Is there anything more magical than Christmas in New York City?? It doesn’t get cozier or more magical than NYC draped in a blanket of fluffy snow while sledding in Central Park, making cookies, watching holiday films, and having breakfast for dinner.
As someone who loves Hallmark holiday movies, this story was right up my alley. Watching Annie and Decker’s relationship blossom was quite beautiful, and while they had an instant physical connection, I really loved how they made healthy communication a priority, never shying away from challenging conversations. I greatly appreciated the care, vulnerability, and support that Holly infused into the characters’ discussions about grief, loss, and anxiety.
❄️ Workplace romance ❄️ Insta love & he falls first ❄️ Forced proximity (they’re snowed in!!) ❄️ Positive therapy rep ❄️ A FMC with a passion for pizza & baking ❄️ A MMC whose love for snow rivals Lorelai Gilmore’s ❄️ ALL the classic holiday movie references ❄️ No third act breakup
Reading this book felt like being nestled inside a snow globe brimming with nostalgia, hope of second chances, sledding in Central Park, snowball fights, and surprises… along with a healthy dash of holiday spice 🔥 If you’re looking for a sweet and spicy read that will fill your heart with Christmas magic, this is a delightful book to pick up!
First off - I want to thank Holly for sending me an ARC of her newest novel!! Pouring yourself into something creatively and then putting it out into the world is one of the most vulnerable and brave things someone can do, so congrats Holly :) That in itself is a success.
This book was so cute! Super fast paced, easy read which I often crave! Decker is smitten with his new assistant, Annie, and even tho he fumbles through courting her, creates adorable moments figuring out feelings when the come on fast.
I loved the friendships in this book, especially with the boys. Three pro football players who are clearly more like brothers than best friends. Books that depict real friendships as much as any other relationships are always winners for me.
Bonus - A great Christmas in July read for me - officially comes out in October!
This was an ARC read and not my first from Holly! I’ll just say her writing growth gets better with every book. This one added the spice factor too! 🌶️
It was a quick read, there was no slow burn here 😜 workplace romance, football, baked goodies (which I’ll say I’ve been cravings cookies the last 2 days now) haha honestly such a cute holiday romance. It was a fun Christmas in July read for me! The book officially releases in October and I suggest adding it to your Christmas reads! I loved the references back to her previous book characters as well, I’ve missed those people 🫶🏻 I don’t want to give too much away but I enjoyed this one!
After retiring prematurely from the NFL due to the loss of his mother, Decker Jones landed a position as an Editor with a men's magazine. 2 years on, he's settled into his new role but is thrown a curve ball when his trusted assistant retires.
Her replacement Annie Walsh comes as a complete surprise; gorgeous, hard working and constantly supplying Decker with treats. Her true calling is baking, but she recently had to shut down her business due to financial struggles and took this job to replenish her savings.
There's an immediate spark between the two, and working in such close proximity only makes it harder to ignore. With the holidays approaching, will Decker and Annie be able to maintain a professional boundary? Or will love bloom during the most wonderful time of year?
Thank you to the lovely @hollywhitwrites for providing me with an ARC to read and review. I've read all of Holly's work to date and it's been such a joy getting to know her and witness her writing journey take off.
Decker was the grumpy to Annie's sunshine, the two forced to be in close proximity whilst the tension mounted... until it resulted in 🔥 I'm a sucker for a work place romance and loved that this was set during the holidays. It added an extra layer of cosiness to a great plot and allowed me to indulge my Christmas traditions.
If you've read Holly's previous books, keep an eye out for a appearance by some past MCs throughout the story! This book will publish on October 21st so pre-order now to avoid missing out ❤
I’ll write my official review when this comes out but man did I love this!! I had only read one of Holly’s other books but this one felt different because it really added the spice factor! I loved the short chapters and that there was a good plot from the start!
This is an author to watch out for! Decker is 🔥 and so are his friends 🫠
One of my most anticipated reads this year and Holly did not disappoint 🫶🏼
Decker Jones is an editor at Men’s Shape after retiring from the NFL 2 years ago. His mom passed away and he needed a change. He also needs a new assistant after his retires.
Annie Walsh is a baker who had to close her bakery and pick up a job to pay her bills. She reluctantly takes a job she doesn’t want in order to save money and reopen her bakery.
🗽Workplace romance 🗽He falls first 🗽NYC setting 🗽 Football jerseys! 🗽Therapy positive 🗽Anxiety rep/panic attack on page 🗽Christmas traditions & lots of baking
You’ll want to read this one for the upcoming holiday season. Pub date: 10/21/23
“I’m not asking for perfection. All I’m asking for is this Decker. Because even though he’s hurting and damaged,” she places her other hand on my chest, “he still deserves to be loved and cared for; to feel like he’s somebody special. It'll be worth it if I have to spend the rest of my days making you feel that way.”
