Noelle Adler is a web designer in her late 20s, living with her sister in Philadelphia. The holiday season is in full swing, but she’s not thrilled about being home for the holidays. That might be less due to her “grinchy” attitude and more about her mandatory community service. After being caught in the act of egging her dad’s house, she opts for serving her community rather than having a criminal record. Unfortunately, that forces her to revisit her worst moments in high school and why she left her hometown all those years ago. But when she meets her “supervisor”, Nick Monroe, she can’t believe it’s possible for a high school Math teacher to look like Clark Kent. Nor is she thrilled about his enthusiasm for Christmas and the town. As they slowly get to know one another, they both begin to look forward to community service. But they haven’t figured out what comes after the holidays and if they have a future together. Christmas Criminal by Ally Williams is a steamy holiday romance in which Noelle must decide if her growing feelings for Nick are worth more than her hatred for her hometown.
Book
Noelle’s parents are divorced and her father has another family. Needless to say, Noelle and her dad have a rocky relationship. And his latest absence is what causes Noelle to take matters into her own hands. As she continues through her community service, Nick can’t help but notice her subtle reactions to being in her old school. He eventually learns that Noelle left without graduating after a horrible rumor and subsequent bullying. And because Nick is caring and supportive, he gives her the extra encouragement she needs to stand up for herself and heal from her past trauma.
While Nick and Noelle give in to their mutual attraction, Nick worries about what will happen to them after Noelle completes her community service hours. Not to mention his own self-consciousness about his often stoic demeanor, a trait that his ex conveniently blamed for their breakup. Noelle can’t stand her old town. But Nick loves his job and community. Long distance doesn’t sound promising, either. And as Christmas draws closer, it becomes clear that they have to make a decision. Do they amicably part ways? Or do they try to give their relationship a real shot?
Review
Williams knocks romance out of the park with Christmas Criminal. The slow-burn was believable and the spicy scenes were exciting and fun to read. I loved Noelle’s quick wit and feisty attitude. She’s definitely someone I would want in my corner. Nick is emotionally mature and reliable. But he officially made it on my Book Boyfriends List after his grand gesture for Noelle and her family near the end. They both brought out the best in each other and validated each other’s feelings and insecurities. Their banter had me smiling like a goof, and I appreciated what the other characters added to the story. The author wove in backstory, character development, and romantic plot seamlessly. I highly recommend this one for romance lovers out there for their holiday reading lists.
