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Claus and Effect
Two strangers who couldn’t be more opposite find themselves on an unexpected cross-country road trip days before Christmas where whatever can go wrong, does.
He’s an Army Ranger.
She’s a baker.
He’s organized and rigid.
She’s messy and carefree.
He doesn’t do relationships.
She’s following her heart.
His family chat blows up his phone.
She just buried her last living relative.
The holiday season doesn’t seem so jolly as they venture from one mode of transportation to the next. But, they have to become friends and rely on each other if they’re going to survive all the obstacles thrown their way.
As the miles grow shorter, vulnerabilities are shared, and by the time they reach their destination, neither one of them is sure what they really want for Christmas anymore.
He’s an Army Ranger.
She’s a baker.
He’s organized and rigid.
She’s messy and carefree.
He doesn’t do relationships.
She’s following her heart.
His family chat blows up his phone.
She just buried her last living relative.
The holiday season doesn’t seem so jolly as they venture from one mode of transportation to the next. But, they have to become friends and rely on each other if they’re going to survive all the obstacles thrown their way.
As the miles grow shorter, vulnerabilities are shared, and by the time they reach their destination, neither one of them is sure what they really want for Christmas anymore.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2023
About the author
Piper Rayne
157 books5,519 followersPiper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling author duo. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have "Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle" (okay...you caught us, that's our tagline). A little about us... We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We're both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We're both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.
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December 11, 2023
This book did nothing for me...
The pacing was off, the characters weren't well developped, it lacked depth. Even though it tried to give us background, I didn't connect with the characters and didn't care much for the story, it actually took me a while to finish it because I wasn't into it.
Plus, they were instantly into each other. The "hating" each other was only them being idiots and annoying one another. It took a while for them to get together, that part wasn't instant but I didn't feel the build-up, or the tension.
It was a meh read for me.
The pacing was off, the characters weren't well developped, it lacked depth. Even though it tried to give us background, I didn't connect with the characters and didn't care much for the story, it actually took me a while to finish it because I wasn't into it.
Plus, they were instantly into each other. The "hating" each other was only them being idiots and annoying one another. It took a while for them to get together, that part wasn't instant but I didn't feel the build-up, or the tension.
It was a meh read for me.
December 15, 2023
3.5⭐️
This was a cute holiday romance. I loved Piper Rayne’s previous holiday romance so I was super excited to read this one.
The forced proximity on the road trip made for such good tension between Tessa and Tre. The grumpy/sunshine trope created a great dynamic and made it even more satisfying when the characters started to open up to one another.
The writing was easy to get into but it lacked depth for me in some areas. It felt a little bland and like it could have used a bit more polishing. The romance was fun and spicy and the characters were engaging.
This was a quick and festive romance that will get you right into the holiday spirit!
Thank you to Valentine PR for the eARC!
This was a cute holiday romance. I loved Piper Rayne’s previous holiday romance so I was super excited to read this one.
The forced proximity on the road trip made for such good tension between Tessa and Tre. The grumpy/sunshine trope created a great dynamic and made it even more satisfying when the characters started to open up to one another.
The writing was easy to get into but it lacked depth for me in some areas. It felt a little bland and like it could have used a bit more polishing. The romance was fun and spicy and the characters were engaging.
This was a quick and festive romance that will get you right into the holiday spirit!
Thank you to Valentine PR for the eARC!
November 6, 2023
Claus and Effect, a Christmas standalone, by Piper Rayne-
My review is 5 stars!!!
I don’t usually read Christmas novels BUT, I love Piper’s novels so I had to see if she could change my mind and, this novel is everything a Christmas RomCom should be! There were many times this story had me laughing out loud, it is such a good read!
The enemies-to-lovers and found-family tropes hit strong in this story. Tre and Tessa have the most absurd meetcute, ever. They initially meet on an airplane while traveling during the holidays and end up on the most bizzare, cross-country trip, together. Tessa is such an impulsive, yet lovable FMC. Tre is the all-business Army Ranger, who might die if he cracked a smile. Parts of their journey had me literally laughing out loud. The side of the highway scene, the chugging contest and the dunk tank were some of my favorite hilarious moments.
AND THAT PLOT TWIST!! Never saw it coming!!
Aside from the comedic relief, this is also an adorable love story. There are some very tender moments that really touch the heart. There is quite a bit of Christmas magic within these pages. The support characters were so well written. They all played an important role and made this story come alive.
The only complaint that I have is that I wish there were more!! I did appreciate the bonus chapter after their happily-ever-after. I now have to go and read Piper’s other Christmas standalone because there is some character crossover and I need to know!! Piper definitely changed my view on Christmas novels with this book.
I received an advance reader copy and am leaving my review voluntarily.
My review is 5 stars!!!
I don’t usually read Christmas novels BUT, I love Piper’s novels so I had to see if she could change my mind and, this novel is everything a Christmas RomCom should be! There were many times this story had me laughing out loud, it is such a good read!
The enemies-to-lovers and found-family tropes hit strong in this story. Tre and Tessa have the most absurd meetcute, ever. They initially meet on an airplane while traveling during the holidays and end up on the most bizzare, cross-country trip, together. Tessa is such an impulsive, yet lovable FMC. Tre is the all-business Army Ranger, who might die if he cracked a smile. Parts of their journey had me literally laughing out loud. The side of the highway scene, the chugging contest and the dunk tank were some of my favorite hilarious moments.
