This book was recommended by the Lesbian Review and since it was Christmas themed I thought it was a perfect fit back in December when I downloaded the audible version. Please don’t hate me, I know Jae is sort of legendary around here when it comes to lesbian romance, but this wasn’t my cup of tea (or rather, my glass of rum) and I actually ended up dropping it for a while. I did finish it and re-listened to what I had started for this review though.
This book is as sweet and fluffy as you would imagine a Christmas romance being. This isn’t the kind of story I would normally go for, that being said I chose to check it out because of the amazing reviews and the “thawing ice-queen” trope (it’s a favorite niche of mine).
Let me jump into the premise-
The book opens with Austen starting her first day of work at Kudos entertainment, a fortune 500, yet family-owned, toy company, as a secretary to the head of marketing. She volunteers to decorate the company’s Christmas tree which has been standing naked in the lobby. Kudos’ COO, Dee, doesn’t like the tree’s design, but, while re-arranging ornaments, the glass star on top falls down and slices her head open (not THAT dramatically of course). Austen sees the whole thing, assists Dee to the ER, and then blossoms a would-be relationship if Dee wasn’t the company’s second in command. In fact, Dee’s uncle, who is the CEO, deemed the relationship inappropriate which results in them progressing in secret. This is the main conflict – Dee and Austen like each other, then fall in love, and neither want to quit their job so the relationship can be out in the open. Honestly, for me, this proved for a slow and boring story. I know it sounds harsh, but plot aside, I did enjoy the two main characters.
Austen is the most reasonable girlfriend I’ve ever seen (besides my own, of course) and I liked how understanding she was of Dee’s work life. In fact, this relationship was a good example of how a healthy, loving relationship should be even during a stressful time. Though Dee is an awful boss, (hence why everyone hates her) I did like how she acted with Austen; she’s a complete goofball. I actually found Dee to be pretty relatable in her situation- always being the scapegoat when shit hits the fan and gaining a bad reputation because of it. I had to leave all my business organization knowledge at the door- this company more resembles a high school. I would have liked to have seen upper management more active in combating the toxic work place culture.
There were a few side characters who helped Austen and the relationship along, but they weren’t giving much room in the story which I thought was too bad since, to me at least, there was leeway for more action. Especially since the whole book takes place within a year (pretty long), ending with Austen’s father’s marriage to a character we never got to actually meet; I thought that was strange.
Everything wraps up with a resolve for all, well mostly. We’re supposed to just be happy for Dee when she pretty much lost her whole family- this had to hurt and although her new relationship freedom warrants immense happiness, I felt like some heartache should have been expressed for Dee’s sake. I think the emotions here would have been more complicated. Even though Dee had always been an outlier in her family and seriously under-appreciated, that type of rejection still takes some sort of toll. I feel like this should have been addressed at least a little.
Overall, there was humorous banter and cute sentiments that will, at the very least, make you feel good. If you’re into fluff, chocolate, and happy endings then you might enjoy Under a Falling Star https://www.amazon.com/Under-Falling-Star-Jae
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