Ski, Sparks & Serendipity

Season of Love #2

by Marion De Ré

She came to escape—he gave her a reason to stay.

I got dumped the night before my wedding and decided to go on my honeymoon alone.
After everything that happened, I figured some crisp mountain air and the chance to finally see snow was exactly what I needed.
Wrong.
Having to explain that I’m alone at every single activity I participate in is far from the escape I was looking for.
And to top it all off, Zane Harden, my ski instructor, is a grumpy Viking who lacks social skills and seems to have lost the ability to smile.
But when I go on my sled dog ride tour and discover Zane is the owner, my opinion of him starts to change.
How could it not? The guy takes me on a winter wonderland ride and cuddles huskies in front of me.
Soon, Zane is the only comfort on this solo trip. Or is it even solo anymore?
Because he joins me on my couples’ wine tasting, snowmobile excursion, and cooking class. He even goes tubing with me—though he will deny it if you ask.
I’m sure he’s just trying to save me from humiliation and make up for that first ski lesson where I almost died—don’t ask—but isn’t it wrong to find comfort with another man when I was about to be married just days ago?
I knew the secluded small town of Winter Heights would be the perfect destination to escape from my life, but what if I found it here instead?

Ski, Sparks & Serendipity is a closed door small town romcom with winter vibes, ski lessons and lots of adorable huskies. It’s part of the Season of Love series, where each standalone book focuses on a different season and location.
Expect immersive adventures that transport you to vibrant locations, rich with sensory details and swoony moments.

Perfect for fans
✔️Grumpy Sunshine
✔️Winter romance
✔️Puppy therapy
✔️Vacation love
✔️Funny banter
✔️Sizzling chemistry
✔️Small town vibes
✔️Closed door/kisses only

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Chick Lit, Clean Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Sports

292 pages, Paperback

Published December 6, 2024

About the author

Marion De Ré is a closed-door romantic comedy author. She lives in the French countryside with her husband and adorable cat. You can expect all your beloved tropes in her writing as well as a good dose of humor and all the feels. When she's not reading or writing, you can find her on a plane to a far-away destination.

Get a free story: http://www.subscribepage.io/bYvJRP

Find Marion on Instagram : www.instagram.com/marionderewrites

Reviews

[Catarina Águas · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

Loved this story, it was so good.
Ivy had just been dumped and went on her honeymoon alone. She didn't expect to fall in love so quickly with another person again but that's exactly what happened.
Zane was a grumpy mountain man whose broken heart isolated him more. He tried to resist Ivy at first, like she did him, but they couldn't stop themselves from liking each other.
It was really was serendipity

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me encantó, sin duda una lectura para esta época navideña.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ski, Sparks, and Serendipity is the second book in the Seasons of Love series. Ivy is Hazel's (from book one) sister, so we get a little glimpse of Hazel and Olivier, but this could absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone without any issues as well.

Once again Marion De Ré has absolutely knocked it out of the park with this delightful romance! Right from the start, I was drawn into Ivy and Zane's story. Ivy was dumped days before her wedding and decides to go on her winter honeymoon to Winter Heights, Colorado on her own. The last thing she expects is Zane--- the grumpy mountain man who shows up as her fill-in ski instructor. They had both had their hearts broken in the past but had such a wonderful chemistry, both falling hard and fast as he joins her on her planned activities... and I absolutely couldn't get enough. I'm not usually one who enjoys winter outside of Christmas, but this book even had me dreaming of a snowy winter getaway--- it was just that good! If you love a good grumpy/sunshine with all the winter vibes, you absolutely won't want to miss this one!

Ski, Sparks, and Serendipity is a closed-door romance with kisses only. It does have a bit of minor language.


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

[Momo-Lune Momo-Lune · Rating 3 out of 5]

Au début, j’étais très emballée par le pitch : un mariage avorté, une lune de miel en solo, un Grumpy/Sunshine sous la neige… ❄️

Malheureusement, je n’ai pas réussi à vraiment plonger dans l’histoire. J’ai eu du mal avec la narration, qui manquait de caractère, et les dialogues étaient un peu trop lisses à mon goût. La crise des 80% était too much, mais le happy end était cute. C’est dommage, parce que la romance était Green flag et les personnages communiquaient bien – la plupart du temps – mais voilà, ça m’a pas convaincue 😔

[Devika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marion de Re had me hooked from the very first sentence and she didn’t let me go. This book yet again is a real page turner. Both Ivy and Zane have a broken heart, but will their friendship be enough to heal each other? Even though this book is a romance, there was a huge friendzone. This book is a really nice book to read during the cold winter days

Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Zane & Ivy's grumpy, sweet caring, fun filled, loving happily ever after!!

[Thalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would! I've been trying to read more of my free Kindle download books I've accumulated over the last year or so, and it was the perfect time of year for this one because this is a post-Christmas winter jaunt - so basically right now!

