Merry Christmas, Baby

By: Katie Reus

Narrated by: Sophie Eastlake

Length: 2 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Warm up with a sexy holiday tale of love and romance in a town where it's Christmas all year.

After unexpectedly inheriting a bookstore, Nora and her younger sister settled in Holly, NC, a place where it's Christmas year-round. As the legal guardian for her sister for the past few years, romance has been the last thing on Nora's mind. But she broke her rules for the town's golden boy - former SEAL Jackson O'Connor. When Jackson does something stupid and almost loses Nora for good, he realizes just how far he's willing to go for the woman who's stolen his heart. But it might take a Christmas miracle to get Nora to give him a second chance.

©2016 Katie Reus (P)2016 Katie Reus

A quick, sexy & entertaining holiday romance!

If you could sum up Merry Christmas, Baby in three words, what would they be?

Light-hearted, warm-fuzzies romance

What did you like best about this story?

Merry Christmas, Baby, by Katie Reus is a sweet and hot second-chance-at-love romance set in the small town of Holly, North Carolina, where it is Christmas-time year-round. It is a quick stand-alone read – perfect for delving into during the holidays – or anytime – when you fancy a lighthearted dose of love and warm-fuzzies romance.

What does Sophie Eastlake bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Sophie Eastlake aces the narration of this book. If you enjoy audios, the audio edition is the way to go! Sophie has a clear, concise and pleasant voice and she hits all the right notes with pauses, enunciation, expressing emotions and differentiating the characters. Her performance sounds natural and exponentially enhanced my pleasure in the story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The nice and likable lead characters are Jackson O’Connor, a former Navy SEAL, and Nora a bookstore/coffee shop owner. Their story is fast-paced, but since the characters are already acquainted when we meet them, their instant attraction is wholly believable. Their bantering and dialogue left me alternately laughing and swooning. Being that this tale is from quintessential romantic suspense author Katie Reus, this story includes a slight suspenseful slant.

Any additional comments?

Merry Christmas, Baby pulled me in from the very beginning. The story is condensed into seventy-two pages on my kindle, but it’s not lacking in any way. The couple’s tale is predictable, but delightfully delicious. If you crave a quick, entertaining and sexy holiday escape, think Merry Christmas, Baby!

Loved this short love story.

I really liked this story by this author. I was totally into the book by the first chapter. Nora and Jackson were totally made for each other. It was short and sweet and kept my attention the whole time, couldn't put it down. Also I recommend the audio books, it brings the story more to life.

A holiday novella to be enjoyed by all.

This was a very sweet audiobook novella , and the beginning of Ms Reus series titled, O’Connor Family. Perfect for the holiday season, or anytime you want a lift me up story.
I have to confess that I stay away from novellas, since the majority provide very little plot. Only a talented author like Ms Reus can give you a well developed plot and characters that make you feel like you know them personally by the time you finish the story. Even the secondary characters are interesting enough that you can see more stories coming our way.
In this one, we have Nora, a bookstore owner and recent resident of Holly , NC . She inherited the store and has moved to Holly with her sister. A teenager she adores and has been her legal guardian for a few years. Dating and love are not in her immediate plans but former SEAL Jackson O’Connor just might be the one to break that plan.
He does something that almost ruined a chance with Nora, but it’s the Christmas season and who knows, a HEA might be in the future.
Looking forward to what Ms Reus has in store in her next book of the O’Connors.
I must compliment the narrator, Sophie Eastlake, for an excellent performance.
I was gifted this audiobook. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Wonderful Christmas Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes I would as it is a wonderful Christmas story

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jackson caused he realized he messed up and worked hard to make it right and get his woman

Which scene was your favorite?

Where they caught Nora's sister and her boyfriend

Any additional comments?

So worth a credit. Being so busy this time of year I miss a lot of the Christmas reads.
Finding one on audio so I didn't miss out made my day. First book I've read/listened to by this author but I doubt it will be my last.

Great Christmas romance!

Would you consider the audio edition of Merry Christmas, Baby to be better than the print version?

I feel they are both good.:)Katie's writing is awesome and Sophie's narration make the characters come to life.

Any additional comments?

Katie always write stories that I love.:)Her men are alpha and caring.

Fun Christmas read!

I’ve heard many great things about Katie Reus and her books. But I never read any of her books before. So when I was looking for a nice Christmas themed audiobook to listen to during the HoHoHo Read-A-Thon, and I saw ‘ Merry Christmas Baby’ I decided this was the perfect opportunity to start listening to my first Katie Reus book.

