What do you think?
Rate this book
Exmas
This Christmas, I’ll be getting a visit from a man in a suit, only it won’t be Santa.
Let me first say: Reed York was never my boyfriend. He was the pen. I was the company ink. Though if you want to get technical, we were more like colleagues-who-hated-each-other … with benefits.
Everything was fine until the charming jerk went behind my back, stole my promotion, and became my boss—literally overnight.
Refusing to work beneath him (professionally speaking and otherwise), I transferred 2,014 miles away to our Chicago division, and I’ve spent the past year trying to remember how much I hated his panty-melting smirk so I can forget how much I secretly loved the way his ocean eyes lit every time I walked into the room.
But he’s just announced a last-minute site visit the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, and on top of that, he’s audaciously designated me as his ‘right hand gal’ during his visit. If he thinks he has a snowball’s chance in this hell at getting back in my good graces, he’s got another thing coming.
Reed York might be a man used to getting everything he’s ever wanted, but Joa Jolivet is a woman that never forgets.
He can put me on his Christmas list all he wants, but everyone knows naughty boys only get coal.
Let me first say: Reed York was never my boyfriend. He was the pen. I was the company ink. Though if you want to get technical, we were more like colleagues-who-hated-each-other … with benefits.
Everything was fine until the charming jerk went behind my back, stole my promotion, and became my boss—literally overnight.
Refusing to work beneath him (professionally speaking and otherwise), I transferred 2,014 miles away to our Chicago division, and I’ve spent the past year trying to remember how much I hated his panty-melting smirk so I can forget how much I secretly loved the way his ocean eyes lit every time I walked into the room.
But he’s just announced a last-minute site visit the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, and on top of that, he’s audaciously designated me as his ‘right hand gal’ during his visit. If he thinks he has a snowball’s chance in this hell at getting back in my good graces, he’s got another thing coming.
Reed York might be a man used to getting everything he’s ever wanted, but Joa Jolivet is a woman that never forgets.
He can put me on his Christmas list all he wants, but everyone knows naughty boys only get coal.
Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2018
1986 people are currently reading
1814 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
December 13, 2018
3.75 stars
A second chance based on misunderstanding is normally not quite my coppa, but this one was done good.
Smart, sassy heroine, who could hold a grudge - I liked her (apart from some moments of drooling rodeo).
Ok hero, who was cold and distant, but fortunately didn't reach the status of asshole.
Interesting, but, IMO, a bit bizzare plot.
Safe. Both were celibate during separation.
P.S. My mom would definitely not invite my male colleague to stay at our home for Christmas. Who would???! 🤔
I didn't pity his childhood - poverty, hunger and abuse are worse!!!
A second chance based on misunderstanding is normally not quite my coppa, but this one was done good.
Smart, sassy heroine, who could hold a grudge - I liked her (apart from some moments of drooling rodeo).
Ok hero, who was cold and distant, but fortunately didn't reach the status of asshole.
Interesting, but, IMO, a bit bizzare plot.
Safe. Both were celibate during separation.
P.S. My mom would definitely not invite my male colleague to stay at our home for Christmas. Who would???! 🤔
I didn't pity his childhood - poverty, hunger and abuse are worse!!!
November 9, 2018
★ 3 STARS ★
▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬
▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬⋆▬
November 10, 2018
I enjoyed this one a lot. Super sweet. Low angst. Not a lot of steam. No OW or OM drama. Great cast of secondary characters. Two very likable main characters. All wrapped up in a very sweet epilogue.
November 15, 2018
Maybe, I shouldn't have marked it as "read" because I couldn't stand it so after page 60, I just skimmed & scanned the rest of the book to see what caused their separation. I couldn't even read the Epilogue - I was so bored!
***********************************************
The book was B.O.R.I.N.G as hell for me because of the way it is written. With likable characters such as Reed & Joa, this could have been a much better book but the way it is written killed it for me.
We are basically thrown into a relationship that started, developed and then, for some reason ended. They have been apart for a year. Now, after a year, he comes and tries to win her back. There are chapters dedicated to past & present.
***********************************************
There was nothing romantic about the book for me. It felt like a business report. What happened between them in the past or what is happening now are all told in a way that made me feel nothing at all. I NEVER FELT IT because I was just told that it started and then, I was told about their rules of relationship, their routine etc. Then, I was told that she got angry with him and left.
