Holly Cassidy delivers a delightful enemies-to-lovers holiday rom-com that’s as cozy as a cup of hot cocoa on a snowy night. A Christmas Wager immerses readers in the charming small-town vibes of Maple Falls, Colorado, complete with its quirky holiday traditions and close-knit community. The characters truly shine—Bella Ross is ambitious yet relatable, and Jesse Harrison’s small-town warmth and stubbornness make for an irresistible pairing. Their chemistry crackles, and the progression from rivals to something more is satisfying and heartwarming.

That said, the premise of a big-city developer competing in holiday games to win the rights to a Christmas shop did veer into cheesy territory at times. While I appreciated the festive spirit of the wager, it occasionally felt contrived. Additionally, Caroline's character grated on my nerves more than once, making some scenes less enjoyable.

Despite these minor flaws, Cassidy has created a story brimming with holiday cheer, romance, and laugh-out-loud moments. Fans of The Hating Game and The Twelve Dates of Christmas will find much to love here. If you’re looking for a light, festive read that captures the magic of small-town Christmases, this book is a perfect addition to your holiday reading list!

Ashley Munoz delivers a holiday novella that is equal parts heartwarming and adrenaline-pumping, perfectly capturing the spirit of Christmas while staying true to the gritty, emotional world of the Stone Riders MC. Rose Ridge Christmas is a rare gem—a story that balances the tension of looming danger with the heartfelt bonds of family and community, all set against the backdrop of a rare Christmas blizzard in Rose Ridge.

Told from multiple perspectives, this novella gives readers a deeply immersive experience, offering glimpses into the lives of beloved characters while hinting at the promising future of the next generation. Munoz seamlessly blends edge-of-your-seat suspense with tender moments of love, laughter, and the magic of Christmas. The Stone Riders’ fierce determination to protect their own, coupled with the older kids’ heartwarming efforts to salvage the holiday, creates a narrative that made me laugh, swoon, and even shed a few tears.

The ten-year time jump was a brilliant touch, offering a bittersweet look at how far these characters have come while setting the stage for the second-generation series. Munoz's masterful storytelling shines, making this novella not just a holiday treat but an essential addition to the Stone Riders universe.

If you’re a fan of the series, this novella will tug at your heartstrings and leave you eager for what’s next. It's a perfect blend of action, romance, and holiday cheer—a true testament to Munoz's ability to craft stories that resonate long after the last page.

Mr. and Mrs. Christmas is an absolute delight, perfectly wrapped in small-town charm, holiday cheer, and a heartwarming romance. Michelle Stimpson crafts a story that feels like the ultimate Christmas movie come to life, with Lesley Carver and Jamal Gainey as the perfect protagonists to bring Hickory Falls back to life—and to fall head over heels in love along the way.

Lesley’s return to her hometown and her determination to make a life there is so relatable, and Jamal’s selfless devotion to his family farm makes him a hero worth swooning over. Their fake engagement to save their town is packed with humor, awkward moments, and sweet, genuine chemistry that had me smiling from ear to ear. The viral “Mr. and Mrs. Christmas” storyline adds a fun, modern twist, while the evolving romance between Lesley and Jamal keeps your heart firmly in the holiday spirit.

The narrators elevate this audiobook to another level entirely. Their performances are flawless, breathing life into each character and perfectly capturing the emotions, humor, and warmth of the story. From the banter to the heartfelt moments, they made every scene feel real and immersive.

This story is more than just a romance; it’s a celebration of community, family, and finding where you truly belong. Mr. and Mrs. Christmas is the perfect festive listen, leaving you with the cozy, magical feeling that only the best holiday romances can deliver. Highly recommended for fans of sweet, small-town Christmas love stories!

  

Rebecca Norinne Caudill delivers another heartfelt and swoon-worthy romance with All I Want for Christmas Is the Hot Fireman Next Door. This small-town holiday love story is brimming with charm, emotional depth, and the perfect mix of holiday magic and romantic tension.

Single mom Callie Caldwell is a beautifully complex heroine—strong, independent, and deeply relatable as she juggles the challenges of motherhood, work, and a past she can’t quite outrun. Her chemistry with James Carmichael, the dependable and swoon-worthy firefighter next door, is electric. James is the kind of hero you can’t help but adore—steadfast, protective, and quietly persistent as he breaks down the walls around Callie’s heart.

The romance between Callie and James is a slow burn in the best way. Each stolen glance and tender moment feels earned, and their evolving relationship is both heartwarming and deeply emotional. Callie’s hesitation to trust again is palpable, and James’s patient yet unwavering devotion makes their love story all the more satisfying.

Caudill weaves in just the right amount of conflict with the arrival of Sterling Whitmore, whose presence shakes Callie to her core and adds an unexpected twist to the story. The layers of Callie’s past and her emotional journey make this more than just a holiday romance—it’s a story of healing, resilience, and the courage to take a chance on love.

