Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Noah Fiore, contracts attorney and dedicated curmudgeon, spends every Christmas with his family on the shore of Lake Superior. It's practically tradition for his sister to invite some lonely acquaintance along for the festivities.

But this year's guest is no pity case. Riley Coto is a friend, whose warmth and charm instantly win over the collective hearts of the Fiore family—all except Noah, who remains as dour and unapproachable as ever.

Riley finds himself inexplicably drawn to Noah. Something tells him there's more to the man than stubborn work ethic and bad attitude. With Christmas fast approaching, Riley is falling for Noah, and there's nothing simple about that.

First edition published by Dreamspinner Press, December 2016.

Book Review

Noah hates the cold of the location of his family's mansion on Lake Superior as he treks to the annual two-week celebration. He also hates being with so many people at once, but, because family is everything, he's gone every year for twenty years.

When Noah arrives, he notices that he's not the last one to get there. As he thinks of Christmas in the past, he wonders what surprises this season will bring. When he sees his sister, Kara, and her wife, Chelsea, he can't help but wonder who the stray person she brings will be. This year the spotlight for that position is focused on a handsome, young man, Riley, who owns his own catering business and just so happens to have made Kara and Chelsea's wedding cake. When Kara found out Riley was going to be alone for Christmas, she decided to bring him with them.

Noah's reaction to Riley is one of cool reserve, but there is something about Riley that gives him pause. Noah realizes he is happy with Riley around, something he's not felt for a long time. Riley doesn’t take Noah's gruff exterior to heart and continues to be his bright, charming self, quickly endearing himself to the family. He joins in with the baking, playing with the kids and dogs, cooking, etc., to the point that Noah is almost jealous of Riley's graceful, easy manner and of the attention he's receiving. Riley's presence is affecting Noah to the point that his sister, mom, and dad notice and ask about how he is feeling. As usual, he wants to tell them it's none of their business, but he loves his family and would never hurt them. Noah admits that he likes Riley but also expresses his fear that Riley will grow tired of him and leave like everyone else has. His father advises him not underestimate Riley and take a chance on pursuing a relationship with him. Beneath his gruff exterior, Noah is more of a pussycat than even he knows. Even though he's not good at expressing himself, his love for his family and their traditions is cavernous. There's much more to Noah than meets the eye. Riley sees it, but it's up to Noah to act upon it.

I really enjoyed the idea of Noah's family all getting together at Christmastime to do all the Christmassy things like baking, eating, drinking, decorating, celebrating, exchanging presents, and, most of all, loving each other. Thanks, Yolande, for reminding me of what's truly important in this holiday season.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 53 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	01-November-2019
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Simple-After-All-Yolande-Kleinn-ebook/dp/B07Y41RYFC