UnLucky Christmas

by Melissa Baldwin

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Whitney Cortland is ready to celebrate the holiday season with an extra special someone. Unfortunately, a series of shocking events quickly turns her joyful vision of the holidays into disappointment.
Her attempts to drown her sorrows with some retail therapy leads to meeting an equally holiday - obsessed new friend, Macy, who is determined to help raise Whitney’s spirits.
What Whitney doesn’t expect is how Macy’s older brother Grant could be such a grinch, not at all interested in the magic of the holiday season. Their first encounter doesn’t go well, and Whitney wonders how the siblings could be related. Whitney and Grant seem to have a mutual dislike for one another, or do they? As Whitney tries to change up her luck, she finds herself in Grant’s orbit more often than she wants.
With everything around her feeling out of control, Whitney wonders if this might be her unluckiest Christmas ever … or is her luck is just beginning?

Kick off the holiday season with this new swoony romantic comedy from USA Today bestselling author Melissa Baldwin!

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Enemies To Lovers, Family

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2022

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Melissa Baldwin is a planner-obsessed Disney fan who still watches Beverly Hills 90210 reruns and General Hospital.

She's a wife, mother, and journal keeper, who finally decided to write the book she talked about for years. She took her dream to the next level, and is now an award-winning, bestselling author of twenty-nine Romantic Comedy and Cozy Mystery novels and novellas. Melissa writes about charming, ambitious, and real women, and she considers these leading ladies to be part of her tribe.

When she isn't deep in the writing zone, this multitasking master organizer keeps busy by spending time with her family, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and going on rides at Disney World.

Visit authormelissabaldwin.com to sign up for her newsletter.

Fans of Melissa's books, join her Reader Tribe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/57309...

Reviews

[H-e-l-e-n-a · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Whitney la acaba de dejar el novio, sus papás se van a divorciar, y la casa donde hace su fiesta anual de navidad no está disponible.
Para tratar de mitigar sus penas, se va de shopping y conoce a Macy, una influencer que también ama la navidad. Ella le presenta a un chico para salir... Pero Whitney está más interesada en Grant, el hermano de Macy. 😏

Me encantó la tensión que había entre Grant y Whitney. Los juegos de ver quién le gana a quién. Tiene un poco de Enemies to Lovers y el lado Grinch de Grant.
Creo que leeré más de esta autora. 🤩

📖
I couldn’t stand the man, and now I want to be wrapped in his arms...

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute romance. Love when there’s a Grinch involved. Completely bummed with zero smut. Lol

[Ashley Schounard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needed a break from the spice and this one was PERFECT!
The angst was SEEPING off the pages and Grant was perfection. (I lied.. he needs a beard and a flannel and THEN he’d be perfect.. haha)
This is rounding out my Top 3 holiday reads so far! I LOVED this book so much!
The second Grant was introduced.. I felt he was going to be a good character..

[N.Y. Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute clean Christmas book!

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute holiday read. Very clean and just adorable. Sweet characters and fun banter. Knocked a star off due to too many typos in my kindle version that I found distracting :/

[Meagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.3. Very Christmasy so that was good. And I didn’t mind the characters. But the book felt like it was written by a beginner writer. Which would be fine if it was YA, and maybe it was. There wasn’t any saucy scenes but the characters seem to be in their mid to late 20s so I can’t decide if it’s YA or not. The epilogue read like a dairy entry.
But due to the simplicity of the writing, it was a very quick read. And I did love some of the themes that I wish were explored more.

[Krista · Rating 1 out of 5]

The leads don’t have much chemistry and the story isn’t a story. There is no conflict and zero tension. She hates him, she kisses him without warning while arguing AT WORK and then we are together? Other man magically disappears? Oh he liked you from the first? Just what?

Issue 1: zero character development. Neither of them grow or change in any way over the course of the story and most of what does happen is tell not show. Weak, 1 dimensional characters.

Issue 2: non consensual kissing at work. They are arguing and she just kissed him and runs out. Yup, nope, came close to throwing the book. She is not a “match” for him. She is a spoiled, clueless woman with no self awareness and he is rude. Just ugh!

Issue 3: tell not show. The two males don’t like each other so we will mention it a bunch but never ever explain or develop it. Same with her parents issues. There are zero emotional or real conversations

Issue 4: zero conflict or plot. If the story is character based with no action you cannot have 1 dimensional flat characters and this book does.

