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Don't Marry Me At Christmas
Deck the halls with awkward tension…
Meet Sara Christmas fanatic, festive wedding Grinch. Her dream nuptials? Sun-soaked, Beth-free.
Meet Beth Expert at running. From countries, feelings, and one-night stands with best friends.
Now Beth's back, armed with apologies and tinsel-wrapped determination. But can she melt Sara's frosty heart? Or will she need a Christmas miracle? One thing's crystal Sara Snow will NEVER have a Christmas wedding. Right? RIGHT?
This holiday season, unwrap Clare Lydon's latest yuletide romp, where frenemies-to-lovers gets a festive shake-up. may cause howls of laughter, plus intense cravings for Christmas cupcakes. Here’s ho-ho-hoping these two get their act together…
Meet Sara Christmas fanatic, festive wedding Grinch. Her dream nuptials? Sun-soaked, Beth-free.
Meet Beth Expert at running. From countries, feelings, and one-night stands with best friends.
Now Beth's back, armed with apologies and tinsel-wrapped determination. But can she melt Sara's frosty heart? Or will she need a Christmas miracle? One thing's crystal Sara Snow will NEVER have a Christmas wedding. Right? RIGHT?
This holiday season, unwrap Clare Lydon's latest yuletide romp, where frenemies-to-lovers gets a festive shake-up. may cause howls of laughter, plus intense cravings for Christmas cupcakes. Here’s ho-ho-hoping these two get their act together…
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2024
125 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Clare Lydon
43 books1,578 followersClare Lydon is a London-based writer of contemporary lesbian romance. She's a No.1 best-seller on lesbian fiction charts around the globe with five full-length novels to her name, as well as writing the All I Want series, set to continue throughout 2016. If you love romantic comedies, prepare to fall head over heels in love.
If you like books shot through with witty dialogue, 3D characters and sharp observations of modern lesbian life, why not give Clare's books a try?
More at: www.clarelydon.co.uk
Get a copy of my free Christmas novella 'It Had To Be You' by signing up to my mailing list here:
www.clarelydon.co.uk/it-had-to-be-you
If you like books shot through with witty dialogue, 3D characters and sharp observations of modern lesbian life, why not give Clare's books a try?
More at: www.clarelydon.co.uk
Get a copy of my free Christmas novella 'It Had To Be You' by signing up to my mailing list here:
www.clarelydon.co.uk/it-had-to-be-you
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
December 10, 2024
Sara and Beth were best friends from a young age. Then they had sex - wonderful, the best ever - but afterwards Beth ran away. They meet up at a Christmas wedding a year later, but again, Beth disappears.
This is a really lovely story, both Sara and Beth are good characters, but I really liked Sara a lot. The presentation of the store Stollards was good.
I couldn’t stop to enjoy the story, because I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop, waiting for Beth to panic and run away again. Even though she claimed to have changed, there was nothing in her behaviour or attitude near the beginning of the story that inspired trust. Perhaps this says more about me than Beth, it’s rather a ‘glass half empty’ sort of mentality.
Overall, a really good and thoughtful book.
This is a really lovely story, both Sara and Beth are good characters, but I really liked Sara a lot. The presentation of the store Stollards was good.
I couldn’t stop to enjoy the story, because I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop, waiting for Beth to panic and run away again. Even though she claimed to have changed, there was nothing in her behaviour or attitude near the beginning of the story that inspired trust. Perhaps this says more about me than Beth, it’s rather a ‘glass half empty’ sort of mentality.
Overall, a really good and thoughtful book.
October 15, 2024
A cute holiday friends (but kind of ex friends) to lovers romance. The story did not have a third act breakup which I enjoyed and it really got me in the holiday spirit, so now I have to figure out how to get back to spooky season. Also, it will make you hungry for all the baked goods. Oh and be ready for a very slow burn.
Thank you to the author for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2024
CL writes such a good story. When reading I can totally relax, knowing I’m in good hands and can luxuriate in the bliss of a lovely tale. Thank you.
