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Better Not Pout
Not yet published
Expected 14 Nov 25She’s the vintage candy store owner who writes a letter to Santa asking for her dream man for Christmas...
He's the grump, retired hockey player who moves in next door and opens a bar.
Read this if you love:
Holiday romance
Small town
Fake HOLI-dating
Forced proximity
Dislike to... banging
Hallmark AFTER DARK 🌶️
FULL blurb coming soon!
He's the grump, retired hockey player who moves in next door and opens a bar.
Read this if you love:
Holiday romance
Small town
Fake HOLI-dating
Forced proximity
Dislike to... banging
Hallmark AFTER DARK 🌶️
FULL blurb coming soon!
- GenresChristmas
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 14, 2025
3 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
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October 18, 2025beta read🫶🏽
November 6, 2025
Better Not Pout by Maren Moore eARC Review 🎄
Nothing beats a hallmark Christmas movie and this book was like a hallmark Christmas movie come to life… with just enough spice sprinkled in.
The meet cute in this book is adorable!Rosalie writes a letter to Santa asking for her dream man and all of a sudden a hunk of a man is renovating the space next to her families candy shop. Coincidence? 🤭
Rosalie and Wells don’t exactly get off on the right foot. Their back and forth banter is so entertaining and when her ex shows up, causing past hurtful feelings to surface- Wells swoops in and recommends fake dating during the holidays. Why not right?
Hallmark vibes, a hunky retired hockey player, a sweet candy maker, fake holiday dating and a little Christmas magic and you have the perfect holiday romance.
What to expect:
Small town
Fake holi-dating
Forced proximity
Dislike to…banging
Hallmark after dark
Thank you so much Maren and VPR for the opportunity to read this as an ARC for my honest opinion and review!
Nothing beats a hallmark Christmas movie and this book was like a hallmark Christmas movie come to life… with just enough spice sprinkled in.
The meet cute in this book is adorable!Rosalie writes a letter to Santa asking for her dream man and all of a sudden a hunk of a man is renovating the space next to her families candy shop. Coincidence? 🤭
Rosalie and Wells don’t exactly get off on the right foot. Their back and forth banter is so entertaining and when her ex shows up, causing past hurtful feelings to surface- Wells swoops in and recommends fake dating during the holidays. Why not right?
Hallmark vibes, a hunky retired hockey player, a sweet candy maker, fake holiday dating and a little Christmas magic and you have the perfect holiday romance.
What to expect:
Small town
Fake holi-dating
Forced proximity
Dislike to…banging
Hallmark after dark
Thank you so much Maren and VPR for the opportunity to read this as an ARC for my honest opinion and review!
November 5, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Better Not Pout
By: Maren Moore
“I’ve just decided that we’re going to write a letter to Santa asking for our dream man. Our wish list for the perfect man. And not the one who sent me a nude with his d!ck wearing a Santa hat.”
“Rosalie Sullivan has my full attention, whether I want it that way or not. Her smart mouth, sharp tongue, curves that go on for days.”
“But I’m starting to realize just how wrong I am about you. Now, all I want is to find out if you taste as sweet as I’ve imagined, Rosalie Sullivan.”
Wells my man, he is so incredibly sexy!! And the way he praises Rosalie, gah!! Their story starts as neighbors, when Rosalie realizes her letter to Santa for the perfect man is missing. She goes to the neighboring building to question the owner about the mail when she meets Wells.
At first Wells enjoys getting a rise out of Rosalie but then when Rosalie’s sh!tty ex shows up, Wells steps in and pretends to be Rosalie’s boyfriend. As the story goes on, the fake feelings become real and Wells worships Rosalie and her body. In return, helping Rosalie heal her body image issues and helps her become more confident in her body. This story has me so giddy! Wells has such a dirty mouth and loves to eat and praise his women, and d*mn is Rosalie a lucky woman!
Tropes:
Small Town
Fake Dating
Forced Proximity
Hallmark After Dark
Holiday Romance
Spice starts at: 56%🔥
Spice: 2.5/4🌶️
Stars: 4.5/5⭐️
Available on Kindle Unlimited November 14th
Better Not Pout
By: Maren Moore
“I’ve just decided that we’re going to write a letter to Santa asking for our dream man. Our wish list for the perfect man. And not the one who sent me a nude with his d!ck wearing a Santa hat.”
“Rosalie Sullivan has my full attention, whether I want it that way or not. Her smart mouth, sharp tongue, curves that go on for days.”
“But I’m starting to realize just how wrong I am about you. Now, all I want is to find out if you taste as sweet as I’ve imagined, Rosalie Sullivan.”
