A quite unusual, heartwarming and poignant Christmas story that kept me hooked, made me smile and moved.
The plot is gripping and I loved how the author deals with topic like grief and PTSD.
The characters are well written and I rooted for them.
The author is a good storyteller and I loved how the plot flows.
It was an excellent read, strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

My Christmas Number One tells the story of two opposites who are pushed together by their record company to collaborate on a Christmas single. At first, they seem totally different personalities but as the story unfolds, you start to notice a few similarities. You are taken to Miami, Mexico and Colombia for a large portion of the story and this gives the festive read a distinctive air. In these two characters, you certainly have a clash of cultures, both musically and environmentally.
Through both characters, Leonie has explored aspects of PTSD, disability, living with anxiety and also guilt and grief after loss. There is more to the book than a light-hearted festive read. Cara in particular shows that she has the resilience to overcome lifechanging difficulties. Family is also important, but as you discover, not all family members are easy to live with! Nevertheless, they added to the story and were always sympathetic. If you are looking for a Christmas story with a difference, you won't be disappointed!

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

Lovely book. I really relished the Columbine parts, it sounds such a l lovely place with such interesting Christmas traditions.

Our character is damaged mentally and physically and through sheer hard work and determination she is determined to shine through and succeed.... she doesn’t need a man, especially a man with his own
Issues.

This was a real heart warming story and I really enjoyed it.

This arc copy was provided in exchange for an honest and impartial review by netgalley,

what a wonderful magical debut. I loved how the author incorporated two different cultures, which is something you don't read very often when it comes to Christmas books. I enjoyed the characters and thought it was well written and the plot was well paced. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Such an excellent festive read.

My Christmas Number One is the debut novel from author Leonie Mack. In this original story, two people dealing with tragedy, loss, and heartache are connected by a beautiful Christmas song written by Colombian super star Javi Felix. When rising British pop singer/songwriter Cara Poignton is asked to collaborate in the recording and video with Javi, she takes the job at the urging of her agent, Freddie. Upon meeting, Cara and Javi don’t exactly hit it off. He is too arrogant and macho. She is too quiet and reserved. But when they sing together it is magic!

Their contract includes recording in London, performing in Miami, Cancun, and a few cities in his native Colombia. In Miami, where Javi spends most of his time, Javi’s ex-wife Susana brings his 12 year old daughter to stay with him while she must be away for work. Javi has been a rather absentee father but has decided it is time to grow up and be responsible for his spirited daughter. The three of them, Cara, Javi, and Bea, embark on the rest of the tour, sharing experiences first in Mexico, then in Javi’s hometown in Columbia where his parents and brothers welcome them warmly. Cara’s dad, Judge Gordon Poignton, joins the group unexpectedly as they begin the Christmas season, a time of year that is so difficult for Cara and her father as an accident had robbed them both of her mother and brother ten years ago. Cara, who was also a victim of the accident, has losses and scars of her own from this event.

This is a beautiful story of how very different people, each hurting in their own way, can be brought together in a phenomenal way. Music is a universal language and lyrics can touch hearts in a myriad of ways, each person hearing the words based on their own experiences. I very much enjoyed this lovely book and do recommend it.

With music, travel, healing and love this is a fantastic contemporary romance. Cara is a professional musician who is required by her record company to feature on a record being made by Javia. Christmas is a time of sad memories and associations for Cara, and the festival has dire connotations for her and her father. When Cara listens to a demo of the song, she records two responses – one sticking to the original and the other putting her own twist to it. Neither plan to spend more time together but making the promotional video and television interviews bring these very opposite performers together and the dynamics between them prove magnetic. However, he’s a Columbian living in Miami and has a reputation for being into fun, not responsible, even though he’s the father of a twelve year old daughter. Can Christmas, travel and love help these two heal and find love together?

