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Two Love Lane #1
Christmas at Two Love Lane
The best gift of all is the one you share with someone else. . .
From the moment he strode through the iron gate and into the offices of Two Love Lane on a crisp December day, it was obvious that Deacon Banks was something different. He wasn't a Charleston native, not with that adorable Yankee accent. And unlike the usual client at the elegant matchmaking agency, he had no interest in finding a woman to marry--just a few no-strings dates while he was in town.
Macy Frost takes her professional services very seriously--how could she not, when she's rumored to be a direct descendant of Cupid? Tech entrepreneur Deacon says he's just trying to make his social-climbing aunt happy by being seen out and about with a few prominent beauties, but Macy insists she can make her client fall in love...for real. And Deacon can't help but think she might be right. As charming as the palmetto trees and magnificent harbor may be, it's the beautiful, breath-of-fresh-air Macy who's become Deacon's favorite part of the scenery. But can the hopelessly romantic Southern belle stop trying to fix him up and just let Cupid do his work on her own heart?
From the moment he strode through the iron gate and into the offices of Two Love Lane on a crisp December day, it was obvious that Deacon Banks was something different. He wasn't a Charleston native, not with that adorable Yankee accent. And unlike the usual client at the elegant matchmaking agency, he had no interest in finding a woman to marry--just a few no-strings dates while he was in town.
Macy Frost takes her professional services very seriously--how could she not, when she's rumored to be a direct descendant of Cupid? Tech entrepreneur Deacon says he's just trying to make his social-climbing aunt happy by being seen out and about with a few prominent beauties, but Macy insists she can make her client fall in love...for real. And Deacon can't help but think she might be right. As charming as the palmetto trees and magnificent harbor may be, it's the beautiful, breath-of-fresh-air Macy who's become Deacon's favorite part of the scenery. But can the hopelessly romantic Southern belle stop trying to fix him up and just let Cupid do his work on her own heart?
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 3, 2017
19 people are currently reading
987 people want to read
About the author
Kieran Kramer
21 books559 followersUSA Today bestselling author Kieran Kramer currently writes fun contemporary romance with a Southern flair for St. Martin’s Press. She lives where she grew up–in the Lowcountry of South Carolina–with her family. The first two books in her three-book TWO LOVE LANE series are on shelves now. The third book, SECOND CHANCE AT TWO LOVE LANE, comes out 8-28-18. Find Kieran on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter and at kierankramer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
September 21, 2017
Macy Frost along with a couple of her friends have opened up at matchmaking service at Two Love Lane and the ladies take their job seriously. Vowing that there is someone out there for everyone Macy is proud of her track record at the agency so far with many successful pairings. When Deacon Banks walks into Two Love Lane and Macy's office she's a bit taken aback when he insists he's not looking for love but only a few dates while he's in town to pass the time.
Macy is a bit curious about Deacon and as much as she doesn't want to admit even a bit attracted to him and his Yankee accent. However Macy doesn't mix her business and pleasure and even though Deacon says he isn't looking seriously she thinks she can still find the perfect woman for Deacon and change his mind. The more Macy insists she can help Deacon the more interested he becomes in her himself so he takes her up on her offer to find his mate just to spend more time with the matchmaker herself.
Christmas at Two Love Lane by Kieran Kramer is of course a contemporary romance read that takes place during the Christmas holidays and seems to be opening up a new series featuring the ladies of Two Love Lane with more books upcoming in the future. This story seemed to be one that really has a very slow build and pace to it which isn't necessarily bad but I tend to prefer a bit quicker myself. There's a bit of added angst that didn't really seem necessary since the controversy is set from the start with Macy not wanting to allow herself to fall for a client.
Overall though I did like the characters and set up in this one enough to enjoy the book even with the slower pacing. It could have possibly used a bit of a little extra unique Christmassy spark to make it stand out a bit too but there was enough celebrating along the way to give it that bit of feel good holiday vibe though. In the end I'd probably rate this one at 3.5 stars but those that enjoy a slower pace will probably rate higher than I have for this one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Macy is a bit curious about Deacon and as much as she doesn't want to admit even a bit attracted to him and his Yankee accent. However Macy doesn't mix her business and pleasure and even though Deacon says he isn't looking seriously she thinks she can still find the perfect woman for Deacon and change his mind. The more Macy insists she can help Deacon the more interested he becomes in her himself so he takes her up on her offer to find his mate just to spend more time with the matchmaker herself.
Christmas at Two Love Lane by Kieran Kramer is of course a contemporary romance read that takes place during the Christmas holidays and seems to be opening up a new series featuring the ladies of Two Love Lane with more books upcoming in the future. This story seemed to be one that really has a very slow build and pace to it which isn't necessarily bad but I tend to prefer a bit quicker myself. There's a bit of added angst that didn't really seem necessary since the controversy is set from the start with Macy not wanting to allow herself to fall for a client.
Overall though I did like the characters and set up in this one enough to enjoy the book even with the slower pacing. It could have possibly used a bit of a little extra unique Christmassy spark to make it stand out a bit too but there was enough celebrating along the way to give it that bit of feel good holiday vibe though. In the end I'd probably rate this one at 3.5 stars but those that enjoy a slower pace will probably rate higher than I have for this one.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
March 14, 2018
I am absolutely a sucker for this series!!! I just can't help it Kieran Kramer writes books that are based in Charleston(where I live) and has swoon worthy characters. When I received this book in the mail, I will have to admit that I took my time to read it. Usually when you hear that, its a bad thing. Well, not in this case because I did not want this story to end! I would engulf myself in parts of the story here and a little there. When I was feeling down and in a slump with a book, I would enjoy this book some more. Heck, I will admit that I even re-read some of it. I just love that in this series the settings are places that I have actually lived and have been and the author's description of Charleston is incredible!
So let's get past me rambling about the setting, there also was great characterization in this story. I felt highly invested in the characters and enjoyed the romance. While traveling through this adventure, the plot was at a great pace and had great descriptions. Holiday cheer also engulfed this story, leaving the reader with sweet holiday bliss. This is a great story if you enjoy a sweet holiday romance that will surely lighten your mood for the holidays or any occasion. I highly recommend this series to romance lovers!
I want to thank St. Martin's Press for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate this opportunity and all views expressed are my own.
So let's get past me rambling about the setting, there also was great characterization in this story. I felt highly invested in the characters and enjoyed the romance. While traveling through this adventure, the plot was at a great pace and had great descriptions. Holiday cheer also engulfed this story, leaving the reader with sweet holiday bliss. This is a great story if you enjoy a sweet holiday romance that will surely lighten your mood for the holidays or any occasion. I highly recommend this series to romance lovers!
