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Falling for Famous #2
Star-Crossed Holiday
One hot celebrity dad + one nanny = holiday Christmas magic in a small town.
THE SMALL TOWN TEACHER
I never imagined I'd get stuck in an elevator with Ronan Masters, a grumpy, gorgeous action star, and his adorable daughter. But then again, nothing has gone as expected over the last few months. Not losing my beloved job as an art teacher or my fiancé dumping me.
The giant of a man may not smile much, but at least his little girl likes me. I try to keep the crush I'm feeling on Hollywood’s hottest dad under control. But all bets are off when he asks me to be his temporary nanny over the holiday season.
AND THE ACTION STAR
I'm in Snowflake Harbor to film a movie while trying to adjust to being a parent to a daughter I only recently met. When I get stuck in an elevator with Poppy O'Brien, I'm not sure what to think of her. She's got a magic purse full of glitter glue, goody bags, and snacks, and she makes my solemn child smile like no one else. Soon, we’re both under Poppy’s spell.
But when Poppy takes the position of nanny, she becomes off limits. I can’t afford distractions and I don’t do commitment. I also don't do holidays. But as the countdown to Christmas continues and the date we have to leave comes closer, Poppy has me rethinking everything.
THE SMALL TOWN TEACHER
I never imagined I'd get stuck in an elevator with Ronan Masters, a grumpy, gorgeous action star, and his adorable daughter. But then again, nothing has gone as expected over the last few months. Not losing my beloved job as an art teacher or my fiancé dumping me.
The giant of a man may not smile much, but at least his little girl likes me. I try to keep the crush I'm feeling on Hollywood’s hottest dad under control. But all bets are off when he asks me to be his temporary nanny over the holiday season.
AND THE ACTION STAR
I'm in Snowflake Harbor to film a movie while trying to adjust to being a parent to a daughter I only recently met. When I get stuck in an elevator with Poppy O'Brien, I'm not sure what to think of her. She's got a magic purse full of glitter glue, goody bags, and snacks, and she makes my solemn child smile like no one else. Soon, we’re both under Poppy’s spell.
But when Poppy takes the position of nanny, she becomes off limits. I can’t afford distractions and I don’t do commitment. I also don't do holidays. But as the countdown to Christmas continues and the date we have to leave comes closer, Poppy has me rethinking everything.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2023
513 people are currently reading
9844 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Deeham
5 books144 followersSarah Deeham is the author of spicy slowburn romance novels to make readers smile and swoon. With a master's degree in writing and publishing, she got her start in writing as a freelance journalist, communications and marketing manager, and an editorial director for a public relations agency. She is an American living overseas and currently makes her home in Kuala Lumpur with her husband, two children, and lazy golden retriever. When she's not sitting in a cafe dreaming up stories, she's a photographer and world wanderer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
December 25, 2023
I wanted to love this SO BAD. Book one was so much fun, and the tropes in this sounded right up my alley. Single dad? Celebrity? Nanny? CHRISTMAS?! But unfortunately me and this book just didn’t vibe.
Honestly I felt it really dragged and we just kept going round and round in circles, and the conflict felt way too minor for that. It just felt really forced. I do like Sarah Deeham’s writing style, it’s really easy to read and a fun cheesy tone (although it does occasionally cross over into millennial wine mum vibes which isn’t for me - I thought this book particularly did that, way more than book one did), but yeah idk this wasn’t for me.
I am looking forward to the tropes/pairings in the future books in the series, so I still plan on picking up the next one, and just hope it comes back to the vibes I loved in book one!
Honestly I felt it really dragged and we just kept going round and round in circles, and the conflict felt way too minor for that. It just felt really forced. I do like Sarah Deeham’s writing style, it’s really easy to read and a fun cheesy tone (although it does occasionally cross over into millennial wine mum vibes which isn’t for me - I thought this book particularly did that, way more than book one did), but yeah idk this wasn’t for me.
I am looking forward to the tropes/pairings in the future books in the series, so I still plan on picking up the next one, and just hope it comes back to the vibes I loved in book one!
December 14, 2023
I really wanted to like this book since the idea is right up my ally, but I guess I was shocked that this book wasn't as closed doors as I wanted
The story is about Poppy and Ronan, she is a school teacher and he is a "large" super star they meet in an elevatorbwhen it gets stuck, and they know each other and his adorable daughter Belle, after some eventa Ronan hirea Poppy as the nanny for his daughter and thats the start of their relationship
I really liked both Ronan and Poppy, they really got each other and as much as I didn't like how mich Poppy was lusting over Ronan I liked this couple way better than the firat book, however I wanted something sweet and wholesome and this was not it
The story is about Poppy and Ronan, she is a school teacher and he is a "large" super star they meet in an elevatorbwhen it gets stuck, and they know each other and his adorable daughter Belle, after some eventa Ronan hirea Poppy as the nanny for his daughter and thats the start of their relationship
I really liked both Ronan and Poppy, they really got each other and as much as I didn't like how mich Poppy was lusting over Ronan I liked this couple way better than the firat book, however I wanted something sweet and wholesome and this was not it
October 19, 2023
3.95⭐️
This book was filled with ups and downs, laughs and cries, and so much holiday cheer. This book follows Ronan, a single dad, movie star who is on the search for a nanny, and Poppy an elementary school substitute art teacher who is looking for her future job. After running into each other in some unforeseen circumstances, Ronans daughter, Belle, falls in love with Poppy and becomes the nanny. Belle misses her dad a lot but gets a long very well with Poppy. Both try to resist each other but what happens when they inevitably fail? This book was so good filled with so much person growth and love. This was a celebrity, single dad, forbidden romance that was so amazing!
