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Shadow Valley U #2.5
The Christmas Playbook
One cabin. One week. One fake relationship.
Winter break was supposed to be one last trip with my best friends, a little snowboarding, maybe some hot cocoa spiked with something stronger. No drama, no strings.
Then my cabin got double-booked.
Enter Mira Winters—my childhood neighbor and crush. And somehow, the girl managed to get even prettier since the last time I saw her.
She’s got one problem: her family makes mine look like a walk in the park, and she’d rather fake a boyfriend than deal with their constant judgement.
Guess who she asks to step up? Yours truly.
It’s supposed to be for show. Hold her hand. Steal a kiss under the mistletoe. Pretend I’m head over heels for her.
Easy. Right?
Except the more we play this game, the more I want it to be real. And suddenly I’m less worried about the score her family is keeping and more about what happens when the week is over—because for the first time in a long time, I’m all in.
This Christmas, I don’t just want to win the game.
I want the girl.
This spicy, forced proximity holiday romance is a sweet companion novella to the Shadow Valley U series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Winter break was supposed to be one last trip with my best friends, a little snowboarding, maybe some hot cocoa spiked with something stronger. No drama, no strings.
Then my cabin got double-booked.
Enter Mira Winters—my childhood neighbor and crush. And somehow, the girl managed to get even prettier since the last time I saw her.
She’s got one problem: her family makes mine look like a walk in the park, and she’d rather fake a boyfriend than deal with their constant judgement.
Guess who she asks to step up? Yours truly.
It’s supposed to be for show. Hold her hand. Steal a kiss under the mistletoe. Pretend I’m head over heels for her.
Easy. Right?
Except the more we play this game, the more I want it to be real. And suddenly I’m less worried about the score her family is keeping and more about what happens when the week is over—because for the first time in a long time, I’m all in.
This Christmas, I don’t just want to win the game.
I want the girl.
This spicy, forced proximity holiday romance is a sweet companion novella to the Shadow Valley U series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2025
194 people are currently reading
1342 people want to read
About the author
S. Massery
41 books5,628 followersS. Massery is a dark romance author who infuses all her stories with a dash of suspense. Formerly from Massachusetts, she now resides in Southern California with her dog, Alice.
Before adventuring into the world of writing, she went to college in Boston and held a wide variety of jobs—including working on a dude ranch in Wyoming (a personal highlight). She has a love affair with coffee and chocolate. When S. Massery isn’t writing, she can be found devouring books, playing outside with her dog, or trying to make people smile.
• Facebook Group —> http://facebook.com/groups/smasserysquad
• Facebook —> http://facebook.com/authorsmassery
• Instagram —> http://instagram.com/authorsmassery
• Newsletter —> http://smassery.com/newsletter
• Tiktok —> http://tiktok.com/@smassery
Before adventuring into the world of writing, she went to college in Boston and held a wide variety of jobs—including working on a dude ranch in Wyoming (a personal highlight). She has a love affair with coffee and chocolate. When S. Massery isn’t writing, she can be found devouring books, playing outside with her dog, or trying to make people smile.
• Facebook Group —> http://facebook.com/groups/smasserysquad
• Facebook —> http://facebook.com/authorsmassery
• Instagram —> http://instagram.com/authorsmassery
• Newsletter —> http://smassery.com/newsletter
• Tiktok —> http://tiktok.com/@smassery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 566 reviews
November 7, 2025
Likening herself to Kevin McCallister, Mira Winters is spending the holidays with her family at Big Bear Ski Resort where they will vacillate between teasing her relentlessly and ignoring her.
Planning to celebrate the holidays with his friends before they all go their separate ways in the spring, Rhys Anderson is the only single one in the group. When a booking error leaves him sharing a cabin with his childhood neighbor, Mira, everything gets flipped upside down!
So stinking cute … and hot! Rhys is a total sweetheart and I just want to hug poor Mira.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🤬🫣😊🥵😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult
✨ Tropes: Fake Relationship, Forced Proximity, (Childhood) Friends-to-Lovers, Grumpy/Sunshine, Holiday, One Bed
💫 Microtropes: Athlete (Hockey), “Good Girl”, Pet Name
💋 Kinks: Exhibitionism, Finger Licking Good
🚩 Red Flags: n/a
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
📍 Setting: Ski Resort
⚠️ Warning: This sweet and steamy read will leave your panties damp and your cheeks flushed.
⛔️ Safety Squad: n/a
📣 Type: The Christmas Playbook is a holiday novella set in the Shadow Valley U world, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Planning to celebrate the holidays with his friends before they all go their separate ways in the spring, Rhys Anderson is the only single one in the group. When a booking error leaves him sharing a cabin with his childhood neighbor, Mira, everything gets flipped upside down!
So stinking cute … and hot! Rhys is a total sweetheart and I just want to hug poor Mira.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🤬🫣😊🥵😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult
✨ Tropes: Fake Relationship, Forced Proximity, (Childhood) Friends-to-Lovers, Grumpy/Sunshine, Holiday, One Bed
💫 Microtropes: Athlete (Hockey), “Good Girl”, Pet Name
💋 Kinks: Exhibitionism, Finger Licking Good
🚩 Red Flags: n/a
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
📍 Setting: Ski Resort
⚠️ Warning: This sweet and steamy read will leave your panties damp and your cheeks flushed.
⛔️ Safety Squad: n/a
📣 Type: The Christmas Playbook is a holiday novella set in the Shadow Valley U world, but can be read as a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
November 12, 2025
4 Kevin McCallister Stars ⭐️
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
I didn’t know what to expect going in because the previous two books were a little dark, so I wondered if that theme would carry over or if this would be a typical little Christmas novella. Essentially, you get the second option... the perfect red-bow-wrapped rom-com that feels like a cosy, feel-good holiday Hallmark movie in book form. It ticks every single box of what you want to see in a Christmas story.
Mira Winters basically feels like Kevin McCallister in her family. She is the forgotten child in everything, and she’s always put down or picked on or forgotten about. When she joins them on their annual Christmas ski holiday, she’s the only one who doesn’t have a roommate, no one in her family ever pays enough attention to notice what she’s doing anyway, and having a cabin all to herself feels like the one small perk of being invisible. Rhys is on one last hurrah trip with his university friends before they all get drafted into the NFL. The only problem? He’s the only single guy on the trip. As luck would have it, the resort messes up his accommodations, and he ends up having to share a cabin with Mira. As even more luck would have it, the two of them used to be best friends in middle school, next-door neighbours who maybe, kind of, had little schoolyard crushes on each other. So when Mira’s family gives her a hard time about something and she blurts out that her boyfriend joined her on the trip, Rhys doesn’t hesitate... he just goes along with it.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
My heart broke for little Mira and how emotionally abused she is by her family and how jealous they are of her, because nothing she does, nothing she says, nothing she will ever do will be good enough for them. It is heartbreaking to see them treat her like crap, and how she just lets them walk all over her. I loved that when she was with Rhys, she found her voice, she found her ability to be brave and ask for what she wanted and went at it. They jump very quickly into getting physical, and I really like that she doesn’t cower under Rhys’s proximity. She actually shines!