I want to thank St. Martin's Press for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate this opportunity and all views expressed are my own.
December 1, 2017
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
For me there is nothing better then a holiday romance book. It's my favorite time of the year so it would make sense that I would love to read them, right? So when they start coming out I have to say that I gobble them up!
When I saw this new series by Kramer I knew I had to try it. The Story sounded good and I loved both the title and cover! It had all that attracts me to a story.
After reading it all I can say is that for me it was just okay. I didn't love nor did I hate it. Maybe a solid 2.5. I really wanted to like it more. As I read it I kept thinking, "this would have made such a good series to read," but it didn't. At least it didn't for me.
I don't know, maybe I'll try it again at some other time. I can't even tell you what I really didn't care for. It was almost boring to read, like a slow drip. I know that sounds horrible but at the moment I don't have any other words to use.
I think my biggest problem was that I only liked the characters a little. Good characters can lift up bad writing but so-so characters will draw good writing down. I couldn't connect nor believe in them. It's not like they are horrible, I just didn't....
I think this is one of those books that you'd have to try for yourself and see how you feel about it. Again, I wish I could put in words more of how I felt about it but I just had very little feelings about it one way or another.
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ARC received for a honest review
For me there is nothing better then a holiday romance book. It's my favorite time of the year so it would make sense that I would love to read them, right? So when they start coming out I have to say that I gobble them up!
When I saw this new series by Kramer I knew I had to try it. The Story sounded good and I loved both the title and cover! It had all that attracts me to a story.
After reading it all I can say is that for me it was just okay. I didn't love nor did I hate it. Maybe a solid 2.5. I really wanted to like it more. As I read it I kept thinking, "this would have made such a good series to read," but it didn't. At least it didn't for me.
I don't know, maybe I'll try it again at some other time. I can't even tell you what I really didn't care for. It was almost boring to read, like a slow drip. I know that sounds horrible but at the moment I don't have any other words to use.
I think my biggest problem was that I only liked the characters a little. Good characters can lift up bad writing but so-so characters will draw good writing down. I couldn't connect nor believe in them. It's not like they are horrible, I just didn't....
I think this is one of those books that you'd have to try for yourself and see how you feel about it. Again, I wish I could put in words more of how I felt about it but I just had very little feelings about it one way or another.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
ARC received for a honest review
October 3, 2017
4.5 stars
Happy Holidays! I cannot believe how cute, sweet and adorable Christmas At Two Love Lane was.
As the story started, I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this Christmas Tale. Macy was a little too much of a southern belle. She was extreme about her business of matchmaking and made it perfectly clear to Deacon that Two Love Lane was not a “dating service” then, in the next breath, she is running out the door in search of him and agreeing to his terms. But, as the tale was being wove by Kieran Kramer, I seriously became invested in the characters, the history of Charleston and how Macy got involved in the matchmaking business.
As for Deacon … well … talk about being straight-forward! Here was a man that knew what he wanted and made sure that he told Macy every time that they were together. Which, it turned out, was more than the time he spent with his “dates”. But, things backfire on him and the man who doesn’t believe in love is finding that love just may have found him.
I fell in love with Aunt Fran and George. I tolerated Celia. Ella, Greer and Miss Thing were enchanting. Ms. Kramer really wrote a beautiful love story. I loved, loved, loved the way she gave Deacon and Macy their happily-ever-after … it was sweet and so fitting for the both of them.
October 1, 2017
''Christmas at Two Love Lane' by Kieran Kramer is the Story of Deacon Banks and Macy Frost.
Macy and her friends have a business called Two Love Lane where they match people up into successfully relationships. Macy rumored to kind to Cupid even. But Deacon only in town for a short time and just wants a few dates from her agency.
The more that Deacon interacts with Macy the more that he seems to want her. But will Macy break her rules an act of the attraction she too is feeling for him.
Sweet easy romance read!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
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Macy and her friends have a business called Two Love Lane where they match people up into successfully relationships. Macy rumored to kind to Cupid even. But Deacon only in town for a short time and just wants a few dates from her agency.
The more that Deacon interacts with Macy the more that he seems to want her. But will Macy break her rules an act of the attraction she too is feeling for him.
Sweet easy romance read!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
October 2, 2017
Title: Christmas at Two Love Lane
Author: Kieran Kramer
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Rating: Five
Review:
"Christmas At Two Love Lane" by Kieran Kramer
My Thoughts...
This was a good lovely seasonal/holiday romantic read that even had little bit of comedy in it. I loved the Charleston setting for this read that this author brought out so very well. The two main characters well just let me say were 'phenomenal.' Definitely matchmaker Macy really meets her match when introduced to that bachelor Deacon. With Macy being in the business of matchmaking will Deacon find the date that will make his Aunt happy? Will it take the whole town to help Macy see that she too was capable to being loved?
The author really works the story is presented with so much 'drama, humor, spice, touching, flirting and let's not leave out all of this seasonal holiday happening' along with a wonderful dialogue that will keep one turning the pages to see what will happen next. So, if you are looking for a good holiday read I would definitely recommend this one to you.
Author: Kieran Kramer
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Rating: Five
Review:
"Christmas At Two Love Lane" by Kieran Kramer
My Thoughts...
This was a good lovely seasonal/holiday romantic read that even had little bit of comedy in it. I loved the Charleston setting for this read that this author brought out so very well. The two main characters well just let me say were 'phenomenal.' Definitely matchmaker Macy really meets her match when introduced to that bachelor Deacon. With Macy being in the business of matchmaking will Deacon find the date that will make his Aunt happy? Will it take the whole town to help Macy see that she too was capable to being loved?
The author really works the story is presented with so much 'drama, humor, spice, touching, flirting and let's not leave out all of this seasonal holiday happening' along with a wonderful dialogue that will keep one turning the pages to see what will happen next. So, if you are looking for a good holiday read I would definitely recommend this one to you.
October 10, 2017
I love Christmas romance stories.
Christmas at Two Love Lane is Macy and Deacon’s story and I can say that I loved the two main characters. Macy and her friends run Two Love Lane which is the matchmaking business and they are enlisted to help Deacon find proper dates, so that he can make his aunt happy. There is only one problem for Deacon and that would be Macy, because she seems to be the one that he wants.
I loved the setting of this book and I thought the book was very well written and would recommend it to anybody who loves holiday romances.
ARC provided by publisher for honest review.
Christmas at Two Love Lane is Macy and Deacon’s story and I can say that I loved the two main characters. Macy and her friends run Two Love Lane which is the matchmaking business and they are enlisted to help Deacon find proper dates, so that he can make his aunt happy. There is only one problem for Deacon and that would be Macy, because she seems to be the one that he wants.
