Tinsel

by Kris Bryant

Breaking up is hard to do, but three weeks before Christmas it’s even more painful. Jessica Raymond isn't in love with her ex-girlfriend anymore; she just hates to emotionally limp through the holidays. When a cute gray kitten shows up on her doorstep, Jessica panics. She doesn’t have time for a pet. Finding sexy Veterinarian Dr. Taylor Mitchell intriguing isn’t part of the plan either, but both manage to turn her world upside down.

Taylor Mitchell isn’t going to let a beautiful woman with a bad attitude bring her down. It’s the holidays and she’s determined to show some much-needed Christmas spirit and help a lonely cat find a good home.

A few kitten-induced mishaps bring them closer and sharing the same space suddenly isn’t so bad. Chatting is actually pretty nice. Did this sweet kitten show up to help them find each other? Or is the holiday spirit to blame for their special connection?

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Holiday, LGBT, Lesbian, Queer, Novella

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2019

About the author

Podcast with Tara Scott at queerlyrecommended.com

Multi-award winning author Kris Bryant was born in Tacoma, WA but has lived all over the world and now considers Kansas City her home. She received her B.A. in English from the University of Missouri and spends a lot of her time buried in books. She enjoys hiking, photography, spending time with her family, and her dog, Molly (who gets more attention than she does on Facebook).

Her first novel, Jolt, was a Lambda Literary Finalist. Forget Me Not was selected by the American Library Association's 2018 Over the Rainbow book list and was a Golden Crown Finalist for Contemporary Romance. Breakthrough won a 2019 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Listen won a 2020 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Temptation won a 2021 Goldie for Contemporary Romance. Not Guilty written under Bryant's pen name - Brit Ryder - won a 2022 Goldie for Erotica. Kris can be reached at krisbryantbooks@gmail or ww.krisbryant.net, @krisbryant14.

Jolt - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Whirlwind Romance - ebook, paperback
Just Say Yes (Novella in the wedding series) - ebook only
Taste - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forget Me Not - ebook, paperback
Shameless (written as Brit Ryder) - ebook, audiobook
Girl Next Door Anthology - "Dog Day of Summer" - ebook, paperback
Touch - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Breakthrough - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Against All Odds - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Travel Anthology (short by Brit Ryder) - ebook, paperback
Listen - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Falling - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Tinsel - ebook, audiobook
Temptation - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Lucky - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Home - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Scent - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Not Guilty writing as Brit Ryder - ebook, paperback (audiobook in the works)
Always - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Forever - ebook, paperback, audiobook
Stranded Hearts (with Amanda Radley & Emily Smith) - ebook, paperback
Serendipity - ebook, paperback, audiobook

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect read to get in the mood for the holidays. I normally don’t purposely look for holiday books except if you count Halloween. I don’t know why that is because they usually have entertaining family moments and lots of sweetness which I normally enjoy. So this year I decided to attempt to purposely read some fun holiday books. Lucky me, I got to start off with an author that is on my top five favorite author list, Kris Bryant. Bryant has slowly and sneakily won me over book after book. While I like her older books, in the last couple of years especially her books have been one hit after another. I was excited to read this and Bryant did not disappoint.

This is a romantic novella. While I love a good 700 page epic fantasy read, sometimes I really like a novella because the shorter length keeps the book going at a good pace with no lagging. This particular novella felt like a complete story. It didn’t feel rushed, never dragged and I thought the length was perfect for this sweet story.

Beware of cute cat. Catmas Evergreen, come on that is like the best cat name ever. Plus, it makes me think of Jennifer Lawrence and how can you complain about thinking of Jennifer Lawrence. I’m an equal opportunity cat and dog person so I do love a cute pet story. I know not everyone loves cats, but I don’t see how anyone can read this story and not want their own Catmas.

Besides the adorable cat, this is of course a sweet romance. One of the things I like about Bryant is she writes characters that feel realistic. They aren’t perfect, they have their flaws, but that’s what makes them work so well in the story. I enjoyed watching the romance build and I was rooting for them as a potential couple.

If you are looking for a sweet read to get you in the holiday mood, this novella is for you. It doesn’t matter if Bryant writes shorts, novellas, or full length books, whatever she writes I’ll be reading.

An ARC was given to me for a honest review.

[Corporate Slave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I definitely needed this one :) This was Such a fun, cute, feel good read that I totally recommend it for anyone who needs to have a big smile on their face when they finish reading a book :)

So this is a novella basically that involves an unbelievably cute cat (by the way I’m not a cat lover I prefer dogs but for some odd reason I fell in love with this cat), a Vet and a clueless MC that needed some straightening out at the beginning of the book :)

This book got me excited about winter! Now I can’t wait for Christmas and the festivities :)

Read this with a nice glass of red wine 🍷! I just wish it was not a novella because I really liked the MCs and the supporting characters so maybe the author could have some sort of a spin off later on? Let’s wait and see because I’m a big fan of Kris Bryant!
“I received an ARC for an honest review .”

