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A Winter Bliss Romance
A Frenemy in Need
Turns out there’s a
very
fine line between fighting and foreplay…
Birdie’s life is in perfect order. She has a Christmas tree farm to run, animals to rescue, and an idyllic small-town wedding on the books. Everything is going her way. Until her fiancé jilts her at the altar. But as surprising as that is, it’s nothing compared to her sexy demon frenemy offering his, um, comfort in her time of need…
Rex is a bit of a savant when it comes to screwing up. That might explain why he picks fights with Birdie when all he really wants is to pull her into his arms. When fate gives him a second chance with the one who got away, he’s not about to squander it. Now all he has to do is convince her he’s good for more than an enemies-with-benefits arrangement…
Can the holiday season—along with some magically-mandated community service (don’t ask)—put Birdie and Rex on the path to happily ever after?
A Frenemy In Need is a steamy monster romance about a disaster of a demon and the overworked animal lover he’s not-so-secretly obsessed with. Download today and fall in love with Winter Bliss.
Merry Mischief is a set of three fantastical holiday rom-coms that can be read in any order or as standalones within the larger Winter Bliss Romance shared-world series.
Birdie’s life is in perfect order. She has a Christmas tree farm to run, animals to rescue, and an idyllic small-town wedding on the books. Everything is going her way. Until her fiancé jilts her at the altar. But as surprising as that is, it’s nothing compared to her sexy demon frenemy offering his, um, comfort in her time of need…
Rex is a bit of a savant when it comes to screwing up. That might explain why he picks fights with Birdie when all he really wants is to pull her into his arms. When fate gives him a second chance with the one who got away, he’s not about to squander it. Now all he has to do is convince her he’s good for more than an enemies-with-benefits arrangement…
Can the holiday season—along with some magically-mandated community service (don’t ask)—put Birdie and Rex on the path to happily ever after?
A Frenemy In Need is a steamy monster romance about a disaster of a demon and the overworked animal lover he’s not-so-secretly obsessed with. Download today and fall in love with Winter Bliss.
Merry Mischief is a set of three fantastical holiday rom-coms that can be read in any order or as standalones within the larger Winter Bliss Romance shared-world series.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2024
105 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
December 11, 2024
4.5 stars
I am such a sucker for himbo types and the frenemy vibe was a fun twist. Rex and Birdie’s flirting was immature AF, the adult equivalent of pulling pigtails, but I loved how it was also a way to draw out her true emotions. Neither character turned into a flawless version of themselves, but they became more authentic and willing to reach for their own personal goals. The dyslexia rep was solid. I was ready to throat punch Randy and I’m 100% ok with him never getting a book. I would, however, love a book with a certain orc woman…
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: gaslighting and emotional manipulation (not by MCs), jilting, inebriation leading to questionable/dangerous decisions, fire/explosion (everyone is fine), brief peril, discussion of child trauma post divorce
I am such a sucker for himbo types and the frenemy vibe was a fun twist. Rex and Birdie’s flirting was immature AF, the adult equivalent of pulling pigtails, but I loved how it was also a way to draw out her true emotions. Neither character turned into a flawless version of themselves, but they became more authentic and willing to reach for their own personal goals. The dyslexia rep was solid. I was ready to throat punch Randy and I’m 100% ok with him never getting a book. I would, however, love a book with a certain orc woman…
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: gaslighting and emotional manipulation (not by MCs), jilting, inebriation leading to questionable/dangerous decisions, fire/explosion (everyone is fine), brief peril, discussion of child trauma post divorce
December 17, 2025
⭐⭐⭐💫
3½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
Curvy/somewhat curvy heroine.
A heroine that is Turkish American.
Dyslexia rep.
(Hero)
That the main characters insecurities was not really about their looks/appearance… but about their place in the world and their professions/jobs and their choice with that and other things like that.
Both main characters are 30+.
The animals.
The world-building is rather good.
Small town romance.
➖ What I disliked:
Some parts of the story felt a little bit muddled/jumbled….
Repetitive.
(In many ways ...from words to thoughts.)
Contradicting.
Dragged in some places of the story… and also in some ways was kind of rushed with some things in the story.
OTT.
(In different ways.)
Annoying main characters.
(How self-deprecating and how critical both main characters were about themselves and what kind of people they were and what the could do and could not do and comparing themselves to others and what they achieved and things like that.
Especially the hero… he was a competent craftsman/handyman and the hero knew on some subconscious level that he was good at practical tasks and a good and capable craftsman/handyman but because others in his family had business jobs he felt inferior… he also compared himself to his friends and the heroine.
It would have been more interesting to read a humble but confident hero… and a heroine that was not a overachiever/perfectionist and more or less a pushover that cared way too much about what others thought of her and her choices etc. But to read about a strong and confident heroine that knew herself better etc. ….. Or/and just main characters that were more secure and confident in themselves and who they were… Not Mary Sue and Gary Stu characters just Not main characters that were so negative and self-deprecating/critical and unsure of themselves. )
Some of the banter/bickering between the main characters as adults was a little too juvenile/immature and some of their way of thinking and acting made them seem much younger than they were or really like they still were teenagers…. Especially the hero.
The time jumps in the story was a little jarring and both the flashbacks to when they were teenagers but also the jumps forward a few months here and there.
