What’s a girl to do when she needs to bury the memories of her past?
Apparently, book a room at a cozy Vermont inn for Christmas…as if that’s going to fix years of pining for the one that got away. It doesn’t matter. This holiday getaway is exactly what the doctor ordered. I’m ready to close that heartbreaking chapter in my life for good and start the new year with a bang.
It should be easy.
Except there’s one problem—Joe Parker—with that killer smile and those drown-in-me brown eyes. The man who was supposed to be my forever, but instead left my heart shattered and in disarray.
He’s here. In this wintry hamlet. Daring me to risk everything for him. Again.
I came to this small town looking to leave the past behind me, not get reacquainted with an old flame. And yet, one kiss, and I’m consumed by feelings—heart, mind, and soul. He still makes me tingle in all the right places.
Denial is a powerful tool, but how long can I fight falling for him all over again?
Can I trust him enough to give us another shot?
Fans of Jill Shalvis and Nora Roberts will be swept away by One Complicated Christmas, a second-chance standalone holiday romance in a small town, set with mistletoe lurking around every corner. Grab a glass of spiked eggnog and enjoy.
Mika Jolie is the bestselling author of the Martha’s Way series. She lives in New Jersey with her Happy Chaos—her husband and their energizer bunnies. A sports fanatic and a wine aficionado, she’s determined to balance it all and still write about life experiences and matters of the heart. Let’s face it, people are complicated and love can be messy. When she’s not weaving life and romance into evocative tales, you can find her on a hiking adventure, apple picking, or whatever her three men can conjure up. She loves to hear from readers. Connect with Mika on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Amazon.
One Complicated Christmas is a wonderful novella by Mika Jolie. This is my very first book by Mika. The writing is beautiful and the setting is gorgeous. This is a second chance romance.
Sasha Kovac is a twenty six year old out of work massage therapist. Six years ago Sasha had found what she thought was the love of her life while she was in college. But then he just disappeared from her life. He left her with a broken heart. A heart that in six years has never fully recovered. Now, with her life once again on the cusp of change, she decided that what she needs is to purge all the hurt and anger she’s been holding on to from the past. Then start the New Year with a fresh, clean slate. And, finally learn how to ski! So she packs a bag and makes a reservation to spend Christmas at a quaint little B&B in Yeti, Vermont. Only instead of finally getting to let her past go, she finds herself face to face with it once again.
Joe Parker made the biggest mistake of his life back in college when he left the love of his life. But at the time, he didn’t feel like he had a choice. A day hasn’t gone by that he hasn’t thought of Sasha. Now here she is standing in front of him. It’s finally his chance to explain to her what happened. To gain her forgiveness if possible. Could he even hope for more? That she might give him a second chance? Because seeing her again makes him realize that there will never be another woman that makes him feel the same way as she does. That she’s it for him.
“Regret is a cancer that never goes away.”
This was such a sweet story. And so beautifully written. Mika’s words are like poetry. All of the characters, both Sasha and Joe as well as the secondary characters, are all wonderful. I would actually love to hear more about Joe’s sister and perhaps a chance for romance for her!
This was short but filled with so much. Christmas is a magical time and even more so in this quaint, picturesque little community of Yeti. This is sure to make you smile, swoon and sigh. It has not one but two wonderful epilogues. If you need something to melt your heart on these cold evenings and put you in the Christmas spirit, this one is for you.
When Sasha is at loose ends for Christmas, she decides to find closure from a painful lost love by traveling to Vermont where she plans to burn the past. What she doesn’t plan on is running into the man that broke her heart six years ago. As hard as she fights it, the truth is she’s always loved Joe but the years have encased her to the point she may never truly be able to move from the pain.
’Instead of open wounds, I wanted to have silvery scars, healed by acceptance and nurture. Now, look at me. Bitter and cynical.’
This story is filled with so much emotion as Sasha fights to move forward away from the pain of the past. And my lord, the writing is absolutely stunning in its beauty and poetry. I felt her every emotion, every heartbeat, every tear and every leap of joy within her soul. This author knows how to pull you into the very heart of her characters and keep you there.
”Let’s write a new story. Fill it with words of love and comfort and whatever else it is we need.”
This is a fast read but rich in every way. Yes, the hero was at fault for their separation and no, this doesn’t involve a lot of groveling. This is all about letting go of the things that hold you back, the thoughts and emotions that affect you negatively and embracing new beginnings. With a few lighthearted moments, plenty of steam, and two perfect epilogues, this is the perfect Christmas read!
