Snowbound With My Grumpy Ex

by Lily Waters

One blizzard. One cozy guesthouse. One ridiculously oversized Santa sleigh.

When my car skids off the road in the middle of a snowstorm, I'm forced to seek shelter in Devon's family guesthouse. Little did I know I'd be sharing it with the Grinch himself.

Now I'm decking the halls with the guy who broke my heart, and let me tell you, his attitude is frostier than the weather outside. My mission? Transform this dusty cabin into a winter wonderland before I lose the biggest break of my design career. Oh, and try not to strangle him with tinsel in the process.

But with every ornament hung and every unexpected moment of kindness, something's melting, and it's not just the icicles. My desire to shove him into a snowbank is disappearing quicker than my resolve to stay mad at him.

So, Santa, if you're listening, I don't need presents this year. Just get me out of here before I do something crazy... like fall for this snow-dusted heartbreaker all over again.

This book is part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series. It is a standalone, dual POV, sweet kisses only, no profanity story with a HEA ending.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

WELCOME to the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series!

Experience the enchantment of these twelve standalone kisses-only romance novels, where love sparkles brighter than holiday lights.

Each tale is filled with heartwarming swoony moments, festive cheer, and joyous holiday miracles. Let these happily ever afters make your Christmas season unforgettable!

We hope you enjoy each one!

Jingle Bells Rock and Roll by Evie Sterling
A Doctor’s Snowed In Christmas Wish by Daisy Flynn
Love Rekindled at Evergreen Inn by Willa Lyons
Stuck with My Christmas Crush by Francesca Spencer
A Not So Merry Ex-Mas by Abby Greyson
A Christmas Call of Duty by Ava Wakefield
Finding Me In The Storm by Hazel Belle
Snowbound With My Grumpy Ex by Lily Waters
Sleighed by The Farmer's Daughter by Deanna Lilly
Cabin Fever With My First Flame by Madison Love
Faking It with My Bossy Ex by Leah Blair
A Holly Jolly Mix-Up by Bella Greene

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, Novella, Forced Proximity, Enemies To Lovers

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2024

About the author

I love writing and reading clean, sweet, swoony books that make me laugh out loud, cry a little, and get invested in the characters. I hope you will find that in my books—plenty of playful banter, light drama, sweet kisses only, and happily-ever-afters.

When I am not writing, I am sitting on the porch with my husband and my standard poodle, enjoying my gardens and nature. I love gardening and bird-watching!!

Reviews

[♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⤷ 4 ⭐️

I didn't lie when I said this book IS indeed your cup of hot chocolate on a cold night. The AMOUNT of comfort you'll feel while reading every single page of this book is just an indescribable feeling. This book was a quick read that just finds its way through your heart and occupies its place there. It's the PERFECT winter read with Christmas vibes! 🥹🩵❄️🎄

♡ The characters are absolutely beautiful and I love how Lily captured the "found family" as a microtrope yet it made me feel at home. I would 100% recommend this book and I cannot wait for all of you to read this beautifully executed book! 🩵

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snowbound With My Grumpy Ex is part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses series. This is a multi-author series with all books being able to be read as standalones or in any order.

This was another super sweet addition to the Sweet Christmas Kisses series! As the story starts, Bella is headed back to her hometown for a job redecorating when she finds herself stranded on the side of the road in middle of a snowstorm... thankfully she's near her ex's family's guesthouse and is able to take shelter there. When he shows up, the two are snowed in together and find those old sparks coming back. Listen, it doesn't matter how many 'snowed in at Christmas stories' I read... I'm going to read and enjoy them all! It truly is the perfect way to throw a couple together at Christmastime, and I am absolutely here for it! This one was filled with holiday cheer and tradition as the two work together to decorate the old guesthouse... and of course, all the sweet romance too! Bella and Devon had a really easy chemistry between them, and I really enjoyed seeing them get their second chance at love. This is the first book I've read from Lily Waters, but it has me looking forward to more from her!

Snowbound With My Grumpy Ex is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

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

[Reading Brew | Shayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so comforting! It was an easy read and it gave me such a homey feeling. It gives total hallmark-like vibes.

I loved how Bella melted Devon’s grumpiness bit by bit, and how their love resurfaced.
I also loved the history behind Devon’s guesthouse and the tie-ins to how much Devon’s mom loved Christmas. It made the decor designing of the guesthouse so special.

