Holiday Reads – andrea's galley

ARC — Holiday Star — Dr. Melissa Dymond

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on heavy subjects like addiction, loss and grief, and losing a parent. Contains explicit sexual content.

“Holiday Star”, set against the backdrop of a cozy December, follows Gwen Wright, a disciplined doctor house-sitting for her family, and Caleb Lawson, a brooding Hollywood star hiding from scandal (who just so happens to be Gwen’s stepdad’s nephew). Filled with forced proximity, this holiday read will warm up your heart without a doubt.

With the perfect mix of festive charm, celebrity allure, and emotional depth, this was such a fun, holiday read. Balancing witty banter with deeper, healing moments as both characters confront personal insecurities, this book will have you wishing for more. Gwen’s down-to-earth nature contrasts beautifully with Caleb’s chaotic life in the spotlight, and their chemistry is undeniable. The “celebrity meets ordinary girl” trope is handled with fresh sincerity, making their journey to love feel authentic rather than overdone.

For readers sensitive to content, Dr. Melissa Dymond thoughtfully offers two versions of the book: one “sweet” (closed-door) and another “spicy” (open-door) with mild explicit scenes. I chose the spicy edition and found the intimate moments to be tasteful, enhancing rather than overshadowing the emotional arc.

If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers with a forced proximity twist, “Holiday Star” will make your holiday season a little brighter. It’s the perfect read to cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and dream of your own celebrity meet-cute.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Melissa Dymond DO in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: November 01, 2023

ARC — Snowed In — Catherine Walsh

Genre: Romance, Holidays
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Showcases unhealthy and controlling relationships. Has some sexual content.

“Snowed In” follows Megan, a reluctant returnee to her quaint Irish village, five years after leaving her ex-fiancé at the altar. Cue the arrival of Christian Fitzpatrick—an old classmate with an easy grin and a not-so-easy charm—who proposes a fake relationship to dodge their respective family dramas. Let me tell you: the sparks in this book? Absolutely electric. The banter? Chef’s kiss.

This book had me hooked right away, starting with that short prologue and carrying on into meeting such lovely (and comical) characters—“Snowed In” will be my holiday book of choice from here on out. I mean, a fake dating, dual POV romance packed with some good, ol’ close proximity? Um, yeah, count me in.

Between the setting of the story and the storytelling itself, I’m not sure what I loved more. I would highly recommend this read if you’re looking for a light, funny, holiday-centric read.

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Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: November 01, 2023

In a Holidaze — Christina Lauren

“The only person whose expectations you have to live up to is yourself.”

Genre: Romance, Comedy
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Content Warnings: None that I can think of.

Have you ever seen a time-loop kind of movie? Like Groundhog Day or Before I Fall? Well, this is just that but in a book, and surrounding the holidays. This book follows Maelyn Jones as she is stuck reliving her Christmas holiday week after wishing for a shot to find happiness. And oh, does she find it.

“In a Holidaze” did not take the path I thought it would. Maelyn does not end up with who I thought she would end up with, but good for her, I guess. I liked it anyways.

This is a light, funny read, set in a cozy cabin in the middle of Utah. It’s literally a perfect holiday read. It’s surrounding Christmas but isn’t solely about the holiday, and it’s short and snappy. I mean, what can I say? The duo Christina Lauren never disappoints.

I would recommend this book to people who’ve read other Christina Lauren books and loved them. I would not necessarily recommend this be your first exposure to the authors, as they have longer, better-constructed books (like “The Unhoneymooners” or “The Soulmate Equation”), but “In a Holidaze” is a good holiday-y read.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.