One Complicated Christmas by Mika Jolie is a sweet, second chance, Christmas romance. It tells the story of Joe and Sasha, college sweethearts, who were separated for six years because of unforeseen circumstances. Joe’s sudden departure, lack of explanation, and his failure to communicate broke Sasha’s heart. Six years later during the Christmas season, she decides its time for her to let go of the past. So she checks into a Bed and Breakfast in Yeti, Vermont, which appears to the perfect place for healing a broken heart and taking skiing lessons, only to come face to face with the source of her heartbreak.
“You know it’s love when your feelings don’t leave even if the person does.”
This quote by the author aptly describes Joe and Sasha’s journey in finding their way back to each other. Their unexpected reunion revealed that distance and time had no effect on true love. Old feelings bubbled to the surface, but fear and anger on Sasha’s part had the potential to destroy it all. I could not blame for feeling the way she did.
I understood the reasons for Joe’s sudden departure, but I had a hard time accepting his failure to communicate with the woman, whom he considered his heart and soul. Six years of heartache, pain and misunderstanding could have been avoided if trust and communication were present in their relationship.
Personally, I believed he got off too easily. I thought he needed to do more groveling. However, I have to admit it was evident he had matured since then and he made an effort to make up for his mistake.
I enjoyed the Christmas feeling that the story elicited, warm, and fuzzy. The story that unfolded was heartwarming, sweet and predictable.
I was a little disappointed with the lack of reference to Jamaican Christmas practices. Sasha’s mom is Jamaican, so it would be natural for her to teach her about her heritage and culture, but this was not reflected in the story.
Conclusion/Recommendation One Complicated Christmas is a story about forgiveness and second chances. An enjoyable read and one I would recommend to readers who are fans of second chance and Christmas romance.
I read this in less than an hour! I LOVED IT!! :D <3
Sasha is heartbroken. After losing her heart and soul to her soulmate six years ago, Sasha decides to travel to Yeti, Vermont for Christmas. With a bag and envelopes by her side, she's determined to burn the final pieces of her old self and revitalize herself into a newer, more confident woman- one who can move on without Joe. She's ready to ski, drink some hot chocolate, and try to have herself a merry little Christmas.
So why is it that when she walks into the inn that she is staying at, she runs into- literally- none other than the man who deserted her their senior year of college? Yes, that's right- Joseph Parker. Chestnut curls and caramel-colored eyes that fill her with emotions that she needs to forget about. Sasha isn't ready to forgive him, not by a long shot.
But as she and Joe try to avoid each other, it soon becomes clear that it's impossible to forget about the chemistry the two of them had. Can Sasha forgive the man who broke her heart and allow herself a second chance at love? It is the season, after all... Or will she return to New Jersey without him, and as a stronger version of herself?
This was AMAZING! The chemistry was sweet and sexy, the tension just enough, and the plot was so great! It definitely kept me guessing!
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. :)
An incredibly sweet and delightful second chance romance story. This was a quick and enjoyable read. A story about love lost; starting over, regret and forgiveness, set around the Christmas holiday.
No one likes to feel rejected. That was exactly how Sasha felt after Joe suddenly disappeared from her life with no explanation six years ago. Now he was back asking to be an important part of her life again. But now he has a lot of explaining to do and a few hurdles to jump over before she would let him back in. I loved everything about this story of redemption and was “wowed” by a clever and sassy ten year old. This is a great read if you like watching those warm and fuzzy Hallmark feel-good Christmas movies.
One Complicated Christmas is a sweet and easy festive read. I felt I was enjoying the winter wonderland scenery myself, ready to sit by the fire and enjoy an eggnog.
This story is well-paced and the author uses descriptive language to transport you to the mountains of Vermont at Christmas. Joe and Sasha are both likeable characters but I would have liked more depth to their personalities.
The second chance storyline is a genre I enjoy, the storyline was somewhat predictable. The idea that you don't contact your significant other for six weeks is pretty far fetched; unless you are lost at sea or in a coma! Ignoring this fact, I was able to enjoy the story for what it is, a feel-good second chance love story.
'Tis the Season of Love One Complicated Christmas is a sweet, second chance romance. Sasha heads to Yeti, Vermont for the holidays. Blanketed in snow and teeming with holiday cheer, it appears to be a perfect place to heal her soul. However it also happens to be home to Joe, Sasha's college love. Sasha and Joe are surprised to see each other again. The interactions they have are emotional and achy. Their chemistry still sizzles, but anger and fear threaten to quell their connection. With the help of family, Christmas magic, and maybe even fate Sasha and Joe find their way to a new beginning. This story will warm your heart and fill your spirit with hope.
Mika Jolie’s writing speaks to my soul! You can tell she believes in all encompassing love, soulmates and people finding their way back to one another. Unrequited love. This is the second chance romance between Sasha and Joe set during the holiday season. A lot of times books have a cute Christmas cover and claim to be holiday romances and totally ARENT. But in One Complicated Christmas we get beautiful descriptions of the snow, how cold it is, cider..all things Christmas season. Transported me from South Texas to beautiful Vermont. Loved it.
