Title:  Holiday With A Twist
Series:
Author:  Shannon Stacey
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Christmas Romance
Published:  November 21, 2016
Publisher:  Carina Press
My Rating:  4 stars
Source:  NetGalley
Cover Description:

After a messy breakup, Leigh Holloway is ready to start her life over. Until her parents put the family home on the market and call her back for one final, memory-making Christmas. The last thing she wants to do is deprive her mom of the perfect holiday, so she’ll lie her way through the visit and worry about her future in the New Year. Too bad the only bar in town is owned by a guy she seriously wronged in high school.

Leigh’s best friend broke Croy Dawson’s heart, and Croy knows it was Leigh’s fault. They’ve never liked each other, but Croy isn’t cruel: he’d never turn away a pretty woman in need of some family-Christmas fortification. He doesn’t expect her to drink just enough candy-cane martinis to tell him her secrets—and he definitely doesn’t expect to get caught up in her holiday madness.

Despite the surprising love and laughter, Croy and Leigh can’t escape the truth: he can’t walk away from his family obligations and she has a life and career to reboot. But anything is possible if your holiday comes with a twist…

Stand Alone Novella (at this time)

Leigh is returning home for a final family Christmas at their home before her parents sell and move into something smaller.  She’s made the decision to spin a tale on her so called happy life away from home by not telling them that she’s no longer getting married or that she’s out of a job.  Those things can wait until next year, for now she’s determined to put on a joyful face and celebrate Christmas with her family.  But she’s going to need a bit of liquid fortification to get through this visit so she’s checking out the local bar for some time away from the constant lies she’s telling.  Who could have figured that the only bar in their small town would now be owned by a man she’d once considered a friend back in high school.  Right up until she’d had a part in his painful breakup with her best friend.  Certain that Croy hated her, Leigh sets out to hide her discomfort behind some candy cane martinis .. many candy cane martinis.

Croy was surprised to see Leigh again, she certainly did bring back memories.  But he’d long ago forgotten about that high school break up.  Life moves on and that break up was probably a blessing in disguise.  Yet it seems that Leigh believes she’d ruined his life forever and that he hates her… so not true.  The more uncomfortable she is, the more candy cane martinis she consumes until she’s just this side of completely tipsy.  And, even as a bar owner should know better, he’s finding her sweet confessions while under the influence of his fine drink making skills quite adorable, and informative.

Croy and Leigh will find that while their high school years gave them friendship, their adult years change the feelings they have into something more romantic.  Trouble is Croy is firmly settled in this small town and Leigh will be restarting her life far away  Someone has to believe in their relationship enough to make a life changing choice… or walk away from what might have been perfect for longer than Christmas.

Holiday With A Twist is a novella that manages to give a full novel feel to the developing romance between former friends.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge fan of novellas – but it takes a special touch to make a shorter story feel full of everything a full length novel gives the reader.  While Leigh’s secrets weren’t really earth shattering, they were strong enough for her to put on a story for her family.  Croy is strong and centered in his life.  His family obligations keep him firmly in this town.  No resentment, simply fact.  He and Leigh have such chemistry that it’s easy for the reader to see what their future should be.. the characters take a bit longer to figure that out… as usual.  *grin*

I enjoyed this one very much.  It was funny in the right places and somber where necessary.  Secondary characters make a story come alive for me, and I would love to learn more about some of these folks.  Maybe one day they’ll have their stories told as well.  If you’re looking to treat yourself this holiday season, then I’d recommend Holiday With A Twist for any reader who wants a fun, sexy story with believable characters and a solid story.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this novel. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this story.*

Available for the Kindle