For being a heroine that was supposed to be a character that loves and cares about animals and is passionate about their welfare and wanted to rescue animals and have kind of a animal sanctuary… The heroine did not come across that way… and the research about animal sanctuaries and how they function and how animals are treated there and what purpose/mission a animal sanctuary has and what values people who work/volunteer there have etc. etc. ….. that research seems rather minimal/subpar or/and is rather minimal/subpar.
(Things like serving/offering animal based products at an animal sanctuary is a big NO and is inexpedient among other things but would also be weird and counter productive to say the least…
But also a legit/principled and reputable animal sanctuary would NOT let the animals in their care be exploited or used in any way… like is done in this story …with things like horse riding, petting zoos etc.
And it seems like the heroine only cares about certain kinds of animals and that only those animals are worth saving and protecting… so it is not as much of a animal sanctuary or animal rescue that she is running more like a wildlife center combined with a petting zoo or something like that.)
The romance and romantic build-up and chemistry felt kind of forced and lacking…. And also in some ways rushed.
Formulaic character description/visual appearance and choice about the hero.
(Tall and big and hulking hero that is also muscular and handsome.)
January 6, 2025
Not the fault of this book, but I'm not really into bully romances.
I do think it's embarrassing how little the author researched animal sanctuaries though. Serving animal products at an animal sanctuary is counter productive lmao. Same with riding horses. Like um, do you know what a sanctuary actually is? It's for animals to rest and not be exploited for once. Reputable sanctuaries don't let their animals be used for money like petting zoos or pulling sleds. Just call it an exotic wildlife center or something. It's clear the main character is VERY selective about which animals she thinks are worth ""saving"" as she doesn't give a shit about cows, chickens, pigs or fish, the biggest victims of human caused suffering in the animal kingdom.
Also the sex was confusing, I had trouble picturing how what they were doing made sense in pretty much every sex scene. Like it mentions she's riding him but he's not laying down? Huh???
I do think it's embarrassing how little the author researched animal sanctuaries though. Serving animal products at an animal sanctuary is counter productive lmao. Same with riding horses. Like um, do you know what a sanctuary actually is? It's for animals to rest and not be exploited for once. Reputable sanctuaries don't let their animals be used for money like petting zoos or pulling sleds. Just call it an exotic wildlife center or something. It's clear the main character is VERY selective about which animals she thinks are worth ""saving"" as she doesn't give a shit about cows, chickens, pigs or fish, the biggest victims of human caused suffering in the animal kingdom.
Also the sex was confusing, I had trouble picturing how what they were doing made sense in pretty much every sex scene. Like it mentions she's riding him but he's not laying down? Huh???
November 19, 2024
I look forward to everything that Catrina Bell writes, we share so many of the same values and her writing style is playful and enjoyable, so when I saw that we were headed back to Winter Bliss I jumped at the opportunity to be an early reader despite mostly being on hiatus. I’m really glad that I did too, because this was the perfect little getaway in the form of a messy, beautiful love story set in the cutest town with the most adorably chaotic animal crew.
One thing that I can always count on from Catrina is writing the kind of man I would trust with any woman alone in a room. (Which might sound silly but its a little less cliche and generalized than saying the kind of man we all want lol.) Rex is the best. He’s messy and chaotic, brash and rough around the edges, and he constantly puts his foot in his mouth (much to my amusement) but he’s got a heart of gold, a work ethic that could rival the most steadfast drafthorse, and a tenderness towards animals that warms my cold dead heart. He also has the most delightfully filthy mouth when it comes to dirty talk, and while I’m not usually a degradation girlie, the way he alternates telling Birdie she’s his perfect girl and his needy sl** had my knees wobbly. While Rex has a lot of self-esteem issues regarding his worth (ow, relatable) he never puts other people around him down to make himself feel better, in fact he says multiple times he loves seeing other people grow into themselves and do well, AND he makes it his mission to build Biridie up when he sees how desperately she needs it. He’s gentle and patient with her even as he claims hes “not a good guy”, when all of his actions prove otherwise time and time again. Truthfully I could gush on and on about it but I don’t want to spoil anything too deeply.
Birdie’s character hit home too, hard. She’s incredibly relatable and my heart ached for her at multiple points over the course of the book. There was a revelation regarding her Mom towards the end that made me misty! I love her love for the animals, her passion for conservation, and the way she was fortified slowly over the course of the book after the emotional implosion that followed being jilted, the way she finally let go and leaned into the mess that freed her and made her happier than she'd ever been... I can’t say much more about her without giving away major plot points so I’ll just say that I loved her as well.
I also really enjoyed all of the side characters that made me even more curious about the other two Winter Bliss Romance books coming out at the same time. The shared world is such a sweet, homey place that I would love to visit if it were real. Since its not real, and I will unfortunately never get a hunky demon handyman of my own, I can’t wait to visit again in the next read~
One thing that I can always count on from Catrina is writing the kind of man I would trust with any woman alone in a room. (Which might sound silly but its a little less cliche and generalized than saying the kind of man we all want lol.) Rex is the best. He’s messy and chaotic, brash and rough around the edges, and he constantly puts his foot in his mouth (much to my amusement) but he’s got a heart of gold, a work ethic that could rival the most steadfast drafthorse, and a tenderness towards animals that warms my cold dead heart. He also has the most delightfully filthy mouth when it comes to dirty talk, and while I’m not usually a degradation girlie, the way he alternates telling Birdie she’s his perfect girl and his needy sl** had my knees wobbly. While Rex has a lot of self-esteem issues regarding his worth (ow, relatable) he never puts other people around him down to make himself feel better, in fact he says multiple times he loves seeing other people grow into themselves and do well, AND he makes it his mission to build Biridie up when he sees how desperately she needs it. He’s gentle and patient with her even as he claims hes “not a good guy”, when all of his actions prove otherwise time and time again. Truthfully I could gush on and on about it but I don’t want to spoil anything too deeply.