Skip it

[Ciara Reads 5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute Hallmark vibe Christmas story. It was exactly what I was hoping it would be. I love grumpy/sunshine tropes anyway (my BF is secretly the grumpy type. But I won't tell him) and this is just a good, fast paced book. It won't be everyone's cup of hot cocoa, but it was for me!

[Diana M. Caruthers · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just not enough holiday romance and more family drama. A break up, mom divorcing Dad, meeting Mom’s new boyfriend during the Christmas season. Dad in an accident and so much more. The end was okay happy. Just too much drama.

[Krista Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute and fun Christmas book where opposites attract!

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the happiness in spite of life's trials

Amazing characters, delightful plot, just enough challenges to be realistic, and a wonderful "happy ever after" ending. It also has sadness, awkward situations, and difficult changes. However all mixed together it was family, friends, and love...all the ingredients for a wonderful holiday story! It was over way too soon, and I loved every minute of reading.

[Erralee Hendrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an entertaining story⅕. There is always some romance, humor, and lovely moments to be found. I have to admit the book starts with our leading lady looking like her holidays will be dismal until she makes new friends and starts hanging out with them. There is slight innuendo and language to be aware of when reading this story. Definitely a good Christmas story.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Christmas book of the 2023 holiday season and it did not disappoint. I was absolutely swooning and giddy while reading it. Can’t wait to read her next Christmas book.

If your looking for a clean read, this is your book.

[Kelsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute Christmas romance! It helped pull me right out of the reading slump I was in!

We start off this story with Whitney and her (at the time) boyfriend Pete, getting sushi and seemingly in a perfect relationship. Planning a wonderful Christmas when Pete drops a bomb…. He doesn’t think he’s ready for a committed relationship and he wants some time apart from Whitney. Well what is any Christmas obsessed girl suppose to do when her boyfriend dumps her at the beginning of December… a little Christmas retail therapy of course. And that is where our story really kicks off because while doing a little Christmas decor shopping Whitney runs into Macy who just so happens to be a Christmas/holiday influencer and they hit it off like two peas in a pod. And what kind of Christmas romance would it be if Macy didn’t have a smokin hot older brother named Grant. Of course everything isn’t just smooth sailing as Grant and Whitney don’t have a great first meeting leaving a bad impression on Whitney especially when Macy is trying to set Whitney up with another friend of hers…. Set up or no set up though SPARKS continue to fly between Whitney and Grant until they finally cave in and decide to see where all this chemistry might lead them. If you’re looking for a cute grumpy/sunshine or should I say Christmas obsessed/grinch romance with cute date scenes, relatable characters, relatable family scenes, and just the right touch of Christmas magic than this is absolutely a book to add to your TBR!!

HAPPY READING 📖

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Christmas books. I love decorating for Christmas, but these characters take it to a new level. Christmas obsessed to say the least. Whitney is excited for the holidays even ordering a new flocked tree that her real tree loving mother would hate. Things are going great with her boyfriend of 7 months until he drops the bomb of dumping her. The next bomb is her parents splitting. Both events have blindsided her at the start of her favorite time of year. What do women do to feel better when everything is going wrong besides eat a tub of ice cream? They shop. There she meets her new friend and fellow holiday addict, Macy. From then on, her luck seems to start changing. Or does it? She gets introduced to the grinchy brother, Grant. Clearly brother and sister are total opposites. Macy then decides to introduce her to sweet Chad. Funny, sweet, and nice check the boxes. The man can’t skate to save his life though. Again, Grant makes his grinchy appearances. He even shows up at her work to help with their financial side. Maybe he isn’t so bad? Slowly, but surely Whitney can see under the grinch cover. Her luck changes in time for Christmas even if her parents have split and she has to meet her mother’s new friend. The HEA is just perfect like a gift with the perfect wrapping, ribbon, and bow.

[Melissa Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a romantic, happy ending book and this really filled that cup. Whitney may have started off feeling unlucky but things turned around for her in the end. The sparks between her and Grant were evident from the beginning & I enjoyed seeing their relationship build. Kudos to Whitney for being the first one to make a move! Ladies can be the one to initiate! This book has come out at a perfect time, just before the holidays.