This was so sweet and cozy like a warm hug! I love work romances and this one didn’t disappoint! Decker is a sports magazine editor after retiring from football. With his assistant, Greta, retiring from her position, Decker is in need of someone to take over. Leaving the application process to Greta, he is surprised to find that the woman hired, Annie, is absolutely stunning. Although he is guarded with his heart after losing his mom, Decker finds himself wanting to learn more and more about Annie.
I liked the characters so much and loved that Annie was able to help Decker deal with his grief and anxiety attacks. I thought they were adorable together! I loved that they chose to stay in NYC and make their own traditions. The gift to Decker from Annie was so sweet! I did have a feeling about the mystery customer, Patsy, and was thrilled to find out I was right. Although having that hunch didn’t stop me from getting teary eyed and emotional. Overall this was a super cute, feel good romance with a good amount of spice! I think one of my only complaints was there not being any banter between them. (Just a personal preference 😅) but I would definitely recommend for a good Christmas read! 💗
So thankful to Holly for letting me check out an ARC for this book!
Christmas in July and I couldn’t be happier about it! This book had all the cozy feelings I want in a great Christmas read. Annie and Decker are so cute! There was a perfect amount of spice mixed in with sweet, heartfelt moments that will make you melt! There were even some moments that made me emotional as Decker opened up to Annie throughout the story. This was such a sweet read! :)
I think this is my favorite book from Holly without a doubt. This book just filled all the little holes in my heart, it’s a perfect heartwarming romance, with so many sweet spots throughout. And the ending? Wiped me out in the best way!
Tropes: - insta love - work place romance - mental health advocacy - semi grumpy x sunshine (he’s a grump till her light shines in his life) - self inflicted forced proximity
Oh and no third act break up (thank you Holly you saved me there)
I loved Decker, I loved Annie, there’s loss, grief, being unhappy in your life’s path, light at the end of the tunnel vibes. Get cha calendar marked for when this comes out because it’s worth the read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
For you mr jones is so light and funny and addicting the chemistry between the two right off the bat was magical the feel through Christmas time made me wish I had tradition like they held on to so tight. I am so sad it’s over and wish I could re read this for the first time again don’t miss out mark 10/21 on ur calendar and read it !!!!
I was the beta reader for this book and I love fallen in love with Decker.
Holly’s writing style has grown and evolved since her first book and this book is a must read for the holiday season. Do yourself a favor and preorder this book so you can enjoy this incredible spicy Christmas book as soon as it comes out.
You will immediately fall in love with characters and never feel like you have enough of them.
Decker Jones is a former professional football player who had retired early to help take care of his mom who had suffered from MS. He currently writes for a magazine and his assistant (Greta) who's been there forever, is finally retiring. Greta has someone lined up to totally help Decker out with his scheduling, but he feels a bit unsure as Greta has taken care of literally everything. Who could be better than Greta?
Annie just recently closed her shop as there are chain name stores that had opened up in the area and her shop just could not survive. Fortunately, Greta is a family friend who recommends Annie to replace her as Decker's assistant.
When Decker meets Annie at the office, he just cannot keep his eyes off of her and thinks of ways for her to be working with him and for him to get to know her outside of work. Is Decker able to hang out with Annie outside of work? Is he able to open up after his mom's passing?
I absolutely loved this book as it gets me into the holiday spirit and the holiday season in NYC is truly magical. I love that hot chocolate, the Strand Bookstore, and "seeking my next read" are included in this book!! I love that traditions are continued and new ones are made! This book will definitely put you in a great mood (as do all of Holly's books)!
Thank you so much to Holly for sending me this ARC 🫶🏻
Christmas in New York anyone?
This was such a heartwarming and feel good story. Decker and Allie are so cute together. I just felt lucky that I was going through this journey with them. Because that’s what it felt like, a massive shift in two peoples lives that starts the moment they meet.
Honestly the Christmas vibes left me feeling warm and cozy inside. Some of the dates they end up going on are like a dream. I love Christmas and this totally got me into the Christmas spirit.
This book took on some serious issues without it being too heavy or taking away from the lightness of the story. But at the same time it was good to see some of those topics talked about. It was also nice to see the two main characters communicating as openly as they can and having honest conversations.
Also prepare yourselves because this book may leave you feeling very hungry! All the sweet treats Annie was making me want to dive into to the pages so I could try them for myself.
If you’re looking for an enjoyable, cute, easy read to get you into the Christmas spirit look no further!
I was excited to receive this ARC from Holly that showcases a workplace romance around the holidays! I've read all of Holly's other books and was excited to get an early opportunity to read this new book which comes out in October!
