What happens when your rental cabin ends up being a scam and you’re forced to stay with a sexy lumberjack? You try to avoid him and his annoying Christmas spirit because the last thing you have time for is love.
The Joy of Us is a reverse grumpy/sunshine, close proximity romance.
Brooke Cumberland and Lyra Parish are a duo of romance authors under the USA Today pseudonym, Kennedy Fox. Their characters will make you blush and your heart melt. Cowboys in tight jeans are their kryptonite. They always guarantee a happily ever after!
Listen, I ate Levi up like a Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake, because what a snack that man is. And maybe even wrap me up and put me under the tree so I can be his Christmas gift?
I really did eat this book up like a Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake let that be known. It is the absolute perfect read if you're needing to get into the holiday spirit. Fallon grew to hate the holidays and Christmas and Levi is Mr. Christmas himself since his family owns a tree farm. While Fallon is trying to keep an open mind on her work project, Levi has made it his mission to show Fallon that his seemingly Hallmark like Christmas town truly is magical. The banter between these two was perfection and Levi really is the SWEET TREAT of the series.
I haven't really dabbled in holiday books before and I am scratching my head as to why? This book popped up on another author's Christmas newsletter as a steamy suggestion to read during the holidays and I was NOT disappointed. In fact, I plan on reading the rest of the series (whenever I have time LOL). This was the perfect amount of romance and steam with Christmas thrown in. It was short too which was an added perk. Tropes for this one are- strangers to lovers, grumpy to sunshine FMC, one house (not necessarily bed but they get trapped in a snowstorm together), and of course hot lumberjack Christmas obsessed man!
Fallon Joy has been assigned the task of going to the supposed most Christmas town in America to write a review about it. She works as a travel writer but this assignment was not by choice. See she is a grinch. She has had a hard time with Christmas since the passing of her mother and has not been able to enjoy the holidays since then. Her coworker got sick hence her getting this assignment. Plot twist is when she shows up to her Airbnb after her flight got cancelled due to snow, she realizes that it was fraud. The house was not up to be rented says the hot lumberjack owner Levi. Levi being a gentleman does let her know that she can stay in his guest room until the next day to see what is available but wouldn't you know it that alll of the hotel rooms are booked because of tourists! Levi extends the guest room to Fallon for the duration of her stay (which is supposed to be a few weeks) and decides to make it his mission to get her to enjoy their town and Christmas once again.
Things take a turn when the pilot light goes out and they end up snuggling together for "body warmth." This is when Fallon realizes that she is very attracted to Levi and his golden retrieverness. They end up dancing around each other for a few days until they play never have I ever before and things heat up. Levi realizes that he is falling for Fallon but she is leaving in a few weeks and what does that mean for them? They decide to enjoy the time together while they can. They never discuss the future but get lost in each other. Now Fallon has to go back home and she leaves without discussion of not only when but IF they will see each other again. Levi decides that isnt enough for him! He is going to make a stand and tell her how he feels- or at least he thinks he is going to do that until a surprise shows up at his door.
This has all the wonderful feels and was the perfect amount of lightness during budget season for me at work LOL. I hope that you enjoy!
I was really looking forward to seeing who will steal Levi's heart. I couldn't picture anyone better than Fallon for him. I think she was good for him, giving him a good run for his money. She brought him down a peg or two, and he in return gave her something to look forward to, something she lost very young when her mama died.
I loved the whole plot where Fallon is the grumpy one. As a fellow anti-Christmas person, I could relate on so many levels why all the cheer and joy are not that appealing, but with Levi's determination he slowly shows her just how special that time of year could be. And to be honest, if I had someone like him showing me everything like he did, I too would convert in a blink of an eye. The time they spent together was special to both of them and you can't help but root for them to see that they're perfect for each other, in every sense of the word.