Wells my man, he is so incredibly sexy!! And the way he praises Rosalie, gah!! Their story starts as neighbors, when Rosalie realizes her letter to Santa for the perfect man is missing. She goes to the neighboring building to question the owner about the mail when she meets Wells.
At first Wells enjoys getting a rise out of Rosalie but then when Rosalie’s sh!tty ex shows up, Wells steps in and pretends to be Rosalie’s boyfriend. As the story goes on, the fake feelings become real and Wells worships Rosalie and her body. In return, helping Rosalie heal her body image issues and helps her become more confident in her body. This story has me so giddy! Wells has such a dirty mouth and loves to eat and praise his women, and d*mn is Rosalie a lucky woman!
Tropes:
Small Town
Fake Dating
Forced Proximity
Hallmark After Dark
Holiday Romance
Spice starts at: 56%🔥
Spice: 2.5/4🌶️
Stars: 4.5/5⭐️
Available on Kindle Unlimited November 14th
November 6, 2025
another five star from maren!!! this was so cute and definitely got me in the holiday mood. she created such a cozy and festive town of mistletoe falls that makes me wanna visit. like the trope says, it gives hallmark after dark because it is so sweet and full of spice!!! wells and rosalie are so cutie and i love them together. he is so caring and gentle with rosalie and it made my heart happy. i definitely recommend reading this one this season!
“she’s the vintage candy store owner who writes a letter to santa asking for her dream man for christmas. he’s the grumpy, retired hockey player who moves in next door and opens a bar.”
rosalie’s family owns a candy store in mistletoe falls which has been her life for as long as she can remember. it’s been in her family for generations and one day, it’ll be hers. this christmas, she writes a letter to santa for her dream man as she hasn’t had much luck in that department.
wells is a retired hockey player who ends up moving next door to rosalie and opens a bar. rosalie’s ex happens to show up with his new fiancé and wells steps in as her “boyfriend”. on top of that, his family is coming to town and he wouldn’t mind having a girlfriend for the season. enter the fake dating!!! will real sparks fly for these two during the holiday season?
tropes: holiday novella, one bed, forced proximity, fake holi-dating, small town, hallmark after dark, fmc loves christmas, mmc is meh for christmas
content warning: body image/body shaming
💋🎄💌🍬🍸
“she’s the vintage candy store owner who writes a letter to santa asking for her dream man for christmas. he’s the grumpy, retired hockey player who moves in next door and opens a bar.”
rosalie’s family owns a candy store in mistletoe falls which has been her life for as long as she can remember. it’s been in her family for generations and one day, it’ll be hers. this christmas, she writes a letter to santa for her dream man as she hasn’t had much luck in that department.
wells is a retired hockey player who ends up moving next door to rosalie and opens a bar. rosalie’s ex happens to show up with his new fiancé and wells steps in as her “boyfriend”. on top of that, his family is coming to town and he wouldn’t mind having a girlfriend for the season. enter the fake dating!!! will real sparks fly for these two during the holiday season?
tropes: holiday novella, one bed, forced proximity, fake holi-dating, small town, hallmark after dark, fmc loves christmas, mmc is meh for christmas
content warning: body image/body shaming
💋🎄💌🍬🍸
November 6, 2025
✨️ARC Review✨️
5⭐️ for Better Not Pout by Maren Moore
I first discovered Maren with her Christmas novellas, and I instantly fell in love with her writing, and this latest novella was just so good it might be my favorite yet.
I could relate to Rosalie from the very beginning, with her body image issues and all that it entails, and I loved seeing her character growth throughout the story. Her chemistry with Wells is off-the-charts hot, and of course the spice is spicin' because it's Maren Moore, and Maren Moore knows how to do spice.
Wells is my current contender as number 1 book boyfriend, because the man is FINE AS HE*L. Tall, bearded, with a heart of gold and a dirty mouth...gimme me. He also falls hard for our girl Rosalie, and I always love a man who's down bad for his girl.
The weenies were absolutely adorable, and I loved how this very much felt like Hallmark after dark; no third-act breakup though, which is always a win!
The perfect amount of small town vibes with Christmas spirit make this Holiday novella a must for your tbr.
Thank you to Maren Moore for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
5⭐️ for Better Not Pout by Maren Moore
I first discovered Maren with her Christmas novellas, and I instantly fell in love with her writing, and this latest novella was just so good it might be my favorite yet.
I could relate to Rosalie from the very beginning, with her body image issues and all that it entails, and I loved seeing her character growth throughout the story. Her chemistry with Wells is off-the-charts hot, and of course the spice is spicin' because it's Maren Moore, and Maren Moore knows how to do spice.
