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Cape Shore Romance #1
Back Home For Christmas
She came home for one week. Her brother's best friend was already in the kitchen.
Cat Lane has avoided Cape Shore — and Christmas with her family — for four years. One final essay stands between her and a real life far from the beach town that never thought much of her. All she has to do is survive seven days, finish the paper, and get out.
Then she walks into her childhood kitchen in pajama pants and bedhead and finds Jay Crowley drinking coffee at the island.
"Morning, Kitty Cat. Sleep well?"
Jay has been her brother's best friend since first grade and her personal tormentor for just as long. He hid her backpack. He gave her the nicknames. He stood beside the girl who ruined her future and never said a word. Now he's six-foot-three, infuriatingly calm, staying in the room across the hall — and somehow in charge of the Christmas booth that used to be hers.
She has a ignore him, out-design him, win the bet, leave.
She did not plan on the hallway. Or the snowstorm. Or the one room left at the inn.
"It's the honeymoon suite."
And she definitely did not plan on finding out why a man who's supposedly hated her for fifteen years remembers how she takes her coffee, what she eats in the car, and every photograph she ever took.
“Well Kitty, Cat? What do you want?”
Her brother can never know. Her heart didn't get the memo.
Back Home for Christmas is a fun, spicy, small-town holiday romance
Brother's best friendEnemies to loversForced proximity & only one bedGrumpy / sunshineHe's loved her since first gradeA snowstorm, a Christmas market, and a beach town that goes all out for the holidaysOpen-door, steamy, with a guaranteed happily ever after. Book one of the Cape Shore Romance series — each book stands alone. Jenna's story continues in Sweet Rivals.
Cat Lane has avoided Cape Shore — and Christmas with her family — for four years. One final essay stands between her and a real life far from the beach town that never thought much of her. All she has to do is survive seven days, finish the paper, and get out.
Then she walks into her childhood kitchen in pajama pants and bedhead and finds Jay Crowley drinking coffee at the island.
"Morning, Kitty Cat. Sleep well?"
Jay has been her brother's best friend since first grade and her personal tormentor for just as long. He hid her backpack. He gave her the nicknames. He stood beside the girl who ruined her future and never said a word. Now he's six-foot-three, infuriatingly calm, staying in the room across the hall — and somehow in charge of the Christmas booth that used to be hers.
She has a ignore him, out-design him, win the bet, leave.
She did not plan on the hallway. Or the snowstorm. Or the one room left at the inn.
"It's the honeymoon suite."
And she definitely did not plan on finding out why a man who's supposedly hated her for fifteen years remembers how she takes her coffee, what she eats in the car, and every photograph she ever took.
“Well Kitty, Cat? What do you want?”
Her brother can never know. Her heart didn't get the memo.
Back Home for Christmas is a fun, spicy, small-town holiday romance
Brother's best friendEnemies to loversForced proximity & only one bedGrumpy / sunshineHe's loved her since first gradeA snowstorm, a Christmas market, and a beach town that goes all out for the holidaysOpen-door, steamy, with a guaranteed happily ever after. Book one of the Cape Shore Romance series — each book stands alone. Jenna's story continues in Sweet Rivals.
234 pages, Paperback
Published December 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 13, 2023
I liked it at first and then the next day when I picked it back up I felt like I had sobered up and realized wtf am I reading??? Lmao ok that's dramatic it wasn't THAT bad. But the FMC should not be allowed to be a psychologist under any circumstances.
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March 18, 2024
At the risk of repeating myself yet again, for the love of all that is holy, utilise a bloody editor. Jfc people. Is grammar not taught in school anymore? How is it that so many writers can't spell, structure a sentence properly or use correct punctuation in the right way?
If a person's grasp of the language arts places them squarely in low-IQ territory, perhaps they should spend their time re-educating themselves instead of wasting it writing rubbish.
Not even a content editor could have fixed this book. I reckon the plot could have been relatively engaging were it handled the right way. It wasn't anything unique or new but with some nuance and understanding of human nature it might have worked. But as it was the heroine's deep-seated issues with her family and her self-perception weren't handled well. The reactions of the characters in specific situations were well off the mark. Everything was handled in surface detail and most of the conflict within the h's family was dropped without resolution. The final 25% was rushed to the point that it was clear the writer's only intent was to get the H and h together rather than focusing on any character growth. Why bother with all the h's angst for such a shallow ending?