December 13, 2024
This time, she was going to savour every moment, and commit it to memory. She’d become a different person because of Beth. She was ready for the next evolution.
This was pretty cute! Not my favourite from this author, but it had a lot of good points. Definitely more promising in the beginning, and then it unfortunately started to lose its charm as the story went on. I've discovered that I really like a little second chance holiday romance moment, though this is more of a best friends to frenemies to lovers situation. Sara and Beth shared a one night stand two Christmases ago, after which Beth immediately ghosted. Now, they have a chance to reconnect, possibly pick up the pieces of their friendship and properly start a romance.
The whole Christmas atmosphere was pretty cute; we got a taste of small town charm as well as a lot of London holiday glitz. I really liked the baking aspect of this, and all the little foodies descriptions. Sara and Beth didn't really have as much chemistry as I'd have liked, but in general, I did enjoy them together. I wouldn't call this a rom-com, but there are some funny moments. And just generally, a lot of sweet stuff. I loved the snowman building, the festival, and winning the panda. Sara's super reluctant to rekindle their relationship at first, and I do like the way Beth wins her over. Very sweet, but not too insistent.
For this to really succeed as a second chance romance, however, or just as a friends to lovers romance, the book needed to give me a better idea of their relationship in the past. We got a few details, a few descriptions of what their friendship was like when they were younger, but it didn't really feel like anything earth-shaking. Flashbacks aren't my favourite device, but maybe they would have been useful here, to give the reader a sense of how close they used to be. We didn't even get many details from the night they hooked up years ago. I don't think the reader needed the entire scene, but I wanted to get a sense of the catalyst, what finally pushed them to take that step after so many years of friendship. Like I said before, I didn't really feel the chemistry between these two, and if their past had been better plotted out, or better shown, that could have been fixed. There's a moment where Sara tells Beth: “We’re not starting from scratch. We’re starting from years of knowledge. You don’t have to explain your background, because I know, and vice versa. That’s what makes this both magic, and scary.” And it just struck me very forcefully that she shouldn't have to SAY any of that. I should have been able to feel those years of friendship and experience between them, and I just didn't.
I did get irritated by a few things. The third act conflict didn't play out as predictably as I feared, but it did raise the exact kind of issues that I don't love reading about.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Claire Storey, and I really liked it! Her voice is such an easy one to listen to, and it went a long way towards making the characters more relatable and likeable. All told, there's a lot that I enjoyed about this, but there's also a fair bit that didn't quite work for me. I'm still gonna count it as a win for how cute and Christmassy it was, and for the moments it made me smile.
December 19, 2025
3.5 rounded up
I love Clare Lydon, really I do! But I found this a bit flat. No surpises, this follows the dots from beginning to end. Which might be good if that fits your mood. If you want cosy, low-angst, second-chance romance, then snuggle in as this is could be for you :)
I love Clare Lydon, really I do! But I found this a bit flat. No surpises, this follows the dots from beginning to end. Which might be good if that fits your mood. If you want cosy, low-angst, second-chance romance, then snuggle in as this is could be for you :)
January 1, 2025
3+ ⭐️
October 26, 2024
I love this beautiful frenimies to lovers, slow burn, HOT love/romance story! Sara and Beth have known each other for over 30 years, they were bestfriends. Then they slept together and Beth left for Madrid without so much as a word.
They see each other 3 years later at Sara's new bestfriends' (Nancy) wedding . When Beth realizes how much she misses Sara.
She's back from Madrid, working in London. When an opportunity presents itself for her to help Sara.
This is a fantastic book! I read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. Definitely 5 stars!
They see each other 3 years later at Sara's new bestfriends' (Nancy) wedding . When Beth realizes how much she misses Sara.
She's back from Madrid, working in London. When an opportunity presents itself for her to help Sara.
This is a fantastic book! I read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. Definitely 5 stars!
