Holiday Ever After: An Anthology by Jill Shalvis | Book Review

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Three fan-favorite Jill Shalvis novellas are together for the first time in this holiday anthology!

One Snowy Night

It’s Christmas Eve and Rory Andrews is desperate to get home to her family. Problem is, her only ride to Lake Tahoe comes in the form of the annoyingly handsome Max Stranton, her long-time crush, and his big, goofy, lovable dog. A long road trip in a massive blizzard might be just what they need to face their past…and one steamy, snowy night is all it takes to bring Max and Rory together at last.

Holiday Wishes

When Sean O’Riley shows up for his older brother’s bachelor weekend, the last person he expects to see is Lotti Hartford, the woman he lost his virginity to a decade ago. As the weekend continues, Sean realizes he wants to leave his hook-up life behind, but can he convince Lotti to open her heart to him again?

Mistletoe in Paradise

Years after their secret fling ended, Hannah isn’t eager to see James during their families’ annual joint holiday-themed yacht adventure. But when they’re the only people who show up, James and Hannah are stuck together on the high seas for days. As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize the best things in life can’t be planned, and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around. 

Holiday Ever After: An Anthology by Jill Shalvis caught my eye because I really liked the cover. It was giving off Hallmark movie cabin vibes. Also — I have had pretty okay luck with anthologies lately. Holiday Ever After is comprised of three of Shalvis’s previously released holiday novellas. There is no framing device to the book, it just contains the three different novellas, which is fine. All seem to have a theme where the love interest is someone from the main character’s past.

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One Snowy Night

The first story in the anthology is One Snowy Night. This story follows Rory and Max. The two live in San Francisco and work in the same building. They know each other from back home in Lake Tahoe. Rory needs to get home to deliver a gift and so Max offers to drive since he’s headed out that way. Along the way there is a massive storm and the two rehash their past in a motel — among other things. Also, there is a doberman named Carl who steals every scene he is in. I would have liked this novella to be even longer — plus more context with a few of the side characters mentioned.

Holiday Wishes

The second story in Holiday Ever After is Holiday Wishes. This story follows Lottie who runs a bed and breakfast that is essentially the family business. There is a joint bachelor and bachelorette party. The best man organizing the whole thing is Sean O’Riley. As it turns out, Lottie and Sean were each other’s firsts. However, Lottie moved away and Sean did not keep in touch. There’s not a whole lot of love between the two. When a storm makes it so the wedding that was scheduled has to be canceled, Sean and Lottie move into action to provide the bride and groom with a last minute wedding at the bed and breakfast. Also, Sean and Lottie reconnect and it turns out that they do still have chemistry.

Mistletoe In Paradise

The final novella is Mistletoe In Paradise. This story follows Hannah and James who were childhood friends. Every year over the Christmas holidays their families would take vacation using the yacht that Hannah’s stepfather runs as a charter business. It has been years since Hannah and James connected. She is a patient advocate at a hospital. He runs an expedition type of business. It would seem they are opposites now. However, that chemistry and pull is still there. Of course, they find their way back to each other while on the yacht together.

On A Scale Of One To Buddy The Elf, How Much Christmas Spirit Does Holiday Ever After Have?

I would say that Holiday Ever After isn’t really bursting with Christmas spirit. If you wanted a book that would have you ready to trim the tree and wrap presents, this isn’t it. However, the three novellas are sweet and do share the time of year setting. I know I’ll be picking up more from Shalvis, but this wasn’t really my favorite.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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