AND THAT PLOT TWIST!! Never saw it coming!!
Aside from the comedic relief, this is also an adorable love story. There are some very tender moments that really touch the heart. There is quite a bit of Christmas magic within these pages. The support characters were so well written. They all played an important role and made this story come alive.
The only complaint that I have is that I wish there were more!! I did appreciate the bonus chapter after their happily-ever-after. I now have to go and read Piper’s other Christmas standalone because there is some character crossover and I need to know!! Piper definitely changed my view on Christmas novels with this book.
I received an advance reader copy and am leaving my review voluntarily.
December 3, 2023
Loved this book! The heroine was so adorable, one of the sweetest heroines I read about in a long time. When meeting the hero he seemed like an ass. But with all the banter and getting to know each other, he became one of my book boyfriends. I loved the fact that this book was over the top Christmassy, but had enough character development. It wasn’t superficial and just a read to get you in the Christmas spirit. I loved reading their journey, literally their way back home with all the obstacles along the way, but also their own road to where they want to be in life and in relationships. It was such a fantastic romcom, so many funny moments, great characters and so much coziness.
Safety:
Safe with exception, because heroine goes to visit her ex to rekindle their romance. She went on 3 dates with this guy, but didn’t sleep with him. So to me it didn’t seem that serious to fly over the country for. The OM should’ve bothered me, but he didn’t because of the above. But it does cause jealousy and uncertainty with the hero. No cheating or sex with OP. No OW/OM scenes. Hero not a manwhore. Heroine not a virgin. No mention of how long both are celibate. Since hero came from a mission, I believe it would be quite a while for him. He’s not the relationship guy, only had ONS or two nighters. Heroine went on dates, but is not the ONS kinda gal so unlikely she slept with (all of) them.
Safety:
Safe with exception, because heroine goes to visit her ex to rekindle their romance. She went on 3 dates with this guy, but didn’t sleep with him. So to me it didn’t seem that serious to fly over the country for. The OM should’ve bothered me, but he didn’t because of the above. But it does cause jealousy and uncertainty with the hero. No cheating or sex with OP. No OW/OM scenes. Hero not a manwhore. Heroine not a virgin. No mention of how long both are celibate. Since hero came from a mission, I believe it would be quite a while for him. He’s not the relationship guy, only had ONS or two nighters. Heroine went on dates, but is not the ONS kinda gal so unlikely she slept with (all of) them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2023
“I smile back because at least now, I know how love is supposed to feel.” 🎄💌🍪🎀
CLAUS & EFFECT (arc) REVIEW
4.5/5 ★’s
•
•
•
THIS BOOK! was the absolute most adorable start off to my christmas book marathon for this year! Tessa & Tre, the absolute most perfect chromas couple and grumpy x sunshine love story! Piper Rayne’s writing is absolutely ADDICTING! i read this book in less than 2 days because her writing is so fast paced, so fresh & so comfort cozy for this holiday season! Between the relatable holiday airport struggles & the infectious tension between our two main characters it’s hard to not be absolutely obsessed with army boy tee & soft girl tessa 🫶🏼
our fmc, Tessa is the absolute most heart warming girl ever! a struggling baker with a tough past just trying to follow what her heart (and physic?) tells her to do. Having nothing to lose means nothing to hurt for right? But in the midst of going across the country in search of hopeful love, she runs into her complete opposite, dark cloud, army boy Tre 🏹 with her soft cookie dough heart, her endless love for christmas and all the love she has to give to the world despite the world giving her zero, Tessa left me absolutely in love & made me feel so at home with her sunshine demeanor during christmas time where hope, faith and most of all endless love is what carries you with the most holiday spirit! 🎄
our mmc, the grinchy Tre is just probably your dream man on the top of your christmas wish list! brooding exterior, absolute cinnamon bun interior? check. skilled at everything, even delivering babies on planes? check. finding a way to brood over Tessa’s love for christmas but find it super her cute on her? also, CHECK. Tre absolutely stole my heart, his determination to reach his family & return them all the love they’ve missed out on for so many years is something so pure & wholesome. coming from a dark past where he has forced love out of his vocabulary, is something so contrasting to Tessa’s demeanor, being someone who despite the lack of love the universe has given her she still has so much to offer. Tre’s protective & all loving demeanor over his family, his girl, and the people he loves most had be absolutely in love. Piper rayne couldn’t have possibly written a better winner for the annual egg nog contest (if you know, you KNOW)