Birdie’s character hit home too, hard. She’s incredibly relatable and my heart ached for her at multiple points over the course of the book. There was a revelation regarding her Mom towards the end that made me misty! I love her love for the animals, her passion for conservation, and the way she was fortified slowly over the course of the book after the emotional implosion that followed being jilted, the way she finally let go and leaned into the mess that freed her and made her happier than she'd ever been... I can’t say much more about her without giving away major plot points so I’ll just say that I loved her as well.
I also really enjoyed all of the side characters that made me even more curious about the other two Winter Bliss Romance books coming out at the same time. The shared world is such a sweet, homey place that I would love to visit if it were real. Since its not real, and I will unfortunately never get a hunky demon handyman of my own, I can’t wait to visit again in the next read~
January 15, 2025
Rex and Birdie bicker like little children, and I'm here for it.
November 24, 2024
A rom-com? But with demons? And spicy scenes? OK, SIGN UP ME! And that's exactly what I did: I signed myself up to read this book.
I fully recommend it to everyone who is thinking about reading this book. Don't think; just add it to your TBR right now. Why even hesitate? It's time to Treat Yourself!
*Fighting as Foreplay
*Obsessed Demon
*2nd chance Romance
So stop reading my review and go ahead and add it, and then come back to read what else I have to say about it!
A Frenemy In Need is a slower pace book that is beautifully written, with an easy-to-read layout! You don't have to worry about anything super wild or crazy spice-wise for my readers who like more plot than smut. The issue with rom-coms (in my opinion!) is that the books can sometimes be a little cringe, but I chuckled and cheesed (that's a pun btw, you'll only get it if you go and read this book) during this entire read.
The author wrote the romance with just the right amount of heated spice to get that warm feeling in your belly and can give you a slight hint of jealousy that you do not have a demon boyfriend… not me though, I'm not jealous! Definitely talking about you guys…
Catrina also put a lot of thought into the chemistry between her main characters which I think is fantastic with it being a bit of a shorter read. The tension was there, the buildup was spot on, and I loved every moment!
Our main characters were lovable and easy to relate to, Birdie being independent, smart, and never wanting to show weakness aka her emotions, and Rex feeling like he’ll never be good enough for anyone, and constantly battling his brain and saying things at the wrong times… or maybe at the right times! It honestly is the perfect dynamic and Catrina made them fit together without the force.
So at this point, if you haven't added this book to your TBR yet, I'm disappointed in you, which is worse than your dad being disappointed in you. Shape up and go read this book!
I fully recommend it to everyone who is thinking about reading this book. Don't think; just add it to your TBR right now. Why even hesitate? It's time to Treat Yourself!
*Fighting as Foreplay
*Obsessed Demon
*2nd chance Romance
So stop reading my review and go ahead and add it, and then come back to read what else I have to say about it!
A Frenemy In Need is a slower pace book that is beautifully written, with an easy-to-read layout! You don't have to worry about anything super wild or crazy spice-wise for my readers who like more plot than smut. The issue with rom-coms (in my opinion!) is that the books can sometimes be a little cringe, but I chuckled and cheesed (that's a pun btw, you'll only get it if you go and read this book) during this entire read.
The author wrote the romance with just the right amount of heated spice to get that warm feeling in your belly and can give you a slight hint of jealousy that you do not have a demon boyfriend… not me though, I'm not jealous! Definitely talking about you guys…
Catrina also put a lot of thought into the chemistry between her main characters which I think is fantastic with it being a bit of a shorter read. The tension was there, the buildup was spot on, and I loved every moment!
Our main characters were lovable and easy to relate to, Birdie being independent, smart, and never wanting to show weakness aka her emotions, and Rex feeling like he’ll never be good enough for anyone, and constantly battling his brain and saying things at the wrong times… or maybe at the right times! It honestly is the perfect dynamic and Catrina made them fit together without the force.
So at this point, if you haven't added this book to your TBR yet, I'm disappointed in you, which is worse than your dad being disappointed in you. Shape up and go read this book!
November 26, 2024
We're back once again in Winter Bliss and if I thought I loved Rom with Noelle, how they both grew to like and love each other while being shy and introvert, still was nothing compared to Rex and Birdie.
The word frenemy in the book title really summarises them. They started off as project partner back in high school right before Rex had to leave with his family and change schools. To then meet 15 years later where Rex has to help Birdie's animal resort while in probation for having burnt the statue in the square with Vale and Iggy.
I have freaking loved seeing their relationship build up and explode like the fire in Rex's tattoo.
They both grew up so much in the short weeks they were in close contact with each other. Birdie learnt how to become more assertive and not letting people get their bussinesa way with her. And Rex was finally able to shine bright like the star he is, and finally tell his family that he's not that into his working situation in the family business.
Seeing them realise this and so much more in the novel was incredibly good and satisying.
I want to thank Catrina Bell once again for having me in her arc team once again. Coming back to Winter Bliss for the second year makes me want to live there even more.
