Claus and Effect (Unabridged‪)‬

I loved this holiday story. It’s has so many tropes. Strangers/enemies to lovers, forced proximity, opposite attract, one bed, grumpy/sunshine, fake relationship, and found family. It was like opening the best Christmas present. This story was sweet, sassy, and sexy. It was full of banter, slight angst, and a slow burn between Tre and Tessa but also full of tension. They were both lost for different reasons. They allowed each other to be vulnerable, be their true selves and they read each other so well.
Nothing like an unexpected road trip filled with funny mishaps along the way to make this story perfect. I will never look at egg nog the same. Man, ya sure did through a plot twist or two in there that I wasn’t expecting. This story is full of humor, beautiful moments and Christmas Spirit. Great listen. The narrators were perfect for the story. They kept me engaged and I couldn’t stopped listening.

Oh…this book gave me all the feels. The heartache for Tessa for where she is in her life, the joy for Tre & his family with him getting to come home for Christmas, and the utter hilariousness that was their venture across the country.

I loved the way that these two were really exactly what the other needed from the beginning. Even though they began at odds, deep down the chemistry & passion were there. Their banter was top tier, and as these two got to know each other better, their easiness with each other practically radiated. The way that Tessa was able to bring Tre out of his rut & entice him into being spontaneous brought out some good chuckles. And the way that Tre was able to show Tessa that family is so much more than blood relation when you have people that love you deeply had me melting.

Overall, wonderful heart warming Christmas read, and the anticipated Piper Rayne shenanigans has me chuckling & wanting more. I couldn’t put down this book once I started and flew through the pages (you know…hypothetically if I had a paperback 🤣).

Audiobook Review:
The second this dropped on Audible early, I snagged that sucker. Lee Samuels & Brooke Bloomingdale delivered a top notch performance. Their duet narration really set off the feel of the book & truly draws you into the characters. So glad I snagged this audio!

This is the Christmas romance I've been waiting for. It's sweet but funny and spicy, too. Honestly, it needs to be made into a Christmas romcom. The story centers around Tessa, the former New York bakery owner, and Tre, an army ranger. They meet on a plane headed for Portland, Tre to see his family and Tessa because a psychic said she'd find her love if she did. I don't want to ruin anything for you but suffice to say things happen on that plane that land these two stuck together for the rest of their trip.

I adore Tessa and Tre! She's so cute and funny but with a little attitude, and he's this grumpy alpha that's really a little bit of a cinnamon roll. The grief they give each other is hilarious, and the banter between them made me laugh more than a few times. The chemistry is palpable, and I loved seeing the journey these two went on that made their relationship even better. And then everything they went through to get to Portland? The slapstick humor coupled with the more emotional moments made this holiday romance exceptional.

Also, I had the opportunity to review an audio copy of this book, and the narrators did a fantastic job! Lee Samuels brought Tre's broody but sweet nature to life, and the growly nature to his voice works for what I envisioned this army ranger to sound like. And Brooke Bloomingdale was the perfect Tessa. Let's just say I think she was so amazing in the role that she's now my favorite audio book voice actor. The way she gave depth to Tessa makes her character feel so familiar in the best way.

So, if you're in the mood for a holiday romance with all of the humor and fun, look no further. Claus and Effect is just the book to get you laughing and seriously wanting a sugar cookie. Read the book to find out what I mean.