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read and enjoyed other books by Kris Bryant but this is my absolute favourite.

Damn, it has all the feels. Hours after turning the last page, I'm still sitting her with a stupid grin on my face.

Told in first-person and completely from Jessica's view point, this story lacks for nothing. The secondary characters are as three dimensional as our leading lady.

I enjoy reading books with pets in them, but I don't think I've ever read one where I feel like I've bonded with the animal. Cat lover or not, you'll be hard pressed not to fall in love with this sweetie.

But the story is not only about the kitten, there's a very sweet romance in the making, and the plot is littered with a slew of loveable characters. Mo, Jessica's best friend, was the bomb.

I can't say much more without giving anything away, but if you're in the mood for a feel good story, with a touch of Christmas, you can't go wrong here.

Yes, I received an ARC. No, that didn't influence my review.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Tinsel’ by Kris Bryant is just about the perfect Christmas novella for me. It was cute and fun and sweet and made me happy. Also, as someone who is not a cat person, I absolutely loved Catmas/Tinsel. She stole the show for me with her attempts at bringing Jessica and Taylor together, whether on purpose or not.

Another favorite was Jessica’s best friend Mo and their friendship. I really loved how they were real and honest with each other. I saw a lot of my own relationship with my best friend in it and that made it even better.

I really enjoyed the romantic relationship as well, obviously. Once grumpy Jess got over herself and opened herself up to Taylor, they really hit it off and worked well together. To me, Taylor’s interest from the very beginning but Jess seems pretty obvious to it which I found amusing.

My only complaint is that Jessica comes off as kind of mean at first, a little over just being grumpy. Everyone from her mother to her best friend notices. I didn’t like that trait but I did love how Taylor doesn’t really put up with it. When Jess is mean, she acknowledges it and leaves. I was very happy once she moved on from that and saw how ridiculous she was being.

Highly recommend this to everyone!

[Corrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tinsel by Kris Bryant is a wonderful little Christmas present, full of cute Holiday goodness to get you in that festive mood.

We have Jessica, who is acting like the Grinch who stole Christmas after she has to boot out her cheating, asshole girlfriend. We have a cute grey kitty who turns up on Jessica’s doorstep like a little early Christmas present (not that Jessica appreciates that right away). We have best friend Mo who’s perfect little family unit reminds Jessica of all the good things she is missing out on. And last but not least we have Taylor, the hot new veterinarian with a bit of a clumsy streak.

Kitty Catmis Evergreen will have to put out all the stops to get Jess feeling that Christmas spirit.

Bryant is a very versatile writer and I love all her offerings, including this seasonal ditty. Go read it!

f/f

Themes: cheating girlfriend, bah humbug!, cute kitty Catmis is the cat- alist, the new vet is a klutz, but also very hot, the flyers that never get used, a tinsel emergency brings them closer together.

4 Stars

* An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Luce · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for this 2019 Christmas novella by Kris Bryant

Jessica Raymond is not having a great day. She is breaking up with her girlfriend in her neighborhood coffee shop. I loved Jess’s to the point reasoning –

“What exactly do you want me to say? It’s my fault? I forgive you? Let’s be friends? Because none of those are true. It’s not my fault, I don’t forgive you, and I never want to see you again.”

While in the coffee shop, she spots a gray kitty in the window. Not really a cat person, but she worries about the cat, because it is below freezing outside and especially when a man inadvertently but unapologetically hits the cat with his bag. She can’t find the cat but magically it is waiting for her at her doorstep after walking home from the coffee shop. The kitty makes herself at home in front of her fireplace. Jess never had a cat, never wanted a cat but as her friend Mo tells her, she may now have a cat. Mo tells her what to do for now until she can go to the vet in the morning to see if the cat was microchipped. It is here that she has the first of a couple of literal run-ins with the Vet, Dr. Taylor Mitchell. “Catmas Evergreen” wasn't microchipped. Everyone makes fun of the name Jess quickly came up with when filling out the Vet forms. Personally, I thought it was cute and so does my own gray cat, Katniss.

And so begins this Christmas story. You’ve got 2 likable MC’s, a loveable cat, a fun BFF (Mo), deserved payback, well written novella, Love and Christmas! What more can you want?

