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Christmas Key #1
There’s Always a Catch
The locals are getting ready for the first group of real tourists to hit Christmas Key— especially Holly Baxter, the 30-year-old mayor of the tropical island located off the coast of Florida. On Christmas Key, holiday decorations are a full-time accessory, golf carts putter around in place of cars, and the cantankerous septuagenarians take great interest in the rocky love lives of their younger neighbors.
Jake Zavaroni, handsome island cop, is still trying to figure out how proposing to Holly under the stars suddenly turned her into his ex instead of his wife, and Holly is left wondering whether the whole relationship was simply one of convenience in the first place—after all, available young men aren’t exactly a dime a dozen on the island. Is it possible that her romance with Jake, while fun and easy, was nothing more than a tame distraction?
Holly’s hands are already full trying to sort out her love life and convince her neighbors that progress isn’t a dirty word when a boisterous group of fishermen arrive from Oregon to give the local economy a shot in the arm. Holly is immediately driven to distraction: handsome ex-baseball player River O’Leary is everything she’s dreamed of: witty, sexy, and a total stranger. They’re drawn to each other the minute River steps from boat to dock, and Holly’s only real dilemma is whether a fling with a gorgeous visitor will pull her away from her plans to turn their little slice of paradise into a viable tourist destination.
Despite family drama, a persistent ex-boyfriend, and more catastrophes than Holly could have dreamed of, she’s determined to put her island on the map. Now, with the bases fully loaded, Holly needs to see whether she and River will strikeout completely when he leaves the island, or whether their game will have extra innings!
Jake Zavaroni, handsome island cop, is still trying to figure out how proposing to Holly under the stars suddenly turned her into his ex instead of his wife, and Holly is left wondering whether the whole relationship was simply one of convenience in the first place—after all, available young men aren’t exactly a dime a dozen on the island. Is it possible that her romance with Jake, while fun and easy, was nothing more than a tame distraction?
Holly’s hands are already full trying to sort out her love life and convince her neighbors that progress isn’t a dirty word when a boisterous group of fishermen arrive from Oregon to give the local economy a shot in the arm. Holly is immediately driven to distraction: handsome ex-baseball player River O’Leary is everything she’s dreamed of: witty, sexy, and a total stranger. They’re drawn to each other the minute River steps from boat to dock, and Holly’s only real dilemma is whether a fling with a gorgeous visitor will pull her away from her plans to turn their little slice of paradise into a viable tourist destination.
Despite family drama, a persistent ex-boyfriend, and more catastrophes than Holly could have dreamed of, she’s determined to put her island on the map. Now, with the bases fully loaded, Holly needs to see whether she and River will strikeout completely when he leaves the island, or whether their game will have extra innings!
342 pages, ebook
First published March 28, 2016
1171 people are currently reading
1158 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Taylor
43 books114 followersStephanie Taylor writes a romantic comedy series about a fictional island called "Christmas Key," as well as several other standalone romance, YA, and middle grade titles.
You can check out her website at: www.redbirdsandrabbits.com
You can check out her website at: www.redbirdsandrabbits.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
February 17, 2022
Yes, I wrote this book, and yes, I’m giving it 5 stars after reading it in paperback format for the first time ever. But here’s what I want to say to the younger version of me who wrote this book: first of all, NO ONE needs this many semi-colons! Step AWAY from the semi-colon, girl! 😂 But more importantly, this is a fun, engaging story of love and friendship in a tropical paradise, and younger me should be proud of it. Current me loved it. ♥️ Keep writing, girl! 🤓👍🏻
January 18, 2023
It's the ideal book to read when traveling or on summer vacation since it's simple to get up and set off, yet it still manages to captivate you and make you want to learn what transpires. An easy read that also makes you yearn to live on a lovely island.
It took some getting used to the story being told in the present tense, but the plot is compelling enough to keep readers turning the pages. There are turns that do help to keep the story interesting. I also enjoyed the character development and the excellent setting. However, there are a few aspects of the book that I don't exactly like.