Wells is my current contender as number 1 book boyfriend, because the man is FINE AS HE*L. Tall, bearded, with a heart of gold and a dirty mouth...gimme me. He also falls hard for our girl Rosalie, and I always love a man who's down bad for his girl.
The weenies were absolutely adorable, and I loved how this very much felt like Hallmark after dark; no third-act breakup though, which is always a win!
The perfect amount of small town vibes with Christmas spirit make this Holiday novella a must for your tbr.
Thank you to Maren Moore for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
November 3, 2025
Rosalie + Wells
-christmas novella
-small town romance
-fake holi-dating
-forced proximity
-dislike to…banging
-hallmark after dark
this was a classic SPICYYY marenmas novella with alll the bells & whistles of a hallmark movie!! the letters were such a great unique touch i was CRYINGGG every time i got to read one too & when they come up at the end like WHAT!! so special!!
-christmas novella
-small town romance
-fake holi-dating
-forced proximity
-dislike to…banging
-hallmark after dark
this was a classic SPICYYY marenmas novella with alll the bells & whistles of a hallmark movie!! the letters were such a great unique touch i was CRYINGGG every time i got to read one too & when they come up at the end like WHAT!! so special!!
November 7, 2025
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★★★★
𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: November 14 2025
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:
I found myself so wrapped up in Wells and Rosalie's story, feeling every moment of their connection as though it was my own. From the very first time they cross paths, I knew this would be a book that would tug at my heartstrings and boy, did it deliver.
These two are everything. Rosalie, with her quirky and sweet but strong personality, is someone I couldn’t help but root for. She’s just the kind of woman who you can’t help but cheer on as she figures out what she truly wants. And then there’s Wells. He's the kind of man you can’t help but adore. Behind all that gruffness, he’s soft, and his chemistry with Rosalie is just...wow. Every interaction between them sizzling.
The way they fit together, it feels effortless. It’s that kind of connection you dream about reading in romance novels but rarely find so perfectly executed. Their banter is playful, but there’s something deeper there, too. It’s like they get each other, even when they don’t fully realize it themselves. And the moments when they both open up, little by little, made me feel like I was witnessing something incredibly special. I kept hoping they would figure it all out, but I also loved seeing them take their time, finding their way through all the messiness of life and love.
And let’s not even get started on the fake dating element. The way it starts, so innocent and a little bit awkward, only made it all the more charming. As they navigate this pretend relationship, it’s obvious that they’re both pretending for the sake of convenience, but it doesn’t take long before the lines blur, and their connection feels so real. The best part is, neither of them is trying to be anything they’re not for the other.
The pace of their relationship felt so natural, and I couldn’t get enough of how sweet their moments together were. the way Wells looks out for Rosalie without even realizing it, the way she brings out his softer side.
Honestly this was such a perfect Christmas read. The story captured everything I love about the season…love, family, and a little bit of holiday wonder.
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Small town romance, fake dating, Christmas romance, forced proximity
November 7, 2025
ARC Review
5/5 stars
3.5/5 spice
This book is the perfect read for the Christmas season. This is fluffy, spicy, and overall a sweet read that I couldn't put down. Maren really brought the Christmas magic to this story so easily and beautifully that I could feel it through the pages.
Rosalie was such a fun character to read and love. She was so sweet, but didn't let people walk over her and she had a feisty side when provoked enough. The love she has for her family was heartwarming, as her relationship with her grandparents was so sweet and loving. She struggled with body image and self-love throughout the story, but Maren did such a good job of writing Rosalie's steps toward loving herself for who she is, with the help of Wells.
Like always, Maren writes another book boyfriend I become obsessed with. Wells is so hot throughout this entire story, his flirting with Rosalie had me blushing at times cause he was so smooth with it. He had been through so much that he needed a fresh start. As much as he loved teasing Rosalie, when he saw her in trouble, he didn't waste a second coming to her rescue. His love for Rosalie was beautiful because he knew she struggled with confidence, so every time he could, he would remind her of how much he adored her body and how he thought the world of her. He refused to let her talk down on herself when he was around, and that was what she needed.
Their chemistry was off the charts from the moment they first met. The banter was so quick and funny between them that I was giggling more often than not. Not to mention the spice between them had me sweetingggggg, that's how hot it was.
Overall, I loved this book so much, and it was the perfect book to get me out of a slump and in the mood for the holidays. Maren is always a must-read for me, so I knew I would love this one.
Thank you to Maren and VPR for the ARC
5/5 stars
3.5/5 spice
This book is the perfect read for the Christmas season. This is fluffy, spicy, and overall a sweet read that I couldn't put down. Maren really brought the Christmas magic to this story so easily and beautifully that I could feel it through the pages.