The word frenemy in the book title really summarises them. They started off as project partner back in high school right before Rex had to leave with his family and change schools. To then meet 15 years later where Rex has to help Birdie's animal resort while in probation for having burnt the statue in the square with Vale and Iggy.
I have freaking loved seeing their relationship build up and explode like the fire in Rex's tattoo.
They both grew up so much in the short weeks they were in close contact with each other. Birdie learnt how to become more assertive and not letting people get their bussinesa way with her. And Rex was finally able to shine bright like the star he is, and finally tell his family that he's not that into his working situation in the family business.
Seeing them realise this and so much more in the novel was incredibly good and satisying.
I want to thank Catrina Bell once again for having me in her arc team once again. Coming back to Winter Bliss for the second year makes me want to live there even more.
December 6, 2024
Im super happy to be back in winter bliss! If you enjoyed Beastly and bookish you will love this!
It's the perfect little holiday rom com with a dash of frenemies to lovers, with SPICE
I adored every second of this and I hope we get more winter bliss next year
It's the perfect little holiday rom com with a dash of frenemies to lovers, with SPICE
I adored every second of this and I hope we get more winter bliss next year
December 14, 2025
Such a cute, medium stakes paranormal romance! I loved returning to Winter Bliss to read Rex and Birdies story! This was such a fun read!
Read
January 14, 2026A very enjoyable, sweet and spicy story.
November 30, 2024
Ugh this one. SO GOOD. Birdie and Rex were everything I needed. Watching Birdie come into her own and Rex gently guiding her really made this so special. And the firefly scene. SOBBINGGGG. Their dynamic really gave this story so much emotion. I truly loved this one and being back in Winter Bliss. If you love banter, flirting, childhood crush, fighting as a love language you will LOVE A Frenemy in Need. Must read!
December 5, 2024
Overall, I had fun reading A Frenemy in Need! It was fairly low conflict which for my current mood was just perfect. I love books with towns that are comprised of mostly paranormal creatures. It's just fun.
Our main characters, Rex and Birdie, I loved them both as individuals and as a couple. Rex is fierce, loyal and loveable. Birdie is smart, passionate and someone I want to be friends with. Their romance was fun to watch.
I did have some issues with some of the dialogue Rex used when he was trying to be sexy. It read as awkward to me and kind of immature for a character that was supposed to be 30. At times it felt like he was still talking as the teenager he was when he met Birdie rather than the adult he is now. Something about it just left me feeling kind of ick. My other issue is again 100% a me issue but jumping forward over the course of a month here and then two months and then back in time to a flashback and then to the present but then a month in the future is never enjoyable to me. I get why it happens but it's not a plot device I enjoy.
I'd totally read another book from this author. I think the dialogue issue I had is 100% a me issue and I really did enjoy the book. It was good, I had fun, I just had some issues with the dialogue and the pacing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Our main characters, Rex and Birdie, I loved them both as individuals and as a couple. Rex is fierce, loyal and loveable. Birdie is smart, passionate and someone I want to be friends with. Their romance was fun to watch.
I did have some issues with some of the dialogue Rex used when he was trying to be sexy. It read as awkward to me and kind of immature for a character that was supposed to be 30. At times it felt like he was still talking as the teenager he was when he met Birdie rather than the adult he is now. Something about it just left me feeling kind of ick. My other issue is again 100% a me issue but jumping forward over the course of a month here and then two months and then back in time to a flashback and then to the present but then a month in the future is never enjoyable to me. I get why it happens but it's not a plot device I enjoy.
I'd totally read another book from this author. I think the dialogue issue I had is 100% a me issue and I really did enjoy the book. It was good, I had fun, I just had some issues with the dialogue and the pacing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 18, 2024
My annual trip to Winter Bliss is becoming a bit of a tradition now. I was so excited to jump into this year’s books, and as I predicted, I was not disappointed.
This one got me right in the feels. I was in love from the start! The literal FIRST SENTENCE! Catrina has a way to just get me sucked in!
Birdie is everything! I love her. Her character spoke to me in a way that I love to find. I see parts of myself in her. Eldest daughters who don’t want to show weakness for the win! Watching her grow through the book and understand what she needs and that you can absolutely follow your dreams was so powerful. I could feel her hope and joy radiating out of my kindle. I loved her strength and kindness. She’s one of the good ones.
I’m not gonna lie. Last year, I was obsessed with Rom Perchaz (still am). So I knew Catrina had some work to get me to love older brother Rex just as much, if not more. Oh My Goodness, did she succeed! That precious himbo straight up Kool-Aid Man-ed into my heart in a way only Rex can. I just want to squeeze him so tight and keep him safe. I loved watching him be an absolute simp for Birdie. But more than that, the support and safety he gave her so could finally achieve all her dreams. Where can I find one?
Both of these characters deserve the world, and I am so glad they have each other.
I loved the way this story unfolded and how it added so much depth to Winter Bliss. It’s a fictional town I have come to love, so getting to dive deeper into the world is always a special treat. Naturally, we got so much Rom and Noelle in this one, and I loved getting a chance to see them through Rex’s eyes. I also loved all the little insights into Vale and Iggy, both past and present. Of the Merry Mischief books, I read this one last (but certainly not least). It was great to finally see how all the stories finally tied together. It really has me wanting to reread them all over again. And maybe the ones from last year as well.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This one got me right in the feels. I was in love from the start! The literal FIRST SENTENCE! Catrina has a way to just get me sucked in!
