It's no secret to those that know me well that I'm not a huge fan of Christmas, and I never have been. This year, however, that sentiment has shifted. Maybe it's because I just got married, or maybe I've finally grown out of my grinchly ways. Regardless, this Christmas I'm actually excited about Christmas, not just the overall season. I wanted to make sure there were a few Christmas reads on my TBR this year, to fully make the most of my newfound holly jolly-ness.

No-one Ever Has Sex on Christmas Day is written Love Actually style, honing in on a few families and groups of friends that share connections with one another in some way, shape, or form. Main characters include married couples Katy and Ben, and Allison and Matthew, along with a wide variety of friends and family. I didn't realize until halfway through this book that it is actually part of a series, but that's a good sign because that means it functions great as a stand-alone as well.

Katy and Ben are all settled in for their perfect Christmas when things start to go awry. First Katy's mom demands to attend, then Katy's work life gets turned upside down by an unexpected job offer. Allison and Matthew are expecting their fourth baby, but their well-balanced life could get thrown off by a romance gone wrong. Similarly to Love Actually, the characters all end up together at an office Christmas party, then again at a school Nativity event. At the end of the day, despite all the chaos surrounding them, the group comes to realize that all you need is love.

I really enjoyed this book. I'm a huge fan of Love Actually so when I heard this book described that way I knew I would like it. That being said, it was almost TOO similar, even referencing the movie once or twice in the story itself, so that's where I'm knocking off a star. I would have liked to have seen more unique ideas, but overall this was a fun and fast Christmas read that really puts you in the spirit of the season. The characters were great, and the message was heart-warming and relevant, and I'm so glad I gave this book a chance!

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Thanks to Netgalley for digital access to this fun seasonal read!

Katy and Ben want the perfect Christmas for their daughter, Millie. But visiting family, an overseas job offer, and romantically-challenged friends all threaten to mess things up. With so much else going on, can Katy and Ben even make it to Christmas day?

No-one Ever has Sex on Christmas Day is a quick and light read. It’s quirky and fun, and perfect for this time of year. Although it is part of a series, I read it as a standalone and it totally worked. There were references to events in previous books (I’d obviously missed a lot of drama between Katy, Ben, Matthew and Alison), but it was still perfectly easy to follow on its own.

The plot is a little bit odd because there’s no real point to the story. There’s no affair, no breakup, no real drama, so the climax felt a bit… anticlimactic. Also none of the main events happen to any of the main characters (their stories must have been covered in the previous books), but to their side-character pals instead (mainly, Ian and Braindead). This made the book feel a little bit aimless, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.

Braindead was by far my favourite character. I would have actually preferred to read a book based around him instead of Ben, Katy and the others, but he did play a fairly large role in moving the plot along so that was good. Alison, on the other hand, was just awful. I could have done without her.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a funny book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I never realised it was part of a series and had several previous books. I wuld definitelt read them, even though knowing what happens in this book will mean I’ll know the ending of the previous books! A great book that I couldn't put down as was such an entertaining read. Highly recommend and can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

I know I’ve said this before, but how frigging excellent is it when you go looking for an author on Amazon because you loved their sense of humour, settings and everything else and find they have numerous books out?! (Yes, it’s gonna be another gushy one, everyone beware!)

So, to start off with, this is a book that has a smattering of characters, all with different roles, and all equally memorable, which is just how I like it. We begin the story with a lead up to Christmas. Katy’s husband, Ben, has decided to pull out all the stops in terms of Christmas decorating, and we receive the news that Katy’s mum has been having a fling with a younger Spanish man, and wants to bring him to theirs for Christmas dinner.

From the off I found the humour to be loud, but not crude, which is exactly what I love and by only eight percent in I had already laughed (properly) or smiled about six times! I highlighted on and on which was ridiculous, but from the sense of being IN the story, to the comedy, to the characters-well, I just couldn’t stop!

There was Katy and Ben, where Katy wasn’t sure which should take precedence, her career or another baby, which was what her husband, Ben wanted. Ben was a stay at home dad, and I adored his little flip outs that reminded me of the crazy days- the ones where things don’t go to plan and you feel like you’re juggling everything on your own but don’t want to upset the bread winner, as they’ve so much on their plate too.

We also got to see into other people’s homes, Alison and Matthew, with Alison, hmm, let’s just say she was a little bit het up over things that may or may not have been necessary to get so upset over (her twins ‘ place in the nativity play ruining their whole future for one!). This also led us to meet the brilliant Ian, a well known womaniser with eyes for their nanny, much to Alison’s horror!

Their was also Ben’s best friend, Braindead who I adored (adored, adored!) who had decided that maybe he was one for committment with his long term girlfriend, another excellent character!

