CHRISTMAS IN ROSE BEND (Rose Bend Series, Book 2) by Naima Simone
Publication Date: October 26, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance
The holidays have never been her thing. But Christmas in Rose Bend has more than one surprise in store…
Grieving ER nurse Nessa Hunt is on a road trip with her sullen teen half sister, Ivy, and still reeling from her mother’s deathbed confession: Nessa’s dad wasn’t really her dad. Seeking answers, they arrive in Rose Bend to find a small town teeming with the kind of Christmas cheer Nessa usually avoids. But then she meets the innkeeper’s ruggedly sexy son, Wolfgang Dennison.
Wolf’s big, boisterous family is like a picture-perfect holiday card. Nessa has too much weighing on her to feel like she fits—even though the heat between her and Wolf is undeniable. And the merriment bringing an overdue smile to Ivy’s face is almost enough to make Nessa believe in the Christmas spirit. But with all her parental baggage, including lingering questions about her birth father, is there room in Nessa’s life for happy holidays and happily-ever-after?
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This was my first trip to Rose Bend, and happily did not have to read book one to become immersed in the town. (I will be purchasing book one for enjoyment.) I truly enjoyed the town and family members, having that kind of ensemble gives the main characters more depth and made knowing Wolf easier. Nessa was harder. She was visiting from Boston with her little sister and came across as cold and brittle. I’m glad there was enough insight into her character to keep me reading, mainly in regard to the relationship with her sister, Ivy and that resolution. I did find both her and Wolf’s pasts and how they were dealing with it, rather depressing at times, but appreciated how they helped each other heal. I loved the building trust, friendship, and romance in their story. The few steamy scenes were just right. I once again have to mention the town and the numerous Christmas activities that made me smile. I couldn’t stop reading and although the ending happened rather quickly – I was totally satisfied.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Kindle | Series Link
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USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone’s love of romance was first stirred by Johanna Lindsey, Sandra Brown and Linda Howard many years ago. Well not that many. She is only eighteen…ish. Though her first attempt at a romance novel starring Ralph Tresvant from New Edition never saw the light of day, her love of romance, reading and writing has endured. Published since 2009, she spends her days–and nights– writing sizzling romances with a touch of humor and snark.
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
Reading in Pajamas 