***********************************************
I never felt their lust, chemistry, love or anything because the book is written in an "emotionless" way. When did it start? How? The chemistry, the push/pull, maybe? The banter? Where's all that? I had no expectations while reading their story because I was told that after a week of banter, their chemistry led them to sex in the office. So what? What should I feel about it? Give me the banter to make me feel it... Give me pages to show how they flirted with actual dialogues!
This is the writing style I hate most. Telling but not showing, not making me feel it.
***********************************************
On top of that boring writing style, the plot was also boring for me. I had already guessed that there was more to his decision while accepting the position she wanted to have. They could have talked about it. Even if he couldn't tell her everything, he could have given her a clue. He didn't and they wasted a whole year. It is a good thing that both stayed celibate at least.
***********************************************
The book is written by dual point of view with chapters about the present & the past. It is safe as there is no cheating and they were celibate during the separation. I just wish it was written in an engaging way.
I couldn't keep reading it this way so after reading it nicely till page 60, I called quits and I just scanned the rest of it in half an hour.
My review is based on my scanning the book after page 60. So, maybe you shouldn't trust it that much. Maybe, I've missed some good parts (???) while scanning the whole thing. Please refer to other reviews written by people who have read the whole thing. I just needed to write this to say I was bored by the way it is written.
* My 2 stars are for the likable MCs only.
***********************************************
The book was B.O.R.I.N.G as hell for me because of the way it is written. With likable characters such as Reed & Joa, this could have been a much better book but the way it is written killed it for me.
We are basically thrown into a relationship that started, developed and then, for some reason ended. They have been apart for a year. Now, after a year, he comes and tries to win her back. There are chapters dedicated to past & present.
***********************************************
There was nothing romantic about the book for me. It felt like a business report. What happened between them in the past or what is happening now are all told in a way that made me feel nothing at all. I NEVER FELT IT because I was just told that it started and then, I was told about their rules of relationship, their routine etc. Then, I was told that she got angry with him and left.
***********************************************
I never felt their lust, chemistry, love or anything because the book is written in an "emotionless" way. When did it start? How? The chemistry, the push/pull, maybe? The banter? Where's all that? I had no expectations while reading their story because I was told that after a week of banter, their chemistry led them to sex in the office. So what? What should I feel about it? Give me the banter to make me feel it... Give me pages to show how they flirted with actual dialogues!
This is the writing style I hate most. Telling but not showing, not making me feel it.
***********************************************
On top of that boring writing style, the plot was also boring for me. I had already guessed that there was more to his decision while accepting the position she wanted to have. They could have talked about it. Even if he couldn't tell her everything, he could have given her a clue. He didn't and they wasted a whole year. It is a good thing that both stayed celibate at least.
***********************************************
The book is written by dual point of view with chapters about the present & the past. It is safe as there is no cheating and they were celibate during the separation. I just wish it was written in an engaging way.
I couldn't keep reading it this way so after reading it nicely till page 60, I called quits and I just scanned the rest of it in half an hour.
My review is based on my scanning the book after page 60. So, maybe you shouldn't trust it that much. Maybe, I've missed some good parts (???) while scanning the whole thing. Please refer to other reviews written by people who have read the whole thing. I just needed to write this to say I was bored by the way it is written.
* My 2 stars are for the likable MCs only.
November 12, 2018
3.5 stars.🌟🌟🌟
Fast read. Second chance romance.
And for once, I really enjoyed how the MC's story played out in flashbacks. It definitely worked for me (I often find that to be an annoying and distracting factor in books).
The storyline was a little unusual as well in terms of the MC's relationship prior to their breakup (not really friends with benefits but not very traditional either) - also a positive for me in terms of holding my interest and it felt uniquely original.
This was a win-win read for me.
Fast read. Second chance romance.
And for once, I really enjoyed how the MC's story played out in flashbacks. It definitely worked for me (I often find that to be an annoying and distracting factor in books).
The storyline was a little unusual as well in terms of the MC's relationship prior to their breakup (not really friends with benefits but not very traditional either) - also a positive for me in terms of holding my interest and it felt uniquely original.
This was a win-win read for me.
November 8, 2018
4.5 stars
SO SO GOOD!
Super romantic and I loved the plot. An arrogant, sexy man with commitment issues is the one that makes the effort the second time round. What started off as friends with benefits end up being the best thing to happen.
SO SO GOOD!
