Review: A red-hot debut!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 1, 2014
Josie Marchpane’s life revolves around her job. Having spent most of life being told that she didn’t have what it takes to become a success, Josie is determined to prove her doubters wrong. Having invested all of her time and money into her fledgling business, Josie works crazy hours, has got no social life to speak of and cannot remember the last time she went out on a date, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. She cannot afford distractions of any kind and if she’s been a bit of a nightmare in the office recently, it’s only because she wants the company to get off the ground and thrive. But Josie’s best friend and business partner, Abbi, is worried about her. Although Abbi cannot deny that Josie is a hard worker, she knows that her friend is stressed out, working too hard and close to breaking point. With her grandmother’s cottage in the South of France empty, Abbi orders Josie to take some time off and to spend a fortnight away resting and recharging her batteries. With no other choice available to her, Josie reluctantly agrees, however, little does she realise that she is going to have company in the cottage in the shape of Abbi’s drop dead gorgeous brother, Connor!Free-spirited Connor does not like being tied down. An experienced traveller who is always jetting off to exotic locations, Connor likes to keep his schedule free, his relationships casual and his life as free from complications and commitments as possible. After three months away, Connor is looking forward to going home to his grandmother’s cottage in the South of France and sleeping in his own bed. The last thing he wants or needs is to have a housemate – so he is stunned when he finds a naked woman sleeping in his bed! Connor is not best pleased that Josie has made herself at home in his cottage –and he’s furious when he finds out that she’s in his house on his sister’s instructions! Having always had a very strained relationship with his sister, Connor wants nothing to do with Abbi-or with her imperious best friend! But unfortunately for him, Josie is determined to stay in his cottage for a fortnight and she is not going to relinquish her accommodation without a fight! However, house-sharing soon proves to be the least of their problems…Thrust into close proximity together, Connor and Josie soon begin to find themselves attracted to one another. When a sizzling kiss leads to undeniable passion, Connor and Josie give into temptation and embark on a no-strings affair. But when mutual attraction gives way to something deeper, will they keep to their resolve to keep their relationship casual or will they find the courage to face up to their feelings and admit that they’ve fallen madly in love with one another?Christy McKellen’s name is one readers of fast-paced and feel-good contemporary romance would do well to remember. In her debut novel for Harlequin Kiss, this talented new author has written a fun, fresh and flirty read that is packed with scorching emotional tension, steamy love scenes, witty repartee and irresistible romance!I loved Josie. Although when we first meet her she is bolshy and neurotic, Christy McKellen very cleverly begins to strip away the layers of protection she has been hiding behind and reveals the reason why she has been plagued by doubts all her life, before emerging at the end of the book as a feisty, strong and endearing heroine. Connor was a marvelous hero who was sexy, charming and absolutely gorgeous! I defy any reader not to be completely and utterly won over by him.Sexy, enjoyable and far too good to miss, Christy McKellen’s debut novel Holiday with a Stranger is a first-class read readers will find impossible to resist!This review was originally published on Cataromance.