Rosalie was such a fun character to read and love. She was so sweet, but didn't let people walk over her and she had a feisty side when provoked enough. The love she has for her family was heartwarming, as her relationship with her grandparents was so sweet and loving. She struggled with body image and self-love throughout the story, but Maren did such a good job of writing Rosalie's steps toward loving herself for who she is, with the help of Wells.
Like always, Maren writes another book boyfriend I become obsessed with. Wells is so hot throughout this entire story, his flirting with Rosalie had me blushing at times cause he was so smooth with it. He had been through so much that he needed a fresh start. As much as he loved teasing Rosalie, when he saw her in trouble, he didn't waste a second coming to her rescue. His love for Rosalie was beautiful because he knew she struggled with confidence, so every time he could, he would remind her of how much he adored her body and how he thought the world of her. He refused to let her talk down on herself when he was around, and that was what she needed.
Their chemistry was off the charts from the moment they first met. The banter was so quick and funny between them that I was giggling more often than not. Not to mention the spice between them had me sweetingggggg, that's how hot it was.
Overall, I loved this book so much, and it was the perfect book to get me out of a slump and in the mood for the holidays. Maren is always a must-read for me, so I knew I would love this one.
Thank you to Maren and VPR for the ARC
November 5, 2025
arc review - releasing nov 14!!
The holidays are here in Rosalie & Wells story, bringing a nostalgic feel with holiday magic and a sweet romance that’s going to hit you directly in the chest♥️
Rosalie is being realistic about her love life but when her bestie proposes writing a letter to Santa - she knows this isn’t going to solve her dating issues but she’ll do anything for the holiday magic. What she doesn’t know is Santa is going to deliver her perfect man, right next door. Wells is newest bar owner next door, and suspiciously exactly what Rosalie asked for, looking to start over in this kitschy small town after his career ended.
These two are going to make you swoon, giggle at their chemistry filled banter and choke back tears as they heal one another. I loved watching Wells be everything Rosalie needed without knowing, the way he saw her for everything she was and helped her magic shine. And Rosalie story is too much like many women, feeling from a relationship that left shattered pieces and seeing her get to pick those pieces up by a man who wanted nothing more than to see her smile (or pout if we’re being honest 🤭😮💨)? Healing. It was a healing balm that will have readers feeling hopeful, seen within these characters and a holiday magic that just makes it’s all better❄️♥️
Thank you to Valentine PR & Maren Moore’s team for the continued opportunity to review an early copy!
The holidays are here in Rosalie & Wells story, bringing a nostalgic feel with holiday magic and a sweet romance that’s going to hit you directly in the chest♥️
Rosalie is being realistic about her love life but when her bestie proposes writing a letter to Santa - she knows this isn’t going to solve her dating issues but she’ll do anything for the holiday magic. What she doesn’t know is Santa is going to deliver her perfect man, right next door. Wells is newest bar owner next door, and suspiciously exactly what Rosalie asked for, looking to start over in this kitschy small town after his career ended.
These two are going to make you swoon, giggle at their chemistry filled banter and choke back tears as they heal one another. I loved watching Wells be everything Rosalie needed without knowing, the way he saw her for everything she was and helped her magic shine. And Rosalie story is too much like many women, feeling from a relationship that left shattered pieces and seeing her get to pick those pieces up by a man who wanted nothing more than to see her smile (or pout if we’re being honest 🤭😮💨)? Healing. It was a healing balm that will have readers feeling hopeful, seen within these characters and a holiday magic that just makes it’s all better❄️♥️
Thank you to Valentine PR & Maren Moore’s team for the continued opportunity to review an early copy!
November 6, 2025
[ ARC REVIEW ] Better Not Pout by Maren Moore
🗓️ Release Date: 11.14.2025
The holidays are in full swing in my household and Marenmas has officially commenced…Merry Marenmas ya filthy animals!!
One of the tropes is hallmark after dark and I can confidently say that is EXACTLY what this is. I am a Maren FANATIC through and through and can 10000% confirm this is her best work yet. It got me out of my slump with the very first page and I finished it in one sitting.
There is absolutely no way this won’t put you in the holiday mood. Mistletoe Falls is the perfect mix of cozy and christmassy and EXACTLY like the towns in hallmark movies…but BETTER! It has the exact same feel as Naughty or Nice by Sophie Snow and I absolutely devoured that one too!
You will not want to skip over this one this season. It’s packed with romance, spice, and that nostalgic, magical holiday feel we all loved as kids and crave as adults.