I really liked Zane and Ivy together; they were super cute, and the addition of twenty huskies definitely added some adorable-ness. This was a Hallmark that I could really picture in my head, and I think the author did a wonderful job with it. Is it going down in history as a must-read classic? Probably not. But it was exactly what I was looking for and it gave me the warm fuzzies, so that's a solid rating for me.

My only complaint is that the ending moved a bit too quickly. I know that books (and movies) like this tend to want to wrap it all up with a happily-ever-after bow, but it's okay to slow down and leave things off with the "let's see where this goes" bow instead of the "let's move in and live together immediately" bow. There was an epilogue and everything, so I just feel like it could have gained a tad of realism by slowing down a little at the end. But I also get that "realism" isn't what I signed up for with this read haha.

Apparently, this is part of a series, but it's the only one I've read and I didn't feel like I was missing anything. I do look forward to picking up other Marion De Ré books in the future now that I know she writes clean romance in general.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want this story to end! Ivy and Zane had me laughing at their initial interactions, and then smiling as they let their guards down and became friends, and then I was sighing from their sweet romance and the chemistry and sparks zinging between them!

They both have some hard things from their past. Ivy had my heart aching for her and the pain she was feeling after being left at the altar. Poor girl. I couldn't even imagine. But I loved her spunk. I loved watching her get up and try to find joy and good in her life and taking the ups and downs as they came. She was a delightful character. Especially when it came to Zane. He didn't stand a chance with his grumpy personality when he meet sunshiney Ivy! Especially with all of that pink! IYKYK! *winks* She's my kind of gal. Wear all of the pink Ivy!!!

I loved the winter weather activities they enjoyed and I loved that it gave a sweet and cozy Christmas feel to the book while reading it in December. But I loved even more that I was snuggled up inside in the warmth and didn't have to experience the cold for myself. Win/Win!!!

I'm loving this author's books. I discovered her earlier this year and am so glad that I did! I'm hooked!!!

Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses and nothing further. Talk of being left at the altar on your wedding day.

I received a copy from the author through Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Cassondra Perea · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Sometimes you just need to read a messy romcom. So when I learned the second book in The Seasons of Love Series-Ski, Sparks, and Serendipity by Marion De Rè follows Ivy, a jilted bride (Hazel’s sister from book #1), I knew I had to get my hands on it!!!

De Rè not only delivered on the deliciously messy aftermath of calling a wedding off, she both coined and perfected the Aloneymoon plot. If you are like me and are unsure of what an Aloneymoon is, let me be the first to explain. It is when the would be bride or groom takes the honeymoon vacation alone. Ivy’s decision to use the all expense paid trip, courteous of her ex, provided the perfect setting for this story.

Readers will be delighted to learn this book also features:
-dual POVs (Ivy/ Zane)
-the grumpy/ sunshine trope
-small, mountain town (Winter Heights) setting
-puppy therapy
-lots of banter
-undeniably chemistry

I highly recommend reading this and the rest of The Seasons of Love Series by Marion De Rè!!! I am anxiously awaiting the third book, Lilies, Lies, and Love featuring Zane’s sister, when it releases this spring.

*Important Note-
While this is an interconnected series and features some character cross overs, every book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.

Special thanks to Netgalley and Marion De Rè for gifting a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Patty Baumeister · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Book Review
Ski, Sparks, & Serendipity
A Novel Written By Marion De Re’
Fiction - Romance
Published December 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This s the second book in the author’s Season of Love Series.

The beginning of his book is heartbreaking. The main character, Ivy, has just been jilted by her fiancé the day before their wedding. She makes the decision to go on her honeymoon alone to Winter Heights in Colorado. It is a honeymoon she planned with fun activities for her and her new husband. She doesn’t realize how difficult it will be for her to have to explain why it is only her participating in activities scheduled for two. She spends time sobbing in her hotel room.

Things start to change for the better when she begins her ski lessons with her instructor, Zane. Zane is filling in for his brother who was recently injured. Has fate brought these two together?

There is so much to love about this book.
- a small town winter setting
- puppy therapy
- a grumpy mountain man

Like all of the author’s books, this was a quick read for me.

“It doesn’t matter where you live. It’s the people around you that make you happy.”