This book will really set the mood for the holidays that are ahead of us. It will make you frown, roll your eyes, laugh out loud and at the end will simply sweep you off your feet.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
fallon is a grinch and christmas-hater extraordinaire who’s forced to spend a couple weeks in an idyllic small-town known for their christmas celebrations because she’s writing an article. to make matters worse, her adorable airbnb turns out to be a scam which she realizes when the real owner walks in on her… while he’s buck naked. said owner is a holiday enthusiast who works at his family’s christmas tree farm but with no hotels around, the two agree that there’s no other choice but for her to stay there.
this had a little bit of everything, opposites attract, one bed trope, reverse grumpy sunshine, and more. it’s a quick read and definitely needs to be on your holiday tbr. levi seems like a bit of a playboy at first but he’s really looking for the right woman and once he gets to know fallon, he knows she’s it.
What’s better than a holiday themed story with a heroine who hates Christmas and a hero whose middle name could be Christmas? Fallon is a ball buster who has had her fair share of heartbreak 💔 throughout her life, but she’s witty, strong, and smart. The fact that she didn’t fall at Levi’s feet makes me love her even more!
These two have explosive chemistry from the beginning. Let’s just say pepper spray and no clothes were involved! Their story was perfect for this time of year and you can FEEL their chemistry through the pages 💙. Highly recommend!
I loved this book! Reverse grumpy/sunshine at its best. Fallon & Levi bring all of the feels to this Christmas romance. While Fallon is very anti Christmas, Levi is her total opposite and is all about the winter holidays, from running a Christmas tree farm, a Christmas shop and he has a dog named Dasher. The chemistry between these two was snow melting hot! Their banter was laugh out loud hilarious. Kennedy Fox has done it again with an absolute must read. A perfect end to this amazing series.
Grab a cup of hot cocoa and a blanket because it’s time to get cozy with Levi and Fallon. “The Joy of Us” is a fun, sweet and steamy holiday story that left me with a smile on my face and wanting to plan a trip to Vermont.
After flying across the States, Fallon is in Vermont to write a story on the magical Christmas town. When she shows up to her rented cabin, she quickly realizes that it was a scam when the owner, Levi, is there. But an impending blizzard would leave her stranded and Levi offers her the guest room. Fallon’s last name might be “Joy” but she has little joy for the holiday season while Levi is overflowing with it. As they work through their new roommate arrangement, a connection between them starts to ignite.
I was hooked on this story from the very beginning because a reverse grumpy/sunshine storyline is one of my favorite troupes to read. Fallon is a classic grump and I’m like her when it comes to holidays. Even if she’s not a fan of the holiday, her journalistic instincts kick in and she goes in with an open mind. It doesn’t hurt to have a lumbersnack like Levi showing you the town and the Christmas tree farm. Levi's positivity and love for the holiday is infectious and my favorite thing about him. I loved the banter between these two and I was smiling the whole time reading it. And their was chemistry just coming off the pages and I couldn’t wait until they finally figured it out. Levi’s family and friends were great and added a special touch to the story. Dasher was a personal favorite of mine and a perfect addition to the story.
IN MY HEART THERE IS A CHRISTMAS TREE FARM! And it's the White's Christmas Tree Farm. Seriously, Kennedy Fox books are doing absolutely nothing for my desire to leave city life behind and move to a small town that looks like a Hallmark set. Anyone have suggestions? But back to the book -
After going through travel hell Fallon shows up to what she thinks is a rental, but turns out to be a scam/phising website. The cabin which is Christmas on steroids (much to Fallon's chagrin) is actually the home of Christmas tree farmer Levi. Levi, being the sweetheart he is, offers to let her stay in his guest room. But like all good forced proximity stories, they grow closer, despite their differing opinions on the Christmas season.
This book has all the magical elements that make KF books feel like a big warm. Small town, realistic and heartwarming characters (both main and side) and the perfect level of spice. Seriously, the dirty talk in this one? They just keep stepping it up.
It pulled at my heart strings. Yes. I cried. When don't I? But it was a nice cry! Just a few tears! Felt good. Once again, if you haven't joined the Kennedy Fox train, HOP ON! There is literally a book for everyone.