Super romantic and I loved the plot. An arrogant, sexy man with commitment issues is the one that makes the effort the second time round. What started off as friends with benefits end up being the best thing to happen.
November 9, 2018
Pleasant short read.
Faithful MCs
No cheating, no OP scenes
I didn't feel the chemistry between them....
Faithful MCs
No cheating, no OP scenes
I didn't feel the chemistry between them....
November 10, 2018
2.75 stars.
Not as frivolous as I was expecting, this one surprised me a bit. I liked the dual povs, the safety factor of this story, the lack of OP drama, and a strong h who didn't bow to her libido. Strangely enough, I didn't mind that the author kept using flashbacks to tell the story. Normally I can't stand that technique, but it didn't bother me here.
One star for a strong h, one star for a safe story, and three fourths of a star for the easy to read, engaging storytelling.
Not as frivolous as I was expecting, this one surprised me a bit. I liked the dual povs, the safety factor of this story, the lack of OP drama, and a strong h who didn't bow to her libido. Strangely enough, I didn't mind that the author kept using flashbacks to tell the story. Normally I can't stand that technique, but it didn't bother me here.
One star for a strong h, one star for a safe story, and three fourths of a star for the easy to read, engaging storytelling.
November 19, 2018
Uma leitura simples, boa para passar o tempo, mas apenas isso.
November 9, 2018
Quick read. Cute low-angst story.
If I have a complaint it's more generalised toward the trend of epilogues with kids that seem tagged onto an increasing number of stories I read. I wish more writers would step away from the baby tropes. They are so trite and just, basic.
That said, Renshaw is usually a solid choice for me and I've liked most of her stuff. She writes heroines that have more backbone than most, and her heroes are typically sweet, decent guys beneath all the smirking, alpha posturing and bullshite. She writes natural dialogue and includes a dash of humour along with the serious bits.
But after reading pretty much everything she's written, I'm starting to notice a sameness between stories. This was decent and a very easy read, but there wasn't anything remarkable about it. There was no real conflict or emotion there and I know I this isn't a book that I will remember.
There's no touchy subjects though and no red-flags for safety. It's a nice story to follow up a really intense read or to enjoy on a rainy day.
3.5 stars
If I have a complaint it's more generalised toward the trend of epilogues with kids that seem tagged onto an increasing number of stories I read. I wish more writers would step away from the baby tropes. They are so trite and just, basic.
That said, Renshaw is usually a solid choice for me and I've liked most of her stuff. She writes heroines that have more backbone than most, and her heroes are typically sweet, decent guys beneath all the smirking, alpha posturing and bullshite. She writes natural dialogue and includes a dash of humour along with the serious bits.
But after reading pretty much everything she's written, I'm starting to notice a sameness between stories. This was decent and a very easy read, but there wasn't anything remarkable about it. There was no real conflict or emotion there and I know I this isn't a book that I will remember.
There's no touchy subjects though and no red-flags for safety. It's a nice story to follow up a really intense read or to enjoy on a rainy day.
3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2018
Reed and Joa, two consenting adults decided to hook up to relieve the obvious sexual tension. The chemistry between the sheets is hot off the chart. They have this non-commital relationship that continues for almost a year until the unexpected happens. Joa decided to transfer from their L.A. office to Chicago, just to get away from Reed. I know what he did, but no I won't spoil it for you. You'll just have to meet Reed and know his reason for why he did what he did.
Exmas defines what romance is all about. Winter Renshaw has cleverly written another exciting book that I devoured in less than a day. The storyline just pulled me in and I didn't stop until I reached the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this feel-good story from one of my favorite authors. For every hopeless romantic reader, I highly recommend this "all season" book.
Note: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2020
3.5 Stars
I liked it. I didn't even mind the little jump to the past every other chapter. I just wish there was more of Joa and Reed once the truth came out and everything was revealed and they reconnected. It felt like it was building up to this and then didn't get enough of them together and happy. That's just my opinion anyway. My heart kinda broke for Joa and Reed, I really wanted them to have a great HEA.
I liked it. I didn't even mind the little jump to the past every other chapter. I just wish there was more of Joa and Reed once the truth came out and everything was revealed and they reconnected. It felt like it was building up to this and then didn't get enough of them together and happy. That's just my opinion anyway. My heart kinda broke for Joa and Reed, I really wanted them to have a great HEA.
December 2, 2018
Another case where the story's synopsis was catnip but the story itself was...well...