Decker is a retired football player that has taken a job as an editor at a magazine and finds himself needing a new assistant. In steps Annie. Her heart was broken when she had to close her bakery since it wasn't as successful as she hoped.
Decker is instantly infatuated with Annie and decides he is going to make his move on her. I enjoyed that this book took place around Christmas-time since it is my favorite time of year 🎄
I felt the book definitely picked up in the second half and I liked reading about all of the traditions that Annie and Decker decided to make together! I also enjoyed the cameo moments with characters from other books of Holly's!!
Read if you like: 🎄holiday romance 🎄found family 🎄insta love 🎄he falls first 🎄no third act breakup
"I'm more calm than I thought I'd be today. There haven't been any anxious feelings. Instead, I feel a sense of peace....And all these feelings make me want to spend all the time in the world with Annie."
Summary: Annie is down on her luck after closing her bakery she tried so hard to save. Thankfully a family friend comes to the rescue, getting her a job as assistant to magazine editor Decker Jones. Oddly enough, the previous assistant leaves the instruction, bring him some happiness. Decker Jones is a force to be reckoned with. Intelligent, hard-working, and attractive he manages his parts of the magazine with ease. But writing isn’t Decker’s true love, football is. Giving the sport up after his mom passed has put Decker in a dark place that he hasn’t been able to pull himself out of. Searching for paths to happiness, Annie and Decker help each other in ways the other never expected, while keeping each other warm from the cold New York air along the way.
Thoughts: This story was very cute and is perfect to get you in the Christmas spirit! Annie is an enjoyable FMC who is easy to relate to in some capacity. I wish my baking skills compared to hers! Decker is the best kind of guy, in that he’s willing to work on himself to become a better man, and of course how attractive he is doesn’t hurt! It was fun watching these two figure each other out while finding themselves.
My least favorite things about romance books are pleasantly absent from this one! No third act breakup and no obnoxiously slow slow burn! Thank you for finding different plot points to explore!
Three stars because the writing could use some maturity. The writing is just very simple and uses a lot of “I” statements with more telling than showing/ describing. I have no doubt that with more time and practice Holly will flourish into a well versed author!
It's been a while since I binged a book like I did with For You, Mr. Jones! This one was a super quick, light and easy read that brought all the Christmas-y vibes as the book is set in NYC in December, which I absolutely loved. I enjoyed the dual POV, the baking and football aspects, and especially loved Decker's friendship with Jennings and Grady. Certain parts of this book surprised me and others gave me goosebumps. There was a little insta love & forced proximity, a little spice and a little mental health, grief and therapy rep sprinkled into the story. All these aspects kept me engaged throughout the entire book.
Overall, I enjoyed this one and rated it 4 stars! If you are looking for a light and cute workplace romance that brings all the Christmas vibes that is set in NYC , check out For You, Mr. Jones (out now & on KU).
Thank you to the author, @hollywhitwrites for the arc! Looking forward to seeing what comes next (especially Lucy & Grady’s story!).
For You, Mr. Jones is a spicy romance novel featuring Decker and Annie. Decker, a former pro football player, and Annie, a former bakery owner, meet at Men's Shape magazine, where Decker is the editor, and Annie is his brand-new assistant. Decker is instantly charmed by Annie, and she is as equally dazzled by him, but past and current struggles force the two to question their building attraction to one another.
Set in NYC at Christmastime, For You, Mr. Jones not only gives you romance, spice, and a ton of sweet moments, but it also gives you everything comfort and Christmas (think cookies and Christmas lights, sledding and hot chocolate), making it the perfect holiday read or just a fun, cozy love story to enjoy any time of the year.
Decker and Annie are connected in more ways than one, so pick up For You, Mr. Jones on October 21, 2023! It’ll definitely leave you smiling. 🎄
Men written by Holly is THE standard. The first ever book I read by her was 'Over The Fence' and I fell in love with her writing.
Holly, thankyou very much for giving me the opportunity to read ARC of For You, Mr. Jones. I loved this book so much. Before reading this book, I was in a very bad slump but this book pulled me out of it. The characters are so well written. I love the chemistry between Annie and Decker. I loved the friendships in this book. I loved the whole christmas vibe. This book makes me want to experience it all. The snow fights, the baking together.. everything! I cannot wait to read more books by Holly😭❤️
I can’t believe I was lucky enough to get my first ARC read and it was from Holly. Thank you so much for this. I enjoyed this book from start to finish. I was already smiling with the first interactions that Annie and Decker had.
I also loved that anxiety is mentioned in the book, I related to Decker a lot because I have anxiety and understand that feeling and also in relationships.
I loved reading a Christmas book in July, it was really fun. Thank you again Holly and congrats and this amazing book.