Favorite Quote:
“I want her to be mine. Only mine.”
Special thanks to Grey Promotions and the author for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was filled with ups and downs, laughs and cries, and so much holiday cheer. This book follows Ronan, a single dad, movie star who is on the search for a nanny, and Poppy an elementary school substitute art teacher who is looking for her future job. After running into each other in some unforeseen circumstances, Ronans daughter, Belle, falls in love with Poppy and becomes the nanny. Belle misses her dad a lot but gets a long very well with Poppy. Both try to resist each other but what happens when they inevitably fail? This book was so good filled with so much person growth and love. This was a celebrity, single dad, forbidden romance that was so amazing!
Favorite Quote:
“I want her to be mine. Only mine.”
Special thanks to Grey Promotions and the author for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2023
This was such a wonderful holiday romance! This is a terrific single-dad romantic comedy with a very fun meet cute. Poppy and Ronan could not be more opposite. Poppy is helper, wonderful with children and a natural giver. Ronan is a closed off action star who is highly cautious with anyone around his newly-found daughter.
Ronan is not one for all the frivolity of the holidays and Poppy brings a special something to their little family as the nanny. I especially loved how she stood up to Ronan on behalf of Belle. The girls developed a really special relationship.
This is definitely a hallmark movie plot for those of us who like spice with their story. The chemistry is immediate with these two, but they hold off until they just can’t anymore. Their connection is so obvious that everyone in town in rooting for them.
Totally recommend this for a fun holiday read without too much angst.
Ronan is not one for all the frivolity of the holidays and Poppy brings a special something to their little family as the nanny. I especially loved how she stood up to Ronan on behalf of Belle. The girls developed a really special relationship.
This is definitely a hallmark movie plot for those of us who like spice with their story. The chemistry is immediate with these two, but they hold off until they just can’t anymore. Their connection is so obvious that everyone in town in rooting for them.
Totally recommend this for a fun holiday read without too much angst.
January 1, 2025
i didn’t really like the writing in this book so it kind of set the tone of me not liking it. i just thought the characters didn’t have much chemistry with one another so it was hard to really care about their romance at all. it also felt like the conflict was so forced like they couldn’t get together because it might make ronan… lose his daughter? it was too loose an explanation so i just stopped caring. there were also a lot of parts that had nothing to do with the plot and added nothing, such as the beginning elevator scene. everything would’ve been the same if they met at the art store ?? idk, it was a perfectly fine romance but nothing entirely special
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2023
Are we reading a Christmas book in the middle of October? Well, here we are bringing the holidays forward!!!
This story was super cute and I will definitely read it again in December to get more into the mood, from Ronan being all grumpy as well as a famous actor and Poppy being a kind soul and art teacher, this book is good enough to pass the time. The story is that Ronan comes to the town of Snowflake Harbor to film a movie and because of the things in life he gets stuck in an elevator with his daughter Belle and Poppy who was also there, here a ride begins and what a ride, because they have their ups and downs like a rollercoaster, Poppy ends up being Belle's babysitter and we already know how this can end.
Without a doubt a nice story, with minimal drama and charming characters, because yes, I love cliché books that take place during the Christmas season.
Thanks to the author and Grey's Promotions for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!!
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¿leemos un libro navideño en pleno octubre? Pues aquí adelantamos las fiestas!!!
Esta historia fue super linda y sin duda lo volveré a leer en diciembre para entrar mas en el mood, desde Ronan siendo todo grumpy además de un actor famoso y Poppy siendo un alma caritativa y maestra de arte este libro para pasar el rato esta mas que bien. La historia va de que Ronan llega al pueblo de Snowflake Harbor para filmar una película y por cosas de la vida se queda atrapado en un ascensor con su hija Belle y Poppy que también estaba allí, aquí empieza un viaje y vaya viaje porque tienen sus subidas y bajadas tal montaña rusa, Poppy termina siendo la niñera de Belle y ya sabemos como puede terminar esto.
Sin duda una bonita historia, con drama al mínimo y unos personajes re encantadores porque si, amo los libros clichés y mas ambientados ya en la época decembrina.
This story was super cute and I will definitely read it again in December to get more into the mood, from Ronan being all grumpy as well as a famous actor and Poppy being a kind soul and art teacher, this book is good enough to pass the time. The story is that Ronan comes to the town of Snowflake Harbor to film a movie and because of the things in life he gets stuck in an elevator with his daughter Belle and Poppy who was also there, here a ride begins and what a ride, because they have their ups and downs like a rollercoaster, Poppy ends up being Belle's babysitter and we already know how this can end.
Without a doubt a nice story, with minimal drama and charming characters, because yes, I love cliché books that take place during the Christmas season.
Thanks to the author and Grey's Promotions for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!!
---
¿leemos un libro navideño en pleno octubre? Pues aquí adelantamos las fiestas!!!
Esta historia fue super linda y sin duda lo volveré a leer en diciembre para entrar mas en el mood, desde Ronan siendo todo grumpy además de un actor famoso y Poppy siendo un alma caritativa y maestra de arte este libro para pasar el rato esta mas que bien. La historia va de que Ronan llega al pueblo de Snowflake Harbor para filmar una película y por cosas de la vida se queda atrapado en un ascensor con su hija Belle y Poppy que también estaba allí, aquí empieza un viaje y vaya viaje porque tienen sus subidas y bajadas tal montaña rusa, Poppy termina siendo la niñera de Belle y ya sabemos como puede terminar esto.