This is a standalone in a multi-author series, Sweet Christmas Kisses, if you’re planning out your holiday reads and need recommendations.

⛷️ enemies to more
❄️ small town
⛷️ grumpy / sunshine
❄️ enemies to more
⛷️ forced proximity
❄️ pro skier / interior designer

[Adrienne Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute second chance holiday romance!!! I wish we got a little more look into the past relationship between bella and devon but the memories we did get were good. The twist was predictable but the resolution was perfect and heartfelt.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and recommend it to anyone who loves stories that occur at Christmas time. The h is driving in a blizzard trying to reach her destination before the road becomes impassable. Instead of reaching her destination she looses control and goes into a ditch full of snow. She manages to get out of the car and get her dog and luggage out also. When she looks for a place to get out of the blizzard she notices a cabin in the distance and walks there. Upon arrival she recognizes the cabin as belonging to her ex boyfriend. No one is home but she remembers that they always hid a key and finding it she lets herself in. She was distressed at not reaching her destination which she was to decorate for Christmas, then she was to be interviewed which would be followed with a show showing her work as a designer, in decorating the cabin from scratch. It would make her career as a designer. Shortly after her arrival her ex arrived and is furious to find her there in his cabin. He intends to spend time there to determine his future and doesn’t want her there. He agrees that she needs to stay until the blizzard ends and she can safely leave. As time passes the h explains why she has come back to their home town and the importance of decorating a place for Christmas. In contacting her assistant she finds out that she can decorate the cabin where she is staying and the H decides that she can do it. Using the decorations she finds in the cabin she begins to turn it into a Christmas wonderland. Unknown to the h the H agrees to the transformation thinking that it will help him sell his cabin and get a higher price for it. As she is bringing about the transformation of the cabin the H gets involved by transforming a broken down slay that his father used to put on the cabin roof. When all seems to be going well a competitor comes into the picture and puts out on her blog post about her ex and why he agreed to let her transform his cabin into a Christmas wonderland when he hated Christmas. The h is furious and leaves believing that her chance for success is ended. The H in an effort to win back his ex finds the angel ornament that the h loved and with great difficulty restores it. Then he finishes up his restoration of the slay and when his best friend shows up to help him out of the mess he helped make they successfully get the slay out on the roof, it is the crowning touch of the Christmas transformation. The h is talked into returning to the cabin and sees what the H has done to prove that he is behind her and her success as a designer and that he loves her. He does all this while her work is being recorded and at the end of the podcast he proposes. The podcast is successful and the H and h get their HEA. I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did. Recommend this book to anyone who loves Christmas stories with sweet characters who fall in love during the holiday season. ENJOY!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuck in a blizzard ? What do you do? This awesome book by Lily Waters has been so much fun , it certainly is a good one , and the reason that this holiday season has lots more in store , because this awesome , and mighty wholesome author knows what the heart is for. Gushing and sweet and overflowing with joy while reading this story about a girl and her ex boy… so picture this …everything is bliss and glistening and are you listening ? Yeah ? Well you should’ve been looking where you were going Bella with your dog Maple , but then you wouldn’t be right here with your ex fella and that’s a staple. So there’s plusses and minuses I suppose , even when you’re up to your eyes when it snows… you see …our heroine was forced to seek shelter in her ex’s family inn . Well Devon’s family guesthouse was welcoming , just rather a cool reception when HE steps in. Yeah Grinch himself has entered herein , and now she’s decking the halls Fa La La Argh!!!! I give in! His attitude can freeze over the most permanent frost but she’s here and intends to make the most out of a rum situation at all costs and save her Christmas decorating reputation. One cell on her battery got her connected and her intent selected and relayed . So she sets about putting up her decorations at the guesthouse instead of the Lodge where she had intended for her great Podcast of dreams . This was to be her big break to show all her prowess but now her enemy has got the Lodge to dress and impress …no time to stress about that right now she’s gotta get this thing done and wow. The best ever Christmas decorating that anyone has ever taken on and won.. . One that leaves her feeling satisfied and accomplished. Let’s hope it turns out , that would be more than stellar it’d be far out!! When it’s finished…And what of Devon the grumpiest, the sour faced poke? Is he still as cross as ever or has she put a stop to his stubbornness and made him her bloke? Well this is Lily Waters so I’m sure you can guess this book is full of hope and happiness in the end because of her awesome and inviting ,sweeting storytelling and excellent writing you can depend .The End. Over too soon Lily what about coming back with their Honeymoon? Swoon….