If being a Grinch gets you a man like Levi, then put my name at the top of the naughty list! This was the perfect book to get me in the holiday spirit. Fallon has grown to hate Christmas, and Levi is Christmas spirit personified. When Fallon is assigned to write about the Vermont town and its Christmas festival, Levi makes it his mission to show her how magical it truly is. He was the perfect mix of sexy and sweet with an extra sprinkle of Christmas cheer. I absolutely loved this book! Levi and Fallon had chemistry for days, and the banter between them was top notch. They were perfect for each other. This book left me with a giant smile on my face. It had all the Hallmark Christmas movie vibes with a hefty dose of spice!
grumpy/sunshine, but she’s the grumpy one lumberjack hero heroine with thick thighs that saves lives 😉 small town & holiday romance dirty talking hero who is also so so sweet A PEARL NECKLACE🤪🤪🤪 —all the things i love
this book was so cute, sweet, fun, spicy, & just felt like being wrapped up in a warm blanket. levi is such a cinnamon roll but he is also so nastyyyyyy, I LOVE IT. fallon is so grumpy and always in a mood, but i love it too because my grumpy self felt seen. lmfao i loved seeing them interact with finn and oakley because ive missed them & i just loved seeing fallon open herself up. i absolutely just adored these two and this story.
the last chapter and the epilogue were *chefs kiss* LOVE LOVE LOVE
Absolutely loved this book. Levi is like Santa, obsessed with the holidays, upbeat and a family man. Fallon is the exact opposite. Not a fan of the holidays, grumpy and only close to her sister. When Fallon accidentally stays with Levi, he tries to show her what she's missing in life. Thier story is one of ups and downs and so many emotions and I loved it.
Review Rating: 5⭐️ Spice: 3🌶️ OMG I will not be over this book for a loooong time! I absolutely LOVED Levi and Fallon’s story! I’m a huge Christmas lover so I really related to Levi in that regard. I also love a golden retriever book boyfriend. Speaking of golden retrievers, Dasher is my favorite book doggy ever! He’s so cute!!!
The tension that was present from the beginning of the book was so worth the wait for the spicy scenes, because when those hit?! 🥵🥵🥵 Who knew the Christmas loving lumberjack would have such a dirty mouth😮💨
It’s safe say that this is officially my favorite Kennedy Fox book that I’ve read so far! And the epilogue?! So freaking cute!🥹🥹I also loved being able to check back in with Finn and Oakley from The Fall of Us♥️
Thank you Kennedy Fox for providing me with an ARC (though this review is all mine)
Tropes: -Forced Proximity -grumpy fmc/sunshine mmc -Christmas!!! -snowed In together -small town
This book was a lot of fun. I always love the fall / winter scenery in Kennedy Fox’s books but this one… I have never wanted to go to a Christmas Tree Farm more than I do right now.
I had really high expectations for this book and it DID NOT disappoint. I loved the reverse grumpy/ sunshine. I’m apparently a sucker for dogs in books too because I want Dasher (the most adorable golden retriever).
This book gave all the Christmas vibes and I am so happy I waited for this book to be released to kick off the festive season. I am so ready for wrapping presents, listening to Christmas music and making gingersnap cookies all because of Levi White.
If you’re looking for a festive read that will get you in the mood for the holidays… THIS is the book for you 🎁
The Joy of Us by Kennedy Fox was my next Holiday read of the year!!
Y'all...I was impatiently waiting on this book to hit my kindle after I read a little snippet in the back of Fox's last release. I could already tell the banter was strong and that sexual chemistry was off the charts!!!
She is the Grinch that hates Christmas!
Andddd he is Christmas on the Hallmark channel with the best dog ever-Dasher! Lmao
These two and their banter and that sexual chemistry made me EAT.THIS.BOOK.UP!!!
I LOVED it and could not put it down once I started!!
5 Fan-damn-tastic Stars!!!
My newest favorite book by one of my favorite writing duo's Kenney Fox!!!
A naughty little Christmas themed small town romance. Perfect to get you feeling all cheery and tingly for the holidays.
The ladies of Kennedy Fox have done it again by bringing a Christmas themed read with all the angsty and spicy goodness that only they can give you. This book has it all with the forced proximity, opposites attract, angst, and a whole lot of steamy moments in between all those holiday feels.
Levi is the epitome of Christmas spirit and all things holiday cheer is made of. We met him in the Fall of Us and he is a laid back kind of guy who doesn't seem to have serious relationships. With help run his family's Christmas tree farm in a small little town in Vermont he's not looking to settle down just yet. A mishap with a journalist with a unlocked house and mace to the face while naked starts off making a Christmas miracle for these two very opposite individuals.