Rhys is the type of MMC you want to see in a Christmas romance. He is caring, sexy, considerate, he stands up for his girl, he is not shy about her, and he protects her. He also has the fingers and a tongue of a sex god.
Normally, when I read a novella, I put aside certain things I look for in a book, specifically around character development and the development of a relationship, because I know it's going to be a fast burn, and there are not going to be a lot of pages to set up that growth and relationship development. That said, it did feel like they fell into love pretty quickly… but honestly, it’s a novella, so it's EXPECTED AND PERFECT! This book is going to give you what you want. It is full of cosiness, Christmas lights, warm hot chocolate, and some delicious spice in a hot tub!
I thoroughly enjoyed being back in this world. I absolutely love the duo of S. Massery and S.J. Sylvis writing together. Seeing Cassius and Briar again was really nice and made me realise I can’t wait for book three to come out soon!!!
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Sports Romance (He's a College Football Player)
▶ Childhood Friends and Neighbours
▶ Fake Dating
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ One Cabin and One Bed
▶ Black Cat X Golden Retriever (Reverse Grumpy Sunshine)
▶ Christmas Novella
and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Nicknames
▷ Under Table Touching
▷ Spicy/Steamy Water Scene
▷ Public Sex
▷ Finger Licking Good
▷ Good Girl
▷ Came in his Pants
▷ Chin Lift
I basically inhaled the story as fast as possible, and I loved every minute.
Thank you to S. Massary for the gifted Copy. All Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
I didn’t know what to expect going in because the previous two books were a little dark, so I wondered if that theme would carry over or if this would be a typical little Christmas novella. Essentially, you get the second option... the perfect red-bow-wrapped rom-com that feels like a cosy, feel-good holiday Hallmark movie in book form. It ticks every single box of what you want to see in a Christmas story.
“Fake dating or not, that kiss was a sucker punch I wasn’t prepared for.”𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Mira Winters basically feels like Kevin McCallister in her family. She is the forgotten child in everything, and she’s always put down or picked on or forgotten about. When she joins them on their annual Christmas ski holiday, she’s the only one who doesn’t have a roommate, no one in her family ever pays enough attention to notice what she’s doing anyway, and having a cabin all to herself feels like the one small perk of being invisible. Rhys is on one last hurrah trip with his university friends before they all get drafted into the NFL. The only problem? He’s the only single guy on the trip. As luck would have it, the resort messes up his accommodations, and he ends up having to share a cabin with Mira. As even more luck would have it, the two of them used to be best friends in middle school, next-door neighbours who maybe, kind of, had little schoolyard crushes on each other. So when Mira’s family gives her a hard time about something and she blurts out that her boyfriend joined her on the trip, Rhys doesn’t hesitate... he just goes along with it.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
My heart broke for little Mira and how emotionally abused she is by her family and how jealous they are of her, because nothing she does, nothing she says, nothing she will ever do will be good enough for them. It is heartbreaking to see them treat her like crap, and how she just lets them walk all over her. I loved that when she was with Rhys, she found her voice, she found her ability to be brave and ask for what she wanted and went at it. They jump very quickly into getting physical, and I really like that she doesn’t cower under Rhys’s proximity. She actually shines!
Rhys is the type of MMC you want to see in a Christmas romance. He is caring, sexy, considerate, he stands up for his girl, he is not shy about her, and he protects her. He also has the fingers and a tongue of a sex god.
Normally, when I read a novella, I put aside certain things I look for in a book, specifically around character development and the development of a relationship, because I know it's going to be a fast burn, and there are not going to be a lot of pages to set up that growth and relationship development. That said, it did feel like they fell into love pretty quickly… but honestly, it’s a novella, so it's EXPECTED AND PERFECT! This book is going to give you what you want. It is full of cosiness, Christmas lights, warm hot chocolate, and some delicious spice in a hot tub!
I thoroughly enjoyed being back in this world. I absolutely love the duo of S. Massery and S.J. Sylvis writing together. Seeing Cassius and Briar again was really nice and made me realise I can’t wait for book three to come out soon!!!
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Sports Romance (He's a College Football Player)
▶ Childhood Friends and Neighbours
▶ Fake Dating
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ One Cabin and One Bed
▶ Black Cat X Golden Retriever (Reverse Grumpy Sunshine)
▶ Christmas Novella
and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Nicknames
▷ Under Table Touching
▷ Spicy/Steamy Water Scene
▷ Public Sex
▷ Finger Licking Good
▷ Good Girl
▷ Came in his Pants
▷ Chin Lift
I basically inhaled the story as fast as possible, and I loved every minute.
Thank you to S. Massary for the gifted Copy. All Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read
November 12, 2025I wish this had been longer because I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had been. I liked both the H and h but the ugliness of the h's family dynamics taking up so much page space and the fast pace left me feeling like the romance was rushed.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both are experienced. Some casual mentions of the H's past hookups and one of something he liked in bed that was a little bleh. I don't remember what was said about the h but she'd definitely been with others.
Some tropes/themes:
☆ Forced proximity
☆ Childhood neighbors/friends
☆ MMC is a college athlete hoping to go pro
☆ FMC isn't sure what she wants to do
☆ Terrible family for the FMC, opposite for MMC
☆ Both on a holiday trip
☆ Fast pace for relationship
☆ Not many holiday elements
☆ He does tell off her family
The H was sweet and you do get a sense of who he is. I liked what little of his friend group we got too. The h is the black sheep of her family who's still trying to figure herself out, which gets her treated abominably. Other than not fitting in with them and her uncertainties about what she wanted to do, I didn't get a good sense of who she was though.
When the h's cabin gets double-booked with the H, her childhood friend she hasn't seen in years, she asks the H to pretend to be her fake boyfriend to give her a break from her family's mean comments. Except they're still just so awful. The only real break from the asshole family are the spicy scenes, including some semi-public moments where no one actually sees them.