Set against the enchanting backdrop of Snowfall Valley, the festive atmosphere adds an extra sprinkle of holiday magic to every scene. From cozy family gatherings to snow-covered streets, the small-town charm will make you want to pack your bags and spend Christmas there yourself.

If you’re a fan of small-town romances with second chances, a single mom finding love, and a firefighter hero who will make your heart melt, All I Want for Christmas Is the Hot Fireman Next Door is the perfect holiday read. 

 

 

Rebecca Norinne Caudill’s All I Want for Christmas Is My Best Friend’s Older Brother is the ultimate holiday romance—equal parts cozy, heartwarming, and oh-so-swoony. Set in the picturesque town of Snowfall Valley, Vermont, this story perfectly captures the magic of the season while delivering a steamy, heartfelt romance that will leave you smiling long after the final page.

Emily Sawyer is the kind of heroine you root for from the start—resilient, relatable, and quietly harboring a crush on Luke Caldwell, her best friend’s older brother. When life forces her back to Snowfall Valley, it’s not just her bookstore or apartment she’s rebuilding—it’s her sense of home and belonging. Enter Luke, the charming, protective firefighter who proves that sometimes the one who got away was right there all along. The chemistry between Emily and Luke is pure holiday magic. Their shared history makes every interaction feel layered and meaningful, and the slow burn of their romance is beautifully paced. From tender moments in Snowfall Valley to the heat of being snowed in together at Luke’s cabin, their connection feels authentic and electric. The small-town holiday vibes add an extra layer of coziness to an already delightful read.

If you love holiday romances with second chances, forced proximity, and the irresistible best friend’s older brother trope, this book is a must-read. All I Want for Christmas Is My Best Friend’s Older Brother is a feel-good story about rediscovering love, finding home in unexpected places, and embracing the happiness you truly deserve. It’s the perfect book to curl up with by the fire, preferably with a mug of hot cocoa in hand! 

 Past Tents is a charming and heartfelt story that perfectly blends humor, vulnerability, and romantic tension. As my first read by Stacy Travis, it delivered on many levels, showcasing her knack for creating relatable characters and witty, engaging dialogue.

Clay Meadows, the English teacher with a secret soft side, and Ally Dalbotten, the fiercely independent art teacher with a fear of camping, are a delightful pair. Their chemistry sparks as they navigate the wilds of the Green Valley High senior retreat, and their journey from friends to lovers feels both authentic and deeply satisfying. Clay’s struggle to keep his long-time feelings for Ally in check while chaperoning—and sharing a tent—creates plenty of tension and swoon-worthy moments. Ally’s growth as she opens herself to the possibility of love adds depth to the story, making it more than just a fun camping romp.

That said, some parts of the story felt slightly predictable, particularly with the "best friend’s sister" trope and Clay’s struggle to reconcile his feelings. Additionally, while the camping setting was unique and well-described, the pacing lagged a bit in the middle as their emotional tug-of-war played out.

Overall, Past Tents is an enjoyable read with plenty of heart, humor, and a touch of steam. Fans of contemporary romance and the Penny Reid Book Universe will find much to love here. It’s a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys teacher-centric romances, slow-burn tension, and overcoming fears (of both bears and love) in the great outdoors. I’ll definitely be checking out more of Stacy Travis’s work!

 

Beneath Southern Stars by Andrea Johnston is the kind of book that wraps you in a warm hug and makes you never want to leave the cozy charm of Magnolia Grove. This slow-burn, single-dad romance is everything I hoped for and more. From the first chapter, I was hooked by the palpable romantic tension between Laney and Ryan. Andrea Johnston masterfully builds their connection, layering each moment with sparks that make you root for them to get their well-deserved happily ever after.

Laney is a delightful protagonist—her love for her small-town life and her genuine care for her neighbors make her easy to love. She’s the kind of character you want to be friends with. Ryan, on the other hand, is the ultimate swoon-worthy single dad. His devotion to his daughter is heart-melting, and his vulnerability as he navigates grief and second chances is beautifully written.

The slow-burn romance is what really steals the show. The way Ryan and Laney’s relationship unfolds feels so natural and real, with stolen glances, heartfelt conversations, and moments that leave you breathless. And when they finally come together? Absolute fireworks.

The small-town setting of Magnolia Grove is enchanting, especially during the holiday season. Johnston paints such a vivid picture of the festive cheer that I felt like I was right there, walking beneath the southern stars alongside Laney and Ryan.

If you love stories with heart, soul, and a healthy dose of holiday magic, Beneath Southern Stars is a must-read. It’s a heartfelt reminder of how love can heal and how second chances can shine brighter than the stars themselves. Andrea Johnston has created something truly special here, and I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the Magnolia Grove stories!