out of her depth with Jackson—he makes her crave the happy-ever-after she once dreamed of, and it's terrifying. As the snowflakes continue to swirl, will the woman who doesn't believe in the magic of Christmas finally fall under its spell?




Where to Buy*:
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My Review:






A talented author can write a good romance, a good story, or even create characters I can relate to. But only a brilliant author can do all that and create a community that I want to not only visit, but move to. Sarah Morgan accomplished all of that in Sleigh Bells in the Snow!



From the very beginning, I felt a connection to Kayla. She didn't annoy me (which, as weird as that may sound, is a compliment, as I often judge heroines harshly). I liked her, I liked her drive and determination, and I sympathized with her. She worked so hard to push everyone away so they could no longer hurt her, and watching her connect with others again and let her walls down was great.



I found Jackson to be a great hero as well. He was sexy, of course, but he came home after his father's death to help the family, to hold their business, community, and family, together. I admired him for that, and while it wasn't easy, he never gave up.



To be honest, I can't think of one character Morgan created in this book that I didn't like. From Jackson's entire family to the two women who will be paired up with the remaining brothers. They were fun, and they also seemed real.



Sleigh Bells in the Snow is, of course, a holiday romance, and therefore I always go into such stories expecting a bit of holiday magic. But Morgan gave us so much more; this story, this entire community, was so magical, the atmosphere so beautiful, I wanted nothing more than to fly off to Vermont and stay. I'd do so even if I couldn't get my own Jackson to keep! :) Morgan did not just write a lovely story, she created something special, a story that lures you in, hands you a cup of hot cocoa, and treats you like family. The feeling of warmth, love, and that indescribable holiday cheer overtook me, and I was happy to curl up on the couch with this book, visiting with the O'Neils.



I'm not one for holiday romances, I'll admit, but there is something, dare I say, magical, about this one! This was my first time reading Sarah Morgan, but I know it will not be my last. I'm anxious to see Tyler and Sean's stories, to revisit this special place, nestled in the Vermont mountains. Thank you, Ms. Morgan, for sharing this wonderful romance!



4 1/2 STARS! 



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I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Have you read Sarah Morgan before? Do you have a favorite, one that I have to read as I go through her backlist? 

Also, what was the last romance (holiday or "regular") that you fell in love with?


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Enjoy!



Until Next Time,

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4 comments :

Anna@herding cats&burning soup said...

Well definitely need to add it then. I'm harsh on heroines too so it's always a real treat to find one that I connect to and really enjoy. Thanks for the heads up Danielle!

The_Book_Queen said...

That it is! I'm not saying she was a perfect heroine, but the fact that I wasn't constantly wanting to drop kick her across the room? Always a bonus in my opinion! LOL.

The_Book_Queen said...

Exactly -- she had her faults, sure, but she was very lovable! And I know others complained about how pushy the family was, but I didn't find it annoying (though if I had been in her shoes, perhaps I would have?); it was fun to see how this crazy family acts!
I think this was my only holiday read this year, but regardless it was easily one of my favorite romances for the year -- top 10, perhaps. :)

kimbacaffeinate said...

I adored this, in fact it was my favorite holiday read this season. I agree I liked all of her characters. I was nervous about the heroine but she was lovable, flawed but lovable. Wonderful review :)