Search This Blog

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Yours For the Season by Emily Stone

 

4*

This lovely second chance romance is what I’ve come to expect from Emily Stone. My only complaint is that the entire plot is based around a huge case of miscommunication and false assumptions. Being that’s one of my romance pet peeves, I had to focus on other aspects of this emotionally-charged story, which was easy given how well Stone writes about family dynamics, creates characters who are full of complexities and goodness, and describes locations so well that you can easily be transported there. If I take any lessons from this story, it’s that we should focus on the love we share, have honesty and transparency in relationships, and be willing to grant forgiveness. If you are looking for a Christmas romance that tugs at your heartstrings but leaves you hopeful, I highly recommend Yours for the Season.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Dell through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Big Nick Energy by Kristen Bailey

 


5*

Bailey has become one of my absolute go-to favorites for charming Christmas romances with a bit of spice. Her latest offering, Big Nick Energy, which takes place in and celebrates my favorite city, London, is a combo of love triangle, second chance romance, and grumpy/sunshine with a kind, thoughtful and hot tree farmer (New Nick) and a former college love (Old Nick) who broke Kay’s heart. When she runs into him 10 years later, she wonders if fate has a hand in it. Yet, there’s also this handsome grump who doesn’t get her jokes and seems to be lacking in holiday spirit. However, the more time she spends with him, she realizes that first impressions are misleading. Lucky for her, she has guidance and encouragement from her beloved Nana, who is in the early stages of dementia, her zany friend Lucy, and her colleagues at the library where she works to help her see things clearly.

If you love closed door romances with a load of humor (cue the Christmas tree netting fiasco meet-cute), set in the most magical city during the winter holidays, and you haven’t yet discovered Bailey’s books, now’s your chance. You won’t be disappointed.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Storm Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.