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️

Lily Waters knows how to write second chance romances that simmer and steam all the way through. This book is a true reminder of what the Christmas season can bring and to never be closed off to opportunities, both seen and unseen. Most of her books remind us to look past the hurt and see the good that people have to offer the world.

Bella is caught in a blizzard, needing a safe place to stay after her car loses control on the snowy roads, and lands in a ditch. Able to get herself, her belongings, and her dog out she heads towards a cabin she sees nearby. To her dismay, she knows the owner of the cabin, and even though they aren’t home, she knows where the hide-a-key is. Knowing she has to get out of the storm, she lets herself in. When the owner does show up, she wonders if she was safer braving the storm after all.

Devon wanted to escape to his cabin to determine his next steps in life. He did not expect to find his ex-girlfriend there, letting herself in. Although he knows the blizzard is dangerous, he is furious to find her there, but agrees she should stay. Not one for the Christmas season, he tries to keep her at a distance. When he finds out she needs to decorate a place for Christmas, for her job, he allows her to decorate his place, and even finds himself beginning to enjoy her company and decorating.

Is Santa bringing them a second chance together? Until another unwelcome guest shows up, maybe. This guest causes a rift between Bell and Devon. While Bella is determined to get away from Devon, for good this time, he pulls out all the stops to try to win her back one more time. Will they find happiness together? Will Devon finally figure out what he wants in life?

The ups and downs Lily has her characters go through are needed in order to be a true Lily book. You know you will get a HEA, but the journey will definitely not be an easy one. A wonderful addition to the Sweet Christmas Kisses series and an amazing read!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
⛷️ enemies to more
❄️ small town
⛷️ grumpy / sunshine
❄️ enemies to more
⛷️ forced proximity
❄️ pro skier / interior designer

[Gwen Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful love story between Bella and Devon. They were high school sweethearts that drifted apart and now they get a second chance to do it right this time. Bella is an interior decorator and does lots of podcasts about her show and what she is doing. She just came back to her home town to redecorate an old building but she ends up redecorating Devon's family cabin instead. Bella is driving into town during a blizzard, slips on ice and runs into a tree killing her car. Her huge dog Maple is with her on the trip and a comfort when she can get no cell signal or does not see anyone in sight to help. Then she remembers that her ex-boyfriends family used to have a cabin around here and she knows where they keep the key. So Maple and her go in search of the cabin taking just what she will need with her for now. They find the cabin and the key is there where she remembered it was. They go in and settle for the night.

Devon is a professional skier and that is where he went when he left town, to work on his career. Now he is back because he messed up and tumbled down a mountain. The papers do not mention all of the things he has done right over the years they just dwell on this accidental fall. With nothing to do and hiding from the press he heads to the secluded cabin.

Imagine their looks on their faces when Devon walks into the cabin and they see each other for the first time in about 10 years. Devon is already not in the best of modes and this did not make him any happier. So Bella and Maple are sharing the cabin with a Grinch until the storm breaks.

Having nothing to do other then play games or watch movies she decides to spruce up the cabin and bring it into this century. So her mission is to get Mr. Grinch to smile and let loose a bit and to transform this cabin into a winter wonderland. Will this bring them closer? Will it bring back some happy memories from the past? And the most important question is will Mr. Grinch disappear and the old Devon appear to replace him?

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily Waters’ Snowbound With My Grumpy Ex is the holiday romance I didn’t know I needed this season! With an irresistible blend of humor, nostalgia, and a snowy second-chance romance, this book has all the elements that make a Christmas love story feel truly magical.

Our main character finds herself stranded at a cozy guesthouse during a snowstorm, only to realize she’ll be sharing this close-quarters getaway with her ex, Devon—the last person she wants to be around. Devon’s grumpy, frosty demeanor, combined with her own mission to create a “winter wonderland” for her design career, sets up the perfect contrast between icy attitudes and warm holiday charm.