Birdie is everything! I love her. Her character spoke to me in a way that I love to find. I see parts of myself in her. Eldest daughters who don’t want to show weakness for the win! Watching her grow through the book and understand what she needs and that you can absolutely follow your dreams was so powerful. I could feel her hope and joy radiating out of my kindle. I loved her strength and kindness. She’s one of the good ones.
I’m not gonna lie. Last year, I was obsessed with Rom Perchaz (still am). So I knew Catrina had some work to get me to love older brother Rex just as much, if not more. Oh My Goodness, did she succeed! That precious himbo straight up Kool-Aid Man-ed into my heart in a way only Rex can. I just want to squeeze him so tight and keep him safe. I loved watching him be an absolute simp for Birdie. But more than that, the support and safety he gave her so could finally achieve all her dreams. Where can I find one?
Both of these characters deserve the world, and I am so glad they have each other.
I loved the way this story unfolded and how it added so much depth to Winter Bliss. It’s a fictional town I have come to love, so getting to dive deeper into the world is always a special treat. Naturally, we got so much Rom and Noelle in this one, and I loved getting a chance to see them through Rex’s eyes. I also loved all the little insights into Vale and Iggy, both past and present. Of the Merry Mischief books, I read this one last (but certainly not least). It was great to finally see how all the stories finally tied together. It really has me wanting to reread them all over again. And maybe the ones from last year as well.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2024
This book is part of a three-book series, Merry Mischief (by different authors), that will be released on Dec. 2nd, 2024. Merry Mischief is a paranormal, spicy Christmas standalone romance series that intertwines but can be read in any order. THESE ARE NOT DARK ROMANCES—JUST SPICY ROMANCES.
ARC Review:
This story was so wholesome!! It's definitely not the type of book I usually read (I am a dark romance girlie), but I loved every second! It's a paranormal, spicy Christmas rom-com (not dark). The best way to describe it is that it's like a spicy Hallmark movie that I would actually watch.
The inner monologues of both characters were just so funny and witty! I was in tears with laughter. The banter was perfect, with just the perfect amount of spice. There weren't a lot of spice scenes, but the content of them made up for it. The horse ride scene lives in my head rent-free.
I love how both Birdie and Rex grow to learn their self-worth throughout the story and draw closer to each other in the process. Rex is such a fun character and is just so damn funny. He is so DOWN BAD for this woman! I love that Birdie is Turkish, and her culture is perfectly infused into the story.
The writing style is very modern (second gen), but it wasn't cringy in any way. The story was just so cute. It's a perfect Christmas story for those who love Hallmark movies (and a little cream with their sugar). It truly was a beautiful and heartwarming story. I can't wait to read the other two!
Also, his d*ck glows. Do what you will with that information *wink*
- second chance/enemies to lovers
- fighting as foreplay
- grilled cheese competition
- only one horse
- blue-collar hero who curses like a sailor
Spice: 3.75
Overall: 4.5/5
ARC Review:
This story was so wholesome!! It's definitely not the type of book I usually read (I am a dark romance girlie), but I loved every second! It's a paranormal, spicy Christmas rom-com (not dark). The best way to describe it is that it's like a spicy Hallmark movie that I would actually watch.
The inner monologues of both characters were just so funny and witty! I was in tears with laughter. The banter was perfect, with just the perfect amount of spice. There weren't a lot of spice scenes, but the content of them made up for it. The horse ride scene lives in my head rent-free.
I love how both Birdie and Rex grow to learn their self-worth throughout the story and draw closer to each other in the process. Rex is such a fun character and is just so damn funny. He is so DOWN BAD for this woman! I love that Birdie is Turkish, and her culture is perfectly infused into the story.
The writing style is very modern (second gen), but it wasn't cringy in any way. The story was just so cute. It's a perfect Christmas story for those who love Hallmark movies (and a little cream with their sugar). It truly was a beautiful and heartwarming story. I can't wait to read the other two!
Also, his d*ck glows. Do what you will with that information *wink*
- second chance/enemies to lovers
- fighting as foreplay
- grilled cheese competition
- only one horse
- blue-collar hero who curses like a sailor
Spice: 3.75
Overall: 4.5/5
December 2, 2024
“Be mean to me, Birdie. Give me all your fire.”
First of all thank you to Cat for providing me with an ARC copy! I'm so very grateful!
Oh my god! Like I knew I would love this book but it just exceeded all my expectations! Sometimes it's easier to write a review of a book you didn't like because I just about loved everything about this one!
Coming back to Winter Bliss makes you feel like you're coming home! There is something so comforting about it
I absolutely loved our leads Rex and Birdie!
Rex the total opposite of Rom comes in, in his himbo glory, and I'm just a suckered for a man/demon with a "scary" exterior, who tries so hard to be bad but is actually such a softie! I loved Rex so much, and I loved the complexity of his character.
Birdie is seriously just a force to be reckoned with! I adore her to pieces! I loved seeing her Turkish roots it's so lovely to see!
Another great thing about Cats books is that even the books set in these fictional world, the characters are just so close to us with the way she writes about struggles navigating life. Where Rex struggles to do what he thinks is expected from him, and how he thinks he's a failure because how different he is from his family, Birdie does things just because she thinks she should do them, just because it would make sense.