This is perfect for people who heart films such as ‘This Years Love’ with laugh out loud moments, heartwarming ‘aww’ moments, all put together with some nailbiting ‘what are they going to DO?!’ bits. Loved it! Thanks so much to Boookouture and Netgalley for this book in return for an honest review.

Note 1: My only problem was that I hadn’t read Tracy Bloom’s other books first and met the characters. I had read it as a standalone but wished I’d read in order. But you can (and I will go back!)! Find them here!

Note 2: Watch out for where the title is mentioned in the book. You won’t expect it!

Rating: 5/5

Katy is struggling to balance her work and home life, and with Christmas fast approaching it’s only getting trickier. All her husband, Ben, wants for Christmas is another baby to complete their family. Whereas, a new job offer in sunnier climes has Katy thinking of a very different future indeed.

Add to that some romantically challenged friends, an ex that keeps popping up in the unlikeliest of places and a 64-year-old Spanish toy boy named Carlos, and Christmas looks like it’s about to get a lot less festive.

Will Katy and Ben even have a future left to plan for by the time the big day arrives?

On receiving this book from NetGalley I was thrilled and started to read straight away. Unfortunately, I was already about 40% in when I realised that this was instalment number 3. After reading the brilliant “No-one Ever Has Sex on a Tuesday”, I was so disappointed that the 2nd book had somehow passed me by. Luckily for me it was written so well that I didn’t feel too out of the loop!

It was great to be reading about the antics and dilemmas of this couple again. Nothing is ever plain sailing for Katy and Ben, but instead of getting you down Bloom has a way of writing that has you laughing out loud at the characters reactions to their misfortunes. One of the best things about this book was the more in-depth involvement of the supporting characters, Daniel and Braindead are such huge personalities in this series that it was nice to see a little light shone on them personally.

I may have to go back and read “No-one Ever Has Sex in the Suburbs”, not to find out what I missed but to keep the giggles going.

I requested this book pretty much knowing what I was going to get out of the deal. I knew that it would be a fun, light Christmas read and that I would enjoy it.

I was right. That's exactly what this book is. I didn't read any of the other books by Bloom that include these characters, but that didn't matter. Bloom was able to recap the important bits so that I knew what was going on enough for it not to distract from the novel.

I loved how Bloom was able to create some pretty uncomfortable situations but still make them funny. Bumping into an ex you cheated on your spouse with is an awkward situation, but Bloom wrote it in such a way that it came across as humorous and worked out fine. She was able to do this for many different situations in the novel, which made it a fun read when it could have been bogged down with life stuff.

If you're looking for a light, fun, Christmas read, this book is a great one to pick up!

Thank you for approving my request! I really enjoyed this book. The author did a very good job by putting the story altogether at the end. Also, I heard there are two books above this one. I have a feeling I didn't miss out on any details from the other books. You can totally read this book without reading the other ones.
I just love romantic and coming together stories, especially when they have a christmas feeling.

Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.

Although I hadn't read the first two books in this series I soon picked up the background and the links between all the characters. Katy and Ben are happily married with a small daughter Millie. Katy is the high flier and Ben is a house husband and teaching assistant in Millie's class. Ben wants another child but Katy gets an unbelievable job offer. Throw in the fact that Katy's parents are having marital woes and her mum has a new boyfriend, a 64 year old toy boy.

We also have the backstory of Matthew Katy's old boyfriend and his wife Alison who is pregnant with their fourth child.

This is a fun light hearted read set around Christmas time. The stress Katy is under to make a decision results in some laugh out loud moments. The funniest parts for me though involved Katy's mum and her delightfully funny texts and Master elf and his nativity play. Who doesn't enjoy a book when one of the characters is called Braindead?

When I found out Katy & Ben would be coming back in another book I was very pleased. This is the third installment with these characters and I hope there is more to come. Even though this has Christmas in the title of the book I wouldn’t say Christmas plays a major part in which I was surprised about. It would have been great to have more about Katy & Ben and how they got from the last book to this one. I was cringing and laughing along the whole way. My favorite character has to be Ben and how he is written is amazing. I did want to shake Katy’s mum as she drove me nuts with her constant questions and texts. Give the girl a break already!

Thanks goes to net galley & the publishers for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Hi Noelle/Kim - its that time to clear shelf again! Not read all yet but I will. Thanks. Louise x

A nice light, funny, festive read - a perfect start to reading Christmas books!

This is the first Tracy Bloom book I have read and won’t be the last. I do think it would of been better for me to read the other books first, this would of given me more knowledge of the characters, however this didn’t spoil my read.
I love the way the book was funny but heartwarming and romantic all in one. To throw Christmas in is just fantastic. The book is well written and has a few different story lines that all connect together.
If your looking for a fun and witty Christmas read with chaos drama and heartwarming romance then I definitely recommend this book.