The epilogue is a year later and is very cute but also feels rushed since they immediately had moved in together and then there are googly eyes over their future babies. At least we got a break from her family in the epilogue and the H's was lovely.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both are experienced. Some casual mentions of the H's past hookups and one of something he liked in bed that was a little bleh. I don't remember what was said about the h but she'd definitely been with others.
Some tropes/themes:
☆ Forced proximity
☆ Childhood neighbors/friends
☆ MMC is a college athlete hoping to go pro
☆ FMC isn't sure what she wants to do
☆ Terrible family for the FMC, opposite for MMC
☆ Both on a holiday trip
☆ Fast pace for relationship
☆ Not many holiday elements
☆ He does tell off her family
The H was sweet and you do get a sense of who he is. I liked what little of his friend group we got too. The h is the black sheep of her family who's still trying to figure herself out, which gets her treated abominably. Other than not fitting in with them and her uncertainties about what she wanted to do, I didn't get a good sense of who she was though.
When the h's cabin gets double-booked with the H, her childhood friend she hasn't seen in years, she asks the H to pretend to be her fake boyfriend to give her a break from her family's mean comments. Except they're still just so awful. The only real break from the asshole family are the spicy scenes, including some semi-public moments where no one actually sees them.
The epilogue is a year later and is very cute but also feels rushed since they immediately had moved in together and then there are googly eyes over their future babies. At least we got a break from her family in the epilogue and the H's was lovely.
November 7, 2025
5⭐️
4🌶️
🎄Christmas Novella
🔥Rom Com Vibes
🎄Fake Dating
🔥Forced Proximity
🎄Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🔥One Bed
🎄College Athlete
🔥Childhood Friends
🎄Found Family
🔥Dual First Person POV
As someone who hasn’t read any of the Shadow Valley U series, I wasn’t lost while reading this holiday novella. Rhys and his friends decide to go on a ski vacation for Christmasbefore their last semester. As the only single one, he has his own cabin. Mira is embarking on her family’s annual Christmas ski vacation. Everyone forgot about her, so her step-dad booked a cabin just for her. Rhys and Mira have a funny (re)meet cute, when she walks into the cabin catching Rhys coming in from the hot tub…naked. They haven’t seen each other since they were children. Their past history helped with the believability of the instant connection and sizzling chemistry. They’re at the front desk when they over hear Mira’s sisters insulting her behind her back. Mira surprises both of them when she announces she does in fact have a boyfriend, Rhys. They don’t waste time proving to her family they’re together. Things get spicy fast, on the mountain, Santa’s workshop, and all over their cabin. This is an amusing and spicy novella with instant everything. I definitely will be putting the Shadow Valley U series on my list.
Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5
Thank you S. Massey & SJ Sylvis for the ARC.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦🔥
4🌶️
🎄Christmas Novella
🔥Rom Com Vibes
🎄Fake Dating
🔥Forced Proximity
🎄Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🔥One Bed
🎄College Athlete
🔥Childhood Friends
🎄Found Family
🔥Dual First Person POV
As someone who hasn’t read any of the Shadow Valley U series, I wasn’t lost while reading this holiday novella. Rhys and his friends decide to go on a ski vacation for Christmasbefore their last semester. As the only single one, he has his own cabin. Mira is embarking on her family’s annual Christmas ski vacation. Everyone forgot about her, so her step-dad booked a cabin just for her. Rhys and Mira have a funny (re)meet cute, when she walks into the cabin catching Rhys coming in from the hot tub…naked. They haven’t seen each other since they were children. Their past history helped with the believability of the instant connection and sizzling chemistry. They’re at the front desk when they over hear Mira’s sisters insulting her behind her back. Mira surprises both of them when she announces she does in fact have a boyfriend, Rhys. They don’t waste time proving to her family they’re together. Things get spicy fast, on the mountain, Santa’s workshop, and all over their cabin. This is an amusing and spicy novella with instant everything. I definitely will be putting the Shadow Valley U series on my list.
Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5
Thank you S. Massey & SJ Sylvis for the ARC.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads 🐦🔥
Currently reading
November 8, 2025Available now!
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://a.co/d/bC5Mxmo
Audible: https://bit.ly/43tLKWI
Narrated by: Rose Dioro & Lee Samuels
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/4mnO2xm
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://a.co/d/bC5Mxmo
Audible: https://bit.ly/43tLKWI
Narrated by: Rose Dioro & Lee Samuels
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/4mnO2xm
November 9, 2025
Tropes-
Christmas Novella
One bed
Forced proximity
Fake dating
College football player
✨️Thank you to the authors for this ARC for my honest review! I think this may be my new favorite Christmas Novella! It was short, sweet, and spicy, but it didn't feel rushed at all to me. I loved that there was some history between these two so it didn't feel insta-lovish. I loved the family drama side of this story and Rhys standing up for Mira and defending her. Although this is technically a Novella in the Shadow Valley U Series, I think it could easily be read as a standalone. My only complaint is that they didn't get a full length book because I absolutely adored this couple and book. If you're looking for a fun and quick read to get you in the Christmas spirit, look no further!
Christmas Novella
One bed
Forced proximity
Fake dating
College football player
✨️Thank you to the authors for this ARC for my honest review! I think this may be my new favorite Christmas Novella! It was short, sweet, and spicy, but it didn't feel rushed at all to me. I loved that there was some history between these two so it didn't feel insta-lovish. I loved the family drama side of this story and Rhys standing up for Mira and defending her. Although this is technically a Novella in the Shadow Valley U Series, I think it could easily be read as a standalone. My only complaint is that they didn't get a full length book because I absolutely adored this couple and book. If you're looking for a fun and quick read to get you in the Christmas spirit, look no further!
November 2, 2025
Saving Her Christmas
Over-the-top and steamy is how Rhys Anderson and Mira (frostbite) Winters' fake relationship goes. This is fast-paced and so fun. I love this novella and finished it in one go!
"I want to unravel you, Mira"
-- Rhys Anderson
Her family dynamics are crummy at best. I love how they are put in their place and how fiercely protective Rhys is of her. The fact that they already had history that included a crush makes things more believable.
I haven't read any other books in the series, and I think it is absolutely fine. Do I want to go back for the others? Yes, but this is definitely fine as a standalone.
I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators, Rose Dioro and Lee Samuels, are wonderful in duet! 🎧💚🎧
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x
November 9, 2025
ALC REVIEW
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
🎄Holiday Romance
❤️One Bed
🎄fake dating
❤️childhood Friends to Lovers
🎄athlete
❤️forced proximity
🎄cute nickname
❤️set in shadow valley world
🎄duet narration
❤️dual pov
I love a cute and fun Christmas book and this one was no exception to that. The Christmas Playbook is a fun Christmas Novella but it still packs all the elements of the shadow valley series including the spice into this quick novella.