Sin duda una bonita historia, con drama al mínimo y unos personajes re encantadores porque si, amo los libros clichés y mas ambientados ya en la época decembrina.
October 10, 2023
This was the cutest little holiday novel, with a touch of spice. The story has holiday elements in it, but it isn't the main focus of the story. Ronan is suddenly a parent to seven year old Belle. He meets Poppy, who keeps Belle entertained while they are stranded in the elevator together. He is intrigued, but his focus must be on Belle. Another chance meeting, him being in need of a nanny and her needing a job leads to her nannying for him while he is working on a film. Though they have undeniable chemistry, she is now off limits as the nanny. Can they keep their hands off each other for the sake of the job?
I thought the meet-cute was awesome in this book and thought that Ronan showing how much he cared about Poppy was pretty amazing too. I thought the relationship with Poppy and Belle was adorable and also liked seeing Belle's relationship develop with her dad. Ronan was such a great dad, doing what he could to be the best parent he could be. Yes, he made some missteps along the way, but no parent is perfect, and I liked seeing that imperfection.
Overall this was a fun seasonal read with the perfect amount of spice. Thank you to Grey Promotions for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Read if you like: grumpy/sunshine, small town, nanny/single dad, famous celebrity
I thought the meet-cute was awesome in this book and thought that Ronan showing how much he cared about Poppy was pretty amazing too. I thought the relationship with Poppy and Belle was adorable and also liked seeing Belle's relationship develop with her dad. Ronan was such a great dad, doing what he could to be the best parent he could be. Yes, he made some missteps along the way, but no parent is perfect, and I liked seeing that imperfection.
Overall this was a fun seasonal read with the perfect amount of spice. Thank you to Grey Promotions for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Read if you like: grumpy/sunshine, small town, nanny/single dad, famous celebrity
October 26, 2023
Another great read in the Falling for Famous series, absolutely perfect to put yourself in the holiday spirit. It was so full of cheer, of love and full of Christmas spirit.
I usually prefer my men daughterless and with short dark hair but I absolutely fell in love with Ronan and Belle. The way they navigate their relationship is so pure and realistic. Poppy brings them extra love and a sense of family that they were craving.
The slow burn was SLOW burning but the build up made it even more worth it when they finally gave in to their attraction to each other.
The epilogue made the whole thing even sweeter, I may have shed a little tear while reading it...Their connection is so special and their family is perfect in every single way.
If you love Christmas Hallmark movies with a hint of spice, I highly recommend picking up this story that can be read as a complete standalone!
I usually prefer my men daughterless and with short dark hair but I absolutely fell in love with Ronan and Belle. The way they navigate their relationship is so pure and realistic. Poppy brings them extra love and a sense of family that they were craving.
The slow burn was SLOW burning but the build up made it even more worth it when they finally gave in to their attraction to each other.
The epilogue made the whole thing even sweeter, I may have shed a little tear while reading it...Their connection is so special and their family is perfect in every single way.
If you love Christmas Hallmark movies with a hint of spice, I highly recommend picking up this story that can be read as a complete standalone!
October 18, 2023
This is an absolutely adorable holiday focused romantic comedy. The love story between Ronan and Poppy comes with a lot of angst but feels so authentic and I couldn’t think of a better way to pass the time. The relationship with Ronan and his daughter Belle is so heartwarming and seeing Belles relationship with Poppy bloom at the same time just makes this book feel realistic. I can’t rave enough about this book while the spice is like a 3/5 the storyline more then makes up for it and I truly can’t recommend this enough!
I did receive an advanced copy but even if I hadn’t I would have still purchased this book as this author writes such beautiful stories that pull at the heart strings in all the right ways!
I did receive an advanced copy but even if I hadn’t I would have still purchased this book as this author writes such beautiful stories that pull at the heart strings in all the right ways!
December 31, 2025
Such a cute, fun and adorable Christmas love story!!!! This books was in my TBR for too long and it was everything!
Poppy is a super sweet heroine that loves with all her heart and falls in love with the gorgeous actor, Ronan, who’s a single dad and a very serious and guarded personality. He has a heart of gold who only wants the best for his daughter and Poppy helps him become the best version of himself.
Lovely story with a Christmassy background in a beautiful small town with lots of fun secondary characters that make it even better!
Just love it 🎄🎄🎄🎄
Poppy is a super sweet heroine that loves with all her heart and falls in love with the gorgeous actor, Ronan, who’s a single dad and a very serious and guarded personality. He has a heart of gold who only wants the best for his daughter and Poppy helps him become the best version of himself.
Lovely story with a Christmassy background in a beautiful small town with lots of fun secondary characters that make it even better!
Just love it 🎄🎄🎄🎄
October 20, 2023
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. 3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I adored this book! This was such a cute, holiday romance with some of my favorite tropes; grumpy x sunshine, single parent, and a little sprinkle of “touch her and die”.
Both Ronan and Poppy are such great characters and feel very human to me, which is sometimes hard to nail when writing such distinct characters! I only wish we got to see more of Ronan’s relationships with his co-stars.
I only deduct stars for this rating because at some points the pacing felt a little off, but I enjoyed this book nonetheless. If you like Hallmark Christmas movies, this is the romance book for you!
I adored this book! This was such a cute, holiday romance with some of my favorite tropes; grumpy x sunshine, single parent, and a little sprinkle of “touch her and die”.
Both Ronan and Poppy are such great characters and feel very human to me, which is sometimes hard to nail when writing such distinct characters! I only wish we got to see more of Ronan’s relationships with his co-stars.
I only deduct stars for this rating because at some points the pacing felt a little off, but I enjoyed this book nonetheless. If you like Hallmark Christmas movies, this is the romance book for you!
October 16, 2023
This book was great! It had a cozy Christmas feeling which I loved. I highly recommend this book! Especially around the holidays
October 27, 2023
Loved it. I could gush about the characters, all of them. Just really enjoyed this one.
December 26, 2024
Super fun, lighthearted holiday romance! I had no idea where this was going from the first scene (besides the obvious fact they’d end up together). I enjoyed the writing, though it could be a bit repetitive at times. Overall, a delightful Christmas read!
December 24, 2024
3.25 stars
August 27, 2024
This was such a cute with some spice type of read. Ronan reminds me of Luke Danes from Gilmore Girls
December 22, 2025
Predictable Comfort Read
Overall, I liked this one and ended up at 3.5⭐. It was a feel-good read and honestly made me feel good when I finished, which already puts it above expectations.
The plot was predictable, but in a way that didn’t annoy me. Sometimes predictable is just boring, but this was kind of comforting instead.
I really liked the main characters, especially the female lead. She was sweet, funny, caring, and just very easy to like. The pacing was mostly good, though it dragged a bit in spots. I also appreciated that the internal monologues were minimal. I never felt like I had to skim.
This was my first book by this author, and I’d definitely read another.
Overall, I liked this one and ended up at 3.5⭐. It was a feel-good read and honestly made me feel good when I finished, which already puts it above expectations.
The plot was predictable, but in a way that didn’t annoy me. Sometimes predictable is just boring, but this was kind of comforting instead.
I really liked the main characters, especially the female lead. She was sweet, funny, caring, and just very easy to like. The pacing was mostly good, though it dragged a bit in spots. I also appreciated that the internal monologues were minimal. I never felt like I had to skim.
This was my first book by this author, and I’d definitely read another.
January 11, 2024
Loved! This is the first book that I read in a while and it got me out of my reading slump. I adored how much character development there was throughout the entirety of the book and how it was a good mix of the plot and 🌶️, LOL. I'm interested in reading the others in the Falling for Famous series but wish that the book series carried on with THEIR story!
October 31, 2024
star crossed series
I am enjoying the stories by Sarah Deeham and look forward to what she has going forward from this series. I love Poppy the most in this story. There’s a lot of wth moments with Ronan, but I am glad it all ended with a HEA!
I am enjoying the stories by Sarah Deeham and look forward to what she has going forward from this series. I love Poppy the most in this story. There’s a lot of wth moments with Ronan, but I am glad it all ended with a HEA!
October 19, 2023
Amazon
Getting stuck in an elevator with hot action star Ronan and his adorable daughter Belle is certainly not what Poppy ever saw happening. Neither was ending up forging a connection with Belle and becoming her temporary nanny while they're in town filming, but that's exactly what's happening. Now Poppy just has to remember to keep her heart protected from what could be heartbreak, because Ronan is closed off, and not here permanently.
This is such a adorable holiday romance. Poppy is the sweet sunshine to Ronan's grumpy, closed-off personality. She brings a warmth and light-hearted mood to his and Belle's temporary home, and becomes indispensable to not just Belle, but to Ronan also. There's not a lot of heat until the very end, but there is obvious tension, and the feelings are there from the very beginning. I love grumpy/sunshine, combine it with a single dad who's a big old pile of mush inside for his daughter, and the holidays? I am so there!
ARC provided by Grey's Promotions for an honest review.
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October 31, 2023
Loved this holiday read. It was a slow burn, friends to lovers story that was both sweet and romantic.
Poppy and Ronan were great characters that instantly clicked and I loved watching them get to know each other and ultimately watching them both fall irrevocably in love with each other.
The Christmas holiday cheer woven into the story made this one a little bit more magical. It was fun to watch fun loving Poppy work her own brand of magic around reserved Ronan and his little girl, Belle. There were so many heart warming, genuine moments of friendship and found family that left me with all the warm fuzzies.
If you love slow burn romance, are a fan of the friends to lovers trope and indulge in Hallmark Christmas movies this time of year, this one will be a winner. It was funny, sexy and feel good! No cheating and your interest will be piqued about Sebastian and Emma! I know I am :)
Now I have to backtrack and read Chase's story and order my physical copy of this book, it's earned it's spot on my fave shelf!
* * * I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. * * *
SAFETY INFO:
Poppy and Ronan were great characters that instantly clicked and I loved watching them get to know each other and ultimately watching them both fall irrevocably in love with each other.
I look down at her, and she smiles as bright as the fresh snow glinting in the sun, while we all walk up the steps hand in hand. It's corny as hell, but I feel like the Grinch whose heart grew three sizes that day.
The Christmas holiday cheer woven into the story made this one a little bit more magical. It was fun to watch fun loving Poppy work her own brand of magic around reserved Ronan and his little girl, Belle. There were so many heart warming, genuine moments of friendship and found family that left me with all the warm fuzzies.
She's magic. And I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to get enough. She's glitter glue and glow sticks. She's hot chocolate with marshmallows and Charlie Brown Christmas trees.
If you love slow burn romance, are a fan of the friends to lovers trope and indulge in Hallmark Christmas movies this time of year, this one will be a winner. It was funny, sexy and feel good! No cheating and your interest will be piqued about Sebastian and Emma! I know I am :)
Now I have to backtrack and read Chase's story and order my physical copy of this book, it's earned it's spot on my fave shelf!
* * * I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. * * *
SAFETY INFO:
October 15, 2023
📖 ARC REVIEW 📖
Thank you @greyspromo for an early copy of Star-Crossed Holiday by @authorsarahdeeham. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Release date: October 19th, 2023
Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
Star-Crossed Holiday is the sweetest slow-burn, holiday novel I have ever read thus far. A celebrity single dad–nanny romance set in a small town during the Christmas holidays is just the feel-good, Hallmark-vibes novel you need for a pick-me-up! From the very first chapter, the main characters Poppy and Ronan, plus his daughter Belle, got me hooked and from there I just felt like this novel was an easy 5-star read, and it is!
Despite being only informed of Belle’s existence as his daughter only a few months ago, Ronan swept in and took the responsibility in a heartbeat regardless of his busy schedule as an actor. I admire him as he really tries to be the good dad that Belle deserves, and I’m also glad that he found Poppy to help him. Her relationship with Belle was too sweet you could really tell how much Poppy cared for her and Ronan even if she wasn’t a part of their family and only working as a temporary nanny. I really enjoyed their dynamic and found their interactions so heartwarming that I got teary-eyed loads of times as I read this book.
Apart from their heartwarming family dynamic, Ronan and Poppy’s chemistry was on fire! Even though they didn’t fully act on their attraction up until toward the end of the story, I loved how they understood, respected, and supported each other’s careers, dreams, and priorities. They weren’t even together yet and their relationship was already mature at best.
Pick this feel-good holiday read when it releases on October 19th, 2023! You’ll surely enjoy this one!
Thank you @greyspromo for an early copy of Star-Crossed Holiday by @authorsarahdeeham. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Release date: October 19th, 2023
Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
Star-Crossed Holiday is the sweetest slow-burn, holiday novel I have ever read thus far. A celebrity single dad–nanny romance set in a small town during the Christmas holidays is just the feel-good, Hallmark-vibes novel you need for a pick-me-up! From the very first chapter, the main characters Poppy and Ronan, plus his daughter Belle, got me hooked and from there I just felt like this novel was an easy 5-star read, and it is!
Despite being only informed of Belle’s existence as his daughter only a few months ago, Ronan swept in and took the responsibility in a heartbeat regardless of his busy schedule as an actor. I admire him as he really tries to be the good dad that Belle deserves, and I’m also glad that he found Poppy to help him. Her relationship with Belle was too sweet you could really tell how much Poppy cared for her and Ronan even if she wasn’t a part of their family and only working as a temporary nanny. I really enjoyed their dynamic and found their interactions so heartwarming that I got teary-eyed loads of times as I read this book.
Apart from their heartwarming family dynamic, Ronan and Poppy’s chemistry was on fire! Even though they didn’t fully act on their attraction up until toward the end of the story, I loved how they understood, respected, and supported each other’s careers, dreams, and priorities. They weren’t even together yet and their relationship was already mature at best.
Pick this feel-good holiday read when it releases on October 19th, 2023! You’ll surely enjoy this one!
October 22, 2023
A warming Christmas story that gives you Hallmark vibes!
So, funny story: the writer had already caught my attention before I knew it! Booktok showed me a book that seemed a good read, and I made myself a print screen to check the book out later. But before I had the chance, I found this book as an ARC and started reading. I loved the story and thought by myself: I am curious to see how his co-star and girlfriend came together. Would that have been book 1?
After finishing the book and reviewing my Booktok recommendations for my next-to-read book, I found a book with a similar name and cover style on my list. Guess what? I marked the first book just days before and did not put 1 and 1 together until I saw my booktok recommendation folder.
Okay, back to the actual story now!
If you're a fan of heartwarming, Christmas vibes & Hallmark love stories and looking for an easy read, then look no further; this book is for you.
This was definitely a blanket and hot tea on a lazy Sunday story, especially for those who love stories that are easy to read and warm the heart, including the ordinary girl next door finding herself drawn to the enigmatic allure of a single father - with just the right dash of drama to keep you intrigued.
It was a good read, and I give it four stars. At times, it was a bit too slow burn for me, and I started skipping lines between pages, waiting for Ronan and Poppy to act on their chemistry. Some parts felt a bit rushed, and others could have used that speed. But I will also read the first book in this series. Sarah kept it interesting enough to keep that book on my list, and I am even curious to see if a book three will follow and whom it will star. The other co-star or their shared PA? Or maybe both... Anyways, definitely get yourself a copy if you need some sweet romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
So, funny story: the writer had already caught my attention before I knew it! Booktok showed me a book that seemed a good read, and I made myself a print screen to check the book out later. But before I had the chance, I found this book as an ARC and started reading. I loved the story and thought by myself: I am curious to see how his co-star and girlfriend came together. Would that have been book 1?
After finishing the book and reviewing my Booktok recommendations for my next-to-read book, I found a book with a similar name and cover style on my list. Guess what? I marked the first book just days before and did not put 1 and 1 together until I saw my booktok recommendation folder.
Okay, back to the actual story now!
If you're a fan of heartwarming, Christmas vibes & Hallmark love stories and looking for an easy read, then look no further; this book is for you.
This was definitely a blanket and hot tea on a lazy Sunday story, especially for those who love stories that are easy to read and warm the heart, including the ordinary girl next door finding herself drawn to the enigmatic allure of a single father - with just the right dash of drama to keep you intrigued.
It was a good read, and I give it four stars. At times, it was a bit too slow burn for me, and I started skipping lines between pages, waiting for Ronan and Poppy to act on their chemistry. Some parts felt a bit rushed, and others could have used that speed. But I will also read the first book in this series. Sarah kept it interesting enough to keep that book on my list, and I am even curious to see if a book three will follow and whom it will star. The other co-star or their shared PA? Or maybe both... Anyways, definitely get yourself a copy if you need some sweet romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
December 2, 2023
Title: Star-Crossed Holiday
Author: Sarah Deeham
Hero/Heroine: Ronan & Poppy
Tropes: Celebrity, Small Town, Single Dad x Nanny, Grumpy x Sunshine, Secret Child,
tw/cw: mention of a parent suffering a heart attack, main characters are trapped in an lift at one point, end of a long term relationship,
✨the good ✨
My first Christmas themed romance of 2023 and I absolutely loved it. Ronan and Poppy were an incredible pairing and complimented each other perfectly. Throw in Ronan’s adorable daughter Belle, and you literally have the most adorable story.
When Ronan, Poppy and Belle are trapped in a lift one evening, it kickstarts an unexpected chain of events for the both of them. In a bit of a bind with the daughter he didn’t realise he had until recently, Ronan finds himself needing a nanny to look after Belle whilst he’s on set. In steps Poppy to save the day. I just loved her character, she was so genuine and cared for Belle like she was her own, and she also kept Ronan on his toes which earns her extra points in my opinion.
The push and pull between these two characters literally had your girl on the edge of her seat. Just when I thought they’d finally give in to their feelings, Ronan would be there with his rational thinking, killing Poppy’s lady boner pretty damn fast. It added that bit of an extra level of realism to the story though, as Ronan’s intention was to give Belle a steady childhood, which she hadn’t really had up until now, and throwing himself into a new relationship were sort of distract him from that.
Love Star-Crossed Holiday as much as Star-Crossed Letters, looking forward to the next in the series.
✨ the bad ✨
Derek. Or Derek the Dickhead as I’ve nicknamed him.
Thank you to the author and @greyspromo for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
✨overall thoughts: sweet and steamy Christmas romance
✨ heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Sarah Deeham
Hero/Heroine: Ronan & Poppy
Tropes: Celebrity, Small Town, Single Dad x Nanny, Grumpy x Sunshine, Secret Child,
tw/cw: mention of a parent suffering a heart attack, main characters are trapped in an lift at one point, end of a long term relationship,
✨the good ✨
My first Christmas themed romance of 2023 and I absolutely loved it. Ronan and Poppy were an incredible pairing and complimented each other perfectly. Throw in Ronan’s adorable daughter Belle, and you literally have the most adorable story.
When Ronan, Poppy and Belle are trapped in a lift one evening, it kickstarts an unexpected chain of events for the both of them. In a bit of a bind with the daughter he didn’t realise he had until recently, Ronan finds himself needing a nanny to look after Belle whilst he’s on set. In steps Poppy to save the day. I just loved her character, she was so genuine and cared for Belle like she was her own, and she also kept Ronan on his toes which earns her extra points in my opinion.
The push and pull between these two characters literally had your girl on the edge of her seat. Just when I thought they’d finally give in to their feelings, Ronan would be there with his rational thinking, killing Poppy’s lady boner pretty damn fast. It added that bit of an extra level of realism to the story though, as Ronan’s intention was to give Belle a steady childhood, which she hadn’t really had up until now, and throwing himself into a new relationship were sort of distract him from that.
Love Star-Crossed Holiday as much as Star-Crossed Letters, looking forward to the next in the series.
✨ the bad ✨
Derek. Or Derek the Dickhead as I’ve nicknamed him.
Thank you to the author and @greyspromo for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
✨overall thoughts: sweet and steamy Christmas romance
✨ heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 28, 2023
What a great book! This was a new-to-me author, so my expectations were not super high, but they also weren't super low. The book has a good rating average so I hoped that my opinion would be with the latter. And it was!
I'm not a huge fan of famous people as one of the main characters but everything else about the premise appealed to me. And it actually worked very well in this book. The hero, Ronan, is a Chris Hemsworth as Thor type. What's not appealing about that? He's a new-to-him dad to a 7 year old girl. He didn't know he was a dad til a few months before the book started. He's become very devoted in that short period of time. Which endears the reader to him immediately.
They all (meaning MMC, FMC, and child) all have a lovely meet-cute in chapter one. The heroine, Poppy, is wearing an 80s explosion costume for her sister's Bachelorette party that delights young Belle. They meet in and get stuck in an elevator. Poppy charms Belle with her "magic" bag full of art supplies and she also unknowingly charms Ronan with her sparkling personality and easy ability to love his daughter.
Their romance moves into the "forbidden" territory when he hires her to be Belle nanny. Because of this, they resist their attraction for most of the book except for a few weak moments. It's kind of a slow burn, but they do have feelings for each other the entire time. The great on page chemistry leads the anticipation for them to finally give into their desire to each other around the 70% mark. By then, they are full on in love with each other even though they haven't fully admitted it to each other or themselves. The scene is definitely worth the wait!
While there is a third act breakup after this, it's forced upon them. I like that it's not because one is mad at the other or because he didn't trust her. Their eventual reuniting is wonderful and the end is great!
I will definitely read more by Sarah Deeham in the future!
I'm not a huge fan of famous people as one of the main characters but everything else about the premise appealed to me. And it actually worked very well in this book. The hero, Ronan, is a Chris Hemsworth as Thor type. What's not appealing about that? He's a new-to-him dad to a 7 year old girl. He didn't know he was a dad til a few months before the book started. He's become very devoted in that short period of time. Which endears the reader to him immediately.
They all (meaning MMC, FMC, and child) all have a lovely meet-cute in chapter one. The heroine, Poppy, is wearing an 80s explosion costume for her sister's Bachelorette party that delights young Belle. They meet in and get stuck in an elevator. Poppy charms Belle with her "magic" bag full of art supplies and she also unknowingly charms Ronan with her sparkling personality and easy ability to love his daughter.
Their romance moves into the "forbidden" territory when he hires her to be Belle nanny. Because of this, they resist their attraction for most of the book except for a few weak moments. It's kind of a slow burn, but they do have feelings for each other the entire time. The great on page chemistry leads the anticipation for them to finally give into their desire to each other around the 70% mark. By then, they are full on in love with each other even though they haven't fully admitted it to each other or themselves. The scene is definitely worth the wait!
While there is a third act breakup after this, it's forced upon them. I like that it's not because one is mad at the other or because he didn't trust her. Their eventual reuniting is wonderful and the end is great!
I will definitely read more by Sarah Deeham in the future!
August 18, 2025
He is a famous action movie star turned into a single dad overnight. She is an art teacher who brings light to every person in her world. Scene: Christmas in a small town.
Ronan is known for his stunts as an action hero and the things he can do to save the day with a roll of duct tape. When he gets the call that he has a 7-year-old daughter that he's never known about, his world turns upside down. He is doing the best he can but feeling lost until a human sunbeam gets stuck with him in an elevator.
Poppy is determined to be positive. Her twin sister is getting married and Poppy's long term high school sweetheart just broke up with her to date a coworker. And Poppy's art department at school just lost funding meaning she is laid off. Finding the bright side is possible yet difficult. But when she meets a famous movie star and his darling daughter, she will never go back to feeling her life is small.
Ronan's daughter can't stop talking about the wonderful woman from the elevator. And Ronan can't stop thinking about her for completely different reasons. Poppy's inner sunshine left both of them feeling like they were living in the shade after. So when they see Poppy again randomly, Ronan is conflicted about how to keep her in their lives without complicating hers.
Dual POV, single dad, stoic/sunny, celebrity/small town sweetheart, open door love scenes.
A sweet holiday slow burn romance. While the plot is mostly predictable, the journey is still very enjoyable. The author lets the tension and emotional maturity grow before anything physical develops. Ronan is reserved and grumpy, reluctant to a relationship for most of the story. Poppy is a fun, charming FMC who has a practical head on her shoulders. Everyone in her life adores her. Nice HEA and Epilogue.
Bonus: Sebastian & Emma, and Chase & Olivia make appearances but do not impact the timeline. In this story Chase and Olivia are a couple. Sebastian and Emma are not.
Ronan is known for his stunts as an action hero and the things he can do to save the day with a roll of duct tape. When he gets the call that he has a 7-year-old daughter that he's never known about, his world turns upside down. He is doing the best he can but feeling lost until a human sunbeam gets stuck with him in an elevator.
Poppy is determined to be positive. Her twin sister is getting married and Poppy's long term high school sweetheart just broke up with her to date a coworker. And Poppy's art department at school just lost funding meaning she is laid off. Finding the bright side is possible yet difficult. But when she meets a famous movie star and his darling daughter, she will never go back to feeling her life is small.
Ronan's daughter can't stop talking about the wonderful woman from the elevator. And Ronan can't stop thinking about her for completely different reasons. Poppy's inner sunshine left both of them feeling like they were living in the shade after. So when they see Poppy again randomly, Ronan is conflicted about how to keep her in their lives without complicating hers.
Dual POV, single dad, stoic/sunny, celebrity/small town sweetheart, open door love scenes.
A sweet holiday slow burn romance. While the plot is mostly predictable, the journey is still very enjoyable. The author lets the tension and emotional maturity grow before anything physical develops. Ronan is reserved and grumpy, reluctant to a relationship for most of the story. Poppy is a fun, charming FMC who has a practical head on her shoulders. Everyone in her life adores her. Nice HEA and Epilogue.
Bonus: Sebastian & Emma, and Chase & Olivia make appearances but do not impact the timeline. In this story Chase and Olivia are a couple. Sebastian and Emma are not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2023
"Star-Crossed Holiday" is a heartwarming, slow-burn holiday novel set in a small town during Christmas, creating a feel-good, Hallmark-worthy atmosphere. Poppy and Ronan, along with Belle, make this a delightful 5-star read.
This holiday romance is truly wonderful, telling the story of a single dad and a nanny with a charming meet-cute. Poppy, a caring and child-loving giver, couldn't be more different from Ronan, a cautious, closed-off action star navigating fatherhood.
Poppy's presence as the nanny adds a special touch to their little family, and her determination to stand up for Belle, Ronan's daughter, is touching. The bond between Poppy and Belle is heartwarming.
Poppy's ability to bring sunshine into Ronan's grumpy life is a perfect match, and Belle, Ronan's daughter, steals the show with her adorable presence and heartwarming interactions with Poppy and her dad. Ronan's transformation into a dedicated "girl dad" is truly endearing.
Despite recently discovering Belle's existence, Ronan's commitment to being a good dad is admirable. The relationship between Poppy and Belle is heartwarming, even though Poppy is just a temporary nanny.
The chemistry between Ronan and Poppy is sizzling, and their understanding, respect, and support for each other's dreams and careers make their relationship mature and beautiful.
This is my first time reading a book by Sarah Deeham, but it won't be the last! This book has everything I love: a single dad, a nanny, grumpy meets sunshine, a small-town setting, rom-com elements, and a holiday backdrop. Poppy and Ronan's story is heartwarming, and their journey into family life is a joy to witness. I highly recommend this book!
This holiday romance is truly wonderful, telling the story of a single dad and a nanny with a charming meet-cute. Poppy, a caring and child-loving giver, couldn't be more different from Ronan, a cautious, closed-off action star navigating fatherhood.
Poppy's presence as the nanny adds a special touch to their little family, and her determination to stand up for Belle, Ronan's daughter, is touching. The bond between Poppy and Belle is heartwarming.
Poppy's ability to bring sunshine into Ronan's grumpy life is a perfect match, and Belle, Ronan's daughter, steals the show with her adorable presence and heartwarming interactions with Poppy and her dad. Ronan's transformation into a dedicated "girl dad" is truly endearing.
Despite recently discovering Belle's existence, Ronan's commitment to being a good dad is admirable. The relationship between Poppy and Belle is heartwarming, even though Poppy is just a temporary nanny.
The chemistry between Ronan and Poppy is sizzling, and their understanding, respect, and support for each other's dreams and careers make their relationship mature and beautiful.
This is my first time reading a book by Sarah Deeham, but it won't be the last! This book has everything I love: a single dad, a nanny, grumpy meets sunshine, a small-town setting, rom-com elements, and a holiday backdrop. Poppy and Ronan's story is heartwarming, and their journey into family life is a joy to witness. I highly recommend this book!
October 27, 2023
It all started with a movie star, his young daughter, and an art teacher trapped in an elevator…When Ronan (the aforementioned movie star) and Poppy meet, they find themselves attracted to each other. Further contact ends up leading to Poppy taking on the role of temporary nanny to Belle, Ronan’s daughter, while he is in town filming a movie. This both exponentially increases their time together, and creates a major hurdle to a relationship. Not to mention that they live so far apart and have such different lives. It’s a cute story with Hallmark movie vibes, but a spicy version. I liked the characters. Belle is a cute little girl looking for love and security. Poppy is the quintessential giver. Never saying “no”, and always wanting to fix things for everyone. Ronan is emotionally closed-off after traumas and difficulties in his youth, but the unexpected arrival of a daughter in his life forces change. “It’s as if Belle carved open my heart, and in the crack she made, Poppy wandered through.” I really enjoyed the interactions between all three of them, and the slow burn of the building feelings between Ronan and Poppy. Attraction to so much more. Snowflake Harbor, with its Christmas obsession, is a cute small town setting for the story. “Apparently, the town is famous for its Christmas celebrations, which may explain this fetish for holiday decor. It may explain it, but it doesn’t excuse it.” It’s a fun story with some drama keeping the reader engaged. While this book is the second in the series and there is a bit of carryover, it reads well as a standalone. This is a detailed open door romance with strong innuendo and strong harsh language throughout.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2023
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a cute holiday found family romance.
Ronan is a movie star that has just discovered he is a dad to a 7 year old (Belle) and her mother dropped her off and off she went with her new boyfriend that didn’t want Belle.
Poppy is a Art teacher who has just lost her job. The whole town come to her for favours/organisation pretty much anything that’s needed to be done in the small town and because she’s such a people pleaser she doesn’t like to say NO!
Belle is an adorable little girl who appears to have be left with the nanny continuously before she was handed off to a dad she never knew.
I loved the chemistry between them from the moment they met in the elevator, Poppy fell in love with Belle the longer they were trapped in there together.
The storyline absolutely magical but also realistic in regards to custody battles and found family..
I found it heart warming that Ronan always wanted to put Belle first and their morning ritual with YouTube hair tutorials.
The side characters played a great role of found family and Poppy’s family pulled them into their lives and showed them what it was to have a family around you.
Ronan really empowered Poppy and encouraged her to follow her dreams and it was okay to put herself first rather than putting the feelings of others first.
This book stirred soo many emotions in me from laughter, gasping, excitement to sad tears then happy tears. To say it had a grip hold on me was an understatement.
I can’t wait to read the final book of this series to see what is next
This is a cute holiday found family romance.
Ronan is a movie star that has just discovered he is a dad to a 7 year old (Belle) and her mother dropped her off and off she went with her new boyfriend that didn’t want Belle.
Poppy is a Art teacher who has just lost her job. The whole town come to her for favours/organisation pretty much anything that’s needed to be done in the small town and because she’s such a people pleaser she doesn’t like to say NO!
Belle is an adorable little girl who appears to have be left with the nanny continuously before she was handed off to a dad she never knew.
I loved the chemistry between them from the moment they met in the elevator, Poppy fell in love with Belle the longer they were trapped in there together.
The storyline absolutely magical but also realistic in regards to custody battles and found family..
I found it heart warming that Ronan always wanted to put Belle first and their morning ritual with YouTube hair tutorials.
The side characters played a great role of found family and Poppy’s family pulled them into their lives and showed them what it was to have a family around you.
Ronan really empowered Poppy and encouraged her to follow her dreams and it was okay to put herself first rather than putting the feelings of others first.
This book stirred soo many emotions in me from laughter, gasping, excitement to sad tears then happy tears. To say it had a grip hold on me was an understatement.
I can’t wait to read the final book of this series to see what is next
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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