December 18, 2025
Oh, I do love a slow burn romance.
I thought this sapphic Christmas novel was really good. The ex-friends to lovers was a good little twist, and it was interesting to see how they rebuilt their friendship along with a relationship.
I thought this sapphic Christmas novel was really good. The ex-friends to lovers was a good little twist, and it was interesting to see how they rebuilt their friendship along with a relationship.
December 13, 2025
I need this to be the next Hallmark Christmas movie!
Beth and Zara were childhood best friends, but a one-night-stand changed all that. Years later, a chance meeting and an opportunity presenting itself gives the two a chance to mend things. Sprinkled between all of that are baked goods, clumsy moments, teasing banter, and Polly the Panda. It's as heartwarming as a cup of cocoa (I said what I said 🥰)
Beth and Zara were childhood best friends, but a one-night-stand changed all that. Years later, a chance meeting and an opportunity presenting itself gives the two a chance to mend things. Sprinkled between all of that are baked goods, clumsy moments, teasing banter, and Polly the Panda. It's as heartwarming as a cup of cocoa (I said what I said 🥰)
October 22, 2024
This was a nice, fun Christmas romance with no 3rd act breakup. Sara and Beth are best friends since childhood. After a one night stand during Christmas, Beth leaves the country which also leaves their friendship in jeopardy. Briefly connecting during a Christmas wedding doesn't make things any better. After a couple of years of little to no contact, Beth comes back home a few months before Christmas hoping to fix things. The journey of how Beth slowly tries to win Sara over was well paced and had me invested from the start. This is well written and worth a read during the holidays or anytime throughout the year.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 21, 2024
Buckle up, I have opinions.
I’ve been trying not to rate sapphic romances if they don’t jive but like so many, this one was so tepid and lacked full emotional resolution. The plot is very click bait- friends Beth and Sara sleep together, and then afterwards Beth ghosts Sara for two years. If you’re looking for a good explanation about why Beth leaves, this book doesn’t deliver. The murky and conflicting reasons given amounted to “it would ruin their friendship” to “it meant too much to Beth and she would ruin the relationship anyways” and “Beth is bad at relationships”. Noble idiocy: one of my least favorite tropes.
My heart hurt for Sara after learning she been working up the courage to make a move on Beth and how worthless she felt after Beth left, especially seeing Beth on social media after she immediately moved on with another woman. Beth is bad at relationships (?) but apparently was just fine falling in love and jumping into a serious relationship after her night with Sara. In fact, the impetus for Beth moving back to her home country and finally getting therapy had nothing to do with abandoning Sara and was just because her girlfriend cheated on her.
I think I’m a simple romantic but it felt like their night together didn’t mean anything to Beth. Beth didn’t pine or yearn for Sara after she left, apparently hadn’t had strong romantic feelings for her in their years of friendship, and had she not been cheated on, would have happily married the new girl.
When Beth had to go back to Madrid towards the end of the book, she let her ex pick her up from the airport, hugged her and let her post a selfie of the two of them on social media, all without mentioning that she was seeing someone new of course. Sara had to be the one to tell Beth that she didn’t want her to be friends with the ex girlfriend. I was hoping to see Beth make strong boundaries on her own for Sara. There’s no drama about any of this of course (Sara doesn’t make waves) but I wanted to see Beth choosing Sara directly and openly over her ex especially after all their history.
The good: The book is light enough that most of this is glossed over and Sara forgives Beth pretty quickly with lots of fun scenes in Christmas markets, snow, holiday baking. I appreciated Sara’s character growth and Beth’s masc representation, and the spicy scenes were great. Beth does make amends after meeting Sara, mostly through professional connections/favors, but I wish their conversations had dug a bit deeper, which might have given Beth the space to clearly explain why she left. Ultimately their relationship feels legitimate, with their easy going friendship and realistic attraction, but it also feels a bit practical and convenient. I just don’t get any sense that it’s an earth shattering, soul melting romantic love.