Rhys Anderson and Mira Winters are forced into being bunkmates in a cabin together for Christmas due to it being double booked. The kicker… they know each other… they used to be friends and neighbors as kids.
Miras family is damn awful to her. To save face Mira introduces them to Rhys, her fake boyfriend. As the week progresses sparks fly and what started out as a fake relationship quickly becomes much more.
I absolutely love how Rhys stands up for Mira when her own family treats her horribly. And his cute nickname for her 😍
The narration is duet and was narrated by Lee Samuels and Rose DiOrio. Both were excellent in their roles . Smooth, flawless with plenty of banter and spice. I found myself smiling at Lee’s narration when he used the nickname. Rose was equally good showing the emotion and hurt with her family but humor as well with Rhys.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
🎄Holiday Romance
❤️One Bed
🎄fake dating
❤️childhood Friends to Lovers
🎄athlete
❤️forced proximity
🎄cute nickname
❤️set in shadow valley world
🎄duet narration
❤️dual pov
I love a cute and fun Christmas book and this one was no exception to that. The Christmas Playbook is a fun Christmas Novella but it still packs all the elements of the shadow valley series including the spice into this quick novella.
Rhys Anderson and Mira Winters are forced into being bunkmates in a cabin together for Christmas due to it being double booked. The kicker… they know each other… they used to be friends and neighbors as kids.
Miras family is damn awful to her. To save face Mira introduces them to Rhys, her fake boyfriend. As the week progresses sparks fly and what started out as a fake relationship quickly becomes much more.
I absolutely love how Rhys stands up for Mira when her own family treats her horribly. And his cute nickname for her 😍
The narration is duet and was narrated by Lee Samuels and Rose DiOrio. Both were excellent in their roles . Smooth, flawless with plenty of banter and spice. I found myself smiling at Lee’s narration when he used the nickname. Rose was equally good showing the emotion and hurt with her family but humor as well with Rhys.
October 28, 2025
What a delightful read! The Christmas Playbook is an adorable bite-sized holiday romance featuring Rhys and Mira, childhood-neighbors/friends-turned-lovers, whose ski resort cabin got double-booked by accident so they are forced to share one bed. It's amazing to catch a glimpse of both of their personal lives, friends, and family in such a short period of time, or rather, in just a little over 100 pages. Call me biased, but I absolutely love that Rhys and Mira start off as friends prior to reuniting at the cabin as friends-to-lovers is and will always be my ultimate favorite trope. The fake boyfriend/girlfriend façade is pretty well-done and the smutty scenes are nicely depicted. All in all, this book is a perfect read for the upcoming holiday season; reading Rhys and Mira's story is like savoring a mug of peppermint hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows and whipped cream while taking a hot bath in a winter village. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
***Thanks to S.J. Sylvis for kindly providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
***Thanks to S.J. Sylvis for kindly providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
October 29, 2025
"The Christmas Playbook" is a fun, fast paced Christmas story. It has all of the good stuff, the spice is 👌, forced Proximity gotta have that! I read this book so fast! Super cute and cozy!
He calls her frostbite. They were besties back in the day. Rhys Anderson used to be Mira Winters neighbor so he knows Mira and her awful family.
Present Day, Hotel mixup and they end up sharing a hotel room. Then pretend to be fake dating because Mira's family is horrible especially her sister, Cammie. I love how Rhys stands up for Mira and tells her family where they can stick it!
As a fake boyfriend, Rhys checks all of the boxes! Will he just remain a fake boyfriend or will real feelings get involved?
This is a super cute Christmas Novella with spice to get you into the holiday spirit! ❤️
Tropes:
-Fake Dating
-Forced Proximity
-Holiday Romance
He calls her frostbite. They were besties back in the day. Rhys Anderson used to be Mira Winters neighbor so he knows Mira and her awful family.
Present Day, Hotel mixup and they end up sharing a hotel room. Then pretend to be fake dating because Mira's family is horrible especially her sister, Cammie. I love how Rhys stands up for Mira and tells her family where they can stick it!
As a fake boyfriend, Rhys checks all of the boxes! Will he just remain a fake boyfriend or will real feelings get involved?
This is a super cute Christmas Novella with spice to get you into the holiday spirit! ❤️
Tropes:
-Fake Dating
-Forced Proximity
-Holiday Romance
November 7, 2025
A short and sweet novella from one of my favorite author duos.
This was one bug cup of cocoa, filled with snowballs, snowboarding, a ski resort and a little fake dating.
❄️❄️
Mira & Rhys
- one cabin trope, complete with a hot tub
- childhood friends
- Mira is the Kevin (home alone) of her family
-spicy scenes, involving Santa’s workshop
Complete with cameos from our Shadow Valley group.
Arc review ✨
This was one bug cup of cocoa, filled with snowballs, snowboarding, a ski resort and a little fake dating.
❄️❄️
Mira & Rhys
- one cabin trope, complete with a hot tub
- childhood friends
- Mira is the Kevin (home alone) of her family
-spicy scenes, involving Santa’s workshop
Complete with cameos from our Shadow Valley group.
Arc review ✨
November 1, 2025
I love a little Christmas novella. This one from one of my favourite author duos is short and sweet. While it may be little, this one certainly packs a punch. It was such a fun read.
Rhys and Mira end up being booked in the same cabin over Christmas vacation. They quickly realise that they know each other from being childhood neighbours. Mira is just trying to survive a family vacation as the forgotten child. Whilst Rhys is there spending time with his friends. These two quickly end up fake dating to try to ward off her terrible family.
As the days progress of the two of them being forced to spend close time together, sparks fly and they both quickly realise that it's never been fake 🤭 I absolutely love how Rhys stands up for Mira when her family treats her terribly.
"I'm thinking that all I want for Christmas is you."
"So, you want to unwrap me?"
"I want to unravel you, Mira."
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 -
Fake Dating
Ex neighbours to lovers
Forced Proximity
Christmas Novella
The perfect little read for the Christmas season ❄️🎄
Rhys and Mira end up being booked in the same cabin over Christmas vacation. They quickly realise that they know each other from being childhood neighbours. Mira is just trying to survive a family vacation as the forgotten child. Whilst Rhys is there spending time with his friends. These two quickly end up fake dating to try to ward off her terrible family.
As the days progress of the two of them being forced to spend close time together, sparks fly and they both quickly realise that it's never been fake 🤭 I absolutely love how Rhys stands up for Mira when her family treats her terribly.
"I'm thinking that all I want for Christmas is you."