Fallon is the most grinchiest person to have landed a story about a small town known for its perfect Christmas festival that brings in tons of people to share in the Christmas season cheer. A fake rental and a naked man who is maced sets up this wild love story. You watch as Fallon learns that kindness and Christmas spirit is still alive and that her past doesn't have to take away from the holidays this time around.
These two have the perfect mix of angst and sexual tension that heats up the pages quickly. So if you're ready for some Christmas feels and some naughty goodness thrown in the mix this is the perfect book to grab. You will love all the Christmas time fun and a steamy love story in the making. Make sure you grab this one and get ready for some fun with Levi and Fallon this holiday season because it's a must read!
Kennedy Fox really saved the best two for last! The Joy of Us was fun, spicy, and super cute! Are you a Hallmark Christmas movies fan but wanted them to have more than one little kiss at the end of the movie? Then pick this book up because it’s the best of a hallmark christmas movie with some much spicy spice😉
I already really liked Levi from TFOU but watching him in this element and getting to know him was the best. And I adored his dog, Dasher.
Fallon, now she took me a while to like, I’ll be honest. Her whole attitude towards Levi in the beginning just didn’t sit right with me but as he got her to open up, I started liking her too. It was super fun to watch them do wintery/ Christmas things and watch Fallon finally open up her heart to Christmas again and to Levi. It was a sweet story!
If you’re looking for a great holiday read, make sure you don’t miss this one!
⭒ ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book and wish I could give it more than 5 stars!!! And it is the perfect holiday book even though it technically isn't one...lol I am saying it can be!! Because let's face it Levi White's family does run a Christmas tree farm!! And lives is what is dub as the North Pole of Vermont. And is one sexy as sin lumberjack Christmas loving hunk of a man that I am claiming as all mine!! And Fallon is sent to do a story on the small Christmas loving town and love her heart she can't stand Christmas or the cold. And she got scammed in to renting Levi's house by scammer's who has also charged other charges on her card. And the longer she stays in this charming little town the more she falls for it's charm. But Levi and his dog Dasher is what is the main reason it's going to be hard to leave when it's time to go. This book is not only about finding your one it's about finding the magic that's in the world around you and enjoy what you have. This is another of my favorite reads of 2022 and I highly highly recommend this book!! Kennedy Fox is definitely one of my favorite duos!!
Oh Fallon Joy! The grumpiest, scrooge-ish journalist they ever did send to the place that had Christmas coming out of their pores. Add in being scammed and trespassing someone's home. If They all looked like Levi, I wouldn't mind the mistake either. As I read and got to know Fallon, it was evident that the hard shell she had around herself was protection. And then when she told Levi about her mom... oh the tears! Levi was the perfect tour guide for her, recognizing when she'd had enough, but also giving her the experiences he knew she needed to get back some of that joy she's hidden over the years. When Fallon finally sent Levi the article she wrote about the town, I was done...
"Find someone who makes you become a better version of yourself and if you're lucky enough to find that person, never let them go. I arrived in Vermont wanting nothing to do with Christmas and all that comes with it. By the end, I’d left a piece of my heart there. They managed to take someone who's nicknamed The Grinch and make her fall in love again—with Christmas and everything that revolves around it."
Cue the tears. Sigh...
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
5 Star Review The Joy Of Us (Love in Isolation #6) by Kennedy Fox AUDIO REVIEW:
I really loved this story from Kennedy Fox. The narration by Andi Arndt and Aiden Snow really brought this story to life for me. They were both well suited to the characters and were so easy to listen to.
When Fallon Joy finds herself the victim of a scam she has no idea how it will change her life. She hates Christmas and anything to do with it and has earned her nickname as The Grinch. Imagine having to go to Vermont to a small town that screams Christmas to write and article.
I fell hard and fast for Levi White, he loves Christmas (as do I) andthe fact that his family own a Christmas Tree farm was an added bonus. Levi is determined to break down the walls that Fallon has surrounded herself with and I enjoyed the push and pull dynamic as they got to know one another.
