5 Wine Glass #Audio #Review of Holiday Wishes by Jill Shalvis

Title: Holiday Wishes: A Heartbreaker Bay Christmas Novella
Series: Heartbreaker Bay, Book #4.5
Author: Jill Shalvis
Narrator: Karen White
Format: Unabridged Audiobook, 2 hours and 28 minutes
Published: November 7, 2017 (Harper Audio)
ISBN: ASIN: B075KFKG4C
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Audible | Audiobooks
Reviewer: Linda
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wine Glasses

It’s Christmastime again in Heartbreaker Bay!

When Sean O’Riley shows up at the Hartford Bed & Breakfast for his older brother’s bachelor weekend, he’s just hoping to make it through the weekend. What he’s not expecting is to come face to face with the woman he lost his virginity to a decade ago—a woman he’s never really forgotten.

The last time Lotti Hartford saw Sean, she told him she loved him while he said nothing. Now, ten years later, she’s just looking for a good time. For once, she wants to be the wild and free one, and Sean – the good time guy – is the perfect candidate.

But as the weekend continues, Sean realizes that after a lifetime of being the hook-up king, he’s ready to find happily-ever-after, and he wants it with Lotti. But will she open her heart to him again? As Christmas sweeps through the little B&B, he can only hope love and magic are in the air.

Linda's Thoughts:
“If you don't leave your past in the past, it'll destroy your future. You've got to live for what today's offering, not for what yesterday took away from you.” 

Holiday Wishes is a festive and adorable second-chance-at-love romance in Jill Shalvis’ wonderful Heartbreaker Bay series! It’s a fun and cute novella with low angst – perfect to usher in the holiday season! WooHoo! Cocky bad-boy Sean O’Reilly’s story is HERE! Sean is Finn's younger brother and co-owner of their pub. He's taken  charge of Finn's and Pru’s wedding plans. He owes Finn everything and he’s determined that Finn’s and Pru’s walk down the aisle will go off without a hitch.

As the story opens, the close-knit friends from the series have congregated at the quaint Hartford Bed & Breakfast in Napa for Finn’s & Pru’s bachelor/bachelorette celebration. Imagine Sean’s surprise at check-in when he discovers that the innkeeper, Charlotte “Lotti” Hartford, is the woman he first slept with ten years ago when Sean was sixteen. He cared deeply about Lotti, but then he broke her heart.

When a freak snowstorm seizes the area, the friends find that they can’t relocate as planned to the venue where the wedding was to take place. AND the B&B where they are staying is closing for the holidays as Lotti has other plans. Will Finn’s & Pru’s best-laid plans to tie the knot be all for naught?

Sean has grown up a lot since he and Lotti separated. He wants to make amends, but Lotti wants nothing to do with him. Even though it’s awkward between them, their chemistry obviously hasn’t waned. Can Sean convince Lotti to give him a second chance?

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Holiday Wishes:

“Okay, tough girl,” he said softly, nuzzling at her throat. “No questions. No talking. You go ahead and give ignoring what’s still between us your best shot. I’ll wait right here.”
--- 

His smile was badass wicked and filled with trouble as he put a knee on the bed and began to crawl toward her with nefarious intent in his sharp gaze.
--- 

"Hold on." Pru gave him a long look. "if you're trying to say you don't want to do this after talking me into it, then let me be clear and say that I will run you through with my umbrella while you sleep."   
Finn blinked. "That was oddly specific and violent." 

Holiday Wishes is narrated by Karen White, one of my favorite narrators. She distinguishes between each character and vividly voices each of their personalities with the proper nuances and emotions. Simply said, she brings this tale to life superbly! If you enjoy listening to audio books, I’d highly recommend that you pick up the audio of Holiday Wishes!

Holiday Wishes can be easily enjoyed as a stand alone read if that is your preference. The story and characters will pull you in quickly. Just know that the whole series is delightful… and you’re going to be enthralled with this Christmas treat.

Holiday Wishes teems with romance, humor, steamy orgasms, wedding topsy-turviness, surprises and warm-fuzzies galore! It’s fast-paced as the story basically occurs over a single weekend. Even so, Sean’s and Lotti’s relationship doesn’t feel rushed because they share a history. I can’t wait to follow Sean’s and Lottie’s story as this series continues. Joe & Kylie will be up next in this series in About That Kiss - releasing next month!



Suggested Reading Order: 
Sweet Little Lies (Book #1)
The Trouble with Mistletoe (Book #2)
One Snowy Night (Book #2.5)
Accidentally on Purpose (Book #3)
Chasing Christmas Eve (Book #4)
Holiday Wishes (Book #4.5)
About that Kiss (Book #5) – Coming January 23, 2018!
Slow Winter Nights (Book #6) – Coming Sept 25, 2018!