I absolutely loved this brilliant Christmas story. It's packed full of drama, humour and even finds time for romance.. We meet Katy who is married to Ben. They have a three year old daughter Millie. Katy has been offered a fantastic new job in Australia and never seems to get the time to tell Ben. He is a stay at home dad who used to be a teacher and now assists at Millie's nursery. All he wants is another child. There is so much fun as we meet their friends and family and join in the chaotic Christmas cheer!

This is the first Tracy Bloom book I have read and I really enjoyed it. It was a lovely story with some humour thrown in which made it really easy to read. The characters were likeable and you could really feel their emotions at times. I will definitely look to read some more of her books. I definitely recommend this book.

A wonderful laugh out loud book about various couples and their lives around Christmas. Family life can be tough but for Katy and Ben it's about to get a bit tougher. Everyone seems to want a piece of them in the run up to the big day. Alison and Matthew are parents to 3 children under 4 with another on the way. They want their twins to be the stars of their pre school nativity but will Mr Elf be the person to do that or will their past prevent this. Loved Tracy Blooms last but and this is equally as wonderful

This is a read thanks to Netgalley. I haven't read any other of the series some maybe to get the background information you could try and read them all previous to this but I read it and understood it.
There's a lot of laughs and comedy to this story and some hilarious scenes that makes you think WOW really. A really enjoyable but funny read.

I’m always a bit sceptical when I see books advertised as ‘hilarious’ or ‘laugh-out-loud funny’ but this one really was! “No-one Ever Has Sex on Christmas Day” had me in stitches and, although it is actually number three in a series, it’s easily read as a standalone (but I’m definitely going back to read the other two!).

Katy and Ben are planning Christmas, but Katy receives an offer that is very difficult to refuse. Ben wants another baby and Katy isn’t sure if that’s what she really wants. In come lots of brilliant supporting characters, including Katy’s mother and boyfriend, Katy’s ex, and Ben’s best friend, the aptly-named Braindead.

I felt so Christmassy after reading this book that I wrote all my Christmas cards 😊 Hooray for Tracey Bloom, who is now being added to my list of favourite authors!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in return for a fair and honest review.

Ok guys, say hello to my first christmas book of 2017 and to top it off it made me laugh on several occasions.

I was very lucky to be selected to receive this on NetGalley after requesting it and I knew it had to be my first christmas book of the year. I mean look at the title. If that doesn't make you want to read it straight away I don't know what will.

Now, upon further inspection I discovered that this is actually part of a series and is book number 3 in the said series. I have done this once before and even though I was frustrated with myself its ok. Turns out, although it would have been good to read the other books, its not the end of the world and you can pretty much work it out if you just wanted to pick this one up for christmas. Well thats what I thought anyhow. As Tracy guides you through each of the characters to help you gain an understanding of who they are and the past that comes with each of them. Although saying this Matthew and Allison threw me at first but guess they would have in the original as I was invested in Abby and Ben. Well I guess it would have...I have not read them yet. (Yes I want to read them)

ANYWAY, I digress. So lets get stuck into the book shall we.

We meet Katy and Ben as Katy comes home from work to find her husband (Ben) has been to the shop and got lots of cheap and tacky christmas decorations. Honestly, it was like I was watching real life. It made me giggle and I actively told Dan why I was laughing because it sounded like something I would do. Just overrun the house with Christmas decorations. So basically I found myself right at home.

We meet Katy and Ben at Christmas time. Katy has a big pitch at work and ends up working loads over the festive period, then she gets offered the job of a lifetime in Australia, but that means she couldn't have another baby with Ben so its a big decision to make at Christmas.oh and to top it off her mum is visiting from Spain with her new boyfriend. A well and truly eventful Christmas.

So thats the main story but then we have lots of others also. There's story involving Matthew and Allison (Katy's ex and his wife), their Nanny and Matthew's work partner and also Ben's best friend Braindead.

I enjoyed learning about each of the characters and I enjoyed looking into each of their lives. Not just that but the way in which it flowed between characters was really great. Like one minute we were hearing from Katy and then Mathew. It was really enjoyable.

If you have read the other books in the series, I have no doubt that you would enjoy this book. Saying this, even if you haven't read this I think you might enjoy it to like I did. It made me laugh and smile and I truly felt for Katy, such a hard decision to make a new job where you can take the lead or start a new family?

I would add it to your list if your looking and a laugh out loud festive read. If you want to see what she decides, go check it out!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for approving me to read this one early!