I loved how Rex has let Birdie do her thing giving her space but still helping in different ways. Their banter was just chefs kiss! It is so funny, the tension was out of this world. They match each other's energy so perfectly! I loved the connection they had and I just want more of them
Seeing them grow and change was just amazing, it is a journey filled with chaos but also so heartwarming!
p.s I just might actually be in love with Rex dont tell Birdie I will lose!
First of all thank you to Cat for providing me with an ARC copy! I'm so very grateful!
Oh my god! Like I knew I would love this book but it just exceeded all my expectations! Sometimes it's easier to write a review of a book you didn't like because I just about loved everything about this one!
Coming back to Winter Bliss makes you feel like you're coming home! There is something so comforting about it
I absolutely loved our leads Rex and Birdie!
Rex the total opposite of Rom comes in, in his himbo glory, and I'm just a suckered for a man/demon with a "scary" exterior, who tries so hard to be bad but is actually such a softie! I loved Rex so much, and I loved the complexity of his character.
Birdie is seriously just a force to be reckoned with! I adore her to pieces! I loved seeing her Turkish roots it's so lovely to see!
Another great thing about Cats books is that even the books set in these fictional world, the characters are just so close to us with the way she writes about struggles navigating life. Where Rex struggles to do what he thinks is expected from him, and how he thinks he's a failure because how different he is from his family, Birdie does things just because she thinks she should do them, just because it would make sense.
I loved how Rex has let Birdie do her thing giving her space but still helping in different ways. Their banter was just chefs kiss! It is so funny, the tension was out of this world. They match each other's energy so perfectly! I loved the connection they had and I just want more of them
Seeing them grow and change was just amazing, it is a journey filled with chaos but also so heartwarming!
p.s I just might actually be in love with Rex dont tell Birdie I will lose!
December 5, 2024
Hurry and read it
Addicting.... I was so excited reading this book that I devoured it in hours!! Despite the fact that the world is a mix between humans and demons, I found them all so relatable. I loved the second chance aspect of this story. With Rex, being that he felt like such a screw-up with everything else in his life was worried that he would do the same with Birdie, made sense, and I loved how he tried hard to do his best by her even though they weren't officially together and he knew that he would be leaving town once his probation was up. For Birdie, I loved seeing her blossom into something more than the young woman that felt like she had to make the safe decision at all times. Her being jilted at the altar by her fiance, while it didn't make things better for her at first, helped to bring her out of her shell. It also caused her to open up more to friends and family, and I loved reading about those relationships.
This was my first time reading a book by Catrina Bell, and now I want to go back and read all her books.
Addicting.... I was so excited reading this book that I devoured it in hours!! Despite the fact that the world is a mix between humans and demons, I found them all so relatable. I loved the second chance aspect of this story. With Rex, being that he felt like such a screw-up with everything else in his life was worried that he would do the same with Birdie, made sense, and I loved how he tried hard to do his best by her even though they weren't officially together and he knew that he would be leaving town once his probation was up. For Birdie, I loved seeing her blossom into something more than the young woman that felt like she had to make the safe decision at all times. Her being jilted at the altar by her fiance, while it didn't make things better for her at first, helped to bring her out of her shell. It also caused her to open up more to friends and family, and I loved reading about those relationships.
This was my first time reading a book by Catrina Bell, and now I want to go back and read all her books.
December 15, 2024
Note - I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this book. I just lost my fiance and needed something light but entertaining. This was that and so much more. A romcom style read with plot, spice, lovable characters, and BANTER. I love banter.
Mostly this book gave me hope. That there's always another chance at love and that someone can accept and even cherish you as you are, completely unmasked.
I loved this book. I just lost my fiance and needed something light but entertaining. This was that and so much more. A romcom style read with plot, spice, lovable characters, and BANTER. I love banter.
Mostly this book gave me hope. That there's always another chance at love and that someone can accept and even cherish you as you are, completely unmasked.
November 22, 2024
Thank you for letting me be on the winter bliss arc team.
I loved this one.
The character growth and their relationship got me feeling so much happiness.
I love seeing Birdie grow and become comfortable with expressing her wants and needs. I loved that she was able to speak up for herself and build her dream place.
Seeing Rex also grow and realize his worth was so solid.
I loved this one.
The character growth and their relationship got me feeling so much happiness.
I love seeing Birdie grow and become comfortable with expressing her wants and needs. I loved that she was able to speak up for herself and build her dream place.
Seeing Rex also grow and realize his worth was so solid.
December 8, 2024
“The idea of that doucheburger and Birdie together is like a fucking rusty sword through my spleen.”
I don’t think I giggled this hard while reading in a good while. Also, my insult arsenal has earned a new phrase: “snot-nosed cockbag.” Thanks Catrina 😘💗
I don’t think I giggled this hard while reading in a good while. Also, my insult arsenal has earned a new phrase: “snot-nosed cockbag.” Thanks Catrina 😘💗
January 10, 2026
A book that is mostly a OK read.
With the exception of the insufficient and inaccurate research or lack thereof around and about animal sanctuaries in this book.
It is all wrong and strange.
This review explains it much better than I can:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
With the exception of the insufficient and inaccurate research or lack thereof around and about animal sanctuaries in this book.
It is all wrong and strange.
This review explains it much better than I can:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 24, 2024
I made a review already on my “professional” good reads account but here I am again.
This book was so cute and I loved every minute of it. The main characters were so easy to connect too and the whole vibe of the book flowed so easy.
