Grateful appreciation to Ally Williams for providing a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own and reflect my genuine experience with the story.
Christmas Criminal by Ally Williams Genres: Fiction / Holidays, Fiction / Humorous / General, Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Romance / General
Pages: 292
Published by Ally Williams Publishing on November 1, 2024
ASIN: B0DK6713FZ
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Ally Williams
Goodreads
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Buy on AmazonFifty hours of community service with the town's hot new math teacher. What could go wrong?
When the town sheriff catches me egging my dad's house, he gives me an ultimatum: stay in this town I hate to participate in community service, or risk potential jail time with a criminal mischief charge.
Only once I'm there do I learn the person facilitating my community service will be Nick Monroe, the town sweetheart who hides his rock hard body and surprisingly dirty mouth behind Clark Kent glasses and T-shirts proclaiming he 'hearts' math.
He plans an array of Christmas activities to spend down my hours, and while we build huts for the winter market and prepare the Christmas float for the high school kids, we become something like friends. Who kiss a little bit sometimes.
Before I know it, he becomes the sparkle of my season.
But I have my reasons for staying away from this town. High school trauma and a dad who never cared yet pops up every time I visit. And Nick has his own baggage to work through after his ex left him with a bluff, claiming he was too emotionless to fight for her.
Despite it all, as the holiday draws nearer, one thing becomes clear:
Nick Monroe is all I want for Christmas this year.
Thoughts on the book:
I know I’ve said this before, but I’m a total sucker for a good Hallmark movie. So, when I spotted The Christmas Criminal by Ally Williams, I was immediately intrigued! Imagine a classic Hallmark plot—small-town Christmas vibes, a dash of romance, and a cozy holiday setting—but with a spicy twist! This book has it all: a slow-burn romance, a little holiday mischief, and a major dose of chemistry. You can see why picking this one up was a no-brainer for me.
Our heroine, Noelle, is the “Christmas Criminal” of the story, back in her hometown to serve community service. Caught causing some mischief by the local sheriff, she’s given an ultimatum: jail time or community service. Naturally, she chooses the latter, even though it means spending most of her time in her old high school, a place that brings up a lot of bad memories for her. But there’s a silver lining to this punishment: Nick, the hunky high school math teacher assigned to oversee her service hours.
Nick is the dreamy math teacher we all wish we’d had—tall, charming, and with a surprising love for Christmas. He sees his role in community service as a chance to give back, but he definitely wasn’t expecting to be so drawn to Noelle, his mischievous “little criminal.” Their dynamic is playful, with Nick’s warm, Christmas-loving heart softening Noelle’s rough edges.
What follows is a delicious slow-burn romance between two very different people who surprisingly complement each other perfectly. Noelle’s tough exterior and reluctance to embrace the holiday spirit slowly melt away under Nick’s influence, and their chemistry is undeniable. The banter between them is so well-written, and each interaction builds up the tension. When the sparks finally fly, the payoff is well worth the wait!
The plot itself is fun, festive, and surprisingly thoughtful, with moments that feel like they’re straight out of a Christmas movie. Yes, it’s a little cheesy in the best way possible, but that’s part of the charm! The small-town setting, complete with Christmas lights, and festive decorations, really draws you in and makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of it all.
If you’re in the mood for an easy, cozy read with a holiday twist, The Christmas Criminal is a perfect choice. It’s the kind of story that works as a great palate cleanser or a quick Christmas read that’s sure to make you smile. The added spice just takes it up a notch, making it even more enjoyable. Honestly, it almost makes me want to get into a little mischief myself—who wouldn’t want to find themselves doing community service with a hunky math teacher?
So, if you’re looking for a light-hearted, festive romance with a bit of heat and all the cozy Christmas vibes, give The Christmas Criminal a try. It’s a holiday treat you won’t regret!
Recommended Reading if you’re looking for:
- Hallmark Romance
- Christmas Romance
- Strong Silent MMC
- Low Angst Reading
- Standalone Romance
- Independent MFC
About Ally Williams
Ally Williams lives in South Jersey with her crazy dog and her loving partner. She likes writing about real, flawed characters, who must work through their issues so they can be the people they want to be for those they love.
When she’s not writing, you can find her devouring anything pumpkin spice, doing data-related things for her day job, or playing with 3d printers in her basement.
