A Merry Little Christmas Contingency

by Brooklyn Dean

Breanna Henderson lives by lists, strict schedules, and preparations galore. Being pregnant while climbing up a ladder into her best friend Billy’s bedroom was definitely NOT part of the plan. This Christmas, everything has changed, and Breanna’s meticulous agenda has disappeared out the tinsel-trimmed window.

Billy Carmichael loves the festive his family descending on the Christmas tree farm, long days among the pines, and long nights between the sheets with his best-friend-with-benefits, Breanna. But Billy soon discovers that this year, unwrapping his favourite present won’t be so easy.

A flirty TV car show host, a celebrity home stylist, and a meddling clan of kilt-loving lumberjacks threaten everything they knew. And then there’s the truth about Bre’s baby daddy.

Billy and Breanna don't just need a Plan B. They need ... A Merry Little Christmas Contingency.


Join Billy and Bre this Christmas in this small town Australian friends-to-lovers story. A standalone novel in the interconnected Moonshine Romance series, come experience a Christmas 'Down Under' this year!

Genres: Christmas

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2024

About the author

BROOKLYN DEAN is a perpetual daydreamer from rural Australia.

When she’s not writing, Brooklyn can be found practicing to become the world hugging champion, drinking coffee, throwing her head back in laughter, or stealing time to nap in the sun.

Her second novel, a sexy Aussie enemies-to-lovers novel, The Insufferable Adam James, won the BEST INDIE BOOK AWARD (Romance, 2024).

Meet Adam in Brooklyn's debut Moonshine Romance series.

Reviews

[Pru · Rating 5 out of 5]

I FOUND THE PICKLE!!

Bre is a planner. Her life has always consisted of "to do" lists however, climbing up a ladder, in a Santa suit, on a warm Australian summer night, pregnant was never part of the plan.

Billy spends every Christmas with his family on their Christmas tree farm, and having friends with festive benefits fun with Bre. That is until she climbs up into his bedroom derobes and is quite pregnant.

This year is different on the farm, Revv Piers of TV show Crank Shaft are filming for their Christmas episode. As well as social media influencer Sharee DeLuca is assisting the farms social media presence with all things cottage core. Then there is Bre and Billy's relationship. As much as she doesn't want it to change, a baby will change everything but could it change things for the better?

A Merry Little Christmas Contingency is my favourite festive read this year. I am loving the Moonshine series and highly rate this book. Dean's writing is so refreshing and relatable. The summer Christmas was encapsulated perfectly, although my family don't own a Christmas tree farm or hide the pickle. Billy's disability plays such an important role within the story but in a positive light. We need more books with positive disability representation! Do yourselves a favour and read this book, you won't regret it

[Jaymie | Girlogic Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is kind of a big dill.

‘I wish every Christmas could be like this one,’ - Breanna Henderson.

I absolutely LOVED this one.

I have been obsessed with Brooklyn Dean’s books since I ARC read The Write Way For Love. If you haven’t read that book, you need to because you’re seriously missing out. Her books are quirky, fun, filled with banter and overall a good time she delivers the romance with an Aussie style and has the readers fall in love with each character. You cannot go wrong with her writing.

A Merry Little Christmas Contingency is no different. You will be obsessed.

Bre is hardheaded, one of the boys and an all out planner. She’s more of a take charge kinda gal and will show the boys how to do it.

Billy is a thinker, he’s quiet, a listener who says few words, he’d rather read than waste time talking nonsense. He’d rather blend into the background over having the spotlight.

Bre and Billy compliment each other perfectly. Bre fills the silence with words and Billy listens to everything. They have been best friends from the beginning, they have been through so much together always being each other support. Throw in a little festive benefits that becomes whole year round, things are bound to change.

Their journey through this books is everything. They have secrets and unanswered questions, there tension and quiet support, there’s love everywhere and a whole bunch of Christmas shenanigans. It completely pulls you in.

I totally wanted to throat punch Rev though, what a tosser.

The Carmichael Clan was everything. I really enjoyed Richard, he was highly entertaining. I love how this family really keeps to their Scottish roots and use it when flirting. IYKYK.