This book absolutely was the perfect mix of romance and christmas! every page had me squealing & giggling my feet in my christmas sockies. absolutely perfect to read with a cup of hot chocolate, a nice fire going, and OF COURSE some christmas sugar cookies (if you know, you know!) Claus & effect will be released just in perfect time for the holiday season on November 14th, and I absolutely can’t wait for you all to dive into the perfectly wrapped present! 🎀🎄
CLAUS & EFFECT (arc) REVIEW
4.5/5 ★’s
•
•
•
THIS BOOK! was the absolute most adorable start off to my christmas book marathon for this year! Tessa & Tre, the absolute most perfect chromas couple and grumpy x sunshine love story! Piper Rayne’s writing is absolutely ADDICTING! i read this book in less than 2 days because her writing is so fast paced, so fresh & so comfort cozy for this holiday season! Between the relatable holiday airport struggles & the infectious tension between our two main characters it’s hard to not be absolutely obsessed with army boy tee & soft girl tessa 🫶🏼
our fmc, Tessa is the absolute most heart warming girl ever! a struggling baker with a tough past just trying to follow what her heart (and physic?) tells her to do. Having nothing to lose means nothing to hurt for right? But in the midst of going across the country in search of hopeful love, she runs into her complete opposite, dark cloud, army boy Tre 🏹 with her soft cookie dough heart, her endless love for christmas and all the love she has to give to the world despite the world giving her zero, Tessa left me absolutely in love & made me feel so at home with her sunshine demeanor during christmas time where hope, faith and most of all endless love is what carries you with the most holiday spirit! 🎄
our mmc, the grinchy Tre is just probably your dream man on the top of your christmas wish list! brooding exterior, absolute cinnamon bun interior? check. skilled at everything, even delivering babies on planes? check. finding a way to brood over Tessa’s love for christmas but find it super her cute on her? also, CHECK. Tre absolutely stole my heart, his determination to reach his family & return them all the love they’ve missed out on for so many years is something so pure & wholesome. coming from a dark past where he has forced love out of his vocabulary, is something so contrasting to Tessa’s demeanor, being someone who despite the lack of love the universe has given her she still has so much to offer. Tre’s protective & all loving demeanor over his family, his girl, and the people he loves most had be absolutely in love. Piper rayne couldn’t have possibly written a better winner for the annual egg nog contest (if you know, you KNOW)
This book absolutely was the perfect mix of romance and christmas! every page had me squealing & giggling my feet in my christmas sockies. absolutely perfect to read with a cup of hot chocolate, a nice fire going, and OF COURSE some christmas sugar cookies (if you know, you know!) Claus & effect will be released just in perfect time for the holiday season on November 14th, and I absolutely can’t wait for you all to dive into the perfectly wrapped present! 🎀🎄
December 8, 2023
Great Holiday Read
I love reading Holiday Romances this time of year; it really helps get me in the mood for all the craziness that is about to come, and CLAUS AND EFFECT was the perfect book to do the trick. Not only did it have many laugh-out-loud moments, but it also took us on a road trip, which I adore.
What happens when Tessa takes off for a cross-country trip to find the guy she thinks got away? Well, a journey of heartfelt moments, holiday shenanigans, and a comedy of errors. But more importantly, it's a trip that brings two strangers, total opposites, together, and they find that there is more than getting to their destination on time; there is also the journey that brings two people together for a reason. A reason that cannot be denied.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewCaE
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
I love reading Holiday Romances this time of year; it really helps get me in the mood for all the craziness that is about to come, and CLAUS AND EFFECT was the perfect book to do the trick. Not only did it have many laugh-out-loud moments, but it also took us on a road trip, which I adore.
What happens when Tessa takes off for a cross-country trip to find the guy she thinks got away? Well, a journey of heartfelt moments, holiday shenanigans, and a comedy of errors. But more importantly, it's a trip that brings two strangers, total opposites, together, and they find that there is more than getting to their destination on time; there is also the journey that brings two people together for a reason. A reason that cannot be denied.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewCaE
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
November 12, 2023
Definitely not my favorite by Piper Rayne, I wasn't a huge fan of this strangers to lovers holiday romance. The chemistry between the MCs felt a little flat for me and I just wasn't all that interested in the story as a whole. Good on audio but not one I would recommend as a must-read this season.
November 16, 2023
4.5 stars
Super freaking cute holiday romance. I was giggling and smiling so hard listening to this audio. I would have liked a tad more steam, but I ate this one up!
Great narrators! Can be read as a standalone!
Super freaking cute holiday romance. I was giggling and smiling so hard listening to this audio. I would have liked a tad more steam, but I ate this one up!
Great narrators! Can be read as a standalone!
