I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun grumpy/sunshine holiday romance. Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Jayden and Rick. Jayden has a big heart and is sweet, but he’s struggling to make ends meet, desperately needs this job, and is lonely with no family and no one to be around for Christmas. Rick is jaded and bitter as his career has fizzled out and he’s desperate to work again and get back on the stage. A mall Santa was not what he wanted and was grumpy and snarky. Jayden was cheerful and friendly with his and the attraction between the two of them sizzled. I liked that Rick stepped up and pushed his inner actor to the surface when he needed to and for Jayden’s sake. I liked the dynamic between them and the way their relationship developed.
Piers Ryman did a good job bringing these characters to life. I didn’t realize at first, but I’d heard this narrator one time before- he was voicing a Russian alpha-male type- all power and control. I couldn’t even tell it was him. I love narrators that have good range. So I was happy to hear more from him. I thought he suited Rick and Jayden well.
Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 4 stars
Story: 4 stars