The forced proximity in a blizzard is a classic setup, but Waters elevates it with snappy banter, festive holiday decorating scenes, and tension that makes each page sparkle. I especially loved watching the main character’s determination to turn the dusty guesthouse into a cozy retreat, even if it means navigating Devon’s frosty attitude. Each twinkling light and hung ornament brings out unexpected warmth between them, and it’s clear there’s more simmering beneath the surface than just leftover frustration. Their chemistry is undeniable, and seeing their past feelings reawaken had me cheering them on!

But what really melted my heart was the journey of forgiveness and rediscovering a connection that’s never quite faded. Devon, despite his Grinchy exterior, reveals hidden layers of kindness that make it easy to fall for him all over again. And as they’re snowed in together, the charm of the holiday season and the beauty of second chances feel all the more magical.

If you love second-chance romances wrapped in holiday warmth and snowy settings, Snowbound With My Grumpy Ex is the perfect pick. It’s a cozy, feel-good read that’s as heartwarming as a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. This one will definitely leave you with a smile, just in time for Christmas!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This clean winter wonderland romance featuring a sunshine interior decorator blogger and her grumpy ex-boyfriend trick skier is part of the multi-author Sweet Christmas Kisses series and is a delightful addition that kept my attention throughout having all those great Hallmark movie feels. Arabella “Bella” Sterling and her mischievous puppy Maple are headed back to her small hometown, Serenity Falls, to decorate a lodge for a big break in her career when the winter storm she’s driving in causes her to skid off the road into a tree. Remembering that she’s close to her ex-boyfriend’s family’s guesthouse she makes her way there on foot through the snow. Devon Montgomery feeling down and out after wiping out during competition and having it go viral with a mocking meme of him is headed to his family’s guesthouse to close it up for the final time and sell it ending all ties to Serenity Falls and the life he used to have there. But just like in Goldilocks, he finds someone’s been sleeping in his house. This is a marvelous look at Devon healing from past failures and a tragic event in his life, going through a grieving process for his parents and the memories they shared at Christmas past, and reuniting with Bella while falling in love with her and Christmas all over again. The author has Devon and Bella reliving some of their past memories, learning about memories of visitors to the guesthouse over the years, and making beautiful new memories together. Of course, there is a nemesis in the book who caused trouble in the past and she will rear her ugly head once again but this time Devon is up to the challenge and only wants one thing. Will he be able to convince Bella?
I received an advance review copy of this book for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cindy Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella is on her way to the lodge to get it ready for a photo shoot that will hopefully boost her career. There’s an unexpected blizzard standing in her way of getting there. There wasn’t any snow predicted for the area. Her car gets stuck, and she can’t get it to start again. She remembers that Devin’s (her ex) family has a guesthouse not too far up the road (if you consider a couple of miles in a blizzard doable). Finally, after struggling with her luggage Bella spots the guesthouse. Unfortunately, it looks more like it belongs to a Tim Burton movie than a brochure for vacationers.
Devon is facing some problems of his own. He didn’t qualify for the Olympics and the disappointment in his Dad’s face haunts him. He really loved the idea of trick skiing to stay connected to the sport, but he didn’t like all the politics. Social media hype isn’t what he’s into. Likes, shares, and viral videos just weren’t in his plans. He too has become stuck in the snow on his way to the family lodge. As he’s making his way to the guesthouse, he is surprised to hear barking. He makes his way to the cabin and there is Bella wielding a broom to ward off whoever is coming in. This is not a great reunion for the two of them. Devon wants her out but realizes there isn’t anywhere she can go.
What will happen between the two of them while they’re stuck in the cabin? Will they apologize for their mistakes and begin to trust each other again? Will Devon confide in Bella his insecurities of disappointing his Dad and if he’ll be able to recover from the horrible incident at the tryouts? To find out these answers and some surprise twists, get your copy of Snowbound with My Grumpy Ex by Lily Waters today! You won’t be disappointed. Lily is a wonderful storyteller!