"So, you want to unwrap me?"
"I want to unravel you, Mira."
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 -
Fake Dating
Ex neighbours to lovers
Forced Proximity
Christmas Novella
The perfect little read for the Christmas season ❄️🎄
November 21, 2025
"But there's also an attraction to her that I'm not going to deny. It lives right there, under my skin, and when she's around, I can't ignore it. Her. I can't ignore her."
"This is starting to feel real."
"Real or fake, I want this."- The Christmas Playbook (Shadow Valley U 2.5) By S. Massery & S.J. Sylvia
Yes! My man Rhys got a Christmas Novella! We will take it! I absolutely loved this character when I met him in book 2 of Shadow Valley U, Heart of Thornes. He is the super hot football playing best friend who is super sarcastic. What more could you want?
He and his friends plan one last Christmas getaway to big bear before they all graduate college and go their separate ways. He is always the only single one. Welp....not this time my guy. Lol
Enter Mira. The beautiful girl he was besties with and used to live next to. Her family SUCKS. Ya I said it. They are constantly picking on her and putting her down and she is adorable. All she is looking forward to on her family vacay is a cabin away from them. But fate had other plans, like her and Rhys getting double booked for the same cabin. 👀
One cabin, one bed, one hot tub, one super fake relationship....one super hot snowy vacay! These two are EVERYTHING. This novella gave me all the feels I wanted and more!!! I could read a whole full length book about them. Just saying, lol.
"This is starting to feel real."
"Real or fake, I want this."- The Christmas Playbook (Shadow Valley U 2.5) By S. Massery & S.J. Sylvia
Yes! My man Rhys got a Christmas Novella! We will take it! I absolutely loved this character when I met him in book 2 of Shadow Valley U, Heart of Thornes. He is the super hot football playing best friend who is super sarcastic. What more could you want?
He and his friends plan one last Christmas getaway to big bear before they all graduate college and go their separate ways. He is always the only single one. Welp....not this time my guy. Lol
Enter Mira. The beautiful girl he was besties with and used to live next to. Her family SUCKS. Ya I said it. They are constantly picking on her and putting her down and she is adorable. All she is looking forward to on her family vacay is a cabin away from them. But fate had other plans, like her and Rhys getting double booked for the same cabin. 👀
One cabin, one bed, one hot tub, one super fake relationship....one super hot snowy vacay! These two are EVERYTHING. This novella gave me all the feels I wanted and more!!! I could read a whole full length book about them. Just saying, lol.
November 13, 2025
2.5 / 5 ⭐️⭐💫
3 / 5 🌶
Spicy Chapters: 11, 13, 14, 15, 18
Rhys (MMC) and Mira (FMC)
Short and spicy novella about childhood friends turned into strangers, who run into each other as adults and fall for each other after they spend a week together sharing a cabin that was accidentally double booked.
Was this book extraordinary? Not really, but it is entertaining and perfectly readable. The characters lack in depth and there are some aspects of the plot that are clearly under developed (i.e. Mira's cartoonishly evil family who treat her like Cinderella).
However, for a book with only 114 pages, it still paints a picture quite well of the MC's chemistry and background. Hope you'll enjoy this one.
Happy reading!
3 / 5 🌶
Spicy Chapters: 11, 13, 14, 15, 18
Rhys (MMC) and Mira (FMC)
Short and spicy novella about childhood friends turned into strangers, who run into each other as adults and fall for each other after they spend a week together sharing a cabin that was accidentally double booked.
Was this book extraordinary? Not really, but it is entertaining and perfectly readable. The characters lack in depth and there are some aspects of the plot that are clearly under developed (i.e. Mira's cartoonishly evil family who treat her like Cinderella).
However, for a book with only 114 pages, it still paints a picture quite well of the MC's chemistry and background. Hope you'll enjoy this one.
Happy reading!
November 3, 2025
This was just what I needed for holiday vibes from Shadow U! I love that Mira & Rhys have a connection from their past when they are accidentally double booked into the same cabin! And then mix in the fake dating and I was done for! I love how despite this being so short, I still feel like we know these characters and the emotions they are experiencing. And the tension between them is definitely palpable!
The audio for this book is performed in duet by Lee Samuels and Rose Dioro. I listened to this in one sitting and loved their narration of it!
What to expect:
❄️holiday romance
🎄one cabin/bed
❄️fake dating
🎄childhood friends
❄️forced proximity
🎄found family
Big thank you to S. Massery and SJ Slyvis for letting me read and listen to an early copy of this book!
The audio for this book is performed in duet by Lee Samuels and Rose Dioro. I listened to this in one sitting and loved their narration of it!
What to expect:
❄️holiday romance
🎄one cabin/bed
❄️fake dating
🎄childhood friends
❄️forced proximity
🎄found family
Big thank you to S. Massery and SJ Slyvis for letting me read and listen to an early copy of this book!
November 6, 2025
Rhys and Mira were childhood neighbors who reunite when they’re accidentally double booked for the same cabin. With no better options, they decide to share the space. But things take a turn when Mira blurts out that Rhys is her boyfriend because of the pressure from her judgmental family. He plays along and soon the sparks between them become impossible to ignore.
Narrators Lee Samuels and Rose Dioro bring Rhys and Mira to life with perfect chemistry and emotional depth, capturing every bit of their tension and charm.
This is a fast paced, fun holiday novella packed with humor, and plenty of spice. A perfect addition to your holiday reading list!
Thank you, S. Massery and S.J. Sylvis for the ALC.
Narrators Lee Samuels and Rose Dioro bring Rhys and Mira to life with perfect chemistry and emotional depth, capturing every bit of their tension and charm.
This is a fast paced, fun holiday novella packed with humor, and plenty of spice. A perfect addition to your holiday reading list!
Thank you, S. Massery and S.J. Sylvis for the ALC.
November 8, 2025
4/5
⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ARC Review ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖
📖: The Christmas Playbook
📚
Mira Winters is not excited to spend Christmas at a ski resort with her family, a family that never misses a chance to remind her she’s single. The only silver lining? She gets her own cabin, away from her parents and siblings. But when she walks in, expecting peace and solitude, she’s greeted by a surprise guest, a very naked man in the hot tub. And not just any man, Rhys Anderson, NHL star and her childhood friend.
When they both head to reception to sort out the cabin mix-up, Mira overhears her sister’s cruel remarks about her love life. On impulse, she blurts out that she’s in a relationship… with Rhys.
💬
Fake dating is one of my favourite tropes, and this series is one of my favourite hockey romances, so I knew I was going to love this. I adored Rhys in Heart of Thorns, and I’m so glad he finally got his own story. I do wish it had been a full-length novel, but even as a novella, it didn’t disappoint.
