Venice Actually
Perfect Holiday Season Steamy Treat
I spent the morning on my couch with a cup of tea, binging the frack out of Venice Actually, Kelly Reynolds’ second novella in her Holidays in LA series. I had every intention of reading the first few chapters over breakfast, getting some work done, and then finishing it at lunch. But I didn't want to put it down to do anything else. I was wholly and completely absorbed by Leighton and Killian's story. What a perfect way to kick off my holiday reading binge!!
Reynolds’ use of banter and humor is fantastic, building authentic and easy connections between the characters and the reader. Her ability to create real and relatable characters is wonderful. Leighton is honest and emotionally deep while still being hilarious and vulnerable, and Killian is swoonworthy and stunningly gorgeous while still being imperfect and complex. Even when some of the characters are completely over the top (*cough*Wanda*cough*)—because we all have those relatives, we all know they exist—seeing them in print, surrounded by all of their family shenanigans, is truly the most amazing way to feel relevant and connected with them.
Reynolds does not shy away from the steam either. Leighton and Killian are fire once they figure their way through their feelings. And she handles the time span perfectly, building depth and realism into a fake relationship novella that a lot of full length novels lack.
Venice Actually is a perfect holiday treat, blending together elements of acceptance and being seen and heard and recognized. Of understanding who you are and what you want and how they can work together into a wonderful relationship when the right people are allowed in. There is so much heart amidst the heat, it’s an easy story to get lost in and feel a lovely sense of being found.