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was the feel good, cozy vibe I was craving. I was shocked to find I finished this book in two days, but I literally couldn't stop coming back to it. In other books I read this quick the love story can be rushed and not feel real. Not this one at all. Ivy and Zane were completely adorable but with plenty of raw humanity that comes from old wounds. I think I couldn't stop reading just due to cheering them on in their personal and relationship lives. But let's be real, the fluffy cuddle pups and snowy mountain backdrop are what cinched my love of this book. And now I'm forced to go search for all books by this author which I'm hoping will fill the hole this book left in my life. Grab this book and cozy in!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting to read Ivy’s story. She is the sister of Hazel, from Paris Pumpkins and Puns. However, you do not have to read one to read the other. They are great as standalone books. Sweet, optimistic, lovable Ivy was a jilted bride who decides to finally fulfill her wish of seeing snow by going on her honeymoon alone. My heart just broke for her every time she had to explain there was no groom joining her for each of the activities. In comes grumpy mountain man Zane, with a hidden heart of gold. Ivy had such tenacity, especially when learning to ski. Zane didn’t stand a chance being able to resist such a beautiful soul. I really enjoyed watching them fall in love over a short time frame. Many people will say it’s not possible but for some it is absolutely is. And don’t forget about all the puppies! Need a pick-me-up? A pack of happy, lovable dogs will do the trick every time.

[Emma Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Honest Bunny Review:

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Rating: 🐇🐇🐇 🐇 🐇 /5

“She came to escape – he gave her a reason to stay.”

❄️ Small Town Romance

💙 Grumpy x Sunshine

❄️ Slow Burn

💙 Dual POV

❄️ Closed Door Romance

THIS WAS SUCH A PRECIOUS WINTER ROMANCE.

I appreciated immediately being thrust into the thick of our story where poor Ivy is left heartbroken the day before her wedding. While still grieving the loss of her relationship, Ivy decides to still go on her honeymoon, coining it “aloneymoon.”

I really appreciated Ivy’s go-getter spirit and overall, very positive attitude during such a difficult time. It never felt like toxic positivity and genuinely was someone trying to do her best to make the best out of her circumstances. Ivy and I would be the absolute best of friends. Our glass is half full, we love pink, we love dogs, and we are both natural caregivers.

Now, you’ve always been told, never judge a book by its cover…or its tone…or its attitude. This is very true when it comes to our rugged but brooding MMC, Zane. He is extremely rough around the edges but is a secret softy. Green flags all around when he loves animals. I specifically wrote in my notes while reading about Zane and his struggles with Ivy, “So hot, so grumpy, so clueless.”

The connection between our two MCs was immediate and the tension was PALPABLE. I really loved tagging along as their relationship developed. I was a bit nervous for a “closed door romance” but Marion does a fantastic job. I do not feel like I was left wanting or anything was missing. I greatly appreciated Marion’s ability to effectively describe the environment and surroundings to make the reader feel immersed but not excessive.

I also had no idea this was a part of the Seasons of Love series where the first book features Ivy’s sister, Hazel. I definitely will need to back track and read that one so I can fall even more in love with Hazel and her French chef boyfriend Olivier. It does show that this book can be read as a standalone but after reading one book from Marion, I know that I will need to read all of them.

This was an advanced readers copy. As always, this is my honest and voluntary opinion. Thank you to Marion, Victory Editing, and Netgalley for this opportunity.

This adorable book will be available for purchase on Amazon in 3 days! That's right! December 6th is the release date for this book that is perfect for the winter season. Don't wait for Christmas to see if Santa put this book under the tree, treat yourself early!

[Yvette Jarrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, I was completely enchanted by Ski, Sparks, & Serendipity. Marion has crafted a story that not only pulls you in but is filled with sensory magic. The wintry Colorado setting, fresh mountain air, and gentle snowfall make you feel like you're right there in the Rockies. I could almost smell the pine trees and found myself craving hot cocoa as I read! By the end, l was so inspired that I started decorating early for the holidays.

Ivy's life has just been turned upside down.
Her fiance dumped her the night before their wedding, leaving her surrounded by wedding gifts in an apartment that's no longer "theirs." But instead of moping, she decides to head to Colorado and go on their pre-booked honeymoon alone. The heartbreak is real, and I couldn't help but root for her decision to seek a change of scenery.

Once in Colorado, Ivy soon realizes that location alone can't heal her heart. It's her "aloneymoon"—a constant reminder of her broken engagement. But when she arrives at her ski lesson, she meets Zane, the rugged ski instructor with zero small talk and a bit of an edge. Their first lesson is rocky at best, but Ivy soon discovers the town of Winter Heights has its own charm. On a sled tour at a local farm, she's surprised to meet Zane again, this time with his pack of adorable huskies. It's then she begins to wonder if Colorado-and perhaps Zane-are exactly where she needs to be.

Zane is the quintessential grump, with his Viking-like looks, full beard, and mysterious vibe. He's the opposite of Ivy's ex, and maybe that's what makes him so perfect for her. Their paths keep crossing, and as Zane shows up in big ways for Ivy, you can feel fate nudging them together. He might be distant and frosty, but there's so much more beneath the surface.

The best part? The comedic moments and undeniable chemistry between Zane and Ivy. Their banter and spark leap right off the page, making their romance feel like pure magic.