Fantastic book!
This book was so cute and I loved every minute of it. The main characters were so easy to connect too and the whole vibe of the book flowed so easy.
Fantastic book!
November 25, 2024
This was sooo stinking cute.
I loved the banter
The spice
The HEA
The unquie animals and the sanctuary was so cute and perfect for the story.
I loved the banter
The spice
The HEA
The unquie animals and the sanctuary was so cute and perfect for the story.
December 11, 2024
I loved this one! Redemption ARC, second chance romance and an animal sanctuary?? Spectacular. This is such a fun series!
December 20, 2024
I love Rex and Birdie! The book is great! The plot, the storyline, the characters and their chemistry!
I'm all for a little slow- burn, but the fire was burning just a tad too slow liking!
I'm all for a little slow- burn, but the fire was burning just a tad too slow liking!
February 21, 2025
Kicked my feet and twirled my hair the entire way through this book. The banter is *chefs kiss* 😍
November 15, 2025
Painfully relatable. One of my very favorites, and honestly, this one isn't SUPER Christmassy so I think you could read it basically any time of year.
May 4, 2025
Cute and cozy.
November 20, 2025
Mischievous demon picks on crush
⭐ 4/5 stars
🌶️ 2/5 spice (entwined w/plot)
*288pgs of actual story
*took me about 6hrs to read
*dual alternating 1st POV
*Frenemy to lovers
*cute & unique animals
*bickering
*HFN
This was a cute, slow burn, monster romance between a human female and a demon, plus all their quirky animals (including a one "demon-horse" situation). The creativity shines through in the worldbuilding and the animals unlike you've ever seen before. Our bad boy demon has some really cool powers, and you can't help but fall for his mischievous ways (he's totally touch her and unalive/only cinn roll for her or animals). I wish we got a little more happily ever after at the end, hence the 4stars. But I really enjoyed the journey otherwise (and there is definitely a HFN).
Oh and colorful art in the ebook, so you get to see what the couple looks like.
Book description:
The human female Birdie, has trouble telling her travel agent boyfriend "no"- even when it comes to her dreams. She runs a Xmas tree farm already and dreams of opening an animal sanctuary on it one day. But her boyfriend Randy wants to open luxury cabins on it, and proposes to her in an effort to convince her.
Rex, a troublesome red demon, came to Winter Bliss to help his brother Rom with the opening of another Cafe. But he runs into his high school crush, Birdie, and will do anything to be around her again. And, just like in high school, he picks on her to get her attention.
Will Birdie get her dreams of an animal sanctuary? Or will she fall for the schemes of her money-hungry fiance? Where does Rex fit into all of this? Read the book to find out.
Happy reading fellow monster romance fans! Read whatever makes you happy, then tell me about it lol.
⭐ 4/5 stars
🌶️ 2/5 spice (entwined w/plot)
*288pgs of actual story
*took me about 6hrs to read
*dual alternating 1st POV
*Frenemy to lovers
*cute & unique animals
*bickering
*HFN
This was a cute, slow burn, monster romance between a human female and a demon, plus all their quirky animals (including a one "demon-horse" situation). The creativity shines through in the worldbuilding and the animals unlike you've ever seen before. Our bad boy demon has some really cool powers, and you can't help but fall for his mischievous ways (he's totally touch her and unalive/only cinn roll for her or animals). I wish we got a little more happily ever after at the end, hence the 4stars. But I really enjoyed the journey otherwise (and there is definitely a HFN).
Oh and colorful art in the ebook, so you get to see what the couple looks like.
Book description:
The human female Birdie, has trouble telling her travel agent boyfriend "no"- even when it comes to her dreams. She runs a Xmas tree farm already and dreams of opening an animal sanctuary on it one day. But her boyfriend Randy wants to open luxury cabins on it, and proposes to her in an effort to convince her.
Rex, a troublesome red demon, came to Winter Bliss to help his brother Rom with the opening of another Cafe. But he runs into his high school crush, Birdie, and will do anything to be around her again. And, just like in high school, he picks on her to get her attention.
Will Birdie get her dreams of an animal sanctuary? Or will she fall for the schemes of her money-hungry fiance? Where does Rex fit into all of this? Read the book to find out.
Happy reading fellow monster romance fans! Read whatever makes you happy, then tell me about it lol.
May 23, 2025
It's a fun small town romance full of banter, angst, yearning and holiday fun. Throw in some demons and some spice and I am all in. It's an interconnected standalone with appearances from characters in the rest of the series, however it's all done so we'll that nothing is spoiled for the others books.
This started off with Rex talking about how much he loved cheese and I was sold, he was already my favourite character in the Winter Bliss series. He's a big scary guy on the outside but he's really just a big softy who loves animals, struggles with self worth and puts his foot in his mouth a lot. You can't help but love him.
It was so so heart warming seeing Birdie go from a toxic loveless relationship where her ideas just stayed dreams, to finding herself and, with the support and encouragement from Rex, fulfilling those dreams and putting them into action to create the Sanctuary she's always wanted.
Tropes
2nd chance romance
Fighting as foreplay
Cinnamon roll MMC
Feisty FMC
Flirt banter
Demon X human
This started off with Rex talking about how much he loved cheese and I was sold, he was already my favourite character in the Winter Bliss series. He's a big scary guy on the outside but he's really just a big softy who loves animals, struggles with self worth and puts his foot in his mouth a lot. You can't help but love him.