Until next time,

George x

The third novel in No-one Ever Has Sex series from Tracy Bloom, No-one Ever Has Sex on Christmas Day is a laugh out loud book about a small circle of adults and the odd way life brings people together. Though it is from a series, I felt it could be read as a standalone as I have not read the other books in the series previously. We follow Katy and Ben as they navigate their first holiday season settled in a new home with the pressure of family, work, and the future piling on them. Their friend Braindead brings the constant laughs, and some well-timed insight, as the two struggle with the decisions ahead of them. There's also Matthew and Alison, preparing for their next child, dealing with Alison's demands as a perfectionist, and helping, or hurting, Matthew's friend Ian in his quest for love.

"I mean, it's so not sexy. Kids up at the crack of dawn, hands up turkey's backside before breakfast, stomachs bloated by too much food and alcohol, exhaustion from weeks of celebrating."

I really enjoyed No-one Ever Has Sex on Christmas Day for one big reason, the characters are all realistic. They are flawed, they are curious, then are navigating a world that, like real life, comes with bumps, changes, and incredible opportunities. We get annoyed with our parents and our spouses, we miss some of our kid's moments and we constantly strive to be better in everything. Katy, Ben, Braindead, Matthew, Alison, and Ian all live in the same town, but they're acquaintances at best, their pasts having brought them together once that left things a bit on the awkward side. The book itself switches from character to character, never focusing on a single household for long, not until their lives start to bring them together again.

"This was turning out to be maybe not the most cosmopolitan but certainly the best Christmas he ever had."

I love just how much humor was in this book, Tracy Bloom writes with so much spirit and she knows how to make you laugh. It's lighthearted all while proving that a book doesn't have to follow the standard familial layout of career, children, and friendship. It is funny, it has moments of shock, and it even has a stay-at-home dad with an overworked wife. I appreciated that it was stereotypical, that friendship, romance, and sex carried this story forward, bringing some depth to the humor and sharing with readers a message about love and the people in your life. No-one Ever Has Sex on Christmas Day is a fun, lighthearted read that's perfect for the holidays, or anytime really.

Not having read the earlier books in this series, it took a bit of time to connect all the dots, even as Bloom did make an effort to provide some backstory for each of the separate vignettes that were progressing in this story. First up is Kate and Ben, with their three-year old daughter, Ben’s best friend Braindead, and Kate’s bestie Daniel. Kate is the working parent here – her salary from her marketing expertise allowed Ben to stay at home to raise Millie, and now with her at school, he’s been hired on as a teacher at her preschool. Ben is all things lovely: committed father, good friend and supportive partner. He’s also over-the-moon excited about this coming Christmas: it’s Millie’s first to really understand Father Christmas and the surrounding hoopla, and they are in a new house which he has decided to decorate. Extensively. But then, the complications start: Katie’s parents are divorcing, her mum has a new “toy-boy” and is coming to spend Christmas (uninvited) bringing Carlos and his myriad of requirements, a single son and smashing Ben’s plans for a quiet and cozy holiday to bits. When a last-minute pitch for a new client for the agency lands on Katie’s desk, and the company owner is pushing for her to up stakes and move to Australia for a new job –putting Ben’s desire for another child on hold and sending her best friend Daniel, now single after his Italian lover left without a word.

If that wasn’t enough tumult to add to the mix of the Christmas preparations, Ben has been handed the reins for the Nativity pageant at school, and is brought face-to-face with new students, a set of twin brother and sister with a rather obsessive and difficult mother, a nanny who finds him attractive, 23 3 year olds who all (with a couple of minor exceptions) want to be Joseph or Mary, and an encounter with his past. The twins father is Katy’s ex Matthew, his wife Allison is heavily pregnant with their fourth child, and she is borderline obsessed with her children’s advancement. When you add in Matthew’s friend Ian – divorced and playing the field, disliked by Allison and having a crush on their nanny – the story just twists up more and more.

Oh there are serious concerns hidden within the never-ending barrage of demands from Katy’s mother, Ben’s nerves and ‘modernization’ of the Nativity, the planning sessions with Daniel to make Braindead’s proposal an ‘event’ and a works holiday party at a cross between Chuck E Cheese, Lion King and a booze-fueled night of abandon. Katy’s worry about the offer to move to Australia, deciding on another baby, where to put her mother and her boyfriend for their Christmas visit, her realization that Daniel has become her best friend and someone very important to her, Ben’s concerns about the secrets that Katy is keeping (the job offer) and her apparent hesitation about another baby, his own worries about whether or not the Nativity will be a success, and walking Braindead through the maze that is his feelings for his girlfriend Abby and his upcoming engagement. Tucked neatly into all of the chaos comes the truth of this story – that love can, will and does conquer all, even as the laughter and the continual piling on of ‘just one more’ request continue near relentlessly to the end.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=”http://wp.me/p3OmRo-9rM/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>