Honestly, I enjoyed the heck out of this book. I loved everything and especially how Billy knew Bre could fight her own battles but silently supported her. I also really like the disability representation and how it was handled.

I am a huge fan of the Two Bees and the maternity shoot. Those two are some of my favourite scenes, although I have many fave scenes from this book.

Everyone needs to read this and enjoys a sweltering Aussie Christmas just like the Carmichael Clan does.

I can’t wait to read the next book in the Moonshine Series.

[Pandora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this typically Australian Christmas romance. Yes! For once there's no snow and cuddling up by the fire, but lots of heat and sweat.

I loved the crazy Carmichael family and their annual Christmas pickle hunt 😂 Not to mention, the image of Billy as this giant muscled tattooed man who also has an on and off Scottish accent? Yum. Bre is also loveable as a typical tomboy who turns into an emotional wreck with pregnancy hormones running rampant - I feel you. Together their friends to lovers story is adorable.

This was my introduction to Brooklyn's writing (can be read standalone, I didn't feel I was missing anything at all). But now I'll absolutely be going on to read her other books in the Moonshine series.

[Stacey (sassysreadingnook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, cute, and lovable read! From the very first page, I was hooked by the charming dynamic between Bre and Billy. The author did an excellent job of bringing these characters to life, and I found myself rooting for them the entire time. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their personalities made the story feel warm and genuine. 🥰

The plot moved at a perfect pace, with just the right balance of lighthearted moments and emotional depth. I loved how the story was both playful and heartfelt, and it left me with a smile on my face long after I finished. If you’re looking for a feel-good read with lovable characters you can’t help but adore, this one is definitely worth picking up. 🤩
Highly recommended!

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one super sweet ... with lots of heart eye moments ... and a red headed fiesty FMC which we love 😍. Set in the scorching hot summer of small town Australia at Christmas time, this has all the Christmas trimmings and feels, just minus the snow.

Breanna has lots of plans, a whole book of plans in fact. None of them involved climbing a ladder dressed as Santa while pregnant. Breanna doesn't like change, but she does like Billy and their Friends with Festive Benefits situation.

Billy loves his family, his family's tree farm, Christmas and Breanna. Billy doesn't like how Bre is trying to shut him out.

A few more little notes with no context:
Freckle constellations
Banana and strawberry sandwiches
A lucky rabbit's foot
Pickles
Kilt loving lumberjacks
An annoying car show host
Googly eyes

Read if you love:
🥒 Friends with Festive Benefits
🥒 Childhood friends
🥒 Disability rep and mental health rep
🥒 Found family
🥒 Mr Pickles the puppy 🥰

Verdict: A fantastic Christmas story full of heart and giggles.

[Amy Elste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, yes, yes! ★★★★☆
This heartwarming holiday romance is the perfect read to get into the festive spirit.
I love Billy & Bre's story, their background & their future! I was unsure if they would get the happy ending, and I am so glad they did.
If you're looking for a feel-good, festive read that will leave you smiling, A Merry Little Christmas Contingency is a great choice.
I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who loves holiday romances, or even small town romances, this had a little bit off everything I love!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

this Aussie Christmas romance was fun and surprising. What a great friends to lovers romance with no third act break up. It was a lovingly crafted story with tiny details considered all throughout the book. I wanted to see more of the sexy Christmas bucket list and what other antics were happening during past festive friends with benefits.

[Enya Miche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished just in time for the holidays, Moonshine fans have the chance to head out of town to the local Carmichael Christmas Tree Farm as they gear up for one of the two most talked-about events of the year (you’ll have to read “Meet Me In Moonshine” for the other!). In the fourth book of the series, we jump back in time to finally uncover the story we’ve been waiting for – Breanna and Billy. Get ready to enjoy a new twist on Christmas as Brooklyn brings the heat in more ways than one, along with a little Christmas cheer, in this sweet holiday tale.