This is a story where traumatic events from the past have repercussions in the present for both main characters and their families. The story deals with some associated issues, including mental health, in a sensitive and sympathetic manner. It is a heartwarming story, an amazing adventure and great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The places and events visited are brought to life in the story and I particularly enjoyed learning about the special one they attended in Javi’s home town. There are fun times with dancing and singing, family dramas and romance in this delightful story.

Thank you to the publishers for the copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

I had absolutely leapt for this book for so many reasons, I had ‘met’ the author on social media, and aside from how positive, enthusiastic and lovely she was, I was blown away by her professionalism, which I knew would translate into her books. (Of course add the words, music, Christmas and ‘for fans of Mandy Baggot’ and you pretty much have me grabbing for my Kindle anyhoo!)

So we have two very different characters, both mesmerising, one a loud, gyrating, bubbling over Columbian musician who is looking for ‘Something’ music wise, the other a dancer, an artist even, who’s graceful and captivating and also a talented musical artist, but from a totally different world- one where she side steps all that Christmas means because of a horrific accident that marked Christmas as a tragic time for ever more.

I adored this book from the start. I devoured the beauty, stoicness, strength and sadness of Cara’s life and the craziness of Javi’s, unable to look away as they clashed and then almost able to hear the fantastic music they made together. The Christmas feel, then the settings as they moved between climates, the chemistry and heat and some wonderful side characters were amazing. This book had an almost cinematic feel to it, and I absorbed every second. A beautiful book with salsa rhythms and outstanding beauty.

All in all beyond recommended and thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the book in return for an honest review and for allowing me to be part of the blog tour.

Rating:5/5

To say this is a Christmas book, not much of it is particularly festive. Instead, it’s a gorgeous women’s romance with a focus on making a hit song and overcoming adversity. It’s definitely an unusual book, but one I thoroughly enjoyed.

Cara is a talented musician known for her feminist lyrics and determined mindset. When she collaborates on a Christmas single with serial womaniser and talented musician, Javi, she thinks it will be a disaster. They have completely different outlooks on life but soon they realise they have more in common than they realised.

It’s a sweet romance and one that shows that first impressions aren’t always right. With the perfect blend of music, romance and culture this is an easy read that’s perfect for a spot of light reading. Although I wasn’t expecting this to be set in Columbia and Miami, it still has the charm of a Christmas read.

With great characters that you’re rooting for from start to finish and an enjoyable plot to match, this is a lovely comfort read perfect for Christmas.

Forced to collaborate on a Christmas song, Cara isn't happy about the situation. This is a story about different cultures colliding, add in some festive spirit and a Christmas song and you're on your way to discovery the storyline to this book.

This story didn't grip me, it was nice to get an insight into the music industry. I didn't really warm to the characters.

*sighs*

I didn’t like this book *shakes head*.

Noooo...

*shouts* I LOVED it!

Two worlds, two cultures and two hearts collide in a Christmassy read unlike any other. This story is original with (jingle) bells on!

Don’t you poo-poo me *wags finger*. I don’t make that statement lightly. Just trust me when I say that MCNO will be unlike any other Christmas read you have picked up.

Javi and Cara are like fire and water, but when they come together (musically speaking *sheesh!*) magic happens.

Those seeking instant gratification won’t find that here *snorts*. This is the best kind of slow burn romance. For me, one of the strongest themes in the story is that of trust. Trust is paramount to Cara. Little wonder then that her defences are set so high, but attraction like this will be hard to deny.

Cara is the best kind (yes, I’m using the same phrase – what of it?) of character. Refusing to be defined by events of the past or other issues (cryptic, I know!), she is resilient, brave, and strong. The author dealt with this so sympathetically.

I doubt I’ll be the only reader who came over all a little bit unnecessary at the thought of Javi shaking those hips on stage while he’s singing, and don’t even get me started on the accent. ¿Alguien más se siente caliente?

However, Javi is not without his own demons. A checkered past and playboy reputation has left him feeling undeserving of his own HEA. Oy, was he frustrating at times (but in a good way)!