I’ve been trying not to rate sapphic romances if they don’t jive but like so many, this one was so tepid and lacked full emotional resolution. The plot is very click bait- friends Beth and Sara sleep together, and then afterwards Beth ghosts Sara for two years. If you’re looking for a good explanation about why Beth leaves, this book doesn’t deliver. The murky and conflicting reasons given amounted to “it would ruin their friendship” to “it meant too much to Beth and she would ruin the relationship anyways” and “Beth is bad at relationships”. Noble idiocy: one of my least favorite tropes.
My heart hurt for Sara after learning she been working up the courage to make a move on Beth and how worthless she felt after Beth left, especially seeing Beth on social media after she immediately moved on with another woman. Beth is bad at relationships (?) but apparently was just fine falling in love and jumping into a serious relationship after her night with Sara. In fact, the impetus for Beth moving back to her home country and finally getting therapy had nothing to do with abandoning Sara and was just because her girlfriend cheated on her.
I think I’m a simple romantic but it felt like their night together didn’t mean anything to Beth. Beth didn’t pine or yearn for Sara after she left, apparently hadn’t had strong romantic feelings for her in their years of friendship, and had she not been cheated on, would have happily married the new girl.
When Beth had to go back to Madrid towards the end of the book, she let her ex pick her up from the airport, hugged her and let her post a selfie of the two of them on social media, all without mentioning that she was seeing someone new of course. Sara had to be the one to tell Beth that she didn’t want her to be friends with the ex girlfriend. I was hoping to see Beth make strong boundaries on her own for Sara. There’s no drama about any of this of course (Sara doesn’t make waves) but I wanted to see Beth choosing Sara directly and openly over her ex especially after all their history.
The good: The book is light enough that most of this is glossed over and Sara forgives Beth pretty quickly with lots of fun scenes in Christmas markets, snow, holiday baking. I appreciated Sara’s character growth and Beth’s masc representation, and the spicy scenes were great. Beth does make amends after meeting Sara, mostly through professional connections/favors, but I wish their conversations had dug a bit deeper, which might have given Beth the space to clearly explain why she left. Ultimately their relationship feels legitimate, with their easy going friendship and realistic attraction, but it also feels a bit practical and convenient. I just don’t get any sense that it’s an earth shattering, soul melting romantic love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2025
I love Clare Lydon’s books, so it was no surprise I enjoyed this too! Frenemies to Lovers, second chance romance. Audio narrated by Claire Storey and she did an excellent job! Plenty of spice as well! Definitely give it a go if you want some more sapphic Christmas books in your life!
December 13, 2025
Another humorous, sapphic, festive romance from Lydon 🎁 and this time we meet the characters Sara and Beth - along with their friends, family and long history ❤️
Sara and Beth were best friends for most of their lives... until they slept together one night in their 30s. What broke their friendship? Not the 🌶... but Beth leaving immediately and ghosting Sara. None of us would be impressed at that from a best friend, right? 😠
Well because of this, Sara has become quite the romance grinch. But due to sapphic conincidences... Beth turns up in London again, and the narrarive follows her attempts to get back into Sara's good books and off her naughty list 👼 (look at my christmas puns 💁🏻♀️)
It's a slow burn and when the 🌶 starts, it's 🔥! Lydon always writes great sensual scenes. It's enjoyable to watch both characters grow and trust each other - and I really like Sara's honesty and boundaries ❤️ and Beth is a trooper too (she goes above and beyond).
If you fancy following two women as they reconnect over the festive period - this is for you!