For some readers this book will work just fine, but they would be readers of the same age as the heroine and writer. Then again, my daughter is the same age as the heroine and she'd scoff at this story and how it represents her peers.
Either way, I'm obviously not the target audience for this particular book. As a Gen X'er, I prefer books with characters in their 20's and 30's but it's getting harder to find content that isn't full of entitled, irresponsible bullshit, gratuitous sex and dangerous behaviours. There is too much whingeing about 'issues' and mental health, too much focus on self-care and not enough on the fact that life is not all about you. Slogging through the sheer amount of this toxic nonsense to find the handful of writers who know how to pen a solid story is exhausting. Let's face it, this genre is written for the young BY the young, and nobody else. Some 'older' writers try, but too many have just lost the plot. They come off as staid and out of touch - like they've already forgotten that they were once younger. It's pretty cringe.
As much as I hate to admit it - and even though I'm far from being an old woman - I may have gotten too old for romance novels.
If a person's grasp of the language arts places them squarely in low-IQ territory, perhaps they should spend their time re-educating themselves instead of wasting it writing rubbish.
Not even a content editor could have fixed this book. I reckon the plot could have been relatively engaging were it handled the right way. It wasn't anything unique or new but with some nuance and understanding of human nature it might have worked. But as it was the heroine's deep-seated issues with her family and her self-perception weren't handled well. The reactions of the characters in specific situations were well off the mark. Everything was handled in surface detail and most of the conflict within the h's family was dropped without resolution. The final 25% was rushed to the point that it was clear the writer's only intent was to get the H and h together rather than focusing on any character growth. Why bother with all the h's angst for such a shallow ending?
For some readers this book will work just fine, but they would be readers of the same age as the heroine and writer. Then again, my daughter is the same age as the heroine and she'd scoff at this story and how it represents her peers.
Either way, I'm obviously not the target audience for this particular book. As a Gen X'er, I prefer books with characters in their 20's and 30's but it's getting harder to find content that isn't full of entitled, irresponsible bullshit, gratuitous sex and dangerous behaviours. There is too much whingeing about 'issues' and mental health, too much focus on self-care and not enough on the fact that life is not all about you. Slogging through the sheer amount of this toxic nonsense to find the handful of writers who know how to pen a solid story is exhausting. Let's face it, this genre is written for the young BY the young, and nobody else. Some 'older' writers try, but too many have just lost the plot. They come off as staid and out of touch - like they've already forgotten that they were once younger. It's pretty cringe.
As much as I hate to admit it - and even though I'm far from being an old woman - I may have gotten too old for romance novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2023
This book wasn’t even boring it was just underwhelming. First of all the FMC was just so frustrating because she was so hot & cold about her life which is fine at 22/23 but it was hard to read. The MMC barely talks throughout the entire book. That may have been ok if it was dual POV & we saw his thoughts but it was single POV. Then I feel like there was no passion or hear between them. Even during the one s3x scene it felt random (also no condom, no mention of bc, & no mention of pulling out?!). And I don’t like how the FMC family treated her. Finally, the chapters didn’t transition well (immediately followed the following chapters thoughts) to me & there were typos.
I would have liked to see an epilogue that took place a little more in the future—even if it was just 3-6 months because I wanted to know what happened with the store, with Aubrey, & I would have preferred if they didn’t move in the day after Cat found out Jay loved her
I gave it two stars because I’ve read worse
I would have liked to see an epilogue that took place a little more in the future—even if it was just 3-6 months because I wanted to know what happened with the store, with Aubrey, & I would have preferred if they didn’t move in the day after Cat found out Jay loved her
I gave it two stars because I’ve read worse
September 13, 2025
Lost a star for me right off the bat by having typos throughout the whole book.
This book started strong, and I’m a big fan of enemies to lovers. And throwing in a getting snowed in and having to stay in an inn with one bed?? Sign me up!
But the ending left SO much to be desired. Nothing felt resolved, it was so rushed, and then just…ended. No real resolution with her brother, high school bully, parents, or even with the love interest honestly!