This is a second chance romance set in the picturesque little town of Yeti, Vermont. There is snow, skiing, a hot ski instructor with a soft heart, fires in the fireplace and gingerbread cookies. This story is warm and full of spirit and a perfect read to kick off the Christmas romance season for me. Sasha and Joe were college sweethearts. When he disappeared without a word, it broke her heart. When Sasha takes steps to move on after six years, she runs into the last man she expects to see. As they reconnect, they must communicate and forgive. They realize that moving forward together is a possibility and they need to decide if it is worth the risk of further pain. I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet and could easily become a Hallmark movie if a couple of bedroom scenes are changed to a fade to black scenes instead. Though as a reader, I enjoyed those scenes and would be sad to see them go. The little town is picture perfect and the local characters add to the story. I particularly loved 11-year-old Raven. I could see the author coming back to Yeti for future stories and I am looking forward to reading more.
" You know it's love when your feelings don't leave even if the person does "
I swear to you, Mika Jolie is the queen of finding the right quotes to capture the feelings of the chapter.
One complicated Christmas is a short and sweet read. If you're looking for a book that will give you the holiday feelings then this is the book for you.
I truly enjoyed everything about Sasha and Joe's story. The emotions of love and pain ran deep between these two. The characters were easy to connect with , especially Joe's niece Raven. She's fun and witty.
Even though this was a quick read, there's enough story to provide a message about love, communication and forgiveness.
"Feelings are just visitors; let them come and go"
I really enjoyed this book. Sasha is going to a small B&B in Vermont this year for Christmas. Her parents are on a cruise and she is going to be alone for the first time at Christmas. She is going to finally move on with her life since her heart was broken 6 years ago. Joe is a Assistant Professor and Ski Instructor during school break. He also longs for the girl he left behind when his sister needed him. This book is about love lost, forgiveness and love reunited. New beginnings for all. Beautifully done and I recommend this book for any one looking for love ❤️.
We readers must be on the nice list this year because Mika Jolie just gifted us a fantastic novella! This second chance romance, with a snowy Vermont backdrop, delivers sweet lovable characters and some soul searing chemistry all wrapped up with a Christmas bow. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for secondary character Emily and her daughter Raven. Do yourself a favor and snag this book. You won't regret it!
Thank you Give Me Books for an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own, and I voluntarily reviewed this book.
One Complicated Christmas By: Mika Jolie
*REVIEW* ❄❄❄❄ It's nice to read something light and fun sometimes, and One Complicated Christmas is the perfect choice. Sasha and Joe broke up six years ago when he disappeared without explanation. Now, Sasha is tired of her broken hearted blues, so she goes to a B&B in Vermont, because who doesn't want to go to Vermont for Christmas, where she intends to learn how to ski and burn letters about Joe. Sasha will have closure at last or so she thinks. Because the universe has a wicked sense of humor, in walks none other than the elusive Joe. Seriously? He has some major explaining to do about his behavior six years prior. Will Sasha finds the answers and closure she seeks? Do Joe and Sasha still harbor feelings for each other? This could be their second chance, or it could be the end for them(again). This story is so charming and fun. I love the setting because it is perfect for love and small miracles. Sasha and Joe are likeable, warm and inspiring, and you will love them. Grab a warm mug of whatever you prefer, a soft fuzzy blanket and settle in for an afternoon of entertaining holiday romance.
This book could easily be a Hallmark or Lifetime Christmas movie. It had it all, the picturesque setting, the lovely story, the yearning and the romance. It made me wish I could be in this beautiful town with all the lovely people. It even had a little angst. While I was reading I yearned to be in this town with my cup of hot chocolate (or does coco sound more festive?) or mulled wine. It’s a quick read and believe me you won’t want to put it down. It made me wonder wether or not fate really does play a part in our lives. It’s a beautiful story of hope, fate, wonder, second chances and maybe there really is Santa Claus, he just comes in different ways. Sometimes we don’t always get want we want when we want it but rather when we need it. Sometimes it’s complicated!
This is a nice Christmas second chance romance. It’s a short book and a great way to spend a cold winter day. Sasha has come to Vermont to spend her first Christmas alone since her parents are on a cruise. She has two goals on this trip. One is to learn to ski and the other is to burn letters she has written over the last six years to an ex boyfriend and finally let him go so she can get on with her life. That last one isn’t going to be so easy because the B & B she is staying at is owned by the ex and his sister. The ex is Joe, he left Sasha six years ago with no explanation, no phone call, nothing. And she has not been able to forget him. Why did he leave? Can she forgive him? You’ll have to read this one to find out.