Breanna “Bruce” Henderson has always been one of the guys! She knows how to keep the four Carmichael boys and her brother Seth in check. Women don’t get her, men fear her, and those who cross her learn quickly not to try it again. She knows what she wants, has a plan, and is freaking out! An accidental pregnancy was not part of her life plan! What was part of it? Having her beloved 1943 Ford Coupe Utility on Crank Shaft, spending her days during Christmas on the tree farm with her true family, and her nights in bed with Billy Carmichael – not dealing with being six months pregnant, hiding the father’s identity, coping with insane pregnancy hormones, and being treated like a porcelain doll. All she wants is for everything to remain the same, but the life growing inside her has other plans. As her agenda and plans are slowly stripped from her, Breanna must decide whether to accept the new life ahead or risk her sanity (and her baby) to keep things as they are.

There is nothing that brings a brighter smile to my face than the Carmichael Crew! Holly, Nick, Liam, Connor, Billy, and Graham are the family you wish you had the pleasure of knowing. Throw in Grandpa Richard and his little quips, and you couldn’t ask for more. I stand corrected – Breanna’s brother Seth was one of my favorite characters. The host of characters, along with favorites from the previous books, made revisiting the town of Moonshine and the Carmichael Christmas Tree Farm a delightful treat.

Having lived in the northern hemisphere my entire life, it was mind-boggling to read a Christmas tale set during a heat wave where people were still picking out Christmas trees! Not sure why, as it’s 74 degrees in Florida on December 23rd, but still, it was an interesting shift in perspective after reading so many holiday stories set in the snow.

There were a few things in this one that pulled me away from the book. For starters, Breanna, for lack of a better term, irked a nerve for the first 40% of the book. While I grew to understand her character more, initially the games she was playing with Billy were very off-putting. Billy had the patience of a saint, and as he reassured her about their friendship and everything she needed to feel secure, I grew increasingly frustrated with her avoidance. However, as we learn more about Breanna’s character, I became less protective of Billy and more understanding of Breanna’s struggle to hold onto “Bruce,” her persona of strength and resilience. Being pregnant meant she was fragile and vulnerable.

Another aspect that pulled me out of the book was the redundancy. Having read the prior books, I knew about Billy’s right arm and its history. It was enlightening to be in his mind and see how this disability didn’t hold him back, but at times left him wanting. Initially, the mention of what he wished he could do with his right hand added depth and emotion – especially for first time readers; however, by the end, it was brought up so frequently that you found yourself saying, “yes, we get it!” The same goes for Breanna’s need for control and resistance to change – these inner thoughts felt repetitive and didn’t seem to evolve until the end.

I will credit Brooklyn to her creative approach with the spice in this book. It gives the illusion it was going to be steamy but held back. These two had a Christmas tradition of being together at the farm, and yet, with the change of events, you found them constantly circling one another, wanting, needing but not giving in. There were heated scenes, intimate moments, but only one was fully ignited.

Speaking of the person behind the mask, we also had the chance to get to know Billy beyond the façade, grunts, and minimalistic conversations. A new perspective emerged with a character's ableist behavior around the family, highlighting what Billy endured. It put a beautifully positive spin on his attitude and his disability. Yes, we are aware that Billy’s presence commanded attention, and those familiar with him and his family knew better. For an outsider without a filter, however, you suddenly saw why Billy was determined to be who he was and excel in life, not being held back by the limitations of the missing remainder of his right arm. It was truly awe-inspiring.

While it was a slow start, once “A Merry Little Christmas Contingency” got going, it became an absolute joy to read. As a bonus, we get a sneak peek into Reece’s story, “Fake Dating Dr. Darcy,” with the first two chapters, and I cannot wait! Having also gotten to know Seth Henderson, my one hope is that we see more of him in the future (or less – still can’t get that Chapter Three out of my head!).

[CAVE5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly - haha I did it, first review on this cracker of a read!
Secondly - I love Brooklyn's writing. She has a special way about crafting her stories beautifully and then she goes and sets them in the wonderful Australian countryside in a small town named Moonshine. I have devoured her other books!

It is such a refreshing feeling to have a story that reflects what it truely is like experiencing a hot, sweaty Aussie Christmas. Not a flake of snow in sight, iced rather than hot chocolate, hanging out in the pool so day instead of sitting by the fire... Mainly due to the state wide fire bans during the scorching Summer months here

The strength of Bre and Billy's friendship and then some is heartwarming. Bre sees Billy for the whole package that he is, despite his disability after losing his arm as a child.