(Note: Bryant states in the Acknowledgments that the story is based on a true story)

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reluctant cat mom and grumpy Grinch Jessica gets her frozen heart melted by Taylor, the hot new local veterinarian.

That's actually the entire book in one sentence but if you need more incentive to read this here's what you need to know:

~ A cat named Catmas Evergreen.
~ This will get you in the mood for Christmas.
~ Extra fluff; both the cat and the story.
~ Not one drop of angst to be found.
~ It's written by the amazing Kris Bryant!

I don't know how anyone can not like this book. They'd have to be a 100% dog person or a resident of the Capitol. Full 4* rating!

[Bugs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kris Bryant's latest outing, "Tinsel," was inundated with holiday feels! Well, obviously because...just look at the cover! Right? Well, more than that, it was a quirky, bashful, witty, whimsical (yes!) story about life after a break-up, taking a chance, letting go and just.... having fun with the new, the unknown, in life.

It was a different kind of writing and storytelling style for Bryant in this novella. Well, at least different for me compared to her previous work, in the tone, rhythm and sound of her word flow and expressions, especially the situation with Jessica's state of mind and her bad break-up (of the worst kind!) which seeped into her workplace, too because... well, you know the saying, "Don't sh*t where you eat?" The wit and caricature style in the "wicked witch" characteristics and behaviour department were fun to read. Is it just me or do I detect a bit of Brayden-esque, no? Oh well... just me then...

Anyway...

Full commentary here.... In Bugs' Own Words

**I was given, with much thanks and appreciation, an ARC of this book, by the author, in return for an honest review.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dystopian Inspired Cat.

This Christmas novella begins with Jess ending a 6-month relationship with a cheating girlfriend. She is distracted by a stray cat outside her window who later happens to find its way to her doorstep. She takes it in, determined to provide it shelter from the elements until she can find its rightful owner.

This story was the perfect length for this cute romance. What made this especially endearing were the relationships Jess has with her best friend, Mo, and her mother. The text conversations where Jess bounces things off of Mo are full of humor. Exactly the snarky teasing you would expect from two close friends. And the conversations Jess has with her Mother are biting but full of love.

Jess has to make a trip to the vet, where she collides with a beautiful woman, but Jess is just annoyed by her clumsiness. They continue to run into each other, which aggravates Jess even more., until a little bit of best friend meddling results in the two women spending some time together.

I loved that Jess and Taylor did not get along in the beginning and that it wasn't all smooth sailing. There was a MINUSCULE amount of angst to get the heart beating. The best part was Jess's inner thoughts of how frustrating it was that Taylor was so beautiful, nice, and perfect. She couldn't hate Taylor regardless of how much she tried.

I did feel like Jess was a tad bit too unlikable. Sometimes the cat stuff was a little extra. And there is an explicit sex scene that I feel should have been fade to black for a sweet Christmas novella. (I know, I know. I am totally the only person who feels this way).

Overall, you cannot go wrong by purchasing this cute little nugget. A really sweet romance with a cat playing cupid.

I recommend to those who love romance, Christmas, cats, enemies to lovers, great relationships, one-upping work rivals, and amusing pet names.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Tinsel” is a terrific slow burn Christmas holiday romance between likable MCs, thanks to a mysteriously magical cat!

MC Jessica, 29yo, experiences her 2nd breakup with a cheater just before Christmas. Leaving a coffee shop, she encounters a cat, which then meets her at her home a few blocks away. Not a pet person, Jessica is determined to find the owner, and takes the cat to a vet to see if it’s been chipped. At the vet’s, Jessica encounters MC Taylor for the first time, in the first of several “oops sorry I hit you, spilled coffee on you” encounters.

While Jessica recognizes that Taylor is “sexy as hell”, she’s also annoyed by the “rude and judgmental” woman. Well, Taylor sees Jessica at her worst, given a bad cold and a sick cat, yet she remains determined to be friendly…and sexy.

Jessica’s friend Mo and her wife Angie are terrific side characters, as is Jessica’s family. The cat, initially named “Catmas Evergreen” 🤣 is wonderful, and the slow burn relationship between Jessica and Taylor is delighful. 4.6* - highly recommended!

[Lexxi Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

[A] ball of fur uncurled from on top of the mantel and stretched out, knocking over a photo of me and Stephanie that I'd forgotten. Catmas looked down at the shattered glass, then back at me.

Now this is what a whole complete story is about. It's not about length, it's about having a solid beginning, middle, and end. Which this story had. I've read 1000 page books that felt like the only reason the book ended was because there are only so many pages that can fit between the book bindings and not because the book was done/completed (see: George R.R. Martin, David Weber, etc.). But enough of that.

A woman meets two new loves of her life on one of her worst weeks. Even if she doesn't realize/recognize these loves on first appearance.