Rhys, being the last single guy in his friend group, doesn’t hesitate to go along with Mira’s plan, and I loved how quickly he stepped in to help her. The chemistry between them was off the charts, and that first kiss? Perfection. I absolutely hated Mira’s family, but I loved the way Rhys stood up for her, and how she was welcomed by his friends. The Christmas vibes were cozy and charming, and I found myself smiling through the whole thing.
All in all, a sweet, fast-paced holiday romance with amazing chemistry and lovable main characters.
Thanks to the authors and Valentine PR for the ARC!
🩷 FMC: 4/5
💙 MMC: 4/5
📖 Story: 4/5
⌛ Pace: 3/5
🌶️ Spice: 2.5/5
💞 Romance: 3.5/5
🤩 Overall Rating: 4/5 🌟
POV: Dual.
Favourite character(s): Rhys and Mira.
Tropes:
❤️🔥Fake Relationship
❤️🔥Hockey Player
❤️🔥Holiday
❤️🔥Forced Proximity
❤️🔥One Bed
❤️🔥Childhood Friends
This is a novella in an interconnected series.
⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ARC Review ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖
📖: The Christmas Playbook
📚
Mira Winters is not excited to spend Christmas at a ski resort with her family, a family that never misses a chance to remind her she’s single. The only silver lining? She gets her own cabin, away from her parents and siblings. But when she walks in, expecting peace and solitude, she’s greeted by a surprise guest, a very naked man in the hot tub. And not just any man, Rhys Anderson, NHL star and her childhood friend.
When they both head to reception to sort out the cabin mix-up, Mira overhears her sister’s cruel remarks about her love life. On impulse, she blurts out that she’s in a relationship… with Rhys.
💬
Fake dating is one of my favourite tropes, and this series is one of my favourite hockey romances, so I knew I was going to love this. I adored Rhys in Heart of Thorns, and I’m so glad he finally got his own story. I do wish it had been a full-length novel, but even as a novella, it didn’t disappoint.
Rhys, being the last single guy in his friend group, doesn’t hesitate to go along with Mira’s plan, and I loved how quickly he stepped in to help her. The chemistry between them was off the charts, and that first kiss? Perfection. I absolutely hated Mira’s family, but I loved the way Rhys stood up for her, and how she was welcomed by his friends. The Christmas vibes were cozy and charming, and I found myself smiling through the whole thing.
All in all, a sweet, fast-paced holiday romance with amazing chemistry and lovable main characters.
Thanks to the authors and Valentine PR for the ARC!
🩷 FMC: 4/5
💙 MMC: 4/5
📖 Story: 4/5
⌛ Pace: 3/5
🌶️ Spice: 2.5/5
💞 Romance: 3.5/5
🤩 Overall Rating: 4/5 🌟
POV: Dual.
Favourite character(s): Rhys and Mira.
Tropes:
❤️🔥Fake Relationship
❤️🔥Hockey Player
❤️🔥Holiday
❤️🔥Forced Proximity
❤️🔥One Bed
❤️🔥Childhood Friends
This is a novella in an interconnected series.
November 7, 2025
Only one cabin and fake dating? Yes please!
Mira is on her annual family holiday outing and is set to be the outcast. The one who everyone talks down to and ultimately makes her a "Kevin" (Home Alone reference). She doesn't look forward to this trip, but she is looking forward to her time alone in her cabin.
Rhys and his friends are all off to their holiday group trip as it's probably going to be the last time as a group since everyone's moving on from college. He's missing his family and he's the only one not coupled up in their group. SO he gets his own cabin complete with his own hot tub. But as he's enjoying the hot tub, he hears someone enter into his cabin.
Only one cabin and 2 parties are mistakenly reserved for it? Believable? Not so much, but a fun little start to setting up a fake dating scenario over the next week during the holidays. I loved Mira and Rhys and the fact that they knew each other from years before. I do wish that was touched on more, but you could feel the chemistry and connection these two had, even if they didn't really know each other any more. Rhys is a total gentleman, but also wants to please Mira more than anything. Their time in the hot tub and mountain and then Santa's toy shop? Ok then. My only complaint? I really wish these 2 would've gotten their own full length story because I love this world that it's set in and I really liked these two together. It was a quick connection and loved the holiday setting. Just wish we had more build up and more of them in general. Still love it as an addition to the series and the fact that it's a holiday book.
Mira is on her annual family holiday outing and is set to be the outcast. The one who everyone talks down to and ultimately makes her a "Kevin" (Home Alone reference). She doesn't look forward to this trip, but she is looking forward to her time alone in her cabin.
Rhys and his friends are all off to their holiday group trip as it's probably going to be the last time as a group since everyone's moving on from college. He's missing his family and he's the only one not coupled up in their group. SO he gets his own cabin complete with his own hot tub. But as he's enjoying the hot tub, he hears someone enter into his cabin.
Only one cabin and 2 parties are mistakenly reserved for it? Believable? Not so much, but a fun little start to setting up a fake dating scenario over the next week during the holidays. I loved Mira and Rhys and the fact that they knew each other from years before. I do wish that was touched on more, but you could feel the chemistry and connection these two had, even if they didn't really know each other any more. Rhys is a total gentleman, but also wants to please Mira more than anything. Their time in the hot tub and mountain and then Santa's toy shop? Ok then. My only complaint? I really wish these 2 would've gotten their own full length story because I love this world that it's set in and I really liked these two together. It was a quick connection and loved the holiday setting. Just wish we had more build up and more of them in general. Still love it as an addition to the series and the fact that it's a holiday book.
November 19, 2025
The Christmas Playbook - S.J. Sylvis and S. Massery
4.5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you S.J. Sylvis and S. Massery for my #gifted copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll be the first to admit: I’m not usually a novella girl. But if S.J. Sylvis writes it? Odds are I’m loving it. This series with Massery is no exception - I adored this novella!
Thoughts:
- Rhys and Mira’s dynamic was so sweet and layered. I loved that they knew each other as kids and got the chance to reconnect as adults—it made the romance feel grounded and more realistic even with the shorter page count
- Rhys’s protectiveness over Mira, especially around her difficult family, really stood out. He stepped into the fake-dating plan without hesitation, and it felt clear from the start that he would do whatever she needed
- Mira was such an easy character to root for. Even though her family overlooked her, she never turned bitter She still cared about her family and just wanted to be loved. One of my wishes if this book was longer was to see her have some sort of resolution/closure with her family
- Rhys and Mira’s chemistry clicked immediately - on the slopes, in the hot tub, even in Santa’s Village. It all felt fun and festive without being over the top
- Like most novellas, there was a touch of insta-love. It wasn’t my favorite aspect, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment because the writing made it believable enough
- One of my favorite moments was Rhys finally calling out her family. That scene completely sold me on him and their relationship
I really loved this novella - my only wish is that it was longer! I can’t wait for the next installment of this series because S.J. Sylvis and S. Massery are dynamic when they write together!