Shelved as 'dnf'
December 22, 2023Trying recs, this one from dear @Helen✨
Didn't click for me :(
DNF 20%
Didn't click for me :(
DNF 20%
December 16, 2023
🎧🎧AUDIO REVIEW🎧🎧
Clause and Effect is a cute string of mishaps that take our couple from one setback to another which they turn into fun shenanigans that will make you laugh and warm your heart! The story had a lot of spark until it didn’t and honestly, it was all due to the ridiculous brother conflict that was thrown into the story at the last minute. I’m not going to detail my take on ridiculous miscommunication nonsense or grown adults carrying conflict on their backs from decades past because, well, #twitchy LOL GAH, these two spent close to 6 hours building something just to blow it all up AND fix the blow-up in the last 45 minutes. *blink* Adults not adulting is not my thing. #sorrynotsorry (also, parents revealing anything about their children that they know is a sensitive subject to an almost complete stranger is … *blink*)
As you can read, the story turned on a dime for me and the spark I was feeling very quickly dwindled down and I hated almost every single minute of the *end* of this story :(
Sidebar Thought: Soooooo, I’ve only ever rec’d this once before, but, if you have yet to enjoy this story and its predecessor, Single and Read to Jingle, I highly recommend that you read this story first. I know they were published the other way around, but this story’s spark and general captivation is not nearly as explosive as its predecessor and because of that, you might not enjoy this story as much as you would if you didn’t have Single and Read to Jingle as the metric to compare to. This is an absolute me experience and has very little effect on my overall enjoyment of my experience listening to this story, and it wasn’t until I finished listening to Single and Ready to Jingle last night that I had my revelation! Okay, those are my 5₵, do with them what you will! :)
Clause and Effect is a cute string of mishaps that take our couple from one setback to another which they turn into fun shenanigans that will make you laugh and warm your heart! The story had a lot of spark until it didn’t and honestly, it was all due to the ridiculous brother conflict that was thrown into the story at the last minute. I’m not going to detail my take on ridiculous miscommunication nonsense or grown adults carrying conflict on their backs from decades past because, well, #twitchy LOL GAH, these two spent close to 6 hours building something just to blow it all up AND fix the blow-up in the last 45 minutes. *blink* Adults not adulting is not my thing. #sorrynotsorry (also, parents revealing anything about their children that they know is a sensitive subject to an almost complete stranger is … *blink*)
As you can read, the story turned on a dime for me and the spark I was feeling very quickly dwindled down and I hated almost every single minute of the *end* of this story :(
Sidebar Thought: Soooooo, I’ve only ever rec’d this once before, but, if you have yet to enjoy this story and its predecessor, Single and Read to Jingle, I highly recommend that you read this story first. I know they were published the other way around, but this story’s spark and general captivation is not nearly as explosive as its predecessor and because of that, you might not enjoy this story as much as you would if you didn’t have Single and Read to Jingle as the metric to compare to. This is an absolute me experience and has very little effect on my overall enjoyment of my experience listening to this story, and it wasn’t until I finished listening to Single and Ready to Jingle last night that I had my revelation! Okay, those are my 5₵, do with them what you will! :)
December 20, 2023
This book opens with her getting a tarot reading from a psychic so obviously you should read it 😁
It’s a super fluffy, quick, spicy, Christmas romance.
The FMC is told by the psychic that she needs to make this cross country trip to connect with the love of her life. According to the psychic, if she doesn’t, she’ll end up alone and won’t find love.
She takes a flight across the country and basically everything goes wrong in traveling to prevent her from reaching her destination.
Along the way she meets a very grumpy stranger and the two of them need to work together to reach their destination.
It’s goofy, fun and very light hearted.
The part on the plane and a little competition they find themselves stuck in are my favorite parts.
Side note, the MMC is also in the military, but that wasn’t a huge part of the story in my opinion. It’s mentioned several times, but I don’t think I would necessarily call this a military romance. I hope that makes sense.
It’s a super fluffy, quick, spicy, Christmas romance.
The FMC is told by the psychic that she needs to make this cross country trip to connect with the love of her life. According to the psychic, if she doesn’t, she’ll end up alone and won’t find love.
She takes a flight across the country and basically everything goes wrong in traveling to prevent her from reaching her destination.
Along the way she meets a very grumpy stranger and the two of them need to work together to reach their destination.
It’s goofy, fun and very light hearted.
The part on the plane and a little competition they find themselves stuck in are my favorite parts.
Side note, the MMC is also in the military, but that wasn’t a huge part of the story in my opinion. It’s mentioned several times, but I don’t think I would necessarily call this a military romance. I hope that makes sense.
November 14, 2023
Perfect Christmas book 🤩.
Such a sweet and warm story. I was so hooked by Tre and Tessa’s story and it was so hard to put this book down. Their road trip was so fun and unexpected, it was perfect. Just what I needed. It was refreshing.
Piper Rayne know how to get me, I’m always addicted to their books and this one is no exception.
Both Tessa and Tre were perfectly discribes, and it was really hard not to fall for them. They’re totally opposites but they both deserves this Christmas story.
I guarantee you beautiful moments of fun, humour, love with a bit of emotions.
Such a sweet and warm story. I was so hooked by Tre and Tessa’s story and it was so hard to put this book down. Their road trip was so fun and unexpected, it was perfect. Just what I needed. It was refreshing.
Piper Rayne know how to get me, I’m always addicted to their books and this one is no exception.
Both Tessa and Tre were perfectly discribes, and it was really hard not to fall for them. They’re totally opposites but they both deserves this Christmas story.
I guarantee you beautiful moments of fun, humour, love with a bit of emotions.
November 5, 2023
Enemies to lovers, small town, forced proximity, one bed, found family... give me it all wrapped up in a bow and delivered inside of a Christmas book! This was the epitome of Hallmark-esk vibes with just a splash of spice, some slow burn, angst and cute and funny banter! Following these two characters around during their travels was hoot! Anything and everything that could go wrong, did! Everything keeping them together also did! So much of this was fun, just the little quirks of the small towns and the people they met. The banter between them alone was great! Falling in love is the process was the icing on the cake. Not to mention his family, they were amazing and funny as well! Throw in the Christmas season and it was a good time! Highly recommending to pick this up this holiday season!!
December 21, 2023
The characters are fun and I fell in love with them. Super cute Christmas novel. A little bit of spice in sprinkled in and lots of sugar ❤️
January 10, 2024
Audiobook Rating: 3/5 ⭐
I had never read Piper Rayne before reading Claus and Effect, and I had no idea this was an author duo! They truly made the entire book feel so seamless that I thought it was just one author so bravo to them! This was a sweet holiday romance with a bit of spice, so it was basically a Hallmark movie on steroids. The forced proximity was a nice addition, and I really enjoyed the banter and tension between Tessa and Tre. There was also a grumpy/sunshine trope in here, and I don't think I have to tell you who was which one. 😉
The audiobook is where things got a little dicey for me, and while I loved Brooke Bloomingdale (WHY does she sound exactly like Julia Whelan?!) Lee Samuel's narration was pretty lacking for me. This is a duet narration, so both narrators are talking to each other as opposed to going chapter by chapter, and I think Samuel really dropped the ball as far as cues go. His narration was pretty stilted and in areas where the book literally says he whispers, he sounds like he's shouting. For this reason, I think reading may be the way to go, but Bloomingdale really shined, and I was glad I got to hear it for her narration. Claus and Effect is a fun holiday romance with a touch of steam and it was a really quick read making it perfect to fit into the holiday season.