So had potential, but ultimately disappointed.
This book started strong, and I’m a big fan of enemies to lovers. And throwing in a getting snowed in and having to stay in an inn with one bed?? Sign me up!
But the ending left SO much to be desired. Nothing felt resolved, it was so rushed, and then just…ended. No real resolution with her brother, high school bully, parents, or even with the love interest honestly!
So had potential, but ultimately disappointed.
October 27, 2026
Cute characters with the usual type of plot, but we suspect that going in, right? Good read.
December 17, 2024
Would Not Recommend
I’m not sure this book had anything going for it. The main character was self absorbed and mean. She lashed out all of the time and also told everyone else that they were judgmental. But I guess the MMC was okay with being told he was a piece of crap constantly.
She thought the whole world was against her, but the author failed to establish why other than alluding to her parents emotionally abusing her. It’s like she had the idea, but couldn’t sell it.
The ending was terrible, I would have stopped reading, except for my need to let the world know at large not to bother. A quick synopsis of the ending—she yelled at everyone in her family (and love interest) self-righteously. During her tirade another man came and asked her out on a date. Her brother interrupted the date to tell her his best friend has been in love with her since the first grade. MMC grand gestured her by covering a room with every picture she had ever taken (she stopped taking pictures when she didn’t get a scholarship at age 18, so they were clearly pure art) and had a art curator there from New York City prepared to buy some of her photographs from her. Yep. That was realistic. So she chases him down because she loves him. Then she wakes up in his arms, in her childhood home that everyone is staying at, and they decide he will move back from NYC and they will move in together so she doesn’t have to worry about those pesky bills. The end. There, now you don’t have to read it.
I’m not sure this book had anything going for it. The main character was self absorbed and mean. She lashed out all of the time and also told everyone else that they were judgmental. But I guess the MMC was okay with being told he was a piece of crap constantly.
She thought the whole world was against her, but the author failed to establish why other than alluding to her parents emotionally abusing her. It’s like she had the idea, but couldn’t sell it.
The ending was terrible, I would have stopped reading, except for my need to let the world know at large not to bother. A quick synopsis of the ending—she yelled at everyone in her family (and love interest) self-righteously. During her tirade another man came and asked her out on a date. Her brother interrupted the date to tell her his best friend has been in love with her since the first grade. MMC grand gestured her by covering a room with every picture she had ever taken (she stopped taking pictures when she didn’t get a scholarship at age 18, so they were clearly pure art) and had a art curator there from New York City prepared to buy some of her photographs from her. Yep. That was realistic. So she chases him down because she loves him. Then she wakes up in his arms, in her childhood home that everyone is staying at, and they decide he will move back from NYC and they will move in together so she doesn’t have to worry about those pesky bills. The end. There, now you don’t have to read it.
December 12, 2023
Maybe should have another couple of chapters
*SPOILERS*
The ending felt rushed, and I didn’t get to bask in the HEA glow of everything coming together before it abruptly ended. Do the parents ever realize and maybe apologize for their treatment of both kids? Do we find out that Aubrey was using Darren all along and remained fully crappy? I know the booth made enough money to save the loan, but did the store ever turn into more? Why did Darren condone Jays toxic behavior towards Cat if he knew he was in love with her?
*SPOILERS*
The ending felt rushed, and I didn’t get to bask in the HEA glow of everything coming together before it abruptly ended. Do the parents ever realize and maybe apologize for their treatment of both kids? Do we find out that Aubrey was using Darren all along and remained fully crappy? I know the booth made enough money to save the loan, but did the store ever turn into more? Why did Darren condone Jays toxic behavior towards Cat if he knew he was in love with her?
October 29, 2024
Wow. This is dysfunctional at its finest. This book is nothing but an ick. I’m not sure where to begin.
Jay’s behavior is nothing short of stereotypical “boys act this way because they like you”. You’re telling me that Jay low key bullies Cat all through school because he was in love with her? That he read her private thoughts out loud to his girlfriend and Cat’s brother because he loves her? That he called her names that stuck because he loves her and then other kids called her those names? That he mocked her relentlessly because he loved her? Ick. He spends the entire book gaslighting her up until the end. And while Aubrey was a horrible human being, at least she was “honest” with Cat. Her honesty may not have been truthful but she got shit out in the open that no one was talking about.
