Better Watch Out

This is going to be a different kind of book review. I could rave about this book for all the things that made it such a wonderful Christmas-time book. The Christmas movie references. New York at Christmas magic. The suspense was on point. The romantic tension between the main characters was amazing. Natalie Walters can write suspense, y’all  

But this book will forever be a favorite because at 8:00 a.m. on December 23rd, I sat next to the glittering lights of my tree with tears streaming down my face. You see, Natalie Walters didn't know it, but she wrote a representation of my life into her story. She wrote a scene that I didn't know I needed to see in a book. 

A mama and a little girl stood in a line. The little girl had purple headphones and a pink tutu. Ours are blue and that tutu is the only pink star shirt that isn't itchy. The mama had to step out of a very long line--a line that, no doubt, she had been standing in for a long time-- in order to calm her daughter down. I have stepped out of that line. The author goes on to write that the heroine calls this mama a "warrior mom," and I am crying all over again writing this line. 

I've had this book on my TBR for the last year, but just never got to it. God knew exactly when I needed to read this story. In the year of our diagnoses. In the middle of the Battle.  

Sometimes as a mama of a child with a diagnosis, I feel anything but a warrior. Each day can be a battle, but often times, I see myself waving a white flag or laying in the trenches. But Natalie. She wrote it with such grace. And guys, it was only a few paragraphs. But those few lines were enough to give me confidence that day. Enough to know that people see us as more than the mess that I feel. Enough to give my little girl a hug as we step out of the line to calm down. 

So, thank you Natalie, for writing a real story into your fictional world. I will forever be thankful for this reminder  

About this book: 

Title: Better Watch Out: A Defensemen Romantic Holiday Adventure 

Author: Natalie Walters

Publication Date: October 17, 2023

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 activities 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.