I had never read Piper Rayne before reading Claus and Effect, and I had no idea this was an author duo! They truly made the entire book feel so seamless that I thought it was just one author so bravo to them! This was a sweet holiday romance with a bit of spice, so it was basically a Hallmark movie on steroids. The forced proximity was a nice addition, and I really enjoyed the banter and tension between Tessa and Tre. There was also a grumpy/sunshine trope in here, and I don't think I have to tell you who was which one. 😉
The audiobook is where things got a little dicey for me, and while I loved Brooke Bloomingdale (WHY does she sound exactly like Julia Whelan?!) Lee Samuel's narration was pretty lacking for me. This is a duet narration, so both narrators are talking to each other as opposed to going chapter by chapter, and I think Samuel really dropped the ball as far as cues go. His narration was pretty stilted and in areas where the book literally says he whispers, he sounds like he's shouting. For this reason, I think reading may be the way to go, but Bloomingdale really shined, and I was glad I got to hear it for her narration. Claus and Effect is a fun holiday romance with a touch of steam and it was a really quick read making it perfect to fit into the holiday season.
November 17, 2023
What an entertaining book! The Meet-Cute was memorable and kept me turning pages. Claus and Effect is a book that will make you feel like you are watching a Hallmark movie. Tre and Tessa went from wanting to throw each other off a plane to growing a genuine love connection in a small amount of time. The tension between the two was electrifying and the slow burn was sensational.
The journey that the two characters went on wasn’t only physical, but also emotional and mental. This story reads well and will make you feel good. If you only read one-holiday book this season, then make it this one.
The journey that the two characters went on wasn’t only physical, but also emotional and mental. This story reads well and will make you feel good. If you only read one-holiday book this season, then make it this one.
November 21, 2023
Me encantó 😻 uno de los mejores libros de Navidad que he leído 👀 I need an extra Epilogue to extend 😻😻
September 20, 2024
Well that was freaking adorable. I loved these two. The banter and just overall chemistry bounced right off the page. I’m a sucker for a hero who falls first and hard and gets growly, we have all this here. I had a feeling I knew where this was going, but the twist was even better than I was expecting even. I loved it.
November 15, 2023
What to Expect:
🎄Holiday Romance
✈️Two Strangers
🚘Road Trip
🎅🏻All the Christmas Feels
About the Book:
Tessa + Tre end up meeting in an airport in the form of a meet not so cute. He instantly becomes her enemy, but when the plane is grounded, the two of them are forced to lean on one another. With no other planes going out and one car left, they decide to road trip together. Along the way, they stop and do all the cute Christmas adventures and they start to feel things towards one another. But, Tessa was originally traveling to meet a guy she was talking to, to see if there was still a connection there.
What I loved:
This was the perfect Christmas romance book! Think hallmark meets some spice and I loved it! 🫶🏻
These two started as enemies and their banter was my favorite. They got on one another’s nerves, but deep down you could see the sexual chemistry brewing between these two. And what it happens, you can help but squeal in delight! 🥹
But then, throw in a twist at the end I did not see coming and it was even better! And of course their HEA at the end. 🥰
If you love a Christmas book with all the feels and some spice, you NEED to read this! 🔥
Rating:
5 ⭐️
1.5 🌶️
🎄Holiday Romance
✈️Two Strangers
🚘Road Trip
🎅🏻All the Christmas Feels
About the Book:
Tessa + Tre end up meeting in an airport in the form of a meet not so cute. He instantly becomes her enemy, but when the plane is grounded, the two of them are forced to lean on one another. With no other planes going out and one car left, they decide to road trip together. Along the way, they stop and do all the cute Christmas adventures and they start to feel things towards one another. But, Tessa was originally traveling to meet a guy she was talking to, to see if there was still a connection there.
What I loved:
This was the perfect Christmas romance book! Think hallmark meets some spice and I loved it! 🫶🏻
These two started as enemies and their banter was my favorite. They got on one another’s nerves, but deep down you could see the sexual chemistry brewing between these two. And what it happens, you can help but squeal in delight! 🥹
But then, throw in a twist at the end I did not see coming and it was even better! And of course their HEA at the end. 🥰
If you love a Christmas book with all the feels and some spice, you NEED to read this! 🔥
Rating:
5 ⭐️
1.5 🌶️
January 2, 2024
“It’s never too late. To change the future. It's not etched in stone like the past”
This follows Tessa and Tre. Tessa recently lost her business in New York and after seeing a Psychic she was told to go chase love across the country and that’s exactly what she does. But after a verbal altercation with an army ranger ruins her day, everything starts getting worse or does it?
This was fun and spontaneous I loved it! I love how these two characters were so opposite but worked so well together. The plot and road trip was fantastic. Tessa was carefree but Tre was clean-cut and organised. I just wish it played out differently when he returned home for Christmas and a little longer but was still a solid read.
