All Suzanne St. Michelle wants is an over-the-top, eggnog-induced holiday with her best friend in Credence, Colorado. But when her hoity-toity parents insist she come home for Christmas in New York, she blurts out that her sexy landlord is actually her boyfriend and she can’t leave him—Joshy loves Christmas. The more twinkle lights the better.Rancher Joshua Grady does not love Christmas. Or … love Christmas. Or company, or chatty women. Unfortunately for him, the chattiest woman ever has rented the cottage on his ranch, invited her rich, art-scene parents, and now insists he play “fake rancher boyfriend” in a production of the Hokiest Christmas Ever. And somehow…she gets him to agree.
Apparently, he’ll do anything to get his quiet life back. At least there’s mistletoe every two feet—and kissing Suzy is surprisingly easy. But in the midst of acres of tinsel, far too many tacky Christmas sweaters, and a tree that can be seen from space, he’s starting to want what he lost when he was a kid—a family. Too bad it’s with a woman heading back to New York before the ball drops…
Each book in the Credence, Colorado series is STANDALONE:
* Nothing But Trouble
* The Trouble with Christmas
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Credence, Colorado #2, Not to long ago the population of Credence increased due to the advert put out to lure women into moving here most of the women moved hoping to find a husband Susanne St. Michelle is not one of those women. She moved temporarily to help inspire her muse into painting original work again. Susanne has made a career of painting replicas, legal forgeries but she wants to create her own work. She rented a cottage on a ranch unfortunately the nephew of the man who owns the ranch isn’t very welcoming. Joshua Grady regretted not letting his uncle sign over the ownership of the ranch when he told Grady that he rented out the cottage. Grady likes his peace and quiet and he never plans on marriage and he doesn’t want someone on his property that will disrupt his life.
Susanne’s muse woke up the moment she set eyes on Grady and her muse couldn’t be quited until she painted him, so she did as the statue of David, as Adam, as a cherub and a couple other famous works of art all with his face. Unfortunately Grady is not amused when he finds them. Susanne wasn’t planning on going home for the Holidays but when her mother confesses that she’s having marital problems Susanne gives in and lets her parents come to her for Christmas, unfortunately that was after she told them all about her Christmas obsessed boyfriend Grady. Now all she has to do is convince Grady into it, he does but only after getting her to give up the paintings of him in return.
Overall, this was a fun read. It works fine as a standalone so you don’t have to read the first book of the series. I loved Grady and Susanne they were quite the pair. Everytime Susanne said Joshua it made me think of Rachel from Friends pronouncing it “Josh-u-a”. I really enjoyed the story and characters I look forward to more from this author and this series.
This is a laugh out loud, fun and moving story, MS Andrews has such a way with words she pulls the reader in, brings the characters to life they become friends and this one is just so good, I loved Grady and Suzanne so very different but so meant to be together, being back in Credence was such a joy and I do hope that you pick this one up and get to know Grady and Suzanne.
Suzanne St. Michelle is an artist from New York, she is good at art but has lost her muse and when her friend invites her to Credence for Christmas, Suzanne is more than happy to go not only to see if she can find her muse but to have a real Christmas with all of the trimmings instead of the dull one she has always spent with her upper class Mum and Dad. Suzanne finds her muse, when she arrives, in her gorgeous landlord Joshua Grady, but when her parents insist on coming as well Suzanne convinces Joshua to play pretend boyfriend and to love Christmas, let the fun times begin.
Rancher Joshua Grady, is a loner and is not impressed that his uncle has rented the cottage on the ranch out to an artist, but the beautiful woman driving the Scooby van sets his blood on fire and when asked the question to be a fake boyfriend he thinks it best to agree so as he can get his quiet life back, Grady has issues about loving people, not realizing that his life will be turned upside down by the Christmas loving artist.
