What’s a girl to do when she needs to bury the memories of her past?Apparently, book a room at a cozy Vermont inn for Christmas…as if that’s going to fix years of pining for the one that got away. It doesn’t matter. This holiday getaway is exactly what the doctor ordered. I’m ready to close that heartbreaking chapter in my life for good and start the new year with a bang. It should be easy. …
It should be easy.
Except there’s one problem—Joe Parker—with that killer smile and those drown-in-me brown eyes. The man who was supposed to be my forever, but instead left my heart shattered and in disarray.
He’s here. In this wintry hamlet. Daring me to risk everything for him. Again.
I came to this small town looking to leave the past behind me, not get reacquainted with an old flame. And yet, one kiss, and I’m consumed by feelings—heart, mind, and soul. He still makes me tingle in all the right places.
Denial is a powerful tool, but how long can I fight falling for him all over again?
Can I trust him enough to give us another shot?
Fans of Jill Shalvis and Nora Roberts will be swept away by One Complicated Christmas, a second-chance standalone holiday romance in a small town, set with mistletoe lurking around every corner. Grab a glass of spiked eggnog and enjoy.
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Loved this short second chance book! Quick read, great characters, perfect story of chance encounters, second chances and true love
Wow, what an absolutely beautiful read!
When Sasha is at loose ends for Christmas, she decides to find closure from a painful lost love by traveling to Vermont where she plans to burn the past. What she doesn’t plan on is running into the man that broke her heart six years ago. As hard as she fights it, the truth is she’s always loved Joe but the years have encased her to the point she may never truly be able to move from the pain.
’Instead of open wounds, I wanted to have silvery scars, healed by acceptance and nurture. Now, look at me. Bitter and cynical.’
This story is filled with so much emotion as Sasha fights to move forward away from the pain of the past. And my lord, the writing is absolutely stunning in its beauty and poetry. I felt her every emotion, every heartbeat, every tear and every leap of joy within her soul. This author knows how to pull you into the very heart of her characters and keep you there.
”Let’s write a new story. Fill it with words of love and comfort and whatever else it is we need.”
This is a fast read but rich in every way. Yes, the hero was at fault for their separation and no, this doesn’t involve a lot of groveling. This is all about letting go of the things that hold you back, the thoughts and emotions that affect you negatively and embracing new beginnings. With a few lighthearted moments, plenty of steam, and two perfect epilogues, this is the perfect Christmas read!
A beautiful sweet second chance romance between Sasha and Joe. Love the story line and all the characters. Beautiful ending that leaves your heart smiling.
Favorite quote: Sasha ~ In one lifetime, if we’re lucky, we will love many times, but one love will burn your soul forever.”
RATING 4.5 STARS
One Complicated Christmas is a wonderful novella by Mika Jolie. This is my very first book by Mika. The writing is beautiful and the setting is gorgeous. This is a second chance romance.
Sasha Kovac is a twenty six year old out of work massage therapist. Six years ago Sasha had found what she thought was the love of her life while she was in college. But then he just disappeared from her life. He left her with a broken heart. A heart that in six years has never fully recovered. Now, with her life once again on the cusp of change, she decided that what she needs is to purge all the hurt and anger she’s been holding on to from the past. Then start the New Year with a fresh, clean slate. And, finally learn how to ski! So she packs a bag and makes a reservation to spend Christmas at a quaint little B&B in Yeti, Vermont. Only instead of finally getting to let her past go, she finds herself face to face with it once again.
Joe Parker made the biggest mistake of his life back in college when he left the love of his life. But at the time, he didn’t feel like he had a choice. A day hasn’t gone by that he hasn’t thought of Sasha. Now here she is standing in front of him. It’s finally his chance to explain to her what happened. To gain her forgiveness if possible. Could he even hope for more? That she might give him a second chance? Because seeing her again makes him realize that there will never be another woman that makes him feel the same way as she does. That she’s it for him.
“Regret is a cancer that never goes away.”
This was such a sweet story. And so beautifully written. Mika’s words are like poetry. All of the characters, both Sasha and Joe as well as the secondary characters, are all wonderful. I would actually love to hear more about Joe’s sister and perhaps a chance for romance for her!
This was short but filled with so much. Christmas is a magical time and even more so in this quaint, picturesque little community of Yeti. This is sure to make you smile, swoon and sigh. It has not one but two wonderful epilogues. If you need something to melt your heart on these cold evenings and put you in the Christmas spirit, this one is for you.
The perfect Christmas story!
I’m a sucker for a second chance romance, throw in the picturesque Vermont Christmas setting, and I was smitten! Ms. Jolie’s books are complex, without the angst. Sweet, without being saccharine. Sasha and Joe are given an unexpected second chance to rekindle their college love affair at a beautiful ski resort. Second chance at love, second chance at making a life well lived after horrible mistakes. I loved everything about this book!
Jolie gives the heart a voice. From the heartbreak through the heartwarming and because of the inspiring, Mika Jolie continues to grace my bookshelves on a regular basis. One Complicated Christmas is a temptation not to be missed. Joe and Sasha bring the sugary landscape of a Hallmark card and the hard hitting emotion of a Lifetime movie to a beautiful second chance romance. Your every emotion is put on full display as you find yourself falling even more in love with every page that you turn.
Mika Jolie brings us this second chance Holiday romance starring Willow and Jay. I loved that after 6 years Sasha went away for the holidays to a small quaint town to clear her head and have a fresh start and clear head for the new year. With a twist of fate she runs into her college boyfriend, the one that got away. This book brings so much joy and hope to the reader as you see the magic of the holidays as well as serendipity. The author delivers a feel good with a hea romance that will have you smiling as your devour this novella in one sitting.
Alexandra AKA “Sasha” has come to Yeti, Vermont, a small town with snow and charm for her Christmas holiday. Her parents went on a cruise, and with no one special in her life she wants to get through the holiday without mishap. Not even knowing she would face her past.
Joe is surprised to see the one that got away, staying at his sister’s. He is even more pleased when she is tasked to learn where he teaches people how to ski. With fate taking them both for a ride – he means to fix the past and right some wrongs. Now if Sasha will let him, it may be a holiday come true.
I am a big fan of this trope. The second chance is very heartwarming when done right. This story charms, and brings on the heat. I love the characters and how much of a delight some surprising secondary characters became. I sure hope we see this family again.
***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.