4.5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you S.J. Sylvis and S. Massery for my #gifted copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll be the first to admit: I’m not usually a novella girl. But if S.J. Sylvis writes it? Odds are I’m loving it. This series with Massery is no exception - I adored this novella!
Thoughts:
- Rhys and Mira’s dynamic was so sweet and layered. I loved that they knew each other as kids and got the chance to reconnect as adults—it made the romance feel grounded and more realistic even with the shorter page count
- Rhys’s protectiveness over Mira, especially around her difficult family, really stood out. He stepped into the fake-dating plan without hesitation, and it felt clear from the start that he would do whatever she needed
- Mira was such an easy character to root for. Even though her family overlooked her, she never turned bitter She still cared about her family and just wanted to be loved. One of my wishes if this book was longer was to see her have some sort of resolution/closure with her family
- Rhys and Mira’s chemistry clicked immediately - on the slopes, in the hot tub, even in Santa’s Village. It all felt fun and festive without being over the top
- Like most novellas, there was a touch of insta-love. It wasn’t my favorite aspect, but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment because the writing made it believable enough
- One of my favorite moments was Rhys finally calling out her family. That scene completely sold me on him and their relationship
I really loved this novella - my only wish is that it was longer! I can’t wait for the next installment of this series because S.J. Sylvis and S. Massery are dynamic when they write together!
October 28, 2025
ARC REVIEW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
TROPES:
🎄Ex Neighbours To Lovers
🎄Christmas Novella
🎄One Bed
🎄Forced Proximity
🎄Fake Dating
“I have a weapon!”
“I don’t!”
I am a sucker for a Christmas novella and this was no exception. A quick 115 pages of Christmassy spicy fake dating goodness was enjoyable with every page and very easy to read. We immediately get into it with Mira and Rhys are thrown into a cabin together in the week before Christmas due to a classic double booking. But the twist? As measly 12 year olds they were close, they were friends and they were neighbours.
Miras family are a nightmare (think home alone but intentionally forgetting her or putting her down.) and when faced with another humiliating Christmas, Mira takes matters into her own hands and introduces her boyfriend. An unassuming and definitely not her boyfriend Rhys. Let the fake dating commence.
- This feels forbidden. And dangerous. And like everything I never knew I wanted, all bundled into a white ski outfit. -
Is it just me who loves that moment when the lines get blurred and the faking becomes less then. It was ooey gooey spicy moments that really tied these two together. Partners of opportunity and some light exhibitionism, they really were a match made in Christmas.
“I’m thinking that all I want for Christmas is you.”
“So, you want to unwrap me?”
“I want to unravel you, Mira.”
Another must add to your Christmas reading list.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
TROPES:
🎄Ex Neighbours To Lovers
🎄Christmas Novella
🎄One Bed
🎄Forced Proximity
🎄Fake Dating
“I have a weapon!”
“I don’t!”
I am a sucker for a Christmas novella and this was no exception. A quick 115 pages of Christmassy spicy fake dating goodness was enjoyable with every page and very easy to read. We immediately get into it with Mira and Rhys are thrown into a cabin together in the week before Christmas due to a classic double booking. But the twist? As measly 12 year olds they were close, they were friends and they were neighbours.
Miras family are a nightmare (think home alone but intentionally forgetting her or putting her down.) and when faced with another humiliating Christmas, Mira takes matters into her own hands and introduces her boyfriend. An unassuming and definitely not her boyfriend Rhys. Let the fake dating commence.
- This feels forbidden. And dangerous. And like everything I never knew I wanted, all bundled into a white ski outfit. -
Is it just me who loves that moment when the lines get blurred and the faking becomes less then. It was ooey gooey spicy moments that really tied these two together. Partners of opportunity and some light exhibitionism, they really were a match made in Christmas.
“I’m thinking that all I want for Christmas is you.”
“So, you want to unwrap me?”
“I want to unravel you, Mira.”
Another must add to your Christmas reading list.
November 7, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m living in an alternate reality. One where my old crush, my old neighbor, is under me in the snow and letting me put my hand down her pants like we’re in high school. This feels forbidden. And dangerous. And like everything I never knew I wanted, all bundled into a white ski outfit.
Merry Christmas to us! What a fun, lighthearted, and super spicy holiday read. Gotta love the one bed and fake relationship tropes, they get me every time.
I need to start by saying Mira's family was THE WORST. I 100% stand by her reasonings for getting into the fake dating situation with Rhys. It doesn't hurt that Rhys was a sexy golden retriever-type of a MMC, making him super easy to love.
Those two had a very hard time keeping it a pretend relationship... in fact, I would say they didn't try very hard at all. Fast burn and spicy, with multiple almost public excapades.
A super fast read, this novella is part of the Shadow Valley U world but can be read as a complete standalone.
Thanks to Valentine PR, S. Massery, and SJ Sylvis for the e-ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m living in an alternate reality. One where my old crush, my old neighbor, is under me in the snow and letting me put my hand down her pants like we’re in high school. This feels forbidden. And dangerous. And like everything I never knew I wanted, all bundled into a white ski outfit.
Merry Christmas to us! What a fun, lighthearted, and super spicy holiday read. Gotta love the one bed and fake relationship tropes, they get me every time.
I need to start by saying Mira's family was THE WORST. I 100% stand by her reasonings for getting into the fake dating situation with Rhys. It doesn't hurt that Rhys was a sexy golden retriever-type of a MMC, making him super easy to love.
Those two had a very hard time keeping it a pretend relationship... in fact, I would say they didn't try very hard at all. Fast burn and spicy, with multiple almost public excapades.
A super fast read, this novella is part of the Shadow Valley U world but can be read as a complete standalone.
Thanks to Valentine PR, S. Massery, and SJ Sylvis for the e-ARC.
November 11, 2025
We’re back in Shadow Valley. The Christmas Playbook is a short and sweet holiday novella. I loved Rhys Anderson in Heart of Thorns, and I was excited to get his story. S. Massery and SJ Sylvis combine forces and I enjoyed every second.