Falling in love was never on the cards for either of them but when cupid shoots those arrows and the intense spark that fires up between them during a blizzard and Joshy and Suzy start to open up and the sex is off the planet, it still takes them a while to say it out loud, how hard is it to say I love you, but seeing it in a painting brings them together beautifully, what an ending, what a HEA. This one sizzles with heat, emotions and fun and so much love, yes a must read woohoo another fabulous story form MS Andrews.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
First just let me say that I didn’t particularly care for this book. But now that I say that just because this book didn’t resonate with me doesn’t mean that other readers may enjoy it better. These are just my feelings for me personally. I had to put this book down and go on to read other books to get over the way I felt about Suzanne. As I hate to not finish a book, I forced myself to come back and finish it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book of this series and was looking forward to this one. I was a little disappointed as I LOVE cowboy romance. I really didn’t care for Suzanne. I didn’t connect with her at all. I felt she was self-centered and egotistical. She gets mad at Grady for not getting back from his morning chores on Christmas and doesn’t give him time to explain why he was late. He had a logical explanation as one of his bulls had gotten sick. Later when she finds out why he was late, she then gets mad AGAIN for not telling her. SAY WHAT?! I don’t know if I didn’t connect with her as I am in my 50’s but I felt she was selfish and didn’t try to understand what ranch life entailed as she was busying with her things and her worries and didn’t try to understand him and his concerns at all. Poor Grady had to almost bend to her will. I cheered when he demanded the paintings back one by one. I also felt that one of the lies about Grady over doing Christmas was okay but then she goes and buys the gaudiest, most tasteless ornaments. Now you can go over board with funny decorations but that wasn’t the case here. I just felt it was in poor taste.
The only good thing for me was having it written in a dual POV format.
This is a spicy book so I don’t recommend anyone under 18 should read this.
I didn’t care much for this book. Hokey characters and contrived plot with steamy sex thrown in. I read it but it won’t be on my read again list.
This book makes my heart so darn happy. It’s hilarious, snarky, sexy, and oh so sweet in the best ways. The Trouble with Christmas by Amy Andrews is absolutely the perfect holiday romance story that will keep readers delightfully entertained and engrossed with all the silly shenanigans and the wonderfully touching moments.
Suzanne St. Michelle is convinced that a change of scenery is exactly what she needs to awaken her muse. She rents a cabin in Credence, Colorado and hopes to paint the beauty all around her. But, her muse has other plans and inspires her to paint Joshua Grady, her handsome and sexy Scrooge-like landlord who wants nothing to do with her.
With Christmas just around the corner, Suzanne’s mother is insisting that she come home. However, Suzanne doesn’t really want another boring Christmas with her parents, so she blurts out the first thing that comes to mind – her landlord is actually her new boyfriend and she really wants to spend time with him. To deter her mother from wanting to visit her, Suzanne exaggerates and explains that Joshy is super in to the Christmas spirit and has gone over the top cheesy with all the decorations. But, Suzanne’s scheme backfires and she has to do everything she can to convince Grady to play along with her lie cause her parents are spending Christmas with them.
Having lost some very important people in his life, the holiday season is difficult for Grady and he just really wants to be left alone to do whatever he wants. The last thing he needs is an outsider disturbing his peace and complication his simple life. However, Grady just can’t stop thinking and fantasizing about Suzanne, the most annoying woman he’s ever met who can’t seem to stop chatting or pestering him. Grady knows she’s nothing but trouble and unnecessary distraction. Willing to do anything to get his quite life back, Grady agrees to go along with Suzanne’s scheme and pretend to be her fake rancher boyfriend who’s crazy in love with Christmas.
Amidst all the mistletoes, sparking lights, Christmas traditions, and tacky couple activities, Suzanne and Grady suddenly realize that there’s something special between them. What happens when they can’t pretend anymore and deny their feelings for each other?
I am utterly over the moon smitten with this cozy and fun holiday romance story. Suzanne and Grady are sooo great together and their chemistry is swoony to the max! The writing is fantastic, the pacing is just right, the setting is gorgeous, the characters are charming and loveable, and the fun surprises throughout the story will definitely make you smile. I enjoyed the bantering, the humor, the romance, the hooky Christmas parts, and all the touching moments. I honestly loved everything about this book, even had a few tears, and the ending is just so adorable and heartwarming.