And Cat, grow up and get yourself some therapy. You’re telling me that you “want” to be a psychologist but fail to recognize that you need therapy? Jay was right that you pin your failures on the shoulders of others. Jenna was right when she said there is more than one way to a dream. You failed to see it. Just because your photographs were damaged doesn’t mean anything about your talent. You hid the camera all on your own.
The older brother - good grief. And the parents - horrible. Other than Jenna, not sure there is a redeeming character in this book.
The editing also stands to be improved. Though not a novella, at only 200 pages it could be. There is no character development or super strong plot. The sex scene felt awkward. Like it just came out of the blue and there was no discussion.
You may think this is a cute holiday read. Just say no to this book. It’s not worth it. Trust the rating you see.
Jay’s behavior is nothing short of stereotypical “boys act this way because they like you”. You’re telling me that Jay low key bullies Cat all through school because he was in love with her? That he read her private thoughts out loud to his girlfriend and Cat’s brother because he loves her? That he called her names that stuck because he loves her and then other kids called her those names? That he mocked her relentlessly because he loved her? Ick. He spends the entire book gaslighting her up until the end. And while Aubrey was a horrible human being, at least she was “honest” with Cat. Her honesty may not have been truthful but she got shit out in the open that no one was talking about.
And Cat, grow up and get yourself some therapy. You’re telling me that you “want” to be a psychologist but fail to recognize that you need therapy? Jay was right that you pin your failures on the shoulders of others. Jenna was right when she said there is more than one way to a dream. You failed to see it. Just because your photographs were damaged doesn’t mean anything about your talent. You hid the camera all on your own.
The older brother - good grief. And the parents - horrible. Other than Jenna, not sure there is a redeeming character in this book.
The editing also stands to be improved. Though not a novella, at only 200 pages it could be. There is no character development or super strong plot. The sex scene felt awkward. Like it just came out of the blue and there was no discussion.
You may think this is a cute holiday read. Just say no to this book. It’s not worth it. Trust the rating you see.
December 27, 2024
H bullied h all through school and continues to bully her....because he loves her. *eyeroll* This should have been a bully book instead of a Christmas romance book. H even had his friends bully her. Then he ruined her chance at a full-ride scholarship by destroying the photographs she would use. ummmm He even got into her diary and read them to his then-girlfriend (who was also another one of h's biggest bullies) and you mean to tell me he did this all because he loves her?
h was annoying asf and she needs therapy ASAP. I did have a little sympathy for her because she was surrounded by awful people. Her parents, her brother, her brother's BFF, etc.....they were all awful. It's no mystery why she didn't return home for 4 years. I would have never returned.
The epilogue doesn't help either. You get no updates about anything
h was annoying asf and she needs therapy ASAP. I did have a little sympathy for her because she was surrounded by awful people. Her parents, her brother, her brother's BFF, etc.....they were all awful. It's no mystery why she didn't return home for 4 years. I would have never returned.
The epilogue doesn't help either. You get no updates about anything
December 12, 2023
A really good Christmas love story
Wow, what a dysfunctional family situation. Well, it should be dysfunctional families both Catherine's and Jay's. There was so much anxiety in Catherine's family where her brother was the golden child, she was swimming up stream fighting the current and her parents were blind to what we happening in their house. Jay was trapped in a life he didn't know anything but work and didn't have a life, it's to please his father. He loved Catherine forever but she never knew. Then comes the trouble maker Amber. The descriptions were great of the store, the booth, the trip to get the chocolate and the snowstorm. Then the poop hits the fan, as they say. it was really a good book. On to the next. Written by Cindy :9
Wow, what a dysfunctional family situation. Well, it should be dysfunctional families both Catherine's and Jay's. There was so much anxiety in Catherine's family where her brother was the golden child, she was swimming up stream fighting the current and her parents were blind to what we happening in their house. Jay was trapped in a life he didn't know anything but work and didn't have a life, it's to please his father. He loved Catherine forever but she never knew. Then comes the trouble maker Amber. The descriptions were great of the store, the booth, the trip to get the chocolate and the snowstorm. Then the poop hits the fan, as they say. it was really a good book. On to the next. Written by Cindy :9
December 29, 2025
Well written, easy enough to read and keep me entertained.