Second Chance romances are my ultimate favorite trope. Ms. Jolie does not disappoint with One Complicated Christmas. Joe and Sasha have been seperated for six years and Sasha is looking for closure, so she can move on. What no one expected was for Joe to be at the B&B where she has decided to find her closure. Can Sasha forgive Joe for six years of pain? Can Joe help Sasha realize that she was his all along?
Ms. Jolie's writing is amazing. I felt the characters struggle and happiness. I rooted for Sasha to forgive Joe and move on....with him.
This was my first Christmas story of the year and about 3 chapters in the author made me want to put up my tree - my husband said no haha!
This book made my heart so happy!! As a Christmas-a-holic, this boom was perfection. I loved the storyline, the second chance romance. And I'm so hoping we get an Emily story!
The perfect Christmas story! I’m a sucker for a second chance romance, throw in the picturesque Vermont Christmas setting, and I was smitten! Ms. Jolie’s books are complex, without the angst. Sweet, without being saccharine. Sasha and Joe are given an unexpected second chance to rekindle their college love affair at a beautiful ski resort. Second chance at love, second chance at making a life well lived after horrible mistakes. I loved everything about this book!
Fabulous read on what was lost is found again. Sasha wanted to get over Joe and rid him from her heart. Joe had never forgotten the woman who had changed his life but he had wronged. A trip to Vermont forever changed both of their lives after 6(six) long years. For a forever hopeful like me..this story was all that and more. Thank you Ms. Jolie for writing such a story as this..
Joe and Sasha’s story is just amazing. I love second chance romances and this one is exceptionally written! Sasha is ready to be over her ex until she runs into him again. And Joe. I mean, he was an idiot, but is such a good person! I could read about these two for 3 more days and it wouldn’t be enough.
A great story of heartbreak, trying to move, and letting go of the past sounds simple right? Nothing is ever that simple especially for Sasha who has decided it is time for her to shed the past and reinvent herself by moving on. She then heads to Vermont planning to have a relaxing holiday while ridding herself of the past heartache, yet once she gets to the Inn she is staying at there her past appears and takes her by surprise. Joseph broke her heart years ago, left her high and dry, and without so much of a goodbye so she is determined to move on and ignore him. The thing is their attraction and push and pull they have is too strong for them to ignore. Can Sasha let go of her and past and Joseph or will her walls come crumbling down once she gets the full story of why he shredded her heart? Can they move on or will their attraction bring them back together? I thought this was a cute and heartbreaking read, poor Sasha has suffered and hurt but is she getting a second chance at love or is this a final goodbye? Cute read and that keeps you guessing how will this play out for Sasha and Joseph.
This is a sweet short Christmas story about getting a second chances. Sasha decides to do a Christmas holiday getaway since she has lost her job, parents retired and are on a cruise and she has no one to spend Christmas with. So off she goes to a B & B in Yeti, Vt taking along with her to burn when she gets there are letters she wrote 6 yrs ago to her boyfriend Joe. Joe took off without saying goodbye or telling her why he was leaving. All she heard was the name Emily and thought he was leaving her for this women. She was crushed! Thinking she has left her past behind imagine how shocked she is to see Joe and find out his Emily is the owner of the B & B she is staying at and Joe who is equally as shocked to see her there. Can they get back what they had? Is Emily what stands between them? Put a log on the fireplace, grab some wine or eggnog and enjoy!
This was a sweet story about second chances. Sasha & Joe met in college and because of an emergency Joe has to leave without any explanations. Sasha is heartbroken. It’s been six years and Sasha needs closure. She takes a vacation and hopes she can finally move on & get a fresh start. Joe has never forgotten about Sasha. She is always on his mind & if given the chance to see her again,he would try and explain everything. I was rooting for them & enjoyed all the characters. Hopefully we can get another book and get a glimpse of what’s next for all the characters. I voluntarily read an arc of this book for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I had the privilege of reading it early. This book did not disappoint it was absolutely fantastic. I read it very fast and it was a very easy read. I loved the characters. Sasha decided enough is enough after a broken heart 6 years ago and wants to do something about it only fate has other ideas, this proves that unexpected second chances do happen. Its quite emotional with ups and downs about love, chance and soulmates. I would love to see this book as a movie it'd be fantastic. I would highly recommend this book. Thank you Mika Jolie for sharing your gift of writing with us, you have an amazing talent.
A sweet Christmas story! Misunderstandings and mistakes kept Sasha and Joe apart for six years, but fate has put them in each other's paths again. Is it fate or coincidence? I loved how confident Joe was going after what he wanted, even though Sasha was hesitant to trust him again. She was afraid he would break her heart again. Joe knew they were soulmates, but he needed to convince Sasha, after he begged her forgiveness for leaving six years ago. Will she forgive him and give him a second chance, or did he hurt her too much when he left?