Loved all the characters in this book. Suzanne and Grady are complex and interesting characters that will steal a piece of your heart. I loved watching them challenge, inspire, and slowly trust each other. There’s definitely some hesitation, conflict, and drama between them, but I loved the way they came together. They’re so precious and perfect for each other and they deserve to have their happily ever after. They made me laugh out loud, swoon like crazy, and smiled like a dork. And if you want a little steam and sexy time, no worries… I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
With plenty of heart-melting swoons, hilarious scenes, and sweet moments, The Trouble with Christmas will sweep you off your feet and have you turning the pages past your bedtime. It’s irresistibly charming, entertaining, emotional, and romantic. Amy Andrews has written a beautiful story that brings so much warmth, joy, and love and I just can’t rave about this book enough. Definitely add this wonderful gem on your TBR or grab yourself a copy now!
I received an advance reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Trouble with Christmas won me not because it was a holiday story, but because it had a small-town, sexy cowboy, and a woman that loved the holiday. The ‘Hokiest Christmas Ever’ turns out to be a Christmas that Joshua will never forget. Just reading it and getting to know the small-town, the neighbors, Joshua’s ranch, and Suzy and her family was well worth picking up the book and turning each and every page. I had an early start with the holiday reading season.
Amy Andrews gave me what I love about holiday reads. Friends, family, small-town, snow, love, and some romance along the way. What was to be fake becomes so much more. Family and the holidays was something that had not been seen in Joshua’s life in a while. This year he got so much more than he could have ever dreamed of.
The book was fun, light, and full of holiday cheer.
I’ve read a couple of books from this author, and have really enjoyed them. The Trouble with Christmas started a bit slow for me, but when it picked up, I found it to be hysterical, full of sexual tension, alot of hot steamy lovin’, a bit of heartbreak, and lots of great characters. The small town of Credence was your perfect rumor-filled, everyone knew your business, kinda place, except Joshua Grady just wanted to be in the middle of nowhere on his ranch by himself still trying to get over the death of his parents and girlfriend seventeen years prior. Suzanne St. Michelle is a frustrated artist trying to find her muse, and desperately trying to get away from her parents non Christmas celebrating style. She’s in Credence to experience Christmas the way it’s supposed to be with her friend Winona, but she doesn’t expect the brooding Joshua Grady’s standoffish demeanor. Suzanne is staying on Grady’s ranch in a cottage for a month, and he’s none too happy about it. This is probably one of the least likely couples to get together, but I loved it. Their chemistry jumped off the page at you, and when the sparks finally started flying, it was something to behold! A great Christmas treat, but can be enjoyed anytime of year. Well written and well worth the read!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
I love fake romance stories because the intense ‘getting to know you’ part can be fun, insightful, tense – so many feels. Amy Andrews delivers a funny, heart-warming and sexy story, beautifully wrapped in a small-town setting, with all the good and bad elements that brings for her characters to navigate. Grady gets dragged reluctantly into Suzy’s crazy scheme to save her parents’ marriage, but along the way they all (re-)discover true love (and some really awful Christmas decorations!).
After losing his parents and high school sweetheart in a fatal auto accident when he was only 17, and 12 years in the military, all Joshua Grady wants is to be left alone to run his ranch. He also hates Christmas, because the accident was in December. However, his Uncle Burl and Aunt Cora, who took him in after his parents’ death, want more for him. So when recent Credence, Colorado resident, Winona’s best friend, artist, Suzanne St. Michelle, needs a place to re-find her muse, spend time with her friend and have a real Christmas, Burt offers the vacant cottage on the ranch as a rental. Despite all efforts to resist, Suzanne’s muse grabs onto Joshua. And when her parents find out that she is not coming home for Christmas, they invite themselves to the ranch. To keep them from coming, she lies and tells that she has a boyfriend and he loves a hokey Christmas, but that does not stopped their plans. She talks Josh into pretending to be her boyfriend. But this chatterbox woman slowly becomes an attraction, that he has to fight. He will not allow himself to risk loving and losing anyone again, and she is supposed to return to NY. As Suzanne fights for her artistic life, for her parent’s marriage to be rekindled, she finds herself falling for Josh, but can she convince him that love is worth fighting for?
This is the second book in the series, but can easily be read as a stand alone. I found both books to be a delight to read. Easy banter between the endearing characters, hilarious situations and an amusing plot make this a fun romcom. I read the entire book during one hot southern summer afternoon.
I know it’s only the end of September, but my Christmas loving heart is very happy after reading The Trouble with Christmas. This is my first book by Amy Andrews, but it definitely won’t be my last. She created a small town I really want to visit and a place I need to celebrate Christmas.
