Release Blitz + Review: "The Grump Who Stole Christmas" by S. Doyle

I can't believe it's November already! The new month brings lots of exciting new books, and if you couldn't already tell, I'm particularly excited about this year's crop of holiday romances. This week is the release of the Kringle Family Christmas series by S. Doyle, M. O'Keefe, and Julie Kriss, a follow up to 2020's successful Kane Christmas series. I very much enjoyed all three of last year's books, and this year's trilogy turned out to be even better. 

In book #1, "The Grump Who Stole Christmas" by S. Doyle, insurance company executive Kristen Kringle returns home to the family inn and Christmas tree farm located in the small town of Salt Springs, Colorado to care for her father, who recently broke his leg. She quickly realizes that there's more wrong than just her father's broken leg; the inn is struggling, and Kristen is determined to turn things around so her father doesn't lose the property. She's also surprised to learn that her father has a new roommate: Paul McCleer, the new manager of the tree farm, has moved into their family home while he renovates a cabin on the far side of the property for himself. Sparks fly between Kristen and Paul immediately, but to all appearances, she loves her high-powered job and life in New York City and can't wait to return when the holidays are over. By contrast, Paul walked away from a corporate job and is happy with his simple life in Colorado. Can they overcome their differences and find happiness together?

Even though Paul described himself as a grump several times over the course of the story, Kristen's behavior made her seem like the grump to me. Paul was usually the more positive one, trying to tease Kristen out of her bad moods. I loved that because it was a reversal of the usual "sunshine and the grump" trope. Even when they were at odds, Paul and Kristen were super cute together with great chemistry and amusing banter. I totally empathized with Kristen's coffee addiction, and her war with Paul over the coffee mug was hilarious.

Overall, "The Grump Who Stole Christmas" was a funny, sweet story that is sure to put readers in the holiday spirit. I highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary/small town romance and romantic comedy. I look forward to reading Kristen's brothers' stories next!

 

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Grey's Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.   

 

About "The Grump Who Stole Christmas"

Home for the holidays...

That should be a good thing, right? Eggnog and Christmas carols. Mistletoe and family. Except my dad broke his leg hanging the family wreath. My brothers are at war over taking proper care of Dad. Oh, and I just found out our family business, the Kringle Inn, is failing!

The last thing I need is this mysterious new guy, who runs the Kringle tree farm, interfering. He's big, bearded and grumpy. He wears a lot of flannel and he does NOT like taking orders. Especially from me. We can't agree on anything other than saving the business.

Even if we have to kill each other doing it.
Or kiss each other doing it...
Because I think I might be falling for the guy.
My name is Kristen, don't call me Kris, Kringle and this is a Christmas Romance Emergency!
I'm going to need some hot cocoa STAT!