I loved the setting of this book and I thought the book was very well written and would recommend it to anybody who loves holiday romances.
ARC provided by publisher for honest review.
December 13, 2017
I enjoyed this, but I felt like it could have been shorter - I started to get tired of it partway through, even though I did like the concept and the writing. The characters were fun, and she did a decent job keeping it festive (some of these holiday books really skimp on the Xmas!). The little “mystery” I could have done without, but the corgis?!! A few corgi scenes make everything better.
November 20, 2017
It's been awhile since I wrote a review because either some books were so bad I didn't bother finishing them or I was in the middle of self-loathing on my life not going anywhere at the moment. But I took the time to finish this story at least because I do want to read some Christmas stories for the holidays.
Macy Frost works as a matchmaker in her business with her other three friends, Miss Thing, Greer, and Ella in Charleston. Deacon Banks helps move his Aunt Fran out from New York City and settle into their social setting. I think Aunt Fran was supposed to come off funny for a wealthy celebrity who struck fear into powerful figures, but that kind of fell flat since I felt this story was more like telling than showing. Deacon is only asking Macy to help him find someone temporary for himself so he could please his aunt a little before going back to New York City and resume his bachelor life.
The one thing the author did well was paint the setting for the "town" which is a fairly decent sized city. She described Charleston's culture and winter weather pretty well. When it comes down to hospitality, I suppose a lot of people follow a certain protocol especially when they work for tourism, but the overwhelming amount of it in the book seemed too much. It makes people look two-faced to me and that's how a lot of the characters acted throughout the story.
Starting with Macy, everything about her is wonderful. She's beautiful, sexy, funny, smart, witty, social, kind, independent, forgiving, loving, sweet, dependable, socially acceptable, the life of the party, sensitive, successful, and a spunky southern belle. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Aside from a few flaws from her family, they're all so loving and caring to everyone. So wistful it just brings a tiny tear to my eye. I'm sorry but this is too much! It's fine for characters to have nice qualities, but holy damn, when most of the story and characters are telling that she's so great, it takes away any form of realism in her personality and that sickly sweet stuff makes me want to barf. There are few moments she does get a little sickly sweet with Celia, someone who's bitter and got kind of shafted by her in the beginning, but turns around to apologize with tears in her eyes. The only great flaw that the book tells is that she's afraid to commit for herself. What we've got here is a Mary Sue without the Twilight version. I guess I'm a sucker for train wrecks and somehow make things better for themselves.
Deacon Banks is your typical handsome, wealthy bachelor who doesn't want to fall in love, but is considered a gentleman and only wants to please his aunt. He lost his parents from a car accident when he was two and his celebrity Aunt Fran takes him in. He's a successful tech entrepreneur from New York City and is living with his aunt at the moment with their close man-friend, George and their two corgis. He's nice, charitable, charming, and a Gary Stu with the typical male stereotypes involved. The dates that Macy sets him up on turn around to help him get with Macy by coming with plausible excuses on bailing on their dates. Even when he sleeps with Macy and only wants to spend time with her, he's still considering on going back to New York without commitment. It is only with a few stern words and a heartwarming, tear-jerking moment that Aunt Fran and George convinces him to marry her.
I did like the fact that Aunt Fran was blunt, but at the same time, she did a lot of telling in the story and explaining because the author assumed the readers wouldn't be able to figure how the romance would go. It would have been cute with her and the colonel, but once again, a lot of telling. And there was also a lot of repetition in the narration and characters. The author was over-explaining the story almost in a way to make the readers adore her characters.
The story wanted to make us love the antagonists as well. Cecil was a little bit more redeemable than Trent. When it comes to Cecil, Macy once paired her up with a guy that turned her down and Cecil married Walter on her own terms but didn't really care about her marriage by remaining bitter until the end. She was teaching Aunt Fran how to behave properly in Charleston society while politely ripping on Macy. Despite Cecil being cold and uptight, I liked her a lot better since she was the only realistic person in the book. Trent is a soap actor who's a complete jackass and tried to have his way with Macy by taking her home with him until he got punched by Deacon. It got really cheesy when Trent's mother orders him to be a better man in front of everyone and he does a complete 180 by apologizing and complimenting Macy before leaving with a new sense of humbleness. I can't buy that. I'm not saying that pigs can't learn from their mistakes; it just takes a lot longer than a quick intervention from someone and I felt like Trent was only doing it to save face.
I suppose Christmas stories are supposed to fluffy and overly sweet at times, but the story overall was bland to me and the ending couldn't be more tackier. It takes the fruitcake. Everyone's at the Toy for Tots celebration and it's all so warm and fuzzy. The Two Love Lane business comes across old papers that were missing from a woman's journal in a hidden baseboard from the Revolutionary War and they announce the discovery at the party with giddy elegance and it explained her love for Deacon's supposed ancestor which is supposed to be some link to Macy's family's roots. Since her father's family believes they directly descended from Cupid (like a Roman/Greek god is real), Deacon and Macy were magically truly meant to be together. After the announcement, Deacon dressed as Santa goes on stage and proposes to Macy with everyone's loved ones all approving.
There was a point in the story where the author is going so overboard with all of this I felt like she was making fun of her own story and all of the other bestseller books that have done the exact same thing in the past. Did she deliberately write this story to only make fun of this kind of trope or formula? Was she coerced into writing this contemporary nonsense that she didn't bother putting much effort into it? I never read any of her other books so I can't really tell if she's being sarcastic as a writer, but her writing was pretty smooth, so I know she doesn't come off as a complete idiot. It's like the curtain falls, her tight smile falls and she goes to the bathroom to throw up the glitter she digested. I certainly would!
*Also on a crucial side note: You know how you can use a famous quote from someone before the acknowledgements page? Yeah... I don't think Coco Chanel is a very good idea. Not blaming the author because not a lot of people know history that well, but Coco Chanel was involved with the Nazis and even slept with an officer since she only cared about social climbing and didn't care about the fact her country, France, was being invaded by them and she was extremely prejudice despite the fact she came from a poor family. She is far from being a humble person and she was ugly on the inside.
Macy Frost works as a matchmaker in her business with her other three friends, Miss Thing, Greer, and Ella in Charleston. Deacon Banks helps move his Aunt Fran out from New York City and settle into their social setting. I think Aunt Fran was supposed to come off funny for a wealthy celebrity who struck fear into powerful figures, but that kind of fell flat since I felt this story was more like telling than showing. Deacon is only asking Macy to help him find someone temporary for himself so he could please his aunt a little before going back to New York City and resume his bachelor life.