It was so so heart warming seeing Birdie go from a toxic loveless relationship where her ideas just stayed dreams, to finding herself and, with the support and encouragement from Rex, fulfilling those dreams and putting them into action to create the Sanctuary she's always wanted.
Tropes
2nd chance romance
Fighting as foreplay
Cinnamon roll MMC
Feisty FMC
Flirt banter
Demon X human
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2025
Catrina Bell is one of those authors I'd read the shopping list of. I was so honoured to beta this book and sit back in awe of her talent and her dedication to her craft. Once again, she's absolutely knocked it outta the park! Frenemy is one of those special books that's gonna live with me. Catrina writes with unique compassion and emotional wisdom, not just in the forming of character, but in knowing how to tell a story that so deeply reaches, satisfies, and eaves you with a lasting sense of being in harmony with yourself. This story is a ton of chaotic fun, but it's also pretty special.
Birdie is such an excellent FMC. She's strong but she's containing a struggle and vulnerable. She's tough but not unfeeling. She's anxious but composed and brave. She's mature but figuring it out. And she's so nerdy and weird but never feels like a "quirky girl." She's so human. By the end, I felt so much pride and love for her. I just want to hold her, and that makes me want to hold myself and all the parts of me like her.
Rex is just soooo attractive. My tip-top type is a wreck of a man with a mouth full of sass and a heart of gold, and Catrina got him PERFECT. He ticks a bunch of boxes, but also doesn't feel ormulaic. He feels, like Birdie, very real and whole. I feel so safe with him, I want only the best for him and I love him with my whole heart. Above all, the way he chases Birdie's fire is so beautiful. It feels like a love letter to every woman who sealed herself away to convenience other people. I hope he finds every girl who ever worried she was a burden for feeling too much! So hot, so healing. I keep a picture of the two of them on my altar now as a reminder to honour my fire, like Rex would.
I am absolutely blown away by the portrayal of emotion. The control, the loss of it, the way it drives, the way it confuses. These characters are so differently emotional and both make complete sense and are so relatable. Their growth is so satisfying and believable. Catrina broke/mended my heart for portraying the lasting impact of parental divorce in a way that feels honest and complicated. The neurodiversity rep made me so happy and seen. But most gold stars go to her delicate handling of emotional manipulation - how even a strong, sensible, independent person can not realise it's happening to them, and the way it gets inside you but can be burned out with passion. Birdie's evolution and liberation were everything to me and made me not only feel seen, but genuinely helped me see some things that were still cloudy on my own journey.
I feel like I've said a lot of heavy stuff here, so let's also not forget, this book is so hilarious and chaotic! Every time I picked it up my serotonin just spiked. The demonic horses! All the animal companions! Rex's many, MANY shenanigans! Cheese is life! So much searing chemistry and banter between two characters who just glow with how much they enjoy each other. There's just pure glee at the heart of this story. And alongside all the laughter is a lovely, warm, but uncompromising set of values about community and environment. I cared so much about Birdie and Rex not just for their romance, but for the way they wanted to impact Winter Bliss. Seeing their dream come to life was everything! If you need hope, hilarity, and passion, this book is for you!
Birdie is such an excellent FMC. She's strong but she's containing a struggle and vulnerable. She's tough but not unfeeling. She's anxious but composed and brave. She's mature but figuring it out. And she's so nerdy and weird but never feels like a "quirky girl." She's so human. By the end, I felt so much pride and love for her. I just want to hold her, and that makes me want to hold myself and all the parts of me like her.
Rex is just soooo attractive. My tip-top type is a wreck of a man with a mouth full of sass and a heart of gold, and Catrina got him PERFECT. He ticks a bunch of boxes, but also doesn't feel ormulaic. He feels, like Birdie, very real and whole. I feel so safe with him, I want only the best for him and I love him with my whole heart. Above all, the way he chases Birdie's fire is so beautiful. It feels like a love letter to every woman who sealed herself away to convenience other people. I hope he finds every girl who ever worried she was a burden for feeling too much! So hot, so healing. I keep a picture of the two of them on my altar now as a reminder to honour my fire, like Rex would.
I am absolutely blown away by the portrayal of emotion. The control, the loss of it, the way it drives, the way it confuses. These characters are so differently emotional and both make complete sense and are so relatable. Their growth is so satisfying and believable. Catrina broke/mended my heart for portraying the lasting impact of parental divorce in a way that feels honest and complicated. The neurodiversity rep made me so happy and seen. But most gold stars go to her delicate handling of emotional manipulation - how even a strong, sensible, independent person can not realise it's happening to them, and the way it gets inside you but can be burned out with passion. Birdie's evolution and liberation were everything to me and made me not only feel seen, but genuinely helped me see some things that were still cloudy on my own journey.
I feel like I've said a lot of heavy stuff here, so let's also not forget, this book is so hilarious and chaotic! Every time I picked it up my serotonin just spiked. The demonic horses! All the animal companions! Rex's many, MANY shenanigans! Cheese is life! So much searing chemistry and banter between two characters who just glow with how much they enjoy each other. There's just pure glee at the heart of this story. And alongside all the laughter is a lovely, warm, but uncompromising set of values about community and environment. I cared so much about Birdie and Rex not just for their romance, but for the way they wanted to impact Winter Bliss. Seeing their dream come to life was everything! If you need hope, hilarity, and passion, this book is for you!
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