Merry Marenmas and Happy Holidays y’all! 😘
Tropes:
🎄Holiday Novella
🍭Small Town
🎄Retired Hockey Star x Candy Maker
🍭Fake Holi-Dating
🎄Neighbors to Lovers
🍭Forced Proximity
🎄Only One Bed
🍭Curvy Heroine
🎄Hallmark after Dark
Micro-Tropes:
🎀Dislike to lust
🍬Their Weenie Dogs love each other
🎀Sticking it to her Ex
🍬Only One Snowtube
🎀Spicy hot tub fun
🍬Letter to Santa gone wrong…or right?
🎀Family shenanigans
🍬He’s a lumbersnack
🎀He worships her curves
🍬Sexy time with caramel candy
🎀Christmas activities galore
🗓️ Release Date: 11.14.2025
The holidays are in full swing in my household and Marenmas has officially commenced…Merry Marenmas ya filthy animals!!
One of the tropes is hallmark after dark and I can confidently say that is EXACTLY what this is. I am a Maren FANATIC through and through and can 10000% confirm this is her best work yet. It got me out of my slump with the very first page and I finished it in one sitting.
There is absolutely no way this won’t put you in the holiday mood. Mistletoe Falls is the perfect mix of cozy and christmassy and EXACTLY like the towns in hallmark movies…but BETTER! It has the exact same feel as Naughty or Nice by Sophie Snow and I absolutely devoured that one too!
You will not want to skip over this one this season. It’s packed with romance, spice, and that nostalgic, magical holiday feel we all loved as kids and crave as adults.
Merry Marenmas and Happy Holidays y’all! 😘
Tropes:
🎄Holiday Novella
🍭Small Town
🎄Retired Hockey Star x Candy Maker
🍭Fake Holi-Dating
🎄Neighbors to Lovers
🍭Forced Proximity
🎄Only One Bed
🍭Curvy Heroine
🎄Hallmark after Dark
Micro-Tropes:
🎀Dislike to lust
🍬Their Weenie Dogs love each other
🎀Sticking it to her Ex
🍬Only One Snowtube
🎀Spicy hot tub fun
🍬Letter to Santa gone wrong…or right?
🎀Family shenanigans
🍬He’s a lumbersnack
🎀He worships her curves
🍬Sexy time with caramel candy
🎀Christmas activities galore
November 5, 2025
***TRIGGER WARNINGS: loss of parents and body image/ body shaming***
Better Not Pout follows Rosalie, who owns a candy shop with her grandparents in the small town of Mistletoe Falls. One night, she gets drunk with her best friend and writes a letter to Santa asking for her dream man for Christmas. Wells is a former hockey player, new to town, and is opening a bar next door to the candy store. Rosalie does not like Wells at first. But the two decide to fake date each other to solve their problems. But soon things don’t feel so fake anymore.
MAREN MOORE I LOVE YOU!!! If you know me, I am just so obsessed with everything Maren writes. I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Fake dating, small town vibes, Christmas, and lots of spice. What more could I want? Wells and Rosalie were just so cute. Maren always writes the perfect book boyfriends. Saint Devereaux is my favorite book boyfriend ( I will never get over that man), but Wells, that man did something to me. I love him. I am convinced that Maren is magic because everything she writes is just perfect. This was such a cute Christmas romance book. I need this to be a movie. I LOVED THIS!!! I can’t wait to reread this.
Thank you to my queen, Maren Moore, and Valentine PR for the ARC of this. It comes out on November 14!
Better Not Pout follows Rosalie, who owns a candy shop with her grandparents in the small town of Mistletoe Falls. One night, she gets drunk with her best friend and writes a letter to Santa asking for her dream man for Christmas. Wells is a former hockey player, new to town, and is opening a bar next door to the candy store. Rosalie does not like Wells at first. But the two decide to fake date each other to solve their problems. But soon things don’t feel so fake anymore.
MAREN MOORE I LOVE YOU!!! If you know me, I am just so obsessed with everything Maren writes. I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Fake dating, small town vibes, Christmas, and lots of spice. What more could I want? Wells and Rosalie were just so cute. Maren always writes the perfect book boyfriends. Saint Devereaux is my favorite book boyfriend ( I will never get over that man), but Wells, that man did something to me. I love him. I am convinced that Maren is magic because everything she writes is just perfect. This was such a cute Christmas romance book. I need this to be a movie. I LOVED THIS!!! I can’t wait to reread this.
Thank you to my queen, Maren Moore, and Valentine PR for the ARC of this. It comes out on November 14!