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved Devon and Bella's story! It all starts on a snowy afternoon with our amazing MFC, Bella, driving to her hometown of Serenity Falls to makeover a lodge for her blog. It isn't long before the snowstorm turns into a blizzard and she careens off the road. Knowing her ex-boyfriend's guesthouse wasn't too far away, she grabs her dog, Maple, and her suitcase and trudge forward towards shelter. Devon, arriving early the next morning, in a grumpy mood after a devastating ski crash and burn out from his career, comes face to face with his ex. To say it's a frosty reunion would be an understatement! Knowing they are snowed in for a few days and that Bella has lost out on her chance to decorate the lodge for the chance at a magazine article, she talks Devon into letting her decorate the guesthouse instead. She decides to try to infuse a little Christmas spirit into this grumpy skier while she's at it!! As these two craft together, brave the snow, town fair and emotional landmines, not to mention all while filming for Bella's blog, things just might piece themselves together again. But what happens when a rival blogger finds out a secret Devon is hiding? Will it crumple everything? Read this book. I was hooked from the beginning, and even sitting here writing this review, I want to know what happened next to them!

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ice skating, being snowbound, snowball fights, bowling, a wishing tree and old Christmas decorations set the stage for this sweet Christmas romance set in Serenity Falls.

Bella is on her way to what she hopes will give her career a giant boost, but instead she ends up stuck on the side of the road. Thankfully, she is close to an old friend's old guesthouse. Miss Christmas will not be alone for long. Devon shows up to hide out in his family's house licking his wounds not expecting any company. He is not happy at all when he finds his ex and all of her holiday cheer in residence. This is the Grinch vs. Miss Christmas. She knows she will have to "defrost the abominable snowman" before she can work her Christmas magic at the guest house. While Bella is full of Christmas spirit and happiness, Devon is full of bah humbug thoughts. However, Bella's light is too bright, and soon Devon finds himself getting into the Christmas spirit.

There was so much fun packed into these 174 pages with so many different things going on and some unforgettable side characters including mean girl Madison. Mrs. Hawthorne with her huge four wheel drive monstrosity had me chuckling. This guest house used to be a place where people found true love. Now the question is will it work on Bella and Devon?

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Livy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super cute second chance romance between first loves.

Devon as a man haunted and wounded by his past. He lost his parents, lost the dream that he had, and has unresolved feelings from the past. He ends up, stuck in his house with his ex-girlfriend and first love Bailey and her wildly cute yet untrained dog Maple.

When Bailey tries to save the once in a lifetime chance of her career, she decides to kill two birds with one stone. Decorate for the magazine and melt the frosty heart Devon has gained.

With a blog failed with trips down memory lane, tons of Christmas activities and Holly Jolly feelings-Devon‘s heart starts to melt, and he and Bailey start to reconcile. But will their reconciliation survive secrets from Devon, especially when a threat from the past brings everything to light? Can their love survive this and bring them there happily ever after? Or is the snowstorm just a chance for closure?

If you love
❤️grumpy/sunshine
💚stuck in a snowstorm
❤️first love second chance
💚HEA with a little drama
❤️ holiday romance
💚something out of hallmark

This is the book for you !.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Give Up . . .

On her way to transform a lodge into twinkling lights and amazing decorations to impress a magazine interviewer, Bella is caught in an unexpected blizzard. She can hardly see through the snow that is falling so fast the wipers cannot keep up. Her mind is on the design she will bring to life, so she doesn’t notice her car beginning to slide off the road as it crashes into a tree. And of course her phone has no signal! The lodge was many miles away and she needs to find a safe place to wait out the storm with her dog, Maple. Then she remembered her ex Devon’s guesthouse was sort of nearby. Could she and Maple walk a mile in this blizzard? She hoped he wouldn’t be there if they were successful. She found the spare key and went into the dark and musty room.

Sometime later, to Bella’s surprise, Devon shows up at the guesthouse! At first, things are quite frosty between them. But they decide to decorate the place for Christmas. And somehow old feelings seem to come back. Could there be a second chance for the love they thought they gave up when he chose to pursue his career instead. Are they ready now for that second chance to find happiness? Or is this just a brief encounter?

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Grumpy/sunshine
- Snowed in
- Second chance
- Christmas romance

Bella is back in her hometown for the job of her dreams - to decorate a beautiful lodge for a Chrismas magazine spread. This will hopefully be the big break she has been waiting for!