BUT
The story was always on tipping point to being unbearable because of the childish characters. no development really just holding grudges, stupid fights, terrible family, there was just no one to root for or like.
The downfall was the sex scene. The FMC slept and woke to the guy pressing into her and touching.
THIS IS NOT CUTE! Not even in relationships. I do not want to read this shit in 2025. We do not need to carry on this narrative just because many generations before us have been condition that this is cute, not problem and just the way to d to it.
BUT
The story was always on tipping point to being unbearable because of the childish characters. no development really just holding grudges, stupid fights, terrible family, there was just no one to root for or like.
The downfall was the sex scene. The FMC slept and woke to the guy pressing into her and touching.
THIS IS NOT CUTE! Not even in relationships. I do not want to read this shit in 2025. We do not need to carry on this narrative just because many generations before us have been condition that this is cute, not problem and just the way to d to it.
Read
December 18, 2023Underwhelming Read
I wanted to like this book, but it just never won me over. The main character, Cat, is obnoxious and seems unable to think for herself. Jay, while supposedly a horrible bully, back in the day, was flat and unbelievable. The two have zero chemistry and the whole 'I treated her horribly because I secretly loved her' shtick, is awful and trying to rationalize bullying type behavior. I won't even get into the side characters. I wouldn't have to finished it, if it hadn't been so short and I don't really see myself reading more of her work.
I wanted to like this book, but it just never won me over. The main character, Cat, is obnoxious and seems unable to think for herself. Jay, while supposedly a horrible bully, back in the day, was flat and unbelievable. The two have zero chemistry and the whole 'I treated her horribly because I secretly loved her' shtick, is awful and trying to rationalize bullying type behavior. I won't even get into the side characters. I wouldn't have to finished it, if it hadn't been so short and I don't really see myself reading more of her work.
January 30, 2024
Ok, the book wasn't that bad, but I felt like the FMC was sooo dramatic and egocentric. None of the other characters were developed, not even the MMC. He's plain and boring, and even though he has his sweet moments, I just didn't feel any attraction other than physical between the main couple. The writing was good, and the plot isn't too boring, but it could be better. This isn't hate or anything, just my personal, objective opinion. I know writing is hard and the effort is appreciated. It's just not my type of book.
P.S: DON'T LET THE FMC BE A PHYCOLOGIST, SHE'S SOOO TERRIBLE AT IT!!
P.S: DON'T LET THE FMC BE A PHYCOLOGIST, SHE'S SOOO TERRIBLE AT IT!!
December 27, 2024
I have more questions than answers, thats for sure. I feel like the book was going....ok and then it just ended.
Did the market do ok?
Whos side won?
Selling your photography in your parents small town shop doesnt seem like a great business investment???
Your gonna move in with a guy you have had like 3 really conversations with? Sus but ok
Whats the whole Audrey deal?
Whats the obvious daddy/mommy issues jay has but is never addressed?
Overall the book was ok but like I said, just real confused
Did the market do ok?
Whos side won?
Selling your photography in your parents small town shop doesnt seem like a great business investment???
Your gonna move in with a guy you have had like 3 really conversations with? Sus but ok
Whats the whole Audrey deal?
Whats the obvious daddy/mommy issues jay has but is never addressed?
Overall the book was ok but like I said, just real confused
December 4, 2025
This just wasn’t very good. The main female character was kind of the worst! She was angry at the world for, what felt like, no reason or the stupidest reasons. She was mad at people for things that happened when she was a literal child and in high school…and blamed everyone but herself for why her life was “the worst”. Every time tried to talk about her problems, nothing was ever actually discussed because she wouldn’t let anyone speak. It was quite annoying….maybe because it was so short, it just felt rushed? I’m not sure.
November 6, 2026
Amber Reed had been posting short clips of the book on social media and it completely roped me in, and I knew I had to buy Back Home for Christmas! 🎄
This was such a fun, quick, and easy holiday read. I especially loved the enemies-to-lovers banter and the back-and-forth between the characters. It made for an entertaining read that was easy to get sucked into.