It's certainly not a bad book, but I struggled with the writing style and eventually realized that there were parts where it read more like a script than just a book. I felt the book to be bland and, if I'm being completely honest, there didn't seem to be much of a story. So this might not be the book for you if you like your reading to have a dramatic or climactic ending.
In general, I would recommend this book if you're looking for a more laid back, snuggly read without a lot of drama while enjoying a tropical setting or you want to switch up your usual heavy read.
It took some getting used to the story being told in the present tense, but the plot is compelling enough to keep readers turning the pages. There are turns that do help to keep the story interesting. I also enjoyed the character development and the excellent setting. However, there are a few aspects of the book that I don't exactly like.
It's certainly not a bad book, but I struggled with the writing style and eventually realized that there were parts where it read more like a script than just a book. I felt the book to be bland and, if I'm being completely honest, there didn't seem to be much of a story. So this might not be the book for you if you like your reading to have a dramatic or climactic ending.
In general, I would recommend this book if you're looking for a more laid back, snuggly read without a lot of drama while enjoying a tropical setting or you want to switch up your usual heavy read.
December 19, 2018
A light, easy read
It's the perfect book to read when travelling etc as its easy to pick up & put down, yet somehow it draws you in and you want to find out what happens. There isn't really a plot & whilst there are a few nice twists on the way it was disappointing that there was no real "ending" to any of the storylines, it very much is the first in a series & that annoys me - I like to read a book & get a satisfactory ending, yes give me some hooks to make me want to read the next in the series, but just stopping will likely put me off buying more, not encourage it!
It's the perfect book to read when travelling etc as its easy to pick up & put down, yet somehow it draws you in and you want to find out what happens. There isn't really a plot & whilst there are a few nice twists on the way it was disappointing that there was no real "ending" to any of the storylines, it very much is the first in a series & that annoys me - I like to read a book & get a satisfactory ending, yes give me some hooks to make me want to read the next in the series, but just stopping will likely put me off buying more, not encourage it!
August 19, 2019
Such a let down
Honestly you just arenleft at the end going what? I was disappointed in it. It’s not a book with characters you need extended stories for each but a series of each of the younger and sidenstories of older but it ends where you need to continue to see reallybwhat the main characters decisions are and that pisses me off
Honestly you just arenleft at the end going what? I was disappointed in it. It’s not a book with characters you need extended stories for each but a series of each of the younger and sidenstories of older but it ends where you need to continue to see reallybwhat the main characters decisions are and that pisses me off
June 25, 2024
fantastic
What a refreshing change. Turns out to be a series but no big cliffhanger. Can’t wait to read book 2. Loving it.
What a refreshing change. Turns out to be a series but no big cliffhanger. Can’t wait to read book 2. Loving it.
December 26, 2019
Who doesn't need a little escapism during the winter? This story is set on an idyllic tiny co-op island where the youngest, most attractive woman is mayor and has two hot dudes fighting over her. I couldn't help but wonder how her grandparents, the founders of this commune, managed to get utilities and sewers installed, how a full-time policeman for 100 senior citizens fills his time, or why we never get the names of the other staff members of the B&B, but hey, I'm probably missing the point. A beach or plane read for sure.
August 23, 2018
I absolutely detested this book! It has a glacial pace, nothing ever seems to happen and the author keeps getting confused between whether she is narrating the story or someone else. The beginning of each chapter starts in the present tense, and soon the tense changes to past or something else.
I am so sorry this is a series and readers are going to be subjected to more of this mediocre set of books. Will never again read this author.
I am so sorry this is a series and readers are going to be subjected to more of this mediocre set of books. Will never again read this author.
April 2, 2022
I didn't realize this was the first in a series when I picked it up as a free book from the Book Bub Deal of the Day list awhile back but that does explain why as it neared the end, I felt like there weren't enough pages left for the story to finish.
This would be a great beach vacation read as it's pretty light reading. 30 year old Holly is the "mayor" of Christmas Key, a Florida Key island of roughly 110 inhabitants her grandparents bought when she was young so they could raise her away from big city life. Now that her grandparents are gone, it is her mission to see her grandfather's vision of turning the island into a tourist destination become a reality - and to get her mostly elderly neighbors on board with the idea.