November 2, 2025
Loved! I truly enjoyed this sweet and spicy holiday read! I have been not so patiently waiting for this book and it was sooo darn good!! Rosalie is a pretty simple girl. She loves running her grandparents candy store and might like writing letters to Santa asking for her dream man. When she meets Wells all bets are off. Wells is a former professional hockey player who is now opening a bar in Mistletoe Falls. When he meets sassy Rosalie he has no idea how she’s about to change his life…in more ways than one. This is a sassy holiday read with the best combination of sugar and spice. When these two start spending time together Rosalie learns about Wells sweet tooth…and his tendency to spice things up…in the best possible way. This well written quick paced read did not disappoint. Between these two having undeniable chemistry, the ex boyfriend drama and everything in between this book was extremely entertaining. I really enjoyed this adorable holiday read. The characters brought the sassy banter and perfect chemistry and I was here for it. Maren definitely wrote a winner and as this book ends I can’t wait to see what she brings us next.
November 7, 2025
5 Stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rosalie works at her grandparents candy shop in the small town of Mistletoe Falls and she writes a letter to Santa asking for her dream man for Christmas. Wells is a retired hockey player who is new to town and moves next door to the candy shop.
Okay I absolutely loved everything about this book!! Small town? Check! Holiday romance? Check! Hot retired hockey player? Check!! Faking dating? Check!!! Caramel sauce?? CHECK!!! 🥵
Faking dating is my ultimate favorite trope and I loved Rosalie and Wells together so much! This is truly a super spicy Hallmark Christmas movie in a book and I loved every second of it!!
Better Not Pout releases November 14th!
Thank you soo much to Valentine PR and Maren Moore for this digital ARC!!
❤️Dual POV
🤍Small Town
❤️Fake Dating
🤍Hallmark Romance
❤️Retired Hockey Player
🤍Spicy/Open Door
“You’re hot as f*ck when you’re mad. Bothering you might just be my new favorite pastime.”
“Yeah, Sugar. I think everyone here needs to know that you’re mine.”
Rosalie works at her grandparents candy shop in the small town of Mistletoe Falls and she writes a letter to Santa asking for her dream man for Christmas. Wells is a retired hockey player who is new to town and moves next door to the candy shop.
Okay I absolutely loved everything about this book!! Small town? Check! Holiday romance? Check! Hot retired hockey player? Check!! Faking dating? Check!!! Caramel sauce?? CHECK!!! 🥵
Faking dating is my ultimate favorite trope and I loved Rosalie and Wells together so much! This is truly a super spicy Hallmark Christmas movie in a book and I loved every second of it!!
Better Not Pout releases November 14th!
Thank you soo much to Valentine PR and Maren Moore for this digital ARC!!
❤️Dual POV
🤍Small Town
❤️Fake Dating
🤍Hallmark Romance
❤️Retired Hockey Player
🤍Spicy/Open Door
“You’re hot as f*ck when you’re mad. Bothering you might just be my new favorite pastime.”
“Yeah, Sugar. I think everyone here needs to know that you’re mine.”
November 6, 2025
Super cute novella to get you in the holiday spirit! Rosalie was born and raised in Mistletoe Falls and has been working in her family’s candy shop for as long as she can remember. They have a mailbox outside the store for letters for santa and after a few glasses of wine on girls night, her best friend convinces her they should write letters just for funsies.
Rosalie just went through a breakup and is tired of her grandparents matchmaking so she asks santa for her perfect man. complete with a list of requirements.
Enter Wells - the retired hockey player that’s new to town and opening a bar next door…. and just so happens to check every box 👀
-holiday romance
-small town
-fake dating
-forced proximity
-candy store owner x bar owner (they’re neighbors!)
-dislike to love
-hallmark after dark vibes
-plus size FMC
-one bed
Rosalie just went through a breakup and is tired of her grandparents matchmaking so she asks santa for her perfect man. complete with a list of requirements.
Enter Wells - the retired hockey player that’s new to town and opening a bar next door…. and just so happens to check every box 👀
-holiday romance
-small town
-fake dating
-forced proximity
-candy store owner x bar owner (they’re neighbors!)
-dislike to love
-hallmark after dark vibes
-plus size FMC
-one bed
November 4, 2025
Better Not Pout by Maren Moore was pure Christmas rom com perfection! It’s about a sweet vintage candy shop owner who writes a letter to Santa asking for her dream man, only for a grumpy ex-hockey player to move in next door and open a bar. The chemistry between Rosalie and Wells was off the charts, and their banter was so funny and flirty! I loved the fake dating trope and all the cozy small town holiday vibes. This book completely put me in the holiday spirit. It’s fun, festive, and full of joy…basically everything you want in a holiday romance! If you’re looking for something sweet and steamy, add this to your Christmas TBR!