My only complaint was that the ending felt a little rushed. I would have loved a bit more time to see everything play out.
Overall, a cute, enjoyable Christmas romance that delivered the banter I was hoping for! ❤️🎄
This was such a fun, quick, and easy holiday read. I especially loved the enemies-to-lovers banter and the back-and-forth between the characters. It made for an entertaining read that was easy to get sucked into.
My only complaint was that the ending felt a little rushed. I would have loved a bit more time to see everything play out.
Overall, a cute, enjoyable Christmas romance that delivered the banter I was hoping for! ❤️🎄
November 11, 2024
this book was AWFUL
the MFC is a whiny brat and hates the guy until suddenly she doesn't. she treats everyone like garbage and is so selfish. (I mean yeah her family is a bit clueless but they're not terrible people)
she hates her HS bully but still listens to her when they have a conversation and the bully is still being a...well HS bully
I finished the book out of spite and I'm so angry at myself.
do not waste your time
the MFC is a whiny brat and hates the guy until suddenly she doesn't. she treats everyone like garbage and is so selfish. (I mean yeah her family is a bit clueless but they're not terrible people)
she hates her HS bully but still listens to her when they have a conversation and the bully is still being a...well HS bully
I finished the book out of spite and I'm so angry at myself.
do not waste your time
November 19, 2024
I'm not the biggest fan of this book. Everyone treated Cat like crap. Yeah she was judgy in some aspects and a bit all over, but she didn't deserve all the horrible things people said about her and how her parents, brother, Jay, and Aubrey treated her. It was disgusting. And when she finally stood up to everyone, she got a half assed apology from Darren and her parents didn't care. Jay actually stepped up, but still, it didn't work for me. Cat deserved much better.
December 9, 2024
What happens when you return home for Christmas and find your high school nemesis (and brother’s best friend) sipping coffee in your kitchen? Amber Reed’s Back Home for Christmas serves up classic rom-com vibes with plenty of holiday cheer—but does it deliver the swoons? Read my full review on my blog to see what worked (and what didn’t) about this festive romance!
https://themagicfarawaytreenet.wordpr...
https://themagicfarawaytreenet.wordpr...
February 17, 2025
Dnf at 50%
I'm 100 pages in and I'm not sure who I hate more: the FMC is who is a childish doormat, the mother who is 50% jerk and 50% oblivious, or the author who expects us to believe someone with 4 years of studying psychology would be this unrelentingly blind to the struggles of the people around her. I cannot pick any single thing in this book (so far) that is remotely likeable.
I'm 100 pages in and I'm not sure who I hate more: the FMC is who is a childish doormat, the mother who is 50% jerk and 50% oblivious, or the author who expects us to believe someone with 4 years of studying psychology would be this unrelentingly blind to the struggles of the people around her. I cannot pick any single thing in this book (so far) that is remotely likeable.
November 17, 2025
I'm not sure how this book got into my reading list but this book felt exactly like one of those cheesy holiday movies on Hallmark. It was thankfully short enough that I didn't feel the need to DNF it, but beyond that, it offered absolutely nothing new or exciting. Plot was entirely predictable from start to finish, the characters hit all the familiar tropes, and there were no moments of surprise or suspense.
November 6, 2026
I'll trying to write this honestly and kindly.
I had so many issues with this book. For one, characters are adults but behave like middle schoolers. We only have Cat's point of view and it was terrible to be in her head.
There is one steamy scene which feels cliché and awkward.
Overall it seems like a first draft before being polished by a sharp editor. The writing is forced, dialogues feel fictional rather than natural, and the conflict is only half solved in a rush.
I had so many issues with this book. For one, characters are adults but behave like middle schoolers. We only have Cat's point of view and it was terrible to be in her head.
There is one steamy scene which feels cliché and awkward.
Overall it seems like a first draft before being polished by a sharp editor. The writing is forced, dialogues feel fictional rather than natural, and the conflict is only half solved in a rush.
January 6, 2024
Lovely Christmas Love Story
This book had all the feels: romantic book cover, angsty banter, brother’s best friend, clueless female character trying to figure out her life, and one bed situation in a snowstorm! I wish the story was longer than 200 pages. Looking forward to more from this author.
