Kindle Edition Download to your Nook (eBook) Download from Apple iTunes (eBook) Sadira Stone Romance Author Books 2 Read Category:  Romance Publisher: Sadira Stone Type: Fiction Pages: 300 Copyright: October 5, 2020 ISBN-13: 9781735785608 Price: $3.99 (eBook) When two Scrooges unite to save a bar in trouble, a kiss under the mistletoe sparks the sexiest Christmas miracle ever. Come to Bangers Tavern for an enemies-to-lovers tale of reconciliation, found family, holiday cocktails, and grumpy, snarky love. Bartender River Lundqvist has a damn good reason for hating Christmas. Bangers Tavern is the perfect place to lay low over the holidays—until Charlie walks in. His first encounter with the saucy server nine years ago was utter humiliation. Her reappearance stirs up powerful desires and hopes for a new start. But the timing is all wrong. Back in Tacoma to care for her estranged dad over the holidays, freelance web designer Charlie Khoury braces herself for the suckiest Christmas ever. A temporary job at Bangers Tavern gives her a chance to escape Dad’s criticism and blow off some steam. But why does the hunky bartender seem to hate her? A pretend girlfriend is just what River needs to keep his family off his back—until a kiss under the mistletoe flares hot enough to melt the North Pole. When greedy developers threaten Bangers Tavern, River and Charlie must team up to save it. Their sizzling chemistry feels like the real thing—but everyone knows rebound relationships don’t last. Come to Bangers Tavern for an enemies-to-lovers tale of reconciliation, found family, holiday cocktails, and the steamiest Christmas miracle ever. Excerpt Passing with a keg of beer on a hand dolly, Eddie grunted and pointed up, grinning. Above the bar’s corner hung a clump of mistletoe, tied with a red ribbon. River dropped his gaze to Charlie. Should he move in for that kiss he’d been fantasizing about since yesterday? Or wait for her to initiate? She shrugged. “Can’t break tradition.” She took a step toward him. His heart double-timed in his chest. His vision went all soft and blurry. Nearer still… She pivoted, grabbed Eddie’s jaw with both hands, and planted a loud smooch on his mouth. “Mwah. Merry Christmas, Eddie.” The barback stumbled and nearly fell on his bony ass. River didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Cursing softly under his breath, he trudged toward the bar. I push her father all the way down Sixth Ave, and she kisses Eddie? A soft hand grasped his bicep. “C’mon, River. Don’t be mad.” He turned, and she stepped in close. Really close. Her fingertips rested on his chest. Huge dark eyes twinkled with mischief. “I had to pay Eddie back for being a troublemaker.” He arched an eyebrow. “Kissing me is trouble?” Her hand slid to his nape. “Probably. But, you know, tradition…” Her heaven-soft lips brushed his, and the din around them faded away. He wrapped his arms around her waist. Her tongue might be sharp, but every inch of her was warm, soft, luscious. A low, hungry sound deep in her throat called his dick to full attention. She angled her head and kissed him again, long and lingering. But when he touched the corner of her mouth with the tip of his tongue, she sucked in a breath and pulled away. “See, told ya.” She tapped his sternum. “Trouble.”

Heat, Heart, and Funky Vibes
Christmas Rekindled by Sadira Stone is a funky Christmas tale with the little spice of gingerbread men. This contemporary romance is for those who like their wassail spiked with romance, heat, and endearing characters. Charlie is trapped in her protective father’s house after his injury brings her home for the holidays. The web designer takes a stroll down memory lane and ends up with a temporary gig in her old haunt, just to get some time away from her cranky patient.

I loved how the bar, Bangers, in this story is a third party to the main character’s romance. Just as Charlie must make the decision between her high-flying life back in Portland versus her down-to-earth options in Tacoma, Sixth Street is at a crossroads. The story wouldn’t be the same without the war against the gentrification of “proud to be weird” sixth street with its dive bars, retro shops, and vintage boutiques. My little Millennial heart was bursting at the seams with references to gourmet tater tots, mom & pop coffee shops, vintage gift shopping, and ugly sweaters. An updated, trendy holiday story sure to become a classic!

However, I can only give a 5-star review to a story with a swoon-worthy hero and River is everything you could want in a perfectly grinchy, pretty boy. A rich kid squashed by his parent’s expectations, River rebels by being the best bartender in the area. This book has so many yummy cocktail descriptions, I started taking notes – only to be surprised by the recipes at the back of the book! River’s dedication to Bangers, Charlie’s father, and Charlie’s need for personal space won me over. Throw in his Swedish features, motorcycle, designer wardrobe, and passion for staying in shape, wowsa! No wonder all the females at Bangers get in line for his smiles. However, behind the easy-going demeanor is a wounded heart whose honesty and vulnerability will make you want to “just cuddle” and make him feel better.

Overall, Christmas Rekindled is a holiday romance that brings the heat, the heart, and the funky vibes to capture the Millennial Christmas with 100% accuracy. It will pull your heartstrings, give you the giggles, raise your temperature, and reimagine your drink order with every chapter.

Loved
I enjoyed this holiday storyline the characters are well developed and engaging and the connection between them was there. Will they give themself a second chance at love. The storyline entertains from beginning to the end.


Christmas second chance romance
A perfect read at Christmas or any time! This book is a second chance romance with a lot of family drama. I enjoyed the characters and how they worked through their challenges. It definitely put me in the Christmas spirit and wanting a cocktail.