Fiction / Romance / General

Christmas Criminal by Ally Williams- A Spicy Holiday Romance!

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: 

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Graves Glenn Series by Erin Sterling: The Ex Hex, The Kiss Curse, & The Wedding Witch

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See my policies for further details. It’s spooky season, and Halloween is just around the corner! Whether you’re enjoying cooler temperatures and fall festivities like pumpkin patches, apple picking, or impatiently waiting for trick-or-treating, this series is the perfect way to pass the time. I fell in love with The Ex Hex when it first came out, and I was thrilled when the other books were released, letting me revisit not only my favorite characters but also my new favorite town, Graves Glenn. Set in fictional Georgia, Graves Glenn is a little tourist town where Halloween is the main attraction. It’s packed with spooky season festivities and cute shops offering all the merch you could possibly want. If that sounds like your kind of fun, let’s dive into the magical mayhem that is the Graves Glenn Series by Erin Sterling. The Ex Hex kicks off the series and follows Rhys Penhallow and Vivienne Jones on their misadventure-filled journey. These two are—no surprise here—exes with a bitter breakup in their past. When Vivienne was heartbroken, she added a little tequila and bubble bath into her grief, accidentally casting a hex on Rhys. Years later, Rhys returns to Graves Glenn to recharge the town’s magical ley lines, but things go haywire. Coincidence, or the result of Vivienne’s hex? As they quickly discover, the tequila-soaked curse is very real. Ghosts, talking cats, and magical mishaps unfold as Rhys and Vivi reconnect and build a stronger relationship. This book is such a fun read that you’ll want to revisit it every fall! Next up is The Kiss Curse, which follows Rhys’ brother, Lewellyn—or Wells—and Vivienne’s cousin, Gwyn Jones. I have a soft spot for oldest sibling stories, and Wells’ layered personality shines through as he moves to Graves Glenn with no intention of getting involved with Gwyn. And Gwyn? She’s a spunky heroine with a quirky style, making her my favorite character in the series. This book delivers some serious enemies-to-lovers vibes, all while keeping up the magical chaos that defines the Graves Glenn books. The tension between Wells and Gwyn is palpable, especially when her magic starts acting up just as he arrives. Is it his fault? Who knows! Plus, the glitter explosion scene makes me laugh every time. And we can’t forget Sir Purrcival, the true star of the book! The series wraps up with The Wedding Witch, focusing on Bowen Penhallow, the mysterious middle brother. From the start, Bowen intrigued me—he’s the quiet brother living in the mountains, with everyone joking about him being a werewolf. Naturally, I couldn’t wait to read his story when it dropped on my Kindle this season. Bowen is a bit of an enigma, but I was just as curious about the woman who would capture his heart. Enter Tasmyn, a character from the first book that I was delighted to see return! Their story brings a boss-employee dynamic with a magical twist, which added a fresh angle to the series. While this book leans more towards winter vibes than Halloween, it serves as a perfect bridge into the holiday season. And don’t worry—there’s still plenty of magical mayhem and a race against time to keep you hooked until the end. Whether you read them in order or pick them up as standalones, you can’t go wrong with any of these books. Each one is a complete story, but you’ll enjoy them more if you follow the whole set, as the characters make appearances in each other’s stories, and you get to see the couples’ relationships progress across the series. Graves Glenn is the true heart of the series, with its festive atmosphere and lively magic woven into every corner of the town. The way the fall festivities are described will make you wish Graves Glenn was a real place. Trust me—you’ll be dying to visit the town’s charming shops like Something Wicked just as much as I am!If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted spooky series with low angst, magical mischief, and connected characters, do yourself a favor and grab the Graves Glenn Series today. You won’t be disappointed!

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