Winter Heights itself sounds like a place I'd love to visit: snow-covered mountains, cozy chalets, and twinkling Christmas lights—a perfect holiday escape.

I didn't want their story to end! I was over the moon to find out there's an extended epilogue. Trust me, you won't want to miss it; it's the cherry on top of their love story.

There are few books I want to read again, but this is definitely one of them! I laughed, cheered, and was thrilled every time fate stepped in!

Thank you to the author for this advanced readers copy. I truly enjoyed the book and happy to share my honest thoughts with you.

[Bérénice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avis à venir*Service Presse non Rémunéré*

⛸️ Un homme de la nature et une femme de la ville
❄️ Un small town dans les montagnes
🐺 Une thérapie canine

Ma note : 4/5⭐️

Je commencerais par remercier encore une fois Marion de m'avoir fait confiance et envoyé cette romance parfaite pour la période hivernale et noëlesque qui arrive. J'ai passé un agréable et très joli moment aux côtés d'Ivy et Zane, qui représentent la parfaite romance de Noël qu'on aime regarder un après-midi de décembre.

J'ai tout d'abord beaucoup apprécié l'idée du livre : Ivy a été larguée la veille de son mariage par son fiancé toujours amoureux de son ex et décide de partir faire la lune de miel tout frais payés par cette raclure de fond de bidet (pardon…). Perdue dans les montagnes du Colorado, comme elle en a toujours rêvé, elle fait la rencontre de Zane, un homme bourru qui, forcé par son frère, doit se charger des cours de ski d'Ivy. La fille citadine et joyeuse de Floride, et l'homme des montagnes grincheux forment alors un duo atypique, piquant mais aussi tendre.

Vous vous en doutez, les premiers contacts sont fastidieux : Zane n'a aucune envie d'être là et juge un peu facilement Ivy toute de rose vêtue. Ce dernier met les deux pieds dans le plat face à la situation de la citadine et, pour se faire pardonner, propose de l'accompagner aux différentes activités où elle aurait dû aller avec son mari et où elle ne se rend plus de peur d'être prise en pitié en expliquant qu'elle sera seule. Certaines des activités sont d'ailleurs très drôles !

Très vite, nos deux protagonistes apprécient tellement la compagnie l'un de l'autre qu'ils finissent par ne plus se quitter : cours de cuisine, moto-neige, bouée, ski, dégustation de vin et enfin, au plus grand bonheur (c'est faux) de Zane, le SPA ! Toutes ces activités apportent pas mal d'humour au roman ainsi que de la complicité très touchante entre les deux personnages.

Le double point de vue permet de découvrir un Zane attendrissant auprès de ses 20 huskies de traîneau, sa famille dont les membres sont tous plus attachants les uns que les autres. Zane est aussi gentil, drôle, protecteur et loyal. Lorsqu'on en apprend plus sur son passé, on comprend pourquoi il se renferme. Et une Ivy authentique, bienveillante, fidèle et très forte. J'ai aimé la voir réaliser au fur et à mesure de l'histoire que son ex était en réalité plutôt toxique et qu'elle n'avait, en réalité, jamais vraiment connu le vrai amour avec lui.

J'ai malheureusement retiré un peu de points pour une raison très personnelle : je le considère comme un Fast Burn. Je suis une adepte du slow burn et donc pour moi, tout va bien trop vite entre eux, les sentiments arrivent trop rapidement à mon goût et j'ai donc ressenti un manque de développement. J'en ai discuté avec Marion, qui, à juste titre, m'a expliqué qu'un "slow burn" pouvait se définir par le fait que le premier baiser n'arrivait qu'à plus de 50 % du livre et c'est en effet le cas ici ! Finalement, tout ne tient parfois qu'à la définition qu'on se fait d'un terme ! ☺️ Je sais que d'autres personnes sont adeptes du Fast Burn et on peut aussi mettre ça sur le compte de la ressemblance avec les films de Noël où tout semble aller extrêmement vite aussi, donc ce n'est pas quelque chose de rédhibitoire ! Marion m'a également expliqué qu'en romance américaine, les relations allaient souvent très vite et là il est question d'un amour de vacances également, donc je pense simplement que ce côté-là était moins fait pour moi mais qu'il ne dérangera en rien votre lecture !

Sachez que c'est une très jolie romance à lire auprès d'une bougie ou de votre sapin illuminé pour la période qui arrive avec un paysage enneigé, une petite ville où tout le monde se connait, de l'humour, de l'amitié, des chiens, des leçons de vie et une romance toute douce qui vous feront vivre l'ambiance des fêtes sans que ça ne tourne qu'autour de Noël !

[Brandi Jackola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect that I would so personally identify with parts of this story.