Suzanne needs a change of scenery and moves into the cottage of a ranch in Colorado. Being an artist is great, but her muse has gone missing. Hoping to find some creative juices and spend Christmas the way she wants for once, she starts her journey.
Rancher Joshua Grady is anything but happy when a strange woman comes to rent the cottage at the ranch. He’s happy with his life without too much attention and just wants to be left alone. Christmas is especially hard for him, so he’s not in the mood for any extra drama.
Their lives come together quicker and unexpectedly. Suzanne is determined to save her parents’ marriage, which means she needs Grady to hop on her story. Having a fake relationship and the most outrageous Christmas ever, a lot happens in just a short period of time.
Both of these characters were amazing. I loved reading about Suzanne and her struggling to find her muse and when she does, it’s not what she was expecting at all. Then again, all she wants is to be her own artist and have her first real Christmas. She’s quirky, but so much fun! Grady is in many ways a scrooge, but a lovable one (even though he tries to make this impossible). There is still a lot of hurt he needs to deal with, but it’s fun seeing him lower his walls as he gets to know Suzanne during their fake relationship.
The Trouble with Christmas is a fast read that sucks you in from the start. I loved the chemistry between Suzanne and Grady even when they were both denying it being there. Pretending to be in a relationship causes plenty of moments that make you laugh out loud and The Trouble with Christmas put a big smile on my face. Even though this story happens in a short period of time, it’s the perfect story to have around the holidays!
Add a great cast of characters and a setting that makes me want my own cabin! I can only imagine sitting in front of the fireplace with a good book watching the snow fall. All I can say, is that this book has definitely put me in a Christmas mood and I’ll be counting down the days. I hope Amy Andrews writes more books like this one!
Be prepared to laugh until you have tears running down your face. This story is ridiculously laugh out loud funny. Suzy is in Credence trying to get her muse back to start painting again. She is a city girl with the tendency to run her mouth when she is nervous. Josh is a surly rancher who doesn’t like chatter. These two clash from the start and it just gets more heated and hilarious as it goes on. Add her parents, his uncle and aunt and the rest of the Credence community and it becomes an uproar. You will definitely feel like breaking out all your Christmas stuff after you get some hints on the tackiest Christmas ever.
This book had two of my favorite things: Christmas & a grumpy H! I loved watching Suzanne and Grady tried to convince her parents that their relationship was real! Though they didn’t want to admit it to themselves, their chemistry was OFF THE CHARTS!
The whole book was super sweet and I loved it!
4 Stars
A sweet story of two people who could not be more different. Suzanne and Grady meet and it’s like oil and water, he doesn’t want her living on his property and she struggles with her attempts at friendship being rejected. What follows is a crazy story full of laughs, friends, family and a set of circumstances that makes both realize what they need and what is missing from their lives. The path to happily ever after isn’t easy or quick for these two, but in the end it sure will be worth it.
Cara – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
This is the perfect read to get you into the holiday mood any time of the year. The writing paints the images in you minds eye showing you the scenery of the valley and… so much more. The descriptions give you a clear picture of what Suzanne sees when she has her first look at Joshua without a shirt on swoon
A story of how opposites can really make for a perfect match. The relationship the grows for Joshua and Suzanne, is one that is built upon attraction and patience. A development that neither of them were wanting or expecting, but happen because fate made it so.
A romance that is cuddle worthy any time of the year. Grab a blanket to snuggle with and settle in for a romance to warm your heart.
What a fun holiday read! It would be so much fun to read this on a cold day, next to a fire, with your favorite warm beverage next to you. Alas, I live in Southern California, so I will have to get my winter weather through the magic of novels like this one! Suzanne is an artist with a definite lack of confidence in her creative originality. How could she not? Her mother is a well-known artist with very high standards. Suzanne has come to Credence, Colorado on the advice of a friend in hopes of jump-starting her muse. The last thing Joshua Grady wants is anyone, much less an unattached woman, staying on his ranch. Unfortunately, it’s still his uncle’s place and he chose to rent out the cottage to the city girl artist – especially around Christmas, his least favorite time of the year.