Part chick lit, part romance novel, it's not a bad book but I had a hard time with the tone in which it was written and it finally dawned on me that in places I felt more like I was reading a script than a book (Holly puts on her purple bikini. Holly goes into the kitchen) - like I was reading stage directions instead of a novel.
There is of course the hunky ex-boyfriend (literally the only age appropriate guy on the island for Holly) and the potential new love in the form of a visitor. But at it's core, it's mostly a book about community and how to prosper and grow with the times without losing "home" in the process.
I'll likely read at least the second book but at this point as this one does have a lot of heart, I don't see reading all nine as a top priority.
This would be a great beach vacation read as it's pretty light reading. 30 year old Holly is the "mayor" of Christmas Key, a Florida Key island of roughly 110 inhabitants her grandparents bought when she was young so they could raise her away from big city life. Now that her grandparents are gone, it is her mission to see her grandfather's vision of turning the island into a tourist destination become a reality - and to get her mostly elderly neighbors on board with the idea.
Part chick lit, part romance novel, it's not a bad book but I had a hard time with the tone in which it was written and it finally dawned on me that in places I felt more like I was reading a script than a book (Holly puts on her purple bikini. Holly goes into the kitchen) - like I was reading stage directions instead of a novel.
There is of course the hunky ex-boyfriend (literally the only age appropriate guy on the island for Holly) and the potential new love in the form of a visitor. But at it's core, it's mostly a book about community and how to prosper and grow with the times without losing "home" in the process.
I'll likely read at least the second book but at this point as this one does have a lot of heart, I don't see reading all nine as a top priority.
March 12, 2020
An easy read that makes you also want to live in a beautiful island as the one described in the book where only a few really remain because they adapt and they become "family". It´s the ideal scenery for a love story but it also shows the the main character as a woman who has a strong character and a force that not only she does not initially recognizes but also doubts she will be able to continue her grandad´s legacy. The plot - besides romance - includes a stranged mother and her sudden intrusion in the island´s life, an unexpected uncle, more friends than expected, a new love and an old one. The rest of the characters are funny and keep on gossiping and giving their unsolicited opinions in very loud and mischiveous ways. Entertaining!!!
July 4, 2020
I loved the book! Holly & all her friends & neighbors on Christmas Key Island
Make you want to go and visit and no matter who you run into would be so, much fun! Of course, you’d be bound to run into Jake, the local police officer who has a golf cart for his cruiser. Or the triplets or Marie or Bonnie or the local Doc. Of course, some of the fisherman might be there like River.there is also, her mom & Alan, her boyfriend and some of the things she has planned for the Island! Holly has something’s planned after all she is the Mayor! It is a very fun book that I would definitely recommended!
Make you want to go and visit and no matter who you run into would be so, much fun! Of course, you’d be bound to run into Jake, the local police officer who has a golf cart for his cruiser. Or the triplets or Marie or Bonnie or the local Doc. Of course, some of the fisherman might be there like River.there is also, her mom & Alan, her boyfriend and some of the things she has planned for the Island! Holly has something’s planned after all she is the Mayor! It is a very fun book that I would definitely recommended!
December 8, 2020
It grew on me the further I went through the book so I will read the next in the series, only because I watch reality shows!!! Read the book and you'll know what I mean by that comment! I did find there was too much description that seemed to be in for the sake of it. Most readers do have imaginations and this would have been so much better if not every little thing was scripted like a play. Some of the characters were a little unbelievable too and the proof reader clearly also got bored in the last third of the book!! Let's see what book two holds...
February 21, 2019
Good read
This was a fun casual read. Good story line with some surprises along the way. Holly has grown up on the Island her grandparents bought. They wanted a beautiful safe place to raise Holly after young, flighty and selfish mother left. The island is full of quirky residents and Holly started a B&B after grandparents passing. She is trying to make sure the island stays sustaining and somewhat wild.