And to sum it up: Beth exclaims to her friend in the novel: "we're not living in a Christmas romance...those sort of things don't happen to me"... don't they, Beth? 😉
The blurb is above, but I think you'd enjoy:
🧁So many festive cakes
🧁When she wears a tux 🔥
🧁Remembering her perfume
🧁Promises you make friends 😂
🧁When you want to be her peach again 👅
🧁She doesn't think - just protects 🏃♀️
🧁Winter Wonderland 🎡
🧁Being a Suranne Jones fan
🧁Mum still interrupting kisses 🫠
🧁Picturing icing in certain places
🧁Falling (on) for her
🧁Biting into thighs, not cakes 🫦
🧁Skinny dipping and declarations in the hot tub ❤️
Sara and Beth were best friends for most of their lives... until they slept together one night in their 30s. What broke their friendship? Not the 🌶... but Beth leaving immediately and ghosting Sara. None of us would be impressed at that from a best friend, right? 😠
Well because of this, Sara has become quite the romance grinch. But due to sapphic conincidences... Beth turns up in London again, and the narrarive follows her attempts to get back into Sara's good books and off her naughty list 👼 (look at my christmas puns 💁🏻♀️)
It's a slow burn and when the 🌶 starts, it's 🔥! Lydon always writes great sensual scenes. It's enjoyable to watch both characters grow and trust each other - and I really like Sara's honesty and boundaries ❤️ and Beth is a trooper too (she goes above and beyond).
If you fancy following two women as they reconnect over the festive period - this is for you!
And to sum it up: Beth exclaims to her friend in the novel: "we're not living in a Christmas romance...those sort of things don't happen to me"... don't they, Beth? 😉
The blurb is above, but I think you'd enjoy:
🧁So many festive cakes
🧁When she wears a tux 🔥
🧁Remembering her perfume
🧁Promises you make friends 😂
🧁When you want to be her peach again 👅
🧁She doesn't think - just protects 🏃♀️
🧁Winter Wonderland 🎡
🧁Being a Suranne Jones fan
🧁Mum still interrupting kisses 🫠
🧁Picturing icing in certain places
🧁Falling (on) for her
🧁Biting into thighs, not cakes 🫦
🧁Skinny dipping and declarations in the hot tub ❤️
December 3, 2024
Brilliant!
Beth turns up in Sara’s life again, only to realise she’s missed her and their friendship. Sara just wants to avoid Beth but that’s just not possible. Beth keeps turning up, and she is trying desperately to apologise and explain what happened, which leads to them spending more time together than Sara would have liked, but Christmas magic is in the air.
I loved this! Clare always delivers a great romance, packed with heartfelt moments, drama, and humour, and this latest story does just that. The tension to begin with between Sara and Beth, really keeps Beth on her toes and having to work hard, but I admired her will and determination. She was taking responsibility of causing Sara’s heartache and genuinely wanted to put it right if she could, but was accepting it would take time and of the fact that she might not be able to.
It was nice of Sara to give her a chance though, and it wasn’t long before them spending time together again lead to reminiscing and stirring of feelings they’d tried to forget. I loved their playful nature with one another and how they really opened up and were honest about their feelings, both as they had felt in the past or in the moments they were in. It was so obvious they belonged together and I am glad Beth was getting a second chance with Sara. It was also brilliant how stubborn Sara was about Christmas and romantic events, but how fate was going to show her stubbornness would not win out, and the magic of Christmas had powers she could not avoid.
Brilliantly funny and uplifting romance, with a real feel good theme, lots of laughs, and a nice festive cheer to bring the romance at Christmas.
Beth turns up in Sara’s life again, only to realise she’s missed her and their friendship. Sara just wants to avoid Beth but that’s just not possible. Beth keeps turning up, and she is trying desperately to apologise and explain what happened, which leads to them spending more time together than Sara would have liked, but Christmas magic is in the air.
I loved this! Clare always delivers a great romance, packed with heartfelt moments, drama, and humour, and this latest story does just that. The tension to begin with between Sara and Beth, really keeps Beth on her toes and having to work hard, but I admired her will and determination. She was taking responsibility of causing Sara’s heartache and genuinely wanted to put it right if she could, but was accepting it would take time and of the fact that she might not be able to.