When a blizzard forces Levi to open his house to Fallon, the sparks fly. Add in a crazy dog called Dasher and you just know you are in for an entertaining listen which did not disappoint in any way.
Grab your blanket, a cup of cocoa or cider and get ready to be transported to Vermont's North Pole for Christmas. Christmas hating Fallon travels to Vermont to write an article on the town, she winds up in Levi's house after a vacation rental scam. Levi is a walking GQ version of Santa Claus and damnnn that man can take me on a sleigh ride any day!!!! Levi is determined to show her the magic of his town and hopefully change her mind about the holiday in the process.
I love that this was a reverse grumpy/sunshine. It was a fresh take on the trope and made you love both of them even more. Levi for being so sweet to her and Fallon when she finally melted her ice heart and embraced Christmas. This was the perfect read to get you into the holiday spirit, now I am just dying to know what was in that cookie recipe!!!
This one was a fun surprise!! It was entertaining to have the big alpha be such a fan of Christmas- trees, decorations, love of carols, etc-and the girl be the grinch. Fallon Joy mistakenly makes herself at home in Levi's house thinking she's rented it for two weeks while she writes a Christmas story on his hometown in Vermont. Levi hilariously discovers Fallon when he walks in naked on her in his bedroom and gets maced in the process. Instead of kicking Fallon out, Levi offers her a place to stay and makes it his mission to have her fall in love with his hometown and maybe with Christmas again too. Watching these two opposites warm to each other was so enjoyable and natural--Dasher was like a cherry on top! This book was wonderful- funny, tender, sexy and the HEA will go down as one of my all time favorites!!
Wow, another hit in this series! Levi will have you swooning, and you'll want to hug Fallon! 5 love stars for this one! Fallon is coming to town to write a story about the holiday spirit the town has. Just what she doesn't like, celebrating the holidays after losing her mother some time ago. She's known as the scrooge in her family, and when she arrives at her rental cabin, she's surrounded by holiday decorations. While laying in bed, someone comes in to the room, she maces him, turns out, it's the owner of the cabin Levi and his dog Dasher, and she was scammed. He offers to let her stay there due to the storm they're having, so she agrees. The banter between these two is funny, can he convince her the holidays aren't so bad? I enjoyed this story, the characters really worked their way into my heart! Don't miss out on this one, grab it asap!
The Joy Of Us is opposites attract, steamy goodness! Levi and Fallon have a hilarious meet cute and it escalates perfectly from there!
Levi really brings the swoon! He's so kind and easy going. Him and his dog, Dasher, not only win Fallon over, but everyone! Fallon is a hard working woman just trying to survive the Christmas holiday. She's anti Christmas and Levi is Christmas spirit personified. Their first meeting is hilarious and original. I love that it's a reverse grumpy sunshine story! It makes their banter even better! Watching Levi slowly break down Fallon's walls was so sweet! He puts her first, in ALL things, and helps her through the grief she feels around Christmas. Fallon completes Levi and Dasher's little family and fits in so perfectly with everyone. This was an amazing Christmas romance!
This book deserves 10 stars! This is by far my favorite book in the Love in Isolation series.
Levi’s sunshine/happy outlook is so appealing and then throw in his sexy lumberjack build and YUM! Fallon is so anti-Christmas, snow and anything chipper you just have to laugh at her over-the-too Ms. Grinch outlook until you learn the sad reason for it.
I outright laughed and howled at some of the crazy antics in this story. The description of Levi’s initial ‘encounter’ with Fallon is priceless!
This book was an awesome romantic comedy with such a joyful Christmas vibe! Loved it so much — from first to last word, it was an awesome reading adventure!
I received a free ARC from the authors and their publisher; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Well written, witty, entertaining, story of the small town in Vermont with the most Christmas spirit and the journalist, who's a Grinch, sent from Seattle to write an article on the town. Scammed on her rental, stuck in a blizzard with a hunk lumberjack who loves Christmas and his golden retriever, and finally a thorough tour of the town and surrounding areas. Can the Christmas spirit touch the grinch or maybe understanding and love? This is Levi Christmas White and Fallon Joy's story. I couldn't put it down.