November 7, 2025
No one writes a cute but spicy as heck holiday novella quite like Maren! It was described as a Hallmark story “after dark” and I think that’s a fair description 🤣
Rosalie runs the local bakery, and Wells is opening a bar next door. There was the perfect amount of fake dating, small town, making the ex jealous, writing funny letters to Santa, and all the holiday shenanigans. Not to mention maybe some meddling grandparents? 🤭
🎅 “Unfortunately, I have to admit that I am beginning to have a teeny, tiny, minuscule crush on my new fake boyfriend.”
🎅 “You are beautiful. The most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Without a doubt, without question.”
🎅 “They’re tempting, but they’re nothing to how tempted I am by you. I’m beginning to realize that my sweet tooth is for you, Rosalie Sullivan.”
Rosalie runs the local bakery, and Wells is opening a bar next door. There was the perfect amount of fake dating, small town, making the ex jealous, writing funny letters to Santa, and all the holiday shenanigans. Not to mention maybe some meddling grandparents? 🤭
🎅 “Unfortunately, I have to admit that I am beginning to have a teeny, tiny, minuscule crush on my new fake boyfriend.”
🎅 “You are beautiful. The most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Without a doubt, without question.”
🎅 “They’re tempting, but they’re nothing to how tempted I am by you. I’m beginning to realize that my sweet tooth is for you, Rosalie Sullivan.”
November 7, 2025
5/5 stars! I absolutely loved Better Not Pout. I could not put this book down and finished it in one sitting. I was so excited to receive an arc of this book as Maren Moore is one of my favourite authors. I have read all of her books and loved them all. Of Maren Moore writes it I’m gonna read it. The best way to describe Better Not Pout is spicy hallmark vibes! This book included some of my favourite tropes; fake dating, small town, one bed and holiday romance. Better Not Pout is releasing November 14, 2025. Thank you so much to Maren Moore & Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
November 6, 2025
"You look like you were made just for me. Every single thing about you. I'm fucking starving for you."
ARC REVIEW
I love Marenmas, best time of the year!!!
This was the sweetest and filthiest christmas novella🤭 Maren, you did it again! I was hooked from start to finish.
Spice was absolutely fantastic… there’s some caramel play😏
& the dear santa letters were the cutest things about this novella!
big shoutout to Frankie and Penny, i love those weenies.
🎄 fake- dating
🦌 ex-hockey player x curvy girly
🎄 forced proximity
🦌 small town
🎄dislike to banging
ARC REVIEW
I love Marenmas, best time of the year!!!
This was the sweetest and filthiest christmas novella🤭 Maren, you did it again! I was hooked from start to finish.
Spice was absolutely fantastic… there’s some caramel play😏
& the dear santa letters were the cutest things about this novella!
big shoutout to Frankie and Penny, i love those weenies.
🎄 fake- dating
🦌 ex-hockey player x curvy girly
🎄 forced proximity
🦌 small town
🎄dislike to banging
November 6, 2025
• T R O P E S •
✦ fake dating
✦ hallmark after dark vibes
✦ forced proximity
✦ small town
This book was so sweetly cute! Just the like candies from Sweet Sullivans, i DEVOURED it. I did not want to put it down. In true Maren Moore fashion we got decks the halls in spice! I mean think hallmark after dark vibes.
The fake dating between Rosalie and Wells was so fun, they had me giggling and kicking my feet! Especially when they started to develop real feelings for each other. And ugh the letters were such a great touch! Not gonna lie I lowkey teared up lol
✦ fake dating
✦ hallmark after dark vibes
✦ forced proximity
✦ small town
This book was so sweetly cute! Just the like candies from Sweet Sullivans, i DEVOURED it. I did not want to put it down. In true Maren Moore fashion we got decks the halls in spice! I mean think hallmark after dark vibes.
The fake dating between Rosalie and Wells was so fun, they had me giggling and kicking my feet! Especially when they started to develop real feelings for each other. And ugh the letters were such a great touch! Not gonna lie I lowkey teared up lol
November 5, 2025
Holy sugar and spice and everything naughty and nice!!!! This was a sweet and spicy holiday novella filled with the best banter, characters and spice! I love the way the author writes their characters and for a novella there is so much to this story. I think I need to write Santa a Christmas list because omg! This man was everything! And the letters definitely pull at your heartstrings and give you the holiday warm and fuzzies. This is one that should be at the top of your holiday TBR!