If you love:
🔹Holiday Reads
🔹Opposites Attract
🔹Enemies To Lovers
🔹Romcom
🔹Road Trip
🔹Perfect Amount Of Spice
Genre/Type: Holiday Romance 18+
APK: Kindle / Audiobook
Pages: 253
Audiobook Length: 6hrs 21mins
Narrators: Lee Samuels & Brooke Bloomingdale - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone
Tropes or Themes: Opposites Attract, Meet Cute, Enemies To Lovers, Forced Proximity, One Bed, Romcom, Slow Burn, Road Trip, Chrismas, Banter, MMC Army, Protective, Grovelling and Sexual Content
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
Kind Regards
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
This follows Tessa and Tre. Tessa recently lost her business in New York and after seeing a Psychic she was told to go chase love across the country and that’s exactly what she does. But after a verbal altercation with an army ranger ruins her day, everything starts getting worse or does it?
This was fun and spontaneous I loved it! I love how these two characters were so opposite but worked so well together. The plot and road trip was fantastic. Tessa was carefree but Tre was clean-cut and organised. I just wish it played out differently when he returned home for Christmas and a little longer but was still a solid read.
If you love:
🔹Holiday Reads
🔹Opposites Attract
🔹Enemies To Lovers
🔹Romcom
🔹Road Trip
🔹Perfect Amount Of Spice
Genre/Type: Holiday Romance 18+
APK: Kindle / Audiobook
Pages: 253
Audiobook Length: 6hrs 21mins
Narrators: Lee Samuels & Brooke Bloomingdale - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone
Tropes or Themes: Opposites Attract, Meet Cute, Enemies To Lovers, Forced Proximity, One Bed, Romcom, Slow Burn, Road Trip, Chrismas, Banter, MMC Army, Protective, Grovelling and Sexual Content
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
Kind Regards
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
November 20, 2023
Tre is an Army Ranger . He is used to his life being organized, ridged + completely planned out . He doesn’t do relationships because they never fit in with his lifestyle . So when an unexpected incident happens that starts the downward spiral of things going wrong - Tre is unhappy to say the least . Things only get worse when he realizes his best option of getting to his family for Christmas, is with the complete stranger named Tessa .
Tessa is a baker . She is a complete mess most of the time but will always have a carefree attitude . Except this holiday season isn’t starting out the way she had hoped .. not after just burying her last living relative . She was finally letting fate tell her what to do + where to spend her Christmas . What she didn’t realize was that letting go came with a lot of interruptions before she could get there .
I love everything Piper Rayne writes + this is no exception ! Tre + Tessa have such amazing chemistry and banter together from the very start . I laughed out loud, felt all the emotions from both characters both good + bad, and did not see the twist coming ! A holiday must read !
This book can be read as a complete stand alone .
This book was given to me for honest review by Valentine PR + Literary Management .
Tessa is a baker . She is a complete mess most of the time but will always have a carefree attitude . Except this holiday season isn’t starting out the way she had hoped .. not after just burying her last living relative . She was finally letting fate tell her what to do + where to spend her Christmas . What she didn’t realize was that letting go came with a lot of interruptions before she could get there .
I love everything Piper Rayne writes + this is no exception ! Tre + Tessa have such amazing chemistry and banter together from the very start . I laughed out loud, felt all the emotions from both characters both good + bad, and did not see the twist coming ! A holiday must read !
This book can be read as a complete stand alone .
This book was given to me for honest review by Valentine PR + Literary Management .
December 12, 2023
3.5 Christmas Road Trip Stars
✔️ Dual POVs (Tre x Tessa)
✔️ Set in NYC & Portland with a roadtrip in between
✔️ Open door contemporary romance (🌶️ 3/5 spice)
✔️ Tropes: Forced proximity with a side of “there’s only one bed!”
Tre is a no-nonsense Army Ranger headed home for the holidays. Tessa is a down-on-her-luck baker who brings a ton of nonsense. Their first meeting on a plane goes badly, and they’re forced to share a rental car after an emergency landing.
I’m just never going to forgive Tessa for taking a detour to a gingerbread house less than 5 hours into a 27-hour roadtrip. I would have been furious.
✔️ Dual POVs (Tre x Tessa)
✔️ Set in NYC & Portland with a roadtrip in between
✔️ Open door contemporary romance (🌶️ 3/5 spice)
✔️ Tropes: Forced proximity with a side of “there’s only one bed!”
Tre is a no-nonsense Army Ranger headed home for the holidays. Tessa is a down-on-her-luck baker who brings a ton of nonsense. Their first meeting on a plane goes badly, and they’re forced to share a rental car after an emergency landing.
I’m just never going to forgive Tessa for taking a detour to a gingerbread house less than 5 hours into a 27-hour roadtrip. I would have been furious.
November 20, 2023
Holiday romance perfection…
I always tend to start my holiday romance reviews by saying that you have to review like vs. like - that I rate holiday romances against themselves, and against books that are similar in length. It's a caveat, but an important one to understand. And this is a prime example - Piper Rayne's latest, Clause and Effect, had all of the holiday goodness I was hoping for.