This was a fun casual read. Good story line with some surprises along the way. Holly has grown up on the Island her grandparents bought. They wanted a beautiful safe place to raise Holly after young, flighty and selfish mother left. The island is full of quirky residents and Holly started a B&B after grandparents passing. She is trying to make sure the island stays sustaining and somewhat wild.
May 6, 2020
An island you'll want to visit
No fault in the book, except I don't tend to give 5 stars to this genre of novels.
Great character development, the island and it's inhabitants make me want to find it in a map and get a ticket right now.
Very enjoyable.
Will definitely continue with the series.
Found no typos - not editing errors.
I recommend it if you want a bit to heavy theme novel, but one that is several wrungs above a beach book.
Nice.
No fault in the book, except I don't tend to give 5 stars to this genre of novels.
Great character development, the island and it's inhabitants make me want to find it in a map and get a ticket right now.
Very enjoyable.
Will definitely continue with the series.
Found no typos - not editing errors.
I recommend it if you want a bit to heavy theme novel, but one that is several wrungs above a beach book.
Nice.
April 29, 2023
What a great book! This story had me laughing right from the beginning – a couple of times out loud. Warm, witty, funny. The characters were skilfully drawn with humour and depth, and just on the right side of comedy caricature. Living on a small island in a tiny community, the joys of it and the irritations of it are the flip side of the same coin. Romance, drama and plot twists leaven the storyline, and you find you care what happens to them all.
December 19, 2024
It's all about Christmas
Yes, the series is set on Christmas Key but it's a lot of Christmas! Of course the heart if any book comes from the characters and there are some good ones. Actually they are all great, the good ones (quite a few), the ones I'm on the fence about and the villains! Quite a few of them I be interested in sharing some homemade rum with. I'm going to start the second installment now.
Yes, the series is set on Christmas Key but it's a lot of Christmas! Of course the heart if any book comes from the characters and there are some good ones. Actually they are all great, the good ones (quite a few), the ones I'm on the fence about and the villains! Quite a few of them I be interested in sharing some homemade rum with. I'm going to start the second installment now.
November 3, 2017
Neat family-centered tale
This time it all comes together in a good entertaining story, with a couple of twists Just enough mystery to keep you waiting to see what happens next. Coco and her husband. Alan leave you wanting them to have to deal with the consequences of their behavior. River and Jake leave you wondering who should prevail.
This time it all comes together in a good entertaining story, with a couple of twists Just enough mystery to keep you waiting to see what happens next. Coco and her husband. Alan leave you wanting them to have to deal with the consequences of their behavior. River and Jake leave you wondering who should prevail.
November 29, 2017
Review
Great book! Holly has a lot on her plate as the mayor of Christmas Key, her own island. They need more visitors to more revenue and she gets a fishing group from the northwest. Things don't go smoothly but turn out ok. She finds out some shocking news and gets a TV show to agree to film in the island. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Great book! Holly has a lot on her plate as the mayor of Christmas Key, her own island. They need more visitors to more revenue and she gets a fishing group from the northwest. Things don't go smoothly but turn out ok. She finds out some shocking news and gets a TV show to agree to film in the island. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
June 13, 2019
A tribute.to her grandparents who raised her on the island. She feels it is her island and about to present a civic and economic plan to the residents.
Dressing in a bikini swim suit an d suit dress, feeling the urge to swim through out the day. Jake the man she loved who she thought supported her independence . He wanted Miami, action as a cop. Good series.
Dressing in a bikini swim suit an d suit dress, feeling the urge to swim through out the day. Jake the man she loved who she thought supported her independence . He wanted Miami, action as a cop. Good series.
August 22, 2019
Holly was determined and spunky which is always great in my opinion. There wasn't much to this story yet there were so many characters involved. I really do not like the bad mom trope which seems to be present in a lot of new adult books. I can't complain because it wasn't horrible but also it could have been all around memorable.
November 28, 2019
Warm island thoughts
I liked the story and enjoyed the descriptions a lot. I got lost in the present tense sometimes - I felt like I was tripping over the state of being. It’s a beach read with potential and loose morals. Made my heart ache a little for all the love em and leave em relationships that leave a tender heart battered.