They may not have chosen to collaborate on a Christmas single, but sometimes Fate works in mysterious ways – even across oceans!

Along with an over-protective Dad and sassy pre-teen, pack your bags for a transatlantic fusion Christmas with a difference.

What can I say? My second Christmassy read of 2020 and I am all about the feels. If this is Leonie’s debut offering, I can’t wait to see what she releases next.

My first Christmas story of the year is about two broken souls who are finding their way after tragic pasts.

Cara’s life has not been an easy one with the loss of her mother and brother in a car accident which she survived with a physical disability and an anxiety disorder. Her strength and will to become a functioning person in society by pursuing her passion for music in a very public way is incredibly brave. When she is contracted to collaborate with the sensual and charismatic Colombian singer and musician Javi Felix, the sparks fly and their tense and captivating relationship unfolds slowly with both of them not knowing what hit them.

Javi is not a likable guy at first with his arrogant and flirtatious ways, not to mention his reputation with women and his inferior parenting skills. But he’s making positive changes in his life. Along with his new soul-searching Christmas song and the hard truths told to him by his beautiful new music collaborator, Cara, and his twelve-year-old daughter, Bea, he begins to open his heart and confront his past mistakes.

In addition, the settings and cultural aspects of Christmas in other countries are beautifully done and creates a wonderful backdrop for a love story. I also want to commend the author on doing a fantastic job with the music aspect of this story. I can’t explain it, but I felt like I could hear and feel the music as it was described. A remarkable feat in itself.

Overall, this is an extraordinary and touching debut novel that was a joy to read. It is filled with the love of music, the love of family, and the love of life. If you are in need of a feel-good love story with a Christmas theme, give this book a try.

Thank you to Ms. Mack for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

I enjoyed the insight into the music industry, with preparations for Christmas singles having to be done in the summer when no one is feeling particularly festive. Bit like writing festive novels!
Cara was an interesting character, with a troubled past, physically and mentally. However, at times she wavered from the strong young woman I think she was meant to be. I just never warmed to Javi I'm afraid. I simply can't see how he and Cara would ever click, other than on a professional level.
So only half the novel ever worked for me. Plus it's not terribly festive, with much of the action happening well before Christmas.
An OK read. .

I absolutely love discovering new authors and Leonie Mack is certainly a new author for me. Judging by how much I enjoyed reading ‘My Christmas Number One’ , I will certainly be reading more of her work in the future. I really enjoyed reading ‘My Christmas Number One’ but more about that in a bit.
The two main characters in this book are Cara and Javi. Cara is a young woman, who is a talented musician. It soon becomes clear that Cara at some point suffered a life changing injury or condition, which has left her needing a prosthetic limb. Cara seems to have adapted pretty well although understandably she is still self conscious. She is still healing physically and mentally. Cara isn’t that fond of Christmas as she lost her mother shortly before Christmas. Javi is a Latin American singer with a reputation of being a ladies man. Javi has been hurt in the past and to a degree he is still healing too. Javi was married and does have a child but the marriage has broken up and he feels that he has failed at being a father too. Javi comes across as being very confident and very tactile too, which sort of got on my nerves a bit. Cara isn’t that confident and she seems to keep herself to herself. Cara and Javi end up having to record a Christmas single together. At first I wasn’t sure that it would come off because they don’t exactly hit it off. Over a period of time their frosty relationship gradually thaws and there could be romance on the horizon. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
I must be honest an say that it took me a little while to get into ‘My Christmas Number One’, which is due in part to the fact that I was tired when I started to read the book and finding it hard to concentrate and partly because I didn’t take to Javi one bit. He just seems too confident, too tactile and too over familiar. I did get into the story eventually and from then on, I became so wrapped up in the story that I managed to shut out all other distractions and focus solely on the story. The pages seemed to turn automatically and I worked through the story far quicker than I had expected.
‘My Christmas Number One’ is well written and draws the reader into the story from fairly early on. Whilst I didn’t take to Javi, I did take to Cara and I couldn’t help but hope that things would work out for her in the end. Leonie writes so realistically and uses such vivid descriptions that I did feel as though I was part of the story myself. This is one of those books, which will take you away from your worries and will start to get you in the festive mood. ‘My Christmas Number One’ is a delight to read with lots of fun, romance and funny bits along the way.
In short and overall I did enjoy reading ‘My Christmas Number One’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Leonie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.