Exmas wasn't a bad book. But it was a fairly boring book. Although it was well-written and featured well-developed and engaging leads in Joa and Reed, it ultimately was too slow and sterile. After reading the blurb, I expected fiery and bright sparks to rival the holiday season. I expected the passion and the pain of lovers-turned-enemies finding their way back to each other amid workplace drama. I...didn't get what I expected.
That said, I am always here for heroines who are ambitious and intelligent (even if getting involved with a co-worker was dumb) career women. Although it is improving, I work in a male-dominated field. Suffice it to say that it boosts my morale to read about professional women kicking butt and taking names.
Otherwise, it was something of a Meh-rry Exmas for me. But there was potential, and I would be willing to read more of Winter Renshaw's stories.
Exmas wasn't a bad book. But it was a fairly boring book. Although it was well-written and featured well-developed and engaging leads in Joa and Reed, it ultimately was too slow and sterile. After reading the blurb, I expected fiery and bright sparks to rival the holiday season. I expected the passion and the pain of lovers-turned-enemies finding their way back to each other amid workplace drama. I...didn't get what I expected.
That said, I am always here for heroines who are ambitious and intelligent (even if getting involved with a co-worker was dumb) career women. Although it is improving, I work in a male-dominated field. Suffice it to say that it boosts my morale to read about professional women kicking butt and taking names.
Otherwise, it was something of a Meh-rry Exmas for me. But there was potential, and I would be willing to read more of Winter Renshaw's stories.
November 5, 2018
Exmas by Winter Renshaw a five-star read you won’t want to forget. This one had it all, romance, drama, heat and twists and turns to keep you guessing. I loved the little dips into the past between chapters, it just added something really special to the whole story. Reed York, I really didn’t like you at times, even though I loved you in the end. I was so engrossed in this story I could feel the snowy wind of my face, I was in Chicago getting blown away. What a great story, perfect for Christmas or any time of year.
November 2, 2018
Joa Jolivet and Reed York!
Joa is new to LA and she has her dream job working in cryptocurrency. She just started at Genisis Financial Securities. She becomes part of a team and Reed York is also part of that team. And it's instant lust. They start a friends with benefits relationship and they have a list of rules that they must follow.
Months later, Joa is up for promotion but Reed swoops in at the last minute and takes the position right out from under her. Which she's not happy about and transfers back home to Chicago.
1 year later he's determined to win her back but he still can't tell her everything, yet! And when she does find out the truth, will she be able to forgive him?
We get to see flash backs to their relationship during this book and I love reading them. It really sets the tone for the story.
I loved these two. As the story progressed I really felt for Reed. He had such a lousy up bringing But being with Joa brought the best out in him and showed him what it's like to have real love and a real essence of what a family means.
I just love this book. I want more of these two.
Joa is new to LA and she has her dream job working in cryptocurrency. She just started at Genisis Financial Securities. She becomes part of a team and Reed York is also part of that team. And it's instant lust. They start a friends with benefits relationship and they have a list of rules that they must follow.
Months later, Joa is up for promotion but Reed swoops in at the last minute and takes the position right out from under her. Which she's not happy about and transfers back home to Chicago.
1 year later he's determined to win her back but he still can't tell her everything, yet! And when she does find out the truth, will she be able to forgive him?
We get to see flash backs to their relationship during this book and I love reading them. It really sets the tone for the story.
I loved these two. As the story progressed I really felt for Reed. He had such a lousy up bringing But being with Joa brought the best out in him and showed him what it's like to have real love and a real essence of what a family means.
I just love this book. I want more of these two.
November 12, 2018
3.5 Stars.
Good not great. It was missing a certain amount of steam. By the time the couple got together I was already burned out on their story.
Good not great. It was missing a certain amount of steam. By the time the couple got together I was already burned out on their story.
December 1, 2018
3.5 stars
November 7, 2018
Beautiful second chance
After hesitating for a long time, I rated 4 stars because the characters are good, the story is well written, but in the end, the slow reconquest of the hero was for me too cute, or too slow, I don't know. In general, I really like the stories of Winter Renshaw, but I missed a little something in the end.
It's definitely tender in a story of the type enemies who become lovers, but it lacks spice in the exchanges, mainly when the heroine hates the hero. An interesting point is the job they have in the virtual currency financial bubble, but the trend is slow, even if it plays an important role in their relationship.
Joa left Los Angeles to request her transfer to the same company but to Chicago near her family to flee Reed, her lover, who betrayed her by taking her promotion of CFO.