It was nice of Sara to give her a chance though, and it wasn’t long before them spending time together again lead to reminiscing and stirring of feelings they’d tried to forget. I loved their playful nature with one another and how they really opened up and were honest about their feelings, both as they had felt in the past or in the moments they were in. It was so obvious they belonged together and I am glad Beth was getting a second chance with Sara. It was also brilliant how stubborn Sara was about Christmas and romantic events, but how fate was going to show her stubbornness would not win out, and the magic of Christmas had powers she could not avoid.
Brilliantly funny and uplifting romance, with a real feel good theme, lots of laughs, and a nice festive cheer to bring the romance at Christmas.
August 6, 2025
4 to 4.5 stars
I felt Sara was a little too pushy and conflicted about Beth's visit to Spain. She didn't empathise with the loss of a grandparent. Just let it all get eaten by her insecurity.
Good one time holiday read
I felt Sara was a little too pushy and conflicted about Beth's visit to Spain. She didn't empathise with the loss of a grandparent. Just let it all get eaten by her insecurity.
Good one time holiday read
October 11, 2024
A joyful and fun Christmas romance
The story revolves around two best friends who have been inseparable since childhood, sharing countless adventures. However, everything changes after a one-night stand Beth Callaghan unexpectedly leaves England, leaving her best friend Sara Snow heartbroken and angry. When Beth returns to England and they meet again, there is a mix of emotions, and she realizes just how much she misses her friend and regrets how things ended. Determined to regain Sara's trust and rebuild their friendship, they embark on a journey filled with heartfelt moments.
The book is a heartwarming romance, perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit, and Clare Lydon's writing captures the essence of the holiday season. The story is brimming with Ms Lydon's trademark humour, well-developed characters, and a plot that tugs at the heartstrings, leaving readers with a warm, uplifting feeling. While I thoroughly enjoyed the story, I wished for a more extensive ending or a larger epilogue to savour the characters' journey more.
This book is a must-read if you appreciate charming Christmas tales with good character development.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
The story revolves around two best friends who have been inseparable since childhood, sharing countless adventures. However, everything changes after a one-night stand Beth Callaghan unexpectedly leaves England, leaving her best friend Sara Snow heartbroken and angry. When Beth returns to England and they meet again, there is a mix of emotions, and she realizes just how much she misses her friend and regrets how things ended. Determined to regain Sara's trust and rebuild their friendship, they embark on a journey filled with heartfelt moments.
The book is a heartwarming romance, perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit, and Clare Lydon's writing captures the essence of the holiday season. The story is brimming with Ms Lydon's trademark humour, well-developed characters, and a plot that tugs at the heartstrings, leaving readers with a warm, uplifting feeling. While I thoroughly enjoyed the story, I wished for a more extensive ending or a larger epilogue to savour the characters' journey more.
This book is a must-read if you appreciate charming Christmas tales with good character development.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
January 5, 2025
I think I can read Christmas books all year round. This book also warmed my heart and made me wish it would be Christmas again soon. It's the perfect mix of slow burn and friends to lovers story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Beth and Sara have been friends since childhood. Best friends. Until that one Christmas night when they slept together. Without talking about it, Beth takes off on Christmas morning, leaving Sara alone. After two years of silence, they meet again in London. But can they pick up their friendship again or pick up where they left off?
What I really loved about this book was Sara's best friend Nancy. She was the absolute highlight for me. So funny and direct. The diaglogues with her and Sara were just hilarious and I read them several times because it was just so good. It's worth reading this book for Nancy alone. I also loved the palpable tension between Beth and Sara, which grew with every page. Lydon's writing style drew me right in and I still feel like I'm standing in this huge store in London that is decorated for Christmas and smells of fresh cupcakes.
Towards the end, I found Sara's reactions and expectations somewhat exaggerated and incomprehensible. I thought that was a bit of a shame, as the character lost a bit of sympathy as a result. Nevertheless, it really is a cute book with a lovely and steamy love story. And finally a book without a third act break up.