As soon as Suzanne sees Grady, her muse rears her head, of course. When her mother tries to convince her to come home for another non-Christmassy Christmas, what can she do to get out of it? Make up a fake relationship with a guy that loves Christmas in the most over-the-top way possible. When it backfires and her parents decide to come to her, she has to convince Grady to go along. Why he agreed, Grady will never know, but one thing is for sure, this will be a Christmas to remember!
This is part of a series, but easily stands alone. The writing flows, the characters are fun, and I found myself laughing until there were tears. If you are looking for a holiday read, you can’t go wrong with this one. Amy Andrews “won Christmas” with this one!
#TheTroubleWithChristmas #AmyAndrews #EntangledPublishing
The Trouble with Christmas was a heartwarming, sweet story with a communicative holiday spirit.
When the grumpy, tall, dark and handsome rancher let his match with an artist who made him fall in love without even trying.
Brady was happy in his solitary life, his ranch, busy all day and keeping his life at bay from all the people of Credence Bay. Until the moment when the cottage next to his house was rented by the bubbly, chatty and charming artist who was too sexy and tempting for her own good. A temptation he didn’t need in his life. Like never.
It needed just a silly plan from Suzanne; by having a fake rancher boyfriend to really see what he would like to finally found that someone.
But before getting there, they would have a lot of passionate arguments filled so much smoking hot tension that would make anyone melt.
I adored how different they could be in the outside and so complementary on the inside. For this unmatched « couple », finding a way to make things natural were too easy for their liking.
She was too loud and he loved the quiet but they fitted perfectly, from arguing passionately to almost trying to ignore those feelings, to just freaking swooning.
Just the good kind of trouble!
I get excited every year for Christmas and holiday books. Amy Andrews’ The Trouble with Christmas is a great addition to the genre!
There’s humor, romance, and a touch of heartache as both Grady and Suzanne get to know each other better and grow closer. I really enjoyed, too, the descriptions of Suzanne’s painting process and how much she could see in one piece of art.
The writing is witty, emotional, and well paced. Nothing felt rushed or drug out unnecessarily.
Though this is the second book in the Credence series, it can definitely be read as a standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for an honest review.
This was a pretty good read. The writing flowed well for the most part, although the beginning did drag a bit for me. The on and on about Suzanne’s muse was repetitive and weird after a while. Thankfully it does die down some after the first several chapters. I love a fake relationship story, but the way this one came about annoyed me. Suzanne dug herself a nice big hole, and then blackmails Grady (Joshua) into being her fake boyfriend. Then she gets mad when he gets aggravated at the lengths he is expected to go like it was all his fault. I felt bad for Grady a few times. She does seem to settle down as the story progresses, and I think that they end up having great chemistry. I was happy to see Grady understand that he could have love again. The ending was sweet and perfect for these two.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Loved this heartwarming holiday read filled with exciting charters, beautiful local, witty banter and undeniable passion…. a thrilling read from beginning to end with every emotional twist and turn. Really loved this journey and enjoy reading this series.
This is the first book I’ve read written by Amy Andrews.
I really enjoyed this book. I love stories at Christmastime and I LOVE love-stories with snow/blizzards! This book has both.
How much can a little white lie hurt or affect your life? Suzanne St Michelle finds out when, to avoid spending Christmas with her parents, she invents a Christmas-loving rancher boyfriend… based on a neighbor near her. As things turn out, her parents (who are having marital problems) decide to go to Suzanne’s for Christmas. Now, Suzanne must come up with a boyfriend. Joshua Grady is a NON-Christmas- loving rancher. He also is not Suzanne’s boyfriend. But, he agrees to go along with the “little white lie” to help her out. He’s person #2 who is affected by the little “white lie”.
The characters seem real and they are very likable. They have some very stressful situations. But, it’s a “warm-fuzzy” story. The story is fairly predictable as to what’s going to happen, but it is written in such an interesting way that it becomes a page-turner.
The author uses the “f” word a little more than I like. It’s appropriate in some places but seems to be added more than needed. There are a couple of love scenes that are pretty explicit. It isn’t x-rated by any means, but is for mature readers.
I strongly like and recommend this book. It’s great to read any time of the year, but with the Christmas season not far off, it’s a perfect read for now. I will definitely read more of Amy Andrews’ books.