The one thing the author did well was paint the setting for the "town" which is a fairly decent sized city. She described Charleston's culture and winter weather pretty well. When it comes down to hospitality, I suppose a lot of people follow a certain protocol especially when they work for tourism, but the overwhelming amount of it in the book seemed too much. It makes people look two-faced to me and that's how a lot of the characters acted throughout the story.
Starting with Macy, everything about her is wonderful. She's beautiful, sexy, funny, smart, witty, social, kind, independent, forgiving, loving, sweet, dependable, socially acceptable, the life of the party, sensitive, successful, and a spunky southern belle. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Aside from a few flaws from her family, they're all so loving and caring to everyone. So wistful it just brings a tiny tear to my eye. I'm sorry but this is too much! It's fine for characters to have nice qualities, but holy damn, when most of the story and characters are telling that she's so great, it takes away any form of realism in her personality and that sickly sweet stuff makes me want to barf. There are few moments she does get a little sickly sweet with Celia, someone who's bitter and got kind of shafted by her in the beginning, but turns around to apologize with tears in her eyes. The only great flaw that the book tells is that she's afraid to commit for herself. What we've got here is a Mary Sue without the Twilight version. I guess I'm a sucker for train wrecks and somehow make things better for themselves.
Deacon Banks is your typical handsome, wealthy bachelor who doesn't want to fall in love, but is considered a gentleman and only wants to please his aunt. He lost his parents from a car accident when he was two and his celebrity Aunt Fran takes him in. He's a successful tech entrepreneur from New York City and is living with his aunt at the moment with their close man-friend, George and their two corgis. He's nice, charitable, charming, and a Gary Stu with the typical male stereotypes involved. The dates that Macy sets him up on turn around to help him get with Macy by coming with plausible excuses on bailing on their dates. Even when he sleeps with Macy and only wants to spend time with her, he's still considering on going back to New York without commitment. It is only with a few stern words and a heartwarming, tear-jerking moment that Aunt Fran and George convinces him to marry her.
I did like the fact that Aunt Fran was blunt, but at the same time, she did a lot of telling in the story and explaining because the author assumed the readers wouldn't be able to figure how the romance would go. It would have been cute with her and the colonel, but once again, a lot of telling. And there was also a lot of repetition in the narration and characters. The author was over-explaining the story almost in a way to make the readers adore her characters.
The story wanted to make us love the antagonists as well. Cecil was a little bit more redeemable than Trent. When it comes to Cecil, Macy once paired her up with a guy that turned her down and Cecil married Walter on her own terms but didn't really care about her marriage by remaining bitter until the end. She was teaching Aunt Fran how to behave properly in Charleston society while politely ripping on Macy. Despite Cecil being cold and uptight, I liked her a lot better since she was the only realistic person in the book. Trent is a soap actor who's a complete jackass and tried to have his way with Macy by taking her home with him until he got punched by Deacon. It got really cheesy when Trent's mother orders him to be a better man in front of everyone and he does a complete 180 by apologizing and complimenting Macy before leaving with a new sense of humbleness. I can't buy that. I'm not saying that pigs can't learn from their mistakes; it just takes a lot longer than a quick intervention from someone and I felt like Trent was only doing it to save face.
I suppose Christmas stories are supposed to fluffy and overly sweet at times, but the story overall was bland to me and the ending couldn't be more tackier. It takes the fruitcake. Everyone's at the Toy for Tots celebration and it's all so warm and fuzzy. The Two Love Lane business comes across old papers that were missing from a woman's journal in a hidden baseboard from the Revolutionary War and they announce the discovery at the party with giddy elegance and it explained her love for Deacon's supposed ancestor which is supposed to be some link to Macy's family's roots. Since her father's family believes they directly descended from Cupid (like a Roman/Greek god is real), Deacon and Macy were magically truly meant to be together. After the announcement, Deacon dressed as Santa goes on stage and proposes to Macy with everyone's loved ones all approving.
There was a point in the story where the author is going so overboard with all of this I felt like she was making fun of her own story and all of the other bestseller books that have done the exact same thing in the past. Did she deliberately write this story to only make fun of this kind of trope or formula? Was she coerced into writing this contemporary nonsense that she didn't bother putting much effort into it? I never read any of her other books so I can't really tell if she's being sarcastic as a writer, but her writing was pretty smooth, so I know she doesn't come off as a complete idiot. It's like the curtain falls, her tight smile falls and she goes to the bathroom to throw up the glitter she digested. I certainly would!
*Also on a crucial side note: You know how you can use a famous quote from someone before the acknowledgements page? Yeah... I don't think Coco Chanel is a very good idea. Not blaming the author because not a lot of people know history that well, but Coco Chanel was involved with the Nazis and even slept with an officer since she only cared about social climbing and didn't care about the fact her country, France, was being invaded by them and she was extremely prejudice despite the fact she came from a poor family. She is far from being a humble person and she was ugly on the inside.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2017
Come visit Charleston in this delightful festive romance! Macy Frost is a professional matchmaker, one who prides herself on successfully helping many people find their soulmate. However, she's still searching for her own! That's until Deacon Banks visits her matchmaking agency, wanting to appease his Aunt by pretending to look for his true love, even though he has no ambition whatsoever to actually do so! The two connect straight away, but that's just plain unethical for Macy so she endeavours to resist her attraction to Deacon and to set him up on a series of dates to tempt him. . . . . He's only in town for a month, whatever could go right - or wrong - in that time? Well, you'll just have to read this book to discover for yourself!
This is a story packed with humour, especially as Deacon's Aunt is Macy's new next door neighbour and a well known, popular but somewhat astringent and vociferous celebrity. Her endeavours to fit into the Southern community and interactions with notable residents result in some laugh out loud scenarios and great dialogue. It is about expectations, beliefs and connections all of which may need revising in the light of experience. As usual, what you anticipate doesn't always quite go as you hoped or planned - and that is often a good thing in the end. This is a lovely story to escape into and includes more than one romantic development, just right to put you in a festive mood, whatever the season!
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
This is a story packed with humour, especially as Deacon's Aunt is Macy's new next door neighbour and a well known, popular but somewhat astringent and vociferous celebrity. Her endeavours to fit into the Southern community and interactions with notable residents result in some laugh out loud scenarios and great dialogue. It is about expectations, beliefs and connections all of which may need revising in the light of experience. As usual, what you anticipate doesn't always quite go as you hoped or planned - and that is often a good thing in the end. This is a lovely story to escape into and includes more than one romantic development, just right to put you in a festive mood, whatever the season!
