Review of All I Want for Christmas is a Hitman by D.B. James
When I first stumbled upon All I Want for Christmas is a Hitman by D.B. James, I was instantly captivated. I mean, a title that combines “Christmas” and “hitman”? It sounded like the chaotic holiday cheer I didn’t know I needed in my life. But then, the book had the audacity to have its main character wake up on a llama farm in pajama pants that were just a tad too tight, all while dealing with a glaring llama named Lucy. At that moment, I knew I was signing up for something delightfully unhinged.
Key Themes and Characters
The star of the story, Scout Harlowe, is a fierce heroine who feels as if she walked right out of a Hallmark movie—if the film had taken a sharp left into action and absurdity. She’s got three llamas that boast the collective personality of a bachelorette party gone rogue, a neighbor who resembles a character from a true crime documentary, and absolutely zero tolerance for emotional damage that comes with men—and their duffel bags full of guns. Enter Hudson, our brooding hitman with delicate baggage. He’s a mix of mystery wrapped in golden retriever energy—a man suffering from a bit of amnesia and questionable life choices who unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in not just a holiday romance, but a llama rescue mission as well.
Their chemistry is refreshingly flirty yet grounded, rendered all the more intriguing by the suspense that underpins Scout’s chaotic life. It kept me engaged throughout; as she builds trust with Hudson—at times in the most unconventional circumstances—I couldn’t help but root for them. It’s a delightful twist when a character develops feelings while navigating the threats of their unusual professions.
Writing Style and Pacing
James’ narrative shines with effortless banter and humor. The pacing struck a good balance between chaos and coziness; while the plot was unpredictable, it never veered so dark that it lost its festive appeal. The book dances lightly over the tension, interspersing llama sass with genuine moments of tenderness. Not to mention, there is a gripping side mystery that revolves around a villain intent on disrupting Scout’s life. Hudson’s decision to protect her, despite his hitman tendencies, adds an unpredictable depth to both the story and his character.
Memorable Highlights
One of my absolute favorite aspects was the llama-induced shenanigans. The imagery of Hudson contemplating serious murder logistics while baking cookies whipped me into laughter—what a juxtaposition! I can’t forget Scout’s fierce response to Hudson trespassing on her land, leading to a rather unexpected barnyard showdown. There’s something wonderfully absurd about weaponizing llamas as defense strategy, and honestly, I’m here for it.
Conclusion
In essence, All I Want for Christmas is a Hitman is a holiday hit for readers who enjoy quirky romances filled with banter, chaos, and a sprinkle of mystery. It’s perfect for those looking to add some humor to their holiday reading list, especially if they’re fans of unconventional love stories. While it’s the third book in a series, it stands proudly on its own, much like Hudson at that Christmas tree farm—confused yet fiercely committed.
I finished the book feeling equal parts elated and wistful, wishing I could have had just a bit more of that chaotic domesticity before the credits rolled. But that’s a minor quibble because what James delivered is a delightful concoction of romance, festivity, and unexpected twists. Grab a cozy blanket, a mug of hot cocoa, and prepare to be swept into a delightful whirlwind of love with All I Want for Christmas is a Hitman.
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