A year later, he comes to Chicago, tries to win her back, but without ever explaining what happened the year before. He apologizes, but explains nothing, which annoys Joa even more. Yet, apart from her, everyone loves Reed, even her family.I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
After hesitating for a long time, I rated 4 stars because the characters are good, the story is well written, but in the end, the slow reconquest of the hero was for me too cute, or too slow, I don't know. In general, I really like the stories of Winter Renshaw, but I missed a little something in the end.
It's definitely tender in a story of the type enemies who become lovers, but it lacks spice in the exchanges, mainly when the heroine hates the hero. An interesting point is the job they have in the virtual currency financial bubble, but the trend is slow, even if it plays an important role in their relationship.
Joa left Los Angeles to request her transfer to the same company but to Chicago near her family to flee Reed, her lover, who betrayed her by taking her promotion of CFO.
A year later, he comes to Chicago, tries to win her back, but without ever explaining what happened the year before. He apologizes, but explains nothing, which annoys Joa even more. Yet, apart from her, everyone loves Reed, even her family.I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 6, 2018
This was a steamy, sexy read. Before we find out what happened and why, I thought it was obvious after a while. But the way we get there was awesome. With an agreed benefits only relationship, Reed and Joa don't realize that they reach a place they need to change their relationship til it's too late. This was a great read.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.
December 10, 2018
Reed is a Keeper
This is a wonderful story. I loved the hero so much. I really loved the heroine too. They broke up a year ago, well actually she left him because she thought he betrayed her and now it is a week before Christmas and he is auditing their branch. He is an awesome hero. I loved everything about him. He stays at her family house and even plays Barbie with her twin nieces. I loved that scene. I won't go into the plot as many before have done and far better than I could have, but I definitely recommend it. it's safe and so sweet I may have to buy it instead of just reading it on KU. It's that good.
This is a wonderful story. I loved the hero so much. I really loved the heroine too. They broke up a year ago, well actually she left him because she thought he betrayed her and now it is a week before Christmas and he is auditing their branch. He is an awesome hero. I loved everything about him. He stays at her family house and even plays Barbie with her twin nieces. I loved that scene. I won't go into the plot as many before have done and far better than I could have, but I definitely recommend it. it's safe and so sweet I may have to buy it instead of just reading it on KU. It's that good.
January 31, 2020
I actually liked this one more than I thought I would. I'm not usually a fan of enemies to lovers but this book was more than that. And I actually liked the "past" vignettes that gave the story a more fleshed out feeling. The author made a note in the beginning of the story that you could skip them and still get the full story but I think they were enlightening.
November 11, 2018
This was a nice Christmas story. Joa and Reed knew each other from their past job. They had a fling and refused to call it dating. Although, they both had wanted more. A misunderstanding happens and all hell breaks loose with their relationship. A year later they see each other and after time they get their HEA.
February 27, 2019
Meh.
Exmas was an okay book. In it, you will meet Reed and Joa. They are a pretty boring couple if I'm being honest. I liked them but they were kind of forgettable. Throughout the book, these two are on a roller coaster of a relationship. First they were together and then suddenly one day - they were both single. No idea as to why that happened but a year later - they are back in each other's lives.
The whole switch from past to present was okay. I wasn't really engaged with these characters so I didn't care about why they weren't together and I also didn't care if they ended up together. Obviously something went wrong and I was okay with it.
The romance, if you can even call it that, between these two was meh. Probably more boring than watching paint dry. I felt nothing towards these two, so yeah - I didn't care one bit about what was going to happen.
At one point, I broke out the wine.. and the book was still boring. Eventually I reached the last page and I was so happy. Basically threw a cheez-it party due to my happiness. Overall, I'm glad that it's finally over.
Exmas was an okay book. In it, you will meet Reed and Joa. They are a pretty boring couple if I'm being honest. I liked them but they were kind of forgettable. Throughout the book, these two are on a roller coaster of a relationship. First they were together and then suddenly one day - they were both single. No idea as to why that happened but a year later - they are back in each other's lives.
The whole switch from past to present was okay. I wasn't really engaged with these characters so I didn't care about why they weren't together and I also didn't care if they ended up together. Obviously something went wrong and I was okay with it.
The romance, if you can even call it that, between these two was meh. Probably more boring than watching paint dry. I felt nothing towards these two, so yeah - I didn't care one bit about what was going to happen.
