Hello there, bookworms and happy December. After such a crazy year, it’s insane to think that it’s already coming to a close. I know we’re still in the middle of a pandemic spike and it seems like there’s no end in sight. However, now that we’re officially into holiday season, even if we still have to stay home, we can still bring a little holiday cheer into our lives. I’m going to add to that tonight by posting another book review. I don’t know about you, but I can’t get enough of Christmas stories and holiday romances the past few years.
In other news, before I dive into the review, I have to announce that I’ve hit my 500th post! I honestly wasn’t sure that would ever happen. Life is crazy and sometimes things fall through the cracks, but I do genuinely love talking about books with all of you whether here on the blog or over on any social platforms, so, thanks a million for sticking with me and here’s to 500 more!
Now, let’s dive into the reading vault on this one and talk about We Met in December by Rosie Curtis.
Following a year in the life of a twenty-something British woman who falls hard for her London flat mate, this clever, fun, and unforgettable romantic comedy is the perfect feel-good holiday read.
Two people. One house. A year that changes everything.
Twenty-nine-year-old Jess is following her dream and moving to London. It’s December, and she’s taking a room in a crumbling, but grand, Notting Hill house-share with four virtual strangers. On her first night, Jess meets Alex, the guy sharing her floor, at a Christmas dinner hosted by her landlord. They don’t kiss, but as far as Jess is concerned the connection is clear. She starts planning how they will knock down the wall between them to spend more time together.
But when Jess returns from a two-week Christmas holiday, she finds Alex has started dating someone else—beautiful Emma, who lives on the floor above them. Now Jess faces a year of bumping into (hell, sharing a bathroom with) the man of her dreams…and the woman of his.
This book has all the warm and fuzzies you’re looking for at Christmas. In fact, I don’t think you can get more Christmas than winter time in London, right?
We Met follows Jess and Alex, two people who are meant to be, but the timing is just so wrong. Problem is – they live under the same roof. Despite the “no relationships” rule, Jess knows almost instantly how she feels about her new flatmate.
Although a little predictable and pointlessly dramatic with the dual POVs with Alex and Jess tiptoeing around each other, it has all the elements of a cozy Christmas story. These two are clearly attracted to each other, but instead, Alex gravitates to Emma – their other flatmate, for “no frills” hook ups. Problem is, he spends almost every waking moment with Jess, which leaves her heart in a nasty knotted mess with the man she likes but can’t have even though they live together. When she decides to try to get over Alex and start dating elsewhere, jealousy rears its ugly head and Alex finds himself not okay with Jess’s decision.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a slow burn romance, but one that has fire, passion, angst, etc. Alex and Jess’s story is – safe. There’s no other way I can describe it but to say that it plays it too safe and winds up bordering on the mundane for that very reason. The saving grace and one of the reasons why I enjoyed this story overall?
London.
Yes, admittedly I’m a huge anglophile – however, where the characters fall short and flat on their faces, the majestic enchantment of London at Christmas time had me wanting to curl up on the couch with a warm cup of tea and lose myself for awhile.
If you’re looking for a book with snark, funny antics, sizzling chemistry, sultry sex scenes that could melt snow, or characters that leapt off the pages, this is not the book for you – even during the most joyous time of the year. We Met in December is cute and fuzzy without the “wow” factor. If you’re in the market for something sweet and fairly PG while you still get to run all over London with these characters, grab this book for your holiday collection. If you’re looking for a book with a little more sass and drama, stay tuned, because I’ll have more picks coming your way all month!
Stay safe out there, and until next time, happy reading! xx
