Christmas Sunrise (Sun, Moon & Stars #1.5)

'Tis the season to be jolly, and that's exactly how Marty feels when he wakes up on Christmas Eve with Jenna's mouth at work under the covers like all the mistletoe in the world is hiding in his boxers. He's got Jenna, he's hosting Christmas lunch for his family - although his ma is bringing not one, but four desserts.... and a cheeseboard - and Jenna's brother Jake is flying over from London. It's going to be the most special first Christmas in their home together, not least because they have everything they've ever wanted. Sure, a baby would be nice, but as much as that pains him, Marty tells himself that's possibly asking too much. Because it is, right? If Jenna is so content about not getting pregnant yet, shouldn't he be the same?

Not everything is so merry and bright for Jenna as she realises she'll be seeing in another year with their much-wanted baby still not a reality. While the disappointment is always there, threatening to burst the bubble of happiness she and Marty live in, she's determined not to let it get to her, or rather, to not let it become apparent to Marty. That's why she's got him a surprise gift that she knows will show how much she loves him and how she hopes that's enough... because what if they never have that baby they so desperately want? What if all Jenna's future Christmases are going to feel this empty?

Is it even Christmas if you haven't had an illicit liaison with a stranger? This is what Jake is pondering after some mile high antics on his way to Dublin, but while his sister and her partner aren't as impressed as he would like, he's not going to let that dampen his Christmas spirits. No, there's already a long list of things waiting to do that. The fact he's 39 and single. The fact his own father didn't invite him to spend Christmas with him. The fact he is still mourning the loss of a good friend because of... yes, another illicit liaison with a stranger. So when another stranger accosts him in a Dublin pub on Christmas Eve, what's a man to do? Another illicit liaison? Or an opportunity to change his ways?

As for Maeve, Marty's younger sister, Christmas is finally a time to stop and catch her breath after another whirlwind year being one of Ireland's most successful influencers, and spending Christmas Eve in the pub with her best friend, Arabella, should be something to look forward to, not something that has Maeve's stomach churning with nerves. Because Maeve has been having some strange thoughts recently... about herself, and about Arabella and about the shape of their friendship. So when she spots mistletoe hanging up in the corner of the pub, she takes a chance. But will Maeve get her Christmas miracle? Or will this be what turns her into the Grinch for good?

*Christmas Sunrise is a spicy Christmas novella that takes place six months after Five Sunsets ends and approximately five months before The Moon Also Rises. It's strongly advised you read Five Sunsets before reading Christmas Sunrise, but it's not necessary to read this book before the others in the series, although it does set up both Jake's and Maeve's books.*