Ivy’s fiancé dumps her the day before their wedding, because the woman he was still hung up on came back to him. Rather than stay in town and wallow, she decides to go on her honeymoon alone. An “aloneymoon”, as she calls it. Snow, skiing lessons, and spa. Might as well enjoy it, it’s paid for.

Zane just wants to keep to himself and take care of his dogs (his farm runs dog sledding activities). His brother, a ski instructor at the nearby resort, injures his knee, and begs Zane to take care of a few straggler lessons. I bet you can already guess who one of the students is. Oh, and the woman he loved left him just before he was going to propose, saying she couldn’t live in a small mountain town.

Despite Mr. Grumpy’s…er…grumpiness, the continued contact between Zane and Ivy grows into an acquaintance, and then a friendship. Where it goes from there…well, you’ll just have to read the book.

Many moons ago, I was engaged to a man whom I thought would be my forever. One day, about six weeks before the wedding, we went to a “get-together” with some of his friends, one of whom was his high school sweetheart. Less than a week later, my fiancé dumped me. I bet you can guess who he ended up marrying. On the plus side, that experience taught me what I did and didn’t want in a relationship, and four years later, I did find my Zane, and have been married to him for 27 years (and counting).

I digress.

I loved this romance, I loved the characters, and it was a very well-written book. I was able to visualize everything that was described, and as stated before, really identified with both Zane and Ivy, having been through the aforementioned situation. I also loved the setting, as it reminds me a lot of Park City, Utah, just a couple hours away from my home. (I’m with Zane, I love winter. It’s my favorite season.)

Marion De Ré does it again, writing a realistic story about love and loss that I promise gets its happily ever after.

[Amanda McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I begin, I would like to thank Marion de Ré for allowing me to read her upcoming book, Ski, Sparks and Serendipity, which is the first book of her new series Season of Love and will be available on Amazon on December 6th, 2024.

Ivy’s fiance broke up with her the night before their wedding so naturally, she went to their planned honeymoon alone. Instead of being able to solely focus on the clean air and beautiful snow, she has to explain multiple times why she’s there alone. Not to mention that Zane Harden, her ski instructor, is a complete grump. But then she sees him cuddling huskies when she arrives for her sled riding tour, and then when he goes with her to other activities, she discovers he is the one that is bringing her comfort. Ivy was about to be married to someone else days ago, but is it possible that she found a person, an entire life, meant for her?

I loved this book. You have Ivy, a talented, compassionate, kind, and beautiful nurse that loves her sister and the idea of having a vacation in the snow. You have Zane, a gruff, hardworking, handsome young business owner that cares about his family and is still hurt by people from his past. I liked encountering familiar characters (like Ivy’s sister) from a previous book Marion de Ré wrote, and the adorable huskies. I sympathized with Ivy when she had to explain her situation so many times at the beginning, and I liked seeing her thrive during her vacation. I cheered for both of the main characters as they grew individually and closer together throughout the story. Overall, if you like great sibling dynamics, humor, cute huskies, complex characters, snow, and sweet grumpy x sunshine romance with low amounts of spice, then I would highly recommend this book. Here’s the link with more information: Amazon.com: Ski, Sparks and Serendipity: A Sweet Small Town Winter Romcom (Season of Love Book 1) eBook : De Ré, Marion: Kindle Store

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

Ivy finds herself without a groom right before her wedding. While having a pity party amongst all of her wedding gifts, she decides to go on her honeymoon to Winter Heights. It was a trip for two, but she will make it a trip for one. Everything is already prepaid, and she wants to see snow and learn to ski.

Zane is having to fill in for his brother as a ski instructor. Mr. Grumpy Extraordinaire is not happy to be on the slopes, especially when he sees Ivy in all pink with Mrs. emblazoned across the back of her ski jacket. He has no idea where her husband is, and he really does not care. He just wants to be finished with her lesson.

Ivy definitely has a bad taste in her mouth about Zane. However, when she arrives at the farm where she has an appointment to go sledding with sled dogs, she realizes that Zane is the owner. After getting plenty of puppy love, and a nice trip with the dogs, she begins to see a different side to Zane. Maybe there is more to this mountain man than she first assumed.

Everything about this book was special and perfect. I only dream of snow this time of the year, so it it was fun to live vicariously through the characters in this book. No one can deny that puppy love is the best kind of love and the best therapy for a broken heart. It was a story full of emotions, some were up and some were down. It was obvious that fate was at work, as you see the ice chip away from Zane and see the real man beneath the icy veneer. He has been hurt just like Ivy. They have more in common than they both realize. This was definitely a grumpy vs. sunshine story, but it I would consider it a second chance romance as well because both parties deserved a second chance at love.

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

[Jessienigma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle voulait fuir l'amour. Il l'attendait au sommet.