I was in a reading slump where nothing satisfied my inner book worm until this came along. It pulled me out of boredom with its singing pineapples which promised fun, quirkiness and a different type of Christmas. It did not disappoint. I instantly connect with Cara, and Javi was a love interest, who made me swoon but also I cared for him as much as Cara.
The musicality flows through the pages and the rhythm of the Latin vibes sings throughout. I could hear it through Leonie Mack's words. It made me want to dance - quite a feat for a novel. This alone makes me want to read it again for its uplifting nature.
This festive treat has depth, laughter and emotional ups and downs which kept me in the story. I wanted a happy ending but the tension kept going with emotional conflicts so I remained unsure whether it was achievable.
It covers many difficult topics in a sensitive manner such as grief, divorce and mental health issues. I loved the fact Cara is an amputee but it is not the focus of the story but part of her. By showing her acceptance and ability to do all the things she wants to normalises disability in literature and is how diversity should be.

I loved the style of writing, and the setting of Colombia is beautiful and magical. It is now on my wishlist of places to go.

I can't wait to read more by this author.

I persevered, I really did. However, Mack’s Christmas romance was a cringing disappointment that had me wishing for some mulled wine to numb the pain.

Reading it during a heat-wave felt a little odd yet, this book is set in Miami and Columbia during Christmas-time. In other words, the weather there is hot, hot, hot! As such, I think this book is perfect as your “warm up” Christmas story. It’s good for your first Christmas book of the season and you won’t be wrong to try it at the end of October or the beginning of November. It isn’t really Christmassy until the final few chapters and, barring the occasional appearance from a Christmas tree, you can enjoy this without feeling too guilty about being festive too soon in the year.

Well, “enjoyment” is a hard definition. I really could not get to grips with the narrative. Mack hasn’t done anything new here with girl meets forbidden boy who has a history of being a lothario. This, however, is not my criticism. For me, I found their relationship entirely false and unbelievable. Indeed, I could not help but picture Javi as rather creepy and “pawing” Cara. He is portrayed as older and “more experienced” than Cara and I felt threatened by him as a reader. This intense dislike for such a central character certainly did not help my attitude towards the novel and was the main reasons why I did not enjoy reading it.

Cara, on the other hand, seems to have a bit more going for her. As you would expect, both her and Javi have tragedies in their pasts and I enjoyed reading how Cara has overcome her anxiety and tried to become a stronger person. Cara was more dimensional then Javi and, personally, I wanted her to distance herself from Javi as much as possible! Of course, in romance stories like this one, this is never going to happen.

Mack vividly describes the settings in this book and I think this added more soul to the story. The plot centres on Javi and Cara promoting what becomes a very successful Christmas song. They end up in America and then Colombia and I found Mack’s descriptions of the areas really interesting – more so than Javi and Cara’s relationship. I think this element helps to make this book a bit more distinct to other Christmas/romance novels and added an exotic feel to the story.

Personally, if it was me, I would have been fighting Javi off with a barge pole! Alas, when I take an intense dislike towards a character, there is very little redeemable about the story. I felt bored and was glad when the (obvious) conclusion had been reached. Sorry, Mack, this just wasn’t my number one.

With thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The perfect blend of music, culture, and festive Cheer. This is the perfect Christmas romance for the person that does not like Christmas romances. It is definitely Christmas light, a captivating and emotional will they won’t they love story. Cara is a serious musician, so she is not very thrilled when she is told she is under contract to collaborate on a Christmas song with a Latin popstar. Javi has the reputation as a playful ladies man, but there is more to him than meets the eyes. The two begin to email and realize they might have more in common then these opposites first thought. The two meat and there is definite chemistry, but this can’t happen...can it?

Admittedly when I pick up a Christmas book I am not thinking Columbia. But it was such a treat to travel there through the pages of this book. The authors love and knowledge of music really shown through and the story. It was really interesting watching these two artist collaborate on the song and seeing the world through the eyes of a musician. The pacing of the story wasn’t always perfect, but I really liked these characters. Both Cara and Javvi were likable characters flaws and all. The secondary characters were wonderful and added some definite heart to the story. This is a Christmas book that can definitely be read any time of the year.

This book in emojis🎼 ☀️ ❄️ 🎶

*** Big thank you to Boldwood Books for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

Although I have a predilection for gritty crime fiction, I'm a sucker for those romantic, sentimental Hallmark Christmas movies and so every year make sure I read at least one festive romance. The front cover of My Christmas Number One suggested it would contain all the elements I expect to find in a book of this type but although many are present, this is actually a bit different and is a fresh and appealing twist on the more usual fare.
Cara and Javi are both musicians and so naturally, music features throughout the book. I must admit that my knowledge of music only extends as far as appreciating what it sounds like, I don't really have much of an understanding of the more technical details - unlike Cara - but I absolutely loved her reaction to hearing 'Nostalgia' for the very first time. Her enthusiasm for the song is almost palpable and although I'm not familiar with reggaetón, I could really feel how the music moved her.
The pair are brought together by their record company who think that a crossover Christmas song will appeal to audiences beyond Javi's Latin American followers. Cara is a fledgling pop star who doesn't yet have control over her career and so is contractually obliged to do the song, despite her misgivings. In the best tradition of Christmas romances, their first meeting isn't hugely successful, largely due to Javi's larger-than-life personality and his accidental insulting of her. I wasn't sure at first if I'd like Javi - he appears to be the stereotypical cheesy Latin Lothario with a string of ex-lovers and wandering eyes (and hands).
The third person narrative which switches between Cara and Javi quickly makes it clear that he isn't actually the shallow, arrogant man he pretends to be. As the novel progresses we learn that both main characters are dealing with their own personal tragedies as Leonie Mack explores the weight of their losses and how it has affected their lives with perceptive sensitivity. Cara suffers from PTSD and the scenes where she manages her anxiety are beautifully written while Javi's gentle understanding of her struggles and her strength are truly heartwarming.
The simmering passion between them sizzles throughout and Leonie Mack captures the tantalising will-they-won't-they (even though we know they will eventually) balance perfectly. The two main characters are a joy; their complex flaws mean they are imperfectly matched ensuring that their hesitation and their doubts are irresistibly frustrating. The pair are complemented by an excellent cast of secondary characters, most notably Cara's overbearing, prejudicial father and Javi's precociously insightful daughter, Bea. Although My Christmas Number One is a romantic story, it is also an empathetic exploration of love within families and the challenges of negotiating those relationships in the face of change and loss.
There are some familiar festive scenes but much of the book is set in the warmer climes of Miami, Mexico and Javi's native Colombia. I have to admit to associating Colombia with drugs and violence but Leonie Mack reveals a different side to the country, vividly bringing to life the cosmopolitan cities, the beautiful, diverse landscapes and its warm, friendly people.
I read My Christmas Number One while the sun was shining but finished the book feeling decidedly Christmassy, which perhaps sums up this novel perfectly. The passion burns with an intensity matched by the Latin American heat and yet to quote a line from the book, 'It was so damn Christmas - full of memories and joy and pain.' Leonie Mack's debut is a joy from start to finish and My Christmas Number One is a surefire hit; I can't wait to read more!