📔 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼: Clause and Effect by Piper Rayne
📚𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: Holiday romance, enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, road trip, forced proximity
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Tre and Tessa are already at each other's throats when their plane is grounded and they're stranded at the airport together. Forced to share the last remaining rental car, the pair drive cross-country to make it to Portland for Christmas.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Holiday romance perfection, to be honest.
It had everything I look for in this sort of story. It was packed to the gills with holiday magic - from an eggnog chugging contest to a Santa dunk tank - and so many little holiday moments of romance. The dual POV made it even more fun, as Tre and Tessa pushed each other's buttons to the max - and then reading them falling for eachother.
Listen, did it have some pretty crazy instalove? Absolutely. But I think the holidays are about those flashes of feelings, and the holiday love stories I love the most is when you simply cant help falling in love - even over five days in a car together.
It was a little bit of a slow burn, but I definitely think it paid off. And the epilogue just rounded it out. I was so happy for Tessa to have a family and get her happy ending, and I ended this book with a warm feeling in my heart.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶
I always tend to start my holiday romance reviews by saying that you have to review like vs. like - that I rate holiday romances against themselves, and against books that are similar in length. It's a caveat, but an important one to understand. And this is a prime example - Piper Rayne's latest, Clause and Effect, had all of the holiday goodness I was hoping for.
📔 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼: Clause and Effect by Piper Rayne
📚𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: Holiday romance, enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, road trip, forced proximity
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Tre and Tessa are already at each other's throats when their plane is grounded and they're stranded at the airport together. Forced to share the last remaining rental car, the pair drive cross-country to make it to Portland for Christmas.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Holiday romance perfection, to be honest.
It had everything I look for in this sort of story. It was packed to the gills with holiday magic - from an eggnog chugging contest to a Santa dunk tank - and so many little holiday moments of romance. The dual POV made it even more fun, as Tre and Tessa pushed each other's buttons to the max - and then reading them falling for eachother.
Listen, did it have some pretty crazy instalove? Absolutely. But I think the holidays are about those flashes of feelings, and the holiday love stories I love the most is when you simply cant help falling in love - even over five days in a car together.
It was a little bit of a slow burn, but I definitely think it paid off. And the epilogue just rounded it out. I was so happy for Tessa to have a family and get her happy ending, and I ended this book with a warm feeling in my heart.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶
November 11, 2023
This is an adorable Christmas romance!
I loved this road trip romance. Stuck with the last rental car, our main characters Tre and Tessa have no choice but to travel together and hope they don't drive each other insane trying to get home for Christmas. For Tre as an army ranger, this means seeing his family who he hasn't seen in a while. For Tessa as a baker who just lost her bakery, this is a last ditch attempt at finding who she thinks might be her true love.
Tre and Tessa get into some hilarious situations as they travel together to get home for Christmas. They both have some personal issues to work on and both seem to be just what the other one needs. Without spoiling, there's a little twist that I did not see coming!
I'm very grateful to Piper Rayne and Valentine PR for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this road trip romance. Stuck with the last rental car, our main characters Tre and Tessa have no choice but to travel together and hope they don't drive each other insane trying to get home for Christmas. For Tre as an army ranger, this means seeing his family who he hasn't seen in a while. For Tessa as a baker who just lost her bakery, this is a last ditch attempt at finding who she thinks might be her true love.
Tre and Tessa get into some hilarious situations as they travel together to get home for Christmas. They both have some personal issues to work on and both seem to be just what the other one needs. Without spoiling, there's a little twist that I did not see coming!
I'm very grateful to Piper Rayne and Valentine PR for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 9, 2023
A great fast holiday read! Everything that could go wrong for Tre and Tessa does from postponed flights, sharing a rental car, to detours while they're trying to get to portal, EVERYTHING. It was fun to watch them go from enemies to lovers. The little twist I was not expecting! This is fast paced and a perfect Christmas fix!
Thank you for the arc! All thoughts are my own.
Thank you for the arc! All thoughts are my own.
November 6, 2023
ARC REVIEW!
What a cute book! I loved the banter between Tre and Tessa and the fact that it was a slow burn seemed so fitting given what both the characters went through in the past. Literally put me in a holiday spirit! The last third of the book felt a little rushed but other than that it was a great quick read. Definitely recommend for the holidays
What a cute book! I loved the banter between Tre and Tessa and the fact that it was a slow burn seemed so fitting given what both the characters went through in the past. Literally put me in a holiday spirit! The last third of the book felt a little rushed but other than that it was a great quick read. Definitely recommend for the holidays
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December 27, 20234.25⭐️s! What a fun, fast-paced, christmas love story! I loved the dual pov and the pacing for each chapter! I accidentally read this in one night, whoops. I could not put it down even if I wanted to! Our main characters were so enjoyable to read about and I adored their interactions with each other. I giggled so much in this. I can’t wait for all of the christmas festivities this year. This book definitely got me in the holiday mood🎄🫶🏼
December 16, 2023
Sweet Christmas perfection!
It isn't often that I don't have something to say about the books I've read even if I don't add them to my review because they are so miniscule, but Claus and Effect was just sheer Christmas perfection!!
“Most of all, I hope I fall hard, and if it breaks me, if he breaks me, at least I'll know I didn't give up.”
Tre really was my favorite part of this book. It wasn't because he was hot or because was delicious in bed, which he was. It was because I've seen what it is like for soldiers to be left just because they get deployed. The toll it can take on them when their sole focus should be doing their job and getting back home to their loved ones. How Piper touched on that throughout the book amped this story up for me. Yes, it was a fun Christmas story, but she didn't stray from the difficult parts either.