Cette fois, on délaisse les fourneaux pour les sommets : adieu la chaleur du four, bonjour la morsure du froid ! On retrouve pourtant quelques clins d'oeil aux héros précédents (Hazel et Olivier dans coup de foudre en cuisine), mais pas d'inquiétude : chaque histoire se lit parfaitement en oneshot.

On y suit Ivy, une jeune femme plantée quasiment devant l'autel comme une pauvre guirlande oubliée après les fêtes. Mais plutôt que de se morfondre, elle décide de partir seule en lune de miel. Et c'est là qu'entre en scène Zane, le moniteur de ski grognon, genre ours des montagnes… mais version sexy et irrésistible.

La plume de Marion est toujours aussi fluide, vive, et ponctuée de ce petit grain d'humour qui fait mouche. J'ai encore eu cette sensation de faim permanente… je commence à croire que l'auteure a une stratégie secrète pour nous faire grignoter entre deux chapitres. A nouveau, j'ai noté quelques petites imperfections de traduction (notamment l'absence de négation à plusieurs reprises et le manque d'inversion dans les incises) mais ça n'empêche en rien de prendre plaisir à la lecture.

C'est une lecture doudou, réconfortante et légère, idéale pour les soirées cocooning. Certes, l'intrigue n'est pas pleine de twists (on est dans une romance de Noël !), mais elle fait exactement ce qu'on attend d'elle : nous réchauffer le coeur et nous faire croire à la magie des rencontres inattendues.

✨ En résumé ?
Une comédie romantique douce et enneigée, parfaite pour les amateurs de romance feel good à savourer sous un plaid. C'est tendre, un brin piquant, et ça donne envie de filer sur les pistes (ou dans les bras d'un Zane, soyons honnêtes).

[Jennifer Loy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a breath of fresh air!
First of all, I want to say how much I liked this author. After the title page was a Reader Expectation Page. Letting the reader know the heat level, if there was any cursing (which was none), notable tropes, triggers, style, stress level, and ending (HEA). Because books do not have a rating system this was a fantastic idea. In the past, I have reviewed books that I thought were just romances and they turned out to be Erotica's. They are labeled as spicy or just romance, but let's be frank, if an author uses the 3 C's, it's an erotica. This book was a Sweet Romantic comedy. Fantastically written, not one mistake in the editing, and the story was literally a breath of fresh air. I was hooked in the beginning when Ivy decides to go on her honeymoon without her husband. The man had stood her up the night before the wedding. She decides to go on all the excursions they had planned, enter Zane, who is the fill-in ski instructor. I couldn't put this book down just by reading the first few pages. I loved this book! Sometimes I feel frustrated with a relationship when it's a sweet romcom, feeling like it's never realistically advancing, but this story never felt like that. Their relationship grew closer and closer as they spent time together, no heat level needed. I tried to guess the twist that might come toward the end, but the author totally surprised me. This book is definitely worth buying and I'm going to purchase the next book in the series. It was advertised on BookBub, but I bought it from Amazon. After I read the book, I noticed that it was independently published. I'm liking other independent authors more and more. This book made me feel good about love and destiny...or rather, belive in Serendipity. To all who read this one...Enjoy!

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another super sweet read from Marion De Ré, that was easily readable in a few short sittings. It follows Ivy, Hazel's sister from Pumpkins, Puns & Paris, who's fiancé Dan calls her the night before their wedding to tell her he's still in love with his ex and is going back to her. Devastated, Ivy decides to go on their already paid for honeymoon to a small Colorado mountain town alone. A Floridian who wants to experience all the cold has to offer, she jumps in to her ski lessons, but is taken aback by the gruffness of her instructor, Zane. Zane thinks Ivy's all pink ski get up is ridiculous, but can appreciate her hard work and determination. When Ivy shows up at his Husky farm for a sleigh ride not knowing he's the owner, his icy heart starts to melt when he sees her love of his dogs. Embarrassed to have to keep explaining why she's showing up to her excursions alone, she invites Zane to come along, and soon he is playing the role of fake husband when needed, and all the time companion. Though this story took place in just a few short days, Zane falls first and hard, in somewhat of a 180 from his initial character. Ivy is the sunshine to his winter storm, but could always tell beneath his initial reticence he was deeply caring of his family and his dogs. Check this one out if you like grumpy/sunshine, he falls first, vacation romance, and lots of fun outdoor activities in a small town setting with puppies.