At one point, I broke out the wine.. and the book was still boring. Eventually I reached the last page and I was so happy. Basically threw a cheez-it party due to my happiness. Overall, I'm glad that it's finally over.
November 28, 2018
Find this review and more at
kimberlyfaye reads.
Is anyone else in “read all the holiday romance” mode or is it just me? Since the first snow of the year, right before Thanksgiving, I’ve been in the mood. So, I decided there was no need to fight it and promptly began knocking books off my TBR. Exmas was a newer addition to my TBR, but I’ve wanted to read it since I first read the blurb. It so did not disappoint. In fact, once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.
I found Exmas to be a really fun holiday romance. I’m a sucker for a good second chance romance and when done right, I thoroughly enjoy an office romance as well. Joa and Reed’s story was fun and sexy. I really liked how it was told not only in alternating perspectives from both characters, but how it went back and forth between past and present day. I think it’s an engaging way to learn a couple’s backstory while they get to know each other again. There was a great twist I never saw coming and I love when a book takes me by surprise.
It was surprisingly easy for me to get behind the idea of a reconciliation between Joa and Reed without even knowing the full extent of the misunderstanding that split them up before. I really liked both characters separately and together they were even better. Loved their chemistry and the bit of a slow burn between them. Joa was strong, smart and could seriously hold a grudge. There was far more to Reed than met the eye and I liked seeing layers peeled back. Plus, I adored Joa’s meddlesome family. I could totally see my parents unknowingly putting me in the same situation hers put her, so the story was relatable.
Exmas was delightful. It was sexy and had its fair share of feels. It was romantic and I love how everything wrapped up. There were definite swoons. This was my first Winter Renshaw book, but it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed her writing and I’m looking forward to tackling her backlist very soon.
Favorite Quotes:
“I’ve failed you, Joa. I know that. In more ways than one. And I can forgive your harsh words. But I can’t forgive the fact that you stand there and you continue to deny that I’m the only man who’s every going to be right for you and you’re the only woman who’s ever going to be right for me.”
I’m not sure who I hate more: him for hurting me a year ago and weaseling his way back into my life? Or me for letting it happen after I promised myself it wouldn’t.
Looking back, label or no label, we were in a relationship the entire time. I was hers. She was mine. Even if we were both too stubborn and pigheaded to admit it.
It won’t always be perfect. It won’t always be magical. But it will be filled with love and a bond that can never be severed no matter what may come our way. Real love never ends, never goes away.
Is anyone else in “read all the holiday romance” mode or is it just me? Since the first snow of the year, right before Thanksgiving, I’ve been in the mood. So, I decided there was no need to fight it and promptly began knocking books off my TBR. Exmas was a newer addition to my TBR, but I’ve wanted to read it since I first read the blurb. It so did not disappoint. In fact, once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.
I found Exmas to be a really fun holiday romance. I’m a sucker for a good second chance romance and when done right, I thoroughly enjoy an office romance as well. Joa and Reed’s story was fun and sexy. I really liked how it was told not only in alternating perspectives from both characters, but how it went back and forth between past and present day. I think it’s an engaging way to learn a couple’s backstory while they get to know each other again. There was a great twist I never saw coming and I love when a book takes me by surprise.
It was surprisingly easy for me to get behind the idea of a reconciliation between Joa and Reed without even knowing the full extent of the misunderstanding that split them up before. I really liked both characters separately and together they were even better. Loved their chemistry and the bit of a slow burn between them. Joa was strong, smart and could seriously hold a grudge. There was far more to Reed than met the eye and I liked seeing layers peeled back. Plus, I adored Joa’s meddlesome family. I could totally see my parents unknowingly putting me in the same situation hers put her, so the story was relatable.
Exmas was delightful. It was sexy and had its fair share of feels. It was romantic and I love how everything wrapped up. There were definite swoons. This was my first Winter Renshaw book, but it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed her writing and I’m looking forward to tackling her backlist very soon.
Favorite Quotes:
“I’ve failed you, Joa. I know that. In more ways than one. And I can forgive your harsh words. But I can’t forgive the fact that you stand there and you continue to deny that I’m the only man who’s every going to be right for you and you’re the only woman who’s ever going to be right for me.”
I’m not sure who I hate more: him for hurting me a year ago and weaseling his way back into my life? Or me for letting it happen after I promised myself it wouldn’t.