In ‘Merry Christmas Baby’ we meet Nora. Nora is the owner of a small book/coffee shop and she lived with her younger sister in a small town called Holly. In Holly it’s Christmas all year-round. And ever since Nora got custody of her younger sister, this is the only town she felt like staying. Especially since she met sexy and sweet Jackson O’Connor. Jackson is everything Nora wants in a guy. But after what she taught was a great first date, Jackson ignored her for weeks. Now Jackson is determined to make things up to Nora. But Nora isn’t falling for his tricks again.

‘Merry Christmas Baby’ is a short, romantic and sexy Christmas story that pulled me in from the very first start. This was definitely a perfect Christmas read that had all the feels. A nice small town, a nice book/coffee shop, nice characters and a sweet and sexy romance. I really loved listening to this book.

The romance between Nora and Jackson was definitely very predictable but I still loved every minute of this story. I loved how sweet Jackson was and how much he wanted to fight for Nora. I enjoyed their interactions and I was totally rooting for them.
I also loved the little town of Holly. A town where it is Christmas every day? It sounds very sweet to me. And learning all those Christmas themed shop names.. LOL!! Hilarious.

The narrator Sophie Eastlake had a very nice voice to listen to. I liked the way she made Nora and Jackson come to life. Her voice fitted both the characters perfectly and above all she made it sound natural. I hate it when a narrator makes the romance sound unnatural and it makes you kind of uncomfortable to listen to it. Sophie Eastlake definitely didn’t do that.. I loved listening to this book.

I loved listening to ‘Merry Christmas Baby’ while driving to work. It was a fun and great way to pass the time and it really made me look forward to Christmas time. If you’re looking for a short, fun, sexy and Christmas themed audiobook.. ‘Merry Christmas Baby’ is for you.

Christmas Wishes

You'll love Holly, North Carolina where it's Christmas year round. This small town is filled with caring people and quirky neighbors. A happy ever after is guaranteed and lovers get a second chance. This anthology is a special holiday treat. I feel in love with the alpha heroes and their feisty independent ladies. Katie Reus had me sighing when Jackson O'Connor romanced Nora. He had turned tail and run when he found how much he wanted this woman in his life. Now he has to get her to give him a second chance. Can he do it? He has the charm. Will the holiday be filled with a HEA. I loved this feel good story and enjoyed the excellent narration of Sophie Eastlake. Listening to audiobooks adds to my pleasure.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance reader copy of this book.

Christmas feels.

If you could sum up Merry Christmas, Baby in three words, what would they be?

sweet love story

What was one of the most memorable moments of Merry Christmas, Baby?

Nora decides to give Jackson another chance

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the proposal

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When he decided she was the one for him

Any additional comments?

This is such a sweet story set around the holidays, perfect for an afternoon escape. Narration by Sophie Eastlake for audio version was perfect.

Puts you in the holiday spirit -- quick listen

Merry Christmas, Baby. Jackson O’Connor (former Navy SEAL) now back at home in Holly messed up. Nora is the owner of the bookstore/coffee shop in Holly. She is also the guardian of her seventeen year old sister. Nora and Sasha moved to Holly when she inherited the bookstore from an estranged relative. Jackson and Nora had been friends since she moved to town. Jackson, wanted to make more of their relationship asks her out but then gets cold feet afterward and does not contact her. Nora, hurt and a little disillusioned, but still a little in love with Jackson, does not want to take the chance that he will hurt her again. Can Jackson get Nora to forgive him? Will they find out who had been sneaking into the bookstore after hours? Good quick listen – puts you in the holiday spirit.

As usual Sophie Eastlake does an excellent job bringing the characters and story to life.

Cute story!

Narrator Review: Sophie Eastlake
Distinguishable between characters: 5 Stars
Impersonating opposite sex: 3 Stars
Accents: N/A
Any critiques: I wasn't a fan of the Hero's voice. I'm very picky about this and it doesn't ruin my overall enjoyment of an audio book.
Overall enjoyment of Performance: 4 Stars
Recommend audible version: Yes
Borrowed on Audible Romance Package

Story Review:
-possessive hero
-likeable heroine
-safe read, no abuse or cheating
-a tiny amount of OW drama

There is some groveling by the Hero since he freaked out when he realized Nora was "it" for him and didn't contact her for 3 weeks. I didn't love that part but that's where our story begins and starts with him pursuing her to get her back.