Unfortunately, she gets stuck in a blizzard miles from the lodge. Luckily, she is close to her former boyfriend Devon's childhood home, a former bed and breakfast. She doesn't know he is living there, getting the house ready to sell after he lost his parents. Letting herself in with a spare key, she is discovered by Devon the following morning. Reluctantly, since the roads are impassable, he agrees she can stay and decorate his house instead of the lodge, but he lets her know in no uncertain terms that he will not be participating.

Bella is a very positive and bubbly person and is making the best of the situation by revamping her plans, making do with the items she finds in the attic. And she feels good about the changes until she finds out her biggest competitor landed the lodge job....

Somehow during all of this, Devon and Bella remember their connection from when they were together. And the chemistry is still as good as it was then!

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unexpected second chance romance
A sweet book that looks at how life can throw the most unexpected things in our way. Bella is heading home to Serenity Falls to decorate a lodge in town and, hopefully, get herself increased recognition through an article covering her decorating. At least that was the plan until she spun out hitting a tree in the middle of a huge snowstorm. With no cell service to call for help and unable to stay in the car, she sets out walking to a guesthouse owned by the family of her high school ex-boyfriend, Devon. Finding it empty she located a key and settles in to wait out the storm. At the same time Devon decides that he needs to take time off at the cabin and consider what he wants to do with his career. When he arrives and is surprised by Bella. They soon are trying to decorate the guesthouse and work through their past, all while dealing with meddling matchmakers, career hurdles, and the high school mean girl with her sights on Bella. How will they handle everything or will they not be able to? An entertaining read to enjoy. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Hannah Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎄ARC REVIEW🎄

This is book 8 of the 12 to be released in the Sweet Christmas Kisses series! 💚

As many of the forced proximity, and second chance romance books I have read, I will never get tired of them! I have never read Lily Waters books but she really knocked it out of the park with this one! Even though it’s a quick read, the writing was so well done that there’s no loose ends left, it was just a beautiful story that I will be thinking about for a while 🥰❤️

Bella🎄& Devon ⛷️

Bella is an interior designer who is on her way to her hometown, Serenity Falls, to design a lodge for her blog which is supposed to be featured in a magazine! But a snow storm is coming through and she crashes her car which she remembers is close to her ex, Devon’s guest house. Neither of them were expecting to be snowed in together, or to have their feeling rekindle after all the years that have passed.

As they uncover old memories and stories of rekindled love at the guest house, and work together on the blog, they can’t fight the magic of Christmas or their feelings for each other! 😍❤️ But a rival blogger finds out a secret that Devon has been hiding from Bella since he changed his mind and his grinchiness has faded. Will the secret threaten their relationship that they are just starting to rebuild? What will happen to the blog? Is the magic of Christmas wishes enough to fix everything?
I just couldn’t stop turning the pages and I just had to find out how it ended! I was not disappointed, I ended up loving the magical ways it all came together! ❤️✨💚🎄

Get your eyes in this book if you’re looking for a sweet romantic read, and if you like Hallmark movies! 😍

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this wonderful book and share my honest thoughts! 📚

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snowbound With My Grumpy Ex is the first book I have read written by Lily Waters and I really enjoyed it. It was an easy read, and once I started, I could not put it down. It was the perfect hallmark styled book to but you in the Christmas mood.

The character development is good. There wasn’t anything to deep, but it was fun getting to know Bella and Devon. Getting to the root of their breakup and past.

The storyline and setting were cute. Stuck in a Ex boyfriends in a snowstorm. Just screams hallmark. If you are not a fan of hallmark-sweet, cheesy, predictable then this might not be your cup of tea.

The rekindling relationship between Devon and Bella was the perfect balance of romance and closed-door romance. Which I appreciate when things are clean and not over the top.