Rhys was planning on spending the holidays with his friends for a last hurrah before he went to the pros. The group decided to go on a ski trip for the Christmas holidays. Due to an error, Rhys’ cabin was double-booked with Mira. The best part… they used to be friends as kids. Mira is the Kevin (Home Alone) of her family. They are awful to her. So to save face, she off the cuff decides to introduce Rhys as her boyfriend. This reconnect turned into so much more as they had to spend time together. These two were super cute together, and I loved the progression of their relationship. Give me steamy scenes in a hot tub and Santa’s workshop… I’m all in.
Tropes: holiday romance, one bed, fake dating, childhood friends to lovers, forced proximity.
Thank you so much, Sammi and Sara, for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Rhys was planning on spending the holidays with his friends for a last hurrah before he went to the pros. The group decided to go on a ski trip for the Christmas holidays. Due to an error, Rhys’ cabin was double-booked with Mira. The best part… they used to be friends as kids. Mira is the Kevin (Home Alone) of her family. They are awful to her. So to save face, she off the cuff decides to introduce Rhys as her boyfriend. This reconnect turned into so much more as they had to spend time together. These two were super cute together, and I loved the progression of their relationship. Give me steamy scenes in a hot tub and Santa’s workshop… I’m all in.
Tropes: holiday romance, one bed, fake dating, childhood friends to lovers, forced proximity.
Thank you so much, Sammi and Sara, for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 7, 2025
This was a fun holiday read, and my first for the season!
This was almost like a novella with how short it was. It was insta -love but I feel like most Christmas books are. However this was well done, it just felt like the ending was so quick. I would have honestly loved MORE of this book, more lead up, more tension, more chapters. But, overall this was a fun Christmas read and I highly recommend it if you are looking for a quick, fun spicy Christmas read!
Thank you to the authors and Valentine PR for the ARC!
This was almost like a novella with how short it was. It was insta -love but I feel like most Christmas books are. However this was well done, it just felt like the ending was so quick. I would have honestly loved MORE of this book, more lead up, more tension, more chapters. But, overall this was a fun Christmas read and I highly recommend it if you are looking for a quick, fun spicy Christmas read!
Thank you to the authors and Valentine PR for the ARC!
November 14, 2025
I listened to the ALC of this and LOVED it! Such a cute quick listen, the narrators did an AMAZING job!! I loved these characters and their connection and the both funny and supportive moments 🤍
This is the perfect book for anyone wanting a quick holiday read!! You can also get it on KU !! 🫶🏼
While this is a companion novella to the Shadow Valley U series you can absolutely read it as a standalone! I haven’t read that series yet but I want to next as I loved seeing the cameos of those characters and their friendships with eachother.
This is the perfect book for anyone wanting a quick holiday read!! You can also get it on KU !! 🫶🏼
While this is a companion novella to the Shadow Valley U series you can absolutely read it as a standalone! I haven’t read that series yet but I want to next as I loved seeing the cameos of those characters and their friendships with eachother.
November 5, 2025
*ARC and ALC Review*
As a big fan of the Shadow Valley U series, I was so excited for this quick Christmas novella. I'm so happy that it delivered everything I wanted!
This book is the ultimate holiday treat, combining some of my favorite romance tropes: fake dating, holiday romance, and forced proximity. The authors manages to make this a fast and spicy read without ever feeling rushed. I was immediately invested in the story and chemistry between the Rhys and Mira.
I absolutely loved the Home Alone references! HAHA!
I also listened to the audiobook which was narrated in duet narration by Rose Dioro and Lee Samuels. The duet narration really brought the story and these characters to life. Dioro and Samuels were the perfect parring and really nailed these characters chemistry and connection.
If you're looking for a low angst, high heat holiday romance to binge, look no further. This is a must add to your holiday romance TBR!
Thank you S.J. Sylvis for an ARC and ALC of this book. I voluntarily read it and gave an honest review.
As a big fan of the Shadow Valley U series, I was so excited for this quick Christmas novella. I'm so happy that it delivered everything I wanted!
This book is the ultimate holiday treat, combining some of my favorite romance tropes: fake dating, holiday romance, and forced proximity. The authors manages to make this a fast and spicy read without ever feeling rushed. I was immediately invested in the story and chemistry between the Rhys and Mira.
I absolutely loved the Home Alone references! HAHA!
I also listened to the audiobook which was narrated in duet narration by Rose Dioro and Lee Samuels. The duet narration really brought the story and these characters to life. Dioro and Samuels were the perfect parring and really nailed these characters chemistry and connection.
If you're looking for a low angst, high heat holiday romance to binge, look no further. This is a must add to your holiday romance TBR!
Thank you S.J. Sylvis for an ARC and ALC of this book. I voluntarily read it and gave an honest review.
November 9, 2025
I'm giddy with how cute and playful this is for the season. Rhys and Mira are stuck in the same cabin while up on vacay in the snow. Rhys gels bamboozled into playing Mira's fake boyfriend to Mira's horrible family but they end up catching all the chemistry and feelings. They go for it as they should and all is right with the world. Seriously.
It's face paced and it'll give you immediate salisfaction. Loved it! Now l need to go snowboarding:)
It's face paced and it'll give you immediate salisfaction. Loved it! Now l need to go snowboarding:)
November 10, 2025
This was a great holiday novella! Mira and Rhys used to be neighbors, and a little snafu has them spending their vacation in the same cabin. Add in some fake dating and sneaking around and this was so fun. I like that these two had some history, so it wasn’t completely insta love. Rhys was a perfect and protective fake boyfriend. Loved this one!
🎄Holiday novella
🎄Fake dating
🎄One bed/cabin
🎄Forced proximity
🎄Childhood friends
🎄Found family
ARC review
🎄Holiday novella
🎄Fake dating
🎄One bed/cabin
🎄Forced proximity
🎄Childhood friends
🎄Found family
ARC review
December 3, 2025
4⭐️
This was a good Christmas Novella, an addition to the Shadow Valley U series, which I bought but have not read yet. Nothing like skipping to the end 😏. I really need to get on that 😁.
This was a good Christmas Novella, an addition to the Shadow Valley U series, which I bought but have not read yet. Nothing like skipping to the end 😏. I really need to get on that 😁.
November 3, 2025
This was really cute. It’s like grown up Home Alone meets a Hallmark meet cute. It was fun and super fast paced. A perfect little holiday snack of a read! A getaway Christmas vacation at a ski resort turns chaos and then turns romantic with more chaos. Who doesn’t love a little fake dating, forced proximity, and sassy banter?!!
Grateful for the gift of this read!
Grateful for the gift of this read!
November 8, 2025
A cute little holiday novella.
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