Ashley Herring Blake

I had already read books 2 & 3 in the series, and honestly I'm glad I read them in the order that I did. For the first 3/4 of this book, I found all the characters just a little too unlikeable. It does give the entire trilogy's story arch a stronger meaning knowing this is how the 4 of them started out, but I can't help but think had I read this one first I would have been put off by the Delilah's acidity, Astrid's coolness, and Iris' outlandishness.

And I loved, when I got to the end of this book, bringing up in my mind's eye the last scene of book 3. All together, this trilogy is absolutely incredible and I wouldn't be exaggerating to say that Ashley Blake Herring has made a romance reader out of someone who frequently turned their nose up at the genre.… (more)

I try to read and listen to as many Christmas-themed books as possible during the holiday season, and this is the first one that really seemed like a Hallmark movie in book form (except for the extremely explicit sex scenes which this author is known for). The main characters started out acting like horrible jerks to each other (especially the one who left the other at the alter, even though you would think she wouldn't have a leg to stand on). This actually follows the pattern of Herring Blake's other books, where the characters demonstrate their fallibility in all its glory early on (making them in many cases not very likeable) but as we get to know them, and they grow in their experiences, their likeability skyrockets. And this one has the added bonus of a Colorado winter wonderland setting and ridiculous Christmas matchmaking events. A fun read for the holiday season!… (more)