Naima Simone

The holidays have never been her thing. But Christmas in Rose Bend has more than one surprise in store… Grieving ER nurse Nessa Hunt is on a road trip with her sullen teen half sister, Ivy, and still reeling from her mother’s deathbed confession: Nessa’s dad wasn’t really her dad. Seeking answers, they arrive in Rose Bend to find a small town teeming with the kind of Christmas cheer Nessa usually avoids. But then she meets the innkeeper’s ruggedly sexy son, Wolfgang Dennison. Wolf’s big, boisterous family is like a picture-perfect holiday card. Nessa has too much weighing on her to feel like she fits—even though the heat between her and Wolf is undeniable. And the merriment bringing an overdue smile to Ivy’s face is almost enough to make Nessa believe in the Christmas spirit. But with all her parental baggage, including lingering questions about her birth father, is there room in Nessa’s life for happy holidays and happily-ever-after? Rose Bend Book 1: The Road to Rose Bend

Christmas in Rose Bend

Grace Martinez

This is my first book by Naima Simone and I’m hooked! I was instantly pulled into Wolf and Nessa. It was perfect to me. To see how he was exactly what she need to open up and love again, to be vulnerable was so beautiful. And She was exactly what he needed to take a risk and fight for something, to forgive himself. Their journey to loving and letting go of the pain they felt in the past was so interesting and heartfelt. 

Their instant attraction for each other was so strong. They both feel it and yet know they have tons of baggage. But as the book continues we see the tension build and build and it’s so so satisfying when the Dam breaks. 😩 that Mud Room scene live rent free in my mind. 🥵👌🏼

I loved Wolf so much. He felt like a huge warm embrace that wouldn’t release until you were ready to walk and face the world again. They way he saw and cared for people, he truly was a strong protector and emotional support I wish I could have. 

Nessa was so much like me in way I didn’t even realize. Her journey made me cry and love every step. Opening up to a world that has hurt you is so hard but she did it and it paid off. Finding her sense of family again with her sister and the people she met in Rose Bend was the cherry on top. 

Rose bend is filled with such a beautiful diverse cast with so many POC characters sprinkled all around that it felt like home to me. Nessa, Ivy, and many others were black characters and Cole is Puertorriqueño. 🥰 It was exactly how I wish many other books would approach diversity in the books, normal and familiar with the subtle reminders that there are people who don’t see everyone as equals but the rest can and will move forward past it.

I’m so excited to continue the series and read about the others in Rose Bend!

Christmas in Rose Bend

Reviews