And Bre or "Bruce" as she prefers to help get fit in as "one of the boys", she goes through many changes and it is lovely to see how handling a mental health issues can be done without the stigma. Wonderfully written.

Thank you Brooklyn for giving me a new book boyfriend to get me out of the book funk you left me in after reading The Insufferable Adam James. His Fit Butt ;) had been knocked down into 2nd place, sorry not sorry.

I may or may not have been constantly donating to Brooklyn's liquid life page to help get this book out so I could get my hands on a copy. I promise I didn't message THAT many times to check in on her, since she is such a beautiful, kind soul but also to often any inspo I could to get this story out in time for the festive season

Incase anyone wants to thank the talented author (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bcdean)

[Mel (literaturelylost) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give a book a hug, I would be hugging this book. This is a gorgeous friends to lovers book with so many intertwined themes and cozy feelings I absorbed it so quickly.

𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:
Bre and Billy had been best friends for a very long time. Though when one year their friendship extended to friends with benefits, things didn't seem so out of place and their Christmas catch ups were a standing arrangement.
Until Bre climbed through Billy's window, in a Santa suit. 6 months pregnant...

Brooklyn writes in such a way that it's captivating and fluid, and just a fun read. Some of the themes of being your authentic self, the fear of the unknown and just what is important to YOU just spoke to me. Ok, and also all the while pregnancy emotions, so Mumma bears beware 😆

One of my absolute favourite quotes in this book:

"𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘉𝘳𝘦. 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨."

Bre is just a powerhouse, who has everything under control and watching her character learn that it's not just about her anymore and she is going to have to give up control and ask for help... Yeah, it was a moment. Hot Doctors orders or not haha.

Billy was just the big broody man, who was an absolute cinnamon roll for his best friend, who he always loved more than friends, but was willing to take whatever she was willing to give.

If you need a Christmas read, seriously pick up this book set in an Aussie farming region of New South Wales.

I absolutely loved it 😍😍😍

[Ryn Meagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review 🎄A Merry Little Christmas Contingency by Brooklyn Dean

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of A Merry Little Christmas Contingency, and let me tell you—this book is packed with everything you could want in a holiday read! From an Australian outback small-town romance to a Scottish family in kilts (and yes, they were HOT), this story delivers humor, heart, and heat in spades.

The family antics had me laughing out loud, and the stubborn Australian FMC added so much personality and grit. One standout aspect of this book was the beautiful disability inclusion, which was incredibly well done. From tender moments like missing a limb to the authentic portrayal of panic attacks and mental health struggles, the representation felt real and heartfelt. It’s rare to see this level of care in a romance, and it deserves major praise.

While I loved the unique setting, I have to admit I was a bit thrown by the idea of a Christmas tree farm in Australia—it’s not something I’ve come across before ( I think we have them here?), but now I really want to visit one. And the cute pickle game had me giggling. We aussies really do create some odd Christmas traditions don’t we?

This was a fast-paced, quick read perfect for the Christmas season. If I can give you one piece of advice, it’s this: support this small indie author and grab this book. You won’t regret it!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sick of reading Christmas stories set in the snow when we are sweltering here in the Southern Hemisphere? Then this is the book for you!

Every year, Breanna spends Christmas at her neighbor’s Christmas tree farm in rural NSW, celebrating the festive season with the Carmichael family—especially her best friend, Billy. Their annual holiday tradition takes an unexpected turn when Bre arrives pregnant. As Bre navigates the challenges of impending motherhood and Billy grapples with the mystery of the baby’s father and how to support his best friend, a colourful cast of characters descends on the farm. Among them are a style influencer, a TV car show host, and multiple generations of meddling, kilt-wearing Carmichaels.

This story was a refreshing departure from the typical wintry Christmas reads. I loved the Australian small-town setting and the heartwarming found-family aspect. Billy and Bre’s friendship and developing romantic relationship was so cute, and I appreciated the thoughtful disability representation woven into the story. I’ll definitely be checking out more books in this series!