My first Christmas story this year and it turned out to be quite an unusual one but with all the right feels!

Cara Poignton is a rising rock star from Bristol. She is a trained musician with a degree in music from a prestigious university. Ten years ago, when Cara was just eighteen, she lost her mother and her brother in a car accident which left her with a physical disability and a severe anxiety disorder. She is a serious person, determined not to let her traumatic past rob her of her present and future, but she accepts that there are some things that are more difficult for her than for other people. Music is her salvation and she takes it extremely seriously. When her record company asks her to colloborate on a Christmas song with a Latin music pop star, Cara does her best to add her unique musical vision to the project. Cara and Javi, the Colombian-American songwriter, make a beautiful dance video to go with the song, and although it is recorded on the Trafalgar Square in London in August, it has all the sparkles and Christmas spirit. The song becomes a hit and Cara gets involved with the usual promotion activities. The more time she spends with Javi, the more it becomes clear that there is more to him than what his reputation of a Latin playboy/irresponsible musician would suggest. He poured all his soul in the song which is quite a departure from his usual style. Cara gets to see his vulnerable side and tries to understand what exactly javi meant by the mysterious lyrics. She also meets Bea, javi's twelve year old daughter, Susi, his ex-wife, and even embarks on a journey to Javi's home town in Colombia, all of this with a clear intent to stay away from a romantic relationship, but can she do it or rather should she stay in her own safe bubble and leave the excitement of love and adventure for other people?

The story has a very simple plotline- it is basically the promotion of Javi and Cara's song and the push-pull of a romantic attraction beween two very different protagonists, both of which have traumatic past. Music is what makes it stand out from other Christmas stories. I was amazed how well Leonie Mack could describe the way a professional musician's mind sees the world. For me the best scenes in the book are Cara's performances- they are so vivid and full of adrenaline and energy! Cara goes through a lot of growth and experiences many things she has been denying herself. I really appreciate the the fact that the author was very methodical in her research of the disorder Cara has and very sensitive in how she described Cara's thoughts and feelings.

I loved the settings and the contrast and newly-created harmony between the different cultures and traditions Javi and Cara come from. I didn't know much about Colombia before reading this book and had to look up the places and customs the author describes, and I must say this virtual journey was just wonderful.

I got into the story really quickly, but then the pace slowed down, as the characters were going through their development. The inclusion of the secondary characters of Bea, Javi's daughter, and Gordon, Cara's father, was very welcome as I believe the story would have been a but too intense otherwise. It also added a bit more realism in showing the role of family relationships, our children and parents are in determining our priorities and the way we live our life. You have to be ready and open in your heart for a new stage of your life, whether it is a professional opportunity or a romantic relationship.

If you love music or just looking for a Christmas read which doesn't follow the familiar formula, try this debut story with a beautiful cover and unique protagonists.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy. All opinions are my own and weren't influenced in any way.

Cara Poignton is a new music artist who has had one top ten hit and she is not a Christmas fan. She is contractually bound to play on other artist's songs when they require her. This time the artist is Javier Felix Rodriguez Moreno aka Javi Felix.

Javi Felix, a Latino artist. He's 37, based in Miami and has an ex wife and a daughter. As well as being incredibly talented vocally he's pleasing on the eye, being known for removing his shirt from time to time.

Javi 'meets' Cara through her demo track that will accompany his new single. The two start emailing. They eventually meet in person to start rehearsals for their video and the chemistry builds.

This is an easy going love story. It incorporates two cultures of love and relationships. It is beautifully written and a joy to read.

Will it be a Christmas to remember.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

When musicians Cara and Javier are told by their record company they must work together to create a Christmas song neither one of them are thrilled at the prospect. Cara is a “serious musician” and Javier is Latin pop star, nothing about their musical tastes should gel... until it does.

This was a lot more emotional and deep then the cover portrays. It does start off a little slow, but don’t give up!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.