November 6, 2025
I have decided that anything that Maren writes I am going to absolutely eat uppp. I loved this holiday novella!! It had everything you could ask for. The cutest small town vibes, retired hockey player, fake dating, the best banter, and the spice 😮💨this book was described as "Hallmark after dark" and that is 100% spot on. Wells and Rosalie were so perfect and this book definitely has me ready for some more holiday reads!
November 7, 2025
4 ⭐️|
Such a sweet and cozy holiday romance! I loved the chemistry between the main characters and all the festive vibes. The family moments gave me such warm feeling. As if you were there yourself experiencing their holiday tradition.Especially the ending, it felt so warm and full of love. And such a cute wrap up how it all came together.A heartwarming read that’s perfect for the holidays! It really lived up to the hallmark after dark claim.
Such a sweet and cozy holiday romance! I loved the chemistry between the main characters and all the festive vibes. The family moments gave me such warm feeling. As if you were there yourself experiencing their holiday tradition.Especially the ending, it felt so warm and full of love. And such a cute wrap up how it all came together.A heartwarming read that’s perfect for the holidays! It really lived up to the hallmark after dark claim.
November 4, 2025
Rosie and Wells may not have been dislike to lovers, they were ENEMIES to lovers. Their instant fire from their first meet, was pure burning heat.
And it certainly paid off once the spice started spicin’.
All of the moments that led up to the inevitable pay off, were perfect and so beautiful. They found what they needed in each other.
Thank you Maren for an advanced copy.
And it certainly paid off once the spice started spicin’.
All of the moments that led up to the inevitable pay off, were perfect and so beautiful. They found what they needed in each other.
Thank you Maren for an advanced copy.
November 5, 2025
Absolutely Adorable!
This story was absolutely adorable — super sweet and heart-melting! Wells was amazing, and I loved how he made her ex jealous without even really trying. It was such a fun dynamic! Even though it’s a short read (hi, novella) it packed so much charm and chemistry. I honestly didn’t want it to end, and I can’t wait to read more from this author!!
This story was absolutely adorable — super sweet and heart-melting! Wells was amazing, and I loved how he made her ex jealous without even really trying. It was such a fun dynamic! Even though it’s a short read (hi, novella) it packed so much charm and chemistry. I honestly didn’t want it to end, and I can’t wait to read more from this author!!
November 6, 2025
✨ Review ✨
***
Better Not Pout was so good!! I loved Wells and Rosalie so much. Their story was beautiful and so romantic. I loved the sass, the humor, the banter, and the romance. The some was hot!! The writing was perfect and so easy to read. I loved all the Christmas vibes and cheer. The ending was perfect and so good!
***
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance: 🩷🩷🩷🩷
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
***
***
Better Not Pout was so good!! I loved Wells and Rosalie so much. Their story was beautiful and so romantic. I loved the sass, the humor, the banter, and the romance. The some was hot!! The writing was perfect and so easy to read. I loved all the Christmas vibes and cheer. The ending was perfect and so good!
***
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance: 🩷🩷🩷🩷
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
***
November 6, 2025
I loved everything about this book!
Christmas town? Check!
Unfriendly to Lovers? Check!
Santa granting wishes? Check!
Sassy FMC? Check!
They BOTH have the same kind of dog and dress them up???? CHECK!!!!
If you're looking for a quick Christmassy read that hits all the right spots, go to Mistletoe Falls and fall in love with Wells and Rosalie!
Christmas town? Check!
Unfriendly to Lovers? Check!
Santa granting wishes? Check!
Sassy FMC? Check!
They BOTH have the same kind of dog and dress them up???? CHECK!!!!
If you're looking for a quick Christmassy read that hits all the right spots, go to Mistletoe Falls and fall in love with Wells and Rosalie!
November 7, 2025
Short, sweet, and full of everything Christmas!
I Rosalie and Wells met by chance and entered a fake dating arrangement. As always, that did not last and they both fell for one another.
This book had cozy holiday vibes mixed with warm and fuzzy family feelings. Everything about this book felt like stepping into Hallmark but with plenty of spice
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I Rosalie and Wells met by chance and entered a fake dating arrangement. As always, that did not last and they both fell for one another.
This book had cozy holiday vibes mixed with warm and fuzzy family feelings. Everything about this book felt like stepping into Hallmark but with plenty of spice
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
October 3, 2025
Saw this was coming and im SCREAMING. I will be mentally living in all the spicy hallmark after dark vibes the second it drops 😭🎄🔥
Also pouting because it can’t come soon enough 😏
Also pouting because it can’t come soon enough 😏
November 4, 2025
ahh what a fantastic spicy Christmas novella. this was a fab read.
November 7, 2025
absolutely incredible. ARC RTC 🩷 Better Not Pout will be occupying my brain 24:7 thank you very much
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