My *only* complaint is that in the beginning of the book it mentions that having an artificial tree was blasphemy to her mother, comparing it to having told her she wasn’t going to have children. There are so many women who decide not to have children for one reason or another and should be supported in that decision. That statement caught me off guard and was really the only thing I didn’t care for. Otherwise… LOVED it just like I do Melissa Baldwin’s other books.

[Sarah Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whitney just broke up with her boyfriend, her parents just announced they’re getting a divorce, and it’s Christmas season. She goes shopping to take her mind off things and meets a girl named Macy and they hit it off right away.

Macy tries to set Whitney up with her hubby’s best friend Chad. Things are going well, that is until Macy’s brother Grant enters the picture. Grant is sex on a stick and he and Whitney click instantly.

This is a slow burn, closed door romance which usually isn’t my thing but it’s fun sometimes, especially for that Christmasy magical feeling. I’m all about a Christmas romance with ambiance and snow and parties especially when I live in Florida and it’s still 80 degrees outside 🥵.

I enjoyed this sweet story and liked watching Whitney grow grinchy Grant’s heart. Her parents story line touched my heart as it’s something I’ve lived through with my own. I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

[Carole Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the Christmas season, and for Whitney it's her favorite time of year and all is merry and bright. However, after a series of unfortunate events, one after the other, this season is turning into one huge lump of coal. But, while out shopping she meets a new friend she automatically bonds with and things are looking merry and bright again. Her new friend fixes her up with a very good looking and sweet friend, but then Whitney meets the brother, who is very handsome but annoying, abnoxious and drives her crazy, but there is extreme chemistry between them she can't deny. She suddenly finds herself torn between sweet and nice and hot and sexy. This Christmas season, starting out as horrific and tragic is turning out to be both naughty and nice! Can this unlucky Christmas turn out to be her luckiest yet? Another touching and wonderful story by Melissa Baldwin!

[Maria Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a little disappointed in this story. The characters seem realistic and well written enough for the reader to understand where they are coming from. And I liked Whitney and Grant. But I just can't get past her parents break up. I was as mad at her mom as Whitney was last night as I stayed up too late to finish reading but I also found myself grieving the loss. So even though the book has a happily ever after for Whitney and Grant, I still ended the book feeling sad instead of happy or swoony. I suspect that most people wouldn't end up focused on the sadness and some might not care at all about that part of the story but it hit me. I liked to read feel good, fluffy, and lower angst romance and I didn't end up feeling good. But if I could have ignored that part of the story I would have given it 4 stars.

Sex: innuendo
Language: yes
Violence: no

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can't go wrong with a book by Melissa Baldwin. I enjoyed reading her latest book, Unlucky Christmas. The holiday season hasn't started out very well for Whitney. Pete, her boyfriend, recently broke up with her, and then she finds out that her parents are separating. But then while shopping she meets Macy. Macy is an influencer--Macy's Merry Holidays & More, and the two of them become friends. She meets Macy's brother, Grant, who works for an accounting firm. It turns out that Grant's firm is going to handle the financials for the social media company that Whitney works for. I liked the main characters and their journey. There are some interesting secondary characters too: Dasher, the cat; Betsy Cortland, her mother; Ben, her brother; and her friends Janelle and Callie. This is a fun holiday read.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a fun read

This book was such a cute and joyful read. The perfect little cozy romance to read while curled up by a fire with your cup of hot chocolate.

This book was fun and energetic. It will make the perfect holiday read for the seasonal TBR lists you have. It was warm and heartfelt. It was sweet and sassy. A beautiful combination of feelings to make you feel warm all over.

Grant and Whitney have amazing chemistry. It is like you can feel the electric pull of it. Their personalities mesh together perfectly.

I would consider this book to be a cutesy romcom. It is full of laughs, tears and heart melting romance. I highly recommend this book for those holiday readers out there. It is the perfect Christmas companion. I wished it were a bit more longer.

[anny bento · Rating 4 out of 5]

I lean my head to the side. “Are you asking me out?”
His eyes lock on mine. “Yes, and I’m hoping you’ll say yes, even though you think I’m infuriating.”


“Well, you’re cute, so I figured your place would be.” I give him a curious look.


“Oh, I’ve heard of this place,” I exclaim. “Hopefully I’m dressed okay.”
The corner of his mouth turns up as his eyes run over me. “I think you look perfect.”


“Did you have fun?” I ask.
He gives a shrug. “Kind of. Other than being jealous of all the attention you were giving sweet Chad.”


“Maybe I needed you to grow my grinch heart again.”
I blink back the tears. “I’ll take that challenge.”


“He’s lucky I’m in a good mood today.” I giggle. “I’m serious,” he growls. “He had his chance with you, and he blew it. His loss is my gain.”


“Finally, all eyes won’t be on me,” he says.
“You know you love the attention.”
“Only from you,” he replies.


“But we’ll have to sit through another food lecture with Chef Bill.”
“As long as I’m with you, that’s all that matters.”

[caroline♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute and joyful. A perfect little cozy romance to read curled up by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate.☕️

This book was fun and full of energy. It will be the perfect holiday read for any seasonal TBR lists you have. It was heartwarming and heartfelt. It was sweet and sassy. A beautiful combination of feelings that will warm you all over 🥵.

Grant and Whitney have amazing chemistry. It's like you can feel their electric attraction. Their personalities are a perfect match.💕

I would classify this book as a cute romantic comedy. It's full of laughter, tears and heart melting romance. I highly recommend this book to those readers who love Christmas. It is the perfect companion for Christmas. I wished it was a little longer 🙏🏻🎄.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas lover meets Grinch

Unlucky Christmas by Melissa Baldwin

Good, though lite on drama & conflict. But, I enjoyed it a lot, perhaps a little because of it. Good characters but so many to keep track of. It was fun watching Whitney & Grant's dislike for each other while struggling with their intense chemistry.

Whitney's perfect Christmas goes awry bc bf dumps her, parents announce divorce, and her annual Xmas party plans go awry. Then she makes a new friend resulting in two men becoming interested in her. One who's perfect. The other, Grant, she dislikes bc he's a Grinch and rude and distant. But the chemistry proves irresistible.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, contemporary romance

Romance, sweet, contemporary; some sensuality, so PG-13 for me
Whitney and Grant started out as enemies, or so it seemed. Incompatible and irritating to each other in the worst way, but behind it all there was a frisson of attraction. Told from a Whitney’s point of view with all the change and sad things happening for her and her family, and with Grant and Macy’s sad past it was still a lovely, moving read as they complimented each other’s strengths and weaknesses in the best way. Plus that attraction. Sweet, sassy, and fun to see them circling each other. Fun holiday romance.

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not What Was Expected

Whitney didn't see what was coming in her long-term relationship. She didn't see what was happening to her parents. She didn't see the arrival of a brand new Christmas-loving friend and her grumpy brother Grant. She wasn't expecting any of the big changes, but those things made this a funny, at times bittersweet, romance comedy. I loved Whitney and Grant's chemistry and bantering. I also loved the friend and sibling relationships. It's a great Christmas story!

[Libros con Noemí · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*

Grumpy Grinch
Family drama
Light forced proximity

A perfectly ok, short and easy read. The plot felt very straight-forward (there isn’t conflict or climax here), so it never really surprised me or gave me any big twists. I did enjoy Grant the Grinch and kept wishing for his POV, which I think would have added a lot. Whitney was fine, and the rest of the cast was also just…fine, but there wasn’t quite enough depth for me to really care about them.

I did really appreciate that there was no on-page spice, which fit the story and was a nice change.

[Lucy Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Whitney Cortland is ready to celebrate the holiday season with someone extra special. But a string of unexpected and shocking events quickly turns her festive holiday dreams into a major disappointment.

In an attempt to cheer herself up, she turns to a little retail therapy. That’s when she meet Macy, a fellow holiday enthusiast who’s determined to help lift her spirits.

Macy’s older brother Grant—the biggest grinch she’s ever met has no interest in the magic of the season, and their first encounter doesn’t go well but all this is about to change

[Amy Blount · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75 stars - I loved the relationship that evolved between Whitney and Grant, but that is about as far as my enjoyment for this book goes.

The amount of spelling and grammatical errors in this book were ASTOUNDING. Approximately 50 pages before the end of the book, I continually thought to myself, “where is the climax of this book?”… “actually - what’s the plot of this book?”

The book could’ve been so good, but it felt thrown together for me. What a bummer!

[Janeece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Baldwin is fast becoming one of my favorite authors! I love how from the first few lines of her books I’m hooked and Unlucky Christmas was no different! Whitney is a Christmas lover and Grant…is a Grinch and yet they can’t stay away from each other.

I loved the banter, the smoking hot kisses and how their romance unfolded. The side characters were awesome as well! Definitely a fun Christmas read!