This book had all the feels: romantic book cover, angsty banter, brother’s best friend, clueless female character trying to figure out her life, and one bed situation in a snowstorm! I wish the story was longer than 200 pages. Looking forward to more from this author.
January 16, 2024
For the first time in years Kat comes home to her beach side town for the holidays. She’s in for a surprise when she learns that her childhood crush turned enemy, and her brother’s best friend, is staying with her family for Christmas.
I did not enjoy this book. Everyone in Kats family was insufferable. They were horrible and never acknowledged how they were treating her or apologized. And Jay? He was kind of cruel and gaslighted Kat till the end. He ruined something important to her and her future and flipped the blame on her. Very confused because it had potential to be a cute holiday rom com but I was so on edge the whole time. I enjoyed the backstory of Kat’s best friend Jenna and would definitely read her story!
✨ Holiday romance
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ One bed
✨ Brothers best friend
I did not enjoy this book. Everyone in Kats family was insufferable. They were horrible and never acknowledged how they were treating her or apologized. And Jay? He was kind of cruel and gaslighted Kat till the end. He ruined something important to her and her future and flipped the blame on her. Very confused because it had potential to be a cute holiday rom com but I was so on edge the whole time. I enjoyed the backstory of Kat’s best friend Jenna and would definitely read her story!
✨ Holiday romance
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ One bed
✨ Brothers best friend
December 25, 2024
I LOVED reading this book, if it was republished as a full novel I would happily read it again I enjoyed it so much😂
I was so hoping for a scene where Aubrey gets taken down; for someone to tell her to stop all the manipulative shit, and that she’s not in high school anymore so to quit the mean girl business!
Enemies to lovers, brothers best friend, one bed, very Christmassy🎄
Merry Christmas!
I was so hoping for a scene where Aubrey gets taken down; for someone to tell her to stop all the manipulative shit, and that she’s not in high school anymore so to quit the mean girl business!
Enemies to lovers, brothers best friend, one bed, very Christmassy🎄
Merry Christmas!
December 9, 2025
Cute Christmas Read
Light Christmas read. Cat is struggling with direction for her life when she comes home for Christmas to find things not as black and white as she has always thought. I really enjoyed the banter between Cat and Jay too. Overall this is a lovely book with some holiday spirit and a little bit of spice.
Light Christmas read. Cat is struggling with direction for her life when she comes home for Christmas to find things not as black and white as she has always thought. I really enjoyed the banter between Cat and Jay too. Overall this is a lovely book with some holiday spirit and a little bit of spice.
October 14, 2026
So I really need to stop taking recommendations from Instagram to read my next book.
This had no character build up, no back story
Wait a minute
There was no story
Everything just happens and it doesn’t have to make sense.
I did not enjoy this book. It could have been well written
But it did definitely take me back to my Wattpad era.
This had no character build up, no back story
Wait a minute
There was no story
Everything just happens and it doesn’t have to make sense.
I did not enjoy this book. It could have been well written
But it did definitely take me back to my Wattpad era.
December 3, 2023
Great romance read for the holidays
Great read for the holiday with relatable characters and good dialog. Following your dreams and finding your way are my favorite themes to explore. And finding love is something we all want. This is a really worthwhile first book for those authors. I’ll be reading her next book.
Great read for the holiday with relatable characters and good dialog. Following your dreams and finding your way are my favorite themes to explore. And finding love is something we all want. This is a really worthwhile first book for those authors. I’ll be reading her next book.
January 13, 2024
I very nearly DNFed this because it is badly in need of editing, which made it impossible to enjoy. The MMC's last name isn't even spelled consistently. Come on. And it's 2024--the hE tEaSeS yOu BeCaUsE hE lIkEs YoU trope needs to go away. Nah sis, he's an emotionally stunted asshole.
November 1, 2024
Cute
I liked it. Editing needs to be a little tighter but overall it was good. Christmas in a beach town with brother’s best friend, general family drama, and trying to get her life together. Cat has a lot on her plate but finally gets her HEA.
I liked it. Editing needs to be a little tighter but overall it was good. Christmas in a beach town with brother’s best friend, general family drama, and trying to get her life together. Cat has a lot on her plate but finally gets her HEA.
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