Better Watch Out + Giveaway

An accidental meet-cute, a case of mistaken identity, and a bucket-list of Christmas activities befitting a Hallmark movie make this holiday romantic adventure the perfect Christmas read.

Leave the candy canes, take the pepper spray! 

Nothing screams Christmas like a week spent ice skating, visiting Santa, and sharing a kiss or two under the mistletoe. Frannie Frost has crafted the perfect bucket list of romantic activities to surprise her boyfriend in the most magical place at Christmas time—New York City. When he unexpectedly becomes her ex, her plans are derailed leaving her with a choice. Wallow in self-pity at Christmas time or take matters into her own hands. 

Former NHL defenseman turned personal protection agent, Andrew Bishop, loves his job—when things go as planned—but Frannie Frost is definitely not part of the plan. Still, when her brother, the man who saved Andrew’s life last year, asks him to deliver his sister safely to the airport, he can’t say no. 

The only problem? Frannie isn’t leaving. She’s determined to make the most of her trip by checking off a bucket list of cliché Christmas actives that would make even Santa’s elves jealous. Andrew’s content to let her go until he learns that Frannie’s been mistaken for his client and thrust into the midst of danger. 

Better Watch Out is a sweet romantic holiday adventure that gives you all of laughs of a rom-com while adding a touch of suspense. Tropes you’re sure to love include the new girl in the city vibe, stranded at Christmas, under the mistletoe, forced proximity, and a touch of enemies to lovers. Enjoy this romantic adventure that’s sure to make your holidays merry and bright.

My Review:

A rom/com with a sideline of suspense. But, really it’s the Christmas-themed, comedy-infused romance that takes centerstage here. And I loooovvvvveedd it!!! From the hearty guffawing meet cute through all the awkward, quirky moments. Frannie is all wide-eyed, small town Southern charm to Andrew’s jaded big city persona. What a contrast and it opens the way for some great comedy as well as touching, feel-good scenes. A lethal combination.

Oh — and speaking of Andrew — former hockey player, now a personal protection agent, working with a company of ex-NHLers turned body guards. THUD! I sure hope this is the start of a series because the office camaraderie is hilarious and now I need to know all these guys’ stories. And see them each get their happily ever after too, of course!

Christmas is practically its own character in this novel. The author does an amazing job of vividly describing holiday traditions in New York City as Frannie plays tourist to the nth degree and Andrew plods along. He’s kind of a grump at the start, but Frannie’s yuletide enthusiasm soon works its charm and he gets on board with the holiday magic. Just in time to send me into swooning tailspins and loop-de-loops!

For fans of the author’s ‘Harbored Secrets’ series: you’ll be thrilled to discover that Vivian and Ryan (Deadly Deceit; Book 2) play a secondary role here. They are always off page but we get their input via phone calls and text messages since Frannie is Ryan’s little sister. Can we say ‘Over protective brother syndrome’?! That brings a whole other line of comedic action to the story.

An absolute-must-read 2023 holiday release!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com (US) Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Better Watch Out, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 25, 2023

42 thoughts on “Better Watch Out + Giveaway”

  1. Great review, Kav! This sounds like a perfect Christmas read. I’ve actually had my eye on this one! Thanks for the chance to win!
    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

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  4. I’m not into comedy style books or even movies for some reason. Always like a good story and one that makes you smile too but comedy just hasn’t been on the top of my list. It’s actually interesting cause I’m always ready for a good laugh otherwise. But I’ll try this book just to see how I like it.

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    1. This one is definitely a good book to try. There’s lots going on besides the comedy, which is mostly lightly humourous — very much like the team banter in her SNAP Agency series, if you’ve read those books. Good luck, Becky!

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  6. WOW! “Better Watch Out” sounds like it has everything I love reading rolled into one book. The chemistry between Andrew and Frannie sounds like it’s going to be an eye opener for them both and a fun read for sure. Between the description and your review, I know this is going to be a must read for me. Adding it to the top of my TBR list and can’t wait for the opportunity to dive in reading it.

    Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  10. I want to read this one! I’ve only read one Natilie Walters book and want to try another.
    I love the suspense/comedy combo! Throw me in the draw! 🙂
    Thanks Kav! tracey14567 at gmail dot com

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  14. I’m not a huge fan of rom coms but this one has a lot more going for it….plus Natalie Walters is a fantastic author! The chemistry between the characters is fantastic, a fun bucket list, a hunky former hockey player, some danger, and there are ties to her Living Lies series (which is an all time favorite!). Most of all, even though there is danger, it’s just an outright FUN book! Natalie Walters has just signed a new book contract, so I’m also hopeful that there will be a yearly Christmas series. Can you imagine her taking a minor character from each of her books and writing a Christmas novella? Obviously and and ashamedly, I’m a HUGE fan, so please DON’T ENTER ME, I own a paperback and kindle copy as a backup.

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    1. Whoa, you know a reader means business when they have back ups copies of favourite reads! 🙂 Totally agree with everything you said. And now I’m wondering if this will be a Christmas series or will her next series feature these ex-NHlers and their protection agency? Impatiently waiting to find out. Reading this Christmas book inspired me to reread Ryand and Vivian’s story. Imagine my ecstatic joy when I found the book on Audible Plus! I’ve been in a re-reading mood lately so I’m going to make that one of my goals for 2024. Thanks for sharing all that bookish glee, Perrianne!

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