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

A merry little Christmas contingency is a fun Australian Christmas tale, it’s great to finally read a Christmas story set in the Aussie heat rather than a story with snow and cracking fires. I loved the characters in this story, the crazy Carmichael clan and their annual pickle hunt. Bre is the loveable tomboy currently contending with pregnancy hormones that are making her an emotional wreck and Billie is a large, muscular tattooed man with a sometimes Scottish accent in a kilt. Billie and Bre are the main focus of this story as their relationship grows from childhood friends/ festive friends with benefits to lovers. A lovingly crafted story with no third act breakup, this was an enjoyable read. This is my first time reading any of Brooklyn Deans work, but I’ll be looking for the rest of the books in the interconnected Moonshine series to learn more about the other characters in the town. Thankyou to Brooklyn Dean for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for my review.

[Teal Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book checks all the boxes: a surprise baby bump, a fiery red-head, a tatted up hottie, a scorching Aussie Chrissy, some questionable things done with tinsel, and a pickle. Oh, and the chapter titles? Chef’s kiss. They’re witty, charming, and honestly deserve their own Goodreads page.

But beyond the laughs and the spice, this book is about finding love in the chaos, embracing imperfections, and realising that sometimes, it’s okay to let someone help you carry the load—especially when they’re tattooed, ridiculously hot, and willing to wrestle a kangaroo for you (probably).

If you love Christmas, love love, and maybe want to blush a little at your next book club, this one’s for you. It’s merry, it’s bright, and it’s as tangled as the lights you swore you put away neatly last year.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want the vibes of a true Aussie Christmas, this book is for you.

Billy and Bre, best friends with festive benefits, are childhood friends who have gone through everything together.

The setting is a hot Australian December where it’s all hands on deck at Billy's family Christmas tree farm.

The shenanigans the family get up to are hilarious. Mealtimes are raucous and full of love.

However Brooklyn Dean balanced this well with the quiet times between Billy and Bre. Along with some spicy times together.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and recommend it to anyone who loves gruff MMCs who are totally gone for their love.

Thank you Brooklyn Dean for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Natalie Gold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas romance books are my fave thing to read in December, but rarely do I find one that I can actually relate to. Australian Christmas heat is very different to all the snow that usually features in these books. Overall, I really enjoyed Bre and Billy's story. I loved the small town vibes and the big Carmichael family. I loved that it was set at a Christmas tree farm but amongst the summer heat. I thought their game of finding the pickle amongst the trees was such a fun idea. Both Billy and Bre are wonderful characters - this book features disability and mental health rep. I loved reading their relationship move from friends with benefits, to more. I wanted to scream at Bre to tell me who her baby Daddy was 🤣. Overall, am enjoyable Christmas read!

[BookishVocab · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect read for those looking for a small town, friends to lovers, found family, spicy Aussie Christmas romance.

I loved reading Bre and Billy's story. The setting was gorgeous and the cast of characters funny, warm, loveable and a bit cheeky (well, most of them anway!). This one was the perfect holiday read, bringing all the Christmas vibes that come with a hot Christmas down under. Brooklyn's writing had me turning the pages quickly to find out the answers to all my questions! My absolute favourite out of the Moonshine series so far. Happy Christmas Pickle hunting!

A big thank you to Brooklyn Dean for the eARC copy.

[Kim Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooklyn Dean has delivered yet again! I feel like I am part of the Moonshine landscape and these characters are my friends and neighbours. The Carmichaels are a wonderful family who support each other and the community. I love Granddad Carmichael and his jibes and antics. He was a great way to break up the tension throughout the book. Bre & Billy are goals as both best
friends and a couple. They are so in tune with each other but neither want to be honest to the other about their feelings. Great easy Aussie Christmas read. Don’t need to have read any of the other books in the connected standalone series that is Moonshine. But all of them are worthy of a read!!!

[mistys_bookobsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas in Australia! Brooklyn absolutely captured a true Aussie Christmas.