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
October 17, 2017
Christmas at Two Love Lane was just too cute, sweet, laidback with a southerness about it besides the quaint town of Charleston, SC. Charm. Manners. Respect. Elegant. Cute. This was a slow holiday read that allowed you to gain your ground and move along like on a Sunday-drive. Watching Deacon fall on the arrow of cupid was just too fun. He was insisting he just wanted a few dates to appease his aunt, but that insistence goes out the window with the more time he spends with Macy. He spent more time with her than he did with his actual dates. Then realization slowly starts to brighten his eyes.
Macy was a die-hard southern belle to her core. She was genuinely respectful of what she did for a living. She did not take to highly to it being treated like a common place dating service. Deacon and Macy were a delight to watch dance around each other and the bond they were forming.
Reading Christmas at Two Love Lane most certainly will not be for those that insist one fast-paced romance. This one took its time and grew. The bonds were formed and it was sweet, charming, southern. There are great characters to help you along your way.
Come on in and enjoy a slower-pace holiday romance.
Macy was a die-hard southern belle to her core. She was genuinely respectful of what she did for a living. She did not take to highly to it being treated like a common place dating service. Deacon and Macy were a delight to watch dance around each other and the bond they were forming.
Reading Christmas at Two Love Lane most certainly will not be for those that insist one fast-paced romance. This one took its time and grew. The bonds were formed and it was sweet, charming, southern. There are great characters to help you along your way.
Come on in and enjoy a slower-pace holiday romance.
November 1, 2017
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This was such a sweet and adorable Christmas read I thoroughly enjoyed it!! The characters were brilliant and I loved the plot too! I now want to go back and read the other books in the series! This is the first one I have read and it definitely works as a stand alone but I do feel that after reading it I would have benefitted from reading the rest - a festive treat - 4 stars from me!
This was such a sweet and adorable Christmas read I thoroughly enjoyed it!! The characters were brilliant and I loved the plot too! I now want to go back and read the other books in the series! This is the first one I have read and it definitely works as a stand alone but I do feel that after reading it I would have benefitted from reading the rest - a festive treat - 4 stars from me!
October 12, 2017
Christmas at Two Love Lane by Kieran Kramer
A man trying to please his aunt sets out to date a variety of women, with the help of a matchmaker, but has no desire to settle down any time soon. The hitch is that he finds the matchmaker intriguing and ends up spending more time with her than dating. Of course Deacon and Macy end up falling for one another but it seems to take forever.
This is my first book by this author and of the Christmas stories I have read this is not one of my favorites. I think it may be because I could not really relate to either Deacon or Macy and thought the story slow paced without much really happening. That said, I am sure there are some readers who will adore it and that is just as it should be.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
2-3 Stars
A man trying to please his aunt sets out to date a variety of women, with the help of a matchmaker, but has no desire to settle down any time soon. The hitch is that he finds the matchmaker intriguing and ends up spending more time with her than dating. Of course Deacon and Macy end up falling for one another but it seems to take forever.
This is my first book by this author and of the Christmas stories I have read this is not one of my favorites. I think it may be because I could not really relate to either Deacon or Macy and thought the story slow paced without much really happening. That said, I am sure there are some readers who will adore it and that is just as it should be.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
2-3 Stars
September 23, 2017
I went into this book with so much excitement. It's a Holiday book! It's by Kieran Kramer! Unfortunately, it just wasn't for me.
The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: The setting of Charleston is charming but the pace and the setting of the story makes this feel like a small town story. With Charleston being well over 100k people this felt a bit off for me even though I did like it. I love small town romances. I also liked some of the secondary cast of characters. Fran, Deacon's Aunt, was an interesting woman who stole the scenes she was in, and she was in quite a lot of them and George, her HouseBoy/Manservant, was a hoot . Unfortunately, I never really warmed up to Macy, or even her partners, Greer, Ella, and Miss Thing, or really many of the characters. There was very little background on them and very little divulged during the course of the book. What I got from Macy was she was perfect. She giggled. She was a professional (although the last thing wasn't demonstrated but repeated by Macy herself.) Her only imperfection is that she can't seem to let herself fall in love. She's a matchmaker who doesn't believe she can find her true love.
Anyway, I had a hard time getting into this book. It could have been the pacing, which seemed really slow. Or it could be everything was just so sweet. There wasn't any actual conflict. I don't consider Macy's wishy washy woe is me I can't fall in love ways conflict. I missed this aspect and felt the book suffered a bit without it. In addition, there were a couple sex scenes but they all began on page and finished off page. Very little details were included and I actually prefer a little more sizzle in my books.
In a Nutshell: Even though I really adore Kieran Kramer's historical romances I wasn't blown away by this Contemporary Romance and barely even liked it. Even though this book wasn't for me those who like just plain sweet CRs with a low heat levels might enjoy this.
The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: The setting of Charleston is charming but the pace and the setting of the story makes this feel like a small town story. With Charleston being well over 100k people this felt a bit off for me even though I did like it. I love small town romances. I also liked some of the secondary cast of characters. Fran, Deacon's Aunt, was an interesting woman who stole the scenes she was in, and she was in quite a lot of them and George, her HouseBoy/Manservant, was a hoot . Unfortunately, I never really warmed up to Macy, or even her partners, Greer, Ella, and Miss Thing, or really many of the characters. There was very little background on them and very little divulged during the course of the book. What I got from Macy was she was perfect. She giggled. She was a professional (although the last thing wasn't demonstrated but repeated by Macy herself.) Her only imperfection is that she can't seem to let herself fall in love. She's a matchmaker who doesn't believe she can find her true love.
Anyway, I had a hard time getting into this book. It could have been the pacing, which seemed really slow. Or it could be everything was just so sweet. There wasn't any actual conflict. I don't consider Macy's wishy washy woe is me I can't fall in love ways conflict. I missed this aspect and felt the book suffered a bit without it. In addition, there were a couple sex scenes but they all began on page and finished off page. Very little details were included and I actually prefer a little more sizzle in my books.
In a Nutshell: Even though I really adore Kieran Kramer's historical romances I wasn't blown away by this Contemporary Romance and barely even liked it. Even though this book wasn't for me those who like just plain sweet CRs with a low heat levels might enjoy this.
October 8, 2017
Quick Summary
Deacon's aunt wants him to serious consider meeting someone and finally settling down. But he's seen what settling down with the wrong person can do to a man and his bachelor lifestyle is still too fun and carefree for him to blindly risk it all on the elusive thing called love. Instead he compromises and sets out to serial date for a few weeks while his wild and brash aunt finds her footing in the very southern little town of Charleston, South Caroline.