I liked the story and enjoyed the descriptions a lot. I got lost in the present tense sometimes - I felt like I was tripping over the state of being. It’s a beach read with potential and loose morals. Made my heart ache a little for all the love em and leave em relationships that leave a tender heart battered.
January 5, 2020
Romantic light read
My first book from this author but it won't be the last. Light entertaining read about a Christmas Island, a young mayor, her dog Pucci, the characters that make up the island, dash of romance interlaced with a touch of humour which all gel to make an enjoyable novel
My first book from this author but it won't be the last. Light entertaining read about a Christmas Island, a young mayor, her dog Pucci, the characters that make up the island, dash of romance interlaced with a touch of humour which all gel to make an enjoyable novel
February 19, 2020
There’s always catch
This was poorly written. It is as if a 6th grader wrote it. Not real sure what possessive it was supposed to be! The ending was not worth plowing through the book for. Please either write in the possessive pronoun I (which I hate) or in the past present ( Haley stood on the beach ...not Haley stands on the beach).
This was poorly written. It is as if a 6th grader wrote it. Not real sure what possessive it was supposed to be! The ending was not worth plowing through the book for. Please either write in the possessive pronoun I (which I hate) or in the past present ( Haley stood on the beach ...not Haley stands on the beach).
January 29, 2023
This was an odd one. I really liked the setting and characters. It was a very authentic Keys setting. I loved that it was romance on the side, the island and its inhabitants came first. The writing left me conflicted. It was third person present tense, and often I felt like I was reading a script. I’m definitely interested in the characters but I’m on the fence about reading the next one.
September 11, 2023
cute story!
Lighthearted, island romance.
Christmas Key Island was purchased by Frank Baxter to move his family to after his teenage daughter becomes pregnant and has a little girl. The story is told by thirty year old Holly Baxter, who lived her entire life with her grandparents on Christmas Key Island.
Lighthearted, island romance.
Christmas Key Island was purchased by Frank Baxter to move his family to after his teenage daughter becomes pregnant and has a little girl. The story is told by thirty year old Holly Baxter, who lived her entire life with her grandparents on Christmas Key Island.
December 25, 2017
Like company at a holiday party, this book is charming but forgettable. I thought it would be a Christmas themed book, but it actually takes place in midsummer. It's a cute introduction to a Christmas-themed island village, but the lack of plot makes it hard to care much what happens to anyone.
December 31, 2017
Loved it
Great story with wonderful characters, can't wait to start the next one!! Recommended for young and old, story about life and set on a beautiful island. I read a lot of books and it was def hard to put this one down, can't wait to find out what happens
Great story with wonderful characters, can't wait to start the next one!! Recommended for young and old, story about life and set on a beautiful island. I read a lot of books and it was def hard to put this one down, can't wait to find out what happens
July 2, 2018
I was a good read though it left me wanting more
It made me feel like I was a part of their lives and that I could one day meet them and visit that island. It was an interesting read
It made me feel like I was a part of their lives and that I could one day meet them and visit that island. It was an interesting read
August 21, 2018
There’s Always a Catch
Welcome to Christmas Key where you’ve got a holiday themed town with tropical weather. I loved the characters, O loves the author’s style of writing. I was drawn right in and am anxious to see what comes next.
Welcome to Christmas Key where you’ve got a holiday themed town with tropical weather. I loved the characters, O loves the author’s style of writing. I was drawn right in and am anxious to see what comes next.
August 22, 2018
An easy read with a lovely setting and nice people (for the most part), this first in a series leaves you feeling a bit like the authors just stopped in the middle of the story. Presumably this will be remedied by reading further in the series.
February 20, 2019
Hilarious
I really like this book. From family issues to neighbors of all ages, to romance to looking out for yourself, this book has it all. Looking forward - instead of back. Attitude! fabulous dialogue. Quirky characters galore.
I really like this book. From family issues to neighbors of all ages, to romance to looking out for yourself, this book has it all. Looking forward - instead of back. Attitude! fabulous dialogue. Quirky characters galore.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews