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A review by storyskein
An Affair Before Christmas by Eloisa James
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
An enjoyable read, thought the first part was a bit hard to get through not knowing if it would pay off. In my estimation it did.
Fletch and Poppy each start out with their own foibles, chiefly that they are both young, sheltered in their own ways, and not fully realized adults. Halfway through, they were each making me laugh out loud. By the end, I bought the individual and couple growth arcs. The HEA was well earned.
This is also a book that has lessons to teach current spicy/smut/erotica writers about how to intertwine personal growth, relationship growth, and decadent eroticism. The personal growth and development of fulfilling sexuality are central to the book and take place in unique, tender, and emotionally insightful ways.
The Christmas background of it all made the subtext of new beginnings out of blighted hope stand out even more.
This is also a book with a cast of characters and supporting couples. Some romance readers enjoy that, some don't. It worked for me as it both fleshed out the themes of the book and provided some interest as Fletch and Poppy's story takes place over the course of a year, not always in each other's company.
Fletch and Poppy each start out with their own foibles, chiefly that they are both young, sheltered in their own ways, and not fully realized adults. Halfway through, they were each making me laugh out loud. By the end, I bought the individual and couple growth arcs. The HEA was well earned.
This is also a book that has lessons to teach current spicy/smut/erotica writers about how to intertwine personal growth, relationship growth, and decadent eroticism. The personal growth and development of fulfilling sexuality are central to the book and take place in unique, tender, and emotionally insightful ways.
The Christmas background of it all made the subtext of new beginnings out of blighted hope stand out even more.
This is also a book with a cast of characters and supporting couples. Some romance readers enjoy that, some don't. It worked for me as it both fleshed out the themes of the book and provided some interest as Fletch and Poppy's story takes place over the course of a year, not always in each other's company.