Two Love Lane is the best matchmaking agency around and enlisting their expert services to find Deacon suitable dates, seems the perfect plan, except for the tiny problem that his matchmaker, Macy, instantly becomes the only woman Deacon wants on his arm.
Macy, descendant of the legendary Cupid, believes whole heartedly that true love and soul mates exist and is determined to show Deacon that real love is better then living your life aimlessly, waiting on the next rush. Instead she bets she can change his mind.
With the holiday spirit bringing out good cheer and merriment, Deacon and Macy find themselves pulled by a strong physical connection. But will either one be brave enough to voice out loud their own fears and insecurities for a chance to explore the emotions binding them so tightly together?
In the mist of well wishes, good friends and southern charm, Deacon and Macy each have to come to terms with their own actions and finally see the little Christmas miracle that will finally bring them together.
My thoughts
The writing style took a bit of getting use to. It felt like the author was going a mile a minute with Macy. She was like the Energizer Bunny. Non. Stop. Even her inner dialogue felt like it gave me whiplash. Once I finally got the hang of her perkiness, things found a certain rhythm. Deacon was a solid character, his relationship with his aunt was really great. They weren’t your average family unit but they were closer them most. I loved Frannie, Deacon’s aunt. She was such a sassy character, a bit blunt and loud but so lively and entertaining. She ended up stealing the lime light every time she made an appearance. I loved her and Freddie together. Their secondary love story was a bonus.
This one was definitely a slow burn. Deacon and Macy do a lot of dancing around each other. While Macy tries to keep things professional, Deacon is focused solely on showing Macy how good it could be between them, if only she lets him. It a tug-a-war for who will outlast the other. If you enjoy a story with a sweet friends to lovers vibe and a lot of back and forth can’t-seem-to-make-up-their-minds drama with a bit of Christmas cheer thrown in, this cutesy story will be right up your alley.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
SAFETY INFO
Deacon's aunt wants him to serious consider meeting someone and finally settling down. But he's seen what settling down with the wrong person can do to a man and his bachelor lifestyle is still too fun and carefree for him to blindly risk it all on the elusive thing called love. Instead he compromises and sets out to serial date for a few weeks while his wild and brash aunt finds her footing in the very southern little town of Charleston, South Caroline.
Two Love Lane is the best matchmaking agency around and enlisting their expert services to find Deacon suitable dates, seems the perfect plan, except for the tiny problem that his matchmaker, Macy, instantly becomes the only woman Deacon wants on his arm.
Macy, descendant of the legendary Cupid, believes whole heartedly that true love and soul mates exist and is determined to show Deacon that real love is better then living your life aimlessly, waiting on the next rush. Instead she bets she can change his mind.
With the holiday spirit bringing out good cheer and merriment, Deacon and Macy find themselves pulled by a strong physical connection. But will either one be brave enough to voice out loud their own fears and insecurities for a chance to explore the emotions binding them so tightly together?
In the mist of well wishes, good friends and southern charm, Deacon and Macy each have to come to terms with their own actions and finally see the little Christmas miracle that will finally bring them together.
My thoughts
The writing style took a bit of getting use to. It felt like the author was going a mile a minute with Macy. She was like the Energizer Bunny. Non. Stop. Even her inner dialogue felt like it gave me whiplash. Once I finally got the hang of her perkiness, things found a certain rhythm. Deacon was a solid character, his relationship with his aunt was really great. They weren’t your average family unit but they were closer them most. I loved Frannie, Deacon’s aunt. She was such a sassy character, a bit blunt and loud but so lively and entertaining. She ended up stealing the lime light every time she made an appearance. I loved her and Freddie together. Their secondary love story was a bonus.
This one was definitely a slow burn. Deacon and Macy do a lot of dancing around each other. While Macy tries to keep things professional, Deacon is focused solely on showing Macy how good it could be between them, if only she lets him. It a tug-a-war for who will outlast the other. If you enjoy a story with a sweet friends to lovers vibe and a lot of back and forth can’t-seem-to-make-up-their-minds drama with a bit of Christmas cheer thrown in, this cutesy story will be right up your alley.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
SAFETY INFO
October 23, 2017
Kieran Kramer is one of my go to authors. I adore her books because she excels at creating slice-of-life novels. Ms Kramer creates characters that resonate with the reader and crafts emotional, heartfelt storylines which draw the reader into the story. In Christmas at Two Love Lane, Ms. Kramer pairs Deacon Banks, a savvy New York City businessman with Macy Frost, a charming Charleston, South Carolina socialite and matchmaker.
I adored the premise of this holiday themed romance. Deacon is spending the month of December in Charleston visiting with his newly retired aunt. Fran Banks is a famous talk show host who has relocated to Charleston with her houseman George and four corgis. Deacon knows his aunt is a force to be reckoned with but, wants to please her because Fran raised him after his parents died. Fran’s fondest desire? She’d love Deacon to marry, preferably a southern girl, so she can be part of the Charleston society. Deacon’s gift to Fran for Christmas? A series of dates arranged by Macy’s matchmaking business.
Deacon Banks epitomizes my image of a New York business man; he’s determined, resourceful and goes after what he wants. He doesn’t believe in love and doesn’t understand Macy’s calling as a matchmaker. I enjoyed the back and forth banter between Macy and Deacon; their conversations were heartfelt, funny and honest and their chemistry sizzled from the first page of the book. The romance between the couple is well paced. Deacon was attracted to Macy and with each one of his dates it was apparent that he was falling for her. The author does a fabulous job integrating the cast of secondary characters into the story. Loved George’s relationships with Fran and Deacon; their conversations were spot on and added spice to the novel. Deacon makes a strategic error in his pursuit of Macy. Can she forgive him when she uncovers the truth?
Christmas at Two Love Lane is a delightful read! The charming, larger than life characters, the witty dialogue, the southern setting add to this sweet perfectly paced romance. I can’t wait for the next story in the series.
Thank you Kieran from the Rose-Haven corgis for the shout out! You captured the corgi spirit and fondness for snacks perfectly!
I adored the premise of this holiday themed romance. Deacon is spending the month of December in Charleston visiting with his newly retired aunt. Fran Banks is a famous talk show host who has relocated to Charleston with her houseman George and four corgis. Deacon knows his aunt is a force to be reckoned with but, wants to please her because Fran raised him after his parents died. Fran’s fondest desire? She’d love Deacon to marry, preferably a southern girl, so she can be part of the Charleston society. Deacon’s gift to Fran for Christmas? A series of dates arranged by Macy’s matchmaking business.