I fell in love with Billy from the start. A big marshmallow mountain man with a sometimes Scottish accent. What's not to love. Add in Breanna the strong willed and stubborn FMC, the ever loving Carmichael family and you get a family you wish you could spend Christmas with always.
This book has so much banter and love that it fills you with joy.

It touches on disability in such a beautiful and kind way whilst still showing how serious these issues are.

This is the first book I have read of Brooklyn's but I will definitely be adding more to my collection

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Merry Little Christmas Contingency
By Brooklyn Dean
5 🌟 2 🌶
OK... I loved this book!!! I loved all the characters (except Elanor and Revv Ryder, but all books need a "villian" don't they?). I loved the love and laughter that all the Carmichael family give. I love that it is set in a hot and humid Aussie summer. I love that the family are Scots and the boys wear kilts (yum). And the ending... I had waves of goosebumps and tears threatening to spill. Bre and Billy's story is a Christmas must read.

[Awesome_Ames · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet Aussie Christmas read!!!! How refreshing to read a Christmas novel that is so authentically Australian!!! Not a snowflake in sight - except maybe Piers 😉😉

I loved the diversity representation in this book - physical and mental health. I was started to become overwhelmed by Bre’s plans … I was so invested.

Humorous, sweet, spiiiiicy and those Scottish brogue growls of ‘mine’ *swoon*

You’ll have yourself a Merry Christmas read with Bre and Billy ☺️❤️🎄

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful and well written book.
If Billy isn't the perfect MMC, I don't know who is. This book is so wonderfully written. I love that some things WEREN’T wrapped up in a neat little bow because it's fully realistic and shows that you can have your happily ever after, not despite but regardless.
I LOVED this book and was so grateful for something so loving and warm to start helping me on my own healing journey.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billy and Bre have a festive friends with benefits situation, one Christmas she arrives pregnant.

This Aussie Christmas rom com gives you a Christmas tree farm, an unexpected pregnancy, and so much more. It’s fun, full of heat and a fabulous disability rep for the MMC. To sum it up in a word, it’s adorable.

Thank you Brooklyn for the gifted copy of the story. I love a good Christmas based story, and one based in Australia, even better.

[Sharnee Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this!! Billy & Bre are so cute together and the way Billy looks after Bre is relationship goals. I could relate so much to this being pregnant (same stage as Bre) and the way she speaks about her body is literally coming right out of my brain.

There is humour, romance and sass. A FMC who knows how to hold her own and a MMC who knows when to step in.

This is a great holiday read!

“Finding the centre of balance when you’re a whale on land is rather difficult.”

[Fae Le Friz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fantastic read, I could barely put it down! This was a brilliant little festive read, and I loved every minute of it. I especially loved that it was set in Australia (!), the unique characters, and how everyone played off of each other. There's a particular way of communicating with close siblings or best mates, and I feel like that was really well written here.

[Tiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED having a pregnant MC who was treated as a person who still has needs! Many people expect pregnant people to be celibate and all happiness, but as Bre reminds us, pregnancy is hard, wonderful and full of hormones!
Dean beautifully writes about Christmas in Australia, even if you’ve never had a hot Christmas, Dean paints such a wonderful image
I wish I could meet the Carmichael’s!!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had me intrigued from the beginning, at times I found it a little slow to follow, I think if I’ve read the other books in the series first I would have had a better idea of who each character was.
It was a cute Christmas read which had me to hooked to see how it ended.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest in the series!

[Neen T · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Australian small town Christmas on a tree farm.
Friends with benefits...until a pregnancy throws a spanner in the works.
Disability rep
A Christmas pickle hunt!
I loved the chaos and love of the Carmichael family.
This was definitely a fun read! I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Kate Beattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, easy read, full of Aussie Christmas goodness!
I loved that there was really never anyone else (for years!), yet they couldn't admit it to each other... until, of course, they do!

Tough FMC, totally smitten MMC, and one big reveal!

[Alanya J. Stuckey · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUSSIE CHRISTMAS YAY
So thankful to receive this arc and get to read it in the lead up to my very sweltering and very Australian Christmas
Looove the southern hemisphere Christmas rep finally and though I’m not usually one for the pregnancy trope but oh my days I ATE this up
🎄🫶🏻