Annie and Decker officially have my heart. This book is such a great romance between them, and the fact that it’s centered around Christmas just makes it 10x better for me🎄🙌🏻 There are so many things I love about this book - the flirting, the hilarious moments between Decker and his friends (softening butter, iykyk🧈), Annie’s sassy/spicy attitude towards *certain people* (I’m looking at you, Beau Wilson😒), the honesty and communication between Annie and Decker, and so much more! There is NO third act breakup, and they communicate with each other beautifully!!!🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 I had tears streaming down my face by the end of the book, it is SO GOOD🥹🩷 Holly you have written an AMAZING book! This is definitely one of my favorites now, and I can’t wait to re-read it come Christmas time!
ARC! 4.5/5 stars! Such a cute book. The ending had me gushing! Focused on forced proximity, Mr. Jones gets a new assistant and totally has a thing for her. He’s a retired NFL player and hasn’t been in a relationship in quite some time. He struggles to get over his grief by himself however his new assistant might be just the help he didn’t know he needed! I love how this book takes place during the holidays and in NYC.
This is my First Holly book, and wow!! I need to read more of her work!! For You, Mr. Jones was such an amazing read! I read it in less than 2 days!! Probably one sitting if I didn’t have to work 😂 Can we do more No 3rd Act breakups !? Like come on! Holly over here is showing y’all how to do it and how communication actually exists! The spiciness in this book did not disappoint, and even though I’m not a fan of insta-love, I enjoyed Decker and Annie so much!!
I can’t wait for everyone to be able to read this book!!!
Decker is an ex nfl player who retired from the NFL after the loss of his mother. He is currently working as an editor for a men’s magazine. His assistant for the past two years retires and hires her replacement.
Annie recently had to close down her bakery after a chain cookie company movies in close by. She takes the job as Decker’s assistant to save money to reopen her bakery.
Some forced proximity and baked goods later….and we have two people obsessed with each other!
This was the perfect holiday romance! Did it have workplace romance? ✅ Football players? ✅ Found family? ✅ And it also has anxiety/grief representation. If you like feel good Hallmark movies with a hint of spice this is the book for you!
*I received this book as an ARC in exchange for a review, however, all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own*
I wanted to love this book, ex-football pro, Christmas time romance, office relationship, what’s not to love right!? But it just fell flat. While I liked the fact that there wasn’t some huge third act drama, there was very little adversity the main characters had to overcome. It’s truly a happily ever after story. I struggled to stay engaged throughout the book.
This is an easy read with the author using “I” sentences and telling the reader things instead of showing the reader things. There were also a few grammatical errors, missing words, and just odd phrasing that will hopefully get ironed out before her official release.
Thank you so much @hollywhitwrites for sending me an early copy 💖
This was such a cute, swoony story! And I loved how Christmas took a back seat throughout. It added to the story rather than taking over, & I really enjoyed that!
Annie was a wonderful character! She was fiercely independent, intelligent, & her work ethic was like no other! She knew her dreams & was doing everything to chase after them 🫶🏻 And watching Decker confront his challenges brought a smile to my face! I also LOVED the friends!!! Especially Grady & Lucy 🥰 I want to read more of them!!
I’ve read ALL of Holly’s books so far, & it has been great seeing her writing journey flourish. Her writing has only gotten better & I can’t wait to see where she goes from here 💖👏🏻
What you can expect in this sweet story: ✨grumpy/sunshine ✨holiday season ✨work place romance ✨close proximity ✨found family ✨sweet & spicy ✨no 3rd act break up!
For You, Mr. Jones comes out October 21, 2023!!! Keep you eyes open!!!
I signed up to be an ARC reader for For You, Mr. Jones and was lucky enough to receive a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I completely ADORED this book. It’s funny, heart-warming, and gives the right amount of spice to keep it from being too cheesy. It’s a workplace romance that takes place around the holidays in NYC. (can you say perfect?) Decker and Annie have an immediate attraction to each other. The side characters were great. I’m already excited to see what happens with Grady and Lucy, and I NEED to know more about Jennings…ASAP. Holly did an incredible job writing how the characters dealt with anxiety, loss, and grief. I laughed multiple times throughout their story. BUT THAT ENDING…it was PERFECTION and had me crying in the car😅
Thank you so much Holly for the ARC. This book you must preorder and read it as soon as it’s released. This is now my current favorite book I’ve read. Decker and Annie are like something from a Hallmark Christmas movie but with spice and I’m living for it. There’s just so many scenes that I want to talk about butttt since this book isn’t out yet, I don’t want to spoil anything! Everyone need to read this!
The overall plot was a great idea. But I think the book was prematurely sent to ARC readers, there was a lot of revisions/edits needed. The main MCs were not developed fully, the FMC felt like she had no personality and just did what MMC wanted. I’ll read it again when it’s published.