Deacon Banks epitomizes my image of a New York business man; he’s determined, resourceful and goes after what he wants. He doesn’t believe in love and doesn’t understand Macy’s calling as a matchmaker. I enjoyed the back and forth banter between Macy and Deacon; their conversations were heartfelt, funny and honest and their chemistry sizzled from the first page of the book. The romance between the couple is well paced. Deacon was attracted to Macy and with each one of his dates it was apparent that he was falling for her. The author does a fabulous job integrating the cast of secondary characters into the story. Loved George’s relationships with Fran and Deacon; their conversations were spot on and added spice to the novel. Deacon makes a strategic error in his pursuit of Macy. Can she forgive him when she uncovers the truth?
Christmas at Two Love Lane is a delightful read! The charming, larger than life characters, the witty dialogue, the southern setting add to this sweet perfectly paced romance. I can’t wait for the next story in the series.
Thank you Kieran from the Rose-Haven corgis for the shout out! You captured the corgi spirit and fondness for snacks perfectly!
January 7, 2019
Christmas at Two Love Lane is a charming sweet holiday read.
Deacon Banks is a dark, moody hunk that in no way believes in love. Lust most definitely, but love not a chance. To make his Aunt Fran happy Deacon promised her the best of best Christmas present, his openness to have a matchmaker find him some female companionship. What Deacon did not know was his life is about to take on new meaning.
Macy Frost character is adorable, but I have to say this heroine drove me a bit batty at some points of Christmas at Two Love Lane. I felt like Macy had to many back and forth moments for me. She is a loving, caring lady when it comes to others, but not with herself.
I enjoyed Deacon and Macy when they let their guard down long enough to let each other in. Macy has some serious issues that stems from a secret from her past. This secret is the road block to Macy’s heart. Can Deacon be the one to remove said road block too win her heart? Can Macy convince Deacon that he is worth having someone love him?
Supporting characters were just so much fun, even the Catty Celia added her own blend of fun. George and Aunt Fran were just plain delightful, charming. I found myself enchanted.The plot took on a sweet romance tract which I enjoyed. Even though I felt Macy a bit scattered in the end she was enjoyable.
Rated 4 Stilettos by Deb!
Deacon Banks is a dark, moody hunk that in no way believes in love. Lust most definitely, but love not a chance. To make his Aunt Fran happy Deacon promised her the best of best Christmas present, his openness to have a matchmaker find him some female companionship. What Deacon did not know was his life is about to take on new meaning.
Macy Frost character is adorable, but I have to say this heroine drove me a bit batty at some points of Christmas at Two Love Lane. I felt like Macy had to many back and forth moments for me. She is a loving, caring lady when it comes to others, but not with herself.
I enjoyed Deacon and Macy when they let their guard down long enough to let each other in. Macy has some serious issues that stems from a secret from her past. This secret is the road block to Macy’s heart. Can Deacon be the one to remove said road block too win her heart? Can Macy convince Deacon that he is worth having someone love him?
Supporting characters were just so much fun, even the Catty Celia added her own blend of fun. George and Aunt Fran were just plain delightful, charming. I found myself enchanted.The plot took on a sweet romance tract which I enjoyed. Even though I felt Macy a bit scattered in the end she was enjoyable.
Rated 4 Stilettos by Deb!
April 24, 2018
Christmas at Two Love Lane is the first book in a new series by Kieran Kramer. A sweet holiday romance set in Charleston, I was really excited to read this and it did not disappoint!
Macy Frost heads a matchmaking business, something she takes very seriously, and not to be confused with a ‘dating service’. Her family has had a gift of successfully finding Cupid’s match for generations. Macy simply hasn’t found her match. When Deacon Banks arrives in her doorway requesting dates to appease his aunt who wishes him happily paired, but clearly with no intention of finding a match, Macy is at once offended and intrigued. Sparks (and arrows) fly as matchmaker and client spend time together and it becomes clear their match is inevitable. This is most certainly a slow burn, and the path to bringing Macy and Deacon together may be frustrating for those that prefer a quicker payoff. I loved how Charleston was a character in its own right, something I really seek out and enjoy in books. I recommend for those that enjoy contemporary women’s fiction, romance, and specifically holiday romance.
I received an advanced reader copy (eGalley) from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinions.
Macy Frost heads a matchmaking business, something she takes very seriously, and not to be confused with a ‘dating service’. Her family has had a gift of successfully finding Cupid’s match for generations. Macy simply hasn’t found her match. When Deacon Banks arrives in her doorway requesting dates to appease his aunt who wishes him happily paired, but clearly with no intention of finding a match, Macy is at once offended and intrigued. Sparks (and arrows) fly as matchmaker and client spend time together and it becomes clear their match is inevitable. This is most certainly a slow burn, and the path to bringing Macy and Deacon together may be frustrating for those that prefer a quicker payoff. I loved how Charleston was a character in its own right, something I really seek out and enjoy in books. I recommend for those that enjoy contemporary women’s fiction, romance, and specifically holiday romance.
I received an advanced reader copy (eGalley) from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinions.
October 12, 2017
Macy Frost is a perfect Southern lady. She lives in Charleston, South Carolina where she is a matchmaker extraordinaire. Sadly she hasn't found the perfect man for herself. Things get really complicated when she meets Deacon Banks. He doesn't want to get married. He just wants casual dates. Inspite of their best intentions their chemistry is amazing. They find that the heart wants what the heart wants. I fell in love with this couple and the other characters in this charming holiday story. Deacon's Aunt Fran made me laugh. Her character leaps off the page. Christmas At Two Love Lane by Kieran Kramer put me in the holiday mood. I loved her characters, the setting and the sassy dialogue. I want to come back to this close knit community. I want to see the other characters get their HEA.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
March 8, 2018
This story is set in present day Charleston and features Macy Frost and Deacon Banks as the main characters. Macy is a native of Charleston for several generations while Deacon is from New York visiting his aunt, who raised him. Macy runs a matchmaking service even though she is not sure she believes in true love that lasts. Deacon has no desire to settle down. Of course they are made for each other. This is another of my happy reads that was quick and easy.
October 5, 2017
Christmas at Two Love Lane (Two Love Lane) by Kieran Kramer
Ms. Kramer makes it easy to laugh right into love with this mismatched duo. She's a matchmaker. He's a heartbreaker. Neither are that big on being risk takers, but love has a way of making it's presence known. Christmas at Two Love Lane the gift that keeps on giving no matter the season.
Ms. Kramer makes it easy to laugh right into love with this mismatched duo. She's a matchmaker. He's a heartbreaker. Neither are that big on being risk takers, but love has a way of making it's presence known. Christmas at Two Love Lane the gift that keeps on giving no matter the season.
October 10, 2017
Situated in a beloved South Carolina locale, this fun Christmas Romance is not to be missed. With quirky characters and an abundance of sensual dialogue Kieran Kramer has written a holiday romance for the keeper shelf.