This is not a Christian book, so there is no faith element. Though it is super clean. I feel ok recommending this to my fellow Christian readers if you are looking for a clean Christmas romance heavy on the hallmark.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this book. This is book 8 in the Sweet Christmas Kisses series. All the books are stand alone and by different authors but I have loved the series. If you like Hallmark movies you will like them too. I read this book in one sitting. Bella is on her way to having all her career dreams come true, when she’s suddenly driving in a blizzard and sliding off the road. Too far from her destination, but too cold to stay in the car, she remembers that her ex boyfriend from high school has a guesthouse not too far away. Luckily she remembers there’s a spare key. The next day, unexpectedly, Devon shows up. Why isn’t he off skiing somewhere? These two go through all the emotions. Anger, hurt, betrayal, distrust… but also remembering the past and old feelings start to stir. Add in an old high school rival who is just as mean and ruthless as she was in high school and a nosy small town and you’ve got yourself a story you won’t want to stop reading. Will Bella get her career dream accomplished? Will Devon be able to win Bella back? You’ll have to read to find out!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect festive story to curl up with relax with a hot chocolate, comfy chair and you kindle and just disappear into the story. Bella has finally got the opportunity of a life time for her blog, decorate the lodge for christmas and hopefully build her reputation for interior decorating. Get stuck in a snow storm with her faithful dog wasn't in the plan. But sometimes the weather has its own mind. Devon was smarting front the humiliation trending on the Internet. Deciding to dissappear to recoup in privacy in his guesthouse. Except it appears he may have squatters. That is until he comes face to face with his ex Bella, why is she in his house. This is a sweet easy to read story that is relatable and just keeps you reading. Can Bella bring Devon out of his grump. Or will she be stuck with the Grinch and loose her chance. Sit back curl up and enjoy you won't be disappointed. This is another welcome addition to the Christmas kisses series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet clean small town, Off-Limits, close proximity, second chance, Christmas romantic comedy with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like ---- “You know, sweetie, sometimes the best decorations are the ones that come from the heart. Maybe instead of creating the perfect Christmas, you should focus on creating moments. The rest will follow.” ---- “You want to hang lights? Mr. ‘Christmas is just a commercial ploy to sell overpriced sweaters’?” ----“Here, let me help. I’ve got some experience wrangling stubborn men today.” ---- “Some- times the heart needs a few false starts before it finds its true course.” ---- “do you think this tree really makes wishes come true?” -- “it’s not about the tree but what you wish for.” ---- “Don’t let fear stop you from something good,” ----
What's Liam up to? What's Mrs. Hawthorne up to? What's Madison up to? These and other questions will all be answered
I loved Bella and Devon's story and I'm sure you will too, I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella with her dog, Maple are heading back to her hometown to decorate the lodge for Christmas which is a job that will definitely help her career. But she didn't count on sliding off the road into a tree in a full blown blizzard. She realizes that her ex's family guesthouse is nearby. So taking a suitcase and her Maple, she walks to the guesthouse and knows where the key is and lets herself in. But she didn't expect her EX to show up there. He is shocked to see her there and greets her with the coldest shoulder but of course she has to stay since he wouldn't turn her out. He is the Grinch. He doesn't like Christmas since his mother died. But Bella seems to thaw him out a bit while she convinces him to decorate the guest house and he seems to thaw a bit and a flame starts to build between them. But will this be a second chance or will it all be a short romantic interlude? Can they get over the past separation? This is a wonderful romantic book that I absolutely recommend! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions here are strictly my own.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming story! Two hearts broken years ago are thrust together. Bella and Maple (her dog) were heading for the lodge when they are stuck in a blizzard and her car crashes. Remembering Devon’s family guesthouse not far away, she seeks shelter there. Devon retreating to his home to hide from the media is surprised to find someone in the house. Now they are both sharing the guesthouse and the memories of their past relationship. Instead of transforming the lodge, she will have to transform the guesthouse if she wants to break into her design career. Will they let the past go and start anew or will the animosity continue to keep them apart. Will the spirit and magic of Christmas and love bring them back together. The camaraderie of the characters was fantastic and Maple was a hoot! What a great story and a nice addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ilse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella, and her dog, Maple, are on their way to the small town she grew up in, Serenity Falls. Bella is scheduled to transform the town's lodge for the holidays and is also scheduled to be interviewed on Christmas day, This would make her career and she is counting on it. What she wasn't counting on was running into a snowstorm....and Devon. Devon, her one and only past love. Outside of town, Bella has a car accident. There is no one around for miles to rescue her and, with the weather, no one is likely to come by. She knows that Devon's family guesthouse is nearby, so she decides that it is best to go there, at least she'll be dry and won't freeze in the storm. Bella arrives to an empty house. Imagine Devon's reaction when he arrives home to find a guest.