🩵 Thank you Marion De Ré for sending me a copy of Ski, Sparks & Serendipity!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ivy recieves a call from her fiance the night before their wedding the last thing she expected was to be dumped so he could go back to his ex. After the tears and heartache she decides to still go on their honeymoon, after all it was her dream to go skiing. Why let him take that away from her as well and everything will still be here when she comes back, it may even help her. The hotel was spectacular until booking in, then came the explanation that its just her on her own. Was this how it was going to be the whole time sympathetic looks. Zane loves his husky farm even though being honest he'd left a lot of the tours to his trainee recently. Now with his brother's injury he'd have to step up and help with skiing lessons. He's not a people person at the best of times and now he's got to deal with newlyweds. This is the perfect grumpy meets sunshine story I've read in a while Zane is a total grump with a hidden soft side when it comes to his dogs and family. Ivy can't help always putting others before herself even when it means hurting herself. I couldn't put this book down, but then again who could resist a grump and twenty siberian huskies. The characters and surroundings give a perfect festive feel to this brilliant story and even though its part of a series it can still be read as a standalone, although characters from previous book do make an appearance. I can't wait for the next book in the series

[Kendra Muonio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got dumped the night before my wedding and decided to go on my honeymoon alone.
After everything that happened, I figured some crisp mountain air and the chance to finally see snow was exactly what I needed.
Wrong.
Having to explain that I’m alone at every single activity I participate in is far from the escape I was looking for.
And to top it all off, Zane Harden, my ski instructor, is a grumpy Viking who lacks social skills and seems to have lost the ability to smile.
But when I go on my sled dog ride tour and discover Zane is the owner, my opinion of him starts to change.
How could it not? The guy takes me on a winter wonderland ride and cuddles huskies in front of me.
Soon, Zane is the only comfort on this solo trip. Or is it even solo anymore?
Because he joins me on my couples’ wine tasting, snowmobile excursion, and cooking class. He even goes tubing with me—though he will deny it if you ask.
I’m sure he’s just trying to save me from humiliation and make up for that first ski lesson where I almost died—don’t ask—but isn’t it wrong to find comfort with another man when I was about to be married just days ago?
I knew the secluded small town of Winter Heights would be the perfect destination to escape from my life, but what if I found it here instead? I received an advanced copy of the book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving an review. This was a quick read for me that I couldn't put down.

[Jen | Loves winter, ski & snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ❄️❄️❄️❄️ This was a really enjoyable winter romance. Light, cosy, and refreshingly well-written compared to some of the other ski-themed books I’ve picked up recently.

The story follows a woman recovering from a broken engagement who escapes on her own honeymoon. She heads to a snowy mountain town for some much-needed breathing space. There she meets Zane — a rugged, kind-hearted ski instructor who also runs a husky farm (cue lovely scenes involving dogs). The romance is sweet and the setting is full of feel-good winter magic: ski lessons, dog sledding, small-town charm, and a lovely sense of seasonal escapism.

I do question how well the author knows skiing though. I didn’t buy a lot of the ski lesson stuff and how it was described. It just didn’t come off as written by someone who knows skiing.

I also didn’t feel deeply invested in the characters. They were likeable and their chemistry worked, but I never felt truly attached to them or emotionally hooked into their journey. Everything stayed a little surface level for me. I wanted more depth or vulnerability to really root for them.

I also didn’t realise until the end that this is actually book 2 in a series. But all the books can be read as standalones. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything, so it works perfectly well on its own.

If you’re after a charming, easy-to-read winter love story with a gorgeous Alpine setting and lots of dogs, this one’s worth a spot on your TBR. A solid 4 stars from me!

[Angeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and fun read. I enjoyed reading Paris, Pumpkins and Puns so I was excited to read Ivy’s book. Ski, Sparks, and Serendipity is the first book in Marion De Re’s new series, Season of Love.
Ivy was such a fun character. I really liked her as a character and I could see her being a friend. Ivy had been through a lot but she was trying to stay positive. I love how she got to know Zane and found a friend in him.
Zane was definitely a grump but Ivy brought light back into his life. I liked getting to know Zane and seeing him connect with Ivy. He wanted to help Ivy even if it meant stepping out of his comfort zone.
The romance was sweet. Zane and Ivy got to know each other first as they tried to figure out if a relationship would work. They both had to heal before they were ready for another relationship. I liked meeting the new characters and I am excited for the books to come
I would recommend Ski, Sparks, and Serendipity to those who enjoy rom-coms. The characters were likable and I was engaged in the plot. Ski, Sparks, and Serendipity is a closed door romantic comedy.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

[Brittany Landrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚ARC Review📚

Ski, Sparks, and Serendipity ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


After being dumbed by her fiance days before their wedding, Ivy decides that she’s going on the honeymoon anyways. An aloneymoon as she calls it. Now she finds herself in the small town of Winter Heights, Colorado. On her first day of ski lessons, she meets Zane, the grumpiest ski instructor there is.

Zane offers to help his brother with his business after an injury. Now he is stuck giving ski lessons to this bubbly, gorgeous lady that is dressed in all pink. Normally he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else other than with his 20 dogs on his farm, but he feels drawn to Ivy. It seems that snow won’t be the only thing that’s falling this winter.