This poignant, sexy and fun book is well written bringing the reader to both laughter and tears.
This poignant, sexy and fun book is well written bringing the reader to both laughter and tears.
October 12, 2017
Christmas at Two Love Lane by Kieran Kramer is a cute holiday romance about a matchmaker and a client. Deacon only wants to find a date while he’s in town, but Macy has an impressive record and believes he can find Deacon is rightful match. Deacon wasn’t looking for love but he found it regardless, with Macy. Overall, likeable characters who put me in the holiday spirit.
December 6, 2017
I am so happy that I won this book as this was a new author to me. I just enjoyed the story so much. There were so many characters in the book that were so funny. A few of them I would love to see in a book by themselves. The main characters carried the book so well and made a really good Christmas story. Kieran hit a grand slam with this book!
December 7, 2017
Book Club
October 5, 2017
Romantic comedy set in Charleston, SC at Christmas. Lovely.
December 31, 2017
Slow, boring read. It took me ages to get through this book as I stopped loads of times to read more interesting books in between.
October 13, 2017
Christmas at Two Love Lane by Kieran Kramer was on my list of books to read for a special holiday blog post for St Martin's Press. Set in Charleston, South Carolina, Kramer provides us with an incredibly visual and detailled description of the town's harbour and ambience. What I do get from the story is the laid-back atmosphere of the area.
The book had an interesting premise but unfortunately I wasn't taken with the pace of the book, and struggled with this aspect of it. The pace seemed very slow to me and I found myself wanting to skip parts, but for the purpose of doing my blog post afterwards, I persevered with the book hoping the pace would pick up, but it didn't really in my eyes. The dialogue was very "he said/she said," and there wasn't variety in this.
The parts I loved were the dates, as I felt this was where we got to know the characters, and I found they both had an interesting backstory. Macy Frost works at a dating agency and is a hard worker and serious about her work. I liked how her love of French food was woven into the story, and how she went to lunch at the French restaurant despite initially declining the invitation from Deacon Banks, who she literally met on the same day when he entered the dating agency.
Deacon seems well-meaning and romantic. An important person in his lfe is his aunt who is a retired talk-show host. The other dates they went on were just as interesting.
Apart from a small mention of a Christmas tree and gifts, there wasn't really a Christmas feel in this book for me. Except at the end. From the title, I suppose I did expect it to be more Christmassy throughout.
What I did like about this book were the connections between Deacon and Macy and I was drawn in by wanting to know which path these would take.
3.5 stars.
Thanks to Kieran Kramer and St Martin's Press for my ARC.
The book had an interesting premise but unfortunately I wasn't taken with the pace of the book, and struggled with this aspect of it. The pace seemed very slow to me and I found myself wanting to skip parts, but for the purpose of doing my blog post afterwards, I persevered with the book hoping the pace would pick up, but it didn't really in my eyes. The dialogue was very "he said/she said," and there wasn't variety in this.
The parts I loved were the dates, as I felt this was where we got to know the characters, and I found they both had an interesting backstory. Macy Frost works at a dating agency and is a hard worker and serious about her work. I liked how her love of French food was woven into the story, and how she went to lunch at the French restaurant despite initially declining the invitation from Deacon Banks, who she literally met on the same day when he entered the dating agency.
Deacon seems well-meaning and romantic. An important person in his lfe is his aunt who is a retired talk-show host. The other dates they went on were just as interesting.
Apart from a small mention of a Christmas tree and gifts, there wasn't really a Christmas feel in this book for me. Except at the end. From the title, I suppose I did expect it to be more Christmassy throughout.
What I did like about this book were the connections between Deacon and Macy and I was drawn in by wanting to know which path these would take.
3.5 stars.
Thanks to Kieran Kramer and St Martin's Press for my ARC.
October 2, 2017
Christmas at Two Love Lane by Kieran Kramer
Cute contemporary holiday romance. First in the series. A matchmaker finds more in common with the client than she’s comfortable with. Or rather, that’s the problem. She is too comfortable with him to match him up with anyone else.
This story is also about the friendships that the women have with each other and their unlimited support. I though it was great they talked openly to each other and shared their lives.
I loved Macy’s cheer. The holidays help, but in general she is a happy person. That is so refreshing. People like her. That’s sweet. What I didn’t get was her lack of understanding that her friends wanted the best for HER. That she thought of it as betrayal was sad.
It is a romance, so without details, all ends well.
Excerpt:
“Deacon woke up starving. His first coherent thought was Breakfast at Macy’s. But he wasn’t thinking about toast or eggs, or bagels and coffee. Even as his stomach growled, his imagination lingered on the curve of Macy’s cheek, the spark in her eye, the way she laughed.
He couldn’t wait for breakfast because he liked her. She was a cake baker, a matchmaker, and a society girl who didn’t seem to notice she was cut from a different spectacular cloth. She was a wild thing. He saw it in her eyes—a barefoot girl who marched to her own drummer. And he wanted to get to know her better.
Way better.”
Excerpt from Christmas at Two Love Lane by Kieran Kelley.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.
Cute contemporary holiday romance. First in the series. A matchmaker finds more in common with the client than she’s comfortable with. Or rather, that’s the problem. She is too comfortable with him to match him up with anyone else.
This story is also about the friendships that the women have with each other and their unlimited support. I though it was great they talked openly to each other and shared their lives.
I loved Macy’s cheer. The holidays help, but in general she is a happy person. That is so refreshing. People like her. That’s sweet. What I didn’t get was her lack of understanding that her friends wanted the best for HER. That she thought of it as betrayal was sad.
It is a romance, so without details, all ends well.
Excerpt:
“Deacon woke up starving. His first coherent thought was Breakfast at Macy’s. But he wasn’t thinking about toast or eggs, or bagels and coffee. Even as his stomach growled, his imagination lingered on the curve of Macy’s cheek, the spark in her eye, the way she laughed.
He couldn’t wait for breakfast because he liked her. She was a cake baker, a matchmaker, and a society girl who didn’t seem to notice she was cut from a different spectacular cloth. She was a wild thing. He saw it in her eyes—a barefoot girl who marched to her own drummer. And he wanted to get to know her better.
Way better.”
Excerpt from Christmas at Two Love Lane by Kieran Kelley.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.
May 29, 2020
A slow paced Christmas contemporary romance, Macy and her friends run a matchmaking business. Deacon hires them to find perfect dates to satisfy his aunt. But Macy decides to find him his soulmate. Little does both of them know that she is his soulmate. A enjoyable read with lots of drama, humor, southern charm and interesting characters
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher
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