Some of those things making this a week from hell are in the book description and include such things as her girlfriend cheating on her with her coworker, her relationship ending weeks before Christmas, coming down with colds, and getting run into and having things spilled on her, ruining her coat. Though that last one includes those two new loves. One was in her coat, the other was running into her.

In her coat? Well that would be one of the best cat characters I've come across in fiction. A little ball of fur that the main character, Jessica, had spotted outside the coffee shop in the bitter cold while her relationship was ending with her ex girlfriend. That same fur ball was in her coat when she was run into while at a veterinary office. Run into by the Vet, it turns out.

Same vet who goes by the name Taylor, and the same woman who keeps alternating running into her with acting super nice - which Jessica reacted to meanly. For reasons - like recently having her relationship end.

Super cute story with humor, romance, and a cute cat. I loved the interactions between the humans & the kitty; and the humans between each other. One of the best little stories I've read.

Rating: 5+

December 13, 2019

For when I forget in future: Jessica = 29; Taylor - 31.

[Agirlcandream · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable wee Christmas read. I'm not even a cat person and I fell in love with Catmas Evergreen. When a kitty and a kind Vet are able to thaw a Grinch you know you are in for a sweet, sweet read.

[JulesGP · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few weeks before Christmas, a stray cat cleverly schemes to bring together her two most favorite humans on the planet, her veterinarian, Taylor, and her new mom, Jessica. Yes, the pov is first person told via Jessica but we know it’s really kitty’s tale to tell.

There’s nothing more heart tugging than seeing an abandoned pet out in the cold and so when Jessica spots the grey fluff ball, there’s no way to say no. Doesn’t matter that she’s never ever had a pet. She just knows she’s got to do the right thing so a “temporary” home and a quick visit to the vet is in order. But pets always do the choosing so whether or not Jess knows it, the deed is done. Lucky for her, Tinsel also opens the door for new light into Jess’ life in the way of a very loving Dr Taylor Mitchell. Because that’s what pets do, melt hearts. Wonderful holiday read.

[Les Rêveur · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was the best feeling this morning to wake up to on the first of December and read Tinsel. It has officially put me in the Christmas mood.

Read full review at:

https://lesreveur.com/2019/12/01/tins...

[Elske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story, liked it. 4 stars.

[Ameliah Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, Sweet Sighs
Jess has just broken up with her cheating girlfriend when she sees an adorable cat at the window of the coffee shop. When the cat follows her home, she can’t help but keep it just for the night… till she can get to the vet to see if it has a chip. Taylor a vet and literally crashes into Jess at the vet’s office. Thinking the Dr rude, Jess dislikes her and when they literally crash into each other again, Jess is even more determined to dismiss the attractive woman…if only her body and mind would get the message.

This story is SO lovely!!! I adored it!! The cat, Tinsel, is so freaking cute and really runs the show. She’s like an angel in disguise sent to make sure that Jess and Taylor meet and fall in love. Oh and yes, these two women are not only drool worthy, they are super cute in attitude and temperament. They have a really rocky start but things can only get better, right! They are adorable and wow, do they have chemistry!! Best friend Mo is a hoot and a half, I would REALLY LOVE a BFF like her!!! The ending of the book had me crying big ole fat, mushy tears while I had a silly, love sick grin on my face and my heart was about to burst from all the warm fuzzies it held. It’s true, I’m a sap, but it was so wonderful!! I actually think I need to go read it again….

[TheAvidReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking loved this short read. And I now want a cat. Though I'm not much of a cat person.

Sweet story, it's short, no angst per say, I enjoyed it a lot

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute cat ✔️
Romance ✔️
Fun characters ✔️
Christmas joy ✔️
Rooting for the couple ✔️

This is just such a cute and fluffy Christmas novella. I just want to get Tinsel from it. I’d adopt the humans as well, maybe. The cat reminds me of how I got my cat, including some of the antics. Was a bit emotional because I lost my cat earlier this year.
Anyway the story is uplifting and keeps you rooting for the couple and I just like the way it al unfolds.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tinsel is told in the first person, keeping us with Jess’s perspective the whole time. Even though she’s kind of a jerk to Taylor, I liked her a lot. She’s not in the best place when Taylor first bumps into her, since Jess is understandably frustrated with her ex, and I was glad that she’s self aware enough to admit to herself why she was behaving so badly. Also, it’s super cute how she denies that she can keep the cat even though they’re meant to be a family.

Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/tins...