I absolutely loved this book! My favorite tropes AND the MMC loves dogs, YES please! I loved the chemistry between Zane and Ivy. Their banter had me laughing out loud at moments. I also loved the dual point of view and that it was a closed-door, kisses only book. This was the perfect example of a grumpy/sunshine trope. The small town vibes and the setting is perfect for a winter read. Gives you all those cozy feels. This is by far my new favorite book by this author.

This book will publish on December 6, 2024. Thank you to Marion De Re for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super cute small town romance! I love a good grumpy + sunshine story, and this one delivered.

Ivy’s fiancé dumps her the night before their wedding. She’s devastated, but decides to go on their honeymoon in Colorado anyway.

Zane’s brother is injured, so he asks Zane to fill-in for him to teach ski lessons, and he reluctantly agrees. He’s a reclusive, grumpy mountain man, and one of the first clients he gets is Ivy. He’s a complete grump to her!

Zane may be a grump, but there’s something about Ivy that softens him up. When he finds out her situation, he accompanies her on the things that she was supposed to do with her husband…ski lessons, tubing, snowmobiling, winetasting, and cooking lessons.

Their interactions together on these activities were so much fun, and there were some sweet sparks happening between them.

The attraction is pretty instant and the author handles it well, with Ivy realizing her fiancé did her a favor by breaking things off. You don’t want to marry someone that’s still in love with their ex.

Ivy and Zane were perfect for each other, and I loved how they healed from their past together, and found love with a totally committed partner. I also really enjoyed the enchanting setting with all its winter and Christmas vibes.

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it for anyone looking for a sweet winter, holiday read.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, while the actual reason for this magical ski trip is anything but funny or romantic, the storyline is just that. My heart broke for both our main characters, Ivy and Zane. Both have been hurt badly by past relationships. In fact, Ivy goes to Zane’s mountain resort hometown in Colorado by herself on what was to be her honeymoon except she was dumped the day before the wedding. Things don’t start out well either. All her reservations are for a couple and she can’t stand the looks or retelling of the fact she is there alone. As for Zane, he has become a loner, preferring his sled dogs to people for company. But when his brother ends up in a cast and can’t teach the ski lessons, Zane is talked into helping out. It’s there where Ivy and Zane meet. To Ivy, Zane has to be the grouchiest instructor ever. But when she shows up for her dog sled trip and they both see a different side to each other and that is where the book takes off and we go on a thrilling ride along with both of them. Their banter is hilarious, their romantic pull is truly magical. It’s just a shame he lives in the mountains of Colorado and she lives in sunny Miami.

This is a fun, romantic storyline totally worth the read. I highly recommend it.

2 Thumbs Up and 4 Stars

[Leann Arave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nestled in this quaint Colorado town of Winter Heights. You will find this charming winter romance. Ivy is left at the altar the night before her wedding, but instead of stewing about it why not enjoy the prepaid honeymoon on her own. When she gets to her destination, she realizes everything that is on the itinerary is for couples. Maybe this isn’t the best idea she’s ever had.
Zane owns a dog sledding company in the town of Winter Heights, Colorado. When he gets a phone call from his brother informing him he has injured his leg and asked if he could take over his private ski lessons for the week, Zane reluctantly agrees. Let’s just say, Zane can be a little grumpy!
When Zane gets to the mountain the next day, he sees the most beautiful woman all bundled up in pink. Could this be his private ski lesson? “I thought it was for a couple?” And so the week begins.
I enjoyed this sweet close door romance. There is great chemistry, lots of fun winter activities, entertaining banter, and of course cute dogs. I recommend curling up with a cozy blanket and giving this book an afternoon read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Leah Pretty Pistolz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skis, Sparks and Serendipity

5 ⭐️ 1 🌶️

Tropes:
🎿Grumpy/Sunshine
❤️Small Town
🎿Jilted Bride
❤️Winter Romance
🎿Lots of banter
❤️Slow Burn

This small town romance is such an amazing read for this time of year and will just brighten your heart! 🥰 The paperback is available now on Amazon and will be released on December 6th for Kindle!

Ivy's fiancé leaves her the DAY before they are supposed to get married. Ivy decides to still go on their booked honeymoon trip alone to Winter Heights, which is this little magical town near Colorado. She's trying her best to keep her spirits up during this tough time and is still attending the rebooked appointment and lessons and even though it's a bit stressful, she ends up having the time for her life. Ivy ends up meeting this handsome but grumpy mountain man named Zane who ends up being her ski instructor and he has the cutest husky puppies! Over the week of lessons Ivy ends up coming melting Zane's heart and she is the first person to catch his eye since his last heartbreak. They are the perfect team and end up getting through everything together and were willing to go the distance to make it work and they healed each others broken hearts🥰❤️

Thank you Marion for having me apart of your ARC team!!