Beth and Sara have been friends since childhood. Best friends. Until that one Christmas night when they slept together. Without talking about it, Beth takes off on Christmas morning, leaving Sara alone. After two years of silence, they meet again in London. But can they pick up their friendship again or pick up where they left off?
What I really loved about this book was Sara's best friend Nancy. She was the absolute highlight for me. So funny and direct. The diaglogues with her and Sara were just hilarious and I read them several times because it was just so good. It's worth reading this book for Nancy alone. I also loved the palpable tension between Beth and Sara, which grew with every page. Lydon's writing style drew me right in and I still feel like I'm standing in this huge store in London that is decorated for Christmas and smells of fresh cupcakes.
Towards the end, I found Sara's reactions and expectations somewhat exaggerated and incomprehensible. I thought that was a bit of a shame, as the character lost a bit of sympathy as a result. Nevertheless, it really is a cute book with a lovely and steamy love story. And finally a book without a third act break up.
October 22, 2024
I loved it
The Queen of Sapphic Christmas has done it again. If you’re looking for a lovely Hallmark - esque Christmas Sapphic romance that features the large store executive and the small town business woman just trying to make it then look no further.
This book is another Christmas hit! I love that it’s almost all set in the city and we really get to see London showcased.
Beth is the large store exec - newly returned to London and having to deal with her own painful past. Sara is the small town baker just trying to make a go of it but has fallen on hard times.
Sparks fly when Beth and Sara meet - but not of the love struck friendly variety.
This book made me laugh and cry and really crave a Christmas cupcake.
If I ever get to visit London I definitely hope to visit at Christmas to take in the Christmas Market and the Winter Wonderland which Clare Lydon has so beautifully described.
If this book doesn’t put you in the Christmas spirit, maybe nothing will.
The Queen of Sapphic Christmas has done it again. If you’re looking for a lovely Hallmark - esque Christmas Sapphic romance that features the large store executive and the small town business woman just trying to make it then look no further.
This book is another Christmas hit! I love that it’s almost all set in the city and we really get to see London showcased.
Beth is the large store exec - newly returned to London and having to deal with her own painful past. Sara is the small town baker just trying to make a go of it but has fallen on hard times.
Sparks fly when Beth and Sara meet - but not of the love struck friendly variety.
This book made me laugh and cry and really crave a Christmas cupcake.
If I ever get to visit London I definitely hope to visit at Christmas to take in the Christmas Market and the Winter Wonderland which Clare Lydon has so beautifully described.
If this book doesn’t put you in the Christmas spirit, maybe nothing will.
October 24, 2024
Christmas is not Christmas without a Clare Lydon festive offering, let’s face it, it would be like trying to do Christmas without the 24 hour Christmas movie channel or not having a glass of mulled wine!
Don’t Marry Me at Christmas is Clare’s latest Christmas release the plot is a ‘friends to lovers’, and tells the story of Sara and Beth. As usual I will not give a full synopsis of the plot as there will be numerous overviews given in the many reviews that this book will get.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s easy to read and without too much angst. It’s funny and full of Christmas cheer.
Clare once again gives us a great read with a good plot and really likeable characters. I generally don’t read books twice, unless I really enjoyed reading them but, Don’t Marry Me at Christmas is one I will read again.
So if you want to kick start to the festive season (at the time of writing this review, only 62 more sleeps to Christmas!!) then this book is for you.
Don’t Marry Me at Christmas is Clare’s latest Christmas release the plot is a ‘friends to lovers’, and tells the story of Sara and Beth. As usual I will not give a full synopsis of the plot as there will be numerous overviews given in the many reviews that this book will get.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s easy to read and without too much angst. It’s funny and full of Christmas cheer.
Clare once again gives us a great read with a good plot and really likeable characters. I generally don’t read books twice, unless I really enjoyed reading them but, Don’t Marry Me at Christmas is one I will read again.