And poor Tessa! Yes, at times she was neurotic but that made her more endearing to me. A woman who had lost so much held onto this one little piece of faith that she might get her happily ever after. While that happily ever after didn't end exactly how she expected it to doesn't mean that it was any less than perfect.
I did listen to the audiobook and Lee Samuel is a new to me narrator I will be looking forward to hearing more of in the new year. He was able to put the right amount of emotion in his narration without making it seem too ingenuine. Then Brooke Bloomingdale did fabulous for Tessa. I am quite familiar with Brooke and as usual she didn't disappoint.
The journey Tre and Tessa went on from their first meet up right to the end had me in the best spirit for Christmas! Last year was a rough year for Christmas but this story and stories like this have given me so much to look forward to this year with Christmas right around the corner.
It isn't often that I don't have something to say about the books I've read even if I don't add them to my review because they are so miniscule, but Claus and Effect was just sheer Christmas perfection!!
“Most of all, I hope I fall hard, and if it breaks me, if he breaks me, at least I'll know I didn't give up.”
Tre really was my favorite part of this book. It wasn't because he was hot or because was delicious in bed, which he was. It was because I've seen what it is like for soldiers to be left just because they get deployed. The toll it can take on them when their sole focus should be doing their job and getting back home to their loved ones. How Piper touched on that throughout the book amped this story up for me. Yes, it was a fun Christmas story, but she didn't stray from the difficult parts either.
And poor Tessa! Yes, at times she was neurotic but that made her more endearing to me. A woman who had lost so much held onto this one little piece of faith that she might get her happily ever after. While that happily ever after didn't end exactly how she expected it to doesn't mean that it was any less than perfect.
I did listen to the audiobook and Lee Samuel is a new to me narrator I will be looking forward to hearing more of in the new year. He was able to put the right amount of emotion in his narration without making it seem too ingenuine. Then Brooke Bloomingdale did fabulous for Tessa. I am quite familiar with Brooke and as usual she didn't disappoint.
The journey Tre and Tessa went on from their first meet up right to the end had me in the best spirit for Christmas! Last year was a rough year for Christmas but this story and stories like this have given me so much to look forward to this year with Christmas right around the corner.
November 5, 2023
If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining holiday romance, you have got to get your hands on Claus and Effect! Claus and Effect is a brilliant enemies to lovers, opposites attract, road trip romance that will sweep you off your feet and begging for more…
Tessa is bit down on her luck until a psychic gives her a push in the right direction. Set on a cross-country trip days before Christmas, everything that could go wrong does. From someone sitting in her seat to being stranded at the airport, to being left with no choice but to travel by car with Tre who drives her up the wall. Depending on Tre, is the last thing Tessa wants to do.
From the moment I picked up Claus and Effect, I was hooked. I was completely sucked into Tessa’s story and couldn’t wait to see what life would pile on her next. This girl had the worst luck and to some seemed slightly crazy. She had a quick whit and honestly, a fun personality. Tre couldn’t be more opposite if he tried. He’s organized, rigid, and has a crazy, loving family. He likes order and no distractions. Being trapped with Tessa should be a recipe for disaster. Except it’s not. Tre is drawn to Tessa’s crazy. Together these two have explosive chemistry and banter that will leave you devouring each and every word.
The road to happily ever after was quite an entertaining one for these two characters. I loved watching them navigate all the obstacles life threw at them and there was plenty of them! I had an inkling of what the plot twist would be and I loved being right. Tessa and Tre’s journey was quite the crazy one, but let’s be honest, there is nothing sweeter than two enemies being put through the wringer only to become lovers.
I loved everything about this book from beginning to end. Claus and Effect left me feeling a buffet of emotions and I loved every single second of it. If you’re looking for a fun holiday read with great banter, and tons of steam, you won’t want to miss Claus and Effect by Piper Rayne.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Tessa is bit down on her luck until a psychic gives her a push in the right direction. Set on a cross-country trip days before Christmas, everything that could go wrong does. From someone sitting in her seat to being stranded at the airport, to being left with no choice but to travel by car with Tre who drives her up the wall. Depending on Tre, is the last thing Tessa wants to do.
From the moment I picked up Claus and Effect, I was hooked. I was completely sucked into Tessa’s story and couldn’t wait to see what life would pile on her next. This girl had the worst luck and to some seemed slightly crazy. She had a quick whit and honestly, a fun personality. Tre couldn’t be more opposite if he tried. He’s organized, rigid, and has a crazy, loving family. He likes order and no distractions. Being trapped with Tessa should be a recipe for disaster. Except it’s not. Tre is drawn to Tessa’s crazy. Together these two have explosive chemistry and banter that will leave you devouring each and every word.
The road to happily ever after was quite an entertaining one for these two characters. I loved watching them navigate all the obstacles life threw at them and there was plenty of them! I had an inkling of what the plot twist would be and I loved being right. Tessa and Tre’s journey was quite the crazy one, but let’s be honest, there is nothing sweeter than two enemies being put through the wringer only to become lovers.
I loved everything about this book from beginning to end. Claus and Effect left me feeling a buffet of emotions and I loved every single second of it. If you’re looking for a fun holiday read with great banter, and tons of steam, you won’t want to miss Claus and Effect by Piper Rayne.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
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