Can't Wait

A cowboy-laden Christmas romance, this is the first time I’ve read a book from Jennifer Ryan. A wonderful heartwarming Christmas story that reinforces the power and rightness in true love.

Summer is wonderful, most certainly determined and unwilling to let the ‘strong silent’ archetypes of her brother and the man she loves stop her roll. She’s got the right blend of determination and hesitancy, an ability to make a reader giggle, and despite their protestations to the contrary; has both men wrapped about her little finger. Fortunately, she isn’t manipulative or aggressive with this power, but she does seem to enjoy making her brother uncomfortable.

Jack is a big old growly bear – not in a bad way – more in the ‘I know better’ sense, avoiding conflict and direct challenge by being a bit overbearing and prickly. Sam was wonderful, adding a touch of sense and trying to talk people down. And Caleb – the one who has it so bad for Summer he can’t see straight. But the relationship with her brother does keep him holding her firmly in the ‘friend zone’. Until Summer almost turns herself inside out to show him what he is avoiding, or too blind to see….
A quick and short read that is full of heart and a touch of heat, this story is a wonderful Christmas romance sure to add a touch of laughter and light to your day

I received an eBook copy from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Caleb knows what he wants, but going after his best friend's little sister is against the rules. However, Summer doesn't care about his misplaced sense of loyalty, and she's not about to let Caleb's friendship with her brother get in the way of the relationship she wants.

The Verdict: Novellas are tough for me because they often either feel rushed or I'm left wondering where the rest of the story is. However, this was one of the few I could really get into and enjoy. In having the characters already in love but unwilling to admit it, the foundation for their relationship had already been well established, and this novella simply let us in on their finally giving into their feelings.

Caleb is dealing with the usual issue of having fallen in love with his best friend's little sister, but he's also got some leftover baggage from war, and he's not handling it well at all. Summer, however, isn't going to let her life be decided by her big brother, and she's strong enough to stand up to Caleb's stubborn side.

The story is quick, of course, but lots of fun as Caleb tries to deal with Summer living on the ranch with him as his best friend remains completely clueless about their feelings for each other. There's plenty of awkwardness, banter, a headstrong heroine, and ultimately steamy moments to keep us entertained, and despite it's short length, it's a great little holiday story.