[Lorraine Rusnack · Rating 5 out of 5]

That’s got to be one of the sweetest stories I’ve ever listen to it’s so adorable. Tinsel really is a bit of Christmas magic. Best friend Mo was a great sidekick for Jessica. The narrator Keira was awesome This is a must have holiday story Thanks Kris

[Farah · Rating 2 out of 5]

As an unwilling aunt to 6 cats, I would be proud to adopt Catmass BUT

- One hundred, seventeen dollars and fifteen cents for her first vet bill, I might have to file chapter 7 in the near future.

+ I should not worry about the vet bills and I don't have to bear the cost of playing matchmaker anymore. Just 'throw' her around the vicinity of two people who should be together but totally clueless. The newly coupled will be more than happy to pick up the bills.

Jess is not a Grinch/Scrooge/Skellington, she has her heart broken a few times so I do get her for not jumping immediately onto the next available u-haul even though the current prospect is curvy - blond - blue eyes - full red lips - long eyelashes - a vet. Trust me, most Asian mums will ignore the rest of the description and focus solely on the word VET. I'm queer, I prefer mechanic/plumber/electrician/contractor/painter.

I should like this. It's a holiday themed book, starring a few lesbians, a gray cat, winter season and an epilogue but nope. Many of my Whos friends love this and write glowing reviews for Tinsel + the audio is on sale now + narrator doesn't sound like me in the shower.

[carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god!

I loved this so much more than I thought I would.

I felt myself starting to die out with books but this just brought me back to life. I loved this from beginning to end and I never wanted to put it down.

This was absolutely so adorable. Christmas vibes even though I tend to stray from Christmas books because they make me cringe, I am so glad I had the chance to read this after being gifted this!

Also, this was my first Novella, so go me!

✩ 5/5 ✩

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars - This was a cute holiday story :)

[Kindle Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

And that's how you do a romance.
6 stars for the best christmas romance that I´ve ever read.

[hubsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warning: CAT LOVER HERE. This was a cute holiday read that I read solely for the unique furry MC, Catmas Evergreen.

Was it a great read? No, as I really did not like Jessica, whose POV the book centers on. She is pretty much a class-one shithead. Yes she had a breakup (with someone she quickly admitted she didn't even like very much), and some crap happened at work (to which she quickly came out on top) so there is no real excuse for her terrible behaviour towards Taylor. I did not understand the attraction Taylor had to her at all, except maybe she has a fetish for long dark gorgeous hair, which appeared to be Jess's redeeming factor. Though I did like Taylor's character quite abit. So the suspect coupling aside, I did like the Christmas aspect, of course the amazingness that is the kitten, the family getting together, foodstuffs, and the decoration descriptions (minus the anus-inducing Tinsel, gross).

Over all 3.5/5 for this short novella. Now get out there and adopt a cat already, and go eat some food and be with lovers this Christmas eve!

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely adorable read!!!! I laughed so hard at the first name Jess gave to Tinsel, Catmas Evergreen. The friendship between Jess and Mo is amazing. Friendship goals for sure. When Catmas was running around scream and in pain my heart dropped to my stomach. I cried happy tears when Taylor came to the rescue. It was beautiful the way Jess and Taylor worked together to remove the problem and get Catmas all clean, and the little paw wave goodbye to Taylor. I loved watching the interactions and relationship between Jess and Taylor change and evolve into something beautiful. Jess went through a whole range of emotions in between meeting Taylor and the precious ending of the story. I totally believe that Tinsel was the guiding force that brought Jess and Taylor together. I loved it.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Kris Bryant has helped me to kick-start my holiday festivities and comfort reading with this delightful story. I have a huge mushy heart when it comes to fur babies and it doesn't matter if they're puppies or kittens so I don't think I need to say how much my heart practically melted from the moment this fuzzy, grey sweetheart entered the story. I must admit that I spent a few moments swooning over Taylor because she's generous, fun-loving, witty and downright sexy as hell. My heart really went out to Jess because even though she wasn't at her best relationship wise and she was a bit cranky in the beginning, she eventually opened her heart to Tinsel and to the possibility of having the love she truly deserves. I'm just sad that this was a novella and it wasn't a full length novel because I adore Jess, Taylor and Tinsel.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a cute story, I liked Jess dislike for Taylor and her overall grumpiness. Her relationship with Mo and her mother. Her work stuff felt just there, I thought it will lead us somewhere, but nope.

I’m not a cat person, but now I need to get a kitty. Catmas was described so adorable and cute, I need one.

['Nathan Burgoine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy lesbian meet-cutes (more like spill-cutes?) plus kittens = fun, light, Grinchy-comes-around novella. :)

[JWG1973UK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great novella. I loved both main characters but Taylor was my favourite and as I am a cat lover, I also loved Tinsel.