So if you want to kick start to the festive season (at the time of writing this review, only 62 more sleeps to Christmas!!) then this book is for you.
December 18, 2024
A cozy Christmas second chance romance.
I liked the interactions between the two leads and their communication. It was also a second chance romance I could get behind. It made sense why the leads were willing to try again.
The only issue was that it was a little slowly paced in the middle when they were avoiding getting back together. There were lots of details for some items that were set up, and then not enough details for other things set up earlier.
Something you might be interested in if you love Christmas romcom reads. While it didn't have the most nostalgic feel, it was nice to read about a cozy second chance romance during the holiday season.
I liked the interactions between the two leads and their communication. It was also a second chance romance I could get behind. It made sense why the leads were willing to try again.
The only issue was that it was a little slowly paced in the middle when they were avoiding getting back together. There were lots of details for some items that were set up, and then not enough details for other things set up earlier.
Something you might be interested in if you love Christmas romcom reads. While it didn't have the most nostalgic feel, it was nice to read about a cozy second chance romance during the holiday season.
October 22, 2024
Don’t Marry Me at Christmas is a classic friends to lovers story with a few bumps along the way. The characters are well rounded and the story flows smoothly. I enjoyed this book of a sweet romance with a bit of heat and a dash of humor. A good read!
October 15, 2024
What a delightful read!
Best friends, to enemies, to…?
Beth and Sara’s banter, be it playful or argumentative, is very well written. I laughed out loud at multiple points throughout this book.
The secondary characters were also wonderful; they weren’t overwritten - taking you out of the story nor were they underwritten - leaving the reader wanting more info. I really enjoyed the variety of characters as well. Posh people in London and charming village folk appear throughout the story and juxtapose the two worlds nicely.
Another fantastic novel from Clare Lydon, and definitely one of my new holiday faves!
Best friends, to enemies, to…?
Beth and Sara’s banter, be it playful or argumentative, is very well written. I laughed out loud at multiple points throughout this book.
The secondary characters were also wonderful; they weren’t overwritten - taking you out of the story nor were they underwritten - leaving the reader wanting more info. I really enjoyed the variety of characters as well. Posh people in London and charming village folk appear throughout the story and juxtapose the two worlds nicely.
Another fantastic novel from Clare Lydon, and definitely one of my new holiday faves!
December 23, 2024
This was super cute and perfect for the season. An excellent friends to lovers to enemies to lovers, with good reasons for it all. I've been meaning to try Clare Lydon for a while and I'll definitely be reading more of her. The characters were really well fleshed out and the conflict made sense. I really enjoyed this one and recommend it if you are looking for a festive sapphic romance.
January 5, 2025
I love reading Clare Lydon's books. She writes so well. The story flows perfectly and is easy to follow. But mostly, it's her quirky sense of humour that leaves me craving the next Clare Lydon novel.
October 10, 2024
Ms Lydon is the best at festive romances and this is up there. Great main and supporting characters and interesting plot to keep you invested until the end. I just love second chance stories and this involves Beth and her ex best friend Sara. Beth & Sara go way back as friends, then they had a one night stand and Beth left the country straight after, leaving Sara heartbroken and angry. Beth is now back in the country and bumps into Sara again. Will Sara let her back into her life. Read the book and enjoy making cupcakes and Christmas festivities. Really enjoyed this lighthearted book with minimal aghast.
November 2, 2024
A delightful, low angst holiday romance. Beth and Sara had some baggage to overcome and Beth’s arc was my favorite. Mostly because she was the cause for the angst. The baked goods were the best supporting characters and now I need to know what a Basque Cheesecake is and where I can get one.
December 21, 2024
Personally think there should have been more grovelling, but that’s just me
December 28, 2024
A sweet friends to lovers Christmas romance.
April 23, 2025
Perhaps my hopes were too high. I was never able to simultaneously root for both main characters.
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