A story of love lost, hurt feelings, emotional upheaval, forgiveness, moving on, and of course, love. A story that will leave you feeling happy and hopeful....just in time for the Christmas holidays.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Lily Waters and this does not disappoint, this is part of The Sweet Christmas Kisses series. Bella Sterling is on her way to the lodge in Serenity Falls when her car goes off the road in a blizzard. Trying to decide what to do, she remembers her ex's cabin a mile or two away. So she walks with her dog Maple to the cabin and hopes that the hidden key is still there. The next day Devon (Bella's ex), the owner of the cabin shows up. Bella decides to decorate the cabin for a magazine shoot and interview, since she can't get to the lodge. Devon is not a Christmas person, more of a Grinch. Can Bella get the cabin together in time? Can she get Devon into the Christmas spirit? Can they work together? Can they get back together with the Christmas magic? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Lily Waters!!!

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting second chance romance. It was a great addition to the Sweet Christmas Kisses series. Bella is in town to redo a hotel to be able to get a special article for her blog. She is amazing at what she does, and this will be her chance to finally be recognized. But fate decides that a snowstorm is going to change all that for her. She ends up at her ex's guesthouse with the intent on making that over instead. But little does she know that Devon is ex is going to throw all of that out of the water.
Devon is back home trying to figure out what to do with his career and life. He doesn't know that Bella is at the house until he finds her there. They are snowed in and can't go anywhere. Will these two be able to get along long enough for Bella to accomplish her dream? Will Devon be able to prove that Bella can trust him and his feelings?
This was a very cute enjoyable story. I absolutely loved Bella and Devon and the chemistry between them.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an early review.

What a wonderful, delightful story in the end after grumpy Devon lightens up after being around Bella!

Bella is returning to her hometown to do a redecorating job and documenting it for those following her on her blog when she encounters a blizzard and has an accident. Knowing she’s close to her ex boyfriend’s old home she walks through the snow seeking shelter. With no one there, she lets herself in with the spare key she knows of but is surprised when her ex shows up the next morning unhappy to see her! With the blizzard raging, he agrees to let her stay until it stops. The storm prevents her from the job she was to do but she gets the idea to redo the guesthouse instead and Devon grudgingly gives his consent with the idea that it would help to sell it quicker since that is his intent.

Bella’s infectious spirit and enthusiasm do work on him, however, and slowly he starts to change and sees and feels those same feelings he felt when they were in high school and were in love. He decides not to sell the place but doesn’t tell Bella and then the story comes out by her nemesis which shatters Bella
as she sees she was only being used by Devon.

Devon now has to make actual changes before the final interview is to take place when Bella is to return before she leaves for good. He hopes those changes will show her that he has in deed changed and wants her in his life and that what was changing between them was real before that story came out which wasn’t true then because the proposed sale had already been called off a few weeks before the story
broke.

This was a great story but the one thing one should remember is to be truthful up front with someone you’re working with- especially someone you like and
may be falling into in love with! It adds more tension to the story of course but in real life things would be so much better if you just told the truth up front!

I love this series! These are such wonderful stories! They are great reads any time of the year! With Christmas approaching they of course are certainly appropriate but the concept is applicable year round!

I urge you to get this book and read it today! Share it with your family and friends and have them tell their friends!

You can’t go wrong reading this book or this series
for that matter!!

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Let Tragedy Remove Love

Bella and Devon had a strong love as High Schoolers and then just after. Madison, Bella's diametrically opposite did allowed could to break Devon and Bella apart. On Christmas on the way home from his son loosing a ski match, Devon parents crashed and both were killed. Bella worked hard to become an interior designer made the hard choice to move to a bigger city, whereas Devon stayed to pursue his career, breaking off thier relationship. Devon is betrayed by Madison when she spreads half truths. This story is so close to real life it's mind boggling. Lily Waters does an incredible job of weaving the characters and thier lives it is almost believable.

[greenapplemojito · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much as I am glad that this was a quick read, a huge essence of the chemistry, the emotional connection that has to do with the past, present, and future ahead could not be completely captured in the few pages. Nevertheless, the series continues to give us nice, Christmas/holiday romance reads that are quick to complete and are a calming read that can be paired well with snowy weather and hot chocolate.

I just couldn't connect much with the characters, didn't really understand the dynamics much (a lot has to do with the past now being talked about much), and the sudden proposal and ending. This book might not be at the top of this series for me, but it is a good quick read if you ever want to have one.