Looking back, label or no label, we were in a relationship the entire time. I was hers. She was mine. Even if we were both too stubborn and pigheaded to admit it.
It won’t always be perfect. It won’t always be magical. But it will be filled with love and a bond that can never be severed no matter what may come our way. Real love never ends, never goes away.
November 7, 2018
Exmas is my first Winter Renshaw and it won't be my last (so I suppose that it's a great thing that I have quite a few of her books waiting for me on my Kindle already)! This was the delicious second-chance romance that I needed to cleanse my palette after reading a rather unsatisfying one earlier this week. It did everything that the other book did not: provided a dual first person POV so that we got some insight into both of the characters' feelings and motivations PLUS we got multiple flashbacks (from both POV's) to give a more well-rounded understanding of the relationship and history of Reed and Joa. This was an exquisite slowburn, which makes total sense given the reasons behind the couple's initial splitting. Reed York is truly a remarkable character and it was a real pleasure seeing his character arc. I also loved that Joa is rightfully righteously indignant towards Reed (based upon what she knows), she is smart enough to know when to forgive. The inclusion of both characters' families is also a delight and the epilogues were icing on the cake. I honestly look forward to having a bit of wiggle room in my TBR so that I can read another book by Winter Renshaw soon! 4.5 out of 5 wine glasses.
November 3, 2018
I received an ARC for this book. Joa and Reed meet when she joins the firm as an employee, they are both on the same team. They begin a "friends with benefits" relationship. They both agree that they don't any commitments. Joa applies for a promotion and is given the impression that the job would be hers when the interview process was completed. The morning of the announcement, Reed discovers that there is a problem. He agrees to take the promotion in order to protect Joa. Joa assumes that he has betrayed her. She immediately requests a transfer to Chicago - where her family lives. She spends the next year trying to forget Reed's betrayal. Just before the holidays, she finds out that Reed will be visiting the Chicago office and has requested that she be his "right hand man" while he is in town. Reed cannot tell Joa the truth about what happened with the promotion and why he is visiting her office. She discovers that she still has feelings for him but refuses to let him know. The story has a HEA and I would recommend it to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2018
Joa is climbing the corporate ladder in crypocurrency all while enjoying a casual but mongomous physical relationship with Reed- nothing more then a friendship with benefits. Until he took her promotion.
Unknown to her he was saving her and beginning investigation into fraud...but does that change her hatred towards him for taking the job and therefore ending what little relationship they had?
I liked this book, page turner- I had to know if they were truly nemisis or just hurt, running and hiding from it.
He's childhood of neglet is terrible- not sure I could forgive his parents like he did.
What's his sisters story- will she have one?
A sweet story of falling in love even when you arent sure you know how to. Best Christmas reunion for them. And really the time they were apart they were still on each others minds- so it was more of a break.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Unknown to her he was saving her and beginning investigation into fraud...but does that change her hatred towards him for taking the job and therefore ending what little relationship they had?
I liked this book, page turner- I had to know if they were truly nemisis or just hurt, running and hiding from it.
He's childhood of neglet is terrible- not sure I could forgive his parents like he did.
What's his sisters story- will she have one?
A sweet story of falling in love even when you arent sure you know how to. Best Christmas reunion for them. And really the time they were apart they were still on each others minds- so it was more of a break.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2018
It's not whether you win or lose but how you play the game. Exmas is a duel of hearts. Will they or won't they? Should they or shouldn't they? Joa and Reed are caught up in an epic battle of wills that could cost them their chance at a happy ending. Renshaw is the queen of bait and switch. Just when things are falling into place, the rug is pulled out from under you. Sexy meets sassy and creates magic.
November 6, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Office romance passionate friends with benefits story that will have you not wanting to put the book down. The chemistry between Joa & Reed is electric, both are smart and enthusiastic about what they do. Another fantastic book by Winter Renshaw a must read and you it will not disappoint.
November 26, 2019
3.5🌟
I think this is my 3rd book by winter renshaw and I can truly say that she's my go-to-author because her books composed on minimal things that I need in a book to make it on my 3☆ and above list, not to short, compact enough to have emotions, background of characters and if there's a characters that I cared than it's a plus point.
I think this is my 3rd book by winter renshaw and I can truly say that she's my go-to-author because her books composed on minimal things that I need in a book to make it on my 3☆ and above list, not to short, compact enough to have emotions, background of characters and if there's a characters that I cared than it's a plus point.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews