Solo for the Season

Gift-Wrapped Romance

by Martha Keyes

MAGGIE
After being dumped last Christmas, I’m taking extreme measures to ensure nothing and no one ruins my happy holidays this time around. I’ll be safely wrapped in a cocoon of kitschy Christmas decor, complete with surrounding winter wonderland at the ultimate holiday mountain cabin.

So what if the countless elf figurines make me a little uneasy or if there are a couple hiccups with cabin maintenance? There’s a bigger problem... the assistant manager happens to be one of (many) teasing classmates from my childhood and my former crush. He keeps showing up to my cabin to fix things. I’m more worried about what he might break….

WES
Here at Crystal Peaks Resort, I’ve got everything I tall trees, fresh air, and no cell phone service. This is my happy place, and if I prove to my boss I can handle the job, the management position here will be mine. Everything is falling into place.

Until the newest guest arrives. The quirky cabin she’s in is the bane of my existence, causing issue after issue. But the more I’m there, the more I realize the real obstacle between me and my future proving to my boss I can keep a professional relationship with the guests. Or one guest in particular.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, Audiobook, Clean Romance, Fiction

204 pages, Paperback

First published November 8, 2023

Reviews

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable snowed in Christmas romance!


I loved every page of this. So sweet and wholesome and funny! I definitely want to check out more from this author and the Gift Wrapped Romance series!

Only kissing, slow burn, no language.
Nothing else to note, it was lovely!

[BookLoverAmanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solo for the Season by Martha Keyes
5 Stars
SO CUTEEEE

THIS WAS SOOOO ADORABLE. What can I even say?! READ IT!

➡️⬅️ Forced Proximity
😂 Childhood Teasing → Adult Tension
💘 Former Crush
🏔️ Snowy Mountain Setting
🌲 Small-Town Romance
❤️‍🔥Somewhat Enemies to Friends to Lovers
❄️Snowed In Trope

I love the snowed in trope and a handyman sooooo this was right up my alley. We have Wes, the once-teasing childhood classmate Maggie remembers all too well and the guy who somehow manages to be the handyman fixing up all the cabin issues :) Maggie goes on a solo cabin trip and they get to know each other better as he keeps coming around helping with cabin maintenance and other issues.

I loved their communication together, the banter, the laughs, the sweetness....the christmas feels - SO CUTE.

Highly recommend as a kisses only, clean, closed door - rom-com for the Christmas season!

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Determined not to be alone at Christmas, Maggie Jensen, CPA, books herself two weeks over Christmas at Santa’s Haven at Crystal Peaks Resort in San Bernardino Forest. It’s nothing like she imagined … and that’s a good thing.

Wesley Warren, assistant manager at Crystal Peaks, has his future planned out and it doesn’t involve fraternizing with guests…until Maggie arrives.

The themes are fear of rejection and finding love in the unlikeliest of places, and they’re very well explored. There are a couple of despicable characters I loved to dislike, but they needed to be there to move the plot forward. I loved that she brought a ton of books with her and that she was able to convince Wesley to read one of them! The romcom was well-balanced - the perfect ratio of swooning and grinning/giggling. Great voice.

[Tay_is_reading_again · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Christmas novella perfect for the holidays. Zero spice and didn’t even get a descriptive kiss tbo.

[Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what you want from a Christmas romance!!

There is something about two people re-connecting during the holidays that brings an extra level of magic to the Christmas season. There's an added bonus when it catches both characters by surprise and neither one of them are ready for what's about to happen!!

'I didn't bring a single hair product or tool with me on this vacation. Not a drop of makeup, either. Books and movies don't care what I look like, which is how I know I've found true love with them.'

Oh Maggie. She is a gem. She's there for an escape after a bad breakup and just wants a happy Christmas all on her own.

Enter Wesley. Someone who also enjoys holidays alone, but didn't expect to come face to face with Maggie...or Margot as he used to know her.

This book is a Christmas explosion in every possible way and in the best possible way. It's kitschy decor, snow globe setting and swoony romance is a recipe for an entertaining, cozy holiday read!

Grab yourself a FRESH hot cocoa for this one, friends ;)

Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Content: middle grade taunting, holiday break-up, off-limits romance, Christmas magic, swoony romance, SO MANY ELVES lol, and kisses only.

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

And the Christmasness abounds! The only problem with early Christmas releases is that I have no self control to keep from reading them NOW and I’ll be all finished by the time December rolls around. Ah, well, that’s what rereads are for! 😉

Wes & Maggie were straight up adorable! They have a history, but it was great to see their resolution. Wes isn’t used to having people care about him after a childhood of being rather neglected by his parents, so it’s sweet to see the way he finds himself opening up to Maggie and letting her care for him. Maggie is the kind of heroine I really enjoy reading about. She’s not girlboss tough or strong (there’s a place for those, too!), but instead a sweet and gentle soul. She feels overlooked and insignificant muchly due to insecurities rooted in her younger days. Watching her work through those feelings was really encouraging to see!

Plus, I ADORE the tie in to Troy & Stevie from the Sheppard family series! Crossovers make me so bizarrely happy!

So pull out the Christmas tree, cue the music, and brew a cup of FRESH cocoa (this is imperative!), and enjoy a bit of Hallmark-y Christmas magic!

**Note: the audiobook is also exceptionally excellent!

[Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was just the perfect little Christmasy sweet treat!

Maggie’s choice of Christmas vacation was every Christmas & romance book lovers dream idea. (Maybe without the elves though…)
Every interaction she had with Wesley was just adorable! From their first meeting to the epilogue.

I ADORED their communication with each other! They didn’t let thoughts and potential hurts just roll around in their head and keep them apart.

HE READS ROMANCE BOOKS BECAUSE OF HER! And then what he said about being herself. I literally swooned!

They were both just such sweet, likable characters that just went together! (Even though it moves quick)

There is a micro trope of “she takes care of him” and I was ALL about that little pop up!

Really it was an adorable Christmas story to add to my collection! (And it was fun to see Stevie’s cameos)

4.5/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

(Not CF, but clean closed door)

[Jessica Bischoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s easier to listen to hallmark than it is to watch it with Joe! Haha I’m enjoying the mindless happy love.

[Katrina Swartzentruber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really getting through the hallmark Christmas books on my road trip 😅 this one made me laugh multiple times, because I genuinely thought it was funny, so that’s a win ✨

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75

THIS WAS SWEET.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I love short and sweet Christmas romance books. This was a gem and I loved Wes and Maggie. The setting was fun with the explosion of kitschy holiday goodness and all of the snow that I’m grateful I never see in real life.

One of my favorite aspects was that even though Maggie was still a little affected by some of the teasing from high school she didn’t let that completely overwhelm her being kind to Wes initially. And the fact he gave her a genuine apology was beautiful. I love see characters act their age and to try their best to communicate instead of running away.

The only tiny thing I didn’t love was Brielle. The conflict that came to that added pages, but not content. I just could have done without.

That last 20% though? I loved it. I loved how not for one second did Wes try to hide that fact he had fallen for Maggie and that they found a way to make things work between them. It was precious.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Holiday Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses

[Sherij · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute Christmas rom com, but all I could think about was how absolutely pissed I'd be to have rented a secluded cabin in the woods for two weeks only to have people stop by everyday! I'd request a refund 😂

[Momma Leighellen’s Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hallmark lovers, don't miss this one!!

Solo for the season is part of the five book Gift Wrapped Romance set.

This short holiday romcom features an accountant who just wants peace and quiet over the holidays with her romance books and Hallmark movies. So she rents a cabin in the mountains with plans to hide away til the seasons over. What could possibly go wrong?

The cabin itself is hilarious, with its excessive holiday decor. Then when a blizzard rolls in and she's not prepared, the hunky handyman that shows up is actually her high school crush! I loved how these two communicated openly and honestly with each other. I also love how she helps him out - smart girls rise up!

This has the perfect winter setting, all the holiday cheer, and some sweet memorable moments. A lovely holiday book to enjoy with some hot cocoa! (just be sure to check the date).

You can check out my interview with author author Martha Keyes here

[Vibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bully from the past with regrets...

... his target from the past with reservations

This is a lovely, quick Christmas romance about two people who encounter each other again years after their unfortunate school years together

The story is light & almost breezy, touching on just enough of the circumstances to help the reader understand what happened but focusing most on what brings them together & changes their perspectives on each other while keeping the amusement flowing. A great Christmas read to enjoy with some hot chocolate - just be sure to check the date on it first! 😉

*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic

[Grace (bookish_things_and_dragons) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick, clean, wholesome, and festive read. Super cheesy, but that's to be expected.

[Lacy | lacyloveslit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet! A very cute Christmas book. I liked that there was direct communication between the MCs and I didn’t have to deal with the miscommunication trope. A great holiday read!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a sweet story ♥️

It is the end of January and I just can’t get enough of Christmas stories. This one was a spin off of the beloved Sheppards series and features Maggie. In some ways it was a second chance romance as Maggie had a huge crush on Wes when they were in elementary school. Maggie was bullied as a child and teenager, but instead of making her bitter, she chose to use the experience to be kind and compassionate to others. Wes participated in the teasing when he was younger, and deeply regrets it, and has chosen to be a better man. It was so sweet to see Wes and Maggie fall in love and get their HEA…. happy sigh. I highly recommend this sweet and clean read!

[Ivana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was actually very-well written, considering it’s a cheesy Christmas romance. I liked the way the character interactions were written - they felt very authentic and were not too kitschy or forced, especially considering the tropes. Surprisingly enough, I kind of liked that there was not much more than a kiss throughout the whole story. The tension made it fun and the writing style did not leave me needing any added spice.

[Amanda Humpherys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cheesy and happy and so Christmasy! 10/10 recommend for a holiday, feel-good rom com.

[Ginny Muse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Christmas romcom 🥰

Maggie has booked a cabin for a solo holiday with plans to only read her romance books and watch movies. But when things go wrong at her secluded cabin she has to call on the manager for help, and he turns out to be Wes, a guy who made fun of her in high school. The annoying girl in a neighboring cabin, who was also from their high school, is the worst part of the story. It’s otherwise cute and fun. Enemies to friends to more, close proximity, dual POV - with excess Christmas decor and a nice winter setting. It’s short so not much depth, but enough of a set up to enjoy Maggie and Wes beginning to fall for each other.

There’s nothing earth shaking in this one; but it’s a fun read.

[cel ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet and cheerful little story. Very Christmassy and heartwarming and the perfect book to get you into the Christmas spirit. Really liked the decency of it. No unnecessary drama, just harmony and love. I really enjoyed it and can recommend it to anyone who loves a good little Christmas read.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet enemies to friends to lovers, dual POV, forced proximity holiday romance perfect for fans of authors like Cindy Steel and Kortney Keisel and great on audio narrated by CJ Locks. Maggie is trying to have a relaxing solo holiday but the cabin she rented keeps having all kinds of problems and she constantly has to call the manager. The catch is, the manager turns out to be her childhood crush and tormenter, Wes. Heartwarming and full of all sorts of Christmas charm I really enjoyed this one!

Steam level: kissing only

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I absolutely adored this book!

If you've read Just Friends Forever, you'll recognize Maggie, Stevie and Troy from that story. That said, this can definitely be enjoyed even if you have not read that one!

After a breakup on Christmas day, Maggie decided she would spend the next Christmas on her own in the most Christmas-y place she could find. Instead, she finds herself reconnected with someone from her past... and not someone she'd hoped to ever see again. Wes was one of many who had teased her mercilessly as a teenager... and now the assistant manager of the place she was staying. I really enjoyed these two together... the chemistry was absolutely fantastic, and I really loved seeing Wes's growth from those years before. It was a bit of a slow burn, but so worth it!

The cabin Maggie was staying in was almost like another character in and of itself. I am 100% Christmas obsessed, but the picture Martha Keyes painted of this place in my mind--- even I could say this place was over the top. The creepy elves and Santa... all the inflatables... the scene was set so very well and had me laughing out loud so many times throughout the story! And the hot chocolate? Oh my goodness! I couldn't stop laughing. There was just so much holiday charm in this story, and I absolutely loved every single second of it.

Solo for the Season is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Emily Hoisington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, christmasy closed door romance!

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I missed out on this one last season and listened to it on a long drive. Not only did I love the narrator, but I was enthralled with the story, laughing and smiling so hard.

Maggie got dumped on Christmas and is determined to make the next holiday the best one yet. Renting a cabin that an elf threw up on is step number one, but running into a childhood foe from her past wasn’t on the list.

Wes and Maggie are all grown up and I treasured every single interaction between them in the present day. Sooo many fun and hilarious moments, combined with so many sticky situations, made this one a Christmas to remember.

Martha Keyes is at the top of her game with the swoon and wit, and I eagerly flew through this one, anticipating every chemistry-laden exchange, laced with hints of magic. This is one to definitely put a reader in that holiday mood.

Content: mild romance; references to past bullying

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars!

Maggie was dumped last Christmas so this year she is going to stay by herself in an overly Christmas themed cabin at a resort. What she doesn't expect is that an old classmate, Wes, who used to make fun of her, works there. He feels bad for what he did when they were younger and gets to know her now.

This was a great story! I loved the crazily decorated Christmas cabin, the winter setting in this book gave it such a cozy Christmas vibe. I loved Maggie and Wes, they were great characters. Overall, a great read and I definitely recommend!

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solo For The Season by Martha Keyes
Gift-Wrapped Romance multi-author series
5h 23m narrated by C. J. Locks, 206 pages

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Satire, Holiday > Christmas

Featuring: Solo Vacation Trope, Cabin, Accountant, Los Angeles, and near Big Bear California; Secret Grudge Trope, Resort

Rating as a movie: PG

Songs for the soundtrack: "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey, "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby, "Last Christmas"
by Wham!, "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏔☃️🎄

My thoughts: Another story about a character bumping into the man who did her wrong in middle school, unbeknownst to him. I didn't know this was a thing but I like it. I'm glad I did write Ms. Keyes off this story was so much better, for me, than the one I read yesterday, Host For The Holidays. It was funny and more my speed in the drama department. I enjoyed how it was humorous without being over the top, although I thought the end was a little cheesy. I'm out of Christmas books from Keyes (there are more out there) but I'll be continuing this series and I have Sheppards in Love on hand for the new year.

Recommend to others: Yes. This was a fun quick read.

Gift-Wrapped Romance
Cabin Crush (2023) Kasey Stockton
Solo for the Season (2023) Martha Keyes
Merry Kismet (2023) Anneka R Walker
One Small Secret (2023) Esther Hatch
Jingle Bell Jilt (2023) Mindy Burbidge Strunk

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.

🎄 The vibes:
- christmasy
- Dual pov
- Teenage bully
- A cabin
- Closed door.

🎄 My thoughts:
I loved the cabin setting. The Christmas vibes. I liked the history of Wes and Maggie. I liked the chemistry and friendship between these two.

It’s a short timeline so things do move fast but it didn’t FEEL fast as I was reading which was a bonus. This was a SLOW BURN, and I loved that. I loved the friendship so much. I wasn’t even mad at the wild raccoon.

Because the timeline is short (I think one week) I feel like the couple wasn’t fully able to build a super strong connection in that timeframe. That’s just me being picky I think. There wasn’t much I didn’t enjoy here, it just didn’t quite hit top tier levels for me. I still really enjoyed this one and recommend it if you’re looking for a cute and quick Christmas read!

Note- closed door.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad that I took the time to read each of the books in the Gift Wrapped Romance series. They were all so good!

This one by Martha Keyes made me laugh so hard. It was a perfect book for reading on Christmas Day. I loved that I was able to read the whole thing that day.

Maggie has decided that since she had a disastrous Christmas the year before, this Christmas will be different. She rented a Christmas cabin, filled her car with her favorite books, and she's planning to enjoy herself. That's before she saw the cabin. It looked like Christmas threw up everywhere. I laughed so hard at the pile of elves she made and how it felt like they were watching her. And don't even get me started on the Santa that was in her cabin!😂

But that's not the worst of it. The assistant manager is Wes. He just happened to be one of the instigators of Maggie's most hated nickname in junior high. I loved the way he goes out of his way to help Maggie get through the holidays. Even though she keeps insisting she doesn't need his help.

These two were so great together. The whole book kept me laughing through the very end!

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so cute and fun. It was full of so many Christmas feels and I love Maggie and Wesley. I feel like I stepped into a cute hallmark Christmas resort while reading.

Maggie wants to get away from her accounting job for Christmas. What better way than to spend Christmas at a cabin called Santa’s Haven? She wants to be alone and read and watch movies this Christmas season. However upon “meeting” Wesley she’s starting to realize maybe she doesn’t want to be alone entirely…

Wesley is trying to help the resort run smoothly. He’s definitely not looking to meet anyone, but Maggie is just so dang cute that he keeps wanting to go back and see her. Can he convince her that maybe spending Christmas alone isn’t all it’s cracked up to be?

This book was such a breath of fresh air. It was festive and fun. Maggie is simply adorable and Wesley is the sweetest and is genuinely interested in the things that interest Maggie. Grab some hot chocolate and a cozy blanket and dive into this lovely Christmas story!

I was given an ARC copy of this story but all opinions are my own.

[Jami Pruitt (My.lovely_readingcorner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite parts:
🎅 Meet cute
🎅 All the Elves
🎅 Finding the breaker box
🎅 Hot chocolate
🎅 Expired food taste test
🎅 The pond
🎅 Christmas Eve
🎅 Raccoons
🎅 Life size Santa
🎅 The Epilogue
🤶 I also love the Mrs. Clause I have seen in each book of this series!

I am loving the Gift-Wrapped Romance series! All the books have been fantastic and so much fun!

I loved Maggie and Wes! I really like their background the theme of forgiveness.

I love the different things that Maggie and Wes do together, they have so much fun building their friendship!